Weekend Mirror 19-20 September, 2020

‘We will defend Guyana’s interest and what is good for our people’ – Vice President 19-20 September, 2020 / Vol. 11 No. 40 / Price: $100

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

PAGE 10

$2.6Billion to boost Health Ministry’s COVID-19 response PAGE 23

Schools resume learning on September 14 as promised – Manickchand Task Force for natural gas management – Minister Bharrat PAGE 3

PAGE 2

SEE INSIDE

President Ali meets with Paradise/ Belladrum, West Coast Berbice PAGE 9 residents

Two PAGE 10 Parliamentary Secretaries appointed

Commentary: Emergency budget is a step in the right direction

PAGE 14

2

Consultative engagement integral to advancement of mining sector ‒ President Ali tells GGDMA officials

M

embers of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) were assured by President Dr. Irfaan Ali of his Government’s commitment to ensuring the Mining Sector is strengthened and advanced.

The Head of State gave these assurances during a meeting with the Association’s members at State House. “We are hoping that over the coming years, we can strengthen the sector, that we can work with the sector in technological improvement and transfer so that we can support more modern ways of doing things, build stronger partnerships and work out an investment regime that can give the sector more access to cheaper capital,” he stated.

President Ali pointed to the importance of the consultative engagement to the advancement of the sector. He said, “I think it is through engagement and consultation that we can have the best possible results for our country and for every sector. After all you are the ones who are not only providing the leadership but the ones who know what is happening in the sector from a practical perspective. Policy-makers understand what is happening from a practical perspective but they are more concerned with the overarching policies to guide the sector.”

He also outlined the recently announced range of budgetary measures for the Mining and Productive Sec-

tor. “Yesterday you would have heard a number of announcements in terms of measures not only for your sector but for the entire productive sector. I want to say to you that I wish we could do more at this time. I am not going to regale you with the current situation of what we met but just to give you one example, from the capital programme alone we have to deal with more than $20B of liabilities that is expenditure incurred by the Government that has not been paid for [and] that is there that has not been budgeted for. Even in bringing these incentives to the Productive Sector and the people of the country, it required the reprogramming of resources and some borrowing,” President Ali explained.

The Head of state said his Administration’s efforts will be geared towards giving miners back the ability to return to the sector, to recapitalise machinery, equipment and to remove the bureaucratic measures which cost them money and reduce their efficiency.

“We are aware that over the last couple of years a lot has been done that was not positive, that has resulted in a lot of idle assets and de-accumulation of capital assets.

Right now you need a lot of recapitalisation. As a result, many of the medium and small operators are left nonoperational. Even though they still have an interest, they are not operating at the moment,” the President said.

He assured that his Gov-

ernment’s intention is to increase production, to work on securing the environment as well as encouraging investments in other sectors of the economy. Ali said, “We have to do what is right for our country now and in the future. We can only do so if we work together. There is no sense for half of the sector to be doing the right thing and half not to, because it is the entire sector that is penalised at the end of the day. I want us to not only work on these measures but to see how we can ensure we have true declarations, to ensure that productions go up to make use of the process that are on the market now and then how I can help you miners to invest in other areas of the economy. When you get windfall resources, you need to redirect resources into more stable, long term sustainable types of investment in the economy.”

President Ali thanked the participants in advance for their openness, objectiveness and frankness as they continue to collaborate towards the advancement of the sector.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharat noted that his Ministry will work with everyone to address all issues raised to boost productivity.

He also assured that the Administration will not neglect the traditional sectors for Oil and Gas. Further, the President of the GGDMA, Mr. Andro Alphonso thanked the President for the recently announced measures on behalf of the members of the Association.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Task Force for natural gas management – Minister Bharrat

T

he PPP/C Government will be establishing a task force to handle the natural gas aspect of Guyana’s oil resources, in keeping with its mandate to holistically manage the sector in an efficient manner despite prevailing circumstances, according to Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat.

Speaking at the opening of a three-day Caribbean Oil and Gas Virtual Summit (CARIVS), through a partnership with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and ExxonMobil on Tuesday (September 16, 2020), he noted that in just a few years, Guyana has transformed into an oil-producing state with the discovery of its vast oil boon, and the new Administration says it does not intend to handle these resources lightly. He stressed that through careful manoeuvring, it must benefit the entire population and create a long-lasting effect.

As such, the Minister informed that this task force will not only ensure that the gas is brought onshore at a faster time, but also to assist with power security. “We are also in the process of establishing a technical task force on natural gas to ensure that not only that gas is brought to shore in the shortest possible time to reduce our energy insecurities in the power sector, but also have an overall plan for the utilisation and monetisation of gas,” Bharrat indicated.

He mentioned that another early initiative is moving to have the Petroleum Commission Bill passed in the National Assembly so as to effectuate the establishment of the Petroleum Commission and provide the technical institutional framework for enhanced regulation of the sector. This is in addition to the Natural Resources Fund, the Crude Lifting Agreement and a Local Content Policy.

Minister Bharrat said Guyana has carefully examined the resource curse which

has befallen other oil-blessed nations and is seeking to prevent this at all costs. He asserted that the PPP Government will approach the sector in a non-partisan manner, keeping in mind the significant boon attached to the wealth as well as its challenges in management.

According to him, there are many examples around the world, he noted, where developing countries have obtained windfalls from oil and gas but eventually ended up poorer than before. “The resource curse will not be taken lightly and we will learn from the experiences of others. It must be noted, however, that our work is guided by several pillars which include good governance, increased value extraction, efficiency, improved transparency, accountability, predictability, balance and evidence-based decision making.”

The Minister reiterated that the new Administration is tasked with ensuring that the oil resources create a national impact by generating “immediate and long-lasting” benefits.

He added that the Government also has the task of strategically guiding Guyana’s growth and opportunities so as to create a positive and long-lasting regional and global impact on the developmental efforts of its sister countries in Caricom and around the world. “In all of this, we will not lose sight of our most important resource, our people – their needs, their hopes, their right to acquire a quality life to education, health, safety and to a future,” the Minister said.

He told the forum that with the current COVID-19 pandemic, countries must seek immediate ways of overcoming their individual challenges and enable potential opportunities for investment. While some are facing extreme economic hardships, Guyana is on the cusp of unprecedented

growth.

ESSO Exploration and Production Guyana Limited would have recently announced the 18th discovery in the Stabroek Block, proving a discovery rate of 90 per cent and an estimated resource base of over eight billion recoverable barrels of oil and substantial volumes of associated gas.

In addressing proper management of the resources, the Administration is seeking to renegotiate the contracts which were finalised under the previous David Granger-led coalition, define legislation on how funds will flow into the Natural Resources Fund and establish a Product Sharing Agreement that is based on industry-wide best practices.

Further, Bharrat said the Government plans on preventing misuse of oil monies by upholding the Santiago Principles of transparency and accountability and the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative.

This will be followed by the criminalisation of non-disclosure of receipt of funds from oil revenues, ensuring annual reports from the Government are laid in the National Assembly, regular audits and involving civil society to monitor compliance and accountability. He said, “Some areas in which oil revenues will be directed are support for job creation, world-class education and healthcare systems, social and economic infrastructure, targeted cash transfer to Guyanese particularly the elderly, children, the poor and other vulnerable groups, strong local content with legislative safeguards, savings for future generations and tax reduction for local businesses and individuals”.

Guyana has already received payment from its first three lifts and two royalty payments totalling over US$144 million. These monies have been deposited into the Natural Resource Fund.

GuySuCo under new management

F

inancial Analyst, Sasenarine Singh has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (ag) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation ( GuySuCo) effective September 14, 2020, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

Primary among his tasks is to lead the Conditional Survey ahead of the reopening of the shuttered Enmore, Rosehall, and Albion Estates and is ably supported in this task

by Mr. Vishnu Panday – Skeldon, Mr. Aaron Dukhia

– Rose Hall, and Dr. N. K Gopaul – East Demerara Estates (Enmore).

Singh holds a Master’s Degree in Finance from Lancaster University, an Executive Post Graduate Diploma from London Business School, and a

Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of Guyana. He is also a qualified Chartered Accountant (ACCA). He is also a Project Finance Specialist with over 16 years’ experience at turnaround management internation-

ally and possesses tremendous leadership experience at building capacity in teams.

Further, a new board of directors for the Sugar Corporation has been announced. The members are: Chairman is Pravichan-

dra Dave; Vice Chairman, Anthony Vieira; Ramesh Persaud; Tarachand Balgobin; Ray Hanoman; Shamira Evans; Shaleeza Shaw; Paul Cheong (Ex-Officio); Mohamed Rafeek; Demsond Sears; and a representative from GAWU.

3

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Another joint electoral fraud charge for Mingo, Lawrence

C

hairperson of the People’s National Congress, Volda Lawrence, and the embattled Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, made their second appearance in court on Friday (September 11, 2020).

The duo was slapped with another joint electoral fraud charge.

They were not required to plead to the charge of conspiracy to commit fraud.

The charge stated that Mingo, having been procured

by Lawrence on or about March 5, 2020, at the Command Centre for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on High and Hadfield Streets, uttered to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, the election results for Region Four, knowing it to be forged, with intent to defraud the people of Guyana.

After the charge was read, Magistrate McGusty

released Mingo and Lawrence on self-bail and the matter was adjourned to November 16, 2020.

Mingo had signed off on the fraudulent declaration of results of Region 4 from the March 2, 2020 Elections, that was vitiated by the Chief Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wiltshire, who said it was illegal. The document was co-signed by Lawrence.

Questions about the appearance of Lawrence’s signature on the fraudulent declaration of results of Region 4 raised several questions that remain unanswered. Notably, on all the Form 24 declarations, for nine Regions, there is only one signature, that of the Returning Officers.

In March 2020, Ramson Jnr. filed criminal proceedings against the Lawrence and Mingo for the alleged forging of documents so as to defraud the Nation. The particulars of the court ac-

tion state that Mingo, having been procured by Lawrence on or about March 5, 2020 at the Command Centre for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on High and Hadfield Streets, uttered to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, the results for Region Four, knowing it to be forged, with intent to defraud the people of Guyana.

Lawrence is facing two charges. Meanwhile, Mingo is facing five charges. He was arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Mingo was slapped with four charges alleging that he misconducted himself in public office by failing to disclose the number of votes that were counted during the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections. He was not required to plead to the indictable offence.

Schools resume learning on September 14 as promised – Manickchand

S

tudents reengaged in some schools from September 14, 2020, as promised, using a multifaceted approach, in the absence of face-to-face learning, according to Education Minister, Priya Manickchand.

She also provided an update on the preparedness for the various levels of education through print packages, radio, television and a range of online platforms. According to her, the Ministry of Education has prepared one month’s work, in the form of worksheets, for most grades to distribute and will continue to distribute monthly as the term progresses.

Print packages are expected to be distributed during the course of the new week with the assistance of teachers, who will be having consultations with the Ministry.

The Minister also disclosed that the Guyana Learning Channel Trust, which is continuing to develop content, will also be expanding its reach to previously unserved, far-flung areas including Benab, Orealla and Ituni, by next week. Moreover, private broadcasters will also be collaborating with the Ministry to further widen the channel’s reach.

Schools that have used Interactive Radio Instruction will continue to do so on the Voice of Guyana and on 102FM frequencies.

BELOW IS A FURTHER BREAKDOWN OF BY EDUCATION BY LEVEL: NURSERY SCHOOLS The Ministry is currently sourcing print material, including books, story books, manipulatives and toys for students. In the meantime, all students will be receiving worksheets and workbooks to remain engaged.

“Presently we have 27,000 Years One and Two students and we don’t have the quantities in Guyana, so some of these items have to be brought in from overseas,” Minister Manickchand said.

Nursery students will also be engaged through the Learning Channel, every morning, from 8am-10am.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS Meanwhile, primary school students can look forward to programmes on the Learning Channel in the four core areas: English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.

Additionally, scheduled programmes will be aired on the radio for students from Grades 2-6. Print material containing 1000 multiple choice questions in each subject area will be delivered to students from Grades 1-6.

Students in Grades 5-6 will receive notes for Science and Social studies and four core textbooks.

Secondary Schools and

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) For the secondary students, the Ministry will be airing programmes on the Learning Channel and preparing worksheets for specific courses for Grades 7-9. Grades 10 and 11 students will receive worksheets in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students have begun tuition and will continue to receive teaching through online platforms such as Zoom and Moodle. Students who do not have internet access, will be provided with print material as well as flash drives containing the relevant information.

SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOOLS Minister Manickchand said all students from the 613 special needs schools have started engagements through the usage of electronic tablets preloaded with information, and print material. Parents of students who are deaf are also receiving sign language training from the Ministry.

CYRIL POTTER COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (CPCE) The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) will be working online and through print packages and other methods where necessary.

Prime lands worth billions given away, only $614M collected to date

T

he National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) had transferred some 130 acres of prime lands to private investors. However, only two have been fully paid for, accoridng to Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar.

The 23 transactions of prime, commercial lands are located at Ogle, Earl’s Court and Le Ressouvenir on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD). Nine have been vested, with only two paid in full.

Minister Indar went on to say that the total acreage and value of the nine that were vested is 130.556 acres and valued at G$3.3B, while the total sum collected in respect of the nine vested is GY$614M. The lands were handed over to: 1. Supergraphics (5.058 acres); 2. GUYOIL (1.500 acres); 3. The Residences at Earl’s Court Incorporated (10.281 acres); 4. Navigant Builders Incorporated (30.000 acres); 5. Premier Sales and Services Incorporated (5.015 acres); 6. Trinuyana Investments Incorporated (19.678 acres); 7. Caribbean Marketing Enterprise Incorporated (21.096 acres); 8. American Marine Services Incorporated (20.000 acres); 9. Cardiology Incorporated (8.000 acres).

Further, one of these companies, Navigant Builders, was gifted 30 acres of land by NICIL, despite refusing the government’s offer on three separate occasions. In fact, on June 23, the housing developer had emphatically stated that, “Due to an uncertain business environment, Windsor Estates/Navigant Builders, a US-based real estate developer will hereby be postponing its plans for the proposed Ogle project.”

The signature of former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, appears on all the vesting orders that handed away the lands. Additionally, these transactions were done during the period that the APNU+AFC Coalition was restricted by its caretaker status.

MARCH 21ST TRANSFERS Further, weeks after the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, a 180-page document - extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette on March 23, 2020 – showed that the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Jermaine Figueira, alone, secured two plots of land in Linden, Region 10, which totals

over two acres.

Further, while the gazette is dated March 21, 2020, all the land transfer orders were signed by the Coalition’s Winston Jordan on February 28, 2020 – raising concerns that the documents may have been backdated.

The list of beneficiaries includes: 1. Dellon Congreaves – Lot 927 Covent Gardens, EBD (0.115 of an acre) 2. Carol Stephens Fowler – Lot 242 Block 22, Wismar, Linden(0.115 of an acre) 3. Andrew Archer – Lot 269 Block 22, Wismar (0.115 of an acre) 4. Andrea Roberts – Lot 6 West Watooka, Wismar Linden (0.228 of an acre) 5. Althea David – Lot 11 Waterlily Road, Christianburg, Wismar, Linden (0.166 of an acre) 6. Abigail Marks – Lot 1221 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.118 of an acre) 7. Erica Shepherd-Caesar – Lot 2408 Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.115 of an acre) 8. Gregory Nedd – Lot 23 Trewern Avenue, Richmond Hill, Linden (0.379 of an acre) 9. Jean Williams – Lot 157 Self Help Housing Scheme, Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.357 of an acre) 10. Jennifer Whinfield – Lot 2408 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.4224 of an acre) 11. Julius Anthony Hooper – Lot 231 Wisroc Housing Scheme (0.115 of an acre) 12. Kevin Glenn – Lot 5562 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.111 of an acre) 13. Neville Williams – Lot 97 Riverside Drive, Watooka, Linden (0.115 of an acre) 14. Orvil Assanie Parris – Lot 102 River Side Drive, Watooka, Linden (0.274 of an acre) 15. Ophuese Holder – Lot 59 Victory Valley, Linden (0.169 of an acre) 16. Orden Nelson – Lot 153A Noitgedacht, Linden (0.179 of an acre) 17. Quacy Bremer – Lot 1011 Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.144 of an acre) 18. Rudolph Whittaker – Lot 11 Blueberry Hill, Wismar Linden (0.115 of an acre) 19. Rawle Nelson – Lot 82 Half Mile, Wismar Linden (0.184 of an acre) 20. Ryan Waldron – Lot 31 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden (0.115 of an acre) 21. Shamar Davis – Lot 160 Block 22, Wismar, Linden (0.115 of an acre) 22. Wesley Whinfield – Track ‘DA’, Block ‘F’ of Lot 44, or Plantation Fairs Rust (0.231 of an acre) 23. Tonya Amos – Lot 1239 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.115 of an acre) 24. Shimeka Adams – Lot

2074 Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.115 of an acre) 25. Wilbert Bethune – Lot 507 Canvas City, Wismar, Linden (0.370 of an acre) 26. Wonnetta Nicholson – Lot 98 Burnham Drive, Christianburg, Wismar, Linden (0.396 of an acre) 27. Reneisha Thompson – Lot 78 Self Help Housing Scheme, Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.1370 of an acre) 28. Serojnie Narine – Lot 5 Speightland Retrieve, Linden (0.1404 of an acre) 29. Tschika McBean – Lot 86 One Mile Extension, Linden (0.1478 of an acre) 30. Tschika McBean – Lot 86 One Mile Extension, Linden (0.1404 of an acre) 31. Dennis Less – Lot 54 Richmond Hill, Linden (0.154 of an acre) 32. Anastacia Stephens – Lot 182 Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden (0.183 of an acre) 33. Eric Shepherd – Lot 922 Victory Valley, Linden (0.157 of an acre) 34. Gordon Abrams – Lot 29 Trewern Avenue, Richmond Hill, Linden (0.160 of an acre) 35. Ian Alli – Lot 159 Damon Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden (0.219 of an acre) 36. Jamella Campo – Lot 59 Riverside Drive, Watooka, Linden (0.159 of an acre) 37. Odetta Stewart – Lot 52 Self Help Scheme, Amelia’s Ward, Linden (0.115 of an acre) 38. Judy Ann Bethune – Lot 9 Fairs Rust, Linden (0.157 of an acre) 39. Natalie La Rose – Lot 700 Sector ‘B’, Block ‘X’, Great Diamond Housing Scheme (0.155 of an acre) 40. Stacey Simon – Lot 20 Fairs Rust, Linden (0.159 of an acre) 41. Rachel Henry – Lot 49 William Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (0.152 of an acre) 42. Ronesha Ross Ajeday – Lot 157 Noitgedacht, Linden (0.159 of an acre) 43. Vladimir Glasgow – Block ‘A’ 2nd Floor Doctor’s Quarter, Richmond Hill, Linden (0.157 of an acre) 44. Jermaine Figueira – Lot 139 Second Street, Silvertown, Linden (1.851 of an acre) 45. Jermaine Figueira – Lot 52 Wisroc Housing scheme, Linden (0.46 of an acre) The lands are all on the right bank of Demerara River.

The transfers of state lands to private ownership remain a contentious issue, particularly given the magnitude of the transfers.

Since the successful and valid passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018, on an almost weekly basis, Transfer of Property Orders are included in the publications of the Official Gazette.

4

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

EDITORIAL

Budget debates expose wastage by 2020 Budget reflects pro-poor Coalition, plans to return Guyana to and pro-people focus progress T T Dear Editor,

he budget presentations by the Parliamentarians from both the Opposition and the PPP/C Government have been very revealing.

What has been revealed is that the Government Parliamentarians were well prepared and are fully cognizant of the contents of Budget 2020, the justification for the items in the budget and how the citizens of Guyana will benefit?

On the other hand the Opposition parliamentarians appear woefully uninformed and one can deduce from their presentations that they are either deliberately lying to the Guyanese public or are at best being disingenuous.

A perfect example of this is the erroneous assertion from Raphael Trotman that the budget for Constitutional Agencies was a statutory breach by the PPP/C government. It took the Attorney General Anil Nandalall to educate Mr. Trotman in no uncertain terms as to the requirements under the law, which the current government followed correctly.

Another example is the former Finance Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who one would have thought would have gone into hiding as all his disastrous decisions are being exposed, having the temerity to question the size of the budget and whether the government could spend that amount of monies in three months. It is a clear case of this former Minister attempting to mislead the public, when he knows fully well that a substantial portion of the budget had to cater for rollover projects from 2019, which were undertaken by the APNU+AFC caretaker government. In addition more than half of the budget covers unauthorized and illegal spending by the coalition for the period January 1 2020 to August 2, 2020.

The budget debates also exposed to the public the wanton wastage by the former PPP/C administration. It also exposed the fact that oftentimes monies were spent by the coalition on items that were either not needed, or inadequate to perform the function they were bought for. This has therefore resulted in the current administration having to spend monies to rectify their mistakes.

