Weekend Mirror 6-7 February, 2021

Electoral reform remains important issue on gov’t agenda – President 6-7 February, 2021 / Vol. 11 No. 58 / Price: $100

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

PAGE 2

Patterson should recuse himself as PAC chair ‒ Minister Teixeira PAGE 12

Gov’t working to strengthen institutions to prevent corruption PAGE 20

Government doing all in its power to protect country’s territorial integrity PAGE 8

SEE INSIDE

Guyana must take its rightful place as agriculture powerhouse PAGE 3

Potaro-Siparuni Region receives $31 million COVID-19 allocation PAGE 23 SEE INSIDE

Lessons for Grades 1-3 a. Interactive Radio b. Instruction (IRI) Worksheets c. Follow the Radio and Keep Learning [PAGE 18-19]

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WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

Electoral reform remains important issue on gov’t agenda – President

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lectoral and Constitutional Reform remains a matter of importance on the agenda of current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government, according to President, Dr Ifaan Ali, who added that consultation and inclusivity are vital to moving this forward.

The Head of State gave this assurance last evening in response to a question on the realisation of meaningful constitutional reform over the next five years during a panel

discussion on GlobeSpan 24X7.

“The Constitution is in the hands of the people and the consultation that is required for the reform of the Constitution must include the views of the people. We are not going to sit in a large office and decide what is best for the people,” he stressed.

The President emphasised that a consultative framework, which will see the involvement of every stakeholder will be in place

to drive the constitutional changes that Guyanese desire. Ali said, “Importantly, the people will be involved and drive this process… it is an important part of our agenda in this five years.”

President Ali said too that the Government has on its agenda ideas that are aimed at enhancing governance, improving transparency and accountability, enhancing democracy and ensuring that the rule of law and the will of the people are respected.

He maintained that this requires a continuous reassessment of the existing legislative framework.

ELECTORAL SYSTEM AN AREA OF CONCERN On this note, President Ali reminded the panel of his Government’s manifesto commitment to electoral reform and indicated that it remains high on the agenda.

He said, “The five months after the elections and even before that, pointed to some

striking issues that inherently affected our democracy and caused us much international harm, and harmed the reputation of Guyana. Our electoral system also showed areas of concern. As a result of this, and in keeping with our manifesto we have committed to ensuring that we look at constitutional reform.

Electoral reform is key on the agenda and all of this is aimed at a better country, a stronger democracy and a more functional democracy.”

In fielding questions on the existing Carter structure of the Elections Commission and whether this contributed to the electoral impasse, President Ali posited that the problem originated from the GECOM Secretariat and not the Commission.

“The problem in the last elections was the Secretariat.

Mingo is not a member of the Commission, Lowenfield is the Chief Elections Officer…. it is the professionals who (Turn to page 3)

COM M ENTARY

The PPP/C gov’t determined to make oil and gas a part of a diversified economy

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

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stand with Guyana's Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who has hailed the significance of OIL and GAS in Guyana's future development for more than twenty years.

As Minister of Finance in 1999 and then as Guyana's youngest-ever President and CARICOM's youngest-ever President, he has stood resolutely in his belief that OIL and GAS can help Guyana achieve its destiny as a global economic giant.

As Vice-President, he is playing a significant role now in ensuring that OIL and GAS is a positive contributor to the economic and social growth of Guyanese. With a young Dr. Irfaan Ali as President of Guyana and working closely together, they are guiding the PPP government's strategy to ensure OIL and GAS is a boon to Guyana.

Their approach is to ensure OIL and GAS benefits the citizens of Guyana. Every day, one newspaper headlines stories seeking to stop OIL and GAS moving forward.

There is no doubt that Guyana had the short end of the stick in the agreement we signed with EXXON and other OIL companies in 2016.

That was the doing of the David Granger-led Government. The PPP Government is trying to ensure that we improve on those bad deals. There is also no doubt that Guyana did not sign an agreement that protected our environment.

It is something that the PPP Government is meticulously trying to correct. But our approach is not to stop OIL and GAS. We are conscious that the boom years for OIL and GAS is now counting down.

With automobile industry shifting to electric vehicles and most of transport between 2030 and 2050 shifting to non-fossil fuel energy, Guyana must extract all it could from OIL and GAS, now not later.

The PPP is pursuing policies that

ensure maximal benefits accrue to Guyana, while ensuring that the bad deals made by the previous government are managed so that they have minimal impact on the lives of Guyanese.

EXXON is set to reach more than $US20B in investment in Guyana. Guyana's economy has benefitted from internal investment of more than $G70B in the last five years. Non-Oil investment is growing at a phenomenal rate. In 2021 and 2022, more than $G100B will be invested by non-oil investors in hotels and other service industries.

Investments in supporting industries for OIL and GAs is growing.

But the potential for growth of the traditional industries has expanded dramatically. With a new gas line to Wales, and new infrastructure development, including new bridges for the Demerara and Corentyne Rivers, new highways and more than 50,000 new homes built in the next five years, Guyana is not waiting to take its place in the world as CARICOM's giant economy. In 1992, we were the poorest nation in CARICOM. By 2025, we will ready ourselves to become CARICOM"s giant economy. It is quite a leap.

As of right now, Guyana is on pace to rank as the country with the highest oil production per capita in the decade to the 2020s. Just ten years ago, most people thought that it was a waste of time for any government in Guyana to pursue an OIL and GAS industry. But the PPP government had the vision to see a future Guyana with an economy in which OIL and GAS play a major role. During the coming decade, Guyana is likely to be producing between 700,000 to 1,000,000 barrels of oil per day, meaning Guyana will produce near to one or even more than one barrel of oil per capita per day. Kuwait enjoys that distinction right now, with a

production of about 0.75 barrel per capita per day. Guyana is on pace to surpass the major oil producers, not only such as Kuwait, but also Saudi Arabia, Brunei and Norway.

Janet Jagan and the PPP did not give up on Guyana's potential. Bharat Jagdeo ensured that Guyana accelerate efforts to bring OIL and GAS into our economic development platform. By the end of Donald Ramotar's term in 2015, Guyana's OIL and GAS potential had moved from speculation to reality, with confirmed OIL finds

by EXXON. The PPP's approach has always been OIL and GAS as additional pillars of development.

The PPP's vision was that OIL and GAS will help grow Guyana's economy and help to energize the traditional economy. The PPP's vision was that with OIL and GAS expanding Guyana's revenue base, Guyana's expanded and modernized infrastructure will serve to propel the traditional industry and the newer ICT and Service Industries to new, exciting heights. We had envisioned a sugar industry diversifying into an industrial agriculture giant in the Region and similarly rice and crops such as soya and corn being CARICOM industrialized agriculture giants. With OIL and GAS as part of the new Guyana, the PPP pursued realization of the dream "Guyana - the Bread Basket" of the Caribbean.

The new PNC (APNU+AFC) government in 2015 had other ideas - basically they saw Guyana being essentially an OIL and GAS economy. The change of government in 2015 brought a new dispensation in our approach to OIL and GAS. They began the diminishing of Guyana's traditional economy and began making moves, such as taxation moves, that stymied the agriculture, mining, ICT and manufacturing pillars of the existing economy. The Granger-led govern-

ment decided to place "all our eggs in one basket". They closed four of the seven sugar estates, putting more than 7,000 people out of jobs and impoverishing, with a single move, more than 30,000 people.

While they did not succeed in stagnating rice, they did nothing to help rice. The fishing industry and many small manufacturing businesses contracted. Mining suffocated. By 2019, more than 37,000 people had lost jobs. The country's treasury was wildly raided. For example, the Guyana Government's account at the bank of Guyana went from more than $20B to an overdraft of more than $90B. Thankfully, the people of Guyana recognized the recklessness of the David Granger led PNC (APNU+AFC) government. When in 2018, they gave the PPP an overwhelming victory at the local government elections and again a landslide victory at the General and Regional Elections in March 2020 and stood in unity to stop the thieving of the elections, the people were acting on their disgust in the new direction the APNU+AFC government was steering Guyana.

The people knew that OIL and GAS was good for the country, but only if it is one of the several diversified pillars of development, the way the PPP was approaching OIL and GAS, and not the reckless approach of Granger's PNC. It is worth repeating - there is a fundamental difference between the PPP's vision and the PNC (APNU+AFC) vision for OIL and GAS. The PPP sees OIL and GAS as just one pillar on a diversified economic platform. The PNC sees Guyana's future as an economy that depends almost entirely on OIL and GAS. The PPP rejects any plan that makes Guyana an OIL and GAS economy. The people stand with the PPP's vision.

From the beginning, in 1999,

when President Janet Jagan signed an exploration agreement with EXXON, the PPP's vision was to build a strong, diversified economy, expanding and strengthening the traditional economy and adding new pillars. Information technology was a significant new area for attention. The service industry had already seen significant growth.

But the PPP government knew that Guyana had a spectacular future as an OIL and GAS giant. At a time when many had dismissed the agreement and insisted the PPP was wasting time pursuing a future with OIL AND GAS as a potential additional economic pillar, the PPP aggressively pursued the OIL and GAS option. The then PPP government and subsequent PPP governments refused to be deterred by the pessimistic approach of others.

The PPP fought the owners of SUGAR to ensure that Guyana benefitted. We have grown rice and other crops. The time has come for Guyana to ensure that agriculture is expanded, modernized and industrialized for Guyana to genuinely become the "bread basket" of CARICOM. CARICOM should reduce its import of agriculture products from outside the region by more than 50% by 2030. But Guyana must expand its production to other crops such as soya and corn for this to happen. In the meanwhile, the announcement by President Irfaan Ali that Guyana will use its OIL and GAS resources to fund modernized education and health sectors and the infrastructure provides assurance that OIL and GAS will benefit every citizen in our country.

Like we stood up to the SUGAR barons before, we will ensure that the OIL companies, whether their names are EXXON-MOBIL, REPSOL, TULLOW, are good corporate citizens. The people know that the PPP will defend Guyana's right and sovereignty.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

Guyana must take its rightful place as agriculture powerhouse – Singh G

uyana’s potential to become the breadbasket of the Caribbean has been touted for several decades, but the PPP/C Government is determined to take every necessary step to fully realise the agriculture sector’s potential.

Despite the emergence of the petroleum sector, which brings tremendous prospects for Guyana’s economic development, the Government plans to invest in all sectors to ensure the country has a fully diversified export base.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh made this clear when the Government officially turned the sod for the construction of a $327 million, five-kilometre all-purpose road at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice.

While speaking to beneficiaries of the project, Dr. Singh said construction of the road is part of a wider Government agenda to accelerate development.

“Our intention is that Guyana must take its rightful place as an agricultural powerhouse in this Region.

That is our plan for Guyana.

We must not only be famous and well known for the fact that we are a large oil and gas producer, we must also be well known for the fact that we are finally realising our potential that has been spoken of for generations. We are finally realising our potential to be the breadbasket of the Caribbean and a major supplier of food products throughout the hemisphere and beyond,” Dr. Singh said.

The Minister said

Improved water supply for Moruca villages - Minister Croal

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he Ministry of Housing and Water is devising a plan that would see an improved water supply within the Moruca sub-district in Region One (Barima-Waini), according to the subject Minister Colin Croal.

During the latter part of the year, the Ministry, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), would be dispatching a water well rig to Moruca to start drilling wells in the area.

Minister Croal disclosed this during an engagement with village leaders at the Santa Rosa Secondary School in the Barima-Waini region recently.

While the Ministry is seeking to expand the services, it also plans to improve the quality of water supplied to residents. This is part of the Government’s wider plan to improve the quality of water nationwide in keeping with the World Health Organization standard.

