Weekend Mirror 21-22 August, 2021

PNCR-led Coalition’s ‘racist rally’ is latest anti-national action – Teixeira 21-22 August, 2021 / Vol. 11 ‒ No. 86 / Price: $100

Email: mirror2018.gy@gmail.com

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Allegations of racism against PPP/C in road project proven false – Edghill PAGE 7

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Nandlall alerts US delegation to ‘reckless, fringe elements’ threatening peace, stability Guyana cannot be locked into cycle of ‘low emission and low income’ PAGE 13

‒ Jagdeo assures that oil and gas development will be environmentally safe

SEE INSIDE

Over $151M in SBB grants disbursed for 2021 PAGE 18

Rollout of ‘Because We Care’ grant continues in Amerindian communities PAGE 10

Over $2.6B in relief for PAGE 14 pensioners, public assistance recipients, GPL low-kilowatt consumers

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

COM M ENTARY

Coalition MPs, Georgetown Mayor stood by as surrogates call for burning down Georgetown

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

A

hapless bunch of PNC surrogates gathered in Brooklyn last weekend. The main outcomes were: first, they called for burning down of Georgetown; second, they called Afro-Guyanese who works for the Government “House Slaves”, third, they deemed the government an “installed” government; and fourth, they called for the recall by the US Government of the US Ambassador in Guyana.

The rally was full of hate, race-baiting, racist, vile, scurrilous attacks against the PPP/C Government and all who support the government.

They claimed that Oil Money was being used to fill the pockets of PPP supporters. PPP General Secretary, Bharat Jagdeo, was singled out for the vilest of attacks.

It 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 restoration of Guyana’s democracy and its economy. Yet the PNCled APNU+AFC Coalition continues to deem the legit-

imately-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 irrigation projects happening at a dizzying pace. The government has been busy bringing relief to people, with a record-breaking direct cash transfer program that has seen more than $US110M ($GY22B) being transferred from government bank account to people’s pockets.

But while President Ali and his government have been eagle-eyed focused on development and improving the social welfare needs of people, the PNC-led Opposition has been busy obstructing and inciting people to violence.

On August 15, just a few days ago, a PNC-aligned group led by the hate monger, Rickford Burke, held a protest rally in Brooklyn. At that rally, the most repugnant race-baiting, scurrilous attack against the democratical-

ly-elected government and the US Ambassador in Guyana took place. Several of the Members of Parliament (MPs) of the PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition and the Mayor of Georgetown were present. In addition, a US Congressman, Hakeem Jeffries, was present. Speaker after speaker demanded the legitimately-elected government vacate government and allow the losers to continue in government. Speaker after speaker called on the Guyanese people to obstruct and resist the government. Such rhetoric cannot ever be accepted. But they did not stop with just generic calls for obstruction and resistance.

One of the speakers called for the burning down of Georgetown. This is terrorism. Since the call was made in a protest rally in Brooklyn, this is international terrorism.

Hopefully, the US authorities are paying attention.

Appallingly, the Mayor of Georgetown was present there. In fact, Amanza Desir, the Coalition MP, who is also the shadow minister of foreign affairs, was present on the stage and the speaker

who called for burning down Georgetown kept calling her name and told her that “we bunning down Georgetown”.

Other junior PNC MPs were present. A US Congressman was at the rally. None of them have distanced themselves from this threat. By their silence, these persons have endorsed the call to burn down Georgetown.

This is not just an idle threat when one considers the history of the PNC. Burning down Georgetown has always been part of the PNC’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 threat to make Guyana ungovernable, the threats made in Brooklyn cannot simply be ignored. Not only have none of the serving MPs distant themselves, not only has the Georgetown Mayor shamelessly remain silent, they are defiant, boasting of their rally in Brooklyn.

Of course, the few hundred persons who gathered in New York inciting people to violence and arson in Guyana is an open admission that the PNC has failed in Guyana itself to mobilize its supporters. The supporters are too busy benefiting from the resources government has made available to families across Guyana. David Hinds and others have been trying their best to incite people to violence in Guyana itself. He started a protest in Buxton, calling on people to resist government by any means, opening advocating violence. But like several other attempts, the Guyanese people simply have rejected the call for disharmony and for violence. The PNC tried using a family tragedy, with

a murder of a young man in West Berbice to start a violent rebellion. It fizzled.

They tried to use a nurses’ dispute with their CEO in Linden. That fizzled. They tried to use the vaccine mandate to mobilize people. That fizzled too.

Of note, none of the senior MPs or leaders from the PNC were present at the rally. The PNC had to send junior MPs and junior leaders to Brooklyn. This was because the senior MPs and leaders of the PNC had their visas renounced by the USA for their roles in trying to rig the elections results during a five-month electoral heist attempt. That heist was averted because of the PPPled people’s resistance and the CARICOM and ABCE international partnership, including the UN, the OAS, the African Union, that presented a hard-fought, but ultimately successful, international partnership to stop the theft of the elections in Guyana.

While they could not attend, they have praised the Brooklyn rally. The Leader of the Opposition, Joe Harmon, made no attempt to disguise his glee that some Afro-Guyanese living in the USA, mainly in Brooklyn, got together to threaten the PPP/C Government. He also did not distant himself from the threat to burn down Georgetown.

Through this commentary, I demand that the PNC leader, David Granger, the Leader of the Opposition, Joe Harmon, the leaders of the AFC such as Ramjattan, Trotman and Cathy Hughes, and the Mayor of Georgetown be upfront with the Guyanese people – do they reject the call made in the Brooklyn rally to burn down Georgetown?

Silence is endorsement.

All of them have been silent.

Until we hear from them an unequivocal rejection of the Brooklyn rally call to burn down Georgetown, we must assume the call was a PNC call.

But the Brooklyn protest was reprehensible for other reasons. For one, Prime Minister Mark Philips and other prominent Afro-Guyanese who are senior members of

the Guyana government have been deemed ‘House Slaves”.

This is ugly racism. Again, a number of PNC MPs were present. We demand an answer from them. We demand an answer from Granger, Harmon, Ramjattan and others – do they subscribe to this characterization of Guyanese citizens? Where is Moses Nagamootoo? Where, by the way, are organizations like the Guyana Human Rights Association?

A few weeks ago, Harmon and a team met with the US Ambassador. Now their surrogates are demanding the US Ambassador must be recalled. They referred to her as racist. Is this the position of the PNC? Or is this their way of intimidating and threatening the safety of the US Ambassador to Guyana?

The Brooklyn rally was organized by Rickford Burke, a hate monger. He recently threatened businesses in Richmond Hill, telling them he knows their names and their addresses. Burke vowed to disrupt and destroy these businesses. Most of the Guyanese businesses in Richmond Hill are owned

by Indo-Guyanese-Americans. If the call to burn down Georgetown is international terrorism, this call to disrupt and destroy businesses in Richmond Hill is domestic terrorism. The question to PNC leadership is do you support Burke in his reckless threats? Burke’s latest hate venom is the threat to destroy the career and life of Anil Nandalall. During a recent visit to NY by Anil Nandalall, Burke made a spurious police report that our AG threatened to kill him.

The police dismissed the complaint as frivolous. Now Burke has told our AG never to come back to America because he will destroy him.

It is one thing to spew hate rhetoric. It is another thing to threaten people’s lives, to threaten to burn down a city. One thing is certain – a PNC-aligned group is guilty of both international and domestic terrorism.

The PNC leadership in Guyana must now either distant themselves or their silence is endorsement of these vile threats.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

EXPOSING APNU+AFC COALITION'S LIES

PNCR-led Coalition’s ‘racist rally’ is latest anti-national action – Teixeira T

he misinformation and race-baiting advanced by the APNU+AFC Coalition at a ‘racist’ rally in Brooklyn, New York, on August 15, 2021, was the subject of a correspondence from Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, to members of the United States of America Congress.

Teixeira’s correspondence, dated August 18, 2021, called attention to: • The findings of the international Election Observer Missions, which validated the PPP/C victory at the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, in response to claims by the Coalition of an “installed” government; • The work of the PPP/C government since taking office on August 2, 2020, in response to claims that the actions of the PPP/C Administration are discrim-

inatory; and • The history of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), which now leads the APNU+AFC Coalition, and its proclivity to play the race-card and stoke divisions in Guyanese society, in response to the race-baiting that was the order of the day at the August 15th event.

She said: “The PNC dominated APNU+AFC Coalition is in tatters. Race is the last desperate thing that they have in opposition

ed against contractors and businesses in government procurement, mainly based on ethnicity and gave the majority of the contractors to their electoral financiers and supporters.

• In 2016, the Coalition closed one sugar estate and in the second year two more, throwing 7,000 sugar work-

to hold onto. This they have used to divide the nation and increase ethnic insecurities at each stage of Guyana’s history for the last

29 years whenever there is a chance, an opportunity for the country and the people to move forward and thrive.

Their history of destruction, obstruction, anti-nationalism, and division has not changed.”

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance made clear that, in the face of the wild untruths that are being peddled by the PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition, it was the then David Granger-led government that carried out the “most blatant

racist policy experienced since the Burnham era” of the 1970s and 80s.

According to the correspondence, this was seen in several cases: • Within one month of taking office the Granger led administration fired 1, 972 Amerindian (Indigenous) Community Service Officers working in the interior of the country. This one act removed over $700M from the Amerindian village economies and increased poverty for over 10,000 dependents.

• Amerindians our indigenous peoples represent almost 11 % of the population and own 14% of Guyana’s land mass by communal and absolute lands rights based on principle of Free Prior and Informed Consent, yet the Granger government did not issue one communal land grant in the five years as his government said the Amerindians were “avaricious” and “had too much land”.

• Over 2,000 public servants, who were thought to be supporters of the PPP/C based on their ethnicity and or suspected political affiliation, were fired.

• Promotions were held back for public servants who were thought to not be supporters of the government based on ethnicity.

• The Coalition government hired and created an over bloated government sector with 10,000 new employees in the public service, mainly supporters of the APNU+AFC and their families, majority one ethnic group, Afro-Guyanese.

• The Coalition discriminat-

Crime Unit(SOCU) as political tools to hound down PPP/C leaders; • Prematurely aborted the International Commission of Inquiry into the assassination of Dr. Water Rodney; and voted on two occasions in Parliament against adopting the findings and recommendations of the report;

The Minister, in the 28page document, stressed that: “The PPP/C government led by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, is the legitimate government of the country on behalf of all the people. The international bodies of United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, the European Union, Or-

“The PNC dominated APNU+AFC Coalition is in tatters. Race is the last desperate thing that they have in opposition to hold onto. This they have used to divide the nation and increase ethnic insecurities at each stage of Guyana’s history for the last 29 years whenever there is a chance, an opportunity for the country and the people to move forward and thrive. Their history of destruction, obstruction, anti-nationalism, and division has not changed.” – Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira ers (majority of whom were Indo- Guyanese) out of work and impacting over a quarter of the population and the reducing foreign currency earnings for the country.

• Local Authorities Councils that were won by the PPP/C in the two local government elections were bypassed for infrastructural works by the government.

• Every single board was dominated by Coalition supporters and one ethnic group. Even in the 47 Board of Guardians, which are community-based to assist the poor and indigent, were dominated ethnically and politically – even in areas dominated by other population groups.

• The Coalition was involved in mismanagement and poor policies, high taxes, 30,000 jobs were lost, thereby increasing poverty and hardships on all Guyanese people.

Furthermore, the APNU+AFC Coalition: • Terminated 99% of Guyana’s representatives at our Foreign missions; terminated Chief Executive Officers and high level managers in all state corporations; • Terminated 99% of all Permanent Secretaries and Regional Executive Officers; • Ensconced APNU+AFC activists as advisers in the Ministry of the Presidency and in every Ministry; • Used the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) and the Serious Organised

• Ignored and or attacked any civil society individuals or bodies that were critical and did not ‘fall into line’; • Turned the state media into the “rag sheet” of the APNU+AFC Coalition; • Introduced Anti- working people tax measures, thereby increasing levels of poverty; • Did nothing to stem the astounding levels of corruption, which led to several Ministers and Chief Executive Officers of state corporations being charged and before the courts post August 2020.