Despite this, however, the PPP/C government was able to produce a budget that will literally put monies in the pockets of our citizens. There is the cash grant for our students, along with the uniform allowance. Not to mention the $25,000 earmarked for households affected by the pandemic. Funds are also set aside to be distributed to our brave essential workers. The moving of the limit for Mortgage Relief from $15million to $30million will see about 55% of mortgage borrowers being reimbursed anywhere from $500 thousand to $1,000 annually. This is a perfect example of the government enhancing our citizens spending capacity.

Further, te removal of VAT on construction materials, electricity and many other items are in effect placing more monies in the pockets of all Guyanese. Old age pension has been increased, and our pensioners will now enjoy free water from GWI. These are initiative that will bring great relief to all Guyanese, but especially those that need it most.

This budget is a people friendly budget, which will go a long way in alleviating the strife many of our citizens suffered over the past nine months. No amount of spurious lies and assertions being spewed by the opposition will distract from the undeniable truth, that this budget has placed us all on a path to prosperity. This government did not have a 100 day plan, however the amount of things achieved so far demonstrates the capacity of this government, and their achievements to date only serve to highlight the incompetence and the uncaring nature of the previous administration.

We can hardly wait for the 2021 budget. One can only envision the great things in store for us.

he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has carefully examined the 2020 National Budget which was presented on September 09, 2020. With the budget debates commencing giving all Guyanese a chance to learn of what the Government has in store for them, the Federation recognises that the Budget is geared to improve the well-being of all Guyanese. Indeed, we see the first Budget of the Irfaan Ali Administration starting on a good footing as it reverses many of the draconian measures that were implemented by the former Coalition Government.

Indeed, we hold that Guyanese have much to look forward to and to be pleased about. No longer hangs over our collective heads, the axe of VAT on our consumption of electricity and water. No longer do we have pay taxes on medicine, private health care or to pursue private education. No longer are our farmers expected to pay taxes on inputs which ought to redound positively to the cost of food. Similarly, we see too provisions made to offer relief to Guyanese families arising from COVID-19 while our school children will benefit from increased uniform allowances and the reinstitution of the education grant

which was withdrawn by the previous Government. Our pensioners have much to be excited about as well as they will benefit from higher old aged pensions and free water supply. All in all we were heartened to learn that as much as twenty billion dollars will be aggregately put into the pockets of the Guyanese people. This is a massive windfall for our people and one we are sure they desperately need.

We recognised too that the new Government was caught between a rock and a hard place with tens of billions spent or committed even prior to its assumption to office. This undoubtedly must have caused the incumbent Administration to temper its basket of goodies it wished to deliver to the Guyanese people. Of course, we believe, the Guyanese people deserve more. Many workers had anticipated an increase in the tax threshold. While we know the Government, undoubtedly, wanted to do and to give more, it had to contend with the bad hand it was dealt.

The Budget also provided an indication of how our economy was mismanaged during the term of the previous Government. The Coalition spent over $1.2T during its lifetime which it collected from the sweat of the Guyanese people. It causes us to wonder where our

hard-earned monies went and what value did the Guyanese people get. From the all indications, large sums were used to fatten the former elites and find jobs for the boys and girls. Significant sums, apparently, were also wastefully utilised as we see the monstrosity of Durban Park and the new COVID hospital, where hundreds of millions more had to be earmarked. Apart from the millions, if not billions, went to supportive individuals and enterprises. How can we forget the drug bond or the multi-billion settlement on the appearance of a letter?

FITUG recognises that there is a great deal of work to be done and much to achieve but recognises the Administration has begun on a positive footing. Certainly, careful examination is required as the new Government must untangle the many messes it inherited as it continues in its thrust to deliver development to the people. We believe that the Budget has made a concerted effort to touch the life of every Guyanese man, woman and child. This is a welcome effort especially given the heartlessness which prevailed before.

It is in this regard that we hold Budget 2020 as pro-poor and pro-people.

Sincerely, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)

Dismissed sugar workers anxiously await estate re-opening Dear Editor,

T

he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has recognised that one-month old Irfaan Ali administration has hit the ground running and is working assiduously on delivering its campaign promises. One the Administration’s foremost commitments was to re-open the closed Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore estates which were shuttered by the APNU+AFC at the end of 2017. Even prior to his election, President Ali had admitted that it was very difficult to resuscitate Wales Estate which was closed in 2016 as the estate’s factory has largely been dismantled and what basically remained was a shell.

We have seen the President committing to establish a Wales Development Authority aimed at creating new economic ventures in the communities linked to the former sugar estate.

In terms of Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore estates, the GAWU was heartened to learn from no lesser than the President himself that he remains not only committed to re-opening the estates but resuscitating and rebuilding the entire sugar industry. This commitment was reiterated to our Union when we en-

gaged Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustpha not too long ago. It is no secret that the Coalition treated the industry as a cast away. We contend that the former Government had one intention and that was to weaken the industry to the point of collapse. We do not believe that our claim is outlandish as we saw just a few weeks ago former President David Granger ignoring a request from GuySuCo for a lifeline. Mr Granger only acted when the GuySuCo’s plea became public and, in our view, he and his Government had every intention of causing the industry to grind to a halt.

We are aware that special management teams, led by experienced sugar administrators, have been installed at the closed estates. We understand that the teams are currently evaluating the state of the factories and cultivations.

The estates have been virtually abandoned for nearly three (3) years now as the former Administration’s plans to keep the estates operable until their planned divestment fell through. The resuscitation of these estates will not come easily nor cheaply but we believe the investment is worthwhile. In this regard, we recognised that the 2020 National Budget has earmarked funds

to be channeled into three (3) estates to begin rehabilitation works.

Of course, the resumption of operations are most eagerly anticipated by the thousands of workers who were put on the breadline. For many of those workers, the last three (3) years have been the most difficult of their lives. Many of them were forced to entertain thoughts they probably never did before. They had to wonder many days how they would eat, or how to pay their bills or send their children to school. Many of the little pleasures of life they enjoyed while they were employed became figments of their imagination. Their communities were equally impacted and the shop owners, market vendors, fishermen, bus and taxi operators who depended on the workers were severely impacted. The communities were described as having their lives sucked out from them and gloom became the new normal.

A socio-economic study which was commissioned by the ILO, arising from GAWU’s representation after the former Government bluntly refused to conduct such an important assessment, demonstrated the direness of the situation the (Turn to page 5)

5

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Our nation has been under tremendous duress for far Welcomed assurances too long by the PNC

about addressing tensions in society Dear Editor,

W

e all share the horror and revulsion being felt across our country at the murders, last Saturday, of the two teenage boys on the West Coast of Berbice.

The prevailing poisonous political atmosphere which was instigated by APNU-AFC leadership has penetrated the society to the point where public trust in an impartial investigation is virtually non-existent.

The APNU/AFC leadership is still operating in elections mode, regardless of the cost to the national interest. They refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of the elections and the ruling PPP/C Government.

The political polarisation of this society must stop immediately, and the inaccurate perception given of this crime by the Opposition Leader must be condemned. Guyanese, as we allow all wounds to heal – all wounds from the five months of electoral saga that precipitated this tragic event – let us allow our Government to engage the APNU/AFC Opposition, since they both have the capacity to bring this crisis to an end, and will do all in their power to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation into the recent atrocities that occurred in Berbice.

The reality means we now need to become very good at being diverse. We need to make our diversity an asset, rather than a risk and a liability; and, as Guyanese, we need to create a future in which our diversity strengthens us as a nation and a people. We need to understand very clearly what that reality of being perpetually diverse will mean for our children, our grandchildren and our great grandchildren.

We must do the right thing now, so all our future generations survive, succeed, prosper and thrive. That can be done, but it is not the path we will be on if we do not recognise the risks and dangers created by our instinctive behaviours, and then do the right things now to have our instincts help us succeed, rather than steering us to bloody, damaging and emotionally seductive and self-reinforcing division and anger.

Our President and his Government are committed to easing racial tension in Guyana, and have appealed to citizens to do everything possible to deal with race conflict in our dear Guyana.

Dear Editor,

I

Race conflict is a very important issue, not only for this new Government, but for all Guyanese collectively. The Government, though, has a responsibility to chart policies and programmes that reflect the needs and aspirations of all the people of our country. In terms of public policy and programming, it is essential that policies are designed for all the people of our country, and that’s a great responsibility the Government has.

However, we must understand that peace and security is an essential factor of human life.

A peaceful and secure environment is critical to every society, since it affects all aspects of economic and social development in Guyana, and is a necessary sin-qua-non to the realisation of human rights. These have direct effects on the creation of sound, competitive, and equitable economic development, which ultimately has positive impact on the whole society.

We should also remember that the Guyana we live in has become increasingly more complex, with new challenges developing not just on a daily basis, but every hour. Our country cannot develop or grow economically without peaceful coexistence among its population and within its borders. The fastest developing nations are among those with the best security structures or architecture, and having peace and tranquility thriving within them.

Guyana has recorded enormous development and viable economic progress over the last two decades. One key attribution to this positive move is the fact that Guyana is among the few secure and peaceful nations. This has propelled national production, trade, and investment in all sectors of the economy. We have all seen our new Government’s efforts and approach to return and develop a culture of stability for our country.

We must attract foreign investors and local investors. What we need here is development; we don’t need distraction on our path to progress.

Hence, we must all act responsibly, especially those in the Berbice area. This a time for us to reflect as a nation, and redouble our efforts towards strengthening relations and ensuring that the laws of this great country are followed and carried out.

Sincerely, David Adams

t is not coincidence that the brutal murder of two innocent teenagers on the West Coast of Berbice could have been exploited in such a manner as to cause civil strife. And as is expected, the PNC are at the centre of this controversy as they go about relentlessly pushing their own racial and political agenda. This is vintage PNC at their worst, where every single instance of crime being committed is seen, I would say should be seen, through eyes of race and politics. To this end, the murders of two teenagers on the West Coast of Berbice have erupted a series of senseless crime scenes.

Now, let us examine the performance of the PNC while in and out of power. Here we go: The PNC/APNU, whatever you want to call them, would have us see crime through racial lenses. I am talking about the deaths of the two teenagers on the West Coast of Berbice.

Immediately as news of their demise came to light, PNC, as the opportunistic cannibals they are, jumped on the issue and exploited this sad situation for their own narrow political ends.

Their first aim was to make it a racial issue, pitting Afro-Guyanese against their Indian counterparts. Instead of seeking investigative clarity and conviction to a heinous crime, they were more interested in waging a vicious political campaign.

A series of civil atrocities ensued, such as the burning of tyres, old cars and the like. It also developed into ugly beating of innocent civilians as well as the burning of buildings and other personal properties.

It is a sinister plot to make Guyana ungovernable. Having lost the election, the PNC are bent on making life difficult for the governing party. In fact, Harmon stated this emphatically at the home of one of the slain teens.

During their time in office, they formed a Ministry of Social Cohesion, but was there any cohesion in our nation? I am afraid not. That Ministry was used as a tool to enhance narrow, selfish, politically-aligned projects, rather than fostering racial harmony. It was a replica of the Burnhamite Ministry of National Mobilisation.

Simply put, it was a ministry of national confusion, making the racial divide even wider still.

At a time when the PPP/C are busy preparing a budget to get this country moving forward,

Dismissed sugar workers anxiously... workers and their communities are facing.

The report which is presently being finalized has made startling and revealing findings.

While, at this time, we are not allowed to use the data pending the report’s release by the ILO, we have been able to examine some of the findings and have recognised the sad realities facing the former sugar workers. We are hopeful soon we can be able to speak in a fuller manner from the report.

It is in this context that the GAWU welcomes and fully supports the re-opening of the estates. Our Union had long recognised the dreadful realities found by the study commissioned and warned the APNU+AFC. That Government remained deaf to the Union and workers calls and shut the estates down without a second thought. At this time, many

workers are looking forward to resuming employment and seeking to put their lives back together. For some, unfortunately, life cannot go back to the way it once was. Moreover, we are hopeful that children who were forced to leave school can resume their learning and realise their dreams and aspirations. Indeed, the workers, we believe, have come to cherish their jobs even more dearly and have experienced firsthand the heartlessness of the Coalition.

As work begins to accelerate on the closed estates, the GAWU is willing to lend its experience and expertise and to play an active role in ensure that the re-opened estates are able to efficient and productively operated. Moreover, we see the need for a similar emphasis on the currently operable – Albion, Blairmont and

would that party stoop so low as to want the two innocent black teenagers dead? That just does not make any sense. What would the PPP/C stand to benefit from the deaths of these two youngsters? The answer is nothing. However, the PNC stand to get cheap political mileage out of this unfortunate occasion, and this they are making the most of. It is sad, it is disgraceful, to make political football with the lives of these two lads.

If we delve into the not-so-distant past, we see a pattern of these ghoulish, ghastly acts (a) The 1964 riots: The PNC was the major player in all of this (b) Crum-Ewing’s murder just 3 days before Election 2015: to this day no one has been convicted, although a promise was made by Granger to investigate and bring the person/s to justice. (c) The Linden riots, where three youths were shot and killed. Was this an accident or was it murder? Local investigative forensics show the bullets did not come from the Police. The pronouncement of a foreign forensic expert corroborated the local forensics that the bullets did not come from the Police. Yet, the PPP/C Government of the day compensated the families of the deceased. The incoming Granger Regime then gave a further $77M to the families.

I have left this for the last, I make mention of the Lusignan Massacre, where, beyond the shadow of a doubt, 11 innocent lives were snuffed out by “Afro Freedom Fighters” as they were fondly called by the PNC. Just take a close look at the PNC Opposition then, as they gave all necessary support to the killers. They gloated in the deaths of those at Lusignan, a most despicable act ever.

I do not wish to go further, seeing this would open up deep wounds that might not heal, but suffice it to say: Let us live in peace!

Finally, our nation has been under tremendous duress for far too long by the PNC party, and it is high time that we get on the road to racial harmony and development. We will not be blindsided by the narrow myopic vulgarity of the opposition; their policies of doom and destruction would not divide us. The tribalism that is ever so much a part of the PNC would not deter us from the goal ahead.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

(From page 4)

Uitvlugt estates. We recognise that those estates, despite all the fanfare from the Coalition when it was in power, have also been ignored.

Those estates are also at their lowest ebb and require focused attention. On this score, we have been informed about plans to install soon a new Board of Directors and to review the current management of the state-owned Corporation. This we see as a positive step but hold too that the contributions of the workers, who were badly battered by the APNU+AFC, should not be ignored. Currently, the workforce is demotivated having seen many of their benefits just ignored or cast aside and there is a meaningful need to address this sad situation. Indeed, we contend the workers play the most critical role and their input should not be disregarded.

With renewed focus and a commitment to

the sugar industry’s turnaround and sustainability, the GAWU is excited to see what the future will bring. As a responsible and significant stakeholder we will continue to play a proactive role in those efforts. We believe that sugar’s best days are still ahead and many opportunities exist for a secured future. The GAWU holds there is no need to re-invent the wheel but to grasp at the available opportunities, creatively and innovatively. We believe with capable management, a supportive shareholder and a motivated workforce the industry can reach new heights and play an even more meaningful role in our nation.

Regards, Seepaul Narine, GAWU General Secretary

6

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

A national conversation is needed on pressing issues facing our nation Dear Editor,

No victor in racist politics being practised

by APNU+AFC Coalition Dear Editor,

I

n April 2019, the former Minister of Public Security met with residents and was adamant that the high rate of murder is as a result of “interpersonal rate of violence, alcohol abuse, dysfunctional families” and to reduce or eradicate this we must read “the classics, the Quran, the Bible and the Mahabharat”. I agreed with him to some extent then since it is impossible for the police to anticipate and prevent murders and interpersonal violence which can be a spur of the moment act, sometimes induced by drugs and alcohol. However, he failed to mention that by providing employment and adequate wages and salaries, many of our social ills can be reduced. For instance, stealing and domestic violence due to a lack of financial resources.

It must be recalled that when the coalition was in the Opposition, they blamed the then PPP/C Government for every social ill under the sun. Ramjattan’s statement at a meeting on the Upper Corentyne highlighted the two-faced nature of the coalition.

When the coalition was in Government, crimes were not given a political twist and flavour but now they are. Today, the APNU/AFC is once again in the opposition and the statement by Granger and Harmon under the pretext of mourning the brutal murder of Isaiah and Joel Henry must be condemned. This barbaric and senseless act must be condemned by all but it is a gross disappointment to listen to the barefaced politicking by these two PNC leaders. On one hand, Granger promoted “vigilante” styled justice which he called the creation of “self-defence society”. He made it plain that if residents do not protect themselves then no one will protect them. Has the coalition failed the Security during its just-concluded 5-year term? He added that the violent protest is the correct response to such crimes. Was it the correct response when his coalition was in Government? He then went on a full-blown political speech of the current Government’s ability to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and to continue to “pressure the Government”. He inadvertently admitted that the aim of such protest is to “pressure the Government”.

On the other hand, Harmon clearly tried to link the murders to the Government calling for a “forensic” investigation by an independent since the investigative arm of the police has been “infiltrated” but yet called on the police to “do their work”. In other words, Harmon is implying that the murders have a political link. This is such a barefaced attempt at distortion aimed at poisoning the minds of the PNC supporters.

This kind of speech must be condemned.

He also lauded the violent protests as “the correct response”. He also echoed Granger’s statement, calling for the community to be “vigilant” to keep it safe. Harmon seemed to forget the PNC backed “freedom fighters” which wreaked havoc on this nation.

Does he want another such gang? Harmon then said that he will “take this opportunity to take care of the burial expenses” whilst exhorting the residents not to accept any assistance from anyone else, implying the Government. Imagine the PNC saw the murders as an “opportunity”, there is no doubt that the deaths now present an “opportunity” to push its political agenda to destabilise the duly elected Government. Harmon has exposed the true agenda of the PNC. Granger and Harmon’s statements have escalated the level and spread of violent protests in other areas as well which resulted in robberies, threats to life and property and extortion of monies. Temporary “toll gates” as were installed a few days ago at Belladrum. which forcefully extracted monies from vehicle owners to pass and now that has spread to the other villages. Sometimes an area with three blockades have three such “toll gates” with vehicle owners paying from $1000 to $2000 per blockade. Instead of condemning such violent protests, these two failed riggers of the 2020 elections have deemed these to be the “correct response”. What a shame!

Are we to believe that these people would want to be the next Government? However, the pronouncements of this duo should not surprise us a bit, if we just recall what transpired since March 2nd and the five months which followed. Violent protests like these must be condemned and it is totally abhorrent for political leaders to fan the flames of racial violence just for political mileage.

In conclusion, this is not the first time where the murder of persons of one race or another has occurred but it is sad that just after several devious attempts to rig the elections, the coalition has once again embarked on a racial divisive tactic to cause this nation to bleed once again. What would have been the response of the coalition to these cruel murders if they were still in Government?

Would they have encouraged such protests?

Would they have blamed themselves?

Would they have taken responsibility? The GPF must be allowed to do their jobs to bring the perpetrators to justice and our legal institutions must be allowed to function.

There will be no victor in this type of racist politics being practiced by the coalition, the collateral damage will be too costly.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

I

will examine the recent violent occurrences at a number of Afro-Guyanese dominated villages, West Coast of Berbice through the prism of a robbery that occurred at midday of Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

Just before 12 noon, that day, I was walking on the pavement on the southern side of Regent Street between King and Wellington streets.

Suddenly, from behind me, I felt a tug on the right side of my shoulder, as I turned to look around I came face to face with a young man I never saw before. He was not masked.

In a matter of seconds, my assailant proceeded to snatch my gold chain from my neck and ran off in a western direction towards King Street and then westerly into Charlotte street.

Clothes, sweets vendors and others at that time, at that section of Regent Street who witnessed the robbery and recognized me, left what they were doing, and gave chase. A few vendors even left their stalls in the care of others and joined the chase.

I too followed the crowd from behind with the man always in my sight. I observed a police traffic rank who was in the vicinity at the time join the chase. He eventually caught up with the suspect on Charlotte Street; the crowd that gave chase gathered around the police and the suspect.

A man in the crowd demanded that the suspect ‘han over de chain.’ Another public-spirited citizen who had given chase all the way searched him. And with the crowd still in control, they demanded that he strip which he did. Some in the crowd said he ‘swallow it,’ others claimed he ‘pouch it’ yet others said ‘he throw it to he friend.’ Another man demanded that he take off his cap and open his mouth. No one ever assaulted the suspect nor mentioned beating him.

The police rank eventually regained control of the situation and told the young man that he was being arrested and taken to the station. I was pointed out as the victim to the police by someone in the crowd and was told to accompany him to Brickdam police station.

The crowd backed off and, seemingly satisfied, allowed the police to execute his duties.

Law enforcement won the day in cooperation with law-abiding citizens. A heartfelt ‘thank you’ is extended to all those, including the police traffic rank who gave chase and assisted in apprehending the suspect.

The persons who gave chase to my assailant are all Afro-Guyanese. The police rank who arrested the suspect is Afro-Guyanese.

Even though I had been identified, it didn’t matter to any of them who Clement Rohee was politically or ethnically.