“So, by 2022, we will

be putting in a new water system for the entire Santa Rosa community…We also recognise the quality of your water so, while in this period we are expanding the distribution, we also have to look at the quality,” the Minister said Additionally, with the increased electricity distribution expected in Santa Rosa and other parts of Moruca, the GWI would also be upgrading their engine to electrical operating systems, thereby increasing hours to access water.

Minister Croal said this initiative forms part of the PPP/C Administration’s policy to ensure the hinterland communities benefit from the same services as those on the coastland.

Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley, Regional Vice-Chairman, Ms. Annansha Peters and Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Teka Bissessar also attended the meeting.

Electoral reform remains... (From page 2) are supposed to be unbiased that failed us in the first place. The Secretariat itself, and that is what has to be addressed, the restructuring of the entity itself. We didn't reach to the Commission.

The problems started with rogue action. The problem started with unprofessional behaviour in the wide view of the world,” he said.

The President reminded that individuals need to decide on whether they are fulfilling the role of a pro-

fessional or a politician; the two he stressed should not be intertwined.

“There must be some separation. So yes, I agree with you, that is why I said electoral reform is critical, but I do not want us to forget that sometimes we narrow it to this Carter formula and the Commission, but the Secretariat itself failed. The professionalism and professional conduct that was expected there did not deliver, and that has to be fixed,” Ali said.

worldwide there are many oil-producing countries that were not able to translate oil production into broadbased prosperity, but the Government of Guyana will do everything to avoid this.

One way of doing this is by ensuring that all sectors are developed to avoid a total dependence on oil revenues.

“If you look across the global landscape you will see many countries where oil is produced and where you have a booming oil sector but where the rest of the economy or uncompetitive or in a state of complete collapse.

I want to say definitively that President Irfaan Ali’s Government, the Peoples Progressive Party government has always, long before we became an oil producing country, we have always

emphasised the paramount importance of ensuring that we have a widely diversified economy that is not vulnerable and that is not exposed to any one sector,” Dr. Singh said.

The Minister said this position is not new to the PPP/C as it has embraced this guideline during its previous terms in office and reiterated them in its 2020 manifesto.

“On the basis of the commitment we give to the people of this country, in our manifesto we will ensure that the Guyanese economy is widely diversified and never finds itself in a situation where it is solely dependent on or solely exposed to oil and gas,” he said.

Dr. Singh noted that President Ali has mandated the Ministers of Government to

ensure that every productive sector of the economy realises a dramatic and rapid transformation “so that we see a booming non-oil economy.”

Other aspects of the economy would also be modernised and the provision of cheaper electricity, through the gas-to-shore project, are among the major initiatives to benefit the people, industries and the nation as a whole.

Important too, he said, is the establishment of Phase II of the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary-Agriculture Development Scheme (MMAADA Scheme).

This “ultimately is going to see another 200,000 acres of prime agricultural land open. When that acreage is open you will see hundreds of farmers being

able to access large acreage for primary cultivation, and at the same time, right about the same time, you are going to see electricity cost coming down and industrial development to promote agro-processing.

“The commitment of the Peoples Progressive Party Government to the people of Guyana is that we will realise, in this term of office, we will realise demonstrated progress in transformation in all of our sectors, foremost amongst which will be agriculture; that is our commitment,” Dr. Singh said.

Agriculture is a major contributor to Guyana’s gross domestic product and the renewed interest in this sector is likely to increase revenues.

Increase in exports of non-traditional agricultural commodities amid COVID – 19 pandemic

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uyana has recorded a 9% increase in the export of non-traditional agricultural commodities from January to December 2020 when compared to the same period in 2019, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, a total of 9,907 metric tonnes of non-traditional agricultural commodities valued at GY2.5 billion or US $12 Million were exported from Guyana. This increase is due to a 20% (8217 metric tonnes) and 44% (419 metric tonnes) increase in the export of dried coconuts and coconut water respectively.

Further, in the year 2020

Guyana also recorded a 110% (2,194 metric tonnes) increase in Regional exports of non-traditional agricultural commodities. The major Regional export destinations in 2020 were Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and Antigua.

Of the total non-traditional agricultural exports, 99% (9805 metric tonnes) was shipped via sea, representing a 14% increase when compared to the year 2019.

Meanwhile, 1% (102 metric tonnes) of non-traditional agricultural commodities were exported via air in 2020. The 102 metric tonnes

represents an 82% decline in exports via air. This decline is mainly as a result of the temporary cessation of flights by Caribbean Airlines in 2020 due to the closure of the international airports, a measure put in place to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Consequently, there were declines in the exports of mangoes, bora, boulanger, pineapple, eddo, and peppers in 2020 when compared to the year 2019. Most of these commodities are exported mainly to Canada and the USA. Moreover, the country

saw an increase in the export of commodities such as coconut water, pepper sauce, achar, sauces, cassava cassareep, and preserved fruits when compared to the year 2019.

The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) is expected to continue working aggressively to ensure this trend is maintained in 2021 and the years ahead. GMC’s Officers will continue to create linkages between buyers and sellers of non-agricultural commodities. The ongoing facilitation of the use of the Corporation’s Packaging Facilities will also continue.

Gazetted COVID-19 guidelines extended until February 28 ‒ bars can open to 40 per cent capacity

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he Government has further extended the gazetted COVID-19 measures from December 2020 until February 28, 2021.

The measures maintain the curfew from 10:30 pm to 4 am daily, and restrictions on social activities.

However, the new guidelines facilitate the opening of bars and restaurants from 4am to 9:30pm. The updated order restricts indoor dining to 40 per cent of the capacity of the building, with tables placed six feet apart and no more than four persons allowed at one table.

Further, staff at the restaurants and bars are required to wear their masks properly

and sanitise each table, chair and bar countertops after each use. Buffet dining remains prohibited.

The guidelines restrict social gatherings and recreational activities including private parties, receptions, wakes or vigils.

Restrictions on visitations are still in place at places of quarantine or isolation, prisons or correctional facilities, hospitals and nursing homes.

Additionally, healthcare workers must still benefit from preferential treatment when conducting business and, on submission of proof of identification.

Physical exercise is only allowed in parks, on roads,

seawalls and near creeks and rivers. Gyms are also allowed to open at 50 per cent capacity, while sporting events are subject to approval from the Ministry of Health and must comply with the measures.

While the country’s borders with Brazil and Suriname

remain closed, the Lethem crossing will be opened on Thursdays to facilitate trade.

The measures also stipulate the wearing of masks, social distancing, along with frequent sanitizing and handwashing to curb the spread of the disease.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

EDITORIAL

Stark difference in leadership of PPP/C and the embattled APNU+AFC

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he commonplace nature of memes makes familiar an image of one man whose eyes, ears and lips are covered by dollar bills under the caption ‘I see nothing, I hear nothing, I say nothing’.

This week, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, did not ignore the issue that is corruption in government; rather he acknowledged that no country can claim to be corruption-free and detailed measures that are being taken to address this matter.

Undoubtedly, his move is reflective of true leadership – the fact that a problem has been acknowledged and steps are being taken to address it.

Sweeping any issue ‘under the carpet’ for the sake of ‘looking good’ does nothing, but a disservice to Guyanese.

STARK DIFFERENCE IN LEADERSHIP Our nation remembers all too well the poor leadership of APNU+AFC Coalition leader, David Granger, who did nothing to address the countless incidents of corruption during his tenure as president. This called into question the Coalition’s position on fighting corruption, particularly since the scandals were so many. Some of the more egregious ones included: 1. The deposit of US$9,000 into the personal bank account of Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson.

2. The transfer of over $20M of taxpayers’ monies to the children of Minister Simona Broomes. Details on the matter indicate that in 2018, two transfers of US$25,000 each to the daughter of Minister Broomes, the Department of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency. In 2019, there was another transfer to Broomes’ daughter worth US$36,450 by the Department of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency. Minister Broomes’ son, in 2019, benefited from a fourth transfer of GYD$2.51M from the same Department. The disclosure from your Director General, Joseph Harmon, that the monies represented sums for scholarships raises more questions that remain unanswered.

3. The failure to account for the use of taxpayers’ monies on the multi-million dollar D’Urban Park Project. After months of delay, it is only recently that information has been finally handed to the Audit Office by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. The 2017 Audit report pointed out that millions spent on the project could not be accounted for.

4. The continued breaches of Guyana’s procurement laws, relative to the feasibility study on a new Demerara River crossing. The Public Procurement Commission has pronounced on the illegal nature of this undertaking. The report said: “The PPC noted that the Minster of Public Infrastructure, by memorandum dated November 18 2016, made a request to the Cabinet for Government seeking consideration and approval to use funds from the Demerara Harbor Bridge Corporation to fund the feasibility study and to commence a contractual engagement with LievenseCSO as of the 1 Jan 2017.” The PPC noted that this request to Cabinet was not forwarded through the NPTA but submitted directly by the Minister of Public Infrastructure. The PPC also noted that Cabinet considered the memorandum submitted by the Minister of Public Infrastructure and in November 2016 approved a total sum of $161,514,420 to be used from the Demerara Harbor Bridge Corporation to cover cost for the feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara river.” To date, new information indicates that more than $$161,514,420 was spent – instead it is close to $300 million that was spent.

5. The use of public office by Minister Cathy Hughes to bolster her financial standing and that of her company, Videomega Productions. This was disclosed after the revelation that massive contract of $832,200 for sample work, paid for by the Department of Energy, a department within the Ministry of the Presidency, was given to Minister Hughes’ company.

Since then, more information in the public domain, indicates that, in Minister Hughes’ Ministry of Public Telecommunications three contracts were awarded to her company, Videomega Productions: June 4, 2018 – Advertisement of Vacancies - $939,738; June 25, 2018 – Facebook Page - $119,670; and

Stand together to defend, uphold our sovereignty Dear Editor,

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he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) remains deeply concerned about aggressive actions towards Guyana by Venezuela. Recent weeks have seen as ratcheting up of tensions as Venezuela seeks to reassert its unfounded claim over Essequibo. The FITUG, while a long-standing friend of the Bolivarian Republic, cannot, at the same time, countenance any attempt to violate Guyana’s territory. We remain firm that Essequibo belongs to Guyana and reject any narrative that disregards this reality.

The simmering tensions, it appears, has reached worrying proportion with the Venezuelan military staging an incursion into Guyanese waters. We find the actions by Venezuela to be a flagrant violation of our territory and made worse by the apprehension of Guyanese nationals. We are aware of the fervent diplomatic efforts to secure the release of our nationals from Venezuelan custody. We applaud these efforts and hope that our countrymen can be soon reunited with their loved ones.

We equally condemn the incursion and stand in solidarity with Guyana and its people. We uphold and reiterate the unequivocal statements emanating from

several Governments and international organisations in denouncing Venezuela’s violation of our territory.

At this time, with the decades-old border dispute attracting the attention of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), we see the actions of Venezuela as presumptuous. We denounce all acts of aggressions and territorial incursions. We stand with the Government of Guyana and all Guyanese as we defend and uphold our sovereignty and defend our Essequibo!

Regards, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG)

All vestiges of corruption must be removed Dear Editor,

D

uring the past week, we became inundated with the revelations of the corrupt practices of the PNC Government while in office. The scope and magnitude of the corruption are yet to peak as more and more corrupt activities are unearthed as the audit moves forward into the various Ministries of Government.

The central figure in this latest plague is the “honourable”, or should I rephrase that statement to read, the dishonourable David Patterson – he received millions in gifts and furnishings gifted to him from various Government agencies. These were all wrapped and packaged with the hard-earned taxpayers’ dollars, so from our very own vantage point, Patterson can rightly be called “the minister of gifts.”

Now, this guy is “notoriously gifted” having received numerous kickbacks ever since he assumed ministerial office in 2015, some of these he apportioned to himself, while others he coaxed out of some of the agencies that came under his

Ministry. It seems that his kleptomaniac tendencies were well in place long before he assumed office! Patterson is the prime example of what we can describe as what the office of a Minister can do for him, rather than what he as a Minister can do for his country.