In addition to the actions of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition during its term office, Teixeira detailed the Coalition’s acts during the March 2020 Election debacle, and since August 2, 2021 – actions that have largely been ant-national and divisive.

ganization of American States, the CARICOM and individual nations have recognised the PPP/C as the legitimate government….the final declaration of results of the March 2, 2020 vote made it clear that Guyanese drew a distinct line in the sand – one that marked the difference between a path of social, economic and political development and a path of regression… the PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition leadership lost the elections because of its own actions; it has lost the moral authority to lecture anyone on the law, constitution, and customs and practices and on race.”

Teixeira informed that the PPP/C Administration remains committed to realizing the goal of a ‘One Guyana’ and a modern transformed developed nation for the benefit of all Guyanese.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

EDITORIAL

Coalition’s anti-national actions PNCR-led Coalition weaponizing race characterize the difference for use as a major political tool between it and PPP/C L A eaders from the both the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC Coalition were present in the United States of America (USA) this week – both groups securing exposure for Guyana at a global level.

However, the stark differences in the work done by both groups serve to further cement in the minds and make clear that the APNU+AFC Coalition – having lost the March 2020 General and Regional Elections owing to its self-service and failure to deliver for Guyanese – will continue to advance its anti-national positions, including vile race-baiting, for partisan political purposes.

Several activities, from a rally to a town-hall meeting, where APNU+AFC Coalition Parliamentarians were represented, saw the peddling out outright lies. Protestors could be heard saying things like ‘oil money is being given out only to Indo-Guyanese’, when in fact not a cent of the oil revenues earned has been touched. And this was just one of the many barefaced lies that were repeated by persons who were misinformed by irresponsible leaders in the APNU+AFC Coalition and elements aligned to them.

The Coalition’s US activities saw disgusting race-baiting, which was undoubtedly fueled by the campaign of lies. In one case, media personnel from New York who were covering the Coalition’s rally were abused by protestors who saw them as ‘PPP’ because of their skin colour was different. Even one of the spokespersons, who tried to give comments on the reason for the rally, had trouble dissuading the protestors at the rally from attacking the media personnel.

At home, smaller protest actions, intended to mimic the Coalition’s campaign in the USA, saw similar wildly false claims of discrimination – to the extent that one of the protestors, Tracy Perry, was called out for crying ‘discrimination’ during a Coalition protest, after thanking the PPP/C Administration for working to ensure that she received a house lot, something she did not receive in five years of the APNU+AFC Coalition’s term in office.

The misinformation must stop. The duplicity must stop.

The race-baiting must stop. The anti-national grandstanding geared to service personal, partisan, political purposes must stop.

In vivid contrast, the PPP/C leaders, in Houston, Texas, USA, this week, used their presence on an international stage to advanced Guyana’s cause – to invite investments, to secure training opportunities for Guyanese youths and to make a case for greater support to developing countries like Guyana.

The team included: PPP General Secretary and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat; Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd; and representatives from the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest).

Go-Invest has used the 2021 Offshore Technology Conference, hosted in Houston, Texas, to pursue the inking of several agreements. And the Agency has reported that interest has been demonstrated in Guyana’s agro-processing and manufacturing sectors, as well as the oil and gas sector. This effort is in addition to central government Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that were also pursued.

Meanwhile, Vice President Jagdeo advocated tot Guyana and other developing countries and made a case for a carbon credit market. Again, his engagements have resulted in Guyana being, once again, recognised for its leadership in the area of innovative responses to climate change.

The PPP/C – in an out of government – has defined itself, and continues to do so, as the political party that is truly interested in the advancement of Guyana and the prosperity of the Guyanese people.

On the other hand, the APNU+AFC Coalition’s anti-national actions continue to characterize the how different the PNCR-led group is from the PPP/C. Fortunately, Guyanese, across the length and breadth of the country, are increasingly recognizing the PNCR/APNU/ AFC for what it is. The time will come when that recognition will translate into a clear signal being sent to the Coalition, again, at the polls.

Dear Editor,

PNCR-aligned political activist in New York has threatened the Indo-Guyanese community in New York with his incendiary rhetoric that was spewed out on a Sherod Duncan video show. The person has arranged a protest over the weekend to target, disrupt, and close Indo-Guyanese businesses.

Community leaders, including the International Center for Democracy (ICD), have reacted swiftly to the caustic remarks: “the Indian and Black communities enjoy a respectful relationship…and we cannot allow this poison into our communities.”

ICD has also called upon the authorities to investigate this person for inciting race hatred against Indo-Guyanese, and to protect Indo-Guyanese businesses and families.

The protest is linked to the man’s claim that the PNCR coalition was cheated out of power in the 2020 national and regional elections. He had recently targeted an Indo-Guyanese business in Queens when a gala event was held recently in honour of Guyana’s Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

The regular protests by PNCR operatives have been rejected by the Guyanese people, and also have no traction with the diplomatic missions and foreign governments. To get attention to their (PNCR) cause, they have decided to weaponise race and utilise it as a major political tool to explain electoral and governance issues.

Guyanese know that the 2020 general and regional election results were certified by a CARICOM high level team, which was invited by the PNCR coalition to oversee the election recount, and in the presence of neutral and accredited election observation teams, which filed separate reports on the free and fair conduct of the 2020 elections.

Based on those reports and firsthand in-

formation, foreign diplomatic missions (US, Canada, European Union, OAS, UK, and Commonwealth) as well as 100 governments and all local political parties (except the PNCR coalition), immediately recognised that the PPPC had won the 2020 elections convincingly.

Guyanese and diplomatic missions are also aware of the attempts by top GECOM executives, in collaboration with PNCR+AFC elements, to perpetrate an electoral coup d’ etat in the plain view of the world. The head of the OAS team stated, “It was the most transparent attempt to steal an election.”

The PNCR coalition operatives have been continually feeding their supporters with lies that they had won the elections. They (PNCR coalition) took their election cases to Guyana’s Apex court, Caribbean Court of Justice, and lost all of them, yet they have refused to accept the legitimacy of the PPPC Government, and often refer to it as an “installed regime.” What is also astonishing is that despite their incredulous claim of being cheated out of office, they have refused to make their SoPs (Statement of Poll) public. Had they done that, the truth would have burst forth before their supporters. And the truth is, they (PNCR coalition) lost the elections.

The PNCR’s rationale for utilising race as a political tool is also based on their claim that the PPPC Government fired 2,000 of their supporters upon taking office. Every new Government tends to fire political and contracted employees. This is normal practice in any democracy. The PNCR have failed to tell their supporters that when they took power in 2015, they fired over 7,000 sugar workers (over 6,000 of them were Indians) and left them to languish on the breadline. Likewise, they fired 1,972 Amerindian CSO workers, who served in the most impoverished hinterland regions of the country.

APNU/AFC have lost power due to their own blunders. Had they not closed the 4 sugar estates, for example, they would have had a good chance of winning the 2020 elections. It seems that they are blaming others for their political miscalculations.

They desperately want to hold on to power, to govern over an emerging oil economy. It is not that they (PNCR party and supporters) do not have political power. They have power at all layers of Government except at the ministerial level. Their supporters dominate the public service (70%), the army (90%), the Police (80%), nursing (75%), teaching (60%), and the top echelons (Permanent Secretary) of the public service (50%), although their group constitutes only 29% of the population. They also control 4 administrative regions.

What is the driving force behind the man’s race-based protest? Is the purpose to blackmail the PPPC into sharing ministerial portfolio with the PNCR? Or is the purpose to make the country ungovernable? Or to topple the legally elected Government?

While peaceful protest is a fundamental right, no reasonable person or group should support a planned effort to create race hatred and conflict that would drive a wedge between Indo- and Afro-Guyanese. Why does this man want to target Indian businesses and families both here in New York and in Guyana? Does he want to crush the base of the PPPC support as his PNCR Government attempted in the sugar industry? This man’s party has another 4 years to prepare itself for general and regional elections. Here is where their focus should be. Stirring race hatred would further weaken the party.

Race hatred must be rejected by all peace loving and decent people.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

Race-baiting, lies and deceit in action Dear Editor

W

hat is the objective of the group which called themselves ‘Guyanese Organisations’ Against Racism’ (GOAR)? Presumably, it has to be against all forms of racism and racist statements. The rally it held in Brooklyn was dubbed, Guyanese Organisations Against PPP Apartheid Governance, Racism and Injustice. However, this theme alone would suggest that it is not only anti-government but there is a deep-seated hate against its supporters who are deemed to be Indians.

This is contrary to what the objectives of this organisation should have been, and that is to campaign against issues which promote racism and provide solutions to curb such racism.

According to Rickford Burke, co-chair of GOAR, “The events are to create awareness of the rapidly deteriorating political, social, economic situation in Guyana; pervasive racial injustice against African Guyanese and other non-supporters; the PPP misuse of the criminal justice system and Guyana Police Force as a vendetta hit squad against Black citizens.” This is baloney on a humongous scale.

The questions which these organisers need to answer truthfully and honestly are: • What evidence is there to support the ‘deteriorating political, social, economic situation in Guyana’?

• Is there ‘pervasive racial injustice against African Guyanese and other non-supporters’?

• Is the PPP misusing the criminal justice system and the Guyana Police Force?

The answer which immediately comes to mind is that these accusations levelled against the PPP were predominantly what the PNC unconscionably did for 28 years and what the Coalition replicated for another five years.

Under the Coalition from 2015 to 2020, Guyana was heading for another dictatorship. The Constitution was flouted by Granger on numerous occasions and the legal system was repeatedly vulgarised by spurious and vexatious litigations brought by the Coalition. Indo-Guyanese were made to pay dearly for supporting the PPP/C as was evidenced on many occasions (Turn to page 5)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

Public must be wary of misinformation from self-serving Coalition politicians Dear Editor,

T

he Irfaan Ali Government’s new policy on COVID-19 vaccination is agitating some unvaccinated persons and self-serving politicians.

They say they have a right to determine their health, insisting they won’t take the vaccine, which is free. Someone even argued that the policy is coercive.

Another protestor said she is not taking the vaccine because she understands from the politicians that it is not safe to take, and the Government wants to kill out as many people as they can kill. She vowed to protest against the PPP Government’s vaccination policy until it is changed.

Editor, the protestors are badly misguided, and they are spreading misinformation to the public.

They are making a mockery of themselves, and are inviting public criticism of the vaccinated population. And the APNU+AFC Opposition is playing politics and using these innocent Guyanese to make it seem there is instability on the ground.

APNU+AFC politicians did not tell the people they were wrong and they should stop protesting. Do the protesters know how many persons have died worldwide because they made similar choices, or could not access a vaccine?

Do they know they are putting themselves at risk by protesting, participating in neo-po-

litical meetings and rallies without sufficient protective measures?

These political figureheads are being secretive, and selective where they go to get the people riled up. They won’t tell the protesters the truth – that they are vaccinated and protected against COVID-19. These Opposition personalities want the people to come out on the streets and feel like their backs are against the wall.

Firstly, the PPP Government is not breaching the rights of the unvaccinated population. If anything, they get a choice to stay unvaccinated, but must get checked weekly, and have a test that must be negative. It is fair and safe that way, because all of our rights are protected.

As for the weekly cost, I know it would be hard on the unvaccinated population, but I think the Government should not have to stand this expense for those people’s stupid and careless decision. I make no apology, because the Government is spending millions on procuring vaccines for free public consumption, yet the unvaccinated population has chosen to listen to lies, half-truths, myths, and fallacies about vaccines.

Secondly, this policy move would ensure the COVID-19 crisis is better managed. Notably, safety levels are going up, and the level of risk is going down. The figures stated by the Ministry of Health show that 4,500 persons have decided to get vaccinated over the last two days. This development is being driven directly by the policy push adopted by the Government.

