Weekend Mirror 27-28 November, 2021 by Weekend Mirror

GECOM TO MEET 27-28 November, 2021 / Vol. 11 ‒ No. 100 / Price: $100

Email: mirror2018.gy@gmail.com

‒ Six on final shortlist for post of Chief Elections Officer PAGE 2

No substantive response from Parliamentary Opposition on proposed electoral reform –Teixeira BACK PAGE

Government accessing special Pfizer doses for children ages 5-11 PAGE 23

SEE INSIDE

$700M hinterland housing PAGE 9 programme to be rolled out in 2022 - Minister Croal

Call Center aims to PAGE 7 employ 1000 Lindeners by next year

Contractors called on to ensure quality, expediency and accountability PAGE 14

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

Six on final shortlist for post of Chief Elections Officer T

he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is now moving forward with considerations of a final

shortlist of six persons for the post of Chief Elections Officer. This follows the Commission’s weekly stat-

utory meeting on Tuesday (November 23, 2021). Both government-nominated and opposition-nom-

inated GECOM Commissioners presented shortlists based on reviews to the Commission, from which

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the GECOM Chair will be compiling an integrated shortlist. While the opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners named only three foreign nationals – Leslie Harrow, Eugene Petty and Kurt Clarke – for the post, the final list includes three nationals as well – Vishnu Persaud, Deodat Persaud and Aneal Giddings. GECOM has been without a CEO and DCEO since August 2021. GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, in comments said, “What they’ve done is combine all the lists… what will be happening is that in short order, we will be moving towards deciding how we are moving forward with the process, as to conducting the interviews and so on.” In addition to considerations of persons to fill the post of Chief Elections Officer (CEO), GECOM is currently shortlisting applicants to fill the posts of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Assistant Chief Elections Officer (ACEO), Chief Accountant, Legal Officer, Logistics Manager, Civic and Voter Education Manager. To date, four persons

have been shortlisted for the post of Deputy Chief Elections Officer – Deodat Persaud, Neil Bacchus, Melanie Marshall and Mohammed Arjoon, while applications for the five other critical posts are being considered. Government-nominated Commissioner, Bibi Shadick, in comments on the move forward noted that there seems to be efforts afoot to delay the process of interviewing the candidates. She siad, “I would like it to be sped up. I would like to hear, we’re going to interview on Mondays and Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 to 1, we’re going to do it online or whatever, I’m not hearing that yet…. they haven’t even decided whether they’re doing the interviews virtually or not. I don’t know… what I see happening here is that we may not even get the interviews before January.” A meeting has since been set for today, Friday, November 26, 2021, to address considerations on how the recruitment process moves forward. The Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh, has not publicly commented on the recruitment process to date.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

EU-Ministry of Finance discuss cooperation programme S

enior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh recently met with European Union (EU) Ambassador to Guyana Dr. Fernando Ponz Cantó at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre where the two officials co-chaired an important Policy Dialogue focused on EU-Guyana Development Cooperation. The meeting was a successful step towards further cooperation achievements for the benefit of Guyana’s citizens with discussions focused on the EU’s development cooperation programme with Guyana. The EU and Guy-

ana have an increasingly close partnership, based on common values, objectives and interests covering all matters of mutual interest. While addressing the meeting, Minister Singh placed on record the strong appreciation of the Government for the EU’s sustained support to Guyana over the years. He also expressed optimism that the strong relationship that Guyana and the EU enjoy will continue to grow in the years ahead as Guyana traverses this new phase in its economic history.

Ambassador Fernando Ponz Cantó pledged the European Union’s continued commitment to the EU-Guyana partnership as Guyana advances its development agenda as a new and emerging oil and gas producer. The Ambassador recalled the determination and resilience of the Guyanese people to preserve democratic norms and the rule of law. In particular, he commended the Government and the National Authorising Officer (NAO) for re-establishing this bi-lateral policy dialogue which had been absent during 2020

due to the political crisis and related events, and which is a fundamental element in the full normalization of cooperation including budget support. Minister Singh then further reaffirmed Government’s appreciation for the EU budget support Programme. The two delegations held wide-ranging discussions that focused on the Government’s ongoing investment Programme in the sea and river defense sector, including Mangroves. Both were key areas that underpin EU

support over the last decades. Additionally, Dr. Ashni Singh and the EU Ambassador held preliminary discussion on a new Technical Cooperation Facility valued at €2.73M in which Guyana will benefit from support for the implementation and development of policies to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Possible areas of support include health, livelihood development, biodiversity, forestry, governance and public financial management. The EU team also comprised

Mr. Karel Lizerot, Head of Cooperation, and other members of the EU Delegation while the Ministry of Finance’s team included Mr. Tarachand Balgobin, Deputy National Authorising Officer (DNAO). The EU Delegation in Guyana was established in December 1972 and is responsible for taking forward the EU-Guyana partnership including political, development, and socioeconomic relations, trade, and other major policy areas, based on solid human, cultural and historical links.

Encashment of 25,000 one-off cash grants extended to December 15 – also urges GPL prepaid customers to secure their grant now

he $25,000 cash grant vouchers by the Government of Guyana of Guyana, through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security can now be cashed by December 15, 2021, owing to a provision by the Ministry to ensure that everyone who is entitled receives the grant. Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud made the announcement of the extension this week noting that the period is for those who, for some reason or another, could not collect their vouchers. The vouchers can be cashed at any post office, Sure Pay or MoneyGram. “It is Government’s commitment to public assistance recipients and people living with disabilities. In addition to our survey, we worked along with the National Commission on Disability and the Poor Law Commission to ensure that persons living with disabilities who were not on our Public Assistance register were included. And we are

working on a system to deliver this to their homes,” she said. Following this announcement, pensioners and others can go to their regional offices or to the central offices of the Ministry to uplift their 2022 pension books and vouchers. “December 15 is the latest that we can extend; we just want to make sure that everyone benefits,” Minister Persaud said. She is also encouraging prepaid customers of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to secure the one time electricity credit that the Government has granted. This one-time credit amounts to $3,750 and recipients are urged to visit their nearest GPL office to convert the credit into a Prepaid Electricity Token. Should persons require further clarity on this credit, they are urged to make contact with GPL, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8 am and 3 pm. GPL’s call center can be contacted on

telephone 226 2600. The Ministry is advising persons to visit their regular distribution sites for queries regarding permanently disabled people and public assistance (both economical and medical) for the year 2021. Meanwhile, Dr. Persaud has noted that the recent distribution exercise was a massive undertaking that, by and large, went well with the support of the volunteers, community and regional representatives. Dr. Persaud interacts with residents and officers during the recent distribution exercise. The period for cashing the $25,000 voucher has now been extended to December 15, 2021. “Our small staff complement was deployed across regions to ensure that the exercise was efficient and easily accessible. Where there were glitches in the exercise, every effort was made to rectify them. But it is remarkable

that many persons would have already benefited from the voucher and 2022 book in one month,” she said. “The Shut-in delivery to target the remaining persons is ongoing and Officers from the Ministry are fanning out to conclude the entire exercise by next week,” she added. Pensioners, who are bedridden, visually impaired, or confined to a wheelchair, can receive their pensions through direct delivery by registering for the shut-in

services To request, they can call the following numbers: 221 2571, 221 2544 (Mahaicony); 232 0952, 232 0953 (Fort Wellington); 333 3970, 333 3318 (New Amsterdam); 337 2667 (Whim); 335 3051 (Skeldon); 771 4311 (Anna Regina); 225 6202, 223 6027 (Georgetown); 264 2690 (West Bank Demerara); 223 1746 ext. 2266/2267 (East Bank Demerara); 220 8977, 256 3635 (East Coast

Demerara); 444 6330, 444 6815 (Linden); 772 2307 (Lethem); and 455 2964 (Bartica). If their coupon booklet is lost, the ministry is asking that this be reported to the nearest police station. A copy of the police report should then be uplifted and taken to the nearest probation and social services office. If there is a change in the address, contact should also be made with the probation office.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