It is a totally unacceptable, dishonest and reprehensible position to take by such high office. But this is the situation we had to endure as a nation for five years and 3 months.

Ministers of Government, by law, are prohibited from receiving gifts, for the simple reason that it is an avenue that can be exploited for corrupt purposes. This fact is explicitly clear, so Patterson cannot feign ignorance of it, which also tells us that this shameless denizen was out of place to have mentioned that it is a customary act to receive gifts. So, let us quickly audit the stewardship of this man.

In the first instance, Patterson is on record as a Minister who never, I repeat, who never completed any project during his watch, which tells you that he was far too busy accepting gifts than

September 21, 2018 – CTU/ITC Roadshow 2018 - $2,291, 128, among several others.

Daily, more incidents are being exposed – from the fact that the Coalition’s David Patterson benefited from over $2 million in jewelry to countless breaches of Guyana’s financial laws.

Guyanese also remember that it was under the former APNU+AFC Coalition government that the 2018 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), produced by the United States of America’s (USA) State Department, cited “government corruption” as a major source of money laundering – marking the first time in contemporary history that this has happened.

CONSISTENT EFFORTS On the flip side, the position of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government is that concerns about accountability and transparency, with a view to ensuring high standards in public office and to counter chances of corruption, demand greater efforts.

President Ali, before taking office had said: “We have to ensure that the Auditor General is equipped and given the necessary tools and budgetary funding, and that training

to address the assigned duties of getting the people’s work done. Working for the people was the least on his list of duties. I am talking about his gifts of monies placed into his personal bank account by the Chinese, while jewellery of all sorts was lavished on him from his acolytes. This was his agenda while holding public office.

We are also mindful of this Minister’s suspicious and shady affiliations, as we take into account that his brother was busted with near 8 pounds of cocaine in Grenada. Despite damning evidence of a brother who left these shores with the illegal substance, the persons who facilitated that drug transaction, as well as his intendant corrupt associates, we are still left in the dark to figure that out.

So, but for the fact that Patterson was one of theirs, the Granger Government was not in any way eager to pursue nor prosecute the offending brother in this matter, quite interesting to say the least!

But this we do know – around the same time that Patterson’s brother was held with the illegal substance, there was (Turn to page 5)

is provided so that they are equipped, capable and have the necessary skill set in addressing new and emerging issues in dealing with corruption.” According to him, partnership with civil society is also on the cards, when the PPP/C takes office after the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. He had said: “One of the things that we’re looking at is having civil society play a role in transparency and accountability and even in the audits as well as reviewing expenditures especially in the oil and gas sector.”

In office, President Ali’s position on the matter remain consistent. On Monday, February 1, 2021, he said: “I can assure you of working to strengthen our institutional capacity to improve the system of governance, making Government more open and transparent, creating avenues for greater public involvement in the Government process itself, opening up myself to questions that the public might have on the work of Government.

Guyana’s constitution states that: “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established under this Constitution.”

And all Guyanese – across political divide, from all sectors and backgrounds – must ensure that we give meaning to this by holding our leaders accountable.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

Poor countries suffer the worst of global failures

Statements of Poll are authentic proof of the true elections results Dear Editor,

I

n the March 2020 elections, the abusive, repulsive and disappointing behaviour of the administrative staff of the GECOM Secretariat exceeded expectations. Among these was the deliberate refusal of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) to produce original GECOM Statements of Poll to which he had access, that would have clarified beyond any doubt, a position which the Statements of Recount revealed and save our citizens unreserved stress and taxpayers millions of dollars.

The outright defiance of CEO Keith Lowenfield and persons under his command was used to denigrate and make a mockery of acceptable precedence, as well as a basic understanding of our elections laws. The authority of the Commission itself was allowed to be usurped and undermined to the extent that a point was reached where the CEO operated as a god unto himself.

It was no doubt unsurprising that when required, the Commission could not instruct Mr Lowenfield to provide even a sample of the Statements of Poll for random validation purposes.

The elections petition laid before the High Court is about a flimsy attempt of the Opposition to capitalise on the deliberate attempt to derail the election process which was jointly created by the PNC/APNU/ AFC and their forces in GECOM. This time around, however, GECOM and the PNCled cabal must produce their Statements of Poll. Chief Justice Roxane George has significantly ruled that the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and by extension GECOM has to lodge all Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs) with the Registrar of the Supreme Court for safekeeping.

From the general public’s feedback, this has not gone down well with the thieves on the Opposition. Some have argued that this ruling was not necessary but the fact is that with the overwhelming irrational behaviour of this cabal, nothing can be left to chance.

Of note, PPP/C attorney Mendes reminded the courts that the Representation of the People Act allows the CEO of GECOM to destroy all elections documents after twelve months have elapsed.

As a consequence, Lowenfield will have to produce the SoPs that he hid and was hoping to eradicate. There is a sense that he would be found wanting for failure to produce, confirming that the likes of this kind of creature must never lay feet in the annals of GECOM again. Further, it will be interesting to see what they will produce for safekeeping since it is clear that the spread-

sheet manipulating of the SoPs was put into operation in 2015.

It is recalled that in 2015, a similar execution of the false spreadsheet fiasco occurred at the tallying of the SoPs. PPP/C counting agents including myself were present at the GECOM building when the Returning Officer, Melanie Marshall, switched from using the actual SoPs and started to call the “numbers” from a “wicked and falsely” prepared spreadsheet. Our agents, Attorney Charles Ramson, Omar Shariff and I protested vehemently against the false figures and declarations read from the spreadsheet resulting in the process being adjourned. It was unfortunately never recommenced.

In 2020, however, it must be noted that “rigged elections” was again high on the PNC agenda. This time, a united Opposition along with the diplomats and the foreign and local observers were very vigilant and they stood united and strong against the “rigging” of the elections. Thank God that the leadership of the PPP and their willingness to accept the path of peaceful struggle for free and fair elections or our country would have deteriorated into an uncorrectable land of civil unrest and warfare.

The long bitter and frustrating five months punctuated with a thirty-three days long National Recount, all give rise to a “free and fair” result that would have long been avoided if the CEO had brought forward the legal SoPs. He should be surcharged and placed to rot in jail by the Courts when the investigations are all over with.

The Statements of Poll are indeed the most valid proof of the results and the courts have implied that they will consider these as key evidence to the petition. It is known that they are properly prepared by trained personnel and authenticated with the signatures of the respective Presiding Officers and the party Polling Agents. The process is one that engenders overwhelming and indisputable monitoring and therefore cannot be merely cast aside.

It is of note that early in the first week of March the PNC/APNU/AFC declared that the elections were free and fair without any flaws. However, after those riggers were stopped in their tracks, the Guyanese people had to endure “court cases after court cases”.

Time will tell and our people are healing in the present environment, but the culprits and dangerous riggers must be brought to justice.

The Statements of Poll are authentic proof of the true elections results!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Dear Editor,

I

wish to highlight four areas in which world governments have failed. They include the fight against domestic terrorism, the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and poverty. Domestic terrorism is defined by the Rand Corporation as, ‘Violence against the civilian population or infrastructure of a nation by citizens of that nation with intent to intimidate, coerce, and to influence national policy to achieve broad political goals.’ National security experts in the US claimed that the principal terrorist threat in America today is domestic terrorism. Extremists groups in the US like the Boogaloos, the Antifa, the Proud Boys, Three Percent and QAnon, among others, have recently risen to prominence.

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2020, ‘One of the more worrying trends in the last five years is the surge in far right political terrorism. In North America, Western Europe and Oceania, far right attacks have increased by 250 percent since 2014 with deaths increasing by 709 percent over the same period. There were 89 deaths attributed to far right terrorism in 2009, with 51 of those occurring in the Christ Church mosque attacks in New Zealand. There have been over 35 far-right terrorist incidents in the West every year for the past five years.’

We in Guyana have had our own experiences during the crime spree period from 2002 to 2006.

Failure number two is reflected in the statement by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres who, on the occasion of the COVID-19 death toll reaching two million, pointed out, “The pandemic has been made worse by the absence of global coordination.” Guterres went on to stress, “In the memory of those two million souls the world must act with far greater solidarity”. “The greater solidarity” that Guterres called for was the scramble by rich countries to purchase and hoard huge amounts of vaccines, with scant regard to the needs of poorer nations who can ill afford the high cost of the vaccine. It is hoped that the incoming Biden administration will return the United States to its rightful place at the WHO. The third failure is Climate Change.

Twenty-nine years after the Rio Summit and

the adoption of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) followed by the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement in December 1997 and December 2015 respectively, the world’s governments are yet to take decisive steps to curb the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to long term global warming and other threatening climatic changes. World governments have a commitment to keep global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

It is hoped that the upcoming 26th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCC scheduled to take place in Glasgow in the UK in November this year will, according to the UNFCC Executive Secretary, “…finish the work that COP25 was unable to conclude – setting out the rules for a carbon market between countries and that countries will up their ambitions expressed in enhanced nationally determined contributions.” The Biden administration’s decision to return to the Paris Agreement will constitute a shot in the arm for enhanced global negotiations.

The fourth failure is in the area of poverty and, in his book ‘The End of Poverty’ Jeffrey Sachs states, ‘The time to end poverty has arrived, although hard work lies ahead.’ Sachs identified nine steps that are required to win the war against poverty; he went on to add that, ‘Collective action through effective government provision for health, education, infrastructure, as well as foreign assistance when needed underpin economic success.’

Cheddi Jagan, in his call for a New Global Human Order, declared; ‘…a Development strategy for the eradication of poverty must be global and positive, not the South against North and the North against the South in interdependence, cooperation and partnership…’

This year, 2021, will be a defining year for global governance. It was these dire circumstances in which poor countries found themselves that prompted Jeffrey Sachs to recognize that ‘Our safety and prosperity depends at least on collective decision to fight disease, promote good science and action in unison to help the poorest of the poor.’

Yours faithfully, Clement J. Rohee

All vestiges of corruption... another drug bust of a Guyanese Indian gentleman by the Grenadian authorities. In that second bust, there is a lot of mystery surrounding that incident. The Indian gentleman was never charged nor was he brought before a court of law. This raises a lot of questions: why would an Indian held with drugs be let off the hook so easily knowing the racial politics that exists in our country? This just doesn’t make sense. In addition, you must take into consideration that there is another so named Patterson individual who was at one time the acting Chief Justice of that Island. Could it be that each and every one of the above factors was acting in concert? I, therefore, call on you my readers to draw your inferences on this matter.

But lest the PNC should insinuate that these revelations are in any way a vindictive move by the governing PPP/C Government, then they should just take a step back and review their own actions towards the PPP/C when they were in power. Theirs was a constant parade of PPP/C personnel before the courts, from former Presidents to wheel-

(From page 4)

chair-bound Dr Luncheon, none was exempt.

So, the PNC are bereft of excuses when it comes to their actions in Government, all they have to do is stand and take it like a man.

My advice to the Government is that Patterson and his cohorts ought to be dragged before every court to answer charges for their corrupt practices. Either they make restitution as in the Westford case (hope I am quoting the right individual) or face jail time, we demand no more, no less.

I close by saying there is a new dispensation blowing through the land, that is we will not countenance corruption – in no shape or form – and in the same way we did not tolerate it under the PPP/C we will not give it a free pass under the APNU/AFC. Everyone must be held accountable to the people of this country. All vestiges of corruption must be removed from Government as we pilot the way forward.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

7

WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

COVID-19 has not dampened investor interest in Guyana’s tourism – PM

P

rime Minister Hon Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips says the COVID-19 pandemic has not dampened investor interest in Guyana’s tourism product. The Prime Minister made this statement on during the launch of “Sounds and

Colours of the Rainforest,” produced by Major (ret’d) Michael Charles at the Arthur Chung conference Centre (ACCC).

