Weekend Mirror 28-29 November, 2020

Guyana and UN working to fast-track achieving SDGs 28-29 November, 2020 / Vol. 11 No. 50 / Price: $100

Internet: http: //www.mirrornewsgy.com / e-mail: mirror2018.gy@gmail.com

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Over G$215B in hotels to be constructed across Guyana Human resource capacity of GDF will be strengthened – President Ali SOCU to Non-oil sectors investigate must gear up for land giveaways spin-offs of new

by GLSC economy – Finance Minister – Nandlall

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SEE INSIDE

Kwakwani now has 24-hour electricity

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‒ PM commissions 900-kilowatt generator, calls event momentous

Almost 80 per cent of COVID-19 cases have recovered – Anthony PAGE 23 SEE INSIDE

Lessons for Grades 1-3 a. Interactive Radio b. Instruction (IRI) Worksheets c. Follow the Radio and Keep Learning [PAGE 16-17]

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

Kwakwani now has 24-hour electricity ‒ PM commissions 900-kilowatt generator, calls event momentous

P

rime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday commissioned a 900-kilowatt generator set at Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated—which will lead to the community having 24hour electricity.

The Prime Minister called the event momentous for community development. “What we have done here is a shining exam-

ple for the rest of Guyana, Kwakwani can boast now of having adequate electricity.”

He said that the generator would provide the community with enough electrical power to sustain small industries, which can lead to lots of developmental opportunities. “With the commissioning of this 900-kilowatt gen set, you now have over two mega-

watts for a community of just over 4000 residents.

That is something big for Guyana, because I’m not aware that there are any other small communities with such large amounts of power.”

Prime Minister Phillips noted that the current administration has big plans for the development of energy in Guyana. He said,

“What happened today is just a short-term delivery… we will have an energy mix that will encompass generator sets, solar farms, wind farms, hydro electricity and natural gas, because it is our aim to improve the way the people of Guyana live.”

Meanwhile, the CEO of Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated, Leslie Sobers Jr., said that after starting 2019 at 16

hours of electric power daily the community was able to keep the lights on longer by the end of the year, but KUI was still unable to produce a full day’s worth of electricity. “We will now be able to produce 24 hours of electricity to Kwakwani, we will see improvement in businesses, in water distribution and in our very own homes,” Sobers added.

Councillor of the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Paris

Archer expressed his appreciation as a representative of the community. He said, “We will always remember that this commissioning took place…we had a lot of blackouts in the past… thanks to the management and staff of KUI and the Prime Minister, we now have 24-hour service.”

Horace Williams, CEO of the Hinterland Electrification Company, was also present at the commissioning.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

46 CSOs complete ICT training Gov’t establishes in Georgetown 174 Community A Development Councils T

he Government has established 174 Community Development Councils (CDCs) along the coastland as it focuses on strengthening the relationship between citizens and their elected officials.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall said plans are also underway to establish CDCs in hinterland communities. He made this disclosure during community engagements in several Amerindian villages in Region Nine over the weekend. “We would also like through the CDC, to have some levels of investments going directly into our communities,” Minister Dharamlall told DPI on the side-lines of a meeting in Karasabai.

He explained that the CDCs are also interest groups, which would be charged to enhance various aspects of community life

such as the social, welfare and infrastructural components. “We would like the residents in different villages to come out and support so that we can start rebuilding wholesome lives in our communities,” the Minister said.

Minister Dharamlall had prioritised forming CDCs, and within his first week in office, he pledged to revamp

and transform the groups. At that time, he said the CDCs would improve communication among the local democratic organs.

The Minister’s hinterland community engagements, alongside regional officials, are designed to address the concerns and needs of citizens in the lead-up to the 2021 Budget.

total of 46 Community Support Officers (CSOs) completed a two-week Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training at the Computer World and Global Technology in Georgetown.

The trainees were drawn from the 46 communities which were selected for the wider CSO programme, under the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs’ Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP).

Some of the graduates met recently with subject Minister, Pauline Sukhai where it was reported that all of them graduated with distinction and honours. The Minister said she was satisfied with the students’ performance as it demonstrated their commitment to the programme.

“The CSO programme was not only developed to train young people and to make you marketable in the future, but also to ensure that you understand that you have

S

help resolve the issue.

“There is a dispute here involving about 24 families who are squatting on private property. […] The Government through the Ministry of Housing has offered house lots to these persons who are in occupation of the private property,” he said.

But not everyone was receptive to the Government’s offer of an expedited application process. He said, “Unfortunately, they are not all in agreement,” the AG said. “The Government remains ready to relocate

the squatters once they are prepared to be relocated and we have that offer open.”

The AG noted that the Constitution protects the owner’s private property and there is only so much the Government could do. He added that if persons refuse to move it is up to the landowner to consult his attorney and choose whatever legal options are available to him.

Mr. Abdool Azim, the power-of-attorney for the landowner, was present at both meetings and produced the transport for the land.

achieving those goals in the future,” she said.

Minister Sukhai further explained that while only 46 communities were targeted this year, the remaining of the 213 hinterland villages will benefit in 2021.

“We will have more than 2,000 youths involved and realising their goals in life and at the same giving back to their communities,” she said.

The youth will also be trained in other specialised areas based on the needs of their communities. These include agriculture, tourism, governance and in the health and education sectors.

The CSO engagement is part of the PPP/C Government’s commitment to youth development and advancement, and investment in the lives of the Amerindian Peoples. It replaces the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, which was introduced by the former APNU+AFC Coalition Administration.

Upgrade of Diamond Diagnostic Centre to SMART Hospital almost complete

Sarah Johanna squatters get he upgrading of the East T Bank Demerara Regional further gov’t assistance to relocate Hospital to a SMART Hospiquatters at Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara, were engaged by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, in another attempt to resolve a land controversy there.

Squatters have occupied approximately four acres of transported land owned

by Mr. Rafiek Baksh. The owner is seeking the use of his land and has asked the squatters to relocate, but many have been reluctant to do so. In light of this, the Government stepped in to

a key role to play in your village development. You have to give back to your communities,” Minister Sukhai told the students.

She highlighted that the programme aims to develop Amerindian and hinterland youths through the creation of job opportunities, building capacity and strengthening their individual interests and skills.

The programme was conceptualised by the PPP/C Administration in 2013, against the background that hinterland youths did not enjoy the same opportunities as those on the coast.

“This year, the Ministry asked the village councils to select a few students who completed their secondary education and some who did not have a chance to complete secondary school…

We want to help the young people to move to a level where they can become useful youths, youths that can see themselves setting goals from that programme and

tal is nearing completion.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony visited the facility on Saturday (November 21, 2020) to check on the works. During the tour, he spoke with contractors and received an update on the project from Region Four Regional Health Officer, Dr. Gavinash Persaud.

“We have seen the project come together. It has now better flow. We now know how things are going to be arranged in such a way as to improve the efficiency of the hospital and we’re very pleased with what we’ve seen,” Minister Anthony said.

Along with completed clinical areas, recovery rooms, theatre and other areas, solar panels have also been installed to lower the

hospital’s electricity cost.

The Health Minister said, “SMART hospitals – the terminology that we’re using – is also a methodology to make hospitals more climate resilient and make them more efficient by using alternative energy. This facility, we will be using solar panels to ensure that part of the electricity is covered with solar energy, and I am very pleased to see that the solar panels have been installed, the battery bank and everything else.”

According to him, the hospital, also known as the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, would only resort to using power from the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated when necessary.

Additionally, a system to harvest rainwater is also being installed to reduce the amount ow water sourced from the Guyana Water In-

corporated.

“That’s another way of how we are making these facilities more sustainable. So, in the long run, it’s going to save the Ministry monies that we would have otherwise had to spend on electricity and water. We are using these sustainable technologies.

In addition to that, the renovations that we have done [would prevent flooding and so forth,” Dr. Anthony said.

The ‘SMART Hospital’ concept refers to a facility that is both safe and ‘green’.

The initiative comes under an $835M (US$4.175 million) project, funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID). The Leonora Cottage Hospital is also being upgraded with work to follow on the Mabaruma and Lethem Regional Hospitals and the Paramakatoi Health Centre.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

GUEST EDITORIAL

This generation must advance tangible changes for betterment of our women and girls

By Gail Teixeira (Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance)

A

t the launch of the UN/EU Spotlight Initiative, the newly appointed Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, M.P., did not mince words about the level and impact of Violence against women in Guyana Gender based-violence continues to darken our development. The world is still a dangerous place for women and girls.

In Guyana, more than 55% of our women between the ages of 15-64 years have experienced some form of violence, 4 in 10 of those experienced sexual or physical violence.

Two coastal Administrative Regions (of 10) have the highest reported rates of violence, 29 and 16% respectively.

To date, 17 women were killed by their partners for the year thus far, leaving at least 43 children motherless.

Passionately the young Minister called for this to change.

She said: “Too many and for too long! These are our mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. We need to ask ourselves why violence continues to be a pervasive and entrenched culture in our country. We cannot remain impervious to the heart-rending cries of women who are beaten, chopped, stabbed, raped, brutalized and yes, killed in this most horrific form of gender oppression. This is not the world that we want…we need to stop this and stop it right now!”

Violence against women dehumanizes women as a group and most personally and profoundly as individuals; the psychological damage is long term; lost opportunities for development and the socio-economic impact on the victims are in most cases immeasurable.

Violence against women and children impedes the social and economic development of families, communities and the entire nation. It is perhaps the most tangible manifestation of deep imbalances of power in Guyanese society.

Whilst the Guyana Constitution guarantees equality for women and statutes such as the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offenses Act and the establishment of the Family Court, offer some protection, violence against women and children continues unabated.

The vulnerabilities of a large percentage of women are epitomized by financial dependence, lower employment rates, and a culture of silence in the face of violence. These become exacerbated during a crisis, when vulnerabilities are at their peak and protections at their lowest.

In the past five years under an undemocratic government, with 30,000 jobs lost and the removal of safety nets for the poor and vulnerable, violence against women and children increased.

We already know that the immediate effects of COVID-19 impact disproportionately on women and children; loss of family members, family pressures, job loss, isolation, restriction on in-person schooling and anxieties over health and finances have led to the escalation of violence in homes. Globally it has been acknowledged that the incidents and reports of violence against women and children have increased alarmingly as result of Covid-19 as the victims are forced to be isolated with their abusers.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has partnered with various agencies of the UN on women and children’s rights, violence and poverty reduction.

The launch of the UN/EU Spotlight Initiative in Guyana two weeks will add enormous support to these on-going efforts. The Spotlight Initiative advocates for a systematic, comprehensive, multi-sectoral and sustained approach, facilitated by strengthened institutional mechanisms, informed policies, national action plans, and efficient advocacy support services.

Through these collaborative efforts to prevent all forms of violence, critical partnerships with civil society organizations, women’s rights groups and other stakeholders will drive the movement. Programmes under this initiative will directly boost early and tangible interventions.

The Minister said: “It is imperative that we continue to highlight the importance of ending that culture of silence and the acceptance of violence against women and girls wherever

Call for a ‘New Global Deal’ is reminiscent of Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s call for a ‘New Global Human Order’ Dear Editor,

T

he world has welcomed with a huge sigh of relief the arrival of anti-COVID-19 vaccines. But just as how it will take a while before the vaccine makes headway amongst the world’s population, in the same way, it will take some time before the impact of the pandemic on the global economy withers away.

In June this year, the World Bank in its ‘Global Economic Outlook During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Changed World’ had this to say; ‘The baseline forecast envisions a 5.2 percent contraction in global GDP in 2020, using market exchange rate weights – the deepest global recession in decades, despite the extraordinary efforts of governments to counter the downturn with fiscal and monetary policy support.’ The Bank’s outlook went on to state; ‘The crisis highlights the need for urgent action to cushion the pandemic’s health and economic consequences, protect vulnerable populations, and set the stage for a lasting recovery.’ That was five months ago, since then, millions around the world have either been infected and/ or died from the virus.

Concomitantly, the economies of almost every country went into a tailspin.

The manufacturing sector, along with exports have dwindled, tourism in particular and the services sector in general suffered immensely, and small, medium and large size businesses suffered heavy blows because of the economic and social impact of COVID-19.

Late last month, a group of economists published an article in VoxEU, the portal for the Center for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) entitled ‘Economic Consequences of Covid-19: Counterfactual multi-country analysis.’

In the article the group concluded that our counterfactual analysis points to large and persistent negative effects of the pandemic on the world economy, with no country escaping unscathed.

China and the ‘Emerging Asia’ group will fare better in the near term.

The Swedish example, however, serves as a warning that no economy is immune from the negative consequences of COVID- 19 in an interconnected global economy. ..’( Chudik, Mohaddes, Pesaran, Raissi and Rebucci).

The message could not have been clearer.

Now a vaccine is in the offing. But as was to be expected, the richer countries have already booked and paid up for their supplies of vaccines. And the poorer countries will have to depend on the donor community’s generosity for the supply of vaccines to help them fight off the deadly virus. In this regard, UNICEF has announced that nearly 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be shipped and flown to developing countries in a ‘mammoth operation’.

(S/N 23.11.20).

While provision of the vaccine by the donor community is to be welcomed, it will not serve as a panacea for the persistent developmental challenges facing poorer nations.

Addressing the annual lecture for the Mandela Foundation in July this year, UN Secretary General Guterres advanced the call for a ‘New Global Deal’ to ensure power, wealth and opportunity are shared more broadly and fairly at the international level. According to Guterres, the pandemic has revealed like an x-ray, “fractures in the fragile skeleton of the societies we have built.”

The UN SG added; “Rich countries have failed to deliver the support needed to help the developing world and that the pandemic has brought home the tragic disconnect between self-interest and the common interest; and the huge gaps in governance structures and ethical frameworks.” (S/N 20.7.20) Guterres’ call for a ‘New Global Deal’ is reminiscent of Cheddi Jagan’s call for a ‘New Global Human Order.’