EDITORIAL

Proactive steps needed to challenge divisive race-baiting

he progressive advances being made on all forms by the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C government seems to have stirred extreme levels of disquiet in opposition circles. This week, the comments by the APNU+AFC Coalition-aligned David Hinds, made during a live-streamed programme on social media, that exposed the vile nature that underpins the thinking of one too many in the Coalition’s ranks. On November 22, 2021, David Hinds, who is based overseas, said: “I think the time has come to defend ourselves…it is time for action…I am also repeating my call to undermine the government. I said that in August and I am saying it again. A leader does not have to tell you how to undermine the government. There are many ways…undermine the government and continue to do so.” Hinds went further to call for Indian-owned businesses to be boycotted. He said, “They were enablers and they are enablers….it is your money that is spending on Regent Street that they does take and give to the PPP as contributions for elections so they can get into government…undermine the economic partners of the PPP.” This is not the first time that David Hinds has called for efforts to be made to undermine the work of the PPP/C government. Guyanese can recall the shameless display from David Hinds, while he was addressing a small group of protestors at Victoria, East Coast Demerara in August 2021. David Hinds, during that action, said: “In whatever way you can undermine this (PPP/C) government. Undermine this government in whatever way you can. I can’t tell you how to do it, but ‘hint to Baniba mek Quashiba tek notice’ (Old African-Guyanese proverb meaning actions to hint something will result in awareness). Undermine this government!” What is clear is that David Hinds comments are intended to justify what he termed the ‘provocation of violence’ via economic policies – a claim for which there is no substantial evidence to support. Such rhetoric is unacceptable. Of note is that General Secretary of the PPP Bharrat Jagdeo had said: “People like David Hinds, who for decades misled people into thinking they represent Afro-Guyanese, had no interest in development for Guyana, much less development in the interest of Afro-Guyanese…they are parasitic…when they came into office, they had no intention of supporting Afro-Guyanese…he is smarting from the person loss of privileges that he and his family enjoyed…the bitterness stems from there.” Moving forward, the PPP General Secretary noted that the APNU+AFC Coalition must drop racism as a tool and get on board with a national development agenda – all in the interest of all Guyanese across the entire country. He had said: “It is a dead end if they don’t drop the racism… there is room for inclusion, providing that you work for the people…you can’t bully people and you can’t lie to people.” He made clear that while the PPP/C will not be distracted by it, but urged vigilance. We, as a people, cannot the ramblings of those who would divide us. Recognizing what is taking place, the obvious trend seen when actions of the Coalition are viewed collectively, is the first step to resist their anti-national actions. Guyanese deserve better and, now, for the first time after five years real change is being delivered to all our people, across the length and breadth of this country. And this is what a government is elected to do – deliver on its manifesto promises and advance the progress and prosperity of a nation and its people.

Punishment for electoral fraud must fit the crime Dear Editor,

t is an undeniable and historically authenticated fact that for too long Guyanese have suffered immensely from the rigging of General and Regional Elections on multiple occasions by one political party — the PNC. In fact, these riggings have caused Guyanese to flee to all parts of the world in order to survive and barely eke out a living for themselves and families. The social fallouts are too numerous to mention. They fled from the harsh and inhuman dictatorial rule of the PNC under Forbes Burnham and then Desmond Hoyte, using whatever legal and illegal methods they had available. This was the era of Burnhamism characterised by the five Bs: bankruptcy, backtrack, blackmarket, banditry and beri-beri. The PNC utterly devastated the socio-economic fabric of this nation and I will say that life sentence for election riggers is the way forward. It is sad that those in the past have gotten away with these acts which can be likened to a coup. The only difference is that with a coup the government in office is overthrown often through violent means but with electoral rigging, the rightful government is overthrown during the rigged electoral process. The result in either case is the same. Therefore, the punishment must fit the crime: ‘In national elections, successful electoral fraud on a sufficient scale can have the effect of a coup d’état’ (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_fraud). On the other hand, the letter writer seems to believe that since ‘the PPP clearly has the numbers, which means life sentences for rigging would apply to only PNC operators, for all practical purposes. In view of the demographics and politics of Guyana, I would venture that there are grounds to label this a racial and racist proposal’ (GHK Lall’s letter captioned: ‘Elections rigging and life sentences’, Kaieteur News). This would suggest that

it is perfectly excusable for the PNC to attempt to rig and get off with a tap on the shoulder or else it is ‘racism’. This is high class baloney. It has always been about the PNC and its innate penchant for rigging and is not about the PPP as was suggested by the same letter writer in the media. In his letter, he further stated that, ‘the underpinnings of voter registrations, hence voting eligibility, have been subject to question and controversy. Neither of the major parties is untainted’. I cannot recall anytime that the PPP was involved in this type of skullduggery, it is well documented that from 1968 to 1985 and then in the prelude to the 2020 Elections that it was the PNC which did this in a variety of manner, and this would go back even before the voters’ registration, for example, the appointment of the Chairperson for GECOM and all the other senior appointments. Moreover, it is a fact that a huge percentage of persons who worked at GECOM are known supporters of the PNC. It cannot be that the letter writer is unaware of these irrefutable facts. In the last General and Regional Elections, I witnessed this first hand. The PNC never wanted election observers and did all within their power to keep them out. The letter writer should realise that it was the PNC who labelled the election observers as ‘interferers and meddlers’ prior to the 1992 Elections. At one point during the Region Four vote count, the PNC attempted to lock them out and this again played out during the recount. They always wanted to steal the elections with impunity as they did before 1992 and in 2020, they did put on a ‘live show’ for the observers and the world to view and yet they denied attempts to rig. It is common knowledge even to the PNC Executive members as well as its supporters that the PNC is devoid of any strategy and all they ever did was to depend on their rigging machinery.

Blaming the Burnhamite Granger for the failure of the PNC to retain power is just an ingenious way of being the proverbial ostrich. Imagine a political party which has been around since 1957, more than 64 years, still has to depend on rigging and not their achievements as a government to win an election. I see no ‘reform’ of the PNC, even that term has been abused by the PNC. An Editorial which appeared in the media on November 7, 2021 summed up the struggle to reform our electoral laws, ‘the history of modern elections laws in Guyana is a history of either facilitating the PNC to take power or attempting to prevent them (PNC) from rigging elections to keep power’. This Editorial summarises the fact that the PNC will do whatever it takes to get into power and remain there. If we go back in history we will find that even after the most massively rigged elections in 1985, the PNC-led by Hoyte was unrelenting and not prepared to allow free and fair elections and stubbornly refused to allow electoral reforms. It has always been a colossal struggle by the PPP and the masses in Guyana to ensure that elections are not rigged. This struggle before 1992 is well documented history. But this has always been an ongoing struggle after 1992 and up to 2020. It is time to get our electoral reforms correct so that the PNC is never allowed to rig or attempt to rig any election in the future. Guyanese must never be allowed to suffer from the fallouts of the PNC’s rigging and our laws must be reformed to ensure this. We have been given ‘life sentences’ by the PNC and some suffered death penalties in the past. This is draconian! It is time that all legal loopholes (we are wearied by numerable trips to the CCJ) are plugged and the penalties match the crime. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

Guyana’s 7% salary increase when looked at comparatively and in the context of the prevailing global circumstances Dear Editor,

am not one to dabble in politics or anything of the sort but I feel compelled to write this letter to you to share my view on the recently announced 7% salary increase for public servants. I will keep this as short as possible and get straight to the point.

At a time like this when everyone is faced with challenges that were brought about by the pandemic, there is a growing need for more disposable income to reach the people. People need more money so that they can survive at a time when prices are rising. We examine the situation in our neighboring countries or even CARICOM

countries and we see how people are crying out for help. It is not just something that is confined to Guyana. Everyone needs help and even a 7% increase in salary will help in some way or the other. I did some research on salary increases in other CARICOM countries and what I found is something that I am sure will never see the light of day from the Opposition’s end. In Antigua, the government has been struggling to pay salary increases to its workers. In fact, an article that was published by Nation News on September 7, 2021 outlined the challenges the government has been facing with paying the increase. The main issue was the pandemic and the impact on the country especially with lockdowns and so forth. Shifting focus to Jamaica, we see that they also had a struggle with salary increases because of the pandemic. Reports from the Jamaican government as well as the Jamaica Gleaner publication outlined that workers will receive a 4% salary increase come 2022 but they will be getting retroactive payment from April 1st 2021. Looking at these figures, it is clear that Guyana has done better by offering a 7% increase and retroactive salary from January 1st 2021. If this does not put into perspective how good we are

getting in Guyana, allow me to point out the situation in Dominica. The Dominica News Online publication reported early in March 2021 that public officers will be getting a 1.25% increase. This is far less than what Guyana’s public officials are getting in addition to it being retroactive. I think it is very important for people to consider all the facts before launching on social media to criticize the government. I saw that many of the opposition members like Duncan, Jones and McDonald to name a few, were using the comparisons put out by the PPP/C to say that even though those countries received lower increases than Guyana, they pay higher wages and as such the people have more spending power. Even though that may be true, every single country struggled to settle at a specific percentage because of the pandemic. They could not give their workers anything sizable and many could not make it retroactive. Guyana has given 7% retroactive across the board which, in the context of Guyana, is noteworthy especially with the pandemic still in full swing. Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