“A number of investors are lined-up and ready to inject massive investments in hotel construction. We are also

courting other investors with the aim of increasing the stock of hotel rooms by an additional 2,000 units. We anticipate more than US$1 billion investments in the hotel construction sector within the next three years,” the Prime Minister said.

Regional testing capacity to be boosted – Health Minister T he Ministry of Health is boosting regional COVID-19 testing capacity with the installation of GeneXpert machines at hospitals across the country. The first machine will be set up at the Lethem Regional Hospital, Region Nine.

He made this announcement during a recent interview, where he added that testing would be done at the hospitals and persons would be able to get results within an hour. He said, “They don’t have to send samples to Georgetown. They can do it right there and they will

be able to get back results within an hour using that particular machine.”

The Minister explained that this form of testing is similar to the polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) and is more sensitive than the antigen tests being conducted.

Minister Anthony disclosed that there are “some other machines which will be deployed to the other regions as well.”

GeneXpert machines will be deployed to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, Barima-Waini (Region One), the

Linden Hospital Complex in the Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten) and the New Amsterdam Hospital in the East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six).

The GeneXpert machines together with the PCR and antigen tests are the three available options when testing for COVID-19.

While the PCR test remains the gold standard for testing for COVID-19, only the National Public Health Reference Laboratory and Eureka Medical Laboratory are authorised to conduct PCR tests.

He noted that this will boost conference and convention tourism and, in the process, create about 4,000 additional jobs. “Even as we shelter the industry from the effects of the pandemic, we are preparing for the imminent revival. We have begun to provide support to aid the sector. In last year’s Emergency Budget, for example, we announced the removal of the value-added tax on hinterland travel and the provision of special tax incentives for new hotels and tourism-related businesses,” the Prime Minister added.

In spite of the challenges the pandemic has imposed on the industry, the Prime Minister told the gathering to expect unprecedented levels of investment and increased tourist arrivals.

He said, “This pandemic has taken a heavy toll on our

tourism industry. Restrictions on travel and border closures have adversely impacted on local tourism. Despite these adverse developments, tourism is attracting increasing investments as evidenced by the surge in investment interest in high-end accommodation facilities.”

The Prime Minister said even as tourism marketing is extremely costly, the Government is making the most of the opportunities which are being provided to promote Guyana’s tourism products to the rest of the world.

The Prime Minister also applauded Mr. Charles, calling him a pioneer in showcasing Guyana’s tourism product. He said the “Sounds and Colours of the Rainforest” confirms Guyana’s reputation as a leader in ecotourism. PM Phillips said Mr. Charles’s videos represent

a means of reaching the uninitiated.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Hon. Oneidge Walrond told the gathering that the Ministry used the downtime brought on by the pandemic to focus on training and promotion. “The vision is that there must be clearly established protocols to keep both visitors and locals safe when travelling resumes. Concomitantly, it was critical to spotlight our destination so that they could remain at the forefront of the minds of visitors waylaid by travel restrictions,” she said.

Minister of Public Service, Hon. Sonia Parag, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Hon. Hon. Pauline Sukhai and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues also attended the launch.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

Developments on Venezuela’s illegal detention of Guyanese fishermen, vessels

Government doing all in its power to protect country’s territorial integrity T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is doing all in its power to vigorously protect Guyana’s territorial integrity and is fully committed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process, according to President Irfaan Ali. The President was joined

by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, Ministers of Government and Members of the Armed Forces, among other officials, during his Presidential Address on Venezuela’s aggression and on the position of his Government.

The Head of State was adamant that Guyana would not bend to threats to the country’s national security. He said, “We may be a small country, but we are a proud people. We have no military might, but we have moral and legal right. We pick fights with no one, but we will resist threats from anyone.”

The President said that the country has the support of the international community and will continue to look for a peaceful solution

to Venezuela’s aggression.

He added that his Government will follow the legal process in addressing the border issue, which will be dealt with by the ICJ. He said that last week, he received a letter from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Antonio Guterres, in which he (Mr Guterres) reaffirmed that on January 30th, 2018 he chose the ICJ as the means “to be used for the solution of the controversy” as he was empowered to do under an agreement signed in Geneva by all parties in 1966. President Ali added that the Secretary-General acknowledged that the Court is proceeding to adjudicate the merits of the case.

The President said that he believes that international law and independent international jurists of the highest calibre offer the most credible and definitive way in which to put an end to the Venezuelan contention.

Mr Guterres told the President that he would make his office available if Guyana and Venezuela wish to address other important

issues.

The President stated that outside of the border, there were several issues to discuss, including the increasing number of Venezuelans now seeking refuge in Guyana, as well as how the two neighbouring states can deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. These issues, according to the President, can only be discussed if Venezuela can desist from any further acts of aggression against Guyana, starting with the release of the Guyanese fishermen and their vessels, which were seized in Guyana’s waters last week.

“We are a peaceful nation. We always choose the path of peace and the rule of international law to resolve our issues. We will remain firmly on that path, while we pursue justice for our country,” the Commander-in-Chief declared.

RELEASED On Tuesday (February 2, 2021), the two fishing vessels and 12 crew members detained by the Venezuelan navy two weeks ago were released.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday (February 3, 2021) said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has been informed by the Venezuelan authorities that the fishing vessels – Lady Nyera and Sea Wolf – that had been detained since January 21 2021 in Port Guiria have been released. The Foreign Minister of Venezuela His Excellency Jorge Arreaza confirmed to Foreign Minister Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd that all legal proceedings had been discontinued at the request of His Excellency Nicolas Maduro. The vessels are expected to set sail for Guyana on February 3, 2021.

“The Government of Guyana appreciates the efforts of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community and of the wider international community in securing the release of the crew and vessels. His Excellency President Irfaan Ali was tireless in his efforts to ensure the safe and speedy return of the crew to their families.

“The Government of Guyana wishes to underscore the value of mutual respect in the relations between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”

The crew of one of the vessels, the Lady Nayera, include Captain Richard Ramnarine and his crew

members Ramlakan Kamal, Nick Raghubar, Javin Boston, Michael Domingo and Joel Joseph.

The other vessel, the Sea Wolf, was captained by Captain Toney Garraway, while the crew members included Errol Gardener, Orland Roberts, Christopher Shaw, Shirvin Oneil and Randy Henry.

National Security issues addressed UK says 1899 Arbitral Award settled Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Irfaan Ali and Senior Commanders of Guyana/Venezuela border the Guyana Defence Force recently met to address several national security matters.

T

he United Kingdom (UK) has said it is concerned that Venezuelan vessels have detained two Guyanese fishing vessels and 12 seamen and is calling for their release.

The UK joined several other nations in conveying its support for Guyana, in the wake of Venezuela’s increasing aggression and illegal manoeuvring within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Contiguous Zone.

“The UK is concerned at reports that Venezuelan vessels have detained Guyanese fishing vessels and crew. We call for their early release.

The UK is clear that the 1899 Arbitral Award settled the border between Guyana and Venezuela,” a statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office read.

It continued that the UK

is encouraging a bilateral resolution to the issue.

Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it has noted an increase in illegal actions by Venezuela since President Nicolas Maduro issued a decree on January 7 claiming Guyana’s territory.

On January 21, 2021 the Venezuelan navy intercepted the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf and their crew off the coast at Waini Point and illegally detained them at Port Guiria in Venezuela.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, has said the fishing crews were well within Guyana’s EEZ and, in fact it was the Venezuelan vessels which had breached Guyana’s territory when it intercepted and detained the Guyanese crew.

In his address to the nation on January 9, 2021 Pres-

ident Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the decree issued

by Venezuela was a “legal nullity” which will not be recognised by any state in the world.

He that “sovereignty over this coast, and the land territory to which it is attached, were awarded to Guyana (then British Guiana) in the 1899 Arbitral Award, whose validity and legally binding character Guyana is confident the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will uphold unequivocally.” The President is confident that the ICJ would rule in Guyana’s favour, upholding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Dr. Ali has also said Guyana would continue on the peaceful path to resolution on this matter in keeping with international law, and has encouraged Venezuela to do the same.

9

WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Diaspora Council to be established T

he Government of Guyana is moving to establish a critical link with the diaspora in an effort to integrate overseas based Guyanese into the development plans of the country.

During a virtual panel discussion on GlobeSpan 24X7, held recently, President Irfaan Ali reiterated his Government’s intention to harness the innovative ideas, and human resource capacity that reside in the diaspora, through the formation of a Diaspora Council.

“With the magnitude and scale of developmental opportunities that will take place, it requires a different mindset and I would like to see the diaspora coming together with their investment potential. It will be incredible if they come together and push for the opportunities that are ahead,” he said.

The Head of State noted that while the impending opportunities are not only in the oil and gas sector; oil and gas will bring the needed revenue which will breathe life into new opportunities.

“This is where the diaspora has to play a key role in looking at these new opportunities, getting acquainted with opportunities and becoming involved, so that they can benefit from the opportunities. We at home also recognise the great potential that resides in the diaspora from a skills perspective, from an educational perspective, from experience. In laying out the platform moving forward, we have to integrate

that potential of the diaspora as far as possible, ensuring that you are not viewed as Guyanese from afar but that you’re integrated in a development pathway… and that is the mechanism that we have to find,” he said.

President Ali reiterated that the proposed institutional framework would bring this to fruition and will provide the necessary structure through which the diaspora is engaged. He assured the panel that the proposed council will be inclusive and will tap into individuals with “great leadership potential”.

DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT On this note, the President outlined the various pillars of development which make up his Government’s transformation agenda. These include economic transformation, political transformation, social transformation, environmental transformation and human transformation.

He pointed to the importance of the Government’s development plans and indicated that its ultimate goal is to create a better life for all.

He said, “At the end of the day, the development and the functionality of development, the output of development is really to enhance the welfare and wellbeing of people, the citizenry of our country and even in the diaspora. That is the ultimate aim of development; to create not only economic wealth but to create an environment in which human development

is advanced.”

In order to create the enabling environment that will take the country into the future, President Ali said

that his administration will work on fixing the current hindrance to development, such as lack of transformative infrastructure, modernised

healthcare system and modernised education system among others. “These are all issues we have to tackle and deal with as we set up this

agenda in moving our country forward, in improving the welfare and wellbeing of the people of our country,” he stressed.

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T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s support for the private sector as leading implementer of growth and development was reaffirmed

by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. According to him, the economy has had to come back from the consequences of ”selfish” actions for ” narrow political gain” that resulted in the undermining of the investment climate. ”We have a responsibility as Guyanese to promote the development of Guyana. I am not asking anyone to promote the development of a government or political party.

We have responsibilities as patriots, as Guyanese to pos-

itively position our country for every opportunity. We have the chance to do so. We have Guyanese sacrificing and making life changing investments to create jobs, to create better communities, but yet, some in the society would seek to even be critical of that,” he said about the move forward.

President Ali addressed the creation of new economic hubs across the country and charged that development initiatives, from opening new lands to expansion of economic activities in the productive sectors, will bolster this.

The Head of State ac(Turn to page 16)

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10

WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT [Address of His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces on the aggressive stance by Venezuela]

PPP/C gov’t doing all in its power to vigorously protect people’s health, territorial integrity F

ellow Guyanese and well-wishers of Guyana across the Globe. Thank you for joining this special event from Guyana and many parts of the world. I wanted to talk with you about two troubling matters that are plaguing our nation now.

The first is a renewed aggressive stance by Venezuela toward our country and the other is the ravages our people are enduring from the Coronavirus, COVID-19.

I especially wanted to give you the chance of posing questions to me, ministers and officials concerning these two problems.