Thirdly, the anti-vaccination campaign is a diversionary tactic employed by Opposition politicians who want to distract

us from their performance in Parliament.

They also do not want the people to think about the failure to have party congresses and elect new leaders. So, these Opposition parties are busy using the opportunity of ignorance about the vaccine. They are making unjustifiable claims about the transparency and accountability of the inoculation project. Where is the research, credible science, and evidence to justify not being vaccinated?

All the arguments made may sound appealing to the natural ear, but when checked out against fact, they fail to stand the test of scrutiny. These vaccines are safe, and are Guyana’s best hope of beating the crisis.

They are free and available to the masses.

Finally, the vaccinated can’t keep putting themselves and their families at risk.

They listened to the charge to get vaccinated. They did so after seeing what is going on in the world. These people must protect their businesses and their interests from the effects of COVID-19. These two years have been a learning experience and a chance to value family and friends.

Guyanese, do not allow yourselves to become misused by these so-called politicians and non-governmental organisations.

They are serving a clandestine political objective – to create mischief and outrage in the minds of citizens.

You would be better served if you are vaccinated and are following the protection guidelines and regulations that are in place.

Don’t be complacent.

Yours respectfully, Michael Younge

Vaccination discussion must not be politicized Dear Editor,

C

ertain Coalition leaders are dissuading Guyanese from taking the COVID-19 vaccines; they have scant regard for health and life, thus putting the lives of innocent people, even children, at risk. This is presumably to suit their agenda of making Guyana ungovernable under a PPP/C administration.

A WPA member, David Hinds, just recently, verbalised their intentions, when, in addressing a group, said: “Undermine the Government!”

The escalation of the coronavirus pandemic is decimating families, with

seemingly no end in sight for the deadly virus, which seems to be increasing in ferocity, especially in Third World nations like Guyana.

Prior to the advent of the PPP/C Government, there was scant governmental intervention and support for the afflicted in particular, and for the wider society, which had been forced into a lockdown, in general. The pressing needs of Guyanese from every community – for protection from infection by COVID-19 virus as well as nutritional sustenance, the latter need of which ensued from lack of employment and job opportunities – seriously exacerbated by the deadly pandemic, saw

Race-baiting, lies and... when they were brutalised, robbed, sexually assaulted and raped during the PNC protests.

Has this ever happened when the PPP and its supporters are involved in any protest action? The social costs were high when over 7,000 sugar workers were ‘thrown under the bus’.

Many communities were utterly devastated as thousands could not afford three square meals and many children dropped out of school. The Coalition went on a dismissal rampage and cared nothing about anyone. As thousands lost their jobs, many businesses closed their doors and many more persons were forced to join the breadline. What wrong did the sugar workers committed?

They were deemed to be supporters of the PPP/C. That was their crime.

Let me give an instance of how the PPP Government is treating employment. Currently, both Indo and Afro-Guyanese are once again employed at the estates which were closed. I want GOAR to visit Rose Hall Estate, Skeldon and Enmore and check

President-elect Dr Irfaan Ali mobilising teams countrywide in mask and food distribution exercises, which were appreciated by even coalition-supporting communities, especially in light of the fact that the de facto coalition Government was ignoring their pressing needs while simultaneously illegally expending billions from already depleted national coffers on an unnecessary vote recount and fruitless legal challenges on nebulous and execrable charges of unsubstantiated allegations of electoral fraud committed by the PPP/C. Worldometer reports worldwide infections, last updated on August 13, 2021, as having surpassed 206,254,882, with fatali-

ties exceeding 4,348,282, while recoveries are numbered at 185,105,477.

Guyana’s population of less than a million has been hard-hit, with a Worldometer update listing current figures at 23,244 cases, with 569 deaths and 21,848 recoveries.

Those rejecting the vaccines do so at their own risk. Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, and most all the APNU+AFC Coalition leaders are fully vaccinated, and their urging persons not to be vaccinated is putting innocent people’s lives at risk in this parlous state of affairs.

Yours truly, Anson Paul

(From page 4)

for racial discrimination. At Rose Hall Estate, persons are employed as they come, be it Indo or Afro-Guyanese. There is equal opportunity and this has been the hallmark of the Irfaan Ali’s Administration. GOAR and its organisers need to see the smiles on the face of all the races as they once again become wage earners and will once again live their lives with dignity and self-respect.

What a shame that GOAR and the Coalition cannot even attempt to hide their destabilisation agenda as their lies and deceit are laid bare.

GOAR needs to understand that persons who are politically appointed stand to lose their jobs with a change of government.

This is nothing new. In terms of wages and salaries, workers are far better off than under the Coalition, and this government continues to address the needs of the vulnerable groups of society even as employment continues to rise. Even in global rising of costs, the government has cushioned the negative impacts with tax-cutting measures and the giving

of cash grant reliefs amounting to billions.

What did the Coalition gave during its five years in government? In fact, everyone benefitted under this government and there is no consideration for race or political affiliation.

On Monday, the President announced another $2.6 billion for vulnerable Guyanese. The people were starved for cash for five long years and now their pockets are filled again.

On the other hand, during its five-year tenure, the Coalition robbed and pilfered the Treasury and squandered like there is no tomorrow. GOAR should read the Auditor General’s Report and have first-hand knowledge about thievery and corruption. At the same time, US Congressman Hakeem Jeffries should not bring his honourable office to disrepute and infamy. The characteristics of such a person should be to display sober judgement and intellectual honesty when analysing issues. It is clear and evident that the Coalition attempted to rig the 2020 Elections on more than one occasion and this Congressman’s involvement to prove other-

wise should be vigorously condemned by all.

In conclusion, it would seem that everyone and every organisation which stood to defend Guyana’s democracy must be made to disappear. According to President Ali, it is disappointing that so called ‘credible persons’ should say that the time is up for Ambassador Lynch and in the same breath they should also do the same for the OAS, CARICOM, and all the countries and organisations which ‘supported the efforts to have a democratic environment in Guyana and defeated the efforts of those who tried to rig the election and install themselves, undemocratically in the country’. Well, fact is that the time is up for the Coalition. It is indeed lamentable that GOAR and the Congressman should be involved in peddling lies, making deceitful statements and engaged in race-baiting in a foreign land. It is indeed deceitful, dishonorable and race-baiting.

Yours sincerely Haseef Yusuf

6

Comparing APNU+AFC with PPP/C and is like comparing ‘chalk to cheese’ Dear Editor,

I

have taken note of a letter authored by Annette Ferguson titled “APNU+AFC created a sound housing sector strategy”, and wish to respond to her missive.

The first thing I want to point out is that Ferguson claims the APNU+AFC Coalition left behind a foundation for the housing sector. I have no clue what that foundation is, because as far as I am aware, all the coalition had in regard to the sector was a hodgepodge plan which they failed to execute. No clear strategy was outlined, and the facts in

the subsequent paragraphs will contradict Ferguson’s contention.

To begin with, the former Minister contended that a simple comparison of the two governments’ policies for the housing sector would show that the APNU+AFC had a better plan. I completely disagree. If the Coalition had a better plan, wouldn’t we have seen more development under their tenure?

The reality is that the PPP/C Government has done more for the housing sector in just one year of being in office than what the APNU+AFC Coalition did for their entire term in office. They had five years to deliver

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021 what they promised to the people, but even that they couldn’t do.

In her letter, Ferguson outlined several housing areas to show how many houses lots were issued by the Coalition. While they did allocate a few house lots, it is important for people to know that the vast majority of those allocations were hurriedly given after the passage of the no-confidence motion, and those allocations were used to trick persons into voting for them. It turned out to be another fraud perpetrated on the people by the APNU+AFC, as those persons were merely issued letters saying that they were allocated house lots and that they should check with the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) to pay.

However, these very lots were not even in existence. It was pure vote-buying and trickery.

The real beneficiaries of the APNU+AFC land allocation and housing policy were the Ministers, their relatives, friends, cronies, and the rich businessmen who bankrolled them. This group accumulated land which totalled the size of Barbados. One leading official gifted himself shore-based land in the Demerara River through a front company registered in the name of employees of his close business associate.

Forty-five plots of waterfront land in Linden were hurriedly transferred by NICIL to officials of the APNU+AFC, their friends and relatives a few days before elections were held. There is a long list of this sort of massive land-grabbing by a handful of coalition officials and their cronies; that list is out in the public.

Any comparison of housing development between the PPP/C and APNU+AFC is like comparing chalk to cheese. In just one year, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led administration has allocated more than 5000 house lots. Hundreds of turn-key homes have been constructed during this period, and significant sums are being spent on infrastructure in new and existing housing schemes. And this housing drive is not limited to Region Four. In a recent two-day exercise in Linden, Region Ten, 400 house lots were allocated. This is way more than the APNU+AFC allocated in their entire 5-year tenure.

This is an example of how big a failure the APNU+AFC was. With that in mind, I trust that no one will be fooled by the false narratives being peddled by the Opposition members.

Respectfully, Alvin Hamilton

PPP/C Administration demonstrates commitment to providing opportunities for youths Dear Editor,

O

ur people were starved of opportunities during the period 2015 to 2020.

The APNU/AFC officials hoarded the opportunities for themselves simply because

they do not care about the people, as they claim.

I make reference to some of the now Opposition MPs who, when APNU/AFC were in power, received millions in scholarship awards to complete their Bachelor’s

degrees, and even Masters and PHDs, at top universities in the UK and USA. While they were benefiting from advancements in their academics, the ordinary Guyanese people were left to suffer. However, following the PPP/C’s victory in the 2020 elections, we saw a different approach in regard to public service development than that which we experienced under the Coalition. I write to you on this matter.

I want to mention, first and foremost, that the current administration ought to be commended for all that they have done in the past year. They have focused on the people, rather than on themselves, and I believe that is what sets them apart from the Opposition.

I bring attention to the GOAL programme which was rolled out earlier this year. We saw the Government delivering on their promise of providing thousands of scholarships to Guyanese. Just recently, the Government published the names of 6,000 scholarship awardees. This shows the Government actively trying to provide Guyanese with opportunities to develop themselves, and I think that deserves all the adulation possible.

A simple inspection of the list of scholarship awardees would also show that the scholarships were distributed evenly be-

tween the two major ethnic groups. I was able to decipher that just by examining the names on the list published, and I am sure the actual percentages are close to what I estimated. The Government should be commended for this, because it shows that they are governing in the interest of all Guyanese.

The same could not be said about the APNU/AFC. In fact, when the Government began rolling out the GOAL initiative, it was the APNU/AFC Coalition that tried to hinder its success.

Guyanese should ask themselves why the coalition were so against the GOAL, to begin with. The programme will benefit so many of our young scholars, so there ought to be no negativity surrounding it.

Yet still, the Coalition were, and continue to be, critical of it, to the point that they were encouraging persons not to apply.

They also ran with the narrative that the Government would discriminate against Afro-Guyanese when selecting who would receive the scholarships.

As far as I can see, nothing of the sort happened, and both Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese were treated equally.

Sincerely, Erin Northe

7

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

EXPOSING APNU+AFC COALITION'S LIES

GoG condemns ‘malicious and false’ claims peddled by APNU+AFC T

he Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (GoG) notes the occurrence of a series of events that took place in New York, USA over the past two days that were organized by the Guyanese Organizations Against Racism (GOAR). Specifically, we wish to make reference to the march and rally titled “Anti-PPP Racism March & Rally” that was held today, August 15, 2021 in Brooklyn, New York.

We note the numerous malicious and false claims made by several Members of Parliament, Regional representatives and other persons associated with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) political party. We wish to place on record that we reject ALL the statements delivered at today’s march and rally.

The APNU continues to propagate racial division and tension in Guyana and in the Diaspora through the

dissemination of inaccurate information about the Government of Guyana and

by extension, the People’s Progressive Party. These attacks are mere desperation by the APNU who, one year later, refuses to accept the results of the 2020 General Elections needless to say, after a lengthy court battle.