Cumulative value of direct support to Guyanese is considerable Dear Editor,

t is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about severe challenges for countries. Every country, including Guyana, has been dealing with the economic implications of COVID-19, which continues to affect them negatively. Since coming into office and inheriting the situation, the PPP/C government has remained focused on providing support and assistance to the Guyanese people. The most recent effort to give back to the people is the announcement of 7% salary increase, which will be retroactive for all public servants, plus $400M which has been set aside for a one-off payment to frontline workers. I know that a lot of people were expecting more but given the fact that we are still dealing with the pandemic as well as supply chain issues which the President discussed at his last conference, a 7% retroactive increase and a one-off payment for frontline workers is commendable. I applaud the PPP/C government for ensuring that public servants and frontline workers receive something sizeable especially for the holiday season. I have been following the work of the government for quite some time and one thing that is evident through their actions is that they are working assiduously to cater for the needs of the people. For instance, many people were unable to work because of the pandemic. The government recognized that and stepped in to offer the $25,000 one-off payment to every household across Guyana. As far as I am aware, that initiative amounted to $7.5B and provided much needed support to thousands of families. Then, the government saw the need for frontline workers and the disciplined services to be rewarded for their hard work last year and as such, offered a year-end bonus to them totaling $1B. Notwithstanding, public servants were also provided with a one-off payment of $25,000 in December, 2020 amounting to $2B. I mention these measures because I want everyone to know that even amidst the pandemic when countries were/are suffering, the Government of Guyana stepped in to offer assistance as best as they can using the resources that were available. I also want to point out that with the rise in prices of goods and services; everyone is looking to have more disposable income so that their spending power can increase. The government has recognized that and as a result, has implemented several other measures to provide citizens with more money in their pockets. For instance, the old-age pension was increased from $20,500 to $25,000 and all recipients received a one-off grant of $25,000 just recently. Public assistance payment also moved from $9,000 to $12,000 and

the recipients also received the $25,000 one-off payment. In addition to these, the government reintroduced the Because We Care cash grant which provided $19,000 to families for every single child. This meant that families did not have to dig into their own pockets to provide their children with school supplies. The government covered that expense for the most part. Of course, these are just a few of the many publicly documented measures that were implemented to provide people with more disposable income which is a desire for almost everyone at this time.

I will conclude by saying that the 7% salary increase and the $400M that was set aside for frontline workers will assist a great deal. Thousands of public servants and frontline workers will be able to have more disposable income and more spending power because of this. In my opinion, rather than complaining, it is best to look at it in the sense that come December, 2021, public servants will be 7% better off. I commend the PPP/C government in this regard. Yours very truly, Anson Paul

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

P P P /C D E L I V E R I N G O N ‘ P L A N F O R P R O S P E R I T Y ’

Hundreds benefit from CH&PA’s house lot distribution in Lethem

ome 350 residents of Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), benefitted from house lot

allocations at the Ministry of Housing and Water’s seventh ‘Dream Realise’ housing drive exercise on Monday

(November 22, 2021). The allocation exercise, the first of its kind in a hinterland region, was led by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, and his team. Another 150 house lots slated for the township, will be distributed subsequently. In his remarks, Minister Croal said the government is not only distributing house lots, but is investing billions of dollars in community infra-

structural development in new and existing housing schemes. In Lethem, $1.5 billion will be spent on infrastructural development in the CHPA housing scheme. “This will see approximately 700 households receiving water, electricity and the construction of roads, community playgrounds and other facilities and a school. Contracts for these works will soon be signed as we have already

put out the call for tenders,” Minister Croal said. Some $94 million will also be spent on the construction of asphaltic roads and concrete drains in Tabatinga. That area and Culvert City Scheme will also benefit from the installation of 48 street lights. Further, under the Hinterland Housing Programme, residents will benefit from full house and home improvement

subsidies in two villages in each of the five sub- districts in Region Nine. The ministry is currently constructing its first regional housing office in Lethem. The government has so far distributed some 9,000 house lots to Guyanese. This brings the administration closer to delivering on its promise to distribute 10,000 house lots annually to Guyanese during its first term in office.

Guyana only Caribbean nation with fully integrated hydro-met service – Agri Minister

utlining Guyana’s current efforts towards building resilience and attaining sustainable development, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said that Guyana is the only English-speaking Caribbean country with a fully integrated hydro-meteorological service.

According to him, this service serves a crucial role in achieving goals involving the integration of water, weather, and climate services and solutions. He said, “With a fully integrated hydrometeorological service, where meteorologists and hydrologists work hand in hand, we therefore strongly support the work of the WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) to strengthen its role in the water resources management story through its hydrology, biological assembly and other evolving mechanisms.” Mustapha noted too that Guyana, known as the “land of many waters,” can easily manage its water resources in the context of WMO’s global framework for cli-

mate services, the sustainable development goals and its own Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which, among other things, encompass Guyana’s water agenda. “This is significant because it demonstrates that Guyana is also committed to ensuring that the name ‘land of many waters’ is synonymous with land of quality water,” he said. The Minister added that Guyana, through the hydrometeorological service, along with other government and non-governmental agencies, is committed to accomplishing the integration of weather, climate, and water agendas through national adaptation and resilience policies. He said, “In the specific case of the

hydrometeorological service, and in its role of national regulator, a strategic plan was recently developed with support under the Climate Resilience and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Project and the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation. This strategic plan has allowed Guyana to align the national priorities on weather, water and climate with the ambitions of the international community, as led regionally by the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation and internationally by the World Meteorological Organisation.” Mustapha’s comments came during his address to the 61st Session of the Caribbean Meteorological Council late last week.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

P P P /C D E L I V E R I N G O N ‘ P L A N F O R P R O S P E R I T Y ’ Call Center aims to employ 1000 Lindeners by next year

usiness process outsourcing firm, Midas BPO, in partnership with the Government of Guyana, is seeking to employ 1000 people in the coming year. The alliance is a result of the PPP/C Administration’s unyielding commitment to

tackle the country’s high unemployment rate through the creation of 50,000 jobs. So far, the telecommunication company, located in Linden (Region Ten) has employed over 125 persons, since it was established in September. The agency has a

rapid employment rate, which sees some 25 to 40 persons being employed daily. The telecommunication company has plans to expand their operations to Regions Two, Three, Five and Six. During the partnership signing back in September,

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, MP, said government is building an industry that will create meaningful employment for young people. He said the call centre industry is able to create more

jobs for young people than any other sector. Dr. Singh said the PPP/C Administration remains committed to its promises. In addition to pushing for the creation of 50,000 jobs, the government has also liberalised the telecommunications sector, as

promised in its manifesto. He said the liberalisation will help investments like MIDAS BPO. Lindeners currently employed at the telecommunication company lauded the government for paving the way for financial gain.

$11M for tourism, productive sectors development in Capoey

pproximately $11 million will be available to facilitate developments in the tourism and production sectors in Capoey, Region two, (Pomeroon-Supenaam), according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai. Minister Sukhai was part of a ministerial delegation to the community which addressed a number of concerns raised by residents. The minister urged residents to place tourism in the community as a priority, as government has made several investments to boost the sector. She said, “I want to also ask you to be serious about tourism. Capoey has started tourism and it’s very accessible and we are also supporting

that sector here. For example, your economic grant from what I looked on the submissions, they are geared towards enhancing your opportunities of building the tourism base and also, we are going to add an additional $3 million that will go towards enhancing your guest house. So that is about, let’s say that $11 million will be available for tourism and of course, the productive infrastructure and the roads.” Sukhai also urged the village council to prioritise the establishment of the community’s ICT hub, noting that should have already been up and running. She said, “We’re expecting by now, that you should have had a spanking, brand new ICT hub where the

Prime Minister can just roll in the internet, the connectivity, the power source, the laptops and we have begun the training of those trainers who will take control of, and support the hub when it becomes operational. We’ve been speaking about this hub one year now, the year is coming to an end and I want to ask the village council to put some priority towards it because everywhere we go, we have to hear complaints about connectivity.” The minister also presented an engine and a brush cutter to the community. “Today the request that came in for the school children to have an engine, we have brought that engine in and also the brush cutter was a request made

earlier also, which were both bought from the 2021 budget. So, we are happy to deliver on the commitments and on the budgetary work that we’ve had engagements with you in

the earlier period of this year,” she noted. Minister Sukhai encouraged residents to take care of the machines. “I want to make one appeal, that you

take charge, the village council takes charge of the engine and that you operate it in the best interest of the village including the maintenance, it is important” she said.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

P P P /C D E L I V E R I N G O N ‘ P L A N F O R P R O S P E R I T Y ’

Katoonarib gets upgraded water system

he Amerindian Village of Katoonarib located in South Central Rupununi (Region Nine) is now receiving improved access to potable water following the completion of a water supply system, undertaken by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI). Close to 400 persons are now receiving access to potable water which translates to 90 per cent of the community as opposed to an initial 25

per cent. The system was officially commissioned last weekend by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues. Addressing the villagers during the commissioning ceremony, Minister Rodrigues stated that the realisation of the new water supply systems in the interior region is as a result of consultation with Amerindian communities prior to

government’s appointment to office. This process, she said, has helped to craft the commitments in their manifesto, which are being delivered one by one. Minister Rodrigues pointed out that government’s intention is to reinstate the respect and honour that many Amerindian communities have lost under the previous administration. She further explained that many villages

located on the coast were neglected simply because they were not within the geography of Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine which are considered hinterland regions. The minister thanked the GWI team and community members for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the project. Previously, the village accessed water from a shallow

hand-dug well with a depth of approximately 20ft. and the water was pumped and stored in a reinforced concrete trestle. During the dry season, the community suffered water shortage as the main source would run dry. Most of the residents would then have to rely on alternative means of obtaining water. Additionally, the distribution network did not extend beyond the central point of the community, preventing residents’ direct access to water.