My friends, these are extraordinary times for our country.

While we stand on the cusp of remarkable economic and social development that heralds a better life for all, we are confronting a historic battle with an invisible but vicious enemy – COVID-19.

The pandemic has already taken the lives of far too many of our people.

One would have been bad enough; but the sudden and unexpected loss of 175 lives has cast a pall of grief over our nation.

With 7,528 infected persons currently, we are striving to contain the virus, to stop its spread, and to protect all in our society.

Amid this emergency in public health, our nation is also made to confront renewed aggression from Venezuela, even as we seek peaceful and legal means to end its disregard for the long-settled definition of our borders.

As President of our beloved country, my single most important responsibility is to keep the Guyanese people safe.

It is the first thing I think about when I wake in the morning. It is the last thing on my mind at night. And my working day is consumed by it.

But, I want no mistake about it: my Government is doing all in its power to vigorously protect our people’s health and our country’s territorial integrity.

Just as we will not relent in the battle against COVID-19, so will we not bend to threats to our national security.

We may be a small country, but we are a proud people.

We have no military might, but we have moral and legal right.

We pick fights with no one, but we will resist threats from anyone.

In doing so, we will seek the protection of international law and the support of the international community.

Let me now relate to you specific developments in relation to Venezuela that have occurred over the last three weeks.

On January 7th, the President of Venezuela, Mr. Nicolas Maduro issued a decree before his country’s National Assembly.

In that Decree, Mr. Maduro purported to establish a new maritime territory of Venezuela called the “Territory for the development of the Atlantic Façade”.

He claimed, for Venezuela, “sovereignty and exclusive sovereign rights in the waters and seabed adjacent to Guyana’s coast, west of the Essequibo River”.

Our response to this was swift.

We advised our sister-states in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the international community, including the Organization of American States – the OAS, the Commonwealth and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.

Support for Guyana was immediate.

CARICOM Heads of Government on January 12, publicly repudiated “any acts

of aggression by Venezuela against Guyana”.

The CARICOM leaders also reiterated their “firm and unswerving support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana”.

Other nations, including the United States of America and Canada, also indicated their concern about this further threat to Guyana.

It should be noted that President Maduro issued this new Decree, even as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) pronounced that it has jurisdiction to hear and decide upon a case brought

by Guyana in refutation of Venezuela’s contention over the 1899 International Arbitration that fixed our borders in a “full, perfect and final settlement”.

It is well known that Venezuela had rejected the jurisdiction of the ICJ. It is a matter of speculation as to whether the Decree, issued by the Venezuelan President, was a reaction to the decision of the most authoritative International Court, simply because it did not favour Venezuela.

Be that, as it may, on January 21st, we received distressing reports that a Venezuelan naval vessel had seized two Guyanese civilian fishing vessels – the Lady Nayera and the Sea Wolf

– operating off the coast of Waini Point within Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

This incursion by Venezuelan armed forces into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and its arrest and detention of the crews of Guyanese fishing boats is a flagrant violation of international law and the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of Guyana over its maritime spaces.

The crews and the fishing vessels are still being detained by the Venezuelan military at Port Guiria in Venezuela, despite Guyana’s formal protest to the Venezuelan authorities through diplomatic channels.

My Government also immediately informed the international community of this latest violation of international law by Venezuela and its illegal and arbitrary arrest and detention of Guyanese citizens in Guyana’s waters.

Guyana has registered to the Government of Venezuela its protest, in the strongest possible terms, at this unlawful and aggressive action against the State and people of Guyana and has insisted upon the immediate release and return of the two Guyanese vessels and their crews.

On January 27th, CARICOM Heads of Government again publicly called on Venezuela to “desist from

aggressive acts that will seriously undermine the peace and security not only of Guyana and Venezuela but the entire Caribbean region”.

Further, the CARICOM leaders called “for the immediate release of the crew members and vessels”.

On the same day, the Organization of American States (OAS) condemned “the illegal detention” of the two Guyanese registered fishing vessels and their crew.

The OAS demanded the prompt and safe release of the crew and their boats and reiterated “its support for the rules and processes set by international law regarding ongoing territorial conflicts” The OAS emphasised that the resolution of the issue between Venezuela and Guyana “is a matter that lies under international jurisdiction, and cannot be settled by unilateral actions.”

The Organization of 33 countries was clear that “any attempt to derail this international legal process, such as the decree issued by the Maduro regime, is contrary to international law and standards, and has no legal bearing or significance”.

My fellow Guyanese, I have given you all this detail because I want to stress that not only do we, Guyanese, regard our cause as right and just, but so too does the international community.

We have friends.

We are not alone.

We have the international community behind us.

I also want to advise that last night, I received a letter from the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, in which he reaffirmed on January 30th, 2018 he chose the ICJ as the means “to be used for the solution of the controversy” as he was empowered to do under an agreement signed in Geneva by all parties in 1966.

The Secretary-General acknowledged that the Court is proceeding to adjudicate the merits of the case.

Noting that the bilateral relationship between Guyana and Venezuela “is broader than the controversy” should both the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela wish to avail themselves of his good offices role “to address other important issues”, he remains available for that purpose.

Guyana is fully committed to the ICJ process.

We believe international law and independent international jurists of the highest calibre offer the most credible and definitive way in which to put an end to the Venezuelan contention.

Therefore, we will continue to pursue that course.

At the same time, Guyana is not averse to engaging Venezuela on bilateral matters in which we have a common interest.

These would include dealing with the increasing number of Venezuelans now seeking refuge in Guyana, as well as how we might collaborate, as neighbouring states, in contending with the COVID-19 pandemic which has spared neither of our two countries.

However, such discussions while welcomed, especially if the UN Secretary-General wishes to play a good offices role, will have to be preceded by a clear demonstration by Venezuela that it will desist from any further acts of aggression against Guyana, starting with the release of the Guyanese fishermen and their vessels.

Fellow Guyanese, we are a peaceful nation.

We always choose the path of peace and the rule of international law to resolve our issues.

We will remain firmly on that path, while we pursue justice for our country.

(January 30, 2021)

11

WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Region Three to become Constructive criticism, sharing of ‘energy capital’ of Guyana ideas welcomed by PPP/C gov’t P ‒ private sector leading in investments T

he Essequibo Islands-West Demerara region (Region Three) is gearing up to become the “energy capital” of Guyana, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Traditionally known for its agriculture base, Region Three will soon be diversified, with the private sector at the helm of massive investments.

The Head of State made these statements at the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of the billion-dollar West Central Mall, at Groenveldt, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, on Wednesday (February 3, 2021).

Dr. Ali said the Region is expanding, both in population and economic strides.

With investments from both the public and private sector in the petroleum sector, major investors are already lining up to capitalise on shore-based facilities, which will create thousands of jobs in the Region.

He said, “We are already speaking to different players in the financial sector who are planning the expansion of their banking and financial facilities in the Region. We are already in advanced negotiations to have land iden-

tified for the construction of a new branch of a bank in the Region. In addition to the oil and gas sector and opening up of shore-based facilities, is the decision of the Government to land the pipeline in Wales, which will create a revolution in industrial manufacturing and agro-processing where thousands of jobs will be created.”

There has also been growing interest in investments in the hotel and hospitality sector in the Region, all from the private sector.

In addition, one of Guyana’s largest local housing developers would soon be starting work on the development of a massive medium to upscale housing community in the Region, the Head of State said.

President Ali said the investment landscape in Guyana is changing and Guyanese must adapt. He said, “Guyanese are sacrificing and making life-changing investments to create jobs, better communities. The Government is not only aware of the environment you are investing in, but supportive of the investment by the private sector and becoming the leading implementers of growth and development while the Government fa-

cilitate.”

He said investments such as the West Central Mall, are integrated in economic hubs that will act as a catalyst for investment in other sectors, thereby creating jobs and expanding the economy.

The President noted that the Government would provide the supportive mechanisms and machinery to realise the dreams of investors.

“Key to development of the Region is the infrastructure, having transformative infrastructure that will lead to the opening up of new lands, and linked to the creation of new industries and the expansion of agriculture and industrial estates. This is what will take place in this Region,” he said.

President Ali encouraged the private sector to seek out the opportunities and to come together and form consortiums and collectively pursue larger scale opportunities.

The West Central Mall is a $1.044 billion (US $5 million) investment by the Hemraj Albert family, which has been in business for some 38 years.

The massive edifice is set to be completed in the next 24 months and will accommodate a swimming pool, a gymnasium, arcade, food court, movie theatre, restaurant and bar and other amenities. Over 325 persons are expected to be employed.

New Canadian diplomat accredited

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he new Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr Mark Berman, presented his credentials to President Irfaan Ali at the Office of the President on Monday (February 1, 2021).

The Canadian dignitary, who worked as the Director General for Global Affairs Canada, is replacing Lilian Chatterjee as the Resident High Commissioner.

President Ali accepted the Letter of Credence and reiterated his appreciation for Canada’s unwavering stance in support of Guyana’s democracy, our borders and our overall development.

The President told the new official that the countries share respect for democracy, human rights, the rule of law, the promotion

of sustainable development and each other’s territorial integrity, which make them strong allies.

He added that Guyana and Canada are poised to forge an enduring partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The High Commissioner will also function as Canada’s representative to the Caribbean Community.

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday (January 31, 2021) assured members of the media that his Government remains committed to engaging all stakeholders for the development of Guyana.

He said, “As President of Guyana I’m open to constructive criticism; I'm open to ideas and I'm open to sharing of responsibilities for the development and advancement of our country.”

The Head of State made these remarks to scores of media workers from across the country during the Annual Media Brunch held at Baridi Benab at State House.

Also in attendance were First Lady Arya Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (rt’d) Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, several Ministers of Government as well as the President of the Guyana Press Association, Ms Nazima Raghubir.

In his address, President Ali caution that while the society is free to openly express their views on various matters, this must be done in a responsible manner.

He said, “I believe that in a free and open society, every view has a value and every view must be expressed freely. But in expressing those views there comes a responsibility also… As Nazima said, the responsibility of ensuring there is balance, there is fairness, there is factual basis on which those views are expressed is important in maintaining, not only freedom, but the image that

the press is unbiased.”

The President pointed to the importance of a collective stance on national issues by the media, which he said will allow for a collaborative effort in addressing those critical issues and will foster strengthened trust. Key among these were national unity, domestic violence, engagement of the diaspora and suicide.

He said, “These are all critical areas that we can work on, a common agenda on which we can build a national strategy, in which the government and the media can work together in helping a national cause. I think these are areas that can also help us to build trust; it is important that we build trust among each other also.”

President Ali also committed to enhanced collaboration with the media with regards to development projects so that they will better understand the developmental shift taking place in the country.

He said, “And I agree with you that the Government has to play a greater role in getting information out there and involving you in understanding the information in a very practical way, ensuring that the media is engaged not only from the desk, but from where development actually takes place, and these are things that I will support.”

President Ali indicated that the media corps will also benefit from the Government’s scholarship programme and will have access to training in spe-

cific areas of specialisation including mass communication, journalism, and marketing.

ROLE OF MEDIA IN SAFEGUARDING DEMOCRACY The Head of State also expressed appreciation to the media houses for their role in securing democracy for Guyana post elections.

He said, “Before closing, I must take this opportunity to thank the media; with very limited resources and with long hours, the media did an exceptional job in securing democracy for Guyana….It is because of the vigilance of the media, the steadfastness of the media, and to a large extent the independence and balance in the media that allowed us as a country and as a people to ride out that period successfully.”

President Ali reiterated that his government remains open and ready to engage and collaborate with the media.

ENGAGEMENTS Ms Raghubir used the forum to highlight several matters; she placed a call for more engagements between the President and the press, the resumption of Post Cabinet Press Briefings and enhanced involvement of the media in development projects among others.