What mattered to these persons was that a robbery had occurred in broad daylight, before their very eyes and the need for them to do something about it. In giving chase to the suspect, they did so out of an abundance of anger and frustration, tempered with a high level of support for law enforcement against petty crimes being committed as well as concern for the safety and protection of citizens in general.

This delicate balance is discernible.

For almost one week now our country has been rocked by the brutal findings of the bodies of the Henry cousins pointing to a horrendous double murder. At the beginning the outrage was justifiable. Now it is being questioned.

West Coast Berbiceans, particularly in the ‘Black’ villages along the coast, are up in arms over the macabre nature of the incident. The ruling PPP/C and the Guyana Police Force have come under unwarranted attack by some politically inspired APNU operatives.

The rage and anger of villagers, watched via our smart phones or TV was real. It brought into sharp focus the political and

racial division that has plagued our country for decades.

Regrettably, the anger turned into riotous behavior, assault and robbery of innocent persons.

I followed on social media Mr. Granger’s and Mr. Harmon’s and Nicolette Henry’s visit to the villages and the mourning relatives of the deceased. I listened carefully to what they had to say.

Harmon told his audience: “Your response is a correct response don’t let anyone come here and tell you what you’re doing is wrong.”

Granger for his part exhorted; “We need to establish a self-defence society and you will hear more from us about that”. Granger’s and Harmon’s audience knew exactly what they meant with their undisguised provocative and racially laced remarks. Together, they opportunistically and maliciously interjected the race card in the midst of a potentially explosive situation that had all the ingredients of exploitative and selfish politics whatever the cost to our nation. Granger and Harmon wasted no time in weaponizing the murder of the two youths. They used the opportunity to incite their audiences to wage an undeclared vendetta against the PPP/C supporters. Both Granger and Harmon are former members of the military and the intelligence community.

They must be aware of the horrendous effect their words would have on traumatized villagers looking for leadership and to be told who should be accused where blame is to be placed.

Granger and Harmon knew exactly what they were doing. Cast in the role of bitter losers and malcontents, they chose to offer the bitter cup to the gullible and to encourage unlawful behavior with selfish objectives in mind.

During my tenure as Minister of Home Affairs and following the Lusignan massacre in January 2008, thousands came out protesting on the East Coast public road. They blocked the road and burnt tyres.

For almost an entire week the protests went on. People were angry and fearful. The question was who or where next?

The police ranks on the ground acted with tremendous restraint. Leroy Brummell was the divisional commander at that time. As the commanding officer he was deliberate and firm with his instructions to his subordinates.

At Bath settlement, protesters blocked the public road and lit fires, they declared they were protesting in solidarity with their brothers and sisters on the East Coast. Things got out of hand when the police fired tear gas into the crowd. That made matters worse.

The protests at Lusignan and Bath settlement ended almost simultaneously. Those arrested and detained were passed through the courts and the cases dismissed.

Although these are areas known to be supportive of the PPP, the protesters were harsh in their criticisms of the party whom they had voted for in the 2006 elections. They blamed the government for not doing enough to protect them. The GPF came in for their fair share of the blame.

There was also the case with police action against protesters who were blocking the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge in July 2012.

The announcement by government that there would be a hike in electricity rates coupled with heavy political incitement triggered blocking the bridge at several points. Persons going about their business were unlawfully denied access to the bridge while some were physically assaulted and beaten. TSU ranks of the GPF were deployed. Shots were fired randomly and three persons were killed. A Commission of Inquiry was established. Several recommendations were made in respect to crowd control, training and the use of force by the police.

In July 2014, a group of protestors claim(Turn to page 12)

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

7

Agriculture Ministry leads outreach in Region 2

8

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

9

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Police confirm Henry teens were not killed in coconut field ‒ Bodies were moved to site of discovery

T

he Guyana Police Force has revealed that 16-yearold Isaiah and 19-year-old Joel Henry were murdered in one location and then their bodies transported to the Coconut Estate on which they were discovered close to earlier this month.

The badly-mutilated bodies of Isiah and Joel were discovered almost one day after they went missing. Their

disappearance prompted family members to launch several search parties to look for them. After hours of searching, the badly-chopped bodies were discovered among the bushes and were partially covered in mud.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement said, “Meaning that the heinous murders were not committed where the bodies were found.

Person(s) moved the bodies after the murder and placed them at the locations where they were subsequently discovered. Further, after the crime scene ranks classified the location where the bodies were discovered as a secondary crime scene, forensic evidence was discovered at the said area.”

Investigators said that forensic evidence was identified, collected, preserved and submitted to the Guyana Forensic Laboratory for DNA

analysis to be conducted.

DNA samples were also collected from the suspects who were in custody and sent for a comparative analysis to be conducted against the forensic evidence collected from the secondary crime scene.

The Police Force said that results are expected within three weeks. “At this time, the investigators are actively in search of the primary crime scene which would greatly assist in the probe as it will have an

abundance of evidence linking the perpetrators to the crime. The investigators are all actively following up every lead and information received from members of the public who have come forward to assist investigators,” the Force said.

According to the police, all the suspects that were in custody, initially, have been released on bail but are to report to the Blairmont Police Station at scheduled times.

Additionally, Police are ac-

tively pursuing two other suspects.

Investigators committed to ensuring that justice is served for the Henry cousins.

The post-mortem examination (PME), conducted on the badly mutilated bodies of Joel and Isaiah found that the teenagers died as a result of haemorrhage and shock owing to the extent of their wounds.

The teens were laid to rest on Sunday (September 13, 2020).

RSS to be dispatched to Guyana soon – Jagdeo T

he Regional Security System (RSS) team will be dispatched to Guyana shortly to assist in the investigation of the murders and unrest that occurred in West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo noted that the team will be dispatched to Guyana shortly, to ensure that a transparent investigation is completed. He went on to say that it will put all allegations to rest about cover-ups or such related claims. Government had sought assistance from the RSS, a defence and security alliance of the eastern Caribbean region, to assist with the recent killings

of the Henry cousins along with Singh and Chatterpaul Harripaul which occurred in the subsequent aftermath during a widespread unrest.

“We have already contacted the RSS and they will be sending in a team of people; the regional security group to assist our police with the investigation because we want everybody to know. There’s always a say that there is a cover-up.

We want this investigation to be done transparently with international help. They will be coming in to assist the police with the investigation,” Jagdeo said.

Notably, RSS Headquarters is located in Barbados and is the Coordinating Sec-

retariat of the CARICOM Security Assistance Mechanism. As a result, it has additional responsibilities to the wider CARICOM region.

While the RSS will be working in conjunction with the Guyana Police Force, the Administration has taken a proactive step of contacting the United Nations to identify those who were responsible for fuelling hate and ethnic division among the people.

According to Jagdeo, the international Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will look at the series of events holistically and draw much-anticipated answers. “We are also writing the United Nations because we don’t believe that people who stir up ha-

tred and ethnic fear should go scot-free…Hopefully, the Commission of Inquiry done internationally will look at the killings but they would also look at all the subsequent events thereafter,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice President said he followed the events closely, sharing that only “inhuman” persons could’ve participated in such brutal killings. He insisted that the perpetrators must be found to bring justice to the families, “We have to find the perpetrators. These are not human beings to kill people, youngsters in that manner.

I’ve seen and witnessed how a personal tragedy of the parents and grandparents of the

individuals who were killed, who only wanted justice for their kids, who only wanted us to apprehend the killers,” he said.

He also used the platform to condemn actions from elements within the APNU+AFC Coalition that sought to politicise the situation and create havoc. “Their grief and their tragedy were hijacked by a few persons, particularly Harmon and Granger. They sought to make what is a plain brutal, unconscionable murder a political issue, rather than sympathy…I’ve seen how attempting to make this a political issue has caused circumstances to spiral out of control, that caused numer-

ous people to lose property through the burning of their vehicles, beaten up…I’ve seen other leaders of the PNC take a responsible position on this matter.”

Further, Jagdeo expressed his confidence in President Irfaan Ali ensuring the matter is resolved and the situation is brought back to normalcy. He said, “The President is very capable. I have great confidence in that capability and he has dealt with the situation. Personally, I believe that we have to deal with this matter. Too much grief has been caused to people. Too many people will use incidents like these to try to constantly polarise our people.”

President Ali meets with Paradise/Belladrum, West Coast Berbice residents ‒ agricultural activities, youth and community development, race relations discussed P

resident Irfaan Ali met with residents of Paradise/Belladrum, West Coast Berbice; the engagement follows a meeting held with a community group last evening, where several issues affecting the community were raised.

The Head of State thanked the residents for engaging his office and for their openness in sharing their concerns relating to their community. “I am a President for all Guyana and I want to work with every community. I have asked the group to come together, representing the community, so that we can have continuous dialogue. This must not be a one-off dialogue. We have to see how we can work with the community to improve community life, community relations and to ensure that all our Guyanese brothers

and sisters, everyone, has a better standard of living, a better way of living. I am here to support that. We want to build relationships and we want to build on programmes and policies that touch the lives of all Guyanese,” President Ali said.

President Ali’s meeting with the Paradise/Belladrum community followed his visit to the relatives of slain teenagers Haresh Singh, Joel Henry and Isaiah Henry in Number Three Village and the family of Prittipaul Hargobin who was also killed during the protest action that erupted along the West Coast Berbice corridor.President Ali’s meeting with the Paradise/Belladrum community followed his visit to the relatives of slain teenagers Haresh Singh, Joel Henry and Isaiah Henry in Number Three Village and the family

of Prittipaul Hargobin who was also killed during the protest action that erupted along the West Coast Berbice corridor.

He pointed to the importance of continued dialogue to the success of any intervention within the community and encouraged those present to form working groups to ensure that more will be achieved in a structured manner. He also reminded of the measures provided in the Emergency Budget that will bring even more benefits to Guyanese families.

The residents raised concerns about the support of agricultural activities, including rice cultivation and issues of youth and community development.

President Ali said, “This approach by the Government is one that will see contin-

uous engagement, meeting with communities, listening to communities. At the end of the day, we have to build a strong country, a resilient country, a country that is unified and one that represents the interest of all Guyanese, through the implementation of policies and programmes.”

The residents also raised concerns over the inciteful

comments on social media that fosters division and which they view as “disgusting and distasteful,” and which only serve to create tension in the communities.

Ali reminded of his stance on this issue and pointed to his recent, public statement, condemning such acts.

He said, “I addressed racist statements on social media and I just

came from other communities who have the same fear. If we all have the same fear then we should all work on the same solution. That is why I said in my statement that we will address very sternly, using all the laws, those who are using social media to spread hate, those who are using social media to spread racism and those who are using social media to divide us. That is why I also said, through the international Commission of Inquiry (COI), we have to examine all these statements. It does not help you, it does not help me, it does not help the community, it does not help the country.

That is why I am out here today, to tell you that as president, I am leading a Government that wants to work with everybody.”

10

‘We will defend Guyana’s interest and what is good for our people’ – Vice President

T

he nation has been assured by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, that the Government will represent Guyana’s interests at the historic State visit by United States Secretary of State, His Excellency Michael Pompeo.

The Vice President made these statements in an interview, following questions posed by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon in the National Assembly concerning the President’s agenda for the State visit. Speaker of the House, Mr. Manzoor Nadir disallowed the line of questioning.

“We will defend Guyana’s interest and what is good for our people, Guyanese. That is what is foremost

in the minds of this Administration,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

The Vice President also rejected the Opposition Leader insinuation that the change in Government had impacted the country’s stance on the border controversy with Venezuela. “You can be assured that we will never do anything that will compromise Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – never.

We don’t trifle with our borders. That is not a political issue. We don’t compromise national interest on the border,” Dr. Jagdeo stated.

The Vice President also noted that the PPP/C, while in Opposition, had always formed a united front with the Granger-led Adminis-

tration on Guyana’s border controversy, despite the unfavourable political climate.

He also recalled that it was the former administration’s Natural Resources Minister who had said that a liberal oil deal was cemented with the US oil giant ExxonMobil in order to protect Guyana’s sovereignty.

Dr. Jagdeo further upbraided the Opposition for its antagonism towards the USA as that country supports Guyana’s position on the border controversy with Venezuela.

“This is the first time in our history that a Secretary of State from the United States of America [is visiting]. This should be celebrated by our people,” he said.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Primary health care services to be revamped - Anthony

T

he Ministry of Health is taking a new, holistic approach to delivering family health care services through the primary health care system.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said this new strategy will be catered for in the proposed $51.7 billion allocation for the health sector and is expected to inform every succeeding Budget after that.

There are seven programmes which fall within the purview of the Ministry: Policy and Administration, Disease Control, Primary Health Services (Family Health Care), Regional and Clinical Services, Health Sciences and Education, Disability and Rehabilitation Services, and Standards and Technical Services.

Singling out Family Health Care, Minister Anthony said that plans are in train to ensure that every person has access to targeted health services.

“From the time the child

is born [through] every stage of development, we want to provide adequate health tracking, provide the health services to match that age group,” Dr. Anthony said.

In keeping with these measures, specific services will be available for newborns, children – especially those under five years old, adolescents, adults and the elderly.

About children, the focus would be on the Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) which will ensure they are protected from the transmission of deadly viruses and infections including polio, measles, mumps, rubella, among others.

Nutrition for children will also be an essential focus of this new strategy, starting with the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, given its importance to a baby’s growth and development.

Meanwhile, adolescents will be educated on sexual and reproductive health, and

other key services, as they transition into adulthood.

The goal is to equip them with the knowledge to make better choices and engage in healthy practices.

“For adults, we will specifically look at men’s and women’s health. We know the health-seeking behaviour of men and women have been quite different,” Minister Anthony said, adding that these differences often result in men seeking health services when they are at an advanced stage of illness.

This leads to a high number of persons with chronic illnesses, viruses and infections which require stringent treatment or a revamped lifestyle to avoid death.

For the elderly, attention will be given to ensuring that their ‘golden years’ are enjoyed in good health, principally through proper nutrition.

Similar strategies will be taken in the other sub-programmes to safeguard the nation’s health and wellbeing.

Gov’t remains committed to retrieving sums stolen in Statement by President Dr. Irfaan Ali Ponzi scheme – Nandlall Promotion of racial hate wholly T unacceptable

A

s your President, I am unequivocally committed to governing our country and our people, regardless of political affiliation or ethnic origin and I shall do that without reservation.

It deeply grieves me, therefore, when I see almost every day on social media, the degree of race baiting, racial hate and racial hostility which pervades the social media platforms. I want you to know that it is my determination to do everything within my power and to use all the laws at my disposal, to put an end to this behaviour, which can only result in dividing our country and our people.

The use of social media for the promotion of racial hate for political purpose is wholly unacceptable to me as your President and as a person, and my government will not tolerate it.

I have spoken with my Attorney General and I have directed him to ensure that the full force of our laws is employed and is applied to those who pursue this criminal behaviour.

I remind those persons guilty of this abuse of social media that freedom of expression guaranteed by our Constitution, as a fundamental right and freedom, does not relate nor extend to hate speeches or other expressions, in whatever form, capable of exciting hostility or ill-will against any person or class of persons. I further remind that such conduct, publications and utterances constitute grievous criminal offences under the Racial Hostilities, Cybercrime and other similar penal legislation and the State will not hesitate to resort to these provisions in our laws in appropriate circumstances.

(September 11, 2020)

Two Parliamentary Secretaries appointed T he PPP/C government has moved forward with the appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries, namely, Sarah Browne and Vickash Ramkissoon.

They have been appointed in keeping with Article 186 of the Guyana Constitution which provides that Par-

liamentary Secretaries may be appointed from among persons who are qualified to be elected as members of the National Assembly. Such Secretaries are appointed by the President to assist specific subject ministers and may respond to questions and debate matters in the Assembly.

They however do not have voting rights.

Browne has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai while Ramkissoon is Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha.

he PPP/C Government is committed to recoup the money of the people defrauded in a Ponzi scheme allegedly operated by Cuban national, Mr. Yuri Garcia-Dominiguez and his Guyanese wife, Ms. Ateeka Ishmael, according to Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

A multi-sector task force comprising the Attorney General, Police and the Guyana Securities Council has been established to look into the matter.

He said, “The investigations are expanding… moving in the direction of anti-money laundering and under the agency of the restructured Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) – that component of the investigative arm of the State has been activated.”

The Attorney Genral also disclosed that investigations to date, have not revealed any clues about where the money might be hidden.

“In terms of efforts made to recover the money, all of the information provided by the arrested persons as to where the monies supposed to be has been fully investigated and it has led to nowhere.

The accounts given by the accused and the companies that were provided that were supposed to be holding this

money in various countries, upon investigations, none of these companies was found to be existing. None of the accounts was found to be existing,” the Minister explained.

Minister Nandlall said that while the administration accommodated the accused by reopening an account at a commercial bank to recover the money, none has been returned. The male accused was also given the use of a computer to make certain transactions, as requested; however, he complained that he was unable to do so due to poor internet connection.

“He was taken then to another location in Police custody where they have top-class internet facility and he was given the computer and up to now no money was received into the account. He now wants the Police to sign an agreement; however, the Police were advised to not sign any agreement yet he clamours for bail. Once bail is granted, he will skip the jurisdiction,” the Minister said.

It was noted that several investigative agencies also conducted searches to recover any assets owned by the accused to held by the State, but this proved futile. “He does not own a single piece of property [in Guyana] – not

a motor vehicle, not a movable property and certainly not an immovable property and no one can provide any sensible information as to the whereabouts of all of these monies that he amasses from the people of Guyana and people elsewhere. So it is clear, beyond a shadow of a doubt that these monies were received as part of a fraudulent criminal enterprise and they have been converted to the recipients own use and no one knows where these monies are and there are no assets that the State can hold onto,” the Attorney General said.

On August 20, owner of ACFI, Dominguez and his wife were arrested for operating an alleged Ponzi/ pyramid scheme. The ACFI was promoted as a private investor group which educates members to operate in the Stock and Foreign Exchange Markets.

It was disclosed that the PPP/C Government, while in Opposition and on assuming office, received numerous complaints from the public, concerning the operations of ACFI. To date, 17,000 citizens have come forward to say that they enrolled and invested some US$20 million in the alleged Ponzi scheme which claims it uses a foreign exchange platform to trade.

11

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Jagdeo slams Opposition claims that Budget only benefits Private Sector – says it will provide employment for Guyanese

V

ice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has slammed claims by the APNU+AFC Opposition that Budget 2020 was crafted to benefit the Private Sector, saying that it will provide employment for all Guyanese.

The Vice President, during an interview on Wednesday (September 17, 2020), described the Opposition’s contribution during the Budget 2020 debates as nothing more than a “political gaff.”

Dr. Jagdeo said the Government recognised that while the economy grew in the oil sector, every other sector plummeted and was in deficit.

The sectors that plummeted, he said, were those that generate jobs for Guyanese.

This, coupled with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, resulted in more persons losing their jobs. “So, a key part of the Budget had to be giving stimulus to those areas to ensure that we resume activities in mining, accommodations, forestry, agriculture and fishery so more of our people could be employed,” the Vice President said.

Dr. Jagdeo noted that employment was vital to a country’s stability and wellbeing.

“Saying this is a Private Sector budget without understanding why you need to stimulate the Private Sector, the sectors of our economy that create jobs, is a bit disingenuous,” he said.

The Vice President added

14 Parliament Office staffers test positive for COVID-19 S peaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir, disclosed that out of 126 tests, 14 parliamentary staff have tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This announcement was made at the start of Wednesday’s (September 17, 2020) sitting of the 12th Parliament.

According to him, Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Issacs has made arrangements for them. “The clerk has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the staff are provided with supplements and the necessary protocols. Of the 14 persons, he is making arrangements for our Parliamentary staff.”

Nadir himself tested positive for COVID-19 after he came into contact with persons who had tested positive also.

Those persons who tested positive for COVID-19 were Opposition Parliamentarians, Christopher Jones and Sherod Duncan. However, despite their status, less than

two weeks later, attended the convening of the 12th Parliament on September 1, 2020.

Jones and Duncan also interacted with a number of parliamentarians as well as ancillary staffers, including a private meeting between Opposition parties, the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs. Isaacs had disclosed that he was informed of Jones and Duncan’s diagnosis by the COVID-19 Screening Unit stationed at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre – where Parliament is being held owing to the regulations for combatting the spread of the deadly disease. Notably, Jones, despite being informed of his diagnosis prior to attending the convening of the 12th Parliament, did not adhere to the COVID-19 protocols. The protocols stipulate that once tested positive, the patient goes into quarantine for 14 days and is then retested to confirm recovery.

that measures such as the removal of corporate tax on health and education, the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on medical supplies, the $15,000 cash grant for students and doubling of the school uniform allowance will

put more money in the pockets of Guyanese.

The Budget also includes provisions for the increase in pension and free water for pensioners, and the removal of VAT on water and electricity.

“Every cent spent…benefits

all of our people regardless of where you live. We have no apology for removing taxes on machinery and equipment.

People do not eat machinery and equipment… when you brought in the bulldozer under APNU, you had to pay over

$5M in taxes now it is back to zero,” the Vice President asserted.

However, he stated that while the 2020 Budget is $329.5 billion, a large part of it has already been spent by the Coalition Government.