However, the newly commissioned system saw the drilling of a new well by GWI’s hinterland team at a depth of close to 300ft or 80 meters deep, extension of the existing distribution network, rehabilitation of the water trestle, upgrading of the photovoltaic system and the installation of stand pipes. The overall project was executed in collaboration with the Katoonarib Village Council at a cost of $7.5 M and was financed by the Government of Guyana.

Another 31 trained in ICT through “leaving no child behind” initiative

ome 31 students between the ages of 12 to 17 years, recently graduated in Information Communication Technology (ICT) training at the West Ruimveldt Secondary School, Georgetown. The training offered under the slogan “leaving no child behind” is an initiative taken by the Office of the Prime Minister, and is being administered by the Industry and Innovation Unit which seeks to educate young children in basic ICT programmes across the country. Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, while addressing

the graduating batch, charged them to use the very interest, they’ve shown in the training programme to focus on other aspects of their school work. “I commend you; I congratulate you and I’m going to ask you that the interest you’ve shown in this training, that you also put that interest and focus in your other areas of school work, so that you can develop,” the minister said. Minister Parag also urged them to become ambassadors and to represent their community with the knowledge they would have gained through this initiative.

$82M Fort Island stelling on track for December deadline

orks on the construction of the Fort Island stelling in Region Three is about 54 per cent complete. This was disclosed by the civil engineer attached to the Transport and Harbour Department, Eric Morris. Morris said based on the pace of work, the stelling is on track for its December deadline. The project is being undertaken by IB Contracting Services. Upon completion, the $82 million stelling will spur economic activity on the island where farming and fishing are the main sources of income. With the pan-

demic slowing up economies worldwide, the stelling will benefit the 95 persons who reside of Fort Island and over 200 persons from the catchment areas. Aside from that, several persons from the island are employed, assisting with the construction of the stelling. When Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill had visited the project to get a first-hand look at the nature of work to be undertaken. During his stop, the Minister assured residents that government will continue to work to improve their quality of lives.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

INFRASTRUCTURE BOOM: Building for the Future

Gov’t aiming for 100 per cent water coverage in hinterland by 2025 – Croal T

he PPP/C Government, through its national water strategy being executed by the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), is aiming for 100 per cent water coverage in the hinterland. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said although 98 per cent of the hinterland communities has the infrastructure in place to supply potable water, only 70 per cent of the population has access to potable water, due the layout of the communities. This means that those with no direct access to potable water have to walk long distances to access water or practise rainwater harvesting. The Minister said, “This

is not the standard that our government wants for its citizens,” Minister Croal noted while addressing residents of Lethem during a recent housing drive in the town ship. To this end, as part of its aggressive campaign to address the inequities in access to potable water, GWI will be expending $120 million for water distribution systems including new wells, a new water network, photovoltaic systems and elevated water storage at Yakarinta, Rupunau, Katoka and Apoteri. Minister Croal announced that another $43 million will be invested to complete new water systems in Para Bara, Wichibai, Curicock, Jawari and Nappi through the Re-

gional Democratic Council. This year, more than $150 million has been invested in Region Nine alone to improve access to clean, safe water. This resulted in the drilling of water wells at Shulinab, Shea, Annai, and Culvert City, Lethem to provide an improved level of service and new service connections to more than 500 residents. Some 1,400 residents are benefiting from the St. Ignatius distribution network which was upgraded to improve access to potable water. A new well was drilled in Parikwaranau and the construction of a new water supply system is nearing completion to benefit some 600 persons.

The communities of Toka, Katoonarib and Potarinau now have new wells which were recently commissioned with distribution systems, benefitting 1,320 residents. Additionally, under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), the construction of an expanded water supply system is being completed in Rupertee, Shulinab, Aranaputa and Wowetta to provide service to more than 95 per cent of these communities. In the Lethem township, a new office is being constructed to house the staff of GWI and the Central Housing and Planning Authority. The building is expected to be completed by the end of

December. “When this building is finished, residents of Lethem and its surrounding communities will be able to access the services of CHPA and GWI without having to travel to Georgetown,” Minister Croal said. Community Support Officers (CSO) were also trained to ensure that the water supply systems are efficiently managed and maintained within those communities. Similar works are being done in other communities in the hinterland Regions – One, Seven, Eight and Nine. During the first half of the year, the housing and water ministry spent $148 million to complete expansion works

at Mabaruma, Barabina and Wainaina, Region One. This includes the installation of electric motor-driven pumps at Mabaruma and Barabina. Earlier this year, new wells were completed at Port Kaituma and Oronoque in Region One. New wells will also be drilled at Baramita, Arakaka, Matthews Ridge, Khan’s Hill, Wauna, Kwebanna, Huradiah, Waramuri and Manawarin using the same model as the one existing in Region Nine. Further, water supply systems are also being upgraded at Jawalla and Kamarang in Region Seven; and Monkey Mountain, Taruka and Kaibarupai in Region Eight.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE Kamarang gets first time water $700M hinterland access – 700 residents benefit housing programme T to be rolled out in 2022 - Minister Croal

he Government, through Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), will be recommencing its Hinterland Housing Programme early next year. The programme carries a value of $700M. This was announced by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, during a community meeting at Wauna village, Region One (Barima-Waini). He noted that some 100 families in communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine will benefit from the construction of homes and home improvement subsidies under the programme. “We have already decided on the villages for Mabaruma and other areas. Even if a community is not included this year, they can be included for the next goround,” he said.

Minister Croal noted that the programme will address the housing needs in hinterland communities. It forms part of the government’s policy of ensuring hinterland communities benefit from the same services as those on the coast. He, however explained that the programme differs from the housing construction programme being implemented on the coast, where persons are paying for the homes through the banks. “I want to clarify that the beneficiaries who come from within our system pay for those houses, so the state is not building them free. But, in the hinterland, we have the subsidy programme coming from tax payers’ money and so, there is only so much we can do at a time,” Minister

Croal said. In addition to homeownership, the programme will stimulate the local village economy since local labour and materials will be used. Stakeholders’ engagements and participation will also be embraced throughout the project. Residents will also have an input in the design and selection of the project, Minister Croal said. The implementation of the hinterland housing project will utilise a model similar to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded Sustainable Housing for the Hinterland Programme that was previously implemented by the CH&PA. The programme was very successful in improving the living conditions of over 500 hinterland households in Regions One and Nine.