The GPA head also pointed to financial challenges facing the media due to COVID19.

In his response, President Ali said that with the impending development more resources will be injected into the economy which will bring with it greater revenue for media houses and their workers.

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Patterson should recuse himself as PAC chair ‒ Minister Teixeira

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t is in the best interest of the Opposition, the Government and the public for David Patterson MP to recuse himself from chairing the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), according to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

In a recent interview, Teixeira said Mr. Patterson should voluntarily resign from the post given the fact that he is under scrutiny.

An audit report into operations at the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation and the Asphalt Plant revealed that the former Minister accepted gifts valued millions of dollars from these agencies, which fell within his purview at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

“It is one thing to be accused and they take you to court, but another thing when the press has made public some of the issues, very public, with receipts and invoices…So we felt and the public felt because there were a lot of comments on social media and in the press, that he should not be Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee,” Minister Teixeira said.

MOTION As a result, on Monday (February 1, 2021), she brought a motion before the PAC seeking to remove him as the Chair. While Mr. Patterson eventually agreed to

step down as chair as the motion was being debated, the two-hour long session ended unsuccessfully and the meeting was suspended.

“The Public Accounts Committee is not in the name of Mr. Patterson, it is in the name of the Parliamentary committee in which the Opposition chairs and so we probably have to go back to the Committee of Selection and see whether they change their mind,” Minister Teix-

willingness is not there and I refuse to see the Accounts Committee as a reserve of Mr. Patterson,” Minister Teixeira said.

Going forward, she noted that the committee will be “quite a challenge” but hopes that the APNU+AFC understands that chairing the body will be in their interest.

UNACCEPTABLE Further, Teixeira has described the behaviour of the

“What are you there for? You are not there because of your good looks. You are not there because you are young or old.

You are there because you came on a party’s list, your party won so many seats and your party selected you to do the work.

You are there to represent the people the best way you know how which means you have homework to do. If you are talking about a Bill go and do your homework and represent to the best that you know how for the people.”

– Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira eira said.

She highlighted that if Mr. Patterson voluntarily resigns and the members of his team refuse to take up the position, the PAC cannot function as the Government cannot fill the post of Chair.

“I don’t know where it will go because the behaviour is bad and I think it has gotten worse since 2012; the kind of engagements we were able to have with the then Opposition… that behaviour, that

main Opposition in the National Assembly as ‘smoke and mirrors.’ According to her, the Members of Parliament (MPs) have failed to present facts to support their arguments and have resorted to personal attacks on members of the Government.

“The vitriol and what I keep calling the smoke and mirrors attacks. What are you there for? You are not there because of your good looks. You are not there

because you are young or old. You are there because you came on a party’s list, your party won so many seats and your party selected you to do the work. You are there to represent the people the best way you know how which means you have homework to do. If you are talking about a Bill go and do your homework and represent to the best that you know how for the people,” the Minister said.

Minister Teixeira noted that she has been an MP since 1992 and while there have been many heated debates, personal attacks are unacceptable. She added that while the parties may have different views on a matter, the precedent is to have a negotiation.

“I have been in Parliament where people have said I do not like what your Government is doing but, on this issue, we will support or on this issue, if you amend it this way, we will support; more of a negotiating style. That is not what is happening now. You are trying to have discussions on issues and it is smoke and mirrors. It is like a magician. You throw up smoke and mirrors so you are deflecting all over the place, but you are not deal-

ing with the real issue,” the Minister said.

The Minister highlighted that at the last sitting of the National Assembly, the Opposition brought a motion to have custodial sentencing removed from the possession of marijuana. However, instead of dealing with the matter at hand, Minister Teixeira said they began accusing the Government of drug trafficking.

The Minister described it as ridiculous adding that there are certain things in the National Assembly that you do not do. She noted that the Opposition carries as much responsibility as the Government side to behave in a constructive manner.

“It is unfortunate for the country because some of the issues that we can reach agreement on that have never been controversial, issues like child rights and different social legislation, that have not been ones that we could not stand together, that these stand the risk of suddenly becoming this battlefield where you have no proper arguments, but you are having these accusations on people’s lives.”

Nevertheless, Minister Teixeira said the Government would not allow the actions of the Opposition to obstruct its agenda in the National Assembly.

Frontline workers among first 52,000 people to receive COVID-19 vaccine

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total of 52,000 people could benefit from the first quota of the AstraZeneca vaccine for COVID-19 that the Government has secured through the COVAX facility, according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.

He disclosed that COVAX plans to deliver some 104,000 doses of the vaccine to Guyana soon. “About 52,000 persons could be vaccinated from the vaccines that we are getting from COVAX … Our deployment plans for vaccines, first of all, we want to give to the frontline workers. We had calculated that to be close to 22,000 people. The rest of persons who would fit

into this first category are the elderly and persons with co-morbidities,” he said.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is administered in two doses per person meaning the expected amount would be for about 52,000 people.

The second dose is said to be essential as it triggers the necessary immune system response to act as a super booster against the virus.

Minister Anthony also sought to dispel concerns about the efficacy of the vaccine. He said, “AstraZeneca, when they did two full doses, they were able to see that the vaccine was about 66 per cent efficacious. But when a half dose is followed up by a

full dose, the efficacy went up to about 90 per cent. So, these dosing regiments can make a difference, that is why in the literature they are saying that these vaccines efficacy can range from 62 or 66 per cent to as much as 90 per cent, depending on the dosing that you are using.”

AstraZeneca is currently awaiting emergency use approval in the United States. It has already been approved in the United Kingdom, Europe and India.

“We are also making other arrangements to be able to acquire more vaccines.

We are working on those arrangements right now,” Dr. Anthony said.

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Legislation to restructure Millions of dollars unaccounted Natural Resources Fund for under Region 10 community likely this year – to boost transparency, utility projects - Hamilton S T he Government has started looking at possible legislative amendments to restructure the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance in the Office of the President, Dr. Ashni Singh has said.

The Natural Resources or Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to date, has over US$185.3 million, representing both revenue and sales from Guyana’s four oil lifts for 2020.

Sharing Guyana’s economic prospects with LatinFinance, recently, Dr Singh said the Government has identified several issues with the Fund’s design and will be making moves to reform the account held at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.

“It’s very likely during the course of this year that we will be bringing legislations to the Parliament to restructure the Fund, to strengthen the way it operates and the way that it is governed, to strengthen the transparency with which it operates and to ensure that it is designed and operates in a manner that addresses the immediate economic development needs of the country and its long-term sustainability,” Dr Singh told the virtual Guyana Finance

and Investment Roundtable.

Noting that it was still in its early days, the Finance Minister said Government is currently considering the final design that will be taken to Parliament.

He said, “I wouldn’t want necessarily to pre-empt the final design, but our main objectives would be to ensure that we have a Fund that … the revenues that are generated from the oil and gas sector are used in a way that is consistent with long-term sustainability and resilience of the economy into the long term. We are still very much in the process of considering what the amendments to the legislation will look like.”

Dr. Singh would only divulge that the Fund will be managed in a way consistent with the highest standards of transparency and in accordance with the “paramount economic objectives of sustainable economic development.”

The Natural Resources Bill No.14 of 2018 was tabled in the 11th Parliament in November 2018 by the former Government.

Without the vote of the then PPP/C Opposition, the Act was later passed in the National Assembly and assented to by former President

Mr. David Granger.

The Bill set out to establish the Natural Resource Fund to manage Guyana’s natural resources wealth.

The purpose of the Fund is to “manage the natural resource wealth of Guyana for the present and future benefit of the people in an effective and efficient manner by: (a) ensuring that volatility in natural resource revenues do not lead to volatile public spending; and (b) ensuring that natural resource revenues do not lead to a loss of economic competitiveness. The Bill said Petroleum revenues shall be directly paid into a bank account denominated in United States of America dollars and held by the Bank as part of the Fund. It added that Petroleum revenues shall include all revenue from royalties, whether paid in cash or in kind; Government’s share of profit oil received under the terms of a Production Sharing Agreement or other agreement; Government’s share of profit gas received under the terms of a PSA or other agreement; and any income tax or corporate income tax levied on the profits of companies or individuals undertaking production operations, amount other measures.

VP engages members of the diplomatic corps on various issues

Vice President, Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Monday (January 25, 2021), engaged British High Commissioner (designate) to Guyana, Ross Denny, during a courtesy call

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, engaged outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, on Monday (January 25, 2021), during a courtesy call

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, met with Indian High Commissioner, Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, on Monday (January 25, 2021), in an engagement that saw discussions on several matters

everal individuals and groups in Linden, Region Ten, are under the microscope for millions of dollars disbursed to them by the APNU+AFC government for projects that never materialised.

Thirteen groups received a total of $34 million under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme in 2019 for community development projects. Those groups were required to be registered as Co-operative Societies before funds were released.

Recently, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton along with Chief Co-operative Development Officer, Ms. Perlina Gift, fanned out across Linden to get a first-hand look at some of the projects.

INCOMPLETE AND ABANDONED The building that was supposed to have housed the Coomacka block making project, which has been abandoned.

Over in West Watooka, $6 million was given to a group for a community centre and ICT hub. The incomplete building was abandoned in 2019.

Minister Hamilton said another $2.3 million was provided for poultry rearing but that project never got off the ground and the incomplete chicken coop was taken over by vegetation.

Additionally, the co-ops at Old England and Coomacka received funds for block

making projects valued a total of $6 million. The Coomacka block making project is located in a deserted area, and the abandoned building has no roof according to documents.

At the Green Jaguar Environmental and Community Development Co-operative Society at Wisroc, where they found incomplete pig rearing project, on which over $5 million was supposed to have been spent. He said, “In the case of the five point whatever million dollars project that money was disbursed and collected by the Member of Parliament of Region Ten…as I saw it, where it is located, it’s on some private land that is attached to a homeowner. So, for all intents and purposes Government money has now become private property and we can’t have that…we went to a pig rearing project where persons received $5.9 million and somebody went overnight and put two pigs and we went to another pig rearing project and based on what was said to me, they are on land they had no authority to be on.”

Minister Hamilton also visited several other projects where monies ($1.5 million to $2.2 million) were disbursed through the former Ministries of Communities and Social Cohesion for the enhancement of recreational facilities and agriculture initiatives.

The Labour Minister said one man received over $2.2 million for a chicken rearing project. However, when he visited the project, he was told that the individual had

migrated.

He added these cases are a clear indication of the misappropriation of public funds, and those involved would have to account for those sums. “What we were looking for is $34 million and we couldn’t find $34 million,” he said.

WILL NOT BE CONDONED Minister Hamilton said this would not be condoned by his Ministry. “We cannot continue to allow people to take public funds and use it for their benefit,” he stressed.

As such, the Labour Minister disclosed that he has ordered an integrity audit of all co-ops across the country.

These audits will begin within a month and be completed within the third quarter of this year. “I want to know the state of every co-op in this country… independent auditors will go and audit to see whether they are transparent and to ensure we can utilise the law to retrieve property that somebody has claimed as their own…Once that is done, we will write-off those that must die and those that will live must be transparent,” Minister Hamilton said.

The SLED programme was set up in 2015 after the coalition government came into office and $760 million has been invested over the years. A special audit of the 2019 programme has commenced and a separate report is expected to be issued by the Audit Office.

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Agr i Minis t r y commit t ed t o engagement t o bols t er r es pons iv e appr oach Teams lead by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, continue to reach out to farmers across the country, from communities in Region 6 to communities in Region 3, in an effort to bolster their responses to concerns, requests for support and, by extension, to ensure that successes in the sector are advances.