In his address to the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly,

they exist. Violence, whether it affects women and girls, or men and boys, is unacceptable. In Guyana, we are strengthening our prevention strategies, multi-sectoral responses and survivors’ advocacy to combat this.”

Of note is that President Irfaan Ali’s government commits to focusing on poverty-reduction and improving the conditions of life of our women and facilitating their active participation and advancement in the society. Programmes being re-introduced and or enhanced in the government offer social and economic support and opportunities for skills training, small loans, psycho-social counseling, provision of safe havens, sensitization of the police and timely prosecution and judicial

President Irfaan Ali was reported as saying; “We trust and support the UN system to ensure fair, transparent and timely global access to the preventive tools, equipment and material for testing. In this regard… we look forward to increased international cooperation to contain, mitigate and defeat the pandemic.”

At the recent G20 Summit, held in Saudi Arabia, the EU called for the mobilization of US$ 4.5 billion by the end of the year from the G20 to cover the cost for COVID-19 fighting tools for poorer countries. And a communique issued at the end of the summit, the G20 nations pledged ‘to pay for a fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, drugs and tests around the world so that poorer countries are not left out…’

Closer to home, the Prime Minister of Barbados has called for a ‘Caribbean Marshall Plan’ to address the economic decline the region faces as it confronts the deadly combination of the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inherent social and economic disparities that continue to stymie the region’s development.’(SN 15/7/20) Meanwhile, here in Guyana, the UN Resident Coordinator here contextualizing the UN SG’s Mandela Foundation speech, fired a tweet stating; ‘“Here in Guyana, the dual C-19 and political crises must open way for a new social contract based on inclusion and cooperation “ (S/N 20.7.20) Placed in the Guyanese context, the UN Resident Coordinator’s recognition of the dual nature of the pandemic’s impact coupled with exigencies of an unstable democracy is instructive.

It is a call for action.

Very few Guyanese need to be convinced that the call for ‘a new social contract based on inclusion and cooperation’ is an option for the way forward The big question is, who will take the lead and see it through to the end?

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

hearing of cases of domestic and sexual violence cases; these are all critical components of a comprehensive approach to violence against women and children.

The Government of Guyana remains committed to working with all partners to ensure that the human rights and dignity of all women and children are respected.

On this 2020 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it is this generation’s chance to tangibly change the lives of women and girls as was promised at the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 25 years ago.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

Nature of our democracy demands trust, confidence, accountability, and transparency from GECOM

Time for a conversation on crime, penal system on I path to develop credible crime-fighting strategy

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

P

lease don’t blame earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, droughts or floods for shattering the lives and dreams of many Guyanese. Instead, put the blame for shattering lives and dreams onto predatory criminals (such as murderers, rapists, robbers, arsonists, etc), who nonchalantly violate the sanctity of life and individual property. These criminals do not only hurt victims physically, including inflicting trauma upon them, but also drive fear into family members as well as other citizens.

From a broader socio-economic perspective, such crimes clog up social intercourse, scare away investment, hurt the economy, and stifle repatriation of Guyanese.

A few analyses on crime attest to the gravity of the situation. The murder rate alone in 2019 was 15.2 per 100,000, compared with 5.3 in the US and 5.5 for Suriname.

Relative to sentencing, Bill Ramnarace writes (11/17/2020): “Devon Chacon, 26 years… home invader, who shot and killed Abdul Ameer Subrati, a father of two children at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara – was given 4 years imprisonment.” While I and others have still been trying to grapple with the apparently rising tide of criminality, it was reported on the following day (November 17, 2020) that a 15-year-old boy of Kitty, Georgetown was killed by his friend.

Still fresh in our memories are the brutal murders of the Henry boys and Haresh Singh on the West Coast of Berbice, and the 86-year-old pensioner of La Grange, West Bank Demerara. No one has yet been charged with the heinous murder of the three West Coast Berbice boys.

These and other serious (violent) crimes add to the uneasiness and great concern of Guyanese, both at home and abroad. Their feelings have not been helped by the issuance of a Level 4 travel advisory by the US Embassy in August 2020.

This is how Guyanese concern is dramatised: One can get the best job, accumulate all the wealth, enjoy all the social welfare benefits, live in the best home, have fancy vehicle(s), but as soon as one goes onto the street, one is cut down by a hail of bullets.

Or even in one’s home, one can succumb to robbery or murder. So, what is the point of having all these material comforts if one is deprived of adequate public security?

We know that crimes cannot be fully eradicated, no matter how effective is the maintenance of law and order (and that is the

primary role of Government); a certain level of crime will occur. What people categorically reject is when crimes, particularly serious ones, get out of control (as measured by rising rates, low detection levels (unsolved), and high acquittal rates).

The lenient sentence delivered by the Judge in the Devon Chacon case has been criticised by Freddie Kissoon, who has called upon the authorities to set up a COI (Commission of Inquiry) into the sentencing.

He continues: “Some humans are unfit for civilised society. They are beyond redemption… Their uncivilised, bestial murders should be met with the state putting them to death. I do not support the general abolition of the death penalty.”

Ramnarace asserts: “No one cares for the victims of crimes and their suffering families.” Well, not exactly. The victims of the West Coast Berbice mayhem, for example, have been promised partial relief in the form of monetary compensation. And there are efforts being made elsewhere to mitigate the crime problem through intervention and preventive measures.

The Spotlite Program grant of US$5 million by the United Nations and the European Union to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security provides for the intervention and implementation of strategic measures to minimise violence against women and girls.

In addition, the redesign and launch of Community Policing Groups by the Government is another useful step, but much more needs to be done to tame this monster.

For these and other programmes (such as the Citizens Security Program and the Security Sector Reform Program) to have succeeded, they had to be integrated into a national crime- fighting strategy. The agencies of law enforcement are linked organically, so if any one backfires, the rest buckle too.

Public security, of which crime control is a dominant element, must always be on the political radar of the Government as well as civil society. Accordingly, I am once again calling upon the current Government to start a conversation on crime and the penal system as part of an effort to develop a credible crime-fighting strategy. A national conference on crime and the penal system could ignite, or give momentum to, the national conversation. From these sources would flow a coherent set of policy measures into the Government’s decision-making process.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

t is heartening that President Dr Irfaan Ali, as well as PPP General Secretary and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has publicly signalled the Government and PPPC’s commitment to holding Local Government Elections (LGE).

This commitment is cemented in their declaration of certainty that adequate appropriations for the conduct of LGE would be made in the 2021 Budget. Will the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) do what is necessary and acceptable?

Indeed, there are perhaps some Opposition hopefuls who may have preferred that the Government do not accede to these considerations. The obvious reasons are for the want of excuses that are likely to be used in their characteristically irrational and blatant attempts to shield their exposed dirty conspirators in and out of the GECOM system.

This MUST not be allowed! The Government’s eradication of financial hindrances to this cause must serve to hasten the necessary cleansing and alternative remedial preparation by the Chairwoman and Commissioners.

There is no denying that LGE is especially important, and is the most significant mechanism to our democratic embrace and feedback at the community level. However, it would be most inept and disappointing if GECOM causes the Guyanese citizenry to face another round of elections with untrustworthy and corrupt leadership at the helm of its Secretariat. Current observations suggest that GECOM is not moving with appropriate speed to clarify these matters.

There is an abundance of evidence to support why Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and his Deputy, Roxanne Mayers, must be removed immediately and be permanently divorced from any functional or oversight activity of GECOM. They have been prejudicial at best, and strongly in conflict with the neutrality mechanisms required to discharge their intended responsibilities, roles, and functions at the organisation. If the current charges for electoral fraud that they are now facing in the courts are not sufficient, then what is?

Importantly, Section (162 (1) [b], Constitution (Amendment) Act) establishes that, as the entity responsible for the administration and conduct of elections in Guyana, the constitutional obligation and core role of GECOM and its members in the execution of its mandate is to act with impartiality and fairness. Based on the shocking revelations emanating from the 2020 elections processes, the blatant defiance of Mr. Lowenfield et al of the Chairwoman and Commission’s decisions, there is sufficient reason to have his contract terminated.

What are Madam Claudette Singh and the Commission waiting on? I hope not the outcome of these court matters, because

the Commission would be stymieing the purpose of its existence.

The numerous staff members involved in the publicly visible skullduggery observed at the 2020 Elections must also be removed. The Chairperson must assert herself and send all those questionable staffers off the job. Elections must be free and fair.

The Public Relations Officer at GECOM must also let the public know the status of untrustworthy and cheating staff members of GECOM. Given the serious public concern, therefore, Chairwoman Madam Claudette Singh and the six Commissioners MUST advance immediate corrective actions to address the obvious pitfalls. Let it be known that the PPPC, the international community, and the Guyanese citizenry at large would not settle for less.

The 2020 outlandish behaviour of Keith Lowenfield and others under his stewardship allows one to now put together the more subtle partisan cover-ups that were observed in the previous LGEs. It would be a futile and unconvincing effort to disassociate his bullish pretense in facilitating favourable advantages for the benefit of the power-hungry PNC in the APNU setup.

Among his sinister sleight of hand and ‘in bed’ accommodating approaches to the PNC cabal was the extremely short notice of the increased Local Authority Constituencies by 10 to 81.

Additionally, numerous changes were made to long-standing Constituencies’ boundaries without the necessary consultations to off-balance the PPP-C. In this regard, several communities had voiced serious disagreements with the ‘gerrymandering’ of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council boundaries by the APNU/AFC Government through the Ministry of Communities, while the GECOM Secretariat partners remained silent.

It is also factual that the Auditor General’s reports regarding the organization since 2016 bear rich testimony of excesses under the hands of the CEO. This complicates matters further and concretises a larger untrustworthy conundrum. A posture of thoroughness must now be taken by the new Chairman of the Commission in the face of so many public complaints and evidence provided by the Auditor General’s reports.

The nature of our democracy demands trust, confidence, accountability, and transparency in all that is happening at GECOM. Given that the nation is yet to witness any meaningful approach towards the creation of any form of balance and neutral stance required to set at ease these associated concerns, one wonders if GECOM will move to put in place the mechanisms that would be necessary and acceptable for the upcoming 2021 LGE. Sincerely, Neil Kumar

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Vast difference in first 100 days of PPP/C and former Coalition governments Dear Editor,

A

fter 100 days of President Ali and his Cabinet in Government, every Guyanese has had the opportunity to compare our People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government’s outstanding achievements – made through their vision for Guyana’s future, as outlined by the President and his Cabinet – with those of the previous APNU/AFC administration in their 100 days.

Guyanese, let us compare the PPP/C’s 100 days with the APNU/AFC’s 100 days.

The People’s Progress Party Civic’s (PPP/C’s) 100-day review features visionary leadership and demonstrated commitment to the development of Guyana and every Guyanese citizen; and every Guyanese has been given an opportunity to see for themselves the trajectory our newly-elected President has set for his Administration.

In his first month in office, it was immediately impressed on Guyanese that this was a President who intended to connect with every Guyanese, with him visiting as many communities as possible and hearing from the people themselves what their concerns are.

Our President took up this challenge himself. On August 30, 2020, President Ali, in partnership with several civil society groups, paid a visit to Tiger Bay in Georgetown, where hampers were distributed and he listened to the concerns of residents. Other places he visited include Canal Number 1, West Bank Demerara, where he did a walkabout that attracted scores of residents.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Housing and Water Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues also used the first month to visit communities across Guyana, where attention was paid to concerns over infrastructure and adequate housing and water.

Other Ministers who did visits across the country include Education Minister Priya Manickchand; Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr, alongside members of the GFF and Tiger Bay community; Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha; Junior Public Works Minister Deodat Indar; Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall; and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, among others who hosted sev-

eral outreaches.

It is clear that while the PPP/C ministers were on the road working in 2020, the then APNU/AFC ministers and president were too busy celebrating and increasing their salaries in 2015 after 100 days in office. As a matter of fact, the score secured by the APNU/ AFC administration for its first year in Government is 11 out of 21! That score was calculated on what that Government had promised to do in its first 100 days in office; whereas, 365 days in, only 11 of the 21 promises had been kept.

As promised, President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill immediately began examining proposals for the Parika-WBD road link, as our President had promised an amazing future for Guyana with the new four-lane highway linking WBD to Parika, construction of which has begun.

The PPP/C’s signature achievement after coming to office is the less-than-90 days it took to liberalise the telecommunications sector and bring an end to the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s (GTT’s) 30-year monopoly in Guyana. This has allowed for other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to receive the requisite licences, paving the way for them to expand, ushering in a new age of telecoms competition. More than 25 other companies have since expressed an interest in Guyana.

The PPP/C entered Government with ExxonMobil’s US$9 billion investment in Payara offshore Guyana perched in a precarious position. The former APNU/AFC Government had contracted British firm Bayphase to conduct an assessment of the Payara Field Development Plan (FDP), but that was since 2019. The project had not moved past assessment, and Exxon was getting impatient. Our Government, soon after it took office, proceeded to turn the situation around by negotiating a Payara licence that contained environmental safeguards and provisions for natural gas that would tie in with the Government’s long-term vision for a gas-to-shore project.

A comparison of the Payara licence and the licence for Liza Fields 1 and 2 will show that the PPP/C Govern-

ment was able to secure fair, improved terms, unlike the previous APNU/AFC administration.

Improvements include stiffer fines for flaring, and Exxon has to submit its development and operating cost estimates for the Payara field within 90 days from the date the licence is issued; and Exxon is also required to provide US$400,000 annually for the various audits. The Payara licence, complete with improved terms over the Liza field licence, was signed within two months of the PPP/C being in office.