Barima-Koriabo gets equipment to boost agri development

he village of Barima -Koriabo located in the Barima-Waini Region (Region One), received a new tractor-trailer valued at $4.7 million, to stimulate agricultural development in the community. The tractor-trailer was handed over to Toshao, Gilroy Roberts by Minister of Housing and Water, Colin Croal, during a recent twoday outreach to the region. He was accompanied by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Andre Ally. Minister Croal said the initiative forms part of the government’s support to Amerindian communities to boost local village economies. During the handing over ceremony, Minister Croal urged the village council to

implement a system to manage the vehicle and ensure it is used for its intended purpose. “We don’t just drive and use and when we (are) ready to change the oil there is no resources available and it’s down for a while, and we don’t get it fixed or serviced. So, you have a responsibility,” he said. The Minister reminded residents that government is investing billions of dollars to foster economic development in hinterland communities. He said villages, therefore have a responsibility to ensure proper management and accountability of the resources. Croal said, “This is part of what we do as a government… We don’t implement programmes for a selected few or just for a segment of the

village, when we implement programmes, it is done in a strategic way that all benefits equally.” The tractor-trailer was handed over on behalf of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs under its Amerindian development fund programme. The community has also benefitted from a trained and licensed tractor operator through the recently reinstated Community Support Officer (CSO) programme. The government has procured 112 tractors to the tune of $446 million for hinterland communities across the country. The tractors will be used specifically for agricultural purposes, as well as tourism, in cases of emergencies, and to support village infrastructure.

he number of Hinterland communities gaining access to potable water continues to climb, with Kamarang in Region 7 being the most recent addition to the list. Close to 700 persons are now benefitting from a new Water Supply System, which was commissioned on November 17 by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal. Minister Croal told residents that prior to the commissioning ceremony, he made a visit to Jawalla, where a team has already mobilized to commence the drilling of a new well. He explained that the completion of that system, as well as the one in Kamarang, will result in a seventy percent potable water coverage for Region 7. Meanwhile, plans are in the pipeline for a new well in Warawatta in 2022. These villages can also expect a GWI Sub-Regional Manager to overlook the systems within the Region in the New Year, the Minister announced. Prior to the establishment of the water system in Kamarang, villagers depended on water from the Kamarang River and the rain. The Housing and Water Minister noted that over time the river has become an unreliable source of water for domestic purposes, since it is constantly being contaminated due to mining activities. He pointed out that this well was only made possible through the investment in new technology, thus allowing the GWI Hinterland team to accurately identify a suitable location for drilling

through resistivity logging to ensure a successful well. The Minister reiterated Government’s commitment to provide every community in Guyana with potable water access, while pointing out that the aim is to achieve this within its first term in office. Minister Croal charged the residents to practice water conservation, noting that the responsibility on residents in the Hinterland is greater than those on the Coast since much investment is made to execute works and supply these communities. In this regard, he thanked the Guyana Defence Force Air Corps for their assistance in significantly reducing the cost to transport materials into far flung areas. Meanwhile, GWI’s Hinterland Services Manager, Mr. Ramchand Jailal noted that the realization of this well is groundbreaking since there were multiple failed attempts to drill in Kamarang over the past years. This, he said, was mainly due to rock formation underground, preventing drilling rigs from accessing water. Mr. Jailal told the residents that the water supply system is now the property of the community and therefore it is their duty to take good care of it. Additionally, he explained that GWI has trained Community Service Officers to operate and maintain the system, as well as provide weekly reports to the utility. Toshao of Kamarang/ Warwatta, Mr. Lemmel Thomas praised the Minister, GWI and the Government by extension for realizing

the water supply within such a short span of time after taking office. He stated that following the collapse of a well, the community has been without potable water access for more than two decades. Also present at the ceremony was Managing Director of R. Kissoon Contracting Service, Mr. Rudranauth Roopdeo, who thanked the community members for their support during the execution of works. He also provided a quantity of sports gear to the Community Sports club, which the Minister also assisted in handing over. Apart from the drilling of the potable water well to the depth of 150 meters, the project also entailed the installation of over 3000 meters of 50mm pipelines for the distribution network and more than 2,400 meters of 19mm lines for service connections – including 25 individual connections to public buildings 35 stand pipes. The system also included a well pump, photovoltaic system, construction of elevated storage and installation of four, 450-gallon storage tanks. The water system was constructed at a total cost of GYD $45 M and funded by the Government of Guyana, under it’s 2021 budget. The new water supply system will provide first time access to potable water for 95 percent of the community including the Hospital, Schools, RDC Office, other public buildings and residents.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

Guyana playing its part to curb climate change with LCDS 2030 T

he adverse and potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change are already being experienced in Guyana, and since the 1960s, Guyana has observed marked increases in temperatures, sea levels and the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events. As one of many small developing states, Guyana is doing its part to improve and sustain a clean world for all, and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 is a clear example of how the PPP/C Government intends to protect the biodiversity in Guyana and by extension, the world. Launched by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the new and expanded programme,

which is still in its draft stages, seeks to create a new-low-carbon economy in Guyana by establishing incentives which value the world’s ecosystem services, and promote these as an essential component of a new model of global development with sustainability at its core. In Guyana’s case, it is about harnessing the value of the country’s ecosystem services to build a longterm, low-carbon diversification opportunity. In protecting against climate change, Guyana, along with a number of other countries, gave its full support at the recently concluded United Nations 26th Conference of Parties

(COP26), held in Glasgow, Scotland. In fact, over 130 leaders, representing more than 90 per cent of the world’s forests, have committed to work together to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use. Countries have also committed to the funding pledge of US$12 billion between 2021 and 2025 to finance forest-relate matters. From early 2022, there is a strong possibility that Guyana could access market-based mechanisms for forest climate services that includes private, as well as international public sector financing. This will enable

a pathway to transition from the existing Guyana-Norway partnership and increase the value of sustainable managing Guyana’s forests. The monitoring, verifying and reporting system, built since 2009, will also act as a platform for integration with other ecosystem services markets. Guyana can also undergo one of the world’s most ambitious energy transitions and grow the economy up to five-fold, while keeping greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation at around 2019 levels. This can be done through the replacement of expensive, polluting heavy fuel oil with natural gas as a bridge to an energy system built mainly from hydropower, solar and wind power. Alongside the national low-carbon energy transi-

tion, targeted investments can be made in the underlying infrastructure of a broader, low-carbon economy to create jobs all over the country and enhance livelihoods. This includes investments to enhance digital connectivity in under-served communities, to improve transportation, improve access to finance, and create micro and small, low-carbon enterprises. It also includes targeted support for Amerindian and other forest-dependent communities, with a dedicated 15 per cent revenues from forest climate services, adding to other investments for Amerindian communities. Importantly, the new LCDS programme intends to align its operations with global climate change goals. Guyana will act strategically and responsibly as the sector

develops, supporting global energy security while diversifying and decarbonising Guyana’s domestic economy and investing in development priorities for all Guyanese, including health, education and low-carbon opportunities. At the same time, the government will advocate internationally for a strong global carbon price and the removal of subsidies on fossil fuel – to incentivize the lowest carbon, most cost-effective oil and gas in the global marketplace in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement under which there will be demand for decades to come. In parallel, Guyana will advance a “no flaring” policy, and mandate the use of best technology in the oil and gas sector to limit its environmental impact.

High-level participation from Government at Energy Conference 2022

he PPP/C Government is pleased to partner with the International Energy Conference and Expo for the four-day event scheduled for mid-February in Guyana, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. He said, “We believe that the multifaceted nature of the Conference is in keeping with the national drive for holistic development and investment opportunities of Guyana.”

The Government will actively contribute to the Conference at the level of the President, the Honourable Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, and other members of the Cabinet. The Head of State added that the Government is pleased that other global agencies will participate in various discussion sessions ranging from energy, oil and gas, climate change, and food security.

He said, “We look forward to a successful conference and welcoming the many international delegations to Guyana.” The Energy Conference, launched in Sep tember of this year, will be held under the theme, ‘Charting a Sustainable Energy Future,” from February 15-18, 2022. It aims to bring together leading experts both locally and internationally.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

In Focus : Adv ances in t he Agr icult ur e Sect or

GUYANA: A LEADER IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION G u y a n a c h a ir in g 6 1s t S e s s io n o f t h e C a r ib b e a n M e t e o r o lo g ic a l C o u n c il

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha was elected to serve as the Chairman of the 61st Session of the Caribbean Meteorological Council for the next 12 months. The Caribbean Meteorological Council, is the governing body of the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO), a specialised agency of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). While delivering the feature address, Minister Mustapha said given the importance of having access to accurate and up-to-date weather information, the government, since taking office, has made several investments to improve the public weather service in Guyana. He said, “It is in this context that the development of a National Flood Early Warning System became extremely relevant and in June of this year, Guyana launched its first National Flood Early Warning System. While the system is still in its pilot phase, its development is critical to protecting lives, livelihoods, and property. Critical to our medium-term development agenda, the Government of Guyana recently developed a roadmap for the development of a National Multi-Hazard Early Warning System. Additionally, to further enhance the public weather service, investments have also been made to repair the radar, and to facilitate the maintenance of Automatic Weather Stations.” The Caribbean Meteorological Council is the supreme organ of the Organisation and comprises ministers responsible for meteorology. While acting as Chair, Minister Mustapha will be tasked with guiding issue directions of a general or

special character as to the policy to be pursued by the Organization and its any organs. Outlining Guyana’s current efforts towards building resilience and attaining sustainable development, Minister Mustapha noted that a major component to achieving those goals would involve the integration of water, weather, and climate services and solutions. This recognition, he said, is underscored in the recently revised National Development Strategy: The Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which has been expanded to include biodiversity and ecosystem services, the maritime environment, and water resources management. The minister said further, that Guyana, through the Hydrometeorological Service along with other government and non-governmental agencies, is committed to accomplishing the integration of weather, climate, and water agendas through national adaptation and resilience policies. Furthermore, Minister Mustapha told the Council that Guyana, with support from its regional and international partners, has been working to strategically improve and expand its observational and monitoring infrastructure with investments in state-of-the-art technologies. Minister Mustapha succeeds Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves, who served as Chair of the 60th CMC. The CMC was established by its Member States in 1962, to further the regionalization of meteorology in the Anglophone Caribbean.