12

A national conversation is needed... ing to be defenders of the interest of rice farmers blocked the road with tractors and debris at Three Friends, Land of Plenty and Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters. Twenty persons were charged with riotous behavior and put before the court. Dialogue was initiated between the Ministry of Agriculture, the millers and farmers with a view to arriving at a solution favorable to the farmers.

In September, 2013, protestors blocked the roadway at Ituni and the Kwakwani waterfront with logs and coconut tree trunks, claiming the deplorable state of the roads. Fourteen persons

were arrested with unlawfully blocking the roadways. The matter was resolved following meetings held between the rice farmers, the RDC, and the Guyana Police Force.

A national conversation is needed on race, and on inter and Intra community relations.

There has been plenty of talk on race relations but listening, which should be the first, is regrettably in short supply.

The more challenging part is reconciliation at the economic, social and cultural levels.

Criminal activities and investigations into criminal activities can be marred by political influences, a permanent feature of the Guya-

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

(From page 6) nese landscape The call for a ‘coming together’ by stakeholders including the political parties does not mean their coming together organizationally, on the contrary, it simply means all sides must call for the same thing at the same time, in an atmosphere characterized by tolerance, patience, mutual respect and upholding law and order.

Inclusivity has been given life at the top, but equally important, it must go hand in hand with consultative democracy at the bottom.

We cannot continue living in a society where political leaders in the PNC continuous-

ly engage in conspiracy theories and apocalyptic warnings about race which they see in every nook and cranny and sold over a verandah in a village at West Coast Berbice.

If there is a single unifying element that is missing from the ‘One People, One Nation, One Destiny’ national motto is identity and work to reduce and gradually eliminate the circumstances that lend to the reoccurrence again and again to these cycles of racial and ethnic insecurity.

Yours truly, Clement J. Rohee

13

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Op-Ed: Caribbean Wellness Day 2020 ‒ Stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic

By Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Health

I

am delighted to join with all of us in Guyana and the rest of the region in celebrating Caribbean Wellness Day 2020 under the theme, Power Through Collective Action — Stronger Together 2020.

As I recall, the observance was mandated by the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government in 2007.

At the time, the Heads of Government issued the Port-of-Spain Declaration referred to as, “Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs),” and declared the second Saturday in September as Caribbean Wellness Day. Thereafter, since 2008, many individuals, governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as communities from all over the region, including here in Guyana, have come together on this day to strengthen the ‘all-of-society’ response to the burden of NCDs. NCDs are responsible for most of the deaths occurring in Guyana, and they are linked to sedentary lifestyles.

They are driven primarily by four major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and unhealthy diets.

NCDs pose devastating health consequences for individuals, families and communities, and the continue to severely impact the health, economy and development of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean as a whole.

This annual observance of Caribbean Wellness Day, therefore, seeks to promote healthy living through activities and programmes that

support wellness and overall healthy living.

This year, we are focusing on raising awareness about mental illness and mental health, addressing stigma and discrimination — especially toward frontline essential and/or health care workers; and promoting coping strategies aimed at reducing stress, in particular, during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has no doubt disrupted and changed our lives.

For many Guyanese, living through the pandemic has led to heightened anxiety and unease. Some are still trying to cope with the new realities of working from home, working on a temporary basis, taking of our children all day, or home schooling our young ones.

Some are still trying to come to grips with new guidelines which restrict social activities and, in some cases, have led to a lack of physical contact with family members and friends.

As a consequence of the struggles of being isolated, flattening the curve and reducing the spread of COVID-19 require sacrifices and adaptation of new strategies to stay connected with loved ones virtually.

As the number of COVID-19 cases increases, the number of healthcare providers involved in managing the crisis is increasing.

Our health care and essential workers who put their lives on the line every day to care for and treat COVID-19 patients are faced with challenges of stigma and discrimination.

Many of our health care workers have been denied

entry to public transportation and the community due to the perception that they may be infected and could transmit the virus to others.

This puts them at higher risk of developing psychological problems.

Further, the occasional absence of our doctors, nurses and other essential workers from daily operations at our medical facilities can have a shattering impact on service delivery.

Therefore, stigma and discrimination must be rooted out from our society.

Our frontline medical staff must be saluted for their hard work and dedication to the people of Guyana.

The Ministry of Health, through its Mental Health Unit, will continue to work with its partners in health to provide psychological support to those affected by the deadly COVID-19 disease.

We have begun providing guidance and advice for health care workers, people in isolation and those in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit.

Additionally, through our Public Relations/Health Promotion Unit, there will be several interventions geared at setting behavioural communication objectives and determining consistent messages, materials and activities for intended audiences across the various communication channels.

We have also written a proposal to GT&T for support with the establishment of a 24-hour national counselling helpline. The aim is to provide psychosocial support to anyone who is having a hard time coping with stress during COVID-19.

We are committed to creating an environment in which everyone has someone to turn to for psychological support. As we observe Caribbean Wellness Day, we therefore urge everyone to stay well.

We urge you to eat well,

avoid excessive use of alcohol and stay physically healthy, while ensuring that you adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines.

Check on people around you, and stay connected despite social distancing.

In the absence of being

able to see your friends and family in person, a video call could help to bridge the gap.

Let us stay stronger and healthier together at all times, and even moreso during these COVID-19 times in which we live.

14

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

COMMENTARY

Emergency budget is a step in the right direction

By Deodat Indar, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works

I

am obliged to respond to the former Minister of Finance Winston Jordan in relation to his statements in the Stabroek News of September 12th 2020 in the news item `‘Private sector’ budget has eroded revenue base, pumped up deficit – Jordan’ Mr. Jordan is the last person who should comment on this budget, as his leadership at the Ministry of Finance

wreaked havoc on the economy, and bankrupted Guyana.

His misguided philosophical approach is one which not only stifled the average consumer in Guyana but was onerous and burdensome on the private sector. No incentives were given for production and the promotion of productivity. To compensate for this, unleashed on taxpayers was a regime of abrasive and wide-reaching taxation; unprecedented in its nature in the Caribbean.

I would like to apprise the

public that out of the Budget of $329.5B the PPP/C administration met with unauthorized and illegal spending of more than half of the budget from January 1, 2020 to August 2, 2020 as there was no Parliament since December 2018. A substantial portion of this budget had to cater for ‘rollover’ projects from 2019, undertaken by the APNU+AFC caretaker government. The claim by Jordan that the PPP/C administration has to spend $329.5B within the last quarter of the year is

Budget 2020 Highlights • $52B – Education Sector

• $200M- Learning Channel • $51.7B – Health Sector • $3.2B- Emergency Supply of Drugs & Medical Equipment • $17M – Construction of Cold Storage Facility in Region 6 • $15M- Accident & Emergency Ward at GPHC

• $100M- Small Business Development Fund

• $212.2M - Small Business Bureau • $5.2B - ICT Development • $2B - NDMA for Bandwidth Expansion • $3B- University of Guyana • $2.8B- GWI

• $11B - GPHC ($2.5B- Supply of Drugs & Medical Equipment)

• $644 .2M- Sanitation Interventions

• $20M – Construction of 4-storey building for accommodation of Health Sector Staff, as well as storage of records

• 25,000 solar panels for Amerindian communities

• $38.9B – Security Sector

• $428.1M- Procurement of 50 Vehicles for Guyana Police Force

• $34.4B – Infrastructure • $2.7B – Culture, Youth and Sport • $800M – Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) • $300M - Purchase of tractors, etc. to incentivize agricultural activity in Amerindian communities • $400.6 M- Hinterland Electrification Program • $10M – National Toshaos’ Council (NTC)

• $25M – President’s Youth Advisory Council

• $200M – Continued works at Mazaruni/Georgetown/ Lusignan Prisons • $5B – GuySuCo • $112.9M- MMA/ADA • $15.8M- Acquisition of Shade House materials, etc. by NAREI

• $9B - Draining & Irrigation • $49.69B – Regional Allocations

nothing beyond soundbites.

It is important to note that in 2014, the final year of the PPP/C’s administration, tax revenue totaled $135.2B. Within a mere five years, the APNU+AFC government’s tax revenues skyrocketed by $91B or a 67 percent increase from 2014. Notably, this increase in tax revenue came directly from the pockets of the citizens of Guyana in order to fund their lavish lifestyle in office. The sum-effect of Mr. Jordan’s policies is that the citizens of Guyana were left poorer.

What they did with this money is Mr. Jordan’s legacy to answer to the Guyanese people. But to point out a few, we saw bloating of the public sector characterizing this period, driving operational costs up by astronomical levels with no corresponding increase in work output. He must also answer why he transferred lands to people whilst as a caretaker minister, why monies were spent on capital works in Guyana against the financial laws of the country and why he lied to the Guyanese population about the US$18M signing bonus.

Recently, a $300M fraud was discovered by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) around fuel supply at GUYOIL. Since GUYOIL falls under the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Jordan will have to answer for these as well.

It is my duty to ensure that the record is clear on this matter from the outset.

This Emergency Budget is a step in the right direction to rectify the wrongdoings under the Granger administration and seeks to usher in a new era of economic boom through our plan for prosperity.

MEASURES ENACTED

BY PRESIDENT ALI’S GOVERNMENT The PPP/C’s budget underpins its philosophy of a pro-poor approach to managing the economy where every measure is designed to affect the Guyanese population in a positive way.

A few of the measures in the budget can be categorized as efforts to: • Support COVID-19 Frontline Workers by setting aside

$150M for their direct benefit • Reduce the Cost of Living by the reversal of VAT on electricity and water – a hardship measure placed on the Guyanese people by Mr. Jordan’s policies which is being removed by Dr. Ali’s government.

• Increase Disposable Income by directly providing $25,000 per household through $4.5B in the Budget.

• Measures to Improve the Provision of Education and Health • Removal of 25 percent corporate tax on private education which will translate into a reduction in school fees per child • Removal of 25 percent corporate tax on healthcare. This will translate itself to a lower hospital bill.

• Removal of VAT on medical supplies. This simply means that the bill at the pharmacy is cheaper.

• Support for miners through removal of VAT on machinery and equipment. Hardship measures created by Mr. Jordan’s policies severely hampered many small-scale miners forcing them out of operation. This new measure will enable 60 percent of small-scale miners to re-enter the mining sector.

• Support for farmers through the removal of VAT on ATVs, the reversal of VAT on exports, reversal of land lease fees across all sectors which grew between 67 to 1900 percent under the APNU+AFC government, removal of VAT on fertilizers, agrochemicals, pesticides, key inputs in the poultry industry, zero-rating of the poultry industry and the affording of tax concessions on investment in agro-processing facilities, cold storage and packaging. These measures will help to drastically reduce the cost for farmers.

Support vulnerable groups has been advanced through: • Provision of $15,000 per child • Doubling of the uniform allowance • Reduction in cost of construction materials through the elimination of VAT contributing to the dream of home ownership for the average Guyanese, a reality • Reducing the cost of a mo-

bile phone which is now used by children to access their online learning platforms • Slashing of all licensing fees by half – this will assist every person who is operating a small business, shop, grocery store, transport • Increase in old age pension from $20,500 to $25,000 Measures to support our Amerindian Brothers and Sisters has been advanced through: • The implementation of a programme that will see 25,000 solar units being distributed; • $800M for the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) including the reintroduction of the Community Service Officers (CSO) programme aimed at developing young Amerindians in various villages. This will create job opportunities for approximately 2,000 youth; • $300M from the ADF for investments in productive assets including tractors, trailers and agriculture tools; • $10M for commencement of the design of the National Toshaos Council Headquarters; and, • Resumption of the Amerindian Land Titling programme.

With the approach laid out

by Dr. Ali’s administration, citizens of all walks of life can be assured that his policies and commitment will result in prosperity.

President Ali has committed to ensuring that his Plan for Prosperity, despite the challenges, will ensure that standard of living for every citizen is lifted.

Guyanese can look forward to an inclusionary and participatory agenda in the medium-term, leaving behind the dark days of Mr. Jordan and the APNU+AFC’s oppressive economic policies.

15

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget speech by the Hon. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P. Contineued from last week edition iv. Procurement Mr. Speaker, this Administration is decidedly pro-Guyana, pro-private sector. We have committed to reducing bureaucracy and the complexity of doing business, including with Government. Our private sector should be able to engage with public procurement in a transparent, systematic and efficient manner. We intend to make the procurement system more responsive, hold programme managers more accountable. Further, we are committed to reviewing and strengthening, where necessary, recommendations for the modernisation of our public procurement architecture, which would set the stage for the long-delayed introduction of electronic government procurement. v. Results-Based Budgeting Mr. Speaker, our Government is committed to assuring the public that every taxpayer dollar is well spent. This means that all public expenditures must be results-oriented. For example, we don’t build a road for the sake of just having a road. Rather, we build a road because it may, for example, open up 10,000 acres of farmland, create 1,000 jobs and generate economic activity of a certain value. We need to ensure we scrutinise our programmes and projects effectively to ensure we eliminate wastage and derive the best possible value for money for our people. This is what will improve livelihoods and propel us into the future. To improve these capacities, we will ensure that the Budgeting for Results platform completes its pilot phase so that we may determine the viability of a wider roll out and integration with the national budget process. vi. Accounting and Treasury Management Mr. Speaker, the state of the Treasury we have inherited is admittedly questionable.

The level of internal controls is insufficient and does not allow for the most effective management of public funds.

The attempted implementation of an Integrated Financial Management and Information System (IFMIS) has resulted in a platform that is not intuitive, burdensome and counterproductive to the efforts of our hard-working public servants, and a strain on our slim bureaucracy. Testing of the National Payment System advanced and it is anticipated that an expanded set of payments for government services will be transmitted via this

system before the end 2020. A key priority remains the review of the IFMIS with a view to determining the best way to improve treasury management. vii. Data Systems Strengthening Mr. Speaker, this Administration recognises the importance of data for effective decision-making. We remain committed to pursuing the timely and accurate collection of data to inform policies. In this 21st century we must utilise all available technologies to ensure that we are able to respond efficiently to the needs of our people. To this end, we intend to analyse and assess the draft National Strategy for the Development of Statistics to ensure that it is configured in the most efficient way to deliver benefits to the people. We will also move to accelerate the completion of the Household Budget Survey for which field work ended in 2019, to ensure that important analyses of this data, including a poverty study, as well as the rebasing of the GDP and Consumer Price Index (CPI), are completed in a timely manner. e. Financial Sector Reform Mr. Speaker, the high levels of non-performing loans, and exposure to speculative graded foreign securities (bonds) concentrated in the Caribbean region remain the most significant risks to financial institutions’ soundness. Additionally, preliminary stress testing done to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the banking sector revealed a still resilient sector. The industry resilience is expected to remain largely unchanged during the latter half of 2020. The Bank of Guyana continues to improve on its efforts to ensure its stress testing models remain relevant and accurate to the evolving financial system. Further, several recommendations from the Financial Sector Assessment Program were incorporated into the strategic activities of the Bank. Recommendations in the areas of financial stability, amendments to current legislations and issuance of new legislations were addressed.

The Bank continues to work towards implementation of the remaining recommendations as outlined in its five-year strategic plan for 2018 to 2022 which will strengthen the Bank of Guyana as a modern regulator within the context of the evolving global and domestic dynamics. f. Justice Sector Reform and Strengthening Mr. Speaker, from all indications, the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Legal Affairs were demon-

strably dormant for five years.

Apart from a few Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) Bills, which were hastily enacted in late 2015 and early 2016, there were no major legislation passed. Even these AML/CFT Bills were drafted during the PPP/C Administration, which the APNU-AFC used their one seat majority to vote down during the 10th Parliament of Guyana.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs began to administer an US$8 million Inter-American Development Bank funded support programme for the Criminal Justice System in 2017; this programme was treated like the best kept secret.

This programme appears to have been deeply shrouded in secrecy as neither the Opposition in the Parliament, important stakeholders in society, nor the ordinary Guyanese knew what it was until this Administration made components of the programme public. A staggering US$2 million was spent on this programme, largely for the payment of expenditures, including salaries and wages, and rental and costs associated with accommodation.

Mr. Speaker, a Bill came to this House, in 2017, to establish a Law Reform Commission, under this project. Three years hence, not a single Commissioner was appointed but the payment of staff and rental for this phantom Commission total tens of millions of dollars.

Aspects of this project are under review by our Administration, and adjustments are likely to be made for the project to now be fully implemented.

One area in which there was great activity at the Attorney General’s Chambers was the hiring of Special Prosecutors and retaining lawyers, both locally and across the Caribbean, to represent the Government, as well as private individuals in a series of political litigations, all of which were completely without merit and all of which were eventually lost. This abuse of power costed taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Another agency that had a parasitic effect on the Treasury was the State Assets Recovery Agency. It has not recovered a single piece of state asset.

It is illegally constituted, and all it has done since its existence was to file a few cases in respect of plots of land sold by the PPP/C Administration at market value. It also filed proceedings against a leading commercial bank for a plot of land purchased from the State over a decade ago. In one ruling, the High Court has made

it clear that all the proceedings filed are defective. Hundreds of millions of dollars was expended on this entity every year.

With renewed visionary leadership, we have already reoriented ourselves on a new course and have a packed legislative agenda, which will begin to unfold just after the passage of this Budget. Many new initiatives will be implemented in collaboration with the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, which will be modernised, resulting in greater efficiency. We will explore collaboration with the Judiciary on measures to be adopted to produce greater speed in the delivery of justice. This will include the constitutional process for the appointment of additional Judges under a new Judicial Service Commission.

Guyana’s AML/CFT structure will remain under constant review, with focus directed to the area of enforcement. In this regard, the Special Organised Crime Unit will be transformed from a politically witch-hunting unit, to the enforcement arm of the AML/CFT structure, as originally envisaged.

SUPPORTING PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT The PPP/C Administration will relentlessly pursue creating and maintaining a friendly environment for business to be established and to grow.

To this end, we will support initiatives to ensure cheaper, reliable and stable power supply. We believe that the private sector is an important player as we move to new levels of development and transformation.

As such, we will provide the necessary tax and other incentives to attract multiple new investments. High on the agenda would be the establishment of industrial parks or estates for manufacturing, both in the coastal and hinterland regions.

Mr. Speaker, we must improve the ease of doing business in Guyana if we wish to attract the type of investments that will bring sustainable benefits to our people. Not enough has been done by the previous Administration to remove the several hurdles that deter businesses from investing in Guyana. This is reflected in the Ease of Doing Business index for 2020, in which Guyana was ranked 134th of 190 countries.

We will focus on improving areas in which we were worst performing, such as dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, resolving insolvency, and trading across borders.

a. Small Business Support Mr. Speaker, Government has allocated $100 million for the Small Business Development Fund which will be used to provide loans and grants to prospective small business owners. We believe that it is long overdue to examine the feasibility of expanding the grant programme to a level above the current $200,000 ceiling. A further $212.1 million has been allocated to the Small Business Bureau, which includes provision to equip and operationalise the business incubators at Lethem and Belvedere. Government will be examining the possibility of the creation of a national entrepreneurship and innovation body to stimulate business development. Additionally, we have allocated $105 million to the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development programme, which is being redesigned to ensure that the intended outcomes of small and micro business development and livelihood improvements are being demonstrably achieved.

Already, Mr. Speaker, this Administration has announced a suite of measures that will benefit not just households but also small businesses. We have reversed the VAT on electricity, water, machinery and equipment, exports, and materials for the construction sector, among others. These measures will surely improve the viability of small business start-ups and the sustainability of existing businesses. b. Investment Promotion Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, the first half of 2020 saw a decline in investment interest.

With a total projected value of facilitated investment of $29 billion and 1,115 projected jobs created, but only a total of five investment agreements were executed during the reporting period, valued at $12.3 billion, with an aggregate of 183 jobs proposed to be created when the projects are fully operational. This decline is a direct result of investor uncertainty pre- and post-elections, combined with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Speaker, the subsequent worldwide travel bans severely affected investors’ access to Guyana. This resulted in a drastic reduction in the number of meetings and promotional activities facilitated by the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).

Additionally, the available investment capital was redirected, as many businesses were forced to suspend operations, or operate within the confines of curfew, and with reduced

staff complements in order to comply with emergency public health measures implemented to minimise the impact of COVID-19.

4.40 However, with the support of a development partner, recommendations for the re-organisation of GO-Invest are being developed, in order to make the Agency more efficient and effective in investment promotion while at the same time implementing new policies and initiatives to drive international exports.

TRANSFORMATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE a. Energy Expansion and Diversification The inability of the APNU-AFC to develop baseload capacity to ensure a reliable energy supply has not escaped the incoming Administration.

The constant blackouts and irregular power supply must be immediately tackled as energy is key for economic growth and for an improved quality of life for all Guyanese. The PPP/C Administration is committed to providing affordable, stable and reliable energy to benefit both households and businesses through an energy mix that includes hydropower, solar and wind.

To this end, the Government has gone out for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to engage local suppliers to fulfil the immediate term demand.

In the medium-to-long term, we are pursuing a path that will allow for the completion of the Amaila Falls Hydro Project and investigating and exploring all possibilities for the use of the natural gas to ensure cheaper, reliable electricity.