The most transformative project the PPP/C has on its agenda is the gas-to-shore project, which would see gas pipes from Exxon’s offshore Liza field being brought onshore and used to process natural gas for local energy consumption.

The Government has set up an advisory committee for this project within the 100 days, while also setting itself a target of 2023 to make the project a reality.

Guyanese, we must stop spending so much energy on negativity, and look into the future, look into the potential of our country under the leadership of the PPP/C Administration, and embrace positive energy that will move this country forward. There is no other way we are going to build an amazing future here in Guyana.

Our PPP /C Government has assembled a high-level team of experts to advise our President, Irfaan Ali, and his Government on the formulation of a strong Local Content Policy that will ensure all citizens benefit from the country’s lucrative oil and gas sector.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, had outlined clear focus on Guyana’s infrastructure developmental projects, and was able to negotiate and jump-start several projects which were stagnating under the former APNU-AFC Government. One such project is the Diamond/Ogle bypass road. Originally, Guyana had signed a US$50 million loan with the Indian Exim Bank in 2016 for the project. By 2019, that price had shot up to US$175 million and the Exim Bank was reluctant to fund it.

Our PPP Government was able to reconfigure the project back into the US$50 million bracket within the first 100

WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020 days, and the contract for that project is likely to be awarded by this year-end.

The contract for the new Demerara River Bridge is another project the PPP jump-started. After site visits by the President and a team of officials, the Government settled on plans to construct a four-lane, high-span fixed bridge from Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara to La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

As at October, over 40 companies from around the world have submitted Expressions of Interest to design and construct the bridge. The Government is also aiming at building the bridge by 2024.

It must be sad to know only 2300 house lots were awarded, under the APNU-AFC, with no access to necessary infrastructure such as roads. In just a matter of months after taking office, the PPP Government has set out to correct this, awarding 40 contracts to the tune of over $1 billion to 22 companies for infrastructural upgrades to these areas.

These contracts include road upgrades in Eccles, Herstelling, La Parfaite Harmonie, Great Diamond, as well as works on access roads in La Bonne Intention (LBI), Ordnance Fort Lands, Williamsburg and Experiment. Works will also be done on a number of internal roads, including in Mon Repos, Prospect and Providence.

This is part of the $3 billion that has been set aside for the housing sector-Housing and Water Ministers Collin Croal and Susan Rodrigues watch as President Irfaan Ali hands over land title to so many Guyanese Additionally, $2 billion has been set aside for the Guyana Water Incorporated.

Additionally, hundreds of persons have since received their land titles that were languishing under the previous APNU-AFC Government.

One of the major concerns persons had with the former President David Granger Administration was the increase in the tax burden on the ordinary man. President Ali, in the 2020 Emergency Budget, prepared in a record 29 days, made sure to roll back these measures.

Making good on an issue it campaigned on and criticised the former APNU-AFC Government for, the President Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government rolled back the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) and duties on mining equipment.

VAT was also removed from exports, cell phones, medical supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE) and building and construction materials, as well as pesticides and agricultural chemicals.

VAT was also removed from the importation of stones as the construction sector sets up for a boom.

Our Government also rolled back VAT on electricity and water; a measure that ensured everyone could benefit

from VAT reductions.

Corporate tax was also removed from private healthcare and education, thereby clearing the way for foreign and local institutions to invest in Guyana.

The Government also rolled back the restriction on the importation of used vehicles older than eight years, a policy expected to open the doors for thousands to own their own vehicles. Likewise, used tyres can now also be imported, easing the burden on vehicle owners.

Pensioners, school children and COVID-19 frontline workers were also catered for in the budget. Pensioners were provided with free water in addition to an increase in pension; they will receive $25,000 per month. Parents will also receive a $15,000 cash grant for each of their school-aged children, in addition to a $4000 uniform allowance for each child. $800 million has been set aside for the Amerindian Development Fund. This will provide funding to support the socio-economic development of Indigenous communities and villages, through the implementation of Community Development Plans (CDPs) the Indigenous communities themselves picked.

In the field of education, $52 billion has been given to the education sector including $1.7 billion for construction and rehabilitation of schools.

Besides taxes, another chronic complaint against the former APNU-AFC Government was the loss of jobs.

This was made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of measures from the former APNU-AFC Administration. It’s a situation the PPP/C had immediately set out to address in its emergency budget, with private sector good measures intended to keep businesses afloat and preserve jobs.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the sugar sector was perhaps the worst-hit industry under the former APNU-AFC Government, which closed down the Rose Hall, Skeldon, Wales and Enmore sugar estates and threw thousands of former workers on the breadline.

The PPP/C has since rehired over 200 sugar workers, while committing to rehiring over 400 by year-end. Our Government has also started the process to reopen the closed sugar estates, which it says will be fully functional by 2024.

Other than sugar, the Government recently granted 100 contracts to small and new contractors, who are tasked with work ranging from cleaning the road to sea defence. It is estimated that the spin-off from this initiative will see at least 500 people being hired.

This was all done within 100 days, and the Government is moreover looking at repeating the initiative next year.

On the other hand, the Natural Resources Ministry an-

nounced that there are investors who are seeking to develop the Tarakuli bauxite deposit near the Orealla-Siparuta community. This will now pave the way for hundreds of persons living in that community to gain employment.

Other major mining companies – Aurora Gold Mine and Omai – are set to restart operations in Guyana.

Also, the United States is eyeing opportunities in a number of sectors, including energy, agriculture and infrastructure. Just after the PPP/C took office, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Guyana and signed a Framework Agreement to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including energy and infrastructure, under the umbrella of the Growth in the Americas Initiative. This agreement will not only pave the way for the US Private Sector to expand its investment portfolio here, but also partner with the Guyanese Private Sector.

The US will do all it can to help American companies have access to investment opportunities in places such as Guyana. But at the same time, that will be done in a fair and transparent manner, as the US is equally interested in seeing the wealth that is created from these opportunities benefit Guyanese.

One of the major social assistance offered to Guyanese as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic is the $25,000 cash grant, which was roll out in several regions.

Already, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha lead from the front in distributing COVID-19 cash grants at Orealla Village.

Since taking office, the PPP Government has significantly increased COVID-19 testing, imported numerous equipment, made substantial donations and improved the health sector’s ability to combat the virus. We will all remember that, in 2017, the former APNU-AFC Government had increased land rentals for rice farmers from $1000 to $7000 and drainage and irrigation fees from $2500 to $8000. In addition, rent for cattle pastures went from $487 to $2500, and fees for other pastures to $1400.

The situation led rice farmers to protest the increase, and the then PPP/C Opposition had moved a motion calling for the reversal of the fees back in 2017, although it was ultimately defeated.

Our new Government has since reversed these oppressive measures within its first 100 days.

It’s exciting times for Guyana, exciting times for young people, and there is enough here for every Guyanese to be proud of. There is enough worth ahead of us for the future.

Sincerely, David Adams

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

SOCU to investigate land giveaways by GLSC – Nandlall T

he land giveaway transactions by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) would be handed over to the Guyana Police Force’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for investigation, according to Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

The GLSC falls under the administration of the State Land Act. State land is administered by the President who normally delegates

it by an instrument to the Commissioner of the GLSC. Upon examining Former Commissioner, Mr. Trevor Benn’s instrument, it was revealed that he was never given the power to issue titles for lands.

Speaking to media operatives on Monday (November 23, 2020), following a press briefing at the Umana Yana, the Attorney General said the former commissioner issued titles for hundreds of acres

of lands across the country.

He said those transactions are illegal and unlawful, and therefore a thorough review is ongoing. “[A] forensic audit may have to be commissioned to understand what went on with those transactions [….]

What the review is picking up is some very strange procedures. We observed that there was no public notification exercise for these lands.

So, persons have received

land, and no one knows how they knew where these lands were and how to apply for them.”

Additionally, some of the land in question have not yet been identified, but an MoU was entered into, and huge sums of money paid with the agreement that persons will get their lease at a later date.

“I have never seen a transaction like that…You don’t know whether the Government even owns the land

or whether it is GuySuCo land and I am speaking about hundreds of acres of land.”

Then there are instances where lands are located near each other and have the same size, but the sale prices differ.

“One is sold for $150 million, though no valuation certificate is produced and then on the same street, the same size of land is sold for $12 million. Further down the road, it is given to someone free and the further down

the road it is sold for $80 million,” the AG revealed.

Further, a section of land given to a businessman was not even owned by the GLSC, but by the National Sports Commission. That businessman, who sublet it to a food chain outlet, is drawing tens of thousands of United States dollars per month, the AG said.

He committed to having all of the transactions made public in due course.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

Legal Aid Clinic offering GuySuCo focusing on training free legal representation ahead of estates’ reopening to non-violent offenders T

P

ersons incarcerated for minor and non-violent offences can access free legal representation through the Ministry of Legal Affairs’ Support for Criminal Justice System Legal Aid Clinic.

Legal Aid Specialist, Ms. Orinthia Schmidt, emphasised that the clinic does not represent persons for serious offences, only non-violent offenders awaiting trial.

At a press briefing on Monday (November 23, 2020) at the Umana Yana, Ms. Schmidt said the clin-

ic conducts prison visits to determine whether inmates require representation. “After an interview is conducted with the inmate, a retainer agreement is signed, and the clinic will take on the necessary representation for the matter,” she explained. The clinic also assists walk-ins with minor offences.

Ms. Schmidt noted that the clinic targets Georgetown and East Coast Demerara in Region Four, and the West Bank of Demerara in Region Three.

She is one of four lawyers working with the clinic. Four paralegals who completed their Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Guyana are also attached to the clinic and assist with the administrative work.

The clinic commenced in January and is part of a US$8 million IDB-funded project to help Guyana overcome prison overcrowding, by reducing pre-trial detentions and increasing the use of alternative sentencing, among other measures.

100 police officers to receive forensic training

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ne hundred police officers will be trained to achieve internationally recognised standards in evidence collection, and increased awareness in standards for societal and citizens’ security.

Commissioner of Police (Ag.) Mr. Nigel Hoppie, made this disclosure at the first online training workshop on standards for citizens’ security at the Guyana Police Training Centre, Eve Leary.

The workshop will train investigative, senior and middle-level officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and regional divisions.

“Participants of this

training programme will learn what evidence is legally admissible in courts through DNA test collecting, how to conduct swab collection and prepare the accompanying paperwork to be sent to the laboratories for testing,” the Commissioner said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn underscored the importance of training to providing effective service. “One of the difficulties you always saw is training, not being accredited…I always speak to the engagement of the persons who acquired this kind of training, that being trained and being a professional, we must always hold the

professional standards high in respect of the training we have had. I think perhaps this is the most important thing,” Minister Benn said.

The workshop is a collaboration among the Ministry, the Citizens’ Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) and the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory.

It is expected to run until November 26.

CSSP’s Project Manager, Dr. Clement Henry; Lecturer of Chemistry and Forensic Sciences at the University of West Indies, Dr. Raymond Reid, and Senior Expert on Quality Infrastructure Management, Mr. Hermon Edmondson also attended the workshop.

Anthony calls on more businesses to join COVID fight M inister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony is again appealing to citizens and members of the business community to take heed of the COVID-19 guidelines.

This week, Minister Anthony encouraged citizens to be responsible and to join the Government’s efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the country. The Minister said local businesses play a crucial role in helping to manage public compliance.

“We want to urge people and businesses to put in place measures to help us with the reduction of these cases, and those measures would include, one, to ensure that people coming to your business wear a mask, that people

coming into your business sanitise their hands, and that you try to have social distancing within your business,” the Minister said.

Minister Anthony said some businesses have already been doing a fantastic job with the measures and reiterated his appeal for others to come onboard. He said, “We want more people to comply because if all of us, if all the business owners, put these measures in place, then we are helping to prevent the disease from transmitting, we don’t know who are the carriers of this infection, who might be asymptomatic so if people are going to be in crowded areas, there is that possibility

of being exposed. So, again we want businesses to help us.”

Minister Anthony said the National COVID-19 Task Force implemented its education campaign, COVICurb, to ensure people are familiar with the COVID-19 guidelines. He added they would rather not go the route of identifying people and taking them to court for not wearing masks or breaching the curfew.

The Minister acknowledged the local Christmas traditions but noted that Guyana was not the only country dealing with the disease. He again urged everyone to do their part in the fight against COVID-19.

he Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is working to ensure its human resources are properly equipped, trained and developed to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

Addressing members of the media on Monday, GuySuCo’s Head of Human Resources Michael Carter said they have resuscitated the management trainee programme which will start from December 1.

“A number of University graduates will begin their training in the areas of mechanical, electrical engineering and chemistry and they are specifically for our factories,” he said.

The programme’s duration is 18 months, with 15 being in the technical field

of operation while another three months will be used to develop administrative skills and competencies.

GuySuCo has also consulted the University of Guyana to develop a diploma progamme in sugar cane agronomy and sugar engineering for the industry.

“These two areas are critical to the field operations,” Mr. Carter said.

The Port Mourant Training School will be utilised to develop the skills needed for the industry. The HR manager said the facility has produced the best in engineering in Guyana.

“Port Mourant Training School has been churning out the best and we will continue to do so; we ensure that we have the best

engineers that we can have in terms of ensuring the continuity and the operation of our factories,” Mr. Carter said.

He noted that the purpose of the programme is to develop a cadre of highly competent staff in the area of agronomy and engineering, capable of taking the industry to the next level.

Meanwhile, the Corporation will be resuscitating the Long Service Award with several employees to be recognised on December 15.

To date, GuySuCo has rehired 270 people at Rose Hall, 226 at Skeldon and 194 at Enmore.

It is expected that more than 3,000 additional workers would be hired at the estates by the end of 2021.