G u y a n a c h a ir in g r e g io n a l M in is t e r ia l T a s k F o r c e t o a d d r e s s a g r i-f o o d s y s t e m uring the fourth sitting of the D Special Ministerial Taskforce (MTF), which was set up to advanc-

ing the agri-food system in CARICOM, the participating Member States and Regional Organizations discussed progress made on several decisions that were taken so far. Agriculture Minister, Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, who also serves as Chair of the MTF, while delivering opening remarks said, following the last MTF meeting, a number of important activities had been undertaken. “We saw the successful hosting of Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA), which as we know was the first virtual CWA hosted by the region due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be that as it may, the CWA was very well attended and generated much positive discussion throughout the region. The COTED Ministerial was convened and delivered a lot of important decisions related to the work of this task force,” he said. As Chair of the taskforce, Minister Mustapha also told attendees that,

as part of his mandate, a number of engagements were facilitated through the CARICOM Secretariat with key stakeholders particularly on issues surrounding financing for priority commodities. Some of the areas identified for discussion by the MTF during the meeting were the resuscitation of the Regional Transportation Commission and investment opportunities for coconut in the region. Additionally, members of the MTF were invited to identify and nominate a representative for the constituting of the Regional Transport Committee. From its inception, the MTF had identified coconut as a priority commodity for growth in the CARICOM region. CARDI, for years, has served as the lead agency for the developing the Regional coconut sector. Member States expressed satisfaction with the progress made thus far by the MTF even in the midst of a global pandemic.

G u y a n a o n ly C a r ib b e a n n a t io n w it h f u lly in t e g r a t e d h y d r o m e t s e r v ic e utlining Guyana’s current efforts O towards building resilience and attaining sustainable development,

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha said that Guyana is the only English-speaking Caribbean country with a fully integrated hydrometeorological service. He was at the time addressing the 61st Session of the Caribbean Meteorological Council late last week. Minister Mustapha said this service serves a crucial role in achieving goals involving the integration of water, weather, and climate services and solutions. “With a fully integrated hydrometeorological service, where meteorologists and hydrologists work hand in hand, we therefore strongly support the work of the WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) to strengthen its role in the water resources management story through its hydrology, biological assembly and other evolving mechanisms.” He said Guyana, known as the “land of many waters,” can easily manage its water resources in the context of WMO’s global framework for climate

services, the sustainable development goals and its own Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which, among other things, encompass Guyana’s water agenda. He said further, that Guyana, through the hydrometeorological service, along with other government and non-governmental agencies, is committed to accomplishing the integration of weather, climate, and water agendas through national adaptation and resilience policies. “In the specific case of the hydrometeorological service, and in its role of national regulator, a strategic plan was recently developed with support under the Climate Resilience and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) Project and the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation. This strategic plan has allowed Guyana to align the national priorities on weather, water and climate with the ambitions of the international community, as led regionally by the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation and internationally by the World Meteorological Organisation,” the minister added.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

Scores of young children and adolescents are benefiting from the PPP/C government’s community Information Communication Technology (ICT) training. The training aimed at building individual capacities in keeping with the wider Government programmes to invest in people to foster a modern society, and generate wealth for all. The training programme covered topics including Internet Computing, Hardware and Software and Office Productivity. It is being done through a collaboration between the Industry and Innovation Unit and the Department of Public Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister.

Saint Cuthbert's Mission

Lusignan

Bettter Hope

Silver Hill

East and West Ruimveldt

Haruni

Enterprise

Cummings Lodge- Sophia

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Contractors called on to ensure quality, expediency and accountability P

resident Dr. Irfaan Ali charged contractors to expedite their work but to ensure that quality is maintained as Guyana continues to go through a revolutionary period of growth and development. The Head of State was adamant that structure was needed at all levels and by all stakeholders since the end result would need to be a quality product for the Guyanese people. The lengthy but passionate address was made at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in the presence of the heads of the relevant ministries and government agencies on Monday (November 22, 2021). The President reminded that his duty is to ensure that Guyana develops at all levels and that its people are happy with the quality of work and the transparent ways they are executed. He said that at the end of his first term, his Government will have to go back to the citizens and that they will “judge us based on our performance”. He explained that his Government’s performance involves not only the government agencies but also many other factors, including all of the contractors executing projects. President Ali noted that he and his cabinet have committed to fulfilling the very elaborate and comprehensive mandate of development and that there is “no way, absolutely no way we are not going to achieve that mandate”. “Every ounce of my energy and the cabinet’s energy, and the technicians’ energy, will be at achieving that mandate in the interest of Guyana and every single

Guyanese, and you’re a part of that….The Government and all of you in this room have a professional responsibility to ensure that our plans and programmes are achieved.” CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM The President said there is always room for growth and that contractors must learn to take constructive criticism and underscored that a contractor who is bidding for and being awarded large projects that fall over $100M should not be bidding for small regional projects. He said, “Absolute nonsense for you and for us because there is something called economies of scale, and allocation of resources, allocation of material, human financial and material resources. And if you are a tier-one contractor, and you want to spend the time to allocate resources on a $5M project, you will bust. You will not be able to efficiently implement or achieve your outcome.” He also pointed out that when contractors who operate at a large scale go after small contracts, they take away from the small contractors and damage their own business model. He made it clear that he has no problem with contractors having multiple contracts, but he has an issue with there being a lack of understanding that contracts have to be done simultaneously. AMENDED CONTRACTS The President told the contractors that they have to increase their capacity, both human resources and

machinery. He noted that some contractors have been working without an engineer on-site despite having them listed as personnel on bid documents. This, the President said, will be addressed with a new contract and with a clause that will now recognise the qualification of someone who can sign off on their work. He also told the contractors that they have to adapt to the culture of investing in night work. Ali said, “If you are playing at a certain level, you have to be willing to make the investment to allow you to be competitive and efficient at that level. This is where the country is heading. You have to build your night capacity; otherwise, you will fail.” QUALITY OF WORK He also said that the quality of the project will be comprehensively spelt out in the bid document and that there will be a clause of what is the contractor’s responsibility for a specified time. He said that this is necessary for clarity moving forward. Ali said, “The country is operating at a different scale of sophistication, and at every scale of sophistication, you require higher quality— higher delivery of the end product.” DEMERIT SYSTEM The President also noted that timely completion of projects is another issue that is important for both the Government and contractors to address. He explained that there will be an assessment of every contractor and project executed at the end of the year and that a demerit system would be developed.

“The demerit system is that the net value of outstanding work will be transferred to the new year and will become your net value of work in progress that would disallow you from having new contracts or a certain level of new contracts. That too will be in the bidding document by agency,” he said. There will also be a performance-based award system in addition to the price and technical qualification system that is currently in place. Ali said, “I want you to understand what is going to take place in this country and why it is so important that we pull our socks up, and why is it so important that we have this conversation.” FUTURE GROWTH The President emphasised that it is important for contractors to address their shortcomings since tremendous opportunities will open for them in the near future. He explained that the local

content legislation alone will open “tremendous opportunities” that will further deplete the contracting pool. “There are two ways you address this; the first is that you adopt a winning culture, or the second is for you to stay where you are, be happy and slowly be pushed out of what is happening. To adapt, you have to invest. You have to grow yourself in quality, in equipment and understand what is coming at you,” Ali said. President Ali pointed out that the new Demerara Harbour Bridge project alone will require an amount of concrete that would exhaust the country’s current producing capacity. He said that the Amaila Falls Hydro Project would also take a tremendous amount of local resources. He said, “The government investment programme has many different levels, and I am only speaking about infrastructure today. Our national infrastructure transfor-

mation is going to set us on a pace and trajectory that is second to none in the world.” The President said that the development of a fourlane highway from Busby Dam to Ogle and then to Cane Grove on the East Coast of Demerara; an expanded four-lane highway on the Corentyne; an industrial estate that will require billions in contractual services; more than 30 new first world schools; more than eight new hospitals across the different regions; the spending of billions of dollars in hinterland and community roads and other government infrastructural projects will create enormous opportunities for local contractors. “This is the scale of investment that we are talking about—that you will be a part of. That is why you have to pull yourselves up now,” he said. CULTURE CHANGE The President noted that for these opportunities to be taken full advantage of, the contractors must have a shift in their culture and thinking. Ali said, “Whilst we are developing, we have to start thinking and operating as if we are first world because unfortunately that is how people are judging us. Do not sleep on the development drive. Do not be aloof. We have to create a winning culture in this country. You have to create a winning culture in your companies. It requires a shift in how we operate and do things. I want all of us to be successful and be better at what we do. We are going to turn the screws out because we know you have it in you to be successful.”