Further, we note the remarks made by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, and find them to be quite appalling. We are disappointed that the Congressman has allowed himself to be neg-

atively influenced by individuals who are adamant in destroying our beautiful country by instigating violence and division amongst our people.

We call on the Congressman to desist from joining with these individuals in creating chaos in our communities at home and in the Diaspora. We invite the Congressman Jeffries to have discussions with us on matters of mutual interest.

We wish to emphasize

that we are a Government for ALL the people of Guyana. Evidence exists that we uphold democratic principles, adhere to equitable practices, embrace diversity and inclusivity and promote transparency at all levels.

We continue to show strong leadership to the people of Guyana and abide by the principles as reflected in our national mottoOne People, One Nation, One Destiny. (Office of the Prime Minister)

Allegations of racism against PPP/C in road project proven false – Edghill

M

inister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, MP, had said that allegations being circulated on Facebook that the PPP/C administration is practicing discrimination are untrue.

Minister Edghill on Tuesday (August 17, 2021) condemned the allegations contained in the post concerning the construction of Four Cross Street, Haslington, East Coast Demerara.

Persons have said the road was built where East Indians Guyanese dwell and roads were not done in Afro-Guyanese areas.

He said, “I got to office and I asked my engineers and project team to investigate this and to advise me.

How was that possible? And what was the cause of that?

Because it is not the principle or the practice of the PPP/C to build roads to facilitate one race group, as against another race group.”

The Ministry’s investigations have revealed that the road was in fact a project done during the tenure of the former APNU+AFC Coalition government.

Edghill said, “I would like to let the world know

the facts about this rumour.

This project was a 2019 project…it was part of the 2019 miscellaneous roads project and every Guyanese know which Government was in place… it was the APNU/ AFC.” Additionally, the Public Works Minister noted that the project started on January 27, 2020. He said, “[The] contract signed for this road that is circulating on Facebook, alleging discrimination by the PPP/C, contract signed on December 24th, 2019 when Mr. David Patterson was the Minister of

Public Infrastructure…here again another lie being peddled to misinform and this is part of the APNU/AFC in Opposition propaganda

to label the PPP’s Administration in its delivery of services and goods as racists and discriminatory.”

The PPP/C official

stressed that when misinformation is peddled and malicious statements are made, the Government will take action to address them.

8

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

EXPOSING APNU+AFC COALITION'S LIES

Nandlall alerts US delegation to ‘reckless, fringe elements’ threatening peace, stability R

epresentatives of the United States of America Law Enforcement Agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Justice, New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force as well as Special Agent Diplomatic Service, US Embassy, were engaged

by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

The US team updated the Attorney General on a number of areas in the legal sector that the United States Government will enlist the support of the Attorney General’s Chambers, in particular organized financial

crimes, extraditions, deportations and the prosecution of fugitives who may have committed offences in either Guyana or the USA, or in both countries. The discussions also focused on certain strategic areas which need to be strengthened, especially in the area of forensic investigations by collaboration between the two countries.

The Attorney General also raised the issue of persons operating on the airwaves and in the social media, resident in the United States but by their constant publications, threatening peace, stability and public

order and exciting racial hostilities in Guyana as a new and emerging problem which will have to be confronted sooner than later.

The Attorney General intimated that even the US Ambassador to Guyana is the subject of attacks from these reckless and fringe elements.

Further, Nandlall reaffirmed the Guyana Government’s continued commitment to partner and work closely with the United States security services for the benefit of both nations as he highlighted that tackling crime is a priority of his government.

Follow up engagements are planned flowing from the outcome of Tuesday’s (August 17, 2021) meting.

At the end of the meet-

ing, the Attorney General was gifted with a symbolic badge on behalf of the United States Marshals Service, Department of Justice, New

York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and New York City Division/ Citywide Fugitive Enforcement Operations.

Information from NYPD exposes Coalition’s Burke

A

statement by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Tuesday (August 17, 2021) made public information from the New York Police Department’s (NYPD), which has exposed the misinformation being peddled by the APNU+AF Coalition’s Rickford Burke.

The Force said, “Pursuant to a request of the Honourable Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC MP, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana,

the Guyana Police Force enquired from its counterpart law enforcement agency in the United States of America, whether a report was made of and against Mr. Nandlall, with the New York Police Department during the month of July 2021; and, whether Mr. Nandlall is wanted by any law enforcement agency in the United States of America.

“In response thereof, the Guyana Police Force was duly informed that a report was made against Mr. Nand-

lall at a precinct in Brooklyn by a Rickford Burke and that the said report was DISMISSED as frivolous and vexatious.”

The Guyana Police Force noted too that contrary to comments about Nandlall being “wanted” by police in North American nation, this is not so. “Mr Nandlall was never ‘wanted’ by any law enforcement agency in the USA in respect of that report as the offence complained of was `non- arrest-able',” The Force said.

9

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

Norton rapped over calls for action to make ‘PPP pay’ for dismissal of GECOM trio

I

n a unreasoned reaction to the majority decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to dismiss the embattled GECOM trio – Keith Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers and Clairmont Mingo – People’s National Congress Reform’s Aubrey Norton called for action to make the “PPP (People’s Progressive Party) pay” for the move.

On August 12, 2021, the decision on terminations was made by a vote of four in favour and three abstentions during a 30-minute meeting.

The three abstentions were the APNU+AFC Coalition-nominated GECOM Commissioners, Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman.

DISINGENUOUS A day later, Norton in a statement on August 13, 2021, claimed that the People’s Progressive Party had control of GECOM. He said, “The PPP has used its control of the Elections Commission to persecute these public servants…. the PPP Commissioners and the Chairman of the Elections Commission used their power to terminate the services of Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo.”

Notably, both the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC Coalition have three Commissioners each at GECOM. The GECOM Chair was appointed in a constitutionally outlined process where the final decision was made by PNCR leader and former president, David Granger – a decision that was made after the Ca-

“The PNC has always been and remains on a collision course with the rule of law. They tried to flout the law and undermine the will of the people and they were exposed in full view of the international community. GECOM has since allowed the rule of law to run its course and hold accountable the officers that were in breach of laws of Guyana – laws that outlined clearly what their roles in the electoral process were. And for this, the PNC has a problem.

The PNC is clearly opposed to the rule of law.”

– PPP Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha ribbean Court of Justice ruled that Granger’s move to unilaterally appoint a GECOM Chair was unconstitutional.

The Caribbean Court of Justice on June 18, 2019 ruled that the process through which Reverend Justice (Retired) James Patterson was appointed Chairman of the GECOM

by Granger was flawed and in breach of Guyana’s Constitution. The Caribbean Court of Justice on July 12, 2019 issued consequential declarations and orders in the case. This ruling allowed for the appointment of Justice (Retired) Claudette Singh as the new GECOM Chair. However, this was done after a protracted period where Granger rejected a list of 18 nominees for the position.

These facts, however, were ignored in Norton’s statement.

In a comment on Norton’s statement about PPP control of GECOM, Commissioner, Sase Gunraj said, “Any organisation requires proper managed to execute the policies directed by its Board. In this case, the policies of GECOM are set out by the conjoined

effect of statute and the Constitution. Those officers who have been disciplined were disobedient to the instructions of the Commission and, more egregiously, flagrantly flouted the law, which dictated their role in the electoral process.

As a consequences, regardless of how it is constitutional, would be hard-pressed to countenance such dastardly behavior from any of its officers.

“The PPP does not control the Commission. The Commission was set up by a formula in 1992 and has functioned in the same manner for the better part of 30 years.

There were no complaints when other officer’s contracts were not renewed or when other officers were disciplined.

“It is disingenuous now when the horrible actions – which the PNC-led APNU+AFC appear to countenance, encouraged and condoned – are sanctioned that they criticize the Commission to say it is controlled by the PPP.” (Turn to page 17)

ExxonMobil signing bonus…

Coalition’s Jordan tries to shift blame to unnamed ‘individual’ for making him think US$18M was ‘gift’

‒ says ‘individual’ was involved in negotiating agreement

O

n October 7, 2016, the former APNU+AFC Coalition government signed the Petroleum Agreement between Esso Exploration and Production Ltd, CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Ltd. and Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. On page 69 of the document, Article 33, titled Signing Bonus, made clear that US$18M would be paid to Guyana. “Such payment will be made to a bank account within the Bank of Guyana, which is owned by the Government of Guyana, as designed in writing by the Minister of Finance of the Government,” Article 33 said.

The signing bonus of US$18M was paid over by ExxonMobil soon after.

A letter dated September 20, 2016 was addressed to the Governor of the Bank of Guyana – with the subject being, “Signing bonus granted by ExxonMobil – Request to open bank account”.

It showed then Finance Secretary at the Finance Ministry, Hector Butts, requesting that a foreign currency account be opened at the Bank in order to receive a deposit in the form of a ‘signing bonus’ to be given by the oil company. The letter stated, “This account should not be treated as part of the Bank’s reserves. Instead, the proceeds should be held in the currency of the deposit, that is, United States dollars, and invested in secured interest-bearing securities.”

A year after, APNU+AFC Coalition offi-

cials were still denying that a signing bonus was paid to Guyana.

Kaieteur News on, November 23, 2017, reported then Finance Minister, Winston Jordan as saying that: “Such a claim is ‘a figment of the imagination’ and that there is ‘no agreement for any bonus’.

Notably, the September 20, 2016 letter was leaked to the media on December 8, 2017 and the then Coalition government came under fire for lying to Guyanese for over a year.

OBFUSCATION Reviving the issue this week, Jordan appeared on a local programme ‘Plain Talk’ where he doubled down on his position that the US$18M was a gift.

Pressed why he thought the signing bonus was a ‘gift’, the former Finance Minister sought to shift blame to an “individual” involved in the negotiations.

However, he refused to say who.

Jordan said, “When the individual who apparently

negotiated this…he represented it as monies being given by Exxon for the specific purposes…it was being represented by the individual, and he was adamant that this money was specifically for border and training…it were a signing bonus, there is no way Exxon can tell me how to spend my money.”

Despite the signed agreement of October 2016 stating clearly that the US$18 represented a signing bonus, among other facts, Jordan, on the programme ‘Plain Talk’, added, “I am not saying the individual lied or anything, but if he fairly represented what Exxon wanted, then we did not get a signing bonus.”

SPENT Having hid the receipt of the US$18m signing bonus from the Guyanese people for over a year, the former APNU+AFC Coalition government also spent every dollar before the end of 2019, according to the 2019 Auditor General’s Report.

Page 8 of the report said: (Turn to page 17)

10

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE Delivery of health care Region Eight villages benefit from sport equipment services to Amerindian communities improved T A

total of 10 boats have been constructed, utilizing funds budgeted by the PPP/C government for Region 2.

And these are expected to boost the delivery of health care services to Amerindian Communities Region 2, including the supply of drugs and medical supplies.

The boats measure 14 feet in length and will be

equipped with engines to assist Community Health Officers (CHOs) at the health posts in the Amerindian settlements across Region 2.

Two boats, equipped with 75hp engines, were built with sheds for Wakapau and Akawini, in the Lower Pomeroon River. The other eight boats, without sheds, were equipped with engines that were provided by the Councils in the Am-

erindian Villages they would be used to serve – including Bethany, Karawab, St Monica, Mashabo, Abrams Creek, Kabakaburi, Capoey, and Warapoka.

Other initiatives are planned by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in Region 2, as well as the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to improve the services offered to Amerindian communities.

he Government is committed to developing sports not only on the coast but in the hinterland.

To this end, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, on Tuesday (August 17, 2021), handed over a quantity of sporting equipment to three villages in Region Eight.

Minister Sukhai and a team travelled to Bamboo Creek, Bashville Yawong and Paramakatoi and distributed 12 volleyballs, 12 footballs, 6 football nets and 3 volleyball nets for the male and female teams there.

The recipients all thanked the Government for the donation and promised to put the them to good use.

Captain of the Paramakatoi Spartan United Football Club, Marcel Simon said the donation is timely, as the club needed more footballs to continue training.