Incomplete Achawib solar project under investigation M

inister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall plans to request an investigation into an incomplete solar project at Achiwuib, Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo (Region Nine).

This pledge was made during a ministerial outreach in Achawib on Monday (November 23, 2020) after Deputy Toshao, Mr. Wilton Johnson brought the issue to the Minister’s attention after the donation of two 12V/200AH solar batteries and a charge controller to the village.

Mr. Johnson said the former administration initiated a solar project meant to power lights in the Amerindian village approximately three months before the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

The Deputy Toshao stated that the then Ministry of

Public Infrastructure signed a contract with the Village Council for the village to provide 25 lantern posts, after which the Government was responsible for the installation of lights on the posts throughout the village.

“We are waiting on that ‘til up to today. We never heard a word about that,” Mr. Johnson added.

Additionally, the Deputy Toshao said the Village Council and residents who worked on the project are yet to receive payment for their labour and the posts, a combined total of $750,000.

Mr. Johnson said the project officer told the village that batteries would be delivered and connected to the inverters and solar panels that were put in place shortly before the batteries arrived.

Unfortunately, 48 batteries were simply placed in a control room without any

further works done.

When asked if those attached to the project at the time made contact with the village on the project after delivering the batteries, the Deputy Toshao told DPI, “they told me that other engineers would come and hook up the batteries and ‘til up to now, to this day, nothing.”

Minister Dharamlall was accompanied to the community by the Region Nine’s Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Carl Singh and Regional Chairman, Mr. Bryan Allicock.

The new Administration has committed to provide approximately 25,000 solar units for hinterland communities as part of a US$10Million line of credit from the Indian Government. Those funds will also resuscitate the One Laptop programme in the hinterland.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

Spotlight Initiative to Guyana and UN working to fast-track impact hundreds of women and girls locally achieving SDGs T

he Government in collaboration with the United Nations, this week, began talks to accelerate steps to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The SDGs form part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which was adopted by UN Member States.

The meeting was held with Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Hon. Gail Teixeira, UN Resident Coordinator to Guyana Ms. Mikiko Tanaka and their team.

Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh with UN Resident Coordinator to Guyana Ms. Mikiko TanakaSenior Minister with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Hon. Gail Teixeira engaging UN Resident Coordinator to Guyana Ms. Mikiko Tanaka.

Dr Singh said the meeting set the stage for a renewed engagement with the UN towards achieving the SDGs. He said the meeting was

used to highlight where Guyana stands on achieving the Goals and laid a foundation for continuous engagements.

“The country is going through a period of dramatic change and as a Government we are certainly cognisant of the implications of the changes that are imminent and what they will mean not only for the economy but for the wellbeing of our people.

Our aim is to improve the wellbeing of all Guyanese in the shortest possible time through, both establishing a conducive and positive broad police framework, but also through a number of specific interventions aimed at improving people’s lives” Dr. Singh stated.

The UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Tanaka pointed out that the UN is currently working on a country analysis to diagnose areas of focus on the development agenda for Guyana. She said it focuses on Guyanese who are left behind on development so they can live their full lives, have access to services and get jobs.

Ms. Tanaka noted that

like around the world, the deadly pandemic has slowed the progress made by Guyana in achieving the SDGs. “If you look at the Sustainable Development Goals, all the progress all around the world has been impacted negatively, the economic impact is serious, many people have lost jobs, health is a serious issue and a challenge for all the countries so that is something we need to look at for 2020 and how to help Guyana respond to the crisis which is still going on but also to recover from it and get back on track for the sustainable development agenda.”

The SDGs cover poverty; hunger; health; education; water and sanitation; affordable energy; decent work and economic growth; industry; innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; life below water; life on land; peace; justice and strong institutions and partnerships for the Goals.

Works underway to ease Lusignan Prison overcrowding

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ehabilitation works have started at the Lusignan Prison to provide adequate spacing for inmates in light of the COVID-19 preventative measures.

This was disclosed by Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, during a side-line interview at the launch of the National Road Safety Week 2020 on Monday (November 23, 2020).

“At the Lusignan Prison, we have completed the designs for three types of prison buildings. The Central Government has promised the money to be made available

for work to start now, and work has already started,” Minister Benn said.

These projects will provide adequate social distancing and separation of the different types of offenders, with one of the designs expected to accommodate approximately 1,000 prisoners.

Minister Benn had visited the Lusignan Prison in August, where he was briefed on the prison population, security issues and COVID-19 challenges.

“Prisoners of all categories of criminality are mixed up. We immediately started

to do things in relation to social distancing [where] we carried 60 persons to the Mazaruni Prison,” Minister Benn reflected on that visit.

In October, 290 inmates had tested positive for COVID-19, and some prison officers were also infected.

Additionally, Minister Benn said that virtual court hearings will now be made available for persons on remand.

The virtual hearings are underway through a team effort by the judiciary, the Home Affairs Ministry and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

H

undreds of women and girls across the country are expected to benefit from programmes offered through the Spotlight Initiative, an anti-violence campaign.

This was disclosed by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud on Tuesday (November 24, 2020) during NCN’s Close Up on Gender-Based Violence programme.

The forum focused on the Ministry’s 16 Days of Activism and the Spotlight Initiative. It also featured panelists’ UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka and Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Guyana, Mr. Fernando Ponz Canto.

Minister Persaud said that while this mission can only be achieved through a holistic and multi-sectoral approach, it will be one which aims to strengthen community systems.

“Violence is an en trenched culture and so following the pillars of the initiative which will address legislation, policy, social safety nets, infrastructure and strengthening delivery

services offered to eliminate violence against women and girls can only be achieved through a collaboration with civil base organisations,” she said.

With this in mind, the Minister said that the Ministry had conducted its first consultations with the relevant stakeholders, where many ideas were raised.

“Perspectives and views will guide the way forward as we work not only on our action plan but long-term policies to ensure that we tackle violence not only at home but offices and by extension, the entire country,” Minister Persaud added.

It was highlighted that the Ministry will not only launch counselling programmes but will also help victims become financially independent to escape violent situations they may encounter.

This includes the services which will soon be offered by the ministry’s 914 hotline.

Though this wide-arching approach will be challenging, Dr. Persaud said the ministry is up for the challenge along with others committed to reducing violence against women and girls.

Ambassador Canto

agreed with the Minister’s sentiments. He added that it was for that reason that Guyana was selected to join the Spotlight Initiative.

“Everything that we are doing should result in a better situation for vulnerable people, women in this case.

Violence is unacceptable and unconscionable and so one step towards total eradication of violence of women and girls is what we are hoping for through this partnership,” he said.

Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator Tanaka said that while the Minister touched all the bases of the Initiative, there is also a need to invest in prevention social norms and the value system in society.

She added that the Initiative will need to reframe people’s mindset to create mutual respect.

The Spotlight Initiative is a global, multi-year partnership between the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) to help eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. It contributed €4.5M (approximately GY$1B) towards Guyana’s efforts to tackle gender-based and family violence for three years.

10

Phillips engages international business leaders

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rime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, performing the functions of President on Tuesday (November 24, 2020), met with a representative of the Dubai Ports World, His Excellency Patrice Trovoada and a representative of Export Trading Group (ETG), Dr Antonio Poncioni Merian.

Reflecting on the meeting, the visiting delegates said that it helped them understand Government’s poli-

cies on developing their role as possible investors.

Trovoada, a former Prime Minister of African Island nation, the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, said that the briefing was “an opportunity to get an impression and guidance from the Prime Minister, which is going to enlighten our thoughts to help us to build a strong proposal to support Guyana’s development

policy”.

Meanwhile Dr Merian said he was impressed with the direction of the government. “It was very interesting to hear from the Prime Minister, what the plan is in terms of furthering the inclusion and economic development of the country, we understand the challenges are quite significant, but there is a very strong political will to get things done and to deliver results to the population”.

WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

FAO-EU FLEGT Programme supports improving FLEGT readiness of Amerindian Villages ‒ aims to promote best practices and monitoring of timber production

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he Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) with aid from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) European Union Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT) programme launched a project and conducted Training of Trainers that targets the improvement of livelihoods of Amerindian Villages involved in commercial logging. The project titled, “Improving FLEGT readiness of 23 Indigenous communities through increased awareness of related regulation,” aims at strengthening compliance with labour, income tax, social security, forest management, environment, and wood tracking system requirements under the legality definition for Amerindian Villages.

At the virtual launching, stakeholders were reminded

of the importance of the project in advancing Guyana’s efforts in implementing the FLEGT VPA. It was also pointed out that the FAO has been a reliable partner for supporting this and other initiatives at the community level, which is critical to VPA for all sources of timber are equally important.

As part of the project, strict COVID-19 measures would be observed during community engagements.

Toshaos connected to the meeting shared their appreciation for the project and suggestions for its smooth implementation. Some suggestions included screening of facilitators prior to entering communities. Similarly, training sessions were held in well-ventilated areas.

This project will see a joint effort among VPA agencies: Guyana Forestry Commission, National

Insurance Scheme (NIS), Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Department of Labour (DoL), with the support of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA) to conduct awareness training on mandatory requirements and promotion of best practices in monitoring and reporting of timber production. It is envisioned that this partnership will see a more integrated and synergistic approach to the implementation of forest legality standards.

The Training of Trainers sessions was attended by representatives of the partner agencies that would directly be conducting the training exercises in the communities.

Participants were informed of the importance of consistency with information shared with communities, use of graphics and non-technical language during presentations among others.

GWI to focus on lowering water iron content ‒ water treatment services to be enhanced ‒ funds being streamlined to propel project

Business training being offered to Garment and Accessories participants

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articipants in the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Garment and Accessories Cottage Industry Initiative will now be offered business literacy training to empower them to become entrepreneurs.

Subject Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud said the initiative will create a network of skilled persons whose talents could be matched with industries in need of their skills. “We are going to train them in several areas like how to sustain a small business. We will also train them on various social issues such as gender-based violence, suicide, how to know and deal with your rights – legislation, what avenues are open

to you when you have issues with the law,” she explained.

Dr. Persaud disclosed that this initiative is one of several adopted to replace the Women of Worth (WOW) initiative, which did not perform as expected.

Initially, WOW catered to single-parent women who wanted to establish, upgrade or expand a small business. It was a collaboration between the Ministry and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).

While the Garment and Accessories initiative draws certain elements from WOW, this project is different as it simply matches skills and products prepared by women. To create more opportunities for the participants,

the Ministry also intends to link skills to niche markets to broaden their businesses.

“We have a pool of over 100 participants and so we have decided to help link them with markets so anyone wants to make reusable bags, then contact the Ministry.

We can link you with a group of people who can make your reusable bags. You want to make scrubs, masks, we can link you with a pool of people who can do it,” she said.

Garment and Accessories Cottage Industry Initiative, which was launched in October, commissions individuals to sew masks to be distributed countrywide, including to schools, health and child care facilities. To date, 183,000 face masks were created.

T

he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be focusing on enhancing the quality of its supply going forward even as it looks to expand the catchment areas for water supply. This is according to Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal.

“It’s not only about putting wells, but to ensure that we can treat the water [and] to put the number of treatment plants in the area, especially to start in the coastland,” he said.

For this reason, the Minister said the logistics are currently being worked out to streamline feasible investments for the water sector in

the 2021 work programme. “[The treatment plant is] very expensive, but we are commencing that in the new year [and] they’re working out to see if we can have additional financing to fast-track this programme,” Minister Croal said.

Meanwhile, GWI Director of Operations, Mr. Dwayne Shako said it is about time that Guyanese are able to access drinkable water from their taps. “Now that we provide treatment, people want to be able to drink the water that is coming from their tap and the excuse of iron in the system cannot be made much longer…Govern-

Water being treated at the Uitvlugt Well Station

ment and GWI understands that and from a technical side, we are pushing to ensure that within a few years as we increase our treatment plant coverage across the country,” Shako said. ` The 2021 plans are expected to boost those already in the 2020 work programme.

Once on track, this means that more Guyanese can look forward to accessing potable water in their homes.

Minister Croal underscored that under his leadership access to potable water in new and existing housing areas will be enhanced, in keeping with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.1 for clean water and sanitation for all.

WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

PRESIDENT LEADS DELEGATION ON STATE VISIT TO SURINAME Enhanced collaboration and integration between Guyana and Suriname ‒ Strategic dialogue cooperation agreement inked G

uyana and Suriname have taken the important step to formalise a new cooperation mechanism which establishes a framework for dialogue to guide future collaborative efforts aimed at improving the lives of citizens, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The Head of State made this announcement on Tuesday (November 24, 2020) during a joint press conference held in Paramaribo, Suriname, with the Surinamese President, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

He said, “Guyana and Suriname share a mutual desire for an invigorated relationship through enhanced and sustained dialogue and a practical and effective programme of cooperation.

During this visit we have already had the opportunity to review the progress made on issues we had agreed upon in August. We also discussed several other areas for possible cooperation. We have taken the important step by formalising a new cooperation mechanism.”

President Ali said too that immediately following the press briefing, the joint working groups were expected to meet and activate the work programme.

AREAS OF COLLABORATION The President outlined other areas of collaboration during his visit, including transportation which is integrally linked to trade and tourism.

“In view of the critical role the ferry service plays in the movement of goods and people, we have agreed that issues affecting the resumption of the ferry should be urgently resolved. Our ministers will sign a memorandum of understanding for the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River.

Once constructed, not if constructed, the bridge will serve as a permanent physical link between the people of Guyana, and Suriname. But more importantly, that link to the rest of the South American continent.”

He said too that import-

ant discussions were also advanced in areas where the neighbouring countries can jointly promote business and tourism opportunities.

In addition, President Ali noted that the proposed road alignment will also create within its vicinity, possibilities for free trade zone and enhanced land value, which will not only reduce the cost of doing business but improve the ease of doing business.