Ghanaian private sector team engaged by high-level gov’t team

high-level meeting was held on Monday (November 22, 2021) with a visiting private sector delegation from the Republic of Ghana at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive. The visitors, who represent several groups, including West Coast Gas Ghana Limited, held their introductory meeting with President Ali,

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd), the Honourable Mark Phillips; Vice President, the Honourable Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and several other Ministers of the Government. Over the next two days, the Ghanaians are expected to have further discussions with a number of Ministers, Government agencies and local private sector entities.

Ghana's President, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, agreed to lend technical cooperation in oil and gas and to enhance relations during a bilateral meeting in September with President Ali at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York. Since then, visits have been made by representatives from both countries.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

Why Guyana is not yet tapping into its oil fund S

ome US$534 million is sitting in Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF), in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The PPP/C Government has maintained its decision not to spend Guyana’s oil money until the provisions governing the management of the Fund are amended. The following are reasons why the Government is not tapping into the NRF. First off, the PPP/C Government has always held that the NRF Act was passed during a period when the government in power was illegitimate. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh On December 21, 2018, the former APNU+AFC Administration was defeated in the National Assembly by a No Confidence Motion. From all indications, the then administration should have cut its losses from the month prior and started preparing for the election of a new government. Yet, one month later, the government moved to pass its NRF Bill through Parliament, while the Parliamentary Opposition abstained from the House, in protest of the then government’s defiance of the No Confidence vote. In a recent missive, Guyana’s Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh said, “This is the single most important piece of legislation to have been enacted in many years, and the APNU/AFC government saw nothing wrong with sneaking it through Parliament at a time when they had lost their mandate to govern, when they were widely regarded as an illegal and illegitimate government, and without any Opposition input whatsoever.” The PPP/C had committed to replacing the Act once the political uncertainty ended through the swearing in of a new, democratically elected government. Moreover, it was not only the uncertainty of the circumstances under which the Act was passed that made it troublesome. It was also its contents. Responding to Former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan’s recent statements about the NRF Act in the letter pages of Stabroek News, Dr. Singh pointed out a key

criticism of its configuration, by Guyana’s development partner, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The Bank published a report entitled “Economic Institutions for a Resilient Caribbean” which includes a detailed assessment of Guyana’s NRF (pages 268-274). In outlining options for reform, the IDB stated, “The objectives and design of the NRF raise several issues. The fund on its own cannot achieve the objectives that have been set for it.” The fund’s stated objectives are stabilisation, competitiveness, saving and development. The IDB stated that these objectives transcend what the NRF’s operations can achieve. “The rigid withdrawal rules may do little to foster stabilisation or saving but may entail fiscal costs,” the Bank stated. “The formula for the maximum permissible withdrawal is among the most complex operational rules for a resource fund in the world. Its design departs from good practices”. “State-of-the-art advice based on international experience and good fiscal management principles emphasises simplicity, flexibility, transparency, and close integration with the budget and public asset-liability management,” the IDB stated. Put simply, for the purpose of accountability, the IDB’s position is that the formula guiding maximum withdrawals should be simple enough for an outsider to read and comprehend, and that unnecessary complexity would be an affront to transparency and public understanding. Dr. Singh said, “The irrefutable fact of the matter is that the NRF Act in its current formulation was a piece of legislation which was very poorly conceived, and was ‘rammed down the throats’ of the nation during a period when the APNU/AFC was in a state of illegality and illegitimacy.” Meanwhile, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has also said that, in its current configuration, he believes the Act is not insulated from political maneuvering. Hence, the Act must be amended. Further, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has said the legislation will be laid in Parliament before the year ends. Vice President Jagdeo told News Room in August that

the government will make public a comprehensive plan for the spending of Guyana’s oil money, with priority areas such as infrastructure and social upliftment, including investments in education and healthcare. He had explained that the proposed projects will go through a process of accountability, requiring the scrutiny and approval of the

National Assembly. Moreover, the Government intends to allow Guyana’s oil money to accrue in the NRF, as current periodic deposits from the sale of Guyana’s crude are not significant. In the years to come, when ExxonMobil operationalises more development projects, steeply ramping up

production, the fund will see a corresponding increase in inflows. In the meantime, the government will ensure it maximises Guyana’s earnings from the oil and gas industry, in accordance with its deals with oil companies. Even though the oil money is not being spent, positive transformations in Guyana’s

economy have already begun. While the oil and gas industry is a helpful catalyst, it is the government’s business-friendly policies which have commanded the confidence of international investors, and prudent management which has made relief available for the most vulnerable in times of economic hardship.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

COM M ENTARY

Obstructionist rhetoric unacceptable I

t is now more than a year since President Irfaan Ali was sworn in. It is more than a year since the PPP/C government began the resto-

ration of Guyana’s democracy and its economy. Yet the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition continues to deem the legitimate-

ly-elected government as an “installed” government. This has not stopped the PPP/C government from creating the fastest growing

economy in the Caribbean. The development pace has been staggering, with roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, drainage and ir-

rigation projects happening at a dizzying pace. The government has been busy bringing relief to people, with a record-breaking di-

rect cash transfer program that has seen more than $US110M ($GY22B) being transferred from government (Turn to page 22)

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

Obstructionist rhetoric... bank account to people’s pockets. MID-YEAR REPORT The 2021 mid-year report which shows a growth of 14.5 per cent in real gross domestic product (GDP), is testimony that the country is under good management. The half-year fiscal report says the country has seen economic development despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the devastating floods experienced in May/June. Due to the unprecedented floods, which impacted particularly the agriculture, forestry and mining sectors, along with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which will spill over into the last half of this year and even beyond, the revised full-year forecast for real GDP growth in 2021 is now 19.5 per cent overall, and 3.7 per cent for the non-oil economy. With regard to sectoral performances, for the extractive industries, the report shows that in the first half

of 2021, the mining and quarrying industries were estimated to have grown by 23.1 per cent, with higher output from the petroleum and other mining industries, despite contractions in gold and bauxite. It was reported that total output from the petroleum sector increased by 65.4 per cent when compared to the same period last year. With respect to diamond, sand and stone, these were estimated to have seen a total growth of 63.3 per cent, with quarry stone having a growth output of 141 per cent, sand declarations growing by 119.3 per cent as a result of increased activity in the construction sector, while diamond declarations improved with a growth of 166.3 per cent. The outlook for the remainder of this year for other mining industries was estimated to be promising as well with an estimated growth rate of 74.5 per cent for the entire year. With regard to manufacturing, this sector notably

saw an estimated growth of 13.1 per cent when compared to the same period last year, with expansion of the sector being attributed to a growth of 23.1 per cent in other manufacturing. In the category of other manufacturing, growth was experienced in the manufacturing of non-metallic products, chemical products and beverages. Meanwhile, the services industries were estimated to have expanded in the first half of 2021 by 9.4 per cent, when compared to the same period in 2020, as it was noted that the measures to curtail the impact of COVID-19 would have severely affected such activities last year. Notably, the report shows that the gradual relaxation of these measures would have contributed to some growth in the sector. The report also noted the strong performance of the construction sector, which grew by 25.5 per cent in the first half of 2021, reflecting increased emphasis on implementing the public sector

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

(From page 16)

investment programme, as well as increased private sector construction, reflecting improved private sector confidence and optimism regarding the economic outlook. Unlike the sectors that recorded healthy performances, the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries, for the first half of 2021 are estimated to have contracted by 2.4 per cent compared to a decline of 4.1 per cent for the corresponding period last year. It was noted, too, that this was as a result of lower output from the other crops, sugar growing, forestry, and fishing industries. According to the report, the sugar industry declined by 22.4 per cent when compared to the same period in 2020. Some of the reasons for this decline were a 30 per cent mortality of mature cane at the Albion Estate, 10 per cent at Uitvlugt, and five per cent at Blairmont due to the floods. Another 15,000 tonnes of sugar in the second crop were also expected to be lost, based on the report.