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Lands being identified to meet housing demand in Port Kaituma ‒ Minister Croal T he Ministry of Housing and Water is partnering with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to identify lands in the Oronoque area to meet the high demand for housing in Port Kaituma, Region One. Minister Collin Croal made this announcement during an engagement with village leaders of the Matarkai sub-district at the Port Kaituma Secondary School.

He explained that the intention is to identify a portion of land in Oronoque, which will fall under the management of the Ministry’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). This area will be devel-

oped and allotted to qualified persons through an allocation process.

“For expediency, for the allocation or the identified allottees will come through the CH&PA process, but the document for ownership will come from GLSC. So, I am working on some form of collaboration with GLSC to assist in that regard,” the Minister said.

Additionally, the Government plans to restart its Hinterland Housing programme to address the needs in Amerindian and hinterland communities. Minister Croal assured the residents of Region One that they would not be left out of that programme. He said in addition to acquiring lands, the

Government would ensure that all of the necessary infrastructure and key services are in place to enhance the lives of the residents within the communities. This includes enhanced water distribution systems, roads and bridges, health and education and social services.

Prior to 2015, the PPP/C Government had launched the Hinterland Housing programme, where more than 600 residents benefited from the Second Low Income Settlement initiative. The $40 million programme was initiated by the Housing Ministry, in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank, and Oronoque was one of the many areas targeted in Barima-Waini.

Smart rooms to help boost delivery of Social Studies and English Language for Hinterland students

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recent meeting involving the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Marcel Hutson and several Social Studies and Science teachers saw discussions on the use of smart rooms to facilitate online reinforcement in the areas of English Language and Social Studies for learners in the hinterland and riverine communities.

The smart rooms are located at Queen’s College and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD). Accompanying the CEO on the visit to the facility were the Deputy Chief Education Officer (Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development),

Mr. Marti DeSouza and Mr. Kerwin Jacobs, Technical Facilitator to the CEO. According to Dr. Hutson, the initiative will see lessons in these subject areas being delivered virtually to students in Regions one, seven, eight, nine and those in riverine communities. He said that this will tremendously impact the lives of children in these communities, particularly at this time.

The smart rooms will be equipped with equipment such as smart boards, microphone, cameras and all the necessary accessories to ensure effective communication between teachers on the coast and the students in the

hinterland communities.

This initiative will serve to address one of the major challenges the Ministry of Education is targeting which is the disparity in the quality of education delivered on the coast when compared to what obtains in the hinterland and riverine schools.

During the visits, the CEO and team met with the Headteacher of Queen’s College Ms. Jackie Ralph and the Director of NCERD, Mrs. Quenita Walrond-Lewis to discuss the initiative and to ascertain what more is needed in these facilities to ensure they can function optimally to produce the best outcomes.

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Global economy threatened by COVID-19 resurgence ‒ Reuters poll (Reuters) - There is a high risk of a resurgence in COVID-19 infections derailing the world economy this year, according to a firm majority of economists in a Reuters poll, who forecast global GDP would reach pre-pandemic levels within two years.

That threat, flagged by analysts who have largely been too optimistic about

recovery prospects, comes despite world stocks adding $33 trillion in value from March lows, lifted by stimulus overflows, near-zero interest rates and COVID-19 vaccine rollouts.

Reuters polls of around 500 economists across Asia, Europe and the Americas revealed modest downgrades or no change to growth outlooks compared with previ-

ous surveys, as well as tamer inflation views across most countries.

Economists have pricedin a COVID-19 resurgence as nearly two-thirds of analysts or 95 of 155 - who responded to an extra question said there was a high risk that another wave of infections derails the global economy, including eight who said that risk was very high.

“It is difficult to overstate the importance of the coming months for the global economy and public health. As vaccine rollouts begin the world over, we are racing against time to head off the impact of potentially more contagious strains of the coronavirus,” said Aditya Bhave, global economist at BofA. “The biggest downside risk to the global economy

is that vaccines prove to be ineffective against the new mutations. In all, the emergence of a vaccine-resistant, dominant strain could result in a lost quarter for the global economy.”

Global growth was forecast to clock 5.3% this year in the Jan. 7-26 poll, unchanged from three months ago, after shrinking 3.9% last year, with the range of forecasts showing both higher highs and higher lows. Amongst common contributors, about 60% downgraded their 2021 outlook.

The 2022 consensus showed a 4% expansion, higher than the 3.5% expected previously. Those forecasts were based on expectations for accommodative monetary policies, with no major correction in global financial markets after years of low sovereign bond yields and soaring stock prices.

They were lower than the International Monetary Fund’s forecasts of 5.5% for 2021 and 4.1% for next year.

“Major vaccine breakthroughs in November and December have lowered uncertainty and raised hopes that life could become more normal again at some point in the next 12 months. But things are much less hopeful in the short-term; indeed, the immediate economic prospects of many advanced economies have worsened again as they battle still worryingly high rates of infection and impose new lockdowns, said Janet Henry, global chief economist at HSBC. The euro zone’s coronavirus-ravaged economy would gain little benefit from the European Central Bank’s new policy package, accord-

ing to a Reuters poll that saw the outlook for first-quarter growth nearly halved. Britain and Japan suffered similar cuts.

At the same time, the world’s major central banks were not expected to achieve inflation targets within three years.

The real worry in the near-term was emerging markets, which have carried global growth in recent years.

Bouncing back from a pandemic-stricken 2020 with interest rates likely to be held steady, China’s economy was expected to grow 8.4% in 2021 - while the best reading in a decade it was rendered less impressive coming off last year’s low base.

India’s battered economy was expected to recover next fiscal year, supported by the government’s expansion federal budget and reach pre-COVID-19 levels within two years. Brazil’s growth prospects are being overshadowed by fiscal tensions, denting the outlook in a country struggling with a second wave of the pandemic. [ECILT/IN] [ECILT/ LTAM] “Amongst emerging markets, China is leading the way. With the exception of China, which is likely to experience a short bout of deflation, most EMs are likely to experience a transitory period of higher inflation led by food,” said David Rees, senior emerging markets economist at Schroders.

“But once this passes and growth settles to more normal rates few central banks will be in a rush to tighten policy, particularly if governments begin to repair fiscal positions.”

Gov’t creating incentive mechanism... (From page 9) knowledged that in order for Guyanese to move aggressively on these opportunities, in the quickest possible time, Government must provide the enabling environment. ”Government must provide the supportive mechanism and machinery. We must provide infrastructure.

We must ensure that the human resource asset is not

only there, but the human resource asset is adequately trained to meet the requirements to benefit from the output of the economic transformation,” he acknowledged.

Further, Ali called on the private sector to seek out opportunities, to be aggressive, and to form consortiums to go after large scale opportunities.

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Audit underway to address firearms missing from GDF, GPF G uyana’ priorities, plans and timelines for implementing the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap was addressed at a meeting by subject Minister, Robeson Benn.

And it was disclosed that comprehensive audit is currently underway in relation to missing firearms from the Guyana Defense Force and the Guyana Police Force.

The meeting – the Virtual Executive Seminar held by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) – focused on a move to initiate the steps needed to map out Guyana’s priorities, plans and timelines for implementing the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap and to advance Guyana’s National Action Plan on the illicit proliferation of firearms and Ammunitions.

Minister Benn in his opening remarks noted that the Government of Guyana attach great importance to the implementation of the Carib-

bean Firearms Roadmap, and recognizes the significance of working together, both bilaterally and through multilateral collaboration.

He added that Guyana will work keenly with Regional and International partners to achieve the successful implementation of the National Action Plan.

Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum presented on the national perspective regarding the state of disarmament in Guyana’s security landscape.

The seminar also benefitted from presentations delivered by IMPACS and UNLIREC. The Seminar was attended by, Senior Representatives of CARICOM IMPACS, Deputy Director of UNLIREC, Representative of the Germany’s Foreign Ministry, Non- Resident Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Guyana, Her Excellency Ute König, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ms.

Mae Toussaint Jr. Thomas, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nigel Hoppie DSM, Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum, Colonel Anderson of the Guyana Defense Force, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Teshana James-Lake, Representatives of CANU and Representatives of the Minister’s Secretariat.

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Gov’t working to strengthen institutions to prevent corruption T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is working to strengthen institutions to put an end to corrupt practices in public offices, according to President Dr Irfaan Ali. He added that systems, institutional arrangements, guidelines and procedures would be put in place to ensure there is accountability.

“I can assure you of

working to strengthen our institutional capacity to improve the system of governance, making Government more open and transparent, creating avenues for greater public involvement in the Government process itself, opening up myself to questions that the public might have on the work of Government,” he said in a recent interview.

According to him, no country can claim to be corruption-free. Concerning Guyana, the President alluded to the issues at the Elections Commission which led to a five-month long election process. “In every country the people may fail you, but we must never have a situation where the institutions fail us. It is the institutions that make sure that the right balance is there and that is what we have to work on, ensuring that the institutions never fail us, build them strong, professional and credible,” he said.

The President said that in the oil and gas sector, Government is wary of the involvement of politicians.

He added that there will be an arm’s length relationship between the Government and the Petroleum Commission to reduce opportunities for interference. The President gave his word that Guyana will system of government that the citizenry could rely on to protect them. “You can be assured that the institutions will be strengthened.

Those institutions will be operating within the Constitution, within their different laws and rules that govern them and that there will be no political manoeuvring or involvement in trying to destroy that,” Dr. Ali said.

Since taking office in August 2020, several questionable actions have been uncovered, former government officials charged in the local courts and requests made for special audits to be done by the Auditor General’s Office.

Guyana suspends flights to Brazil amid COVID-19 concerns T

he Government of Guyana has suspended air travel between Guyana and Brazil on Thursday to reduce the transmission of the new variants of -19 here.

“I don’t think this is unexpected because we have said before that we were concerned that the variants circulating in Brazil and closer to the borders with Guyana. That concern was there and we started by tightening our land border and both on the Brazilian side and our side, we have increased the measures to stem people from going across the border,” Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony said in a recent interview.

He added, “As we tighten up the land border, we also want to restrict flights coming from Brazil to Guyana and vice versa. All flights are now restricted because we want to know more about those variants.”

However, the Minister said Guyana officially opens the checkpoint on Thursdays to allow the exchange of goods and services, in keeping with strict -19 measures.

He said, “That is going to continue where we allow on Thursdays the exchange of goods and services, but we are going to tighten up the regime and we want to increase patrols along the border to deter people from crossing from one country to the other.”

This restriction will continue until an assessment is done and “based on those evaluations, then we will make those decisions as to when to reopen back the flights.”

The Minister also disputed an accusation from the Opposition that the Government has had a lax approach to border closures, despite COVID. “I think it’s clear and we have already taken a decision to tighten up the border control and now we have suspended flight from Brazil to Guyana,” he said.

Dr. Anthony added that he and his Ministry are open to discussions with the Opposition on additional steps that may be employed to ensure that Guyana is kept safe.

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As part of holistic plan….

Health Ministry making moves to respond to climate change challenges

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overnments across the world must significantly scale up climate adaptation measures to avoid major economic damage from global warming, according to the fifth edition of the UN Environment Programme Adaptation Gap report.

Nations must put half of all global climate financing towards adaptation in the next year in order to avoid the worst impact of climate change, according to the report published on January 14, 2020.

Under the Paris Climate Agreement, nations are attempting to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) compared with preindustrial levels. However, while nearly 75% of nations have adopted some form of climate adaption, there are major gaps remain in financing for developing countries, which are most vulnerable to rising temperatures.

In 2020, the hottest year on record, on par with 2016, the world experienced record-breaking hurricanes and wildfires that continue to intensify as temperatures rise.

The notable rise in global temperatures will have a series of adverse effects on several sectors in Guyana, including food production.

It will also threaten sea defences due to the projected rise in sea level. Also, of major concern are the threats that increased temperatures would have on the nation’s health.