He noted that the equipment

will allow both the male and female teams to continue training. He said, “I’m going to say thank you very much for the football and the nets and the volleyball that the Ministry sent for us because most of the times we find ourselves on the field or once a team comes on the field sometimes, we find ourselves without no football materials.

So, I’m very happy that we receive the football and the volleyball net and we are going to continue training with that football stuff.”

Meanwhile, Minister Sukhai also distributed a radio set to Bamboo Creek, as there was no form of electronic communication in the village. This radio set will be placed at the health post. She said, “This radio should be opened for the use of other villagers when they have to send messages and when they receive messages for residents and or other people,

they must be able to pass the message on too. So, it will be useful not only for the health office but it will be useful for the village. We are hoping that you are going to install it and use it so that the concern of you not having communication in the village will now be resolved.”

Community Health Worker, Morrison Kaiser is grateful for the set, which he said is important to Bamboo Creek. He said, “It will be beneficial for my health system like in communication.

Over the last years we have asked for communication equipment and I never see it.

So, I must thank my Ministry [Ministry of Health] for this contribution from the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.”

The Government has promised development for all Guyanese without discrimination.

Rollout of ‘Because We Care’ grant continues in Amerindian communities

A

ll hinterland students can be assured that the Government has made provisions for them to benefit from the ‘Because We Care’ initiative, according to subject Minister, Pauline Sukhai.

The Minister made this statement at Bashville Yawong, Region Eight when she launched the initiative there. She spearheaded the distribution of over $18M at Paramakatoi, Bamboo Creek and Bashville Yawong.

Students attending Paramakatoi Nursery, Primary and Secondary, Bamboo Creek Nursery and Primary and Bashville Yawong Pri-

mary schools benefitted.

Minister Sukhai told the recipients that the $19,000 per public-school student grant must be used to prepare children for the September school term. She said the PPP/C Government returned, and increased, the ‘Because We Care’ programme because it believes that education will catalyse the nation.

She said, “It is important for your children to stay focused in school. It is important for your children to attend regularly, the school in their village and it is important for them to concentrate. If your child does not have the

required supplies, as children they too have difficulties coping and therefore, our Government is helping and assisting the parents to ensure that we invest significantly in our young children, students, those who we are preparing to, in the future, take over the leadership of this country.”

The reintroduction of the education grant initiative is the fulfilment of yet another promise made by the PPP/C during the 2020 hustings.

Sukhai said, “I want to remind you that His Excellency did announce during the campaign that before the end of our first term, that every child

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, interacts with parents who collected the cash grant

will benefit from the $50,000 per child programme. So, from $10,000 in 2014 to none between 2015 and 2020 to $15,000 per child. We will be expecting as children and parents the fulfilment of our promise and commitment to you the people and children of this nation. Education for our nation is an important factor for our future development. Our country is basically moving to a more modern state and we will need educated professionals and trained human resource.”

The Government has set aside some $3.2 billion for the rollout of this programme.

11

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

PPP General Secretary bestowed with Congressional Recognition in USA P

eople’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo has been recognised by the United States of America Congress for his environmental advocacy and commitment to bilateral ties

between the two nations.

Jagdeo met with US Congressman, Al Green.

Congressman Green is serving his ninth term as a member of the United States House of Representatives and represents the 9th Con-

gressional District of Texas.

During the meeting, he presented the Vice President with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in honour of his dedication to promoting friendship and

economic exchange between the United States of America and the Republic of Guyana.

Further, he engaged US Congresswoman, Sheila Jackson Lee. Congresswoman Jackson Lee is serving her

eleventh term as a member of the United States House of Representatives and represents the 18th Congressional District of Texas.

During the meeting, she presented the Vice President

with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition in honour of his commitment to the environment, sustainable development, and green energy.

(Turn to page 18)

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12

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

PPP/C leader s adv ance Guy a 2021 OTC…

Guyana sees interest in agro-processing, manufacturing, oil and gas sectors T

he Guyana Office for Investment (Go-invest) has used the 2021 Offshore Technology Conference has pursued the inking of several agreements. This is in addition to central government Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that have also been pursued.

Interest has been demonstrated in Guyana’s agro-processing and manufacturing sectors, as well as the oil and gas sector.

This is Guyana’s second time participating at this international conference in Houston, Texas. The OTC’s flagship conference is held annually at NRG Park in Houston. The event is sponsored by 13 industry organisations and societies, which collaborate to develop a technical programme for energy professionals to meet

to exchange ideas and opinions on advanced scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources, and environmental matters.

The Go-Invest delegation was led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Peter Ramsaroop Meanwhile, several related events were scheduled to maximise every opportunity to showcase and attract investment opportunities to Guyana. A Guyana Evening of Information Sharing and Networking took place on Wednesday (August 18, 2021) at the Asia Society Texas Center. Presentations were made by the Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and others, including the CEO of GO-Invest, Peter Ramsaroop.

The conference ended on Thursday (August 19, 2021).

The Government of Guyana through GO-Invest, collaborated with several private sector organisations and businesses which comprises its delegation at OTC 2021.

The contingent comprises Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd M.P., Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat M.P.; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar M.P.; and Chief Investment Officer and CEO of GO-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop.

Also, there is a Private Sector Guyana Booth with a Guyanese association contingent of GCCI, AMCHAM, PSC, GM&SA.

The Guyanese delegation at the 2021 Offshore Technology Conference

On global stage…

Jagdeo calls attention to potential of developing countries in climate change fight ‒ Makes case for carbon credit market P

rogress being made by developing nations, like Guyana, in moving towards a zero emissions future is often overlooked, according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. “From a developing country’s perspective, we are not getting the same attention that the developed world gets…there is a great deal of worry, in fact stress in the developing world, that in spite of all the progress we are making towards a zero emissions future, the issues that affect them and the help that was promised to them is not adequate…whatever little financing has come our way… when these pools of resources are made available, the process of intermediation of these funds is a nightmare… the fact is that the threat to them is becoming even more existential for them,” he said.

Jagdeo’s advocacy for Guyana and other developing countries was voiced on Tuesday (August 17, 2021 during his feature address to the Rice University’s Baker Institute Centre for Ener-

gy Studies, where the main conversation was on Climate Change Aspirations and the Viability of Small Developing Countries.

He questioned whether the pledges made would be irreversible. “This is a question for many country, for the private sector – particularly the in the developing world.

What is there is a change in administration, let’s say

in the United States again?

Will it mean that the pledges currently made would be revered and, therefore, create another spiral of lack of will?

That is a major concern… the policies made have to be permanent, irreversible, for the massive scale of action needed to de-carbonize the world,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice President noted that globally enough is not

being done. He said, “The developing world has some major concerns…a lot of these countries have very narrow economic structures.

Their economies are not diversified…these countries are extremely vulnerable to climate change. A single

event, a hurricane, can have a systemic impact. It can wipe out 50 years of accumulated wealth. “…these countries are heavily burdened by debt and they also are fiscally stressed.

They don’t have fiscal space to fund adaptation and the

adaptation funding globally is estimated now, at this point in time, at US$150 billion. The world pledge since Copenhagen (2009) has been US$100B per annum and US$75 billion has been delivered, but of that US$75 (Turn to page 13)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

na’ s cas e on t he global s t age Guyana cannot be locked into cycle of ‘low emission and low income’

‒ -Jagdeo assures that oil and gas development will be environmentally safe

G

uyana will develop its oil and gas sector in a manner that is environmentally safe and not remain locked into a cycle of “low emission and low income” – a cycle that ignores the fact that Guyana is a net carbon sink, among other facts. This is according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Speaking at the 2021 Offshore Technology Conference, in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday (August 17, 2021), he charged that countries, like Guyana, which are net carbon sinks, cannot be expected to halt the develop-

ment. Jagdeo charged that the oil and gas sector will be developed to bring propensity to Guyanese.

He said, “We have been called to leave our oil in the ground…we believe it’s totally unfair…we’ll develop our oil industry putting in place regulations for safe, low carbon operations.” “…many have been saying that to get to a de-carbonized future to get to a net zero by 2050 there should be no further investment in oil and gas assets….we believe that is totally unfair…the people who are calling for us

to not develop the industry in a small country like Guyana have to understand that we cannot remain locked into a cycle of low emission and low income…our people have a legitimate expectation of prosperity. We have a legitimate expectation to grow the per capita income. “….if we freeze all new investments…there is still a four trillion oil and gas industry that is producing for global demand. What those activists are doing is advocating that this investment be locked in for the incumbent.

(Turn to page 22)

Guyana seeks higher royalties, revamped terms for new oil contracts

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uyana aims to increase its oil royalties and revamp other contract terms as part of a new profit-sharing agreement (PSA) for future crude and gas projects now in its draft stage, Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, said on Tuesday (August 17, 2021).

Guyana has become one of the most desired oil exploration hot spots after an Exxon Mobil-led group (XOM.N), including U.S.based Hess Corp (HES.N) and China's CNOOC Ltd (0883.HK), discovered about 9 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas off its coast.

Guyana expects this year to install an energy regulatory body and it will this month disclose the winner of a one-year contract to mar-

Jagdeo calls attention to potential of... billion, $50B is in loans. “…on the mitigation side, to decarbonize their energy sectors they cannot fund the incremental cost of using renewable energy over fossil fuels and there was a promise that the world will help them to fund the incremental cost because newer technologies tend to be more expensive. “…so developing countries have budgets that are stressed, they have no capability to fund adaptation…. the threat is existential.”

However, he charged that, at the same time, the “burden” has started to shift to developing countries. “Now we hear about equal burden sharing…many of these countries have no capability of equal burden sharing. So the justice, the fairness, of this has been eroded over time….and these countries were not, historically, contributors to the current concentration of greenhouse gasses, yet they suffer the most from it….this is why the developing world feels that, sometimes, enough is not being done.”

The Vice President the time for action is now and expressed the hope that the upcoming Climate Change Conference will see tangible outcomes, including financing for developing countries.

GREATER URGENCY FOR ACTION Referencing Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report, released earlier this month, he said, “From the first report, almost 30 years ago, everyone understood that global warming is caused by human action.

The last report just reinforced that. It is anthropogenic action that is causing climate change. Yet we have delayed.

We knew what the solution was 30 years ago, but the move forward to implement and to make the necessary commitments to address this problem has been delayed significantly because a lack of political will.”

Notably, the IPCC’s report addresses the most upto-date physical understanding of the climate system and climate change, bringing together the latest advances in climate science, and combining multiple lines of evidence from paleoclimate, observations, process understanding, and global and regional climate simulations.

The Panel noted that Scientists are observing changes in the Earth’s climate in every region and across the whole climate system. A statement from the IPCC said, “Many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented

in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years, and some of the changes already set in motion—such as continued sea level rise—are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years. However, strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change.”

According to him, delayed action has created a greater urgency for action.

“The scale of the action (needed) is even more enormous and the question is will there be enough popular support. We know political will seems to have increased with the election of President (Joe) Biden here, there has been a flurry of activity and the pledges have increased and you’ve had the return of the US (United States of America) to the Paris agreement has given a great momentum

to COP 26 (2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference)…but is there enough popular will? Have people been briefed enough on the scale of action required now and the destruction and the cost to de-carbonize the future?”

Jagdeo stressed that “major action” is required to meet the targets set by the IPCC. The IPCC report provides new estimates of the chances of crossing the global warming level of 1.5°C in the next decades, and finds that unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting warming to between 1.5°C and 2°C will be beyond reach.

MARKET FOR CARBON CREDIT A low-cost, high-impact, means of addressing global warming revolves

ket of oil production from the prolific Stabroek block.

The new PSA will be tougher than that negotiated with the Exxon consortium and could be ready "within six months or so," Jagdeo said, on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston.

The government has been at odds with Exxon over flaring at its Liza project, the first one producing crude in Guyana after discoveries. "We have made it clear that in any new PSA we negotiate for those blocks, the conditions will be very, very different than the ones from the Stabroek block," Jagdeo said, including higher royalties and mechanisms for deducting costs from investment.