Conversely, the rice industry grew by an estimated 7.8 per cent in the first half of the year, marginally lower than the target set for the period, but ‘other crops’ declined by 7.3 per cent due to the floods. Further, the livestock industry was estimated to have grown by 10.6 per cent when compared to the same period in 2020. However, for that same period, the fishing industry contracted by an estimated 6.6 per cent, and the forestry industry by 7.1 per cent. OBSTRUCTION However, while President Ali and his government have been eagle-eyed focused on development and improving the social welfare needs of people, the PNCR-led Opposition has been busy obstructing and inciting people to violence. Guyanese people to obstruct and resist the government. Such rhetoric cannot ever be accepted. This is not just an idle threat when one considers

the history of the PNCR. Burning down Georgetown has always been part of the PNCR’s strategy to resist consecutive PPP governments, going back to 1963. No one can ever or should ever forget the 1963, 1964 violence in which Indo-Guyanese businesses in Georgetown were targeted and destroyed. That happened again in 1997 after the PPP again won the December 15, 1997 elections. It happened again in 2001. Desmond Hoyte led the “slo’ fyah, mo’ fyah” campaign in which Indo-Guyanese businesses were destroyed by arson and many government buildings were also targeted. With the PNC’s history of violence, murder and threats to make Guyana ungovernable, we must say clearly that what is happening is not acceptable. Notably, silence is endorsement. Those in the leadership ranks of the Coalition have been silent. It is one thing to spew hate rhetoric. It is another thing to threaten people’s lives and livelihoods.

WEEKEND MIRROR 27-28 NOVEMBER, 2021

Guyana continues to see low COVID-19 hospitalisation rates G

uyana continues to see a decline in hospitalisation for COVID-19, as it continues its aggressive vaccination campaign. Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony noted that a total 1,836 active Covid-19 cases have been recorded, of which 58 are hospitalised. The current occupancy at the Infectious Diseases Hospital is 33, with only nine patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Meanwhile, Minister Anthony noted that the delivery of the oxygen plant which was donated to the facility, has been delayed due to logistical issues. He said, “The plant is procured and they have it basically to ship, the challenge that you have, you know there is a global problem with shipping and that’s the challenge that they are having, so we don’t have an expected date of arrival yet, but they are working on

it, the people who donated it they have been working to get that plant delivered to us.” The minister noted that there is adequate oxygen at the hospital. He said a local manufacturer has been supplying the facility with oxygen which is also being delivered to every bed. “It’s also good that we don’t have a lot of patients right now that requires hospitalisation and it comes back to people getting vaccinated, so if more people get vaccinated, I think it would make a big difference in terms of the severity of the disease” Dr. Anthony noted. While the hospitalisation rate is currently down, Dr. Anthony fears that the low vaccination uptake in some parts of the country could cause an increase in severe forms of the disease. “What we would probably eventually see, is that in the areas

where there are high levels of vaccination, we will see a decline in the cases as we ‘ve been seeing in some of the regions, but in the areas where we have a lot of people still unvaccinated unfortunately, we are going to have more cases and some of these cases are going to be severe and would require hospitalisation” Dr. Anthony noted. The regions with the lowest vaccination rates are Regions Two, Eight and Ten. “We would therefore expect that sometimes when we get cases from these regions, we will probably see some of the more severe cases coming out that require hospitalisation, and if people remain unvaccinated, then some of them would die,” the health minister said. Currently 77.4 percent of the adult population has had the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine while 52.9 percent have taken both doses.

Government accessing special Pfizer doses for children ages 5-11

Health Minister outlines schedule for COVID-19 booster shots ‒ vaccination rolled out this week

inister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, this week, outlined the schedule for booster shots in relation to the various vaccines administered in Guyana. It is recommended that persons who took both doses of the Pfizer vaccine should also take Pfizer as a booster shot, while those who took the Moderna vaccine could complement it with a Moderna or Pfizer booster. For persons who took the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, a booster shot of the Sinopharm vaccine is recommended, 52 days after the dose. Meanwhile, persons who took the Sinopharm vaccine can take the same vaccine as their booster shot. This

should be done three to six months after the second jab. The minister noted that persons who took the AstraZeneca vaccine can use either AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine which would be Pfizer as a booster. This should be taken six months after the second dose. In terms of Sputnik V, persons can take a booster shot of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, six months after the second dose. The COVID-19 booster shot is now available to persons 18 years and older, those with comorbidities and health care workers. Anthony said, “From today, we have made booster doses available to anyone who is age 50 and above…

and [those who] would have received their two-dose regimen they are now entitled to get a booster, once after the second dose would have been about six months or so. So that is now available plus if you have any comorbidities, if you are older than 18 and you have any comorbidities then you can also get access to a booster shot.” He related persons 50 years and older, with or without comorbidities can take the booster shot. Health care workers will also access the booster shot, as they are more at risk of contracting the COID-19 disease, he noted. Dr. Anthony said persons can go to anyone of the COVID-19 vaccination facilities to get their booster shot. Vaccination cards will be required to record the dosage.

he Government of Guyana is in the process of procuring Pfizer vaccine doses for children ages 5-11, according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony. Minister Anthony explained that based on the data submitted, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorisation, on October 29th, and the process continued where another advisory committee to the CDC held meetings earlier in November and it was recommended to the CDC that vaccination should be done for kids 11-5.

He said, “What has since happened is that although the dose is reduced, Pfizer has made special vaccination for this age group, so while it’s the same ingredients and everything, the packaging has been different and we have been making efforts to source that. Unfortunately, we were not able to get it in time to start our vaccination as we had intended, andtherefore we will have to defer that until we get those special doses that Pfizer would have made, the prepackaged doses, and once we get that we will be able to roll out the vacci-

nation for children between 5-11.” As it is now, the minister noted that vaccinating children ages 5-11 will have to wait until those special vials are acquired. On October 29, 2021, the FDA reviewed documentation from Pfizer for children ages 5-11, after a clinical trial involving 2000 children within that age category was done. Pfizer and Analysis from the FDA suggest that the benefits of vaccinating children younger than 12 far outweigh the risks.

No substantive response from Parliamentary Opposition on proposed electoral reform –Teixeira T

he consultations on the amendments to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) have commenced and are picking up steam, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira. She noted that the process has seen a number of

groups and individuals from the diaspora penning letters, sharing their views and offering recommendations to the ministry. “We have seen persons from the diaspora individually writing letters and expressing their views about the amendments,” Minister Teixeira said.

When asked about the involvement of other political parties in the process, the minister said that no party has officially written to the ministry offering any recommendations to the amendments drafted by the Attorney General. However, she said former

President, David Granger has acknowledged receipt of the proposed amendments sent to him. “Former President Granger politely responded and acknowledged receipt of the document and has said that he will ask the [officials] of the party to look at it,” she explained.

Minister Teixeira also said that PNC/R Chairman Volda Lawrence has requested electronic copies of the document for her review and perusal. No other formal response has been received from political parties by her ministry. Moreover, the electoral reform group, which has seemingly been vocal about their concerns in relation to electoral reform, has also not made any formal recommendations or submissions to the ministry. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance has been tasked by the President with executing and supervising the six-week consultation process. The government is also expected to release two other proposals relating to amendments of the laws governing the electoral process for consultation with members of civil society, Minister Teixeira said.

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FOCUS OF REFORM The amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA), both the substantive act and the regulations, were circulated on November 5, 2021. People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking at a news conference recently, had said, “The idea is to make more transparent and to define responsibilities in the Act that are unambiguous and… to put in place a set of penalties for people who may try to steal the elections… any right-thinking person will support that. That’s the objective. “...we will look at issues right from registration to declaration of the results, so everything that is not unambiguous, not transparent etcetera. We made it clear that we want SoPs [Statements of Poll] in the public domain

before the tabulation starts, that sort of thing. “…this is an open process…every person will have a chance to have an input. So, we are soliciting these views…APNU will get a chance to give their input there and several civil society organisations. And then when that’s done, a draft bill would be had, taking into account the input made and it will be presented to the parliament, where the Parliamentary Opposition will once again have an input…. when the debate takes place it will Guyanese who finally decide.” FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS Also, in prior comments, the Vice President had said that the electoral reform process is necessary to ensure Local Government and other elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. He had said, “In that Act, which requires a simple majority to pass, there will be some key reforms, so there is no ambiguity in how things are conducted. So, the areas which we have issues in are recruitment of staff… We have to build into the legislation a clear process for recruitment and placement of staff that is fair, open, transparent, random placement, so it favours none of the parties.” Jagdeo added this should include substantial penalties, a clear definition of how recounts are to be conducted and publication of the Statements of Poll (SOPs) before tabulation begins. “A lot of changes along these lines will have to take place,” he said. Guyanese were subject to a five-month wait for the final results from the March 2020 General and Regional Elections because of the actions of several persons involved in the process at GECOM.

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