We will also continue the pursuit of mini-hydro grid-tied systems in Bartica and Lethem as part of our energy diversification initiatives. Additionally, solar and wind systems for offgrid areas are being addressed.

The expansion of the Hinterland Electrification Programme remains a top priority. Some 25,000 households in Amerindian, hinterland, and deep riverain communities can expect an upgrade and replacement of their solar panels. Additionally, $400.6 million has been allocated for expanded electrification of our Amerindian and hinterland communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is envisaged that our programme, defined by an energy mix that includes hydropower, solar and wind will lead to more than 400 megawatts of newly installed capacity for residential and commercial-industrial users.

(Turn to page 16)

16

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget speech by the Hon. Minister of... b. Transport Networks Mr. Speaker, when we were last in Government 5 years ago, the PPP/C commenced numerous transformational projects, much of which the previous Administration were mere custodians to ensure that they were implemented expeditiously, efficiently and within their budgeted amounts.

The sad tale is that due to their ineptitude we are now saddled with the responsibility to ensure that these projects are completed with utmost speed and diligence. For the infrastructure sector, Government has budgeted $34.4 billion. i. Air Transport Mr. Speaker, we speak to projects like the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) – a project that the APNU-AFC Government restructured to deliver a half-baked, partially rehabilitated facility rather than a brand-new airport, for which the PPP/C, while in Government, negotiated and contracted. This facility would have been able to land A380 Airbuses and would have had 8 boarding bridges as well as new arrival and departure terminals. After 5 years of thumb-twiddling by the APNU-AFC outfit, we have had the occasion to read the riot act to the contractors to complete the substantially reduced-scoped project, and to make provision in this year’s budget to finance several critical interventions necessary to make the Airport functional. ii. Roads and Bridges Mr. Speaker, we speak to the East Coast Demerara Highway for which the APNU-AFC Government hastened to cut the ribbon, as a political gimmick, despite works that are yet to be completed. We in the PPP/C will complete this project and have already actively moved to utilise unspent balances to replace all the acro-panel bridges between Sheriff Street and the Hope Canal. This will pave the way for the complete resurfacing of the East Coast Railway Embankment road from Sheriff Street to Enmore, and the construction of a new paved road from Golden Grove to the Hope Canal, thus providing six lanes available for commuters on this corridor.

Mr. Speaker, we speak to the first leg of the Linden to Lethem road for which the APNU-AFC outfit have only managed to conduct the designs, at a budget that surpassed the available funding, and were stuck in indecisiveness on how to proceed. We have, since taking office, commenced the remodelling of the project to a manageable level, whereby the highway can be completed from Linden to Mabura Hill within the resource availability of US$150 million.

Mr. Speaker, we speak of the Ogle to Diamond by-pass road which was designed by the APNU-AFC Government to cost US$208 million when we had previously secured from the Indian Government a signed line of credit for US$50 million. Again, they were stuck in indecision and confusion.

Mere days in office and we have already secured an agreement to re-scope the project into phases, whereby the first phase can proceed from Ogle to Haags Bosch, including the connector at Haags Bosch to link with the East Bank Highway at Eccles. This will be done within the current line of credit of US$50 million, while at the same time, we are exploring opportunities to secure financing for the remainder of the road.

Mr. Speaker, we speak of the lamentable and pedantic efforts by the past regime to conclude any arrangement for the construction of the new Demerara River crossing. This Honourable House will recall the impropriety surrounding the conduct of the feasibility study for the bridge and the feeble effort to launch an expression of interest (EOI), which was a phenomenal adventure in incompetence.

Within the last few weeks we have re-kindled huge interest in this project. Work is currently being done to put us on a path to facilitate the launching of an expression of interest (EOI) for the design, construction and financing options for a four-lane high-span bridge. iii. River Transport Mr. Speaker, we speak to the inability of the previous regime to unlock bi-lateral processes to allow for the award of the construction of an ocean-going ferry, which would benefit from an Indian Government grant of US$8 million, and a low-cost interest loan of US$10 million. Since assuming office, we have secured an amicable settlement of the award dispute and have approached the Indian Government to mediate a mutually agreeable settlement so that this project can proceed. c. Information and Communications Technology Mr. Speaker, ICT is utilised as a catalyst for development in education, health, industry and agriculture the world over. ICT grants us the opportunity to reduce transaction costs, improve effectiveness and efficiency, as well as enhance overall productivity.

Our Government’s goal is to ensure that the benefits of enhanced ICT infrastructure reaches every Guyanese in every community, and we will pursue this in partnership with the private sector, as no Guyanese should be left behind.

This year, Government has

budgeted for $5.2 billion for ICT development.

Government will liberalise the telecommunications sector and increase access to cheap data and bandwidth to ensure improved access to the internet, increased ICT literacy, and expanded e-Government.

Schools will be outfitted with adequate equipment and software, and curricula will be reformed so that ICT proficiencies can be developed nationwide.

This Government will continue to provide internet access through the e-Government network to ensure government ministries and agencies, schools and other educational institutions are connected, and will also continue to invest in ICT hotspots and hubs, particularly in our hinterland communities. To this end, the National Data Management Authority will receive an increased subvention of $2 billion to ensure the bandwidth expansion and continued connectivity.

The pandemic has affected educational systems across the globe and has led to the closure of educational institutions at all levels, making way for the development of a series of solutions for the effective delivery of academic resources to students. In response to the closure of schools, past papers, electronic workbooks and other reference materials were made available online.

The online availability of resources was supplemented by programmes in the electronic media including Broadcast to Schools on the radio and the Learning Channel on television. Mr. Speaker, an additional $200 million will be invested to expand the Learning Channel to ensure our children continue to have access to academic resources as we prepare for the safe reopening of schools.

Mr. Speaker, Government views ICT as an enabler for job creation and development and will continue to support the sector with capital inputs for its infrastructure and, through policy initiatives, will ensure structured training and increased employment opportunities for all. To realise this, in 2020, Government has allocated $65.6 million for the completion of a call centre in Linden, which will then be operated by a private company, generating more than 200 jobs for our people.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Mr. Speaker, the tourism sector continues to be one of the hardest-hit by the outbreak of COVID-19. By April 2020, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) reported that the sector lost an estimated 46 percent

of their total revenue over a six-month period in contrast to the revenue earned for the same period in 2019. In terms of employment, an estimated 30 percent of those employed in our tourism sector have lost their jobs, and an additional 36 percent had been furloughed or placed on unpaid leave.

Mr. Speaker, through resiliency planning and increased marketing, GTA continues to promote nature, adventure and eco-tourism both locally and internationally. With Government’s support measures, such as reversal of VAT on hinterland travel and special incentives for new hotels and businesses, the sector will rebound stronger than ever to make Guyana a top sustainable tourism destination, in keeping with our manifesto promise.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Guyana will implement polices to strengthen and grow the workforce in this sector to cater to the influx of visitors expected as a result of the focused marketing as well as emergence of the oil and gas sector, by completing the Hospitality Training Institute. This will offer world class capacity building opportunities for our citizens who will, in return, deliver the quality of service required to build a successful tourism and hospitality industry. As the industry rebounds from COVID-19 and the demand for travel returns, the Government of Guyana will focus on attracting large scale tourism investments, such as world class hotels, to further expand job opportunities.

INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE a. Health Mr. Speaker, the PPP/C Government inherited a Ministry of Health that was in an unhealthy state. The last government has neglected some of the most basic public health programmes. This includes the immunisation programme, the HIV/AIDS programme, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) programmes and mental health. Many hospitals, health centres and health posts across the country are in a state of disrepair, and lack the most basic of equipment.

In addition, there is an acute shortage of drugs and medical supplies across every region.

These chronic shortages, compounded with the mismanagement of the health care system, has compromised the care for thousands of Guyanese.

As an immediate measure, this Budget will provide for the purchase of adequate drugs and medical supplies, buy tests kits and anti-retrovirals for HIV patients, start fixing the diagnostic imaging capacity of many of the hospitals, fix many of the infrastructural

defects at facilities across the country, and work quickly to improve the quality of health care provided to citizens. To this end, Government has allocated $51.7 billion or 15.7 percent of the total Budget for the health sector for 2020. Of this amount, $14.3 billion is budgeted for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies.

Corrective action to facilitate the procurement of emergency supplies of drugs and medical supplies, to the tune of $3.2 billion, is underway, and a full review of quantification and procurement practices is being currently undertaken, as there is a lack of evidence of any purchased drugs and medical supplies since 2017.

As we fix these immediate needs, the Government has already started to look at medium- and long-term projects in the health sector.

These include completing the SMART Hospital initiatives at Diamond, Paramakatoi, Mabaruma, Leonora and Lethem.

Funding has been allocated for the redevelopment of the West Demerara, Suddie and Bartica Hospitals. Preliminary discussions are being undertaken to operationalise a national electronic patient information system. In addition, Government has received several enquiries from local and international organisations to develop speciality care facilities in Guyana and is also considering the establishment of a medical research institute as we work to modernize the delivery of health care in Guyana.

Mr. Speaker, the state of affairs with regards to NCDs is concerning because of the pandemic. In addition to the shortage of essential drugs, much of the staff from the NCDs Unit have been reassigned to COVID-19 response and scheduled training have been deferred. As such, as of June 30th only 12 of the 50 planned workplace outreaches for 2020 were undertaken. Additionally, data collection for NCDs reporting has also been challenged due to the emergency public health measures restricting movement. We have to resume the planning of progressive health policy measures to contain the onset of NCDs through risk factor reduction.

The pandemic has also challenged the National AIDS Programme, which only achieved testing for 6,659 persons for January to June, of an annual target of 70,000.

To make matters worse, the country suffered from a stock out of the HIV Determine rapid test kits. As such, the National Public Health Reference Laboratory restricted HIV testing to critical or emergency cases and priority target groups. Government has budgeted $143.3

(From page 15)

million for HIV-related drugs and medical supplies while we also seek Global Fund support to significantly bolster national testing capacities.

Mr. Speaker, in the area of malaria control, we are preparing to undertake another cycle of distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets with procurement slated to commence this year. The malaria programme for this year, however, has also faced with the challenge of reduced capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions. As such, timely data gathering and reporting, has adversely affected the performance of this programme. The former has suffered from a reduced reporting rate of only 23 percent for January to mid-June.

We have requested assistance for support in procuring rapid test kits for expanded testing.

With regard to our immunisation programme, it must be noted that with the onset of the pandemic, it was almost inevitable that we would face challenges, as persons reduced their out-of-the-house activities. As such, we will be working to launch outreach and house-to-house immunisation activities to ensure our vaccination coverage does not significantly decline. We have also budgeted $17 million to commence the construction of a cold storage bond in Region 6 to ensure that we are able to maintain a sufficient supply of vaccines in-country.

Another programme that will focus on outreaches, in light of COVID-19, will be the Family and Primary Health Care Programme. The Programme has prioritised the conduct of mobile family planning and obstetrics outreaches for 2020. Both are critical, as unplanned pregnancies are expected to increase, given the restrictions to movement due to COVID-19. Expectant mothers are also likely to not make regular clinic visits. Additionally, the Guyana Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC) maternity block has been configured to accommodate suspected COVID-19 pregnancies.

Mr. Speaker, the situation at GPHC requires aggressive attention. Our only national referral hospital has been suffering from issues of overcrowding and insufficient infection prevention and control standards for quite some time.

Government has budgeted $15 million to continue the extension of the accident and emergency and medical outpatient departments. Additionally, we have budgeted another $20 million to commence the design of a four-storey building to relocate the pharmacy and medical records services, and to create on-call accommo(Turn to page 17)

17

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget speech by the Hon. Minister of... dation for our hard-working medical personnel. Overall, we have budgeted $11 billion for GPHC, for 2020, which includes $2.5 billion for drugs and medical supplies. The overall budgeted amount represents $1.4 billion more than was expended for the GPHC in 2019. i. Public Health Response to COVID-19 On March 11th 2020, the World Health Organisation declared the disease COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS COV 2, to be a pandemic. On the same day, incidentally, Guyana recorded its first case, which was imported into the country. The APNU-AFC’s uncoordinated response was lacklustre, which resulted in a limited capacity to test, isolate and contact trace persons who were affected by the disease. That resulted in many persons who had the mild and asymptomatic versions to go undetected. There was also an inadequate supply of personnel protective equipment (PPE) for frontline health workers, and the hospitals did not have the appropriate equipment, drugs and medical supplies to provide the quality of care.

Upon assumption of office, the PPP/C immediately changed the dynamics of the response by establishing a COVID-19 Policy Committee, consisting of Government, the private sector, the Pan American Health Organisation, UN and CARICOM. This body has been offering policy guidance to the entire response. The new response changed focus to foundational public health, societal compliance, developing health system capacity, safeguarding industry, protection of the vulnerable and managing the economic health of the country. Using these measures, we are confident that we will find the right balance between keeping the public safe and keeping our economy healthy. Throughout this Budget, adequate allowances have been made to ensure that each sector mitigates the impact of COVID-19.

Mr. Speaker, the touted hospital for infectious diseases at Liliendaal was examined by this new Administration and was found to be a shell – beautifully painted but lacking in facilities that could be used as a response to COVID-19.

A series of problems exist at the facility, including some as basic as sewerage, water supply and electricity. We are trying to have the deficiencies corrected so that construction could be quickly concluded, to an appropriate standard, whilst equipping the facility.

Our intention is to staff and commission the facility by the end of the month. However,

given the poor planning that went into the conceptualisation of this facility, we are forced to budget a further $790 million in addition to the $1.6 billion already sunk, to operationalise the infectious disease hospital.

The redeeming feature will be that the facility would be able to cater for 200 patients.

The GPHC is still the institution that is providing essential care for patients affected by this pandemic. As it stands today, our capacity at GPHC has been overwhelmed, and work is still to be done, which will require significant funds to fully operationalise this facility. At present, the new hospital is being used for isolation of non-critical patients since there are no adequate facilities for an Intensive Care Unit or High Dependency Unit.

Mr. Speaker, the public health sector has, however, managed to provide some psychosocial services to COVID-19 patients, which to date has reached 670 COVID-19 patients and quarantined individuals, of which 490 were Guyanese. This support included talk therapy, coaching in coping strategies, assessing pre-existing mental health conditions and stress education. We have also run a public education and awareness campaign on the radio entitled “It’s okay to not be okay”, which includes coping with COVID-19 and wider mental health subject areas.

Mr. Speaker, we plan to increase the health authorities’ capacity for surveillance, the importance of which cannot be stressed enough. Effective and sufficiently expansive surveillance, including contact tracing, is the absolutely required foundation on which pandemic control can be achieved. Without this, we would be testing ‘in the dark’. Strong surveillance, coupled with efficient testing and subsequent coordinated and effective response, must be the pillars upon which we will control the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, we have reached out to and will be partnering with the University of Guyana to bolster surveillance staffing capacity. Until the transmission of COVID-19 is contained, Government would be hard pressed to lift all of the emergency public health measures in place, lest lives of all Guyanese are put at risk.

Mr. Speaker, last on the subject of COVID-19, in order to protect the public service and ensure that public services are able to continue uninterrupted, Government has also budgeted $1.8 billion for the procurement of PPE for central government workers. b. Education Mr. Speaker, while Guyana has begun to yield the benefit of its new resource,

we remain resolute that the greatest resource that this great nation possesses is our human resource. As such, the Government understands the role of the public education sector in the development of Guyana and has budgeted $52 billion or 15.8 percent of the total Budget for it. Of this amount, over $1.7 billion is allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of schools across the country.

Mr. Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in the world and in our own country. An estimated 1.6 billion learners worldwide have been affected according to the UN statistics. It has forced the closure of schools country-wide and curriculum learning has been suspended. The safety of our people is paramount and, as such, we will not be reopening schools in a traditional sense.

However, we will deliver education safely and effectively using innovative methods, assessing the specific needs of students by levels, grades, regions and situations.

Throughout the levels, grades and regions Government has embarked on instruction in different ways to deliver to our learners. The nursery students will be given individual home-based packages containing print material, manipulatives and other appropriate resources. The primary and secondary students will each receive work books and the core text books in math, English, social studies and science which they will use during this time and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, this will be accompanied by content and instruction on the Learning Channel that has already begun broadcasting in a timetabled structured format that caters for each grade from nursery to grade 9. We acknowledge that the Channel in its current composition fails to meet our needs across the country.

Therefore, we will expand and upgrade so that 6 channels can run concurrently. This upgrade will also permit for hinterland communities that are currently unserved to be catered for. In conjunction with this channel, we have provided funds in this Budget to establish a radio station which will be dedicated to delivering education. Over $300 million is allocated to these blended learning options.

Mr. Speaker, as stated earlier, the safety and well-being of our people is paramount.

With this in mind, and in anticipation of an eventual school reopening, provisions have been made for schools to be retrofitted with the necessary infrastructure to exist in a COVID-19 world. Sinks with running water, proper ventilation, working toilets, the de-

livery of masks to our teachers, students and ancillary staff and adequate signage to promote safe behaviour in all learning institutions and in all schools are catered for in this Budget.

Mr. Speaker, provision is made in this Budget also for the Cyril Potter College of Education to facilitate learning continuity in hinterland centres of teacher education and to facilitate the virtual teacher education programme. The Ministry of Education also launched, recently, a mass teacher training exercise which will see all teachers across the country being trained in the delivery of education using ICT effectively. Additionally, a collaboration with the Commonwealth of Learning and Coursera has seen more than 16,000 Guyanese to date being registered for online courses.

The University of Guyana has moved its instruction online and will be using this time to do much needed renovations. Lecturers have begun to teach using various means of ICT, but many have had to improvise learning as they went along. To support our tertiary institution, Government has allocated $3 billion to the University of Guyana.

Of this amount, $221.3 million is allocated to complete and advance several roll-over projects across both campuses including the new sewer system, the human resources and bursary building, the pump house, teaching learning centre and electrical upgrade projects. c. Housing Mr. Speaker, the vibrancy and vitality of the housing sector will be restored. The comatose state of the housing sector during the last five years has served as a disincentive to young professionals, Guyanese families and all seeking home ownership. The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), rather than being a catalyst of development, was made to be almost paralysed due to poor policy directions.

The musical chairs of Ministers did not help the situation.

This new Government has a progressive and expansive agenda for housing. We intend to provide at least 50,000 house lots to Guyanese during this term in office. Further, those who are already beneficiaries of our pre-2015 housing initiatives will see improved services in the various communities. Young professionals, individuals with an immediate need and persons with adequate disposable income will be facilitated to commence construction. Private developers are also included as part of the comprehensive housing strategy.

Mr. Speaker, Government has allocated over $3 billion to begin implementation of its vi-

sion for housing development.

This allocation will be utilised for various activities including infrastructural development in existing housing schemes, land preparation for new housing schemes and land acquisition.

To this end, the capacity for delivery of the aforementioned will be enhanced as well as the CHPA’s enforcement arm, in order to address the issue of squatting, while providing a more robust and fair system of land acquisition. d. Water and Sanitation Mr. Speaker, Budget 2020 provides for sustaining and improving access to potable water across coastal, urban, and hinterland communities, continuing the reduction of the non-revenue water programme and increasing the access to treated water in more areas.

To this end, Government has budgeted $2.8 billion to support the operations of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

Government is undertaking a number of water supply improvement projects in coastland and hinterland regions.

These will be done in areas including Mabaruma, Barbina, Wainina, Shulinab, Shea, Cheong Mouth and Bartica.

The GWI is also in the process of enhancing its capacity to drill new wells as well as maintain existing wells by acquiring 2 new rigs. We will also continue the pipe replacements in Georgetown to improve pressure in the system, prioritising Vlissingen Road to Cummings Street for the rest of this year.

Mr. Speaker, we will commence a study for the provision of potable water from the Hope Canal, and design of water treatment systems for the hinterland towns of Mabaruma and Mahdia, the islands of Leguan and Wakenaam and coastal areas of Walton Hall to Charity – Region 2, Bush lot – Region 5 and Tain to No. 50 Village – Region 6. This study will be paramount in helping to shape the water sector programme, going forward. We will also work with all stakeholders to ensure proper wastewater management as well as to ensure water rates remain affordable. An integrated water resource and management framework is being developed to ensure the rationalisation of our water resources.

Further Mr. Speaker, the PPP/C Government will be pursuing an aggressive Integrated Sustainable Waste Management (ISWM) programme.

Our goal is to cater for the health of our citizens, our animals, and our environment.

We will undertake improving infrastructure for sanitary landfill sites, encouraging recycling and composting, and spreading awareness to the public on the ISWM best practices and principles. An overall sum

(From page 16)

of $644.2 million has been allocated for sanitation interventions in 2020. e. Amerindian and Hinterland Development Mr. Speaker, our first peoples in Guyana, for the last 5 years, were told of lofty promises and sold candy dreams but with no delivery. More jobs, improved healthcare, more access to education and acceleration of the land titling programme were among them.