The Guyanese Head of State also pointed to the importance of collaboration in the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, to ensure that the protocols and guidelines are strengthened while the countries’ economies restart.

SYNERGY President Ali said that with enhanced synergy, both countries will be able to benefit from the burgeoning oil and gas sector.

“Yes, we are small countries, small population, small human resource base, small investment portfolio. But if we bring synergy to what

we do, then we can have greater benefits, greater local content, and more resources flowing into the local economy.”

As such, he reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the pursuit of the various bilateral initiatives agreed upon, thereby advancing the relationship between the two countries.

He also announced the establishment of a Guyana and Suriname business facilitation unit to manage and enable collaboration between the countries’ private sectors.

The council, he explained, will also promote investment and business opportunities for agriculture, tourism and fisheries among other sectors.

“Both Guyana and Suriname recognised the importance of engaging the private sectors in our strategic plans for development.”

SHARED OPPORTUNITIES In outlining the commonalities between the neighbouring countries, President Ali pointed to shared oppor-

tunities ahead.

“This is what will lead to a lasting sustainable relationship that will ultimately benefit the people of our country. A relationship based on mutual respect, shared values, development focused, people focused. A Focus on integration and regionalisation of our people in an open and transparent manner … whilst recognising our individuality, based on trust and joint action. This is what we are achieving together.”

President Ali highlighted the importance of focusing the collective energies in a positive direction which will ultimately benefit the citizens of both countries.

He stated that tomorrow (November 25) the two countries will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relationships and that the meetings were testament to the path that the leaders want to forge.

“Once again, to President Santokhi and the people of Suriname, we thank you graciously for hosting us, and we look forward to welcoming you again.”

In his statement to the press, President Santokhi acknowledged the importance of the “fruitful meetings” which were used to address areas of development and common interest which he said binds the two countries.

He also pointed to the importance of critical areas discussed, including the hosting of the first meeting of the Strategic Dialogue Cooperation Platform.

“This is the materialisation of our aspirations to energise the collaboration between our two countries and to personally give direction to the cooperation between Suriname and Guyana.”

Other areas of discussion included the establishment of a joint investment committee.

President Santokhi noted too that President Ali’s first visit abroad reflects the strategic bond and friendship between the two nations.

“It is of the utmost importance as small border nations to maintain good neighbourliness, to join efforts and to form strategic alliances.”

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PRESIDENT LEADS DELEGATION ON STATE VISIT TO SURINAME Guyana and Suriname MoU signed for construction of Guyana, Suriname bridge moving ahead with developmental agenda G

‒ ‘strategic dialogue and cooperation platform’ agreement also signed

‒ Work of Border Commission will not hinder progress

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali said that both Guyana and Suriname are focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and solidifying plans to create new opportunities, while the established Border Commission is working assiduously to resolve “outstanding issues”.

The Head of State gave this assurance during a joint press briefing on Tuesday (November 24, 2020) in Paramaribo, while fielding questions from the Surinamese press on the Guyana/ Suriname border issue and the impact this will have on existing bilateral relations.

“So while the Commission is doing its work, we are focused on moving ahead with the relationship, moving ahead and solidifying our plans, moving ahead and bringing the two countries and people closer together.

We are moving ahead in creating new opportunities, in creating new infrastructure, in creating a framework for trade and ensuring that we

are ready and equipped to face the challenges that will come.”

President Ali further explained that while the Commission is doing its work, both countries will continue to focus on development, advancement, integration as well as placing focus on sustainable relations for the benefit of all. He noted too that “one issue is not dependent on the other”.

“As you rightfully pointed out, we had a maritime issue which has been resolved. And I'm sure you're aware too that we have a Border Commission that is working assiduously on outstanding issues. We have to allow them, just like we allowed the other process to bring a resolution, and both countries are benefiting.”

Meanwhile, in his response, Surinamese President, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi noted that the border issue is very important and requires high level dialogue which the

Commission is focusing on.

He said that while this is ongoing, the two countries will concentrate on issues that are binding and will create opportunities which require joint strategies. On the agenda are the Corentyne River Bridge, the Offshore Base and other joint investments.

President Santokhi added that the two countries will move forward in tandem.

“It is our experience in Suriname and I have noticed the similar experience in what Guyana is facing; when you have investors who want to invest. Then they are looking for an investment opportunity not only in Suriname, but also in Guyana, not only in Guyana, but also Suriname. Here we have the opportunity as two leaders to have established a Joint Investment Committee to invite investors who want to invest in both nations— which will be beneficial for both countries.”

Guyana, Suriname form ‘Business Facilitation Unit’ ‒ to secure economies post-COVID-19

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resident Dr. Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday (November 24, 2020) announced the formation of a ‘Guyana/ Suriname Business Facilitation Unit.’ President Ali made the announcement during a joint press conference with Suriname’s President, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, during his first State visit overseas.

Dr. Ali said the objective of the Unit is to cushion the effects of the pandemic on both countries to ensure their economies are not left behind post-COVID-19. He added that both countries

recognise the importance of engaging the private sector for the growth and development of their people.

“We have agreed to the creation of Guyana/Suriname Business Facilitation Unit to manage and facilitate collaboration between our private sectors. The council will also promote investment and business opportunities for agriculture, tourism, fisheries and other sectors,” President Ali said.

The President said it is important that there are synergies in the two countries’ collaboration, especially in the petroleum sector. This,

he said, will facilitate more local content and resources flowing into both economies despite being small nations.

“We have shared opportunities ahead, opportunities that can only be realised if we have greater cooperation, collaboration and integration. This is what will lead to lasting sustainable relationship that will ultimately benefit the people of our country,” the Head of State said.

President Ali said he looks forward to advancing bilateral relations with Suriname.

The two countries established diplomatic ties on November 25, 1975.

uyana and Suriname on Tuesday (November 24, 2020) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of a highspan bridge over the Corentyne River linking the two countries.

This was done at a joint press conference hosted by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President His Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

The MoU was signed

by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, Hon. Hugh Todd and Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, H.E Albert Ramdin.

President Ali said the construction of the bridge creates tremendous opportunities for both countries.

“Once constructed, not if constructed, the bridge will serve as a permanent physical link between the people of Guyana and Suriname but more importantly, that link to

the rest of the South American continent…we recognise the enormous benefit that this can bring in the area of tourism, transportation and trade.

To this end, we have expanded our discussions where we can jointly promote business opportunities and tourism opportunities for both countries.

It is therefore expected that the proposed road alignment will create within its vicinity the possibilities for free trade zone, enhanced land value, reduce the cost of doing business and increase the ease of doing business,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Santokhi shared similar sentiments, saying the bridge would mark a new era for both countries in several areas. “This bridge on the Corentyne River is not only important to facilitate the movement of persons and goods, trade and cross border cooperation. It also symbolises a transition from the old to a new era. The era of wellbeing and prosperity

of our people and freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

In early October, Guyana’s Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, along with Surinamese Public Works Minister, Hon. Dr. Riad Nurmohamed visited the proposed site for the bridge.

Additionally, the two countries signed a strategic dialogue and cooperation agreement today. It will be the formal mechanism used by the two countries to implement projects.

President Ali said, “this establishes a framework for dialogue and cooperation which will guide our future collaborative efforts aimed at improving the lives of our people in every possible way. We expect that the joint working groups will meet expeditiously, to agree and activate their work programme.”

November 25 marks 45 years of formal diplomatic ties between Guyana and Suriname.

Time has come to translate our potential into action ‒ President says Guyana, Suriname relations will unlock massive economic opportunities

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he strengthened cooperation between Guyana and Suriname as a ''milestone'' in bilateral relations, which has economic and human resources potential that would positively impact the Guiana Shield, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The Head of State made these remarks during his address at a dinner reception on Tuesday evening (November 24, 2020) hosted by H.E Candrikapersad Santokhi and First Lady Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry to usher in today’s Republic of Suriname's 45th Independence Anniversary. ''The time has come for us to translate our potential into action, by outlining a clear vision, a clear path that is time bound so that

all of our people can understand the common destination, the common path that we would like our development to take,” he said.

The President pointed to the importance of necessary investment, efficient business structure, greater connectivity and about bridging the existing gaps towards social cohesion. He said that these components will also contribute to enhanced private sector participation.

He said, ''Today both of our countries present exciting opportunities for the private sector. We have the duty as leaders, as policymakers to create an enabling environment. So that the private sector can benefit from the possibilities. It is in this spirit that we celebrate today. But as my brother from

Brazil said, the fundamentals for society are democracy, security and the rule of law. And we must ensure at all times that these principles remain the foundation upon which we build our societies and communities. '' President Ali noted too that the future requires a private sector that is vibrant and outward looking. He said that it requires a private sector that can incorporate opportunities beyond its national borders and boundaries. He said, '' It gives me great honour and privilege to convey congratulations on behalf of the people of Guyana to the people of Suriname as you celebrate your 45th Anniversary. We wish you nothing but continued success, we wish you (Turn to page 14)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

PRESIDENT LEADS DELEGATION ON STATE VISIT TO SURINAME Joint Press Statement from Their Excellencies President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and President Chandrikapersad Santokhi A

t the invitation of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Suriname, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President, and Her Excellency Arya Ali, First Lady, of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana paid a four-day Official Visit to the Republic of Suriname from 23-26 November 2020 as Special Guests on the commemoration of the 45th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Suriname.

2. His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali addressed the Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly of the Republic of Suriname and delivered a congratulatory message to the National Assembly, the Government of His Excellency President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and the People of Suriname from the Government and People of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. During his message, the President Ali saluted Suriname’s cultural diversity and the pride that the Surinamese people

take in that diversity. He underscored that in today’s world there is a growing interest in the dangerous heightening of differences amongst nationalities and ethnic communities which are threats to the maintenance of both international peace and security and unity at the national level. President Ali noted that Suriname has a rich history of unity and rightly celebrates that unity with diversity as its core.

3. Their Excellencies the Presidents of Guyana and Suriname, respectively, took the opportunity of the presence of the Hon. Hugh Todd, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; the Hon. Mohabir Nandlall, M.P., Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs; the Hon. Juan Edghill, M.P., Minister of Public Works; and the Hon. Zulfikar, Mustapha, M.P., Minister of Agriculture of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to advance their discussions on strengthen-

ing the bonds of friendship, cooperation and solidarity between their two countries.

In that context, Their Excellencies Santokhi and Dr. Ali were pleased to witness the signing of the Formation Agreement for Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to be personally engaged to ensure that the agreed areas of bilateral cooperation are implemented smoothly and effectively for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

4. His Excellency the President of the Republic of Suriname was accompanied by the Vice President, His Excellency Ronnie Brunswijk and their Excellencies Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Cooperation; Riad Nurmohamed, Minister of Public Works and Communication; Parmanand Sewdien Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry and Kenneth Amoksi, Minister of Justice and Police.

5. The Presidents expressed

their gratitude to the Ministers and officials for advancing their ideas for a positive and effective framework for cooperative relations between Guyana and Suriname in the areas of foreign relations, public infrastructure and transport, health, the environment, oil and gas, education, agriculture, trade, security, tourism, culture, youth and sport and private sector initiatives.

Both Presidents underscored the critical role that a bridge across the Corentyne River could play in advancing cooperation and joint activities and ventures in all the areas mentioned. In that context, the Presidents received an update on the work being done by the technical working group to prepare the groundwork for the realisation of the construction of the bridge.

The two Presidents were also pleased to witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the proposed construction of a bridge across the Corentyne

Guyana and Suriname set to benefit from accelerated growth and development P resident Dr. Irfaan Ali said that it is an opportune time for both Guyana and Suriname to take the lead in demonstrating the successes of regional integration.

The Guyanese President made this assertion earlier today, while delivering his congratulatory message on the occasion of the country’s 45th Independence Anniversary at the Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly of the Republic of Suriname.

In his message, President Ali reaffirmed his government's commitment to formulating a plan which will see deepened economic and social cooperation between the two countries. He said, ''Today, I pledge the solidarity of my government with the people of Suriname and commit to working to ensure

enhanced cooperation for our mutual benefit.''

President Ali acknowledged that Guyana and Suriname are perched to benefit from accelerated growth and development, not only through the utilisation of natural resources but through the abundant potential that lies in agriculture, value added, tourism and expanded trade.

He said,''The attention these resources now attract should make all of us even more thankful for the achievement of political independence. Investors and entrepreneurs are now knocking at our doors, more eager than ever to do business.''

The President pressed for both countries to seize the opportunities during this ‘special period’ to strengthen bilateral relations and to begin to dismantle the im-

pediments through bilateral trade. He said, ''We should take advantage of both the synergies and complementarities of our economies to deepen economic and social integration.”

He added that the countries due to their sizes and agricultural potential can “fulfill a great proportion of the food needs within the Caribbean Community”.

President Ali also said that as Suriname celebrates

and enters into the 46th year of its independence and as Guyana prepares to celebrate its 55th year of independence next year, both countries should create a dedicated pathway that would deepen economic and social cooperation.

A Parade of the armed forces and cultural groups immediately followed the delivery of congratulatory messages and the addressed

by Government officials.

River.

6. The two Presidents took note of the issues on the CA RICO M agenda and agreed to work together to advance the interests of the Community since the future of all its members is intertwined.

7. The issue of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the globe was discussed by the Presidents and they took note of the recent development of vaccines to prevent the contraction of the novel corona virus. They both pledged to work together with sympathetic States, governments, NGOs and multilateral institutions to ensure that developing countries and the poor have access to the vaccines and called on the developed world to ensure that there are sufficient supplies to the developing world and the poor. It was agreed that both Suriname and Guyana will continue to work in solidarity to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Both sides agreed that as

soon as it is safe to do so, the border between the two countries will be opened, but that the health and safety of the general population of both States must take precedence over the reopening of the border.