Previous Guyanese gov-

ernments have been criticized for the lucrative terms provided to companies involved in the Stabroek block. "All the deficiencies of this contract will be addressed," he said.

The International Energy Agency, a group of oil-consuming nations, this spring said if governments wanted to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, there would be no need for new fossil fuel developments.

A United Nation panel last month also said burning fossil fuels causes climate warming.

"We have been called to leave our oil in the ground," he said. "We'll develop our oil industry putting in place regulations for safe, low carbon operations." (Adapted from Reuters)

(From page 12)

around the forestry sector, Jagdeo charged.

He said, “The area that is the source of the biggest emissions of land use and forestry. About 16 per cent of global emissions come from deforestation and land use change. Practically, nothing has been done in that area, because we still loose, every year, forests the size of Greece. “…although it is one of the lowest cost abatement solutions, there is no market for forest carbon. So we are willing to explore carbon capture and storage, which may cost upwards of US$250 per tonne, and we are ignoring completely the forestry sector, where you can reduce emissions for a fraction of that. “...if you look across the spectrum of the sectors that supply the largest

emissions, that emit the most, you will see that in each of these sectors there is enough pledge wise, nor is there enough financing – both from the private side and the public side – to achieve the required de-carbonization of these sectors.”

He urged greater focus by the global community on developing countries.

“In Guyana’s case we have a major contribution to make, but we believe that enough policy attention is not being paid to countries in the developed world.”

The presentation made by the Vice President was also the subject of discussions by audience members at Rice University.

Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, also known as the Baker Institute, is an American think tank on the campus of Rice University in Houston, Texas. Jagdeo is leading a high-level delegation there this week for the 2021 Offshore Technology Conference, where he addressed, among other issues, the question of whether Guyana advance development in oil and gas sector, while maintaining its environmental credentials.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Bilateral discussions between Guyana/Suriname focused on creating opportunities for cooperation A

mong the objectives of bilateral discussions with the Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Government officials from both sides are to reduce existing gaps and barriers and to create opportunities for cooperation.

This is according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who noted that the objective of the enhanced collaboration is geared towards improving the lives of the countries’ citizens through social and economic benefits.

Commenting on the bilateral engagement at the plenary session held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center on Wednesday (August 18, 2021), he said, “We are not on a time-wasting exercise. We are going to make decisions today for a better tomorrow, and we are going to advance at a very rapid pace from today in relation to all the commitments and decisions that we will take.”

Prior to the commencement of the plenary session, the two Heads of State and their respective Ministers of Foreign Affairs met to advance discussions in several areas encompassing a number of sectors.

In providing an overview of that consultation, President Ali said that new areas of collaboration were discussed, including the environment, the oil and gas sector and the likelihood of establishing

a common gas strategy for Guyana and Suriname. He said, “As you are aware, both parties here have similarities and have similar challenges and opportunities in relation to the environment. Both of us also have to manage an emerging oil and gas sector in the context of our credentials on the environment and climate change. So, that is a new area that we have added.”

In addition, the two Presidents also discussed local content and the legislation governing local content policy, tourism, and linkages between Suriname, Guyana and Brazil, infrastructure, agriculture and trade and enhanced security.

In his opening remarks, President Santokhi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation. He acknowledged that the engagement allows for the advancement of important discussions between the two countries. He said, “President, this visit offers an excellent opportunity to evaluate the progress of bilateral cooperation within the context of this dialogue and cooperation platform established a year ago.” He reiterated the importance of Guyana as a neighbour as well as a strategic partner.

The Surinamese delegation included Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation (BIBIS), the Hon-

ourable Ambassador Albert R. Ramdin; Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable David Abiamofo; Minister of Agriculture, Animal and Husbandry and Fisheries, the Honourable Parmanand Sewdien; Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Raid Nurmohamed; Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism, the Honourable Albert E. Jubithana; Managing Director of the State Oil Company Suriname and Advisor to the Government of Suriname, Annand K.R. Jagesar Guyana’s delegation at the plenary session included Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, the Honourable Dr Ashni Singh; Minister of Health and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (ag) the Honourable Dr Frank Anthony; Minister of Home Affairs, the Honourable Robeson Benn; Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha; Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Juan Edghill; Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, the Honourable Oneidge Walrond; Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mrs Elisabeth Harper; Guyana’s resident Ambassador to Suriname, Mr Keith George and representatives from the Office of the President.

PPP/C gov’t working to support women transitioning into corporate world

P

resident Dr. Irfaan Ali, this week, stated that his Government, through its programmes and policies, is working to create a winning culture among Guyanese women.

In the feature address, at the launch of the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) Business Incubator, at Cove and John on the East Coast of Demerara, the President highlighted the importance of equality.

According to him, although more females than males graduate from university, this statistic is not often reflected in the world of work. He said, “Let’s look at who transitions into business and who transitions into the corporate world…it is a remarkable change again that is skewed away from women.”

The President lauded the Institute and said that by adding ‘women’ into its name, it gave weight and drive to the organisation. He added that the word brings a specific identity and a specific brand, which works to highlight the need for equality.

He explained that in our younger years, there is no differentiation. Yet, changes occur as we get older and that this competitive environment is designed and built in a particular way that is disadvantageous, particularly for women. He noted that there is a need to fix the transition process, which fuels the disparity between male and female entrepreneurs.

He said that this should be fixed at both the national level and by the international community.

The President pointed to the “critical” role that the Private Sector also plays in creating the environment for women entrepreneurs. He said, “The Government could provide all the opportunities;

you get the education, but what happens afterwards?

What environment is created to ensure that women are given that opportunity to raise capital, to get loans, to be part of the business opportunities? So that’s another point in the box that we have to address.”

President Ali added that dynamic changes are coming, and as such, he assured that his Government is striving to create a winning culture among women to be part of the transformation ahead.

On this note, he encouraged those present to recognise the need to transition to the expected level that will be required as part of the local content strategy. He said, “And that is why these programmes are critical to give you that early advantage. In ensuring your business model and development model addresses these key issues, and the brand that you’re building is built in such a way that is sustainable, that it is valuable and adds value.”

He also expressed the hope that the programme would highlight the importance of working together to build businesses, corporations and networking. Ali said, “So in creating a winning culture in Guyana, we have to move from the ‘I’ concept to the more ‘we’ and ‘us’ concept. The changes that will come and the opportunities that will come will not be coming for ‘I’; it will be coming for us, all of us, and that is the direction in which we have to move. I want us to look at the opportunities and at how we create value. I want us to look at how we bring together initiatives.”

The President challenged participants to come up with ideas that they can pursue together once they have grad-

uated. Since the initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, he acknowledged that it is the task of Minister Vindhya Persaud and her Ministry to find these opportunities and to ensure that the Institute would build capacity to match them. He said, “Definitely, once we develop a winning culture, once we develop a collective approach then there is no other output than success for all.”

WIIN is a massive programme by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security that seeks to empower women and girls and help them become financially independent. Since its inception, 120 women and four men have benefitted from the WIIN initiative. There are over 4000 applicants for the WIIN initiative from across the country. The GWLI will be the lead agency for all of these programmes. The Institute would also serve as the first business incubator, where women will have access to services to improve their products and skills, and be provided with links to markets.

President Ali accompanied Minister Persaud and members of the Diplomatic Corps for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was followed by a short tour of the facility. The President was able to interact with some of the beneficiaries who were attending classes.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Honourable Oneidge Walrond; EU High Commissioner to Guyana Fernando Ponz Canto and High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa and other members of the Diplomatic Corps were also at the launch.

Food security, regional development discussed with new CARICOM SG

T

he newly appointed CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, was assured by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, of Guyana’s continued support for regional development.

The Head of State gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by Dr Barnett at the Office of the President on Tuesday (August 17, 2021). He said, “We are very pleased to have you

at this critical time for the Community and even for us here in Guyana.”

President Ali pointed out that as a member of CARICOM, Guyana will look to enhance the Regional Community. He said, “I have made it very clear that our prosperity will be shared with the region, and that the region will benefit from a stronger Guyana.”

The Head of State ex-

plained that Guyana is also working diligently on a regional approach to food security. As such, he informed that the Ministry of Agriculture will support the work of the Community in pushing this agenda.

The President also used the opportunity to update Dr Barnett on Guyana’s development agenda along a low carbon development pathway. He said, “We are

pursuing an expanded agenda, and our intention is to continue on the Low Carbon Development Strategy, but an expanded strategy, especially taking into consideration the blue economy and balancing oil and gas with our focus on the environment. So that is a very important part of what we are seeking to achieve.”

With regards to regional developments, the Head of

State said that Guyana is also concerned with the situation in Haiti following the devastating earthquake on Saturday. He said that while his Government is spearheading a national relief effort, officials are also working with CARICOM for a regional approach to assistance.

The two leaders also discussed upcoming events and regional participation and representation at interna-

tional events, including at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12, 2021. President Ali stressed the importance of a regional approach at COP26. He said, “I think that we should find some way in which all of us, all the Heads, include these items in our presentation so that the noise gets louder. So (Turn to page 19)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Over $2.6B in relief for pensioners, public assistance recipients, GPL low-kilowatt consumers N

ew relief measures were announced on Monday (August 16, 2021) by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who noted that the measures total over $2.6B for ordinary Guyanese.

These measures are expected to target pensioners, persons who collect public assistance and Guyanese who consume no more than 75 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month.

The measures are added to a range of other benefits that were introduced by the Government since taking office last August.

According to President Ali, the measures are geared to helping ordinary Guyanese throughout these difficult times. He said, “My fellow Guyanese, tonight’s measures will bring $2.6B into

the pockets and hands of ordinary Guyanese. This will go a long way in bringing relief. This is a Government that cares. This is your Government regardless of which community or which region you are from. This is your Government delivering to you again $2.6B in challenging and difficult times.”

The announcement included three separate measures, including $25,000—an additional one-month payment for pensioners, which will benefit more than 65,000 Guyanese. According to the President, this will amount to some $1.6B in disposable income.

President Ali also stated that public assistance recipients and persons with disabilities will benefit from an additional $25,000. He said

that this would place over $600M of additional income into their pockets.

Thirdly, an electricity credit will be paid to GPL on behalf of households consuming not more than 75 kilowatt-hours per month.

The credit to each household will be equivalent to one month of their electricity bill, and will inject more than $200 million of disposable income to more than 40,000 households.

The President also announced that the pay-out package of $7.8B that was announced for farmers and households affected by the May-June flooding will start later in the week.

A YEAR OF SUPPORT Through the 2020 and 2021 budgets, the Govern-

ment has implemented a number of measures to help ease the burden on ordinary Guyanese, including the removal of the Value-Added Tax (VAT) on water and electricity, as well as on basic food items, basic household necessities, and on medical and educational supplies.

The PPP/C Government has also reduced water tariffs by five percent, and reduced by 50 percent licence fees that had been increased since 2014.

Old age pension was also raised from $20,500 monthly to $25,000 monthly, while public assistance was raised from $9,000 to $12,000.

According to the President, these two measures alone have injected an additional $4.5B in income support to

these vulnerable groups.

The Government has also made homeownership and home construction more affordable by removing the VAT on basic construction materials while increasing the ceilings on low-income mortgage loans from $8M to $12M and on loans granted by the New Building Society from $12M to $15M, and doubling the ceiling on loans eligible for mortgage interest relief from $15M to $30M. The cost of connectivity has also been reduced by the Ali Administration, with VAT being removed from data for residential and individual use and on cellular phones.

Along with the payout for those affected by flooding, the President last week announced a cap on

the freight charges used to calculate taxes on important, amounting to some $4.8B in savings for consumers and businesses.

The President, who has promised to be a President for all Guyanese and who said that throughout his time in office, he would fight to enhance the lives of all, added that the aim is to continue to bring relief measures to Guyanese.

The Head of State added that the Government will continue to find ways to make Guyanese “more prosperous” and to deliver “a life that is fulfilling and satisfying”. “I say to you that we remain committed and that in the coming months, we will continue to work to make your lives easier,” Ali declared.