The reality is, from 20152020 there was the dismantling of the Community Service Officers (CSOs) programme putting almost 2,000 young Amerindians out of work, the stymieing of the Amerindian Land Titling Unit and the removal of resources previously earmarked for the development of their communities, such as for 6,000 household solar panel systems.

In light of the lacklustre performance, and the debilitating far-reaching effects of COVID-19, Budget 2020 brings special meaning to our Amerindian brothers and sisters. In this Budget, we will facilitate support for our indigenous people in the areas of food security, youth development, student welfare, women initiatives, agriculture, eco-tourism and grant monies to fund social and productive micro projects.

Mr. Speaker, Government is committed to the prosperity of our indigenous peoples, and will redouble efforts for their economic and social development. To this end, $800 million has been allocated to the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF). The ADF will be providing $300 million for the purchase of tractors and accessories to incentivise agricultural economic activity within indigenous communities.

Economic projects to generate income and stimulate growth will also be undertaken in the areas of farming of non-traditional crops, agro-processing, poultry rearing, and livestock rearing, among others. Further, to support the effective governance function of the National Toshao’s Council and as a key gesture of respect for our indigenous peoples, we have committed to commencing the design of a new head office for the Council, with and initial allocation of $10 million.

This Government will also recommence support for women in entrepreneurial initiatives in an attempt to increase self-sufficiency and bolster economic independence, and expand their ability to support their families. These initiatives will include sewing, tourism projects and other projects to be managed by women. The students of the hinterland will also continue to be provided (Turn to page 18)

18

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget speech by the Hon. Minister of... with school uniform assistance.

Mr. Speaker, the ICT hub programme will also be re-introduced to 26 Amerindian communities which will prepare and equip them accordingly with the required equipment to allow these villages to be connected for leisure, learning and work. To support to the modernisation and equipping of our indigenous communities with appropriate amenities, Government has also committed to the provision of 25,000 household solar photovoltaic units. This particular energy intervention will be rolled out in the phased manner.

Mr. Speaker, aside from the stimulus provided by the ADF, Government has also allocated over $800 million for the Hinterland Roads Programme which will address construction and rehabilitation of roads across Regions 1, 7, 8, 9 and 10. To complement these construction works, we have removed VAT on travel to the hinterland. These initiatives will serve to stimulate economic activity, incentivising our own Guyanese to explore our beautiful country beyond just the coastland, for both business and leisure.

Additionally, we will be resuming the Amerindian Land Titling programme with vigour to ensure the rights of our indigenous peoples are, once again, protected. I should note, as well, Mr. Speaker, that Amerindian communities will also be benefiting from the COVID-19 cash assistance announced by this Government – about 19,000 Amerindian households are expected to benefit from the $25,000 cash transfer, with an allocation of about $475 million. f. Social Protection and Vulnerable Groups Mr. Speaker, this PPP/C Administration is committed to the welfare and wellbeing of all Guyanese. We will continue to deliver key services to the most vulnerable groups, including women and children, disadvantaged families, the elderly, the differently-abled and those who are at risk of being trafficked.

We have found that over the last five years, human services were badly managed and poorly executed because of the improper hiring practices of the last Government.

There was a common theme of unaccountability in the implementation of programmes that were supposed to target women, youth, migrant families, juveniles and other sections of society. On the legislative aspect, there was an incessant neglect of policies and recommendations that would have addressed issues such as sexual offences, trafficking in persons and domestic violence.

Mr. Speaker, as part of our commitment, we will continue to partner with all stakeholders in Guyana to assist in the delivery of hampers and other forms of assistance to our underprivileged and vulnerable groups, included as part of our COVID-19 relief measures. A focused programme to address the issue of homelessness and indigence is anticipated to be operationalised in the last quarter of 2020. i. Senior Citizens Mr. Speaker, we realise that, our respected elders are at greater risk because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to strengthening the medical capacities at the Palms Geriatric Home, which, earlier this year, was the site of 10 COVID-19 cases. Additionally, to reduce the risk of exposure of COVID-19, we will improve the services delivery to our pensioners, reducing long lines at the post office, by endeavouring to utilise alternate modes and venues for payment. Further, we are also pleased to declare, once again, that this Government will be reinstating the water subsidy for pensioners from October 1st, and, from January 1st, 2021, an increase in the Old Age Pension to $25,000. ii. Youth and Children Mr. Speaker, between 2015 and 2020, the involvement of youth in policy making was non-existent at the Cabinet, Parliamentary and Local Government levels.

However, it is clear, by the very composition of the Parliamentary members on this side, that youths are being engaged, and will continually be engaged in the policy making of our country. Additionally, His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, has already announced that a Youth Advisory Council will be established, reflecting our country’s diversity, for which $25 million has been allocated to support its effective functioning.

We will also expand the engagement of youth and sports groups to improve their organisational capacity, and work in collaboration with other Government agencies and the private sector to pursue opportunities for our young people. We will address the issues of youth violence and gangs, and the debilitating effects that such behaviour has on families and on society. This Government will also ensure that training and employment opportunities are expanded through programmes run by the Board of Industrial Training, the various entrepreneurship programmes and our educational institutions, including scholarships.

We would like to remind this Honourable House as well, Mr. Speaker, our housing pro-

gramme will also permit for the allocation of house lots to persons from the age of 21. iii. Victims of Domestic Violence Mr. Speaker, domestic violence continues to be a plague that afflicts our citizens, particularly women and youth. Government will continue to support programmes to enhance the physical infrastructure at police stations to accommodate the privacy that is required when dealing with domestic violence and other sensitive issues. We will also be enhancing the capacity of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to better deal with these issues. However, we recognise that this scourge is something that cannot be tackled by Government alone; so we continue to encourage civil society organisations to partner with government, and Budget 2020 has recorded increased allocations to several such organisations to help strengthen their ability to respond to this uncivilized, inhuman behaviour for which there should be zero tolerance.

Further, Mr. Speaker, with the support of our international development partners, Government will be accelerating the Spotlight Initiative, which had seen little traction by the previous Administration. This Initiative, designed to address violence against women and girls, will commence, in earnest, in the last quarter of 2020, and has a financial envelope valued at €4.5 million. iv. Persons with Disabilities Mr. Speaker, our Government is dismayed at the level of infancy that still exists in this country with regards to caring for persons with disabilities. Each and every one of us, regardless of our capacity, deserves the opportunity to enjoy a decent quality of life.

Mr. Speaker, issues of disabilities are wide ranging in our country, and many of our challenges are associated with the inability to diagnose at early stages, and to support those who are determined to be differently-abled. Government will continue to work at an interagency level, and with stakeholder organisations to ensure opportunities for training, employment, and effective diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitative support and services are expanded across all 10 regions of our country.

In the area of care for persons with visual impairments, I am pleased to indicate that we have expanded our partnership with Eye Care Guyana, which will also complement the 13 new optometrists who entered the system this year.

This partnership will expand the number of glasses that can be provided to persons in need to 1,500. We hope to

increase this number to 5,000, annually, in the coming years.

Additionally, our disabilities programme has also partnered with Starkey Hearing Foundation to screen, assess and fit over 1,000 persons with hearing aids in Regions 4 and 9, this year. g. Culture, Sports and Arts Our vision for embracing diversity and exploring the talents of our people has always been the focus. To this end $2.7 billion has been allocated for Culture, Youth and Sports, for which $805.3 million is for sports.

Mr. Speaker, in the area of sports, as we look to revilatise the national sports programme, while simultaneously reconfiguring how we undertake them in the context of the pandemic, this year we are going to be undertaking initial work on mini sports stadiums – in Regions 2, 6 and 10, and the Guyana-China friendship park. Additionally, $185 million has been allocated for the National Sports Commission to accelerate works on the synthetic tracks in Regions 6 and 10, as well as the purchase of sports gears and ground enhancements.

National Security a. Foreign Relations Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is charged with overseeing the day-to-day conduct of Guyana’s foreign policy, and in so doing is mandated to develop, maintain, and enhance relations with other nations and regional and international organizations.

Under the guidance of His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has identified four critical areas of focus: i. Protecting Guyana’s Sovereignty and Defending its Territorial Integrity; ii. Strengthening Guyana’s Multilateral Diplomacy; iii. Improving Guyana’s Regional, Hemispheric and International Presence; and iv. The Diaspora. i. Protecting Guyana’s Sovereignty and Defending its Territorial Integrity Mr. Speaker, Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are sacrosanct. In anticipation of a favourable outcome at the International Criminal Court of Justice, the Ministry has garnered considerable support from the international community and has assembled a legal and technical team that continues to provide the people of Guyana with exceptional representation. Based on our arguments and justifications, we are confident that the court has jurisdiction to adjudicate in the matter. Moreover, based on the proceedings and submis-

sions, we are equally confident that Guyana’s contention of the legitimacy and finality of the 1899 Arbitral Award will be upheld by the court, leaving Venezuela’s spurious and ill-founded claim of the said award, having no legal basis in international law. The PPP/C Administration will continue to pursue this matter in a bipartisan manner, and we anticipate critical support from the Parliamentary Opposition. ii. Strengthening Guyana’s Multilateral Diplomacy Mr. Speaker, one of the core functions of the Ministry is to strengthen Guyana’s visibility and country image in international politics. Guyana’s chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China provides us with an avenue to achieve a measurable degree of soft power diplomacy at the multilateral level, notwithstanding the setback caused by the recent political crisis as well as the global pandemic. Of significance, Guyana’s chairmanship will provide the nation with much international recognition as the United Nations prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary. As the Chair, Guyana has a role in guiding the debate of this year’s General Assembly which is in consonance with the G77 agenda of accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030. iii. Improving Guyana’s Regional, Hemispheric and International Presence Mr. Speaker, going forward we will focus on strengthening Guyana’s leadership and presence within the Caribbean Community. The economic indicators show that Guyana’s intergovernmental participation within the Community could be broadened and deepened. As a more developed country within the regional framework, Guyana is well poised to strengthen its leadership through its commitment to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community and the Single Market and Economy.

With democracy restored, we initiated and reengaged our diplomatic ties with our traditional partners and friendly nation-states especially in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The new Administration is currently focusing on promoting Guyana’s trade and economic interests and enhancing the image and presence of our country and people on the world stage. iv. The Diaspora Mr. Speaker, indisputable evidence exists suggests that the Guyanese Diaspora is rich in intellectual, human and financial resources which we intend to tap into as we broaden our engagement.

More particularly, as we an-

(From page 17)

ticipate rapid transformation as a new emerging major oil and gas-producing economy.

Traditionally, the several International Non-Governmental Organisations and alumni associations that have supported Guyana which stood alongside the individual family support through remittances have been an immense contribution historically.

Mr. Speaker, according to the 2019 Annual Report of the Bank of Guyana, the value of remittances stood at US$374 million, the largest contributor to foreign inflows other than gold. At the micro-level, remittances contribute to a reduction in poverty as it keeps many families from succumbing to the inadequacies of their income. Notwithstanding their financial support, their diaspora’s stance with the Guyanese people in the 5 months between March 2nd and August 2nd, 2020 portrays how near even though many miles away they are the connected with Guyana. Mr. Speaker, please permit me this opportunity, to use this occasion to say the biggest thank you to all our Guyanese brothers and sisters scattered across the globe whose words of solidarity, encouragement and prayers have helped us through that difficult period. In true Guyanese spirit, they demonstrated what the great Guyanese poet Martin Carter wrote “we are all involved, we are all consumed, if we don’t swim together, we will sink together”. Moreover, the potential that lies in our Diaspora is vast and we will continue to leverage the expertise, talent and investment potential of our people that reside abroad. b. Public Safety and Security Mr. Speaker, every Guyanese citizen is entitled to safer communities, where life can flourish unhindered. Crime in our communities is detrimental to our quality of life and takes a toll on the development of businesses. Historically, PPP/C Administrations have taken measures to reduce crime and support safer communities. Unfortunately, under the APNU-AFC Administration crime has been on the increase across our nation, no rehabilitation of our prison system was undertaken, and there exists a backlog of cases in our court system.

Mr. Speaker, in order to provide safety for all Guyanese, this Government will endeavour to strengthen our security forces. As such, we will deploy resources to improve investigative and forensic capabilities and provide equipment, facilities and training for our law enforcement officers.

Government will also focus on expanding the use of ICT in the (Turn to page 19)

19

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget speech by the Hon. Minister of... fight against crime, providing better remuneration and conditions for the officers in our security forces and ensuring greater accountability by the Police Force for solving crime.

Further, our Administration will seek to reform the prison system, to improve conditions and ensure compulsory training and educational opportunities for prisoners, security and safety prison officers. Government is allocating $38.9 billion in 2020 to propel this agenda.

Mr. Speaker, Government has allocated over $1 billion for ongoing works on police stations and divisional headquarters to align the Police’s boundaries with Guyana’s administrative regional boundaries. These stations include headquarters at Anna Regina, Fort Wellington, Mabaruma, Golden Grove and Mahdia. In addition, police stations will be constructed at Cove and John, Brickdam, Matthew’s Ridge, Leonora, Lethem, Whim, Albion, Parika, Wismar and Mahdia. Additionally, Government has set aside $428.1 million for the procurement of 50 vehicles to ensure our police officers are adequately equipped to fight crime.

Mr. Speaker, as with the Police Force, Government has allocated sums to provide more equipment and better facilities for the Guyana Fire Service.

Approximately $63 million is allocated to procure two water tenders for Linden and Bartica, as well as to upgrade the facilities at Mahdia. Additional vehicles, tools and equipment will also be procured to aid in firefighting.

Mr. Speaker, in the area of prison reform and improvement, Government will continue to invest in the provision of training opportunities for both inmates and prison management staff, as these are crucial to the health and rehabilitation of inmates. This Government will continue to work on the Mazaruni and Georgetown prisons, and will commence reconstruction of Lusignan prison, which is allocated $200 million in this Budget. Overall, Government has planned to expend $2 billion on the construction, rehabilitation and upgrading of prison facilities countrywide.

Natural Resource Management a. Managing the Extractive Sector i. Forestry Mr. Speaker, from 2014 to 2019 the forestry industry contracted by more than 30 percent. The complete disregard for this industry by the APNU-AFC has crippled many hinterland communities that are dependent on this resource for their livelihood.

At the same time, the Guyana

Forestry Commission (GFC), a once profitable and efficiently run agency, has, under the APNU-AFC Administration, become financially distressed – being unable to pay basic salaries and other operational expenses.

Mr. Speaker, if one examines the records, it will show that at the end of 2014 the Commission recorded a net surplus of approximately $211 million which plummeted to a marginal surplus of $2.3 million in 2019; the Commission is in a depleted financial state.

In addition, exports fell from approximately US$53 million in 2014 to US$34 million in 2019. The downturn in this industry over the last five years, caused by poor policies, has, in turn, resulted in the deterioration of logging roads, since investors, like Barama Company Limited, that maintained some key hinterland infrastructure, exited the industry, due to bad policies under the previous Administration.

Mr. Speaker, to rescue this once flourishing industry that contributed to the Consolidated Fund, this new Administration has disbursed $350 million to provide support to the ailing Commission for salaries and wages for the remainder of 2020, payments of bonuses for 2018 and part payment towards GRA and NIS contributions.

Mr. Speaker, we will accompany this support by providing incentives for the retooling and expanding of this sector. This PPP/C Government is working to ensure that the GFC is financially viable and self-sustaining in the short-, medium- and long-term by reinvigorating the industry.

To this end, we have included in this Budget measures to allow companies to recapitalise to improve efficiency in operations. These include the removal of VAT on machinery and equipment, and the provision of tax concessions on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Further, there has been a reversal of VAT on exports, as well as the removal of VAT on hinterland travel. Additionally, we will amend the log export policy to allow saw millers to export logs, which will boost industry production and revenues. ii. Mining Mr. Speaker, the period 2015 to 2020, could be best described as calamatous for the mining industry, particularly for small miners. For the hundreds, if not thousands of small miners and those associated, Budget 2020 brings them a message of hope and an end to the fatigue that they have experienced. In consultation with all of the stakeholders, we will reinvigorate, energise and incentivise this sector, and

put our people back to work.

Communities who heavily depended on this industry will see improved infrastructure and job opportunities as we pursue our policy direction and manifesto promises.

Mr. Speaker, this new PPP/C Government will not only address matters that would develop the industry, but also foster and promote greater collaboration and coordination between the regulatory agencies for the extractive sectors. The PPP/C will kickstart the critical tasks of utilising, upgrading and adopting, where applicable, ICT programmes in key divisions of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, such as Land Management and the Mines Division, to promote transparency and increase efficiencies in its processes.

We will also endeavour to accelerate the restructuring of the Commission to best meet the needs of a modern mining sector. Further, we will expand collaboration between Budget Agencies and the Commission to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of hinterland infrastructure, which is essential for mining operations.

Mr. Speaker, in this, our first budget of our 5-year term, we have already rolled out a host of measures that will bring prosperity to the mining industry. Like the forestry industry, mining will benefit from the removal of VAT on machinery and equipment, the provision of tax concessions on ATVs, and the removal of VAT on hinterland travel. In addition to these, the industry will benefit from the removal of police clearance requirement for miners to transport fuel in their own vehicles.

Mr. Speaker, we are aware that mining in Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9 are essential for the livelihood of our people. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been numerous persons infected and, as such, adherence to the COVID-19 protocols will be actively monitored while permitting a balance to allow for continued economic activity. iii. Petroleum Mr Speaker in keeping with the Manifesto of the PPP/C, our Government will approach the oil and gas sector in a national, non-partisan manner. Oil and Gas will bring not only significant financial resources and enormous transformational opportunities, but also many challenges. There are many examples around the world where developing countries have obtained windfalls from oil and gas but have eventually ended up poorer than before. Central to our strategy in the sector will be the following three critical areas: i. A framework for proper

management of the resource ii. Transparency and accountability iii. Securing benefits for Guyanese.

To ensure that our oil resource is managed responsibly, the PPP/C will: i. Immediately engage the oil and gas companies in better contract administration/renegotiation. ii. Establish an arm’s length SWF insulated from political interference. iii. Define by legislation how funds will flow from the SWF into the budget, and the purpose for which they will be used. iv. Ensure that expenditures are transparently determined and go through the parliamentary process. v. Establish a model PSA based on industry-wide standards and best practices. The purpose of this is to ensure that Guyanese receive maximum benefit from these contracts without disincentivizing foreign investors in the sector. vi. Training of thousands of Guyanese at every level to create national core of managers and workforce to chart the future direction and effectively manage the sector.

To prevent oil money from being squandered or stolen, the PPP/C will among other things: i. Uphold the Santiago Principles of transparency and accountability and EITI ii. Criminalise non-disclosure of receipt of funds from oil revenues iii. Ensure annual reports from the Government are laid in the National Assembly detailing oil revenues and expenditures. iv. Ensure there are regular audits v. Civil Society will be involved in a central role to monitor compliance and accountability Mr, Speaker, the oil resource belongs to the people of Guyana. We will ensure that oil revenue works for all Guyanese, and is spent on improving people’s lives and in support of job creation. Some areas in which oil revenue will be directed are: i. Support for job creation ii. World class education and health care for Guyanese iii. Social and economic infrastructure iv. Targeted cash transfer to Guyanese particularly the elderly, children, the poor and other vulnerable groups. v. Strong local content for Guyanese with legislative safeguards vi. Savings for future generations vii. Tax reduction for Guyanese businesses and individuals Mr. Speaker, His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali

in keeping faithful to these promises that have been stated in our manifesto has already established a high-level Panel on Local Content in the oil and gas sector.

Further, expenditure allocations in Budget 2020 will serve to support access to expertise in marketing of crude oil and cost audits, to ensure that we are able to maximise the benefits that flow from this resource. We have also increased the allocation to the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, which has responsibility for metrology on the FPSO, from $298.6 million to $586.5 million, to ensure that they are fully equipped to execute this oversight responsibility. b. Environmental Protection Mr. Speaker, the PPP/C Government believes that Guyana’s rich natural resources must be utilised to provide jobs and create opportunities for our people in a sustainablemanner. Our rainforest is a valuable national and global resource and its preservation will not only have a positive local impact but will also impact the fight against climate change. As such, we will reinstitute the LCDS to help achieve prosperity for our people by deploying earnings from forest climate services to diversify the economy and create more jobs and opportunities utilising a non-carbon intensive pathway. The LCDS will be broadened to include wider environmental services, including integrated water resources management and climate resilience. It will see the strengthening of the Environmental Protection Agency and the National System of Protected Areas.

Agriculture and Food Security Mr. Speaker, today the agriculture sector comprises more than 20 percent of our real GDP, but there is a vast unrealised potential for this sector. However, due to the policies of the previous Administration, this could not have been realised. Over the next five years, starting from Budget 2020, we will implement measures to promote a diversified economy, create more jobs and increase the income of farmers at the same time, through strategic investments, and ease the burden associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. For these interventions, the agriculture sector is allocated $18.4 billion in 2020. a. Sugar Mr. Speaker, a viable and sustainable sugar industry is our long-term goal. Our Government will work to solve the problems of the industry holistically. We will be re-opening the Enmore, Rose

(From page 18)

Hall and Skeldon Estates in a phased approach. That is, we will carry out an assessment on the state of the assets and the level of reinvestment to be done, starting with an initial allocation of $3 billion, in 2020, for critical works, with an additional $2 billion being made available should works progress. As for the Wales Estate, works have commenced to create opportunities and employment under the newly established Wales Development Authority. The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will concentrate its efforts to ensure it achieves, in the short-term, a break-even status.