8. His Excellency the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana thanked His Excellency the President of the Republic of Suriname for his kind invitation to be part of the celebrations to mark the 45th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Suriname. He conveyed his appreciation to his Surinamese counterpart for the kindness and hospitality offered to himself, the First Lady and other members of the Guyana delegation and expressed his confidence that the hard-working and united people of the Republic of Suriname will have even more reasons to celebrate the independence of their country in the years to come.

Time has come to... (From page 13) prosperity and we wish that the citizens of Suriname would continue to enjoy good health and peace.''

Meanwhile, in his remarks, President Santhoki reflected on his hopes and aspirations as a young man on the eve of independence.

He noted that despite the contentious period the country endured, political leaders found a way to enter a new harmonious phase. He said, 'It gives me great pleasure to thank each of you, for honouring the people of Suriname at this highest level. As we face the challenges of the future, I wish to thank you for your support in ensuring that we succeed in shaping Suriname into a prosperous country, a safe and democratic place that abides by the rules of law and honours its international obligations. Your support in moving Suriname forward is highly appreciated and we are grateful for that.''

President Santhoki recognised the ties between the countries as ''historically old''. He expressed his confidence that the shared values and interests will continue to be a force of unity and that the alliances forged will endure. He said, '' We are bound by history and by the ties between our people. Let us cherish these bonds and unpack their possibilities...As we celebrate our alliances for decades to come, I wish to invite you to raise your glasses to the continued friendship between our countries, of our peoples and to the prosperity and happiness of all.''

President Ali and a delegation of high-level Government officials have also engaged in a series of bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation, developing greater synergies and advancing strategic dialogue on mutually beneficial projects.

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POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

President Ali engages high level team from UAE

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resident Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and an eight-member delegation that was in Guyana on a three-day official state visit.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum, who is a member of the ruling family in the UAE, and members of his team also met with several Government officials from various ministries.

In the initial meeting

with President Ali, the UAE team also met with members of the Cabinet including: Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Hon Hugh Todd, Minister of Natural Resources, the Hon Vickram Bharrat, Minister of Housing and Water and Minister within the Ministry, the Hon Collin Croal and Hon. Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Agriculture, the Hon Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Public Works, the Hon Juan Edghill and other government offi-

cials.

The UAE is one of the top oil-producing countries globally and is expected to lend assistance to Guyana in oil and gas, among other areas.

The visiting delegation was welcomed by the Minister Todd; Minister of Tourism, Hon Oneidge Walrond and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Hon Deodat Indar and other officials upon their arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

Message from President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on the occasion of n World Children’s Day 2020

Protection and care of our children must be foremost priority E

very child is entitled to be nurtured in a healthy, protective and supportive environment that allows for the realisation of the fullness of his or her potential. We all have a duty to ensure such an environment is cultivated for our children.

World Children’s Day, observed each year on the 20th November, challenges us to reimagine a better future for our children. The foundation for a better tomorrow must be built on promoting greater respect for and enforcement of children’s rights, providing adequate protection and care and strengthening children’s education.

The Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana is committed to pro-

moting the rights of every child. It has enacted keys pieces of legislation relevant to child care and child protection. Guyana is also a signatory to international agreements such as United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and we wholeheartedly are committed to the rights and principles enunciated therein.

The protection and care of our children must be of foremost priority. We propose to establish more child care programmes and centres. More day-care centres will be established for the children of employed mothers. These will relieve mothers of the burdens of having to find persons to

take care of their children while they are at work. To support these initiatives, a corps of child care providers and protectors will be trained.

Child care and protection must become the responsibility of all of our society.

We acknowledge the importance of child care services provided by private individuals, groups and non-governmental organisations.

Government will incentivise and provide support to those who provide such services.

The pandemic, unfortunately, has disrupted the provision of some of these services. We are however confident that we will eventually see the remission of the pandemic and restoration of normalcy.

Human resource capacity of GDF will be strengthened – President Ali – Army’s skills to be integrated into national development plan

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ystems will soon be in place to facilitate more soldiers being registered in academic programmes aligned to the development needs of the country, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The Head of State made this announcement during the Guyana Defence Force’s Anniversary Dinner in commemoration of its 55th year in service to the nation. The celebratory event was hosted at the Officer’s Mess, Base Camp Ayanganna.

In his feature address as Commander in Chief, President Ali said the GDF would have a pivotal role to play in the emergence of a new Guyana. He pointed to its human resource capacity, which he said, “was extremely important.”

The President noted that the milestone celebration should be seen as an opportunity for renewed commitment, renewed loyalty, renewed spirit and the renewal of our collective energies in ensuring that the next 55 years and beyond can be celebrated under the glorious cloud of knowing that national development was at the forefront. He said, “I compliment you for all the work that you have done and you will continue to do; for me, you are the embodiment of professionalism.”

President Ali also pointed to the importance of collective awareness and knowledge of the country’s development trajectory as well as the factors that pose a threat to our overall development.

He said, “We can only develop and defend that devel-

opment trajectory if we are aware of where they are and if we are aware of the development that lies ahead. We have to be aware, not only of the economic prosperity that lies ahead, we have to be aware of every single sector, we have to be aware of our threats…climate change is a threat, and we have to be aware of the impact it can have on our country.”

On this note, the Head of State said that it is imperative that the army is equipped, not only physically, but with the necessary human resource capacity. “It is important that within the army we have experts in oil and gas. It is important that within the army, we have experts in oil and gas related disasters. It is important that have experts in climate change. It is important we have experts in GIS mapping… I’ve already discussed with the Chief of Staff an aggressive programme in ensuring we get more army officers, more soldiers registered in academic programmes that are aligned to the development needs of our country,” Ali said.

He said the Joint Forces will also benefit from the 20,000 scholarships, which will be offered over the next five years. The President said, “You have tremendous human resource potential that I’m going to tap in to as Commander in Chief. All of this of course, should lead us to be better citizens. But I believe strongly, to be better citizens, the Government has some responsibilities and you have some; all of us have some personal responsibility.”

President Ali reminded

those gathered that regardless of where executive power lies; it is their right as citizens to participate in the country’s development process. He urged the soldiers to take part in the national development drive. “I believe, very strongly, that together we have to build a solid partnership and that partnership has underlying goals: the protection of our country, the advancement of our country, and the development of the citizens of Guyana. Once we all subscribe to this, these noble aspirations in service, I think we can all hold our heads high and know that we have done our best, and you can depend on us as a strong partner, moving forward, “ he said.

Meanwhile, the Army’s Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess also used the opportunity to assure the Head of State that the GDF aims to continue its transformation in order to become resolutely capable of defending the country against all threats.

He said, “The security, safety and stability of our nation has now become much more important. There is now much more at stake for us to secure.

There’s much more to be done to ensure the continued viability of our nation and the safety and prosperity of our citizens.” Brigadier Bess also expressed gratitude to the President for his continued support and commitment.

Observations to mark the 55th anniversary commenced earlier this month and are being held under the theme, “Together we toiled to arrive at fifty-five with greater efficiency for National Security.”

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WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

Local Content Panel submits 1st report to Natural Resources Minister

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hree months after it was first established, the Advisory Panel on Local Content that was convened by President Dr. Irfaan Ali has submitted its first report to Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat on Wednesday (November 25, 2020).

It is understood that the report contains recommendations on how Guyana can go about building a strong local content framework, not only for the oil and gas sector, but also for other non-oil sectors.

Previously, the Natural Resources Minister had held a meeting with the panel, during which the importance of providing opportunities in the oil and gas sector for goods and services produced locally, as well as for skilled and semi-skilled labour, was emphasised.

And as part of their work towards compiling the report, the panel had held a number of engagements with stakeholders, including the private sector and government agencies like the Department of Energy.

President Ali had assembled the team of experts at the end of August to advise Government on the formulation of a strong Local Content Policy that would ensure all citizens benefit from the country’s lucrative oil and gas sector, as well as other sectors that see Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Among the experts on the panel is Trinidadian Local Content expert Anthony Paul. Paul has played a critical role in the formulation of local content policies in Ghana, and has been vocal about local content issues in Guyana. Paul is the Principal Consultant, Energy and Strategy, Association of Caribbean Energy Specialist Limited. He spearheaded a Rapid Analysis of the State of Readiness of Guyana’s Hydrocarbon Regulatory Framework study facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2016.

Also on the panel is former Foreign Affairs Minister under the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, Carl Greenidge. Greenidge, an economist by profession, also served as Finance Minister from 1983 to 1992.

Apart from Paul and Greenidge, the panel includes former Trinidad Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine. Ramnarine is no stranger to these shores, having given speeches and been vocal on energy-related issues affecting Guyana. Ramnarine served as the Minister of Energy of Trinidad and Tobago (2011 to 2015). During his tenure, he created a positive climate for investment, including the fiscal reforms which result-

ed in major investments in deep-water exploration. Prior to being appointed Energy Minister, he held positions in the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago and at British Gas, where he worked as the Lead Economist. Ramnarine holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry; a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering; and a Master’s Degree in Business (MBA).

Since leaving ministerial office, he has worked as an energy consultant and as a lecturer at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business.

The panel also includes Finance Professor Floyd Haynes and trade unionist Carvil Duncan. Haynes is an adjunct Professor in Finance and Accounting at the University of the District of Columbia and a public lecturer in Leadership and Management.

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Head, former presidential advisor Shyam Nokta, is the Chairman of the panel. Nokta also previously served as Head of the Office of Climate Change, where he coordinated Guyana’s response to climate change, the development and implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), and REDD+ Partnership with the Kingdom of Norway.

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Guyana, Brazil agree to bolster relations in energy, trade, oil and gas and security ‒ President Ali says road link high on the agenda

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n amplification in bilateral relations between Guyana and Brazil after a fruitful meeting among high level government officials from both countries, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The Guyanese President, who returned this morning from Suriname after a fourday Official State Visit said that today’s meeting was a follow up to what started in Suriname and will see all three countries connecting at many levels. “We're talking about the integration of the Guiana Shield and link to Brazil. That discussion started in Suriname,” he said.

He said that high on the

agenda is the paving of the Linden to Lethem road, which will facilitate trade and investments between the two nations. He said, “That road link is linked to the port development, so for that issue we have set up a special committee that will be led by the ministers’ technical teams, so we can advance the work and move, not only to the conceptualisation, but closer to the implementation of this project. Both sides have committed fully to this development—via a joint approach.”

In the meeting, which was led by the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd

and his Brazilian counterpart Minister of External Relations of the Federative Republic of Brazil Ernesto Araújo, both countries also agreeing to the implementation of the “International Road Transport Agreement”.

Several other high-ranking government officials, including Vice President the Hon. Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Attorney General the Hon. Anil Nandlall, Minister of Public Works the Hon. Juan Edghill, Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Robeson Benn and Minister of Agriculture the Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, also met with the Brazilian Delegation.

President Ali said that the discussions were riveting and included key areas of focus, including discussions to expand the partial scope agreement (PSA), energy, Guyana’s oil and gas sector and other energy potential which can be exported to the Portuguese speaking nation.

He said that the aim is to develop these area in anticipation of a visit by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro early next year. He said, “There will be a number of teams that will commence work almost immediately leading up to the visit of the President (Bolsonaro), so that you can advance these initiatives forward.”

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Technical Feasibility Stud-

ies for the Installation of Optical Network from Boa Vista, Brazil to Georgetown, Guyana was also signed during the visit.

President Ali added that the idea was to have an investment arrangement, where potential investors can have an understanding of the opportunities that exist in Guyana and how to access them.

Meanwhile the two countries also discussed areas of security and Covid-19.

Areas of security, according to the President, included: integration of our security efforts, targeting drugs and securing the borders. “We've also set up a high-level team to look at the security concern and integrating what we're do-

ing into the regional programme. So, that was also an area that we discussed.”

Meanwhile, according to the President, an MOU was also expected to be signed today between CANU and the Brazilians.

The President said that coming from a previous discussion with President Bolsonaro, it was agreed that the two countries will work closely together to fight Covid-19.

“Brazil has been developing their own vaccines.

So, they will be manufacturing nationally…in my discussions with President Bolsonaro, we've talked about this, and Brazil supporting Guyana with our vaccination programme when it comes around.”

Massara to get Negotiations ongoing with UG to Community Health Worker after 18-month hiatus start prosecutorial programme A N fter devoting 15 years of service to the Amerindian village of Massara, Upper Takutu -Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), Mr. Lenny Moses is set to return as a community health worker (CHW), effectively ending an 18-month break.

This development follows Saturday’s (November 21, 2020) community consultation spearheaded by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall.

Deputy Toshao, Mr. Khan Browne had brought Massara’s CHW shortage to the Minister’s attention.

Browne painted a bleak image of many instances where residents were forced to endure long periods of serious illnesses or injuries because they did not have a CHW at their aid. The Deputy Toshao said after Mr. Moses had resigned a few years ago for personal reasons, he was replaced by a non-resident CHW who visited the community twice per week. “A few weeks after, they dropped it down to one time per week [because] the Region doesn’t have fuel.

The other time, they [the Regional Administration] said if you want the CHW to go in, you have to provide him with fuel,” the Deputy Toshao explained. He described the fuel cost to transport the CHW as burdensome on the village. Residents were also forced to travel for miles to

Annai due to the lack of a CHW. Sitting at the community consultation was former CHW Mr. Moses who, upon the plea of Minister Dharamlall, agreed to resume his service. The Minister said the CHW would begin his duties on December 1, 2020.

Meanwhile, Minister Dharamlall briefed residents on Government’s plan to train additional health workers. “We want two health workers per village, and our aim is to train 114,” the Minister stated.

Other issues to be addressed in Massara include the construction of a sanitation block and structural upgrades to the health post. The reconstruction of a bridge within the community to pave the way for access for farmers is also on the cards.