Relationship between Guyana and Guyana to support relief and recovery CAL must be reciprocal – Improved service, local content needs, more discussed at high-level meeting

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali and several Government representatives, on Friday (August 13, 2021) virtually engaged with executive members of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) to discuss existing challenges and ways of strengthening their partnership.

The President said that he is aware that CAL has been an outstanding partner of Guyana but informed that it has never been a oneway street. He siad,“We are aware that CAL has been an extremely good partner of Guyana, but you must also accept that Guyana has been an extremely good market for CAL. It has never been a one-way street, it has always been a two-way street, and all your previous boards and CEOs would have appreciated this.”

The President also acknowledged that there is room for improvement in many areas, including local content. He said, “I know that you are cutting costs

and you are cutting staff, but we would like to see more involvement of Guyanese in the operations, and by that, I mean we are willing to work with you on increasing your footprint and your presence here in Guyana as part of your development plans.”

Additionally, he pointed to the challenges with frequency and costs of flights to Canada and Miami and the issue of cargo capacity.

The President noted too that during the pandemic the relationship continued since Guyana was kept relatively open and CAL’s operations were sustained. Ali said, “It is under these circumstances that I wanted us to engage and to have a clear understanding as to where CAL is heading. Also….“We believe that CAL is a long and strong partner with us, and we need to find a way in which that partnership is demonstrated in a stronger way.”

In his remarks, CAL’s Chairman of the Board, Mr Ronnie Mohammed said that

the airline has been a “legacy carrier” into Guyana and that the mutual friendship and relationship between Guyana and Trinidad have been maintained and sustained.

He said, “We are eager and willing to partner deeper with our footprint in Guyana,” he added.

Meanwhile, CEO Mr Garvin Medera assured the President that CAL is “very willing” to continue with the push to support local content in Guyana. He explained that prior to the onset of the pandemic, the airline had started recruiting Guyanese but was forced to cut back on staffing.

In closing, President Ali pointed to the importance of a clear path and plan between the Government and CAL, which can be transmitted to consumers. He said, “We have to grow together. We need to have a technical discussion on the way forward to improve efficiency and to come up with a master plan together to share with the people in demonstration

of the partnership.” He informed the airline officials that moving forward, the Ministers at the meeting will engage at the technical level to craft a cohesive plan that demonstrates and strengthens the partnership while examining the opportunities ahead. He stressed that this will help build trust and improve services in the eyes of consumers.

President Ali was joined

by Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Juan Edghill; Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, the Honourable Oneidge Walrond; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, the Honourable Deodat Indar; National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia and CEO of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Mr Ramesh Ghir.

CAL was represented by its General Manager, Mr Carl Stuart; Chairman of the Board, Mr Mohammed; CEO, Mr Medera and Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Yannis Gounaris.

efforts of Haiti

O

n behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, over the weekend, expressed solidarity and support to the people of the Republic of Haiti in the wake of the devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked that nation.

The Head of State, in telephone conversations, with the Prime Minister of Haiti, Dr Ariel Henry, and the Chairman of CARICOM, Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, assured them that the Government of Guyana will provide assistance to aid the relief and recovery efforts.

Guyana’s support will be part of a regional relief and recovery initiative that will be coordinated by the Chairman of CARICOM. Further, in keeping with the Government’s commitment, the Office of the Prime Minister this week established a humanitarian account with Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited, in the name of the Civil Defence Commission. The OPM will be working closely with our civil society, private sector and other partners to quickly raise funds for a coordinated, substantial relief response for the affected people of Haiti.

The CDC-Republic Bank information are as follows: • Account number: 96235619938

• Account name: Civil Defence Commission • Account address: 49 Main & Urquhart Streets, Georgetown Guyana • Branch Name: Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited • Swift Code: RBGLGYGG Further information or queries should be directed to the Civil Defence Commission… Telephone: 592 226 1114 or 592 600 7500 (Call or Whatsapp) Email Address: finance@cdc.gy Haitian Prime Minister Henry has since thanked President Ali for offering assistance. He indicated that an assessment is being done to ascertain the extent of the impact of the earthquake, and to identify the critical areas of need. Dr. Henry also said that the assessment report will be shared with President Ali and CARICOM as soon as it has been completed.

The 7.2 magnitude quake on Saturday destroyed thousands of homes and buildings in a Caribbean nation which is still clawing its way back from another major temblor 11 years ago and is reeling from the assassination of its president last month. Southwestern Haiti bore the brunt of the blow, especially in the region in and around the town of Les Cayes.

It is estimated that the earthquake killed more than 1,300 people and injured almost 2,000 others.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

17

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

Norton rapped over calls... (From page 9) Coalition’s Jordan tries to... (From page 9) CONDEMNED Additionally, the PNCR Executive, in his statement, also said, “We must make the PPP pay for their wicked ways. And pay they will.”

Responding to this statement, PPP Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha, charged that Norton’s comment is characteristic of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition.

Mustapha said, “The PNC has always been and remains on a collision course with the rule of law.

“They tried to flout the law and undermine the will of the people and they were exposed in full view of the international community.

“GECOM has since allowed the rule of law to run its course and hold accountable the officers that were in breach of laws of Guyana – laws that

outlined clearly what their roles in the electoral process were. And for this, the PNC has a problem. The PNC is clearly opposed to the rule of law.

“Their resort now to vile threats must be condemned.

The PPP, for five months, worked with Guyanese from all walks of life, including those who did not vote for us, but were democratic-minded, to protect our country from rigged elections. The PPP has no apology to make for working to preserve the will of the people.”

Notably, in a statement on the dismissals of Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo, the GECOM Chair posited: “1. that although they hold public / statutory office, they are not public but rather contractual officers. They have no security of tenure and their respective contracts stipulate the terms

by which they are bound; 2.

That these officers exercise the right to enter their respective contract willingly and voluntarily and were therefore aware of the method of termination provided by the respective contracts; 3. That it is trite law that not even a court of law can enforce a contract for personal services against an employer terminating the contract of an employee since the proper relief for a breach in an employment contract for personal services lies in damages; 4.

That in relation to the CEO, clause 9 of his contract stipulate that his services can be terminated by giving him three months’ notice or payment in lieu of; 5. That in relation to the DCEO and the RO their contracts stipulate that the Commission may at any time terminate their employment by giving three months’ notice or payment in lieu of.”

“The Government of Guyana received the sum of US$18M or G$3.717 billion from ExxonMobil as a signing bonus.

“This amount was deposited into the Ministry of Finance ExxonMobil Account №.

845L5086 at Bank of Guyana. The Bank maintained a Cash and Investment Accounts to independently account for proceeds from investments.

“During the period 9 to 17 November 2016, amounts totalling US$15.831M or G$3.269 billion were transferred to the Investment Account and expended to purchase overseas bonds.

The balance of US$2.176M or G$449M remained in the account №. 845L5086.

“The Government of Guyana earned interest of US$498,775 or G$103.629M

from its investments during the period 9 November 2016 to 31 December 2018, while account №. 845L5086 interest totaled US$2,889 or G$598,443.

“On 28 December 2018, the Ministry of Finance instructed the Bank to transfer the sum of G$788.100M or US$3.780M from account №. 845L5086 to the Consolidated Fund. The amount was transferred to the Consolidated Fund on 31 December 2018, leaving a balance of G$23.452M or US$112,480 in the account.

“In the month of January 2019, the value of investments appreciated to US$14.545M from US$14.477M, an increase of US$67,705. In addition, interest earned on the Investments and Cash Accounts totalled

US$42,378.”

By January 2019, the Ministry of Finance, under the stewardship of former Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, instructed the Bank to close account №.

845L5086 and transfer all balances to the Consolidated Fund.

“In keeping with the directive of the Ministry, an amount of G$3.065 billion or US$14.699M was transferred to the Fund on 24 January 2019. A final transfer of G$104,867 or US$502.96 was made on 14 February 2019, resulting in nil balances in the accounts,” the 2019 Auditor General’s report said.

The Bank closed the accounts in February 2019.

This took place two months after the passage of the no-confidence motion in December 2018.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

Over $151M in SBB grants disbursed for 2021

H

undreds of persons are benefitting from the Small Business Bureau’s (SBB) Small Business Development Fund. Through the 2021 budget, $250 million was allocated to the fund to finance small businesses through grants and loans.

Chief Executive Officer (ag) of the Bureau, Vanessa Thompson said to date, more than half of the monies

budgeted has been disbursed to develop small businesses countrywide. She said, “For this year so far, we have already disbursed 354 grants.

I should as well mention that from the Small Business Development Fund, we are also processing and disbursing COVID-19 relief grants… for this year we have already disbursed 30 COVID-19 relief grants…

for the 354 grants disbursed so far, the total amount is $151.9 million and for the 30 COVID-19 grants, it is $5.9 million.”

The small business grants go up t0 $500,000 while the limit on COVID-19 grants is $250,000.

The disbursement of grants is a commitment by the PPP/C Administration to provide more incentives for

small businesses and young entrepreneurs, including micro-credit facilities.

The creation of 50,000 jobs is another commitment the PPP/C Government is determined to accomplish.

What better way to propel the commitment than by providing persons with avenues to become their own bosses, while at the same time provide employment for others.

PPP General Secretary bestowed... (From page 11) The recognition from the US Congress is among several other accolades Jagdeo has earned during his career in public service.

He was selected as one of the young global leaders by the World Economic Forum in 2005.

Time Magazine had named President Jagdeo a 2008 ‘Hero of the Environment. The United Nations, in 2010, declared President Jagdeo, as one of its ‘Champions of the Earth Awardees’.

His work earned him an appointment by the

U.N. Secretary General, to the High-Level Advisory Group on Mobilizing Climate Change Resources. He was selected by the Summit of Heads of State held in Congo in 2011 as the Roving Ambassador for the Three Forest Basins.

He was named as IUCN High Level Envoy for Sustainable Development in Forest Countries and Patron of Nature in 2012. He was the First President of the Green Growth Institute Assembly (2012-2014), a newly formed international organization based in Korea.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

Food security, regional development discussed... (From page 14) we welcome you. We know that you are very capable and strong, and you have all that it takes to lead the Region in the right direction.”

The President also invited Dr Barnett to collaborate in finalising the design of the Secretary General’s official residence, to be constructed at Sparendaam on the East Coast of Demerara. HE said, “I am very pleased that we had the opportunity to meet so early; it’s important, and we look forward to working with you on all the regional initiatives.”

In her remarks, the Secretary-General, who took office on Monday, thanked President Ali for his warm welcome while she acknowl-

edged that there is a lot on the agenda, particularly with matters concerning Haiti and the events unfolding there, including the upcoming elections. She also spoke about the Region’s preparations for COP26.

Dr Barnett pointed to the strides made by Guyana in addressing its sustainable development agenda. She said, “An interesting thing that you mentioned just now actually came up in our discussion with the Secretariat yesterday; the need to balance in our energy development, the carbon-based, and environment because there needs to be a balance and there can be a balance in which both things can

evolve. I am really very interested in learning about what your approach will be.

Guyana really has led the way in terms of its approach to sustainability of the natural environment.” She also expressed gratitude for Guyana’s efforts in assisting Haiti while she explained that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Civil Defense Authority are organising the response in that country. She further explained that the Haitian authorities are pushing for a more coordinated relief effort. “The secretariat is geared up to do what we need to do,” the CARICOM Secretary-General assured.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

Finance Minister says relief measures will simulate economy S

enior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh MP, has said that the relief measures introduced by the Government will translate to tangible benefits through stimulation of the economy.

He explained that such interventions are costs to the treasury, but that they will end up translating to so much more, in effect, than

assistance for the vulnerable groups who receive them directly. He said, “When you reduce taxes or you reduce the cost of doing business, or when you deliver support to households, that money doesn’t vanish into thin air.

It stimulates economic activity. So, by reducing the cost of doing construction, you stimulate more construction activity. By reducing, let’s say, the cost of mining activ-

ity or the cost of agriculture by removing taxes on heavy equipment, you stimulate economic activity.”