We will ensure better management by appointing a new, competent and skilled Board of Directors. We will ensure greater efficiency through the necessary re-tooling, product diversification and retraining where necessary. b. Rice Mr. Speaker, the previous Administration neglected our rice farmers, under the premise of “rice is a private business”.

For us in the PPP/C Government, rice is a Guyanese business. Our Government will support the farmers and millers with a view of expanding the rice industry.

Action will be taken to ensure the reversing of the draconian fees for land rents, drainage and irrigation, and restoring adequate budgetary support for the maintenance of drainage and irrigation systems, as well as farm-to-market roads, which will benefit rice farmers including those involved in the cultivation of other crops. To this end, this Government has taken the decision to reverse increases in land lease fees for lands under cultivation, and land taxes and drainage and irrigation charges, back to their 2014 position. Further, the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/Abary-Agricultural Development Authority has been provided with a capital injection of $112.9 million to undertake critical drainage and irrigation works within the area, which will see improvements for farmers, and will also bring additional lands to a usable state.

Mr. Speaker, the Guyana Rice Development Board will continue to expand and secure new markets for paddy and other by-products; increase productivity through research and development into new strains, and robust pest control measures; continue seed paddy production with enhanced extension and quality control; and, involve all stakeholders, working together to increase productivity. c. Other Crops Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 has affected the demand for (Turn to page 20)

20

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget speech by the Hon. Minister of... and supply of agricultural produce, which, in turn, has significantly reduced the income of farmers. To provide relief to our struggling farmers, we have reversed land lease fees, land taxes and drainage and irrigation fees to 2014 rates as previously mentioned.

Additionally, we have removed VAT on fertilisers, agro-chemicals and pesticides.

Further, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) in a quest to reduce the cost of inputs and at the same time promote climate-smart agriculture, will expend $15.8 million for the acquisition of shade house materials and sprinkler hoses.

NAREI will sell the materials to farmers at cost price, saving farmers over 33 percent ($5 million). The monies from this investment will be utilized as a revolving fund for future purchases of required materials for farmers.

We will continue to promote agricultural diversification with a focus on coconut, and horticulture by engaging NAREI and Hope Coconut Estate. The coconut industry will be given prominence by promoting expansion in acreages, inter-cropping, utilisation of coconut by-products, and increasing production and productivity. In 2020, to increase access and reduce the cost of coconut planting material, we will establish 2 coconut nurseries, at Charity on the Essequibo Coast and Kairuni on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, with the capacity to produce 25,000 additional seedings per year. In addition to NAREI and Hope Estate providing planting materials, farmers will receive training in how to establish their own nurseries.

Mr. Speaker, this Administration will work to guarantee our food security, as well as that of our CARICOM brothers and sisters. We will continue to actively promote crop diversification and create incentives for farmers to invest in non-traditional crops, such as corn and soybeans. We will also promote value-added activities as well as the export of produce, to ensure our agriculture sector continues to expand and farmers are able realise higher incomes. To this end, this Budget will introduce tax concessions on investment in agro-processing facilities, cold storage and packaging. d. Livestock Mr. Speaker, we will continue to invest in the development of the livestock industry and ensure there is sufficient throughput in the sector for food and nutrition security and for market demand. Emphasis will be on improving genetic and research capacity of farms, and interventions to provide appropriate breed stock.

Mr. Speaker, we are moving to improve standards and bring down production costs in this industry. To this end, we will continue projects such as the abattoir at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, and review other projects in the pipeline in order to prioritise those most transformative for the sector. With regards to reducing production costs, we have already removed VAT on key inputs in the poultry industry, in addition to reverting it to zero-rated status, and created incentives for the production of corn and soybeans, key feedstock inputs. e. Fisheries Mr. Speaker, Government will provide much needed support to the fisheries industry, intensify the monitoring and surveillance capabilities, and promote sustainable fishing through improved management. Emphasis will be placed on working to revert the US ban on catfish. f. Drainage and Irrigation Mr. Speaker, a core component of providing an enabling environment for agricultural development is to provide better drainage and irrigation (D&I) infrastructure. Due to the fact that the majority of our population and agriculture activity is concentrated on the low coastal plain, and the increasing incidence of overtopping due to sea-level rise and excess rainfall, heavy expenditure is being made to address the deficiencies in our D&I systems and to manage water in a structured manner.

To this end, Government has budgeted over $9 billion.

Over 1,200 acres of farmland in West Watooka, Linden will benefit from D&I works in 2020. Additionally, we will commence plans for the design of pump stations at Cottage, Adventure, and Andrew, as well as the design of farm-to-market roads, with the intention of upgrading the existing mud dam access to farm-to-market access roads at Villages 52-58, Region 6, Right Bank Mahaicony, Left Bank Mahaica, and Salem, Region 3. Further, our drainage capacity will be bolstered this year with the installation of 12 high capacity drainage pumps for Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Labour and Decent Work Mr. Speaker, Guyana’s labour force is in constant flux, but more recently, statistics from the quarterly Labour Force Survey, published by the Bureau of Statistics, reveal a declining labour force participation rate, falling from 54.5 percent in quarter 4 of 2017, to 49 percent in quarter 4 of 2019. Over the same period, the unemployment rate increased from 12.2 percent to 13.4 percent.

Mr. Speaker, our government has promised to reverse the unemployment rate over the next 5 years through the creation of 50,000 jobs. Creation of a stand-alone Ministry of Labour is this Administration’s clear recognition of the need to place priority focus on design and compliance with labour standards, rules and regulations across all sectors.

The application of rules in the context of managing within a pandemic will also be maintained, in consultation with our unions, even as we work to ensure expanded employment opportunities and skills development of the labour force.

Sustainable job creation that supports the socio-economic objectives within in a low carbon development trajectory will shape our Government’s delivery through strong and effective labour administration’s services.

The aggressive promotion of decent work to ensure an improved quality of life for workers in both the public and the private sectors is non-negotiable, while being conscious of the emergence of a new sector and its related impact on the production profile of our economy. In this new dynamic environment, while welcoming international companies, we will not compromise on compliance with our local laws, occupational health and safety regulations and the basic principles of equal pay for equal work.

TARGETS FOR 2020 Real Gross Domestic Product Mr. Speaker, in the first half of 2020, Guyana’s real economy is estimated to have grown by 45.6 percent, driven by the petroleum sector. However, the non-oil economy contracted by 4.9 percent, with significant declines recorded across many major industries.

This was, in part, due to the protracted General and Regional Elections, but also a result of the significant reduction in economic activity after the introduction of several emergency measures in the second quarter to curb the spread of COVID-19. These measures saw restrictions being imposed on the movement of persons and operation of non-essential businesses, which, in turn, led to a reduction in household income.

While there was a phased relaxation of measures in the third quarter, a surge in COVID-19 cases in August has necessitated the reintroduction of more stringent measures. The need to constantly monitor and readjust emergency measures in response to the spread of COVID-19 amplifies uncertainty surrounding the economic performance

of various industries for the remainder of this year. As such, a few different scenarios are considered in forecasting growth and other macroeconomic indicators for 2020.

Real GDP is expected to grow by between 48.4 percent and 51.2 percent, while the non-oil economy is expected to contract by between 1.4 percent and 4.3 percent a. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Mr. Speaker, at the 2020 half-year, the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries contracted by 4.1 percent as a result of lower production in the other crops, livestock, forestry and fishing industries.

While some of these industries are expected to perform better in the second half, as a whole, the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries are projected to decline by between 0.1 percent and 2.3 percent in 2020.

Turning to specific industries, sugar, which expanded by 10.4 percent at the halfyear, is expected to grow by between 10 percent and 15.4 percent. Expansion is also expected in rice growing, with forecasts for second crop production anticipated to result in growth of between 2 and 3.5 percent. The livestock industry, which contracted by 2.3 percent at the half-year, is expected to rebound in the second half to realise growth of between 0 percent and 2.4 percent in 2020. Similarly, the other crops, forestry, and fishing industries are expected to see improvements in the second half of the year: other crops is forecasted to contract by between 1 percent and 3 percent, better than the decline of 4.7 percent at the half-year; forestry is projected to contract by between 11.8 percent and 15 percent, an improvement over the half-year contraction of 20.8 percent; and, fishing is projected to contract by between 3.5 percent and 10 percent, above the contraction of 12.1 percent at the end of June.

• Extractive Industries Mr. Speaker, at the 2020 half-year, the mining and quarrying industries expanded by 343.7 percent, driven by the petroleum industry, and, to a lesser extent, the gold mining industry. This offset significant contractions in the bauxite mining and other mining industries during the same period. These industries are expected to expand by between 320.6 percent and 324.3 percent in 2020.

Mechanical faults have resulted in erratic oil production volumes this year, which has posed challenges to projecting the outturn for this industry.

The daily rate of production is expected to be just under 87,000 barrels of oil per day,

well below initial projections of more than 100,000 barrels.

The gold mining industry, which expanded by 2.1 percent at the half-year, also experienced some setbacks, particularly with the two large scale companies, who together reported a 36 percent decline in production, when compared with the same period in 2019.

While large scale production is expected to continue to dwindle in the second half, the output of small and medium scale miners, in response to higher prices, is expected to bolster production, pushing growth to fall between -2 percent and 0.7 percent.

Mr. Speaker, the bauxite industry continues to face reduced global demand for its output, which, in addition to the stoppage of mining by one company, resulted in a contraction of 42.3 percent at the halfyear. This industry is expected to contract by between 40 and 51 percent in 2020. Similarly, the other mining industries also saw a significant contraction at the half-year, by 56.8 percent, as a result of lower demand.

However, the resumption of construction activities is expected see improved output in the second half, resulting in a less severe contraction of between 20 percent and 30 percent in these industries.

• Manufacturing Mr. Speaker, the manufacturing industries contracted by 0.2 percent at the half-year, despite expansions in sugar and rice manufacturing, by 14.2 percent and 7.2 percent respectively. This was due to a significant contraction, of 5.7 percent, in the other manufacturing industries. While the output of these industries is expected to improve in the second half amidst growing demand, other manufacturing is still expected to contract by between 1 percent and 5 percent in 2020. Overall, the performance of the manufacturing industry in 2020 is projected to fall between a contraction of 1.4 percent and an expansion of 1.9 percent.

• Construction Mr. Speaker, at the halfyear, the construction industry contracted by 5.6 percent, despite the emergency measures gazetted in April which were expected to result in a more severe decline. While the formal easing of restrictions on construction activities in the second half, and the resumption of public sector construction, should not result in a significant decline in the industry, it is still expected to contract, by between 4 and 7 percent in 2020.

• Services Mr. Speaker, the service

(From page 19)

industries, which are expected to be worst hit by the emergency measures to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, contracted by 3.8 percent at the half-year, with most industries suffering severe contractions.

Wholesale and retail trade and repairs contracted by 14.7 percent, transport and storage by 25 percent, accommodation and food services by 32.9 percent, professional, scientific and technical services by 20.7 percent, administrative and support services by 5.3 percent, arts, entertainment and recreation by 45.8 percent, and other services by 51.2 percent.

Mr. Speaker, while the conclusion of the General and Regional Elections has led to improved consumer sentiment and an expectation of improved performance in some of the service industries, the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic threatens to dampen any recovery.

As such, service industries are forecasted to contract by between 0.7 percent and 3.5 percent, in 2020.

• Monetary Policy and Inflation Mr. Speaker, for December 2020, the money supply is expected to amount to $530.9 billion, reflecting year-on-year growth of 15.1 percent. Further, total private sector credit at the end of 2020 is forecasted to reach $265.7 billion, 4.8 percent above the position at the end of the previous year, while total public sector credit is anticipated to reach $121 billion, growing by 54.3 percent year-on-year. These are expected, amid the recently announced COVID-19 measures, to encourage borrowing by the private sector, as well as the continued implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme upon approval of this 2020 National Budget.

Mr. Speaker, the fuel and power, and operation and personal transport subcategories of the CPI declined notably in March, April and May 2020 amid low energy prices. As a result of these declines, the December 2020 12-month inflation rate is anticipated to range between -0.23 percent and 0.07 percent, while the average 2020 12-month rate is expected to vary between 0.49 percent and 0.54 percent.

• Balance of Payments Mr. Speaker, the overall balance of payments is expected to register a lower deficit in 2020, of US$21 million, compared to the US$48.9 million in 2019. This is on account of a projected improvement in the current account deficit, offsetting an anticipated contraction in the capital account surplus.

The capital account surplus (Turn to page 21)

21

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget speech by the Hon. Minister of... is projected to reduce by 54.1 percent or US$956 million, to US$810.6 million, mainly due to a decline in medium and long-term capital.

The current account deficit is expected to contract by 53.9 percent or US$971.1 million, to US$831.6 million, supported by projections of higher export earnings, lower import payments as well as higher net unrequited transfers. However, the deficit on the net services account is expected to expand.

Mr. Speaker, export earnings are projected to increase by 58.4 percent to US$2.5 billion, supported by the exports of crude oil in 2020. Continued growth is projected in the export earnings of rice and paddy, and gold, of 10 percent and 15.8 percent, respectively.

These are expected to offset an anticipated decline in export earnings from the other sectors.

Import payments are projected to reduce by 22.6 percent, to US$2.3 billion, while net unrequited transfers are projected to increase by 20.1 percent, to US$698.1 million, attributed to higher expected net inflows of worker’s remittances.

Targets for the Non-Financial Public Sector a. Central Government Operations Mr. Speaker, in 2020, Central Government current revenue is estimated at $226.5 billion, 5.9 percent or $14.1 billion, below 2019 collections, as a result of lower anticipated collections from both tax and non-tax revenue sources. Tax revenue, in 2020, is estimated at $214.5 billion, $11.4 billion less than the $226 billion collected in 2019. This is on account of reduced economic activity and the introduction of measures by GRA to reduce the burden on both businesses and individuals, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In April of this year, in light of the COVID-19 tax relief measures, which include the extension of critical deadlines and waiver of value-added tax (VAT), duties and excise taxes on some goods and services, GRA revised the 2020 estimated collections.

The Authority’s revision included: 1) lower expected collections from self-employed income tax and corporation tax on account of reduced profits from current year basis, and deferred payments owing to the deadline extensions; 2) reduction in estimated collections from travel tax and travel voucher tax due to international travel restrictions; 3) lower collections of VAT as a result of reduced remittances from utility companies and reduced economic activity; and, 4) reduction in estimated collections of excise tax on petroleum products owing to

low worldwide prices for fuel and increasing exemptions to major companies.

Mr. Speaker, in light of the above, the expected decline in tax revenue could be attributed to lower collections from three divisions: excise tax, customs and trade administration and VAT. Excise tax collections are projected to decline by 26.9 percent, or $11.8 billion, in 2020, largely as a result of lower collections from the importation of petroleum products. Customs and trade taxes are anticipated to decline by 9.6 percent, or $2.4 billion, mainly as a result of a 10 percent, or $2.2 billion, fall in collections from import duties due to lower economic activity amid the pandemic and protracted General and Regional Elections. A much smaller decline is expected in VAT. This tax type is projected to decline by 0.1 percent, or $57.7 billion on account of lower collections of VAT on imports. Unfortunately, the anticipated 47 percent and 14.3 percent increase in withholding tax and PAYE collections, respectively, will not be large enough to offset declines in the other tax divisions.

Non-tax revenues are projected to decline by 18.3 percent, or $2.7 billion, to reach $11.9 billion in 2020, on account of lower collections of rents and royalties, fees, fines and charges, special transfers and Bank of Guyana profits.

These revenue categories are expected to decline by 27.5 percent, or $1.3 billion, 38.1 percent, or $610.2 million, 17.2 percent, or $500 million, and 21.6 percent, or $405.8 million, respectively.

Mr. Speaker, Central Government total expenditure is expected to increase by 13.4 percent to reach $320.3 billion in 2020, when compared with 2019. This position is mainly the result of anticipated expenditure for COVID-19 relief, and a growing Public Sector Investment Programme.

Non-interest expenditure is projected to increase by 15.6 percent to $240 billion, driven by growth in all subcategories: employment costs, other goods and services and transfer payments. Employment costs are expected to rise by 9.1 percent, or $6.3 billion, when compared with 2019, on account of higher expenditure on wages and salaries and benefits and allowances. Expenditure on other goods and services is projected to increase by 18.8 percent, or $10.9 billion, largely due to a significant increase of $7 billion in expenditure on drugs and medical supplies aimed at alleviating drug shortages and limiting the transmission and detrimental effects of COVID-19. Transfer payments are expected to

grow by 18.7 percent, or $15.2 billion, when compared with 2019, mainly due to increases in subsidies and contributions to local organisations largely affected by the pandemic, and an increase in social assistance.

Subsidies and contributions to local organisations are expected to increase by $7.5 billion to $43.8 billion, and expenditure on social assistance by 36.4 percent, to $19.9 billion.

Mr. Speaker, capital expenditure is projected to increase by 8.8 percent, or $5.8 billion, to reach $72.1 billion, in 2020. Expenditure on donor-funded projects are expected to grow by 19.6 percent, or $3.7 billion, and locally-funded projects by 4.4 percent, or $2.1 billion. Increased expenditure on donor-funded activities will be driven by the transport and communication and construction sectors, and the locally-funded PSIP, by the power generation and health sectors, as a result of a $10.8 billion loan to GPL, as well as COVID-19 related expenditure.

The overall deficit is projected to be 6.5 percent of GDP, compared with 2.8 percent at the end of 2019. This deficit represents 8 percent of non-oil GDP. Mr. Speaker, though this Budget is being presented near the end of the third quarter of the year, much expenditure would have been accumulated in the first half of the year to ensure the continuation of multi-year projects and programmes, and provision of public services in the middle of the pandemic. The size of Budget 2020 is $329.5 billion, which is 9.6 percent, or $28.8 billion, above that of 2019.

• Summary Operations of the Public Enterprises An overall deficit of $4 billion is projected for the public enterprises in 2020, a 57.1 percent improvement from the $9.4 billion deficit recorded at the end of 2019. This is attributed to higher expected revenue, combined with lower operating expenses. Higher forecasted receipts are largely driven by GPL, GuySuCo and NIS, whose revenues are expected to grow by 58.2 percent, or $18.5 billion, 9.6 percent, or $1.7 billion, and 2.5 percent, or $625.5 million, respectively, when compared with 2019.

Lower expenditure is expected mainly from GuyOil, whose payments are anticipated to fall by 27.9 percent, or $9.9 billion, when compared with 2019.

MEASURES Mr. Speaker, in order to stimulate the economy, an array of measures will be introduced to increase production and put Guyanese back to work, as we continue

to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These initiatives are aimed at creating incentives, reducing costs and bureaucracy, and facilitating greater ease of doing business, and will have an impact on people’s quality of life, cost of living and well-being. a. Measures to Support COVID-19 Frontline Workers This Government understands and appreciates the sacrifices being made by our frontline workers to ensure that fellow Guyanese remain safe and protected. As such, Government has set aside a budgetary allocation of $150 million to support these workers. Additionally, to support our men and women in uniform, a two weeks tax-free bonus will be made available to the Joint Services, in recognition of their service during this difficult time. b. Measures to Reduce the Cost of Living and Increase Disposable Income i. Reversal of VAT on Electricity and Water Mr. Speaker the provision of basic utilities – namely electricity and water – impacts every household, every community and every business.

The need to generate power at lower costs to our people has always been a priority for our Administration. The added pandemic situation and economic slowdown placed additional financial burdens on households and businesses.

Our Government recognised the need to bring immediate and much needed relief to households and to place money back into the pockets of people and businesses. Reducing the cost of operations for manufacturing and food production and the whole range of industries will serve to stimulate economic activity. I am pleased to advise, that you can all look forward to your electricity and water bills no longer having a 14 percent added on to the cost of actual consumption and that with effect from October 1st, 2020 value added tax on electricity and water will be reversed, increasing the income of households and businesses. ii. Mortgage Interest Relief – Interest Incurred on Housing Loan up to $30 million to be Deductible from Income Tax Mr. Speaker, in 2013, the PPP/C Administration introduced mortgage interest relief (MIR) to first time low- and middle-income homeowners to help them realise their dreams of becoming homeowners.

The intention of the relief was to make the portion of these homeowners’ taxable income utilised to pay interest on their housing loans exempt from personal income tax and was applicable to loans of up to $30 million. In 2017, however, the APNU-AFC Administration

revised the MIR to make it accessible to taxpayers whose mortgages do not exceed $15 million.