“If the village is providing the material, I would commit the Ministry to pay for the labour,” Minister Dharamlall said.

The Minister’s visit to the village is part of a series of consultations he plans to conduct throughout Region Nine to assess the needs of Guyanese as Government prepares for next year’s budget. Accompanying Minister Dharamlall are Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Carl Singh, Regional Chairman, Mr. Bryan Allicock and other officials who work alongside the region’s Regional Democratic Council.

egotiations are ongoing between the Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme and the University of Guyana (UG) to start the one-year accredited prosecutorial training programme for law graduates and police prosecutors.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall made these statements at a press briefing today at the Umana Yana.

The SCJS is currently procuring the services of a consultant, who will be tasked with crafting a syllabus and coordinating the programme, he said. On completion of this process, it is anticipated that the first

semester of the programme will start by year end.

Minister Nandlall said the response by Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degrees holders has been remarkable. “We have, already, enough persons who have expressed an interest, to staff each magistrate’s court in the country with a prosecutor …”

Once a corps of properly trained prosecutors is in place, all avenues of the law about alternative sentencing will be explored. This will result in a vast reduction of custodial sentencing for non-violent offenders.

“We also believe that a properly trained prosecutor will be able to take advantage of devices that are currently in the law, for

instance, plea-bargaining, which is highly underutilised… The criminal justice system can be saved months of work and millions of dollars of resources if plea-bargaining arrangements can be struck, obviating the need for prolonged and protracted trials,” Minister Nandlall noted.

Nevertheless, he said the programme would not phase out the Guyana Police Force (GPF) prosecution but enhance it. He said, “You still need the Police because they understand the Force. They will be assisting the principal prosecutor, who will be the one with the Bachelor of Laws degree. They will be responsible with getting the evidence from the Police

and so on and so, I believe that a combination of the two would work well.”

While acknowledging the work of the GPF, the Minister said they are not knowledgeable about all the facets available in the current criminal law to take advantage of the law relating to alternative sentencing.

Once that programme is up and running, he expects that it will transform the prosecutorial landscape of Guyana.

The programme is a major component of the Criminal Justice System programme which is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) aimed at strengthening Guyana’s prosecutorial services.

Hinterland road network to be expanded T

he Ministry of Public Works is making strides towards expanding the road network in the hinterland with the passage of Budget 2020.

In an interview with DPI, the Ministry’s Hinterland Engineer, Mr. Jeffrey Walcott said contracts for additional roadworks in many regions and along corridors are to be issued.

In the North West District, rehabilitation works will start along the Wanaina to Yarakita corridor (Phase III) and continue

at Barabina Swamp Road and the internal roads of Moruca. Compound Road in Mabaruma will also be rehabilitated.

For Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), Mr. Walcott said the Ministry remains focused on bridging the link between Karrau and Buck Hall. Rehabilitation and construction work along the Bartica – Potaro corridor is also a major focus under the work programme for the hinterland.

Mr. Walcott highlighted another significant road

network that will benefit persons in the extractive industry. “We are still focusing on connecting Region Seven to Region Ten through Butakari. So, that is actually going to provide an easier connection for a lot of loggers,” he said.

Additionally, the Hinterland Engineer said roads in Regions Eight and Nine will also receive attention as the Government seeks to establish all-weather roads in far-flung communities.

Concerning the Linden to Mabura link, Mr. Walcott

said the first 10 kilometres of asphalt road is expected to begin next year.

The Kwakwani to Orealla road link where a 90-kilometre thoroughfare is set to link Region 10 to Region Six is another project that will be done in phases.

Mr. Walcott said maintenance of hinterland roads will continue through collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), where the Ministry provides technical support and GGMC executes the work.

20

WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

Over G$215B in hotels to be constructed across Guyana T

he infrastructural landscape of Guyana is expected to change drastically, as plans are in the pipeline for the construction of over G$215B worth of worldclass hotels, across the country.

This is being done in anticipation of an increase in arrivals to Guyana- one of the world’s newest petroleum states.

The local government had recently put out an advertisement for expressions of interest and requests for proposals for investors to build hotels in Guyana. The aim, as outlined by the President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is to provide at least 2,000 firstclass rooms, making Guyana “a conventional destination”.

A business-friendly climate supplemented by the anticipated economic ascension is being credited for the attraction of major players in the hotel industry such as, Sheraton, The Element, Delta Marriott, Best Western Hotels and Resorts, the H-Tower Luxury Hotel, the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Radisson Hotels, and the Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Palm Court International Hotel and King’s Hotel and Residences, among others.

“Guyana is leap frogging in growth and development and this is creating new investment opportunities… and our attractive investment regime is what is making investors want to participate in Guyana,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, in an invited comment, on Monday.

Dr. Ramsaroop, on Monday, signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with investors who are eyeing the hotel industry.

Those MoUs were signed for the construction of a 289room Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites; a 255room Delta Marriott Hotel, close to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport; a 400room H-Tower Luxury Hotel; and an 80-room Best Western Hotel under the name SureStay Plus Hotel.

Additional MoUs have since been signed for the construction of a 150-room Palm Court International Hotel and a 40-room King’s Hotel and Residences.

One of the investors for

the H-Towers Luxury Hotel, Kerwin Bollers of Hits and Jams Entertainment, said this hotel will be a dual-branded hotel, housing the world-renowned Sheraton Hotel and the Element Hotel, both owned by the Marriott. This is said to be the first of its kind in Guyana and even the Caribbean.

The intended investment for this facility will be close to US$125 million, said Bollers, adding that construction is expected to commence at Providence, East Bank Demerara, in the first quarter of 2021.

“It will have two towers, both over 20 storeys high, connected by an air bridge to form an H…. It will feature, collectively, 400 rooms,” said the investors.

The Sheraton will be for short stays, while The Element will serve more as an apartment-like facility, to offer extended stays. The Element, according to Bollers, will be equipped with a kitchen, living room, work stations and much more.

“It will be a mixed-use concept so there will also be space for a spa, bars, shopping areas and restaurants,” said the investor.

Another massive project, which will soon get underway, is the construction of the SureStay Plus Hotel.

This hotel, according to the investors (unnamed) will open its doors to guests, showcasing sleek design, modern amenities and superior service that are synonymous with the Best Western brand.

An initial capital investment of US$15 million will go into the construction of the first hotel, with more investments to be made in the future.

With the construction of its first hotel, the Best Western Georgetown Hotel is anticipated to offer the perfect décor for today’s modern traveler, balancing excitement of the developing Georgetown district with a comfortable and inviting place to rest.

This brand-new property, with modern features and a friendly and knowledgeable staff, will be an exceptional lodging option for business travellers and casual guests, said the investor.

The property will feature over 80 spacious rooms

with detailed finishes and will be equipped with all state-of-the-art facilities. It will also house conferencing facilities and flexible meeting spaces.

These potential investments are seen as timely, because Guyana, which sits on the edge of South America and has a population of about 750,000 people, is expected to ‘boom’ with its new-found oil wealth, which is expected to drive infrastructural development and other sectoral advancements.

According to a study by Oxford Economics, hotel operations and guest spending support eight million jobs across the U.S. alone.

The same study found that a typical hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports 230 local jobs every year.

And the nation’s hotel and lodging industry brings other important benefits to local communities. These businesses are a cornerstone for local economic activity, providing increased tax revenue, capital investment, tourism-related development and promotion, civic leadership, charitable contributions and sponsorship.

These benefits are also expected to accrue to Guyana, as the country continues to function as an investment magnet.

President Ali, had said that progress is expected on all fronts in 2021, which has since been designated as the Year of Investments and Development.

“What you will see next year is a flurry of development; there will be active work on the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, the new four-lane road, new hotels, and the creation of 50,000 homes,” said the President.

He said work will commence on the construction and rehabilitation of roads in hundreds of communities; new infrastructure will be created, and there will be major developments in every sector.

Additionally, private-sector investments are expected to increase, stretching from the construction of new shore bases to service the oil-and-gas sector, to new office complexes and other private development projects.

21

WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

GuySuCo determined to meet 2020 sugar target T

he Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) says it is forging ahead to meet its 2020 production goal despite the significant setbacks posed by the weather.

Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sasenarine Singh, this week, said GuySuCo still hopes to surpass 90,000 tonnes of sugar this year, but with the lengthy rainfall, this

might be impossible.

“GuySuCo got hit hard by this unexpected and unusual rainfall. After November 2nd it rained for about a week, it blew away that opportunity, and we basically have the best three weeks left,” Mr. Singh said at a media conference.

The CEO said the entity missed out on gaining

almost $354 million from sugar production, because of the current condition of the cane fields.

“This is a serious situation because this is a large sum of money that we could have been using to invest in the sugar industry and to pursue the 2021 plan. This situation is heartrending since it affected approximately

Foreign investors turn attention to Guyana’s sugar industry

‒ several proposals already submitted to the Gov’t for value-added initiatives

T

he revitalisation of Guyana’s ailing sugar industry hinges on the country’s ability to invest in value-added initiatives, but, from all indications, this will not be a task for the government alone, as several foreign investors have submitted their proposals for various sugar-related initiatives to the Guyana Sugar Industry (GuySuCo).

The Government of Guyana, in September, had advertised for Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from financiers who are not just interested in investing in sugar, but in being part of the industry’s resuscitation.

In 2017, the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition Government had announced the closure of several sugar estates across the country.

The move saw four sugar estates being closed, and 7,000 sugar workers losing their jobs.

Plans are afoot to not just rehire persons, but to return this industry to viability through coordinated and prudent management, which is expected to come from both private and public stakeholders.

Already, investors from Asia, North America, the Caribbean and Guyana have formally signalled their intention to join this process.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Sasenarine Singh has said that the government has received ten Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from foreign companies, and one proposal from a local investor.

Information on the investors’ identities remain confidential at this time, but Singh, during a press briefing

at GuySuCo on Monday, said the proposals will soon be reviewed.

The CEO, while not delving into the details of the actual proposals, said interests have been expressed in sugar refinery, ethanol production, agro-energy, a distillery and packaged sugar among other things.

“I am happy to see that there are private sector participants who are serious about value-added products coming out of Guyana,” said the CEO. Singh, after being appointed to the helm of GuySuCo in September, had said that the Corporation is banking on value-added to help return sugar to profitability.

“GuySuCo is on a change plan; we have refashioned the way we are doing things. We have re-engineered the way we are thinking at GuySuCo; the whole vision at GuySuCo right now is to move up the value chain as fast as we can within the constraints of finances, and, in addition to that, we are opening three estates. So it’s going up, and it’s going broader,” said the CEO in a previous report.

He reiterated this position on Monday, noting that GuySuCo has restarted the production of packaged sugar, and will be focusing heavily on this aspect of production, instead of the traditional bulk production.

“GuySuCo started production of packaged sugar; we are moving away from the dump market to go into packaged sugar, and this is the reality. We get double the value per tonne when we sell packet sugar, versus what we dump on the world market,” Singh said.

Considering the substantial benefits of value-added production, the CEO believes

it is a “no-brainer” situation when assessing which segments of the market to supply with Guyana’s sugar.

The vision of GuySuCo, as outlined by the company’s management, is to focus on expanding the sale of packaged sugar in CARICOM, North America and the local markets. GuySuCo’s overarching plan for 2021 is to produce 97,000 tonnes of sugar, a high percentage of which is expected to be packaged.

“GuySuCo is making money on the packaged sugar, and losing on the bulk sugar, so we are moving away from the bulk sugar and focusing on the value-added products. We are building a short-term, medium-term and long-term plan; we are supplementing what Blairmont is producing. Blairmont is now focused exclusively on the export market for packaged sugar, while Enmore will focus on the local market,” Singh said in a past report.

Among the long-term plans is the addition of a refinery at one of the estates to tap into a 200,000-tonne market for refined sugar.

“We are looking to bolt on a refinery at either Albion or Skeldon to tap into Caribbean market which imports 200,000 tonnes of white sugar from outside the Caribbean at escalated prices when we can use it by doing the Caribbean External Tariff (CET) route and be able to be competitive and still make a profit in that market space,” said Singh.

The Government has already released $3B to the industry, of which sum, $2.2B will go towards the re-opening of the three estates, while the remaining $0.8B will be used to re-capitalise the current assets to help achieve outlined objectives.

8,800 sugar workers,” the CEO added.

Mr. Singh said between November 2 to 21, there was 394 millimetres of rain at the Albion Sugar mill, compared to a historical average of about 50 millimetres. He disclosed similar incidents occurred at Blairmont and Uitvlugt.

However, the CEO is adamant that with the help of his hard-working staff, “we are going to work towards it.” He noted that stern plans would be put in place to ensure that the Corporation is not similarly affected next year.

“GuySuCo is making a determined effort to bring regularity to its tillage oper-

ation in 2021. However, if GuySuCo does not have the right equipment in the field at the start of the first crop in February 2021, then the plan to produce 97,000 tonnes of sugar in 2021 is in clear and present danger,” he said.

To date, the sugar company has produced some 80,674 tonnes of sugar.

22

Non-oil sectors must gear up for spin-offs of new economy – Finance Minister N

on-oil sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing and services must brace themselves for the economic spin-offs to be derived from the new oil and gas economy.

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh made the statement during a meeting with members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

He said while the sectors themselves are strong, the oil and gas sector will give them a further boost.

“While looking ahead, a lot of growth in the economy

will be driven by the oil and gas sector. We place a lot of importance, as a government on ensuring that the economy is diversified and non-oil sources of growth continue to be very strong. It is very important that they gear up themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that the new economy will present to them,” Dr Singh told DPI following the closed-door meet.

The Finance Minister said as the oil and gas sector realises its potential, nonoil sectors will also assume greater potential for growth.

Dr. Singh had his first

meeting with the PSC today, laying the foundation for what he said would be ongoing engagements.