WORK BEING DONE Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, in a recent interview, acknowledged the threats that global warming could have on a country such as Guyana.

He said, “In addition to vector-borne diseases, which are traditionally found in the tropics, you would also see an increase in flooding, and because of flooding, you can also contract other water-borne types of diseases. “...we have been able to survey our health facilities across Guyana and to look at how we can make them more

climate resilient; meaning, to prevent them from being flooded, to make sure that the services that they offer is more efficient, and to utilise things, such as rain water, for the purposes of the hospital…we have to also move to renewable energy.”

Further, he explained that in the health sector changes to the health care delivery are being made using five pilot hospitals. These include the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, the Leonora Regional Hospital, the Mabaruma Hospital, the Lethem Regional Hospital and the public hospital in Paramakatoi. “Once this works well, we are going to adopt it for the rest of the system,” Anthony said.

COSTLY Notably, at the Group of 77+ China ministerial and technical meeting in October 2020, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo stressed that there must be greater focus on enhancing “ambition” relative to reaching targets necessary for decarbonizing economies and “access” to climate financing.

Jagdeo also called attention to the fact that several agencies, including the World Bank, are sitting on funds that could be made available to countries.

“Where there are pools of resources at various institutions that are intermediating climate funds, they are just sitting for too long on these resources. There has to be a speeding up of these resources to be intermediated to the countries, particularly countries with limited capability,” he said, adding that countries in need of financing for adaptation and other climate change related action are reduced fiscal capacity and debt burdens caused by a need for diversion of resources to respond to COVID-19.

Jagdeo also said, “We need financing at scale now, not in the future, but now and there are already pools of money where pledges have been made that we have to work as a group to unlock.

We will need the solidarity of the Group and the bigger

countries in this Group to help us to do that.”

The UN estimated that yearly climate adaption costs could reach between $140 billion and $300 billion by the end of the decade and between $280 billion and $500 billion by 2050, and concluded that global action is lagging far behind.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

Guyana expected to receive some 3,800 vaccines in February and March ‒ President Ali

‒ China will donate 20,000 doses of vaccines

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali announced this afternoon that some 3,800 COVID-19 vaccines will be available to Guyanese

by February and March and will be immediately allocated to our frontline health workers, people with comorbidities and the elderly.

The President during an address to the nation said

that his Government has been working behind the scenes to pursue all possible means to bring the virus under control and to get the appropriate protection.

He said that last year, Guyana joined COVAX and is now eligible to receive vaccines for 20% of our population, which will be free of cost. Those are the vaccines expected from next month.

President Ali however stated that the Government will be looking at different avenues to get a larger percentage of the population protected and will be aggressively going after the vaccines.

He said that at the bilateral levels, the Government of Guyana has had productive discussions with the Governments of India, China and Russia, while they are also working with CARICOM, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the European Union (EU) for a quota of vaccines.

He said, “The Government of China has confirmed that it will be donating 20,000 doses of vaccines to Guyana. Discussions are ongoing and arrangements to acquired vaccines from these countries will be finalised shortly.”

The President added that the Government is also negotiating with major manufacturers, including Pfizer, BioNTec, Moderna and AstraZeneca and is hoping to finalise a supply of vaccines from them.

“In short, your Government is wholly committed to obtaining vaccines in the shortest possible time, utilising every means at our disposal for our people….

We will spare no efforts; we are pursuing all avenues to get as many vaccines as possible to cover as much of the population as possible,” he explained.

President Ali again reiterated that the Government would not force Guyanese to take the vaccine but would

encourage them to do so.

“I want you to feel confident, indeed, to feel certain, that when the vaccines arrive and we begin to distribute them they will have the full approval of the World Health Organisation and will be safe. I will be the first to take one when I am entitled to,” he stressed He said that while the Government works to access the vaccines, officials are also organising to implement their distribution. He said, “We are installing and extending the Cold Chain infrastructure for safely storing the vaccines, and personnel are actively in training to get the job done.”

The President, who also thanked the frontline workers, appealed to Guyanese to stay safe. “I repeat, wear your masks, wash your hands, keep your distance and stay home, unless you have a really good reason for going out,” Ali urged.

The President also announced that the Central Bank has extended measures to help businesses, those measures have been extended until August this year.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony said that the aim is to increase public messages to keep Guyanese up to date on information. He said that persons are already being trained to deliver the vaccines and will be able to execute their duties in quick time. “Mr President, we are prepared and ready. So, once we start receiving the vaccines we will be able to deploy them as rapidly as possible and in the safest manner as possible.”

Head of the COVID-19 Task Force, Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, appealed to Guyanese to play their parts in protecting themselves and their loved ones. “Let us throughout Guyana adhere to the measures in place, these measures will protect us.”

23

WEEKEND MIRROR 6-7 FEBRUARY, 2021

Region 10 Amerindian communities receive $92M from COVID-19 fund

T

oshaos across Region 10, on Monday (February 1, 2021), welcomed a $92 million injection into their local economies through the Government’s one-off COVID-19 cash grants.

Communities received sums ranging from $5 million to $15 million, depending on their populations, to help to create sustainable jobs to buttress them as the pandemic prevails.

Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill distributed the grants, on behalf of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. The Minister said the grants were a testament to the Government’s continued commitment to the Amerindian people.

He added that the COVID-19 grants were to ensure Amerindians are never left out of the Government’s development agenda, and it would ensure the sustainable development of the nation’s First Peoples.

“We initiated measures to ensure, number one, that the impact of COVID-19 is cushioned and, number two,

Region 8 receives $31 million COVID-19 allocation ‒ money earmarked for specific developmental projects in communities S ome $31 million was disbursed to communities in Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), as part of Government’s one-off, national cash grant to bolster communities affected by the pandemic.

The allocation benefitted five communities located in the Sub-District Two area: Micobie ($10 million), El Paso ($3 million), Campbelltown ($10 million), Princeville ($5 million) and Muruwa ($3 million).

Addressing residents, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, said it was not an easy task coming into office and being faced with little resources. However, the Government of Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has led a robust, national response to the pandemic. She said, “Our Government has moved the entire position of our fight against COVID-19 from one when there was no response or minimum response, to one where there is now significant response.

What the Government did to achieve where we are today is, first of all, as we entered office was to transition the National COVID-19 Task Force into one which dealt specifically with addressing our concern.”

Minister Sukhai said the Government also began working with the regional authorities to ensure their specific COVID-19 Task Forces were on board with the national level to ensure regional populations were not left at risk. The Minister also noted that those communities already affected were prioritised for relief efforts.

She said, “The movement of our responsiveness to this challenge is very visible. Our food supply was shuttled into many areas that were affected by COVID-19, hotspots were identified and population there was supported.”

Minister Sukhai also issued a challenge to village councils to ensure communities follow the COVID-19 guidelines. “There are many communities who believe COVID-19 is not a threat, is not real, and as leaders, as councillors of your villages, we are depending on you to make sure that you influence the villagers to take care of themselves, not to put themselves at risk, to ensure that they follow the minimal, if not the maximum COVID-19 protocols,” she explained.

She also urged residents to maintain social distancing, masking and hand hygiene

to protect themselves and others. Minister Sukhai said Amerindian communities in some areas have been hardest hit by the pandemic and therefore, the Government has been addressing those based on assessment. “There have been many questions

by Amerindian leaders, why only some communities were getting relief supplies …

Again, I want to explain that hotspots, communities and villages that were on lock down, those were the ones targeted by the CDC, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the COVID-19 Task Force first, but we realised that all over Guyana was reeling from the impact of COVID-19; that is why the $25,000 cash relief was introduced,” she added.

Altogether, Government has allocated a one-off $1.73 billion to be divided across the hinterland regions for communities affected by COVID-19. These funds, Minister Sukhai said, will be used to create a space for information and communication technology/ creation of ICT Hubs. The remaining sums would be used for infrastructure development projects or income generating projects to mitigate the

hardships faced by communities.

Of the $1.73 billion, Region One will receive $542 million, Region Two, $105 million, Region Three, $23 million, Region Four, $47 million, Region Five, $15 million, Region Six, $30 million, Region Seven, $216 million, Region Eight, $208 million, Region Nine, $454 million and Region Ten, $92 million.

to ensure that your village economies don’t suffer and your livelihoods destroyed,” the Minister said.

Edghill underscored the fact that said the initiative was carefully thought-out and planned to meet the needs of the people. On that note, he urged village leaders to hold themselves to the high standards of transparency and accountability in spending the grants.

Region 10 Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Dwight John, who also attended the event, pledged to provide technical support to the villages as they undertake their projects.

The terms of the cash grants require each village council to hold village meetings and consultations with the villages prior to approval of any project. After-

wards, project proposals, detailed estimates, minutes of meetings and the meeting attendance sheets must be submitted to the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Once the project is complete, a report including a certificate of completion along with photographic evidence and copies of expenditure receipts must also be submitted to the Ministry.

Cheques were handed over to the villages of Hururu, Wikki Calcuni, Wiruni, Sand Hills, Kimbia, Rockstone, Great Falls, Malali and Mauritaro. River’s View village will receive its $15 million grant in Region Seven since it is located closer to that region.

A total of $1.73 billion in COVID-19 relief funds would be distributed to the hinterland and Amerindian villages and communities.

Government agenda cuts across all regions and race ‒ President Ali O

nly as a collective unit can Guyana progress to reap the benefits within reach of its people, declared President Dr. Irfaan Ali. He added said that there is no other option than for us to come together, to work together and uplift each other, while pulling down the barriers

created by racism.

He said, “There is only one option on the table, and that is moving all of us together, unified as one people, there is no other option.”

The President, who was addressing the question of racism within Guyana on online broadcasting

service GlobeSpan 24X7, reassured his audience both at home and abroad that his Government is going to put all systems in place to be fair and equitable in its delivery.

He said, “This government is willing and ready to work with every single section of our society. It is

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the only way we can uplift them. It is the only way we can bring real and lasting changes and transformation in our country.”

The President noted that race problems in Guyana is multidimensional and systemic and need to be addressed at all levels.

He stated that his Government is willing to put the right systems in place to create a united Guyana, and that he understands that persons need to feel that they are a part of the system and can benefit from it.

He said, “It (eradicating racism) requires changes at the individual level that comes through education and through an understanding that the society in which you live is looking out for you, that the society in which you live is creating opportunities for you, that you see yourself as an equal participant in that society.”

The Head of State reminded his audience that as Guyanese they should focus on mutual respect and on similarities that unite us as a people.

“We can build the best roads, have the best health care system, but if we don't change our mindset. If we don't respect and love each other's company, if we don't understand what is the concept of being Guyanese….It is the set of values and guiding principles that cement us as a people,” Ali said.

He said that sweeping issues under the carpet would not work and that eradicating racism is “the responsibility of every Guyanese, it is a responsi-

bility of every leader. It's a responsibility of every commentator, we have a responsibility. In the end, all of us must understand that we have to do our part”.

President Ali reminded the audience that too often selfish people use the race card to benefit their agendas.

The Head of State said, “There are a lot of persons who consider themselves intellectuals who use this issue of race. They use the issue of race opportunistically. And we have to be able to address this in a very frank and open manner. They deliberately misconceive things and repackage and disseminated in a manner which promote sentiments of hate and racial feelings. Why? Why some selfish agenda? What is the motive behind that agenda? And many times they sit from afar and unfortunately, they abuse the platform of social media.

And they use this platform to generate and create and try to promote distrust between the Government and the people. My appeal to all Guyanese is judge us by our work. Judge us by our policies.”

The President reiterated that the development agenda that his administration is pursuing is one that cuts across all regions and benefits all Guyanese. “Regardless of who you voted for. Regardless of how you look. This Government, my Government has a responsibility for everyone. We are building a country that will be strong, resources will be available to uplift the lives of all our people,” he declared.

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