Our Government will return the MIR to its original level. Homeowners who occupy their properties will now have access to MIR on housing loans of up to $30 million, $15 million above the existing threshold. As such, interest incurred on loans up to $30 million, will now be tax-deductible from their income tax. This will help to reduce the cost of homeownership to new homeowners and young professionals. iii. Increase the Limit for Low Income Loan for Corporate Tax Relief in the Banking Sector from $8 million to $10 million Mr. Speaker, it is crucial, now more than ever, for Government to stimulate the economy. I am pleased to announce that our engagements with the local banking sector have been fruitful, and Government will be granting corporate tax relief for the banks for low income loans, which will allow low-income households to borrow up to an additional $2 million at a lower interest rate. iv. Provision of $25,000 COVID-19 Relief Per Household Mr. Speaker, Government is cognisant of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on life in every single community. While some communities may not feel the impact as significantly as others, the damage to local economies is real. As such, Government has set aside $25,000 per household for COVID-19 relief. It is our hope that this can help in some way to support families ensuring that all Guyanese are able to put basic food items on the table. For this initiative, an allocation of $4.5 billion has been made in Budget 2020. v. Allowed Importation of Half-Cut Vehicles, Vehicles over 8 Years Old and Used Tyres Mr. Speaker, you will recall that in 2017, the previous Administration imposed a measure that barred the importation of used tyres. The reversal of this policy, along with the allowance of the importation of vehicles more than eight years old, will now make vehicle ownership more affordable and accessible. vi. Removal of VAT on Building and Construction Materials This Government will remove VAT on building and construction materials where VAT was imposed after 2014.

A major plank of our development path is the construction sector. Of key importance is ensuring there are opportunities for our people to become homeowners and spend less

(From page 20)

to own those homes. Additionally, a major component of our future development is infrastructure transformation, and this measure will provide much needed stimulation of the construction sector, which has tremendous potential for creating new jobs and opportunities. vii. Removal of VAT on Cellular Phones Mr. Speaker, recognising that mobile devices have become a more integral tool for learning and for economic activity within communities, Government is removing VAT on the purchase of cellular phones. viii. Reduction in License Fee by 50 Percent for Any License that was Increased After 2014.

Mr. Speaker, this is yet another measure that will undo the burdensome fees and taxes imposed in the last 5 years. c. Measures to Improve the Provision of Education and Health i. Removal of 25 percent Corporate Tax on Education Mr. Speaker, ensuring expanded access to quality education is paramount. To stimulate the expansion of affordable quality education, for those who choose to undertake study at a private institution, Government has decided to remove the 25 percent corporate tax on private education. This will also make it a more profitable venture to attract quality educational investments which will result in greater access to learning opportunities across all fields of study here at home, for both local and foreign students, while generating critical skills needed to realise our country’s accelerated development trajectory. ii. Removal of 25 percent Corporate Tax on Health and VAT on Medical Supplies.

Similarly, Government is removing the corporate tax on private health care as well as VAT on medical supplies.

This will help to make private health care more affordable to the average Guyanese, especially for those who wish to have a choice of health care providers. This will also help to attract other specialty health services to the country.

• Measures to Incentivise the Extractive Industries i. Removal of VAT on Machinery and Equipment Mr. Speaker to support the recapitalization of the industries and reduce the cost of production, especially in the areas of mining, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing, I am pleased to advise that with effect from October 1st, 2020 VAT on machinery and equipment will be removed.

Farmers can now purchase (Turn to page 22)

22

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget speech by the Hon. Minister of... such items as tractors and trailers and combines VAT free to boost production. Forestry operators can procure such items as chainsaws, tractors and skidders. Chainsaws used for ripping boards at the stump can produce wood at significantly reduced cost than traditional mills, and allows for improved incomes of hinterland and rural communities. Small and medium scale miners can now purchase such items as excavators and bulldozers, mechanical recovery equipment, to name a few, VAT free, and manufacturers can realign gains from zero VAT to retool for improved productivity and reduce capital investment costs.

Further, Mr. Speaker, existing producers and new investors no longer have to waste valuable time to go through GO-Invest for VAT free approvals; so, the ease of doing business in Guyana is immediately improved. ii. Removal of VAT on All Terrain Vehicles for Mining, Forestry, Agriculture and Manufacturing In our vast hinterland areas as well as in some coastal areas, the need for ATVs to support the productive and service sectors is critical for more efficient production and mobility. Mr. Speaker, with effect from October 1st, 2020 the removal of the 14 percent VAT on ATVs will make the asset affordable and further support the capitalisation efforts across the key sectors. iii. Reversal of VAT on Exports Mr. Speaker, the reversal of VAT on exports seeks to alleviate the burden of input VAT paid on cost component relevant to the production of the export product. Currently, because exporters such as those in the fishing, rice and timber industries, among others, are in the exempt category

and cannot be registered for VAT, they cannot reclaim input/purchase VAT on monies expended on costs in pursuant of production. This will be corrected and will take effect from October 1st, 2020, providing immediate support to our manufacturing sector and our exporters. A reduction in costs of production will make manufacturing enterprises more competitive and profitable, thereby stimulating expansion across sectors and creating employment opportunities. i. Removal of Police Clearance requirement for Miners to Transport Fuel in Their Own Vehicles and Removal of Requirement to Register and Take Out Road License for Mining Equipment.

Mr. Speaker, the PPP/C Administration has just removed the requirement for police clearance for miners to transport fuel in their own vehicles. No longer is red-tape required for the straightforward movement of one’s own fuel when travelling across Guyana. Complementing this is the removal of the requirement to register and secure a road license for mining equipment.

Our miners can now better streamline and plan their activities without the bureaucratic, time consuming, exercise of these administrative actions.

• Change of Log Export Policy to Allow Saw Millers to Export Logs Mr. Speaker, we have altered the national policy on log exports to allow saw millers to export logs as well. Not only will this allow for enhanced trade, but small loggers will now have an opportunity to expand the range of species produced and gain access to additional markets. e. Measures to Support our School Children Mr. Speaker, effective Jan-

uary 1st, 2021, Government will introduce a $15,000 cash grant for school children to bring help to families and to children by which time, they will hopefully be returning to school.

Additionally, the uniform voucher allowance will be doubled to $4,000 per child. f. Measures to Support our Senior Citizens Mr. Speaker, also effective January 1st, 2021, Old Age Pensions will increase from $20,500 to $25,000, allowing $4.4 billion, on annualised basis, to be injected into the disposable income of our senior citizens.

• Pensioners will also benefit from free water service, which will also improve their disposable income. g. Measures to Promote Agricultural Development i. Reversal of Land Lease Fees Across All Sectors and Water Charges Back to 2014 Rates, and the Reversal of Land Taxes and Drainage and Irrigation Charges Back to 2014 Mr. Speaker, land lease fees represent annual costs to farmers, manufacturers and other productive sector operators. Reversing the increases imposed over the last five years to the 2014 levels will significantly reduce these costs, which grew by between 67 percent and 1,900 percent. This would impact all segments of the population who are leasing land to support economic activity and in turn benefit all activities and related linkages to these productive sectors. Additionally, the agriculture sector will see a further benefit from the reversal of water and drainage and irrigation charges back to 2014 levels. ii. Removal of VAT on Fertilisers, Agrochemicals,

Pesticides, and Key Inputs in the Poultry Industry and Zero-Rating of the Poultry Industry In order to ensure that all inputs into poultry production are made affordable, with effect from October 1st, 2020 there will be no VAT on fertilisers, agrochemicals, pesticides and key inputs in the poultry sector including poultry feed, building materials and packaging. We will also be reverting the poultry industry to zero-rated VAT status. This will boost the sector’s production across small, medium and large-scale producers. Poultry farmers across the country can now accelerate expansion plans so that they can take advantage of the increased demand for poultry while keeping prices to consumers affordable. iii. Tax Concessions on Investment in Agro-Processing Facilities, Cold Storage and Packaging Mr. Speaker, Government will be affording tax concessions on investments in agro-processing facilities, cold storage and packaging.

This will serve to incentivise much-needed growth in value-added production within the agriculture sector. Facilitating these types of investments would yield higher-value products which, in turn, would result in improved earnings and economic growth. iv. Special Incentives to be Made Available for Planting of Corn and Soybean Mr. Speaker, the promotion and expanded production of non-traditional crops is a key aspect of our agricultural and, wider economic diversification policy. To that end, special incentives, inclusive of land, will be made available for planting of corn and soybean to satisfy local and regional mill demands. It is our intention to ensure that no effort is spared in diversifying our economy, cognisant of the potential of Dutch Disease. v. Allocation of $3 billion for the recapitalisation of GuySuCo and an Additional $2 billion as Required.

Mr. Speaker, this support to GuySuCo is intended to allow for the financial outlay required towards the reopening of estates and to cater for deferred/delayed recapitalisation. h. Measures to Support our Amerindian Brothers and Sisters Mr. Speaker, key among Government’s priorities for the development of Amerindian communities are: i. The implementation of a programme that will see 25,000 solar units being distributed;

ii. $800 million for the ADF which will include the reintroduction of the CSOs programme aimed at developing young Amerindians in various villages and communities by building capacity and strengthening their individual interests, while creating job opportunities for approximately 2,000 youth; i. $300 million from the ADF for investments in productive assets including tractors, trailers and agriculture tools; ii. $10 million for commencement of the design of the National Toshaos Council Headquarters; and, iii. Resumption of the Amerindian Land Titling programme. i. Measures to Promote Sports Development Mr. Speaker, this Government is committed to the growth and development of our young people, our sportsmen and women, in finding new talents and supporting every region of our country.

To this end, we will be constructing three multi-purpose sports complexes in Regions 2, 6 and 10. j. Measures to Support Tourism Mr. Speaker, in anticipation of both the recovery from the current economic downturn and the expanded economic activity from the growing petroleum sector, it is projected that increased hotel development will bring significant employment opportunities and income. For this, a special incentive package is being developed to attract new investments that will result in four new hotels in the coming. k. Measures to Reduce Travel Costs to the Hinterland Mr. Speaker, accessing our hinterland has always been a cost burden for many of our people. Measures to reduce these costs are important to our Government and the first among these would be the removal of VAT on hinterland travel. This will immediately reduce the cost of transporting cargo and personal travel for our hinterland brothers and sisters, the business community, including the mining sector and tourism sectors, especially air service operators, and anyone who needs to travel from coast to hinterland. Thanks to His Excellency your ticket to travel to Guyana’s hinterland is now VAT free!

CONCLUSION Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding our rather disturbing findings upon taking the reins of Government a mere 35 days ago, we confronted the challenge of recharting Guyana’s course by laying an emergency Budget in this Honourable

(From page 21)

House.

The year 2020 has been a complicated and difficult one for us as Guyanese. We have gone through testing times as a nation, given our own internal struggles, of living together as one people; but, it is clear that we have one destiny. As Guyanese, we must all make every effort to heal and to move forward together, as we consolidate our national position in order to achieve our development trajectory ahead.

The pandemic presents an additional crisis that will continue to affect all spheres of our lives; and, as we adapt to this new normal, one lesson rings true: how we act as individuals will ultimately impact the lives of those around us, whether we apply that to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, or to our engagement as mutual respecting citizens of our beloved country. Budget 2020 offers hope and relief in its measures, and programmes and projects. It reflects our Government’s fierce dedication to ensuring a better quality of life for all Guyanese.

Mr. Speaker, our Government will continue to fiercely defend our cherished democracy as we have recently done, and we will always champion upholding the rule of law.

We will continue, as always, to secure working partnerships with our private sector – from the fruit vendors to the rum producers, farmers to fishers, miners to millers, air service providers to minibus drivers. We will work within the public sector with all diligent public servants, including soldiers, police, educators, and health workers – especially those who are on the frontline – to ensure effective delivery of public services to all Guyanese, particularly at this crucial time.

Our Plan for Prosperity, despite the challenges, has taken root in this emergency Budget, and Budget 2021 will outline the transformative agenda for the medium-term; one that is inclusionary and participatory in its architecture and implementation.

We have to intentionally work on reversing the trend within our socio-political landscape, and I am reminded of a quote by William J. Brennan, Jr., Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, – “We must meet the challenge rather than wish it were not before us.”

Mr. Speaker, may we all collectively rise to the challenge of being true Guyanese, and together realise Our Plan for Prosperity that is truly representative of all Guyanese.

I thank you, Mr. Speaker.

23

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases $2.6Billion to boost Health Ministry’s COVID-19 response at 2,027 ‒ deaths stand at 60

T

he Ministry of Public Health disclosed that Guyana now has 2,027 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), of which 998 are men and 1,029 are women.

The country’s record of deaths stands at 60. The first COVID-19 death was recoded on March 11, 2020.

To date, a total of 11,511 tests have been administered.

Additionally, there have been 1,302 recoveries to date.

Guyana’s cases have shown that persons between the ages of 20 to 29 are mostly affected, unlike the trend in other countries.

Cases have been reported in most all of Guyana’s 10 Administrative Regions.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers 231 1166, 226 7480 or 180/181 for assistance.

Further, a study done released on April 1, 2020,

by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Public Health indicated that Guyana could see over 20,000 cases of the coronavirus.

To date, the virus has hit over 210 countries globally and over 29 million people having been confirmed as victims of COVID-19, while there have been over 930,000 deaths.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The incubation period for COVID-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset, is on average 5-6 days, but can be as long as 14 days.

The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads.

Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19, although trials are being conducted.

Point of Care system to be COVID-19 gamechanger for Guyana ‒ 1200 cartridges secured through PAHO partnership ‒ regional hospitals to receive training for ventilator usage

G

uyana is expected to see improved and advanced COVID-19 testing measures, as the country aims for a more rapid delivery of results.

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony stated that the country’s gene testing machines are currently being retooled to use as point of care machines for COVID-19 testing. “In the country we have about four gene expert machines and these can be used as point of care machines and we are right now repurposing those machines. We will be getting in the special COVID-19 cartridges to use on those machines,” Dr. Anthony stated.

According to the Health Minister, the point of care machines will not only allow immediacy, but in turn allow better patient care and stamp out the need for having to first go through a secondary laboratory. “By doing these things it will help to give our clinicians and out frontline health workers the tools that they need to be able to make proper diagnosis, accurate diagnosis and to ultimately help to treat that patient and make sure that they are well taken care of,” the Health Minister stated.

He continued, “once we have them, we don’t need all the big infrastructure in

the lab to do all the testing.

We can do it almost at the point where we’re seeing the patient…and we’ll be able to get the result within the hour.”

The Health Minister stated that the main constraint from moving forward into this direction has been acquiring the necessary cartridges. However, a partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will help to dissolve the barrier. “With the help of the Pan American Health Organization we will be receiving 1,200 or so cartridges to start and then at least every month we’re expecting to get about 525 cartridges per month. We’re also exploring some other options in getting cartridges because we feel like this will help us in make quick diagnosis for people and improve the kind of care that we’re offering. This point of care is going to be a gamechanger for us once we put it into operation.”

Moreover, the Ministry of Health is also looking to decentralize the caring of critically ill patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), by training officials from regional hospitals in the usage of ventilators, Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines and/or

Continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) machines.

Doctors will complete a theoretical course online and upon successful completion, they will be invited to GPHC to begin the practical component.

Two doctors per regional hospital will undergo the training, which is expected to commence sometime next week.

In the meantime, health officials have already conducted assessments to gain an understanding of the needs of the regional hospitals such as ventilators and critical care beds equipped with all the necessary apparatus. “Our intention is that in a very short period time that every single regional hospital would be able to take care of critically ill patients. That will of course reduce the amount of patient flow at the Georgetown Hospital and we’ll have that capacity at every regional hospital, which I think is a good thing to have.”

Works are also underway to expediently fix deficiencies at the Liliendaal facility. Funds from the $51.7B allotted to the health sector in the budget will be used in rectifying the issues and “operationalizing the hospital in a bigger way” according to the Minister.

– $790Million to operationalize the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention – $1.8Million for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

I

n efforts to mitigate the impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Government will be moving to improve the efficiency of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

The estimated $1.6billion infectious disease hospital is currently housing a number of maternity COVID-19 positive cases, isolation and non-critical patients.

During his presentation of Budget 2020, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Edghill, announced that an additional sum of $790Million has been provided for the full operationalisation of the infectious disease hospital to cater for 200 patients. “Our intention is to staff and commission the facility by the end of the month,” Minister Edghill explained, adding that “the government was forced to make the allocation after they found that, much touted hospital by the previous Administration was nothing but a shell – beautifully painted but lacking in facilities that could be used as a

response to COVID-19. A series of problems exist at the facility, including some as basic as sewerage, water supply and electricity.

We are trying to have the deficiencies corrected so that construction could be quickly concluded, to an appropriate standard, whilst equipping the facility,” the Minister explained.

The budget also contains $1.8billion which will be allocated for the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for central government employees.

Additionally, Minister Edghill conveyed that the Government plans to increase health authorities’ capacity for surveillance, including contact tracing, which is the vital foundation to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Strong surveillance, coupled with efficient testing and subsequent coordinated and effective response, must be the pillars upon which we will control the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be partnering with the University of Guyana to bolster surveillance staffing capacity. Until the trans-

mission of COVID-19 is contained, Government would be hard pressed to lift all of the emergency public health measures in place, lest lives of all Guyanese are put at risk,” the Public Works Minister reiterated.

Through the current administration’s health sector, psychosocial services have been provided to COVID-19 patients, which includes therapy, coping strategies, assessing pre-existing mental health conditions and stress education all in efforts to effectively manage mental health amid the pandemic.

Since assuming office, the PPP/C Government has changed the dynamic of the previous administration in its response to the Coronavirus in keeping the public safe and keeping the nation’s economy healthy.

The new response changed focus to foundational public health, societal compliance, developing health system capacity, safeguarding industry, protection of the vulnerable and managing the economic health of the country.

Sustainable Development Goals an important tool in Development Agenda – President Ali G

uyana remains committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is in the process of aligning them to its development agenda, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The President made these statements in his keynote address at the recent opening of the Eastern Hemisphere Session of the Virtual Island Summit 2020. He noted that

while Guyana is not an island state, the country shares many of the vulnerabilities of small island states and is just as susceptible to the effects of climate change, natural disasters and economic shocks.

“I am pleased to participate in this Virtual Island Summit 2020. It provides small states – especially small island states – with a platform for the exchange

of experiences in their progression towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the President said.

The opening session outlined the focus of the summit and included sessions on how the island states are implementing the SDGs to meet the needs of the future generations; how they are dealing with the impact of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019

(COVID-19) pandemic, and how island communities are responding to a wide range of challenges.

President Ali noted that while Guyana remains committed to the SDGs, the global pandemic and climate change pose critical threats to the country attaining its goals. “It is beyond the scope of this presentation to examine individually, the lessons

and key challenges associated with Guyana’s implementation of the SDGs; however… we view the SDGs as an important tool in helping us achieve our own national development objectives. We believe that this is true for all Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” he said.

The Head of State then provided a synopsis of the approach Guyana intends to take in incorporating the SDGs into public policy in the fields of education, health, food, security and educational diversification and poverty reduction. He also emphasised the importance of holding fast to the principles of the SDGs, even as even as small states grapple with challenges.

In this regard, President Ali said Guyana has made numerous strides in its response to the global pandemic and in climate change, through the Low Carbon Development Strategy. He also acknowledged the importance of the Summit in providing greater recognition to the contributions which small states are making in

addressing global challenges.

The Summit brought together policymakers, development partners, entrepreneurs, academics and leaders of non-governmental organisations from more than one hundred island communities including the Arctic, Caribbean, Europe, Indian Ocean, Pacific Islands, South America and beyond from September 7 to 13 to discuss a diverse range of viewpoints. Organised by Island Innovation, the Summit will cover all 17 SDGs in addition to other topics pertinent to island communities.

The Summit, the first of its kind, allowed attendees to learn from world-leading experts from diverse backgrounds, about the latest projects being deployed in island communities, with applications far beyond. Each session will be interactive with opportunities to ask questions and make connections.

The 2020 edition of the Virtual Island Summit is themed ‘Sharing knowledge for resilient, sustainable and prosperous islands worldwide’.

Jagdeo spotlights issues affecting Caribbean at IDB meeting

V

ice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Saturday (September 12, 2020), participated in the Special Meeting of the Board of Governors to elect a new President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

On August 4, 2020, Guyana announced, its support for the candidacy of Mr. Mauricio Claver–Carone.

In his capacity as Guyana’s Governor of the IDB, Jagdeo, addressed the meeting and stressed the need for the new President to tackle support for small states in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Further, he highlighted the challenges posed by COVID-19 in the Region, particularly for Caribbean countries, including dealing with overburdened health systems, loss of economic output, revenue and employment. He indicated that many countries in the Region have had to redirect resources, from fiscally stressed budgets, for tack-

ling the challenges caused by the pandemic to the servicing of onerous debts.

Jagdeo urged recognition of the peculiar circumstances of small states in Region, including the fact that some of these countries have graduated out of concessional financing. As such, he called on the Bank to ensure that creative tools and packages be crafted to address the needs of these small states.

At the end of the meeting Claver-Carone received majority support for the post of President of the IDB.

PUBLISHED BY NEW GUYANA Co. Ltd., 8 Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 226-2473, 226-5875 Fax: 226-2472