He said the PPP/C Government regards the Commission as an “extremely important” stakeholder in the economy as it creates jobs and generates wealth, thereby improving lives.

Dr Singh said the Government’s commitment to a vibrant and dynamic private sector has not waned, and ensuring the preservation of a conducive environment of rapid growth and dynamism across all sectors of the economy, remains steadfast.

WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

Coalition bent on defending ‘illegalities’ – Jagdeo

O

fficials of the APNU+AFC Coalition are fixated on defending the illegalities committed during their five-year tenure, according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. Instead of being outraged at the unlawful acts, he said, the Coalition is prodding on, particularly those who have benefitted from illegal transactions.

The Vice President made these statements during a recent interview with NCN. The Coalition has been accused of distributing massive prime, commercial and agricultural lands at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara and the Wales Estate, West Bank Demerara, particularly during the course of its caretaker status following the December 2018 Confidence Vote.

The Government has

said persons who return those lands will not face legal action. However, Dr. Jagdeo said, Coalition officials are believed to be dissuading persons from cooperating.

“Here is a party that is saying that a person can get a billion dollars’ worth, based on their valuation owed, that is vested already and that persons must not give up the land. They are defending the illegalities and that is what APNU is about doing now,” he said.

The Vice President surmised that the Coalition officials may be acting in such a manner because many of them were part of the “illegality”. He said, “…because they were the lawyers or beneficiaries of the illegality and all of that will unfold in the future. Their position should be, where there is illegality, people should

face the music. That is what we were saying while in Opposition. If there is illegality committed by the PPP, people will have to face the law.”

Dr. Jagdeo said the Administration has extensive proof of the land giveaways that will be provided at the appropriate time. “What we have seen and what we know amounts to great malfeasance in office and it is unbelievable. It is criminal behaviour with no regard for any impunity. I don’t even believe that some of these people thought that these transactions would ever see the light of day. That is the only reason that they pursued them,” he said.

The Vice President said every Guyanese of every race and political persuasion would be outraged at the Coalition’s behaviour, since the land belongs to the people.

COMMENTARY

Investor confidence: The Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C gov’t is reaching new heights

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

O

ver the last two weeks alone, at least five international brands of hotels have expressed interests in establishing their brands in Guyana. These include the biggest brands in the world, such as the Hyatt, Sheraton, Radisson (with one hotel already in Guyana), Marriot (which already has a hotel in Guyana), the Hilton. The total investment is estimated at $US1B in the next few years. It is estimated that these hotels will add more than 2,000 international first-class hotel rooms for visitors. Investors have already signed MOUs with the Government of Guyana. These hotels, once completed, will create more than 2,000 jobs within the new economy in Guyana and will provide a quantum leap in the service component of the economy. They will add significantly to the continued diversification of the economy. But during construction phase, more than 1,500 jobs will also be created.

The Vice President, Bharat Jagdeo, had announced that the PPP will provide the environment for the addition of up to four new hotels in this term. President Irfaan Ali asserted that Guyana will provide the investment climate for investors to feel comfortable in Guyana. In early November, the Government advertised for expressions of interest. It is not yet the end of November and already five groups, including local investors have began to sign MOUs. This include Giftland Malls which hope to begin soon the construction of a Radisson Blu, an international five-star brand. Another group of local and international partners will begin construction of a Hilton Hotel brand in McDoom Village in January 2021.

An international brand is also slated for the CJIA. The landscape of Guyana will look very different by the time the 2025 elections come around. By then a new Demerara River Bridge will be completed. The new Highway linking the bridge and Parika will be mostly completed. The new Sheriff Street By Pass Road will be completed. The new Ogle By-Pass Highway to Eccles will be completed. New Hospitals at Suddie, West Demerara and Bartica will be completed. Work would have started on the Corentyne River Bridge and might already be completed. Work would have started on the Linden Highway and the Highway to Lethem.

All the sugar factories will be functioning again. Modern

markets in several communities would be operating. An ethanol plant would be producing commercial quality ethanol for Guyana. Thousands of new homes would have been built. By 2025, gas lines would pipe gas from the deep sea OIL Rig to the coast. A deep water harbor would be built on the Berbice River. The resuscitated Amaila Hydroelectricity Project will bring cheap, reliable electricity once and for all to Guyana.

Guyana will begin to look like a high middle income country.

Some of the usual critics and those who will never give the PPP credit for how PPP Governments since 1992 have been transforming Guyana will claim and have claimed that it is not the PPP responsible for the new influx of investment in Guyana, that it is OIL and GAS. There can be no doubt that OIL and GAS is playing a positive role in the new transformation of Guyana. But we knew that OIL and GAS was a reality since March 2015. OIL and GAS, in fact, began to impact the economy since 2015. Were it not for the OIL and GAS impact, Guyana's economy would have shrank between 2015 and 2020. That is how dismal the David Granger-led APNU+AFC Government's performance was.

During the period 2015 and 2020, no new meaningful investment occurred. Not one new hotel was established. Not one new hospital or school or any kind of infrastructure was added. It is true that the CJIA expansion and modernization proceeded during that time. But the $US150M project was started under the PPP. It was a PPP project that was signed in 2010 under Bharat Jagdeo's presidency and the project started under the Donald Ramotar's presidency. However, the CJIA project was then blighted by APNU+AFC which spent all of the $US150M after reducing the scope of the project and today the PPP has to spend more money to complete the project. It is true that the East Coast and West Demerara Highways were completed. These too were PPP projects. Both cost more money because the APNU+AFC Government mismanaged the two major highway projects.

Already the West Demerara Highway needs remedial and major update work.

Far from local investors investing more, local investment, in fact, crumbled and contracted. International investment in the form of direct foreign investment almost came to a halt.

Almost all investment in Guyana between May 2015 and

August 2020, outside of OIL and GAS investment, were in the form of public sector investment. The only meaningful non-public sector investment between May 2015 and August 2020 were from the farming community (more than $70B annually) and the local service sector entrepreneurs, such as stores and market vendors, and the small miners and loggers.

The big Guyanese corporation had a pause in investment.

Suddenly the local and international investors have awaken. OIL and GAS was there for the last five years. It had no impact on the slumber of the investors. Why then has the environment changed? Why then has the investors suddenly awake and vibrant? It is not OIL and GAS that has ended the slumber. It is a new government that investors trust to manage the new OIL and GAS wealth for Guyana. It is the confidence that the Irfaan Ali-led Government will sustain and strength the Guyanese democracy and will build a Guyanese society willing and able to contribute to the success of investments.

The emphasis on a generation of well-educated and trained Guyanese, the emphasis on creating a investor-friendly environment, on building a human resource capacity, on empowering Guyanese to meet their social welfare needs, like housing, water and sanitation are all public sector investments that will transform Guyana. The government has already outlined an impressive investment portfolio to transform Guyana's infrastructure. It has already shown its continued commitment to social sector investment, such as ensuring at least 50,000 house lots are available for Guyanese families. With the continuing growth of public sector investment being matched by private sector investment, Guyana is on a trajectory of transformation, more rapid than has ever been seen in Guyana or anywhere in the Caribbean.

But as we transform Guyana into a new economy that could not have been dreamt of as recent as 2000, we must remember our destiny. We are already the Caribbean's OIL and GAS champion. But our destiny is still the same one our great grandparents echoed and our parents echoed - we are still the bread-basket of the Caribbean. Wew failed to live up to this destiny. In this term of the PPP Government we must advance our cliam and our legitimacy in being teh Caribbean Bread basket.

WEEKEND MIRROR 28-29 NOVEMBER, 2020

23

Almost 80 per cent of COVID-19 cases have recovered – Anthony

T

he recovery rate of COVID-19 patients in Guyana has been quite good with almost 80 per cent of cases having already recovered, according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.

Dr. Anthony said while it is not reason enough to celebrate, he is pleased with the rate nonetheless and is confident of further improvement once COVID-19 guidelines are followed. He said, “Most of those (infected) persons have already recovered.

We’ve had maybe about 4,000 or so persons who have recovered, so, I think our rate of recovery has been quite good.”

Using Kwebanna, Barima-Waini, (Region One) as an example, where there are no longer any active cases after several weeks of lockdown, Minister Anthony said that proved there could be

complete recovery once the COVID-19 measures were followed. He said, “There are a couple of things the team would normally do, but I guess the main one is really working with the Village Council to ensure that the residents of the community comply. If we don’t have compliance then we will see an escalation of cases, we feel where people are more compliant with the guidelines … then we are able to actively reduce the cases. In addition, of course, we had put in some measures like restriction of movements.”

Minister Anthony said these techniques used at Kwebanna are being implemented at St. Cuthbert’s Mission, with evident positive results. “We are happy that we are making progress in terms of discharge at (St. Cuthbert’s Mission), and we

will continue to monitor the situation.”

Meanwhile, the Minister said the country still has about 700 active COVID-19 cases, and this is cause for concern. “Our challenge really is that small percentage of people, 20 per cent or so who will require hospitalisation, then a smaller set of people probably about 4 per cent who require ICU care.

Those who require ICU care we are providing that care, but, you know, those are really critical patients, and unfortunately a percentage of those, we lose them. It is still a challenge, but generally, most of the persons who have had COVID-19 have recovered.”

Minister Anthony again urged citizens to follow the COVID-19 guidelines to protect themselves and their families.

Training for COVID-19 vaccine administration expected in two weeks T

raining for health care professionals who will administer the COVID-19 vaccines is expected to commence in two weeks.

This was announced by Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony. He added that the government is putting systems in place to ensure the country’s healthcare system is prepared to store and administer these vaccines.

“We have experienced staff in the field who have over the years been doing vaccinations… we have a number of persons around the country who are already trained to do vaccinations and keep records so what we are now going to train them

on is the anticipated use of the COVID vaccine and what would be required to transport and store it as well as the side effects,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Anthony stated that while the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a conditional recommendation against the use of the drug Remdesivir, the local guidelines committee will decide whether the drug will continue to be part of the treatment for COVID-19 patients. “Because these clinical trials are the more accurate way of judging whether a medication works or not, the findings from these trials are then incor-

porated into guidelines. It is the same for Remdesivir,” he said.

Dr. Anthony explained that a clinical trial for the drug in the United States showed that it reduced the hospital stay. However, the “Solidarity Trial” which was conducted by WHO and included thousands of persons from across the globe showed no significant change. As such, the international organisation does not recommend the use of the drug in the treatment of COVID-19.

Minister Anthony said it is now up to countries to determine whether they will use Remdesivir.

PPP/C advances measures to deliver on another manifesto promise A

draft bill, which seeks to remove custodial sentences (time served in prison) for the possession of small quantities of marijuana, is currently before Cabinet, according to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall.

“We made a manifesto promise that we will remove custodial sentences from small quantities of marijuana. A bill is currently before cabinet and the issue that is under review is the quantum,” he said, adding that Cabinet is now deliberating on the quantity of marijuana that will attract alternative sentencing.

Cabinet, he added, is also taking into consideration statistics from other Caribbean countries where similar initiatives were implemented.

Nandlall said, “We have to be guided by the statistics that have been provided, we are still seeking guidance from similar legislative measures already implemented in the Caribbean. I would not want to preempt Cabinet’s deliberation, but all these factors are currently being taken into account.”

The Attorney General said he has already consulted the Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels, for information pertaining to the number of inmates incarcerated for possession of marijuana. The information has since been passed to Cabinet and the matter is under review.

The Attorney General made clear that possession remains an offence. He said, “It (the steps being taken) does not mean that it will not constitute an offence; it will still remain a criminal offence but it will not carry custodial sentence as

a penalty and that is what I understand we promised in our manifesto.”

As recent as May 2018, current Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo stressed that promises made to the Guyanese people ought to be kept – this was in response to comments from Government quarters that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is only now addressing the issue of decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana. He pointed out that the issue of reviewing possession of quantities of marijuana that attract mandatory minimum jail sentence was included in the PPP/C 2015 manifesto. “This did not happen yesterday…we believe that when we put promises in our manifesto they must be kept…check to see how many promises they have kept,” he said. Jagdeo had also made it clear that the PPP/C is not in favour of legalizing marijuana – that there is no support to legalise production and sale of marijuana. “We are opposed to this,” he said. He reiterated that decriminalization will only address removing the minimum, mandatory, jail sentence of three years for possession of small amounts of marijuana. “When they are caught, instead of three years in jail, there should be alternative sentencing,” he said.

Notably, Former AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes, with the help of Attorney Mark Waldron, had compiled a draft Narcotics Drug and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2015, which seeks to soften the penalties for marijuana possession. In December 2015, AFC Parliamentarian,

Michael Carrington, tabled a motion, which calls for the Bill to be read the first time. To date this has not been done and the motion remains on the National Assembly’s agenda. The actual draft bill has not been made public. Notably, soon after Carrington’s motion was tabled, Coalition leader, David Granger stated that the decriminalization or legalization of marijuana is not a priority of his Administration. “This is not something that is a preoccupation of the Administration at the present time… I would not counsel the use of marijuana by young people or anybody,” he said in a broadcast of ‘The Public Interest’. Granger’s comments, back then, ran contrary to a position of the AFC faction of the Coalition.

Currently possession of small amounts of marijuana attracts a minimum, mandatory, jail sentence of several years.

In accordance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 1998, Section 4 (1), any person who has in his possession any narcotic, shall be liable (a) in respect of any narcotic (to which cannabis is included as per Section 3 of the First Schedule of the Act); (i) on summary conviction, to a fine of not less than $30,000, together with imprisonment for not less than 3 years nor more than 5 years; or (ii) on conviction on indictment, to a fine of not less than $30,000 or three times the market value of the narcotic, whichever is the greater, together with imprisonment for not less than five years nor more than ten years.

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