The potential for economic activity, the Minister explained, is in the generation of jobs, incomes, and more tax revenues for the State. Singh said, “They use that cash transfer, that support that is provided to them. They then take it…immediately, they go to the market, they buy some

goods with it, some basic necessities. They go to the shops. They buy some basic necessities with it. They go to the service providers; they buy some basic necessities with it. And it then multiplies itself over in the economy.

The person in the market gets more sales. They then put the additional sales, go to the wholesaler, they buy more.

The wholesaler then goes to the manufacturer and he or

she buys more, and more economic activity is stimulated.”

Dr. Singh said these interventions represent an important injection of liquidity into the economy.

Some $2.6 billion in interventions were announced earlier this week. The three measures which constitute this intervention are: a $25,000 additional one-month payment for pensioners, a $25,000 one-time payment for persons

who receive public assistance, and an electricity credit to the Guyana Power and Light for households consuming not more than 75 kilowatt-hours per month. This is in addition to a pay-out package of $7.8 billion for farmers and households affected by the May-June flooding.

Further, the PPP/C government has advanced COVID-19 relief efforts to support Guyanese.

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

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WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 AUGUST, 2021

Guyana cannot be locked into cycle...

Why should we not want to displace some of the highest cost producers? We want a share in that market too…. if there is no investment in countries like Guyana where the prospects are cleaner because it is light sweet crude and production costs are less then you are lobbying for a monopoly for the existing producers. So we believe that

we can develop the industry in our country…we can do so by continuing to invest in a de-carbonized future consistent with the LCDS.” The Vice President acknowledged that the International Energy Agency, a group of oil-consuming nations, has said that if governments wanted to achieve net zero carbon emissions by

2050, there would be no need for new fossil fuel developments. And he made clear that Guyana will develop its oil industry with regulations for safe, low-carbon operations.

Jagdeo said, said, “Because there is this Climate Change imperative to de-carbonize, our policy is to get as much oil out of the ground

as quickly as possible. It sounds a bit harsh for those who think you should be environmentally sound but that is the reality of it. We have to maximize the benefit from the industry and use those benefits to change our people’s lives…we don’t know how swiftly we’ll get to a de-carbonized world but we have to make use of this period when there is still demand to get as much as possible out of the ground and that is why we support the rapid pace of the industry but it must be

(From page 13)

done safely. “…we will continue to advocate for a de-carbonized world, we will continue to pursue the LCDS and we will put in place the regulations to allow industry to develop in a safe manner and introduce cutting edge low-carbon technology that would also bring benefits to our people. “…we still have US$300-US$400 million a year now. It’s not a lot of money and many people will think that the wealth will come tomorrow or that

it’s here today and suddenly we have to start splurging… [but] we have to live within our means for quite a while into the future…the resources must help us to do two things, to keep the economy diversified – the non-oil economy, so that the wealth created in this short period could continue to grow… and used to ensure we create enough opportunities in other sectors of the economy; agriculture, ICT, tourism, etc that can continue to generate wealth for the future for our people.”

To date, ExxonMobil has made 22 finds in the Stabroek Block. The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

Guyana’s oil resources is estimated at more than nine billion oil-equivalent barrels.

21-22 AUGUST, 2021 WEEKEND MIRROR 14-15

Pifzer, otherwithdraws COVID-19 Lowenfield vaccines to arrive case on day rulinginwas coming set to beweeks handed down

O T

n the day theofHigh Court he Ministry Health has was making expected to hand been preparations down a ruling in histhat case, for several vaccines are Chief Election Officer, Keith expected in the country in Lowenfield, discontinued his coming weeks. legalMinister challenge. of Health, Dr. A Anthony, ruling byhas Justice JoFrank explained Ann Barlow, High that while thefrom Pfizerthe vaccine Court case filed

by Chief is not in yeta here, measures are Elections Keitha being put in Officer, place to ensure Lowenfield, is expected on smooth roll out process. The Monday 2021).

Ministry(August will be9,using this Lowenfield had moved specific vaccine to immunise to the High Court seeking children against the Coroan order“The preventing Peonavirus. two vaccines ple’s Progressive Party/ that have been approved for Civic (PPP/C)children between nominated the ages of GECOM Commissioners, 18 to 12 years are basically the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine. And so, we are making efforts to get those and we expect that very shortly we will have those vaccines in Guyana.

When we get them, we will be working very closely with the Ministry of Education to make sure that we’re able to roll this out to children in school. It is a choice, but Ministry of Health, we he hope that parents would COVID-19 Task Force understand that for children to and other key stakeholders return to school, they should have on be in begun a safediscussions environment, the of anthem elecand possibility we’ll encourage to tronic COVID-19 make sure that theirvaccinachildren tion cardvaccine,” for easier access to get the Minister information.

Anthony said.However, this will not be done overnight.

This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, who said, “We have been discussing it and we’ll see how, if that’s possible because it would entail a number of things: one, the persons who already have received the cards, how do we then get this new card to them and a whole host of other logistical issues would come up. But it’s something that we’re thinking about to make the cards more portable.”

The Minister said India’s COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (CoWIN)

SaseHe Gunraj Bibi notedand that theShadothick from participating as er vaccines expected are adjudicators of the Sputnik in V the andhearing Johnson the motion for his dismissal. and Johnson. Anthony said, Last working month, Lowenfield, “We’re on that and through his attorney, by next week or so weNigel hope Hughes, had filed a fixed-date to get another batch of second application against GECOM, dose Sputnik V. Johnson and seeking, among Johnson as well, other we’rethings, awaitaing declaration thatwhen Gunrajthose and a final date Shadick, in their motion for vaccines are going to get his cannot prophere,dismissal, but we anticipate that erly participate, de-a by next week, wehear willand have termine their own complaint formal timeline.” against Thehim.

Health Minister reJustice Barlow grantiterated that all thehad vaccines ed an interim injunction currently in use and those exrestraining GECOM from pected are safe.

For the Pfizer and Moderna specifically, the Health Minister said the literature has been published for everyone to scrutinise.

“Millions of doses have been used across the world, and the results have been quite good in terms of administering Pfizer and Moderna to children, because many countries do not have enough vaccines, they have started vaccination tracking using the vaccines for softtheir ware will assist and withI this, adult population, supbut programme is also posethis when they get enough, not [Intheyyet willready. then be “They able to give dia] have consented to give to their children, to lower age us a customised version of groups.

In the United States, that software our scaruse. they don’t have for vaccine So, continuing city we andare they recognisethose that discussions and hopefully as soon as we finalise it, we will then be able to move our database into that software, and it has a lot of ease of functions that will allow quick search if necessary and a whole host of other features,” he said.

Meanwhile, with the current vaccination cards, Minister Anthony is urging vaccinated persons to keep those safe as the recent COVID-19 Measures stipulate persons must produce their COVID-19 immunisation cards to transact business at Government Ministries and Agencies.

proceeding withtothe hearif they’re going keep the ing of the notice motion school system safeofthen they for based on the needdismissal to vaccinate children,” complaint by Gunraj and Anthony said.

Shadick.

According to him, it is When the case was called, becoming increasingly imLowenfield’s Attorney, Nigel portant to immunise children Hughes, informed theascourt against COVID-19, the of theDelta discontinuation of thea new variant is causing case stated that “circumlot ofand infections in the United stances have overtaken” it.

States. Infections which are Hughes the occurringalso moreinformed in the unvaccourt that the injunction that cinated population.

He said, Lowenfield was also seeking “If children remain unvacagainst Commission they was cinated the unfortunately, also being pursued. can no getlonger infected.

And when Justice Barlow theyAs getsuch, infected, what we’re declared theismatter ended. seeing now not a mild form of the disease in children, but a more severe form of the disease in children.”

On August 11, 2021, health authorities in Trinidad and Tobago confirmed that the country had registered two cases of the Delta variant of the Coronavirus.

To date, over 279,00 persons in Guyana have taken their first dose of a Those persons who operate COVID-19 vaccine, reprepublic senting transport about 57.4must per also cent produce theirs if asked by a of the country’s adult poppolice by 146,000 anyone ulation,officer while or over working on30 behalf of the persons or per cent of Ministry of Health.

The the population are now fully Minister “The to vaccinatedsaid against thekey deadly the card is really to identify disease. that’s the person and also to verify that person would have received the vaccination.”

Minister Anthony advised against laminating the card and reducing its size. He said, “How the card is made up because it is folded, I think it’s going to be difficult to laminate it to show all the pertinent information. So, my advice would be that they walk with their card, they find ways and means of protecting it.”

The COVID-19 vaccination card is also required when travelling overseas.

Discussion begins on possibility of electronic COVID-19 vaccine card

T

23 9

APNU+AFC Coalition rapped for ‘race baiting’ event

A

march and rally titled ‘Anti-PPP Racism March & Rally’ held in Brooklyn, New York on Sunday (August 15, 2021) was rubbished as “hateful” and “race baiting” by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The Head of State said, “It was an event filled with lies, hate and race baiting.

I am very disappointed that people who should know better, who should have some amount of credibility, would find themselves enveloped in this type of

behaviour. And it is very concerning when you have persons who profess to have credibility enveloped in that type of behaviour, calling on time’s up for the Government. “…I think that it is very deceitful, dishonourable and obstructionist that people would go to the extent that they went in telling lies; that the grant, the COVID grant, was not given to all the villages and all the people, that there’s discrimination in the education grant that’s been

shared out.”

Ali made clear that it is dishonest to claim more than a year later that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) did not win the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. He also referred to the call made

by Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, who called for the recall of US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch. The President said, “If the time is up for the government and the U.S Ambassador, then it’s times up for CARICOM and

all the other bodies that supported the efforts to ensure that democracy prevailed in Guyana…then it has to be time’s up for CARICOM, time’s for the OAS, time’s up for the EU, time’s up for all the countries and all international bodies, the Carter Center, that supported the efforts to have a democratic environment here in Guyana and defeated the efforts of those who tried to rig an election and install themselves undemocratically in the country.”

Further commenting on Jeffries’ statement, the President added, “…when someone who professes to be credible – in the face of what the OAS would say, in the face of what the EU would say, Canada, the US, the Carter Center – still envelopes himself in the lies and the deception and the hate that went on there, then I think that a serious examination or re-examination is needed as to what the motive was.”

In addition to Jeffries, other speakers included APNU+AFC Coalition Members of Parliament and the Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine.

Looking ahead, Ali declared, “My focus is on the people of this country, all the people, and nothing that they (those opposing democracy) do or nothing that they plan will ever wean my energy or distract me from that focus of working hard every day for all the people of our country.”

Over the past several months, the APNU+AFC Coalition has been called out, including during sittings of the National Assembly, for its resort to playing the race card.

Last week, by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Government, Gail Teixeira, took aim at the APNU+AFC

Coalition, during the August 9, 2021 sitting of the National Assembly. She said, “At a time when we are taking the trajectory of our country forward; when we are seeing transformation; when the government has given COVID relief; help in the hampers; flood relief; the removal of taxes; the purchase of vaccines for our people; the PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment)… drugs that were not there; the opening up of housing; and the fixing of roads and bridges. All of this is taking place and all you can do is drag it down to race. That is the only flag you have. The only flag you wave is race… you have stuck loyally to your history from 1954 and onwards - of divide and rule in Guyana. That is unfortunate. I don’t accept that the youth don’t know about these things. They are not obtuse…whether the PNC/ RIG/ APNU/ AFC comes to term with past and steps on the road to national unity, you will be found, if you don’t join, left alone….you have a choice.”

Prior to that, PPP General Secretary and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, pointed out that the actions of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition continue to expose its duplicity and the fact that national interests do not form part of its agenda.

He had said, “I guess, as we have come to know now, that no behaviour by APNU and its senior leadership could be considered shocking. They have descended into anti-national rhetoric on more than one occasion. They use, constantly, racism to try to divide our people.”

The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)led APNU+AFC Coalition has not address any of these criticisms and remain silent on the matter.

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