Weekend Mirror 9-10 October, 2021

Guyana’s records economic growth of 14.5 per cent in first half of 2021 9-10 October, 2021 / Vol. 11 ‒ No. 93 / Price: $100

Email: mirror2018.gy@gmail.com

PAGE 3

October 13 set as date for ruling on appeal in case of sacked DCEO

‒ Seven others set to return to court on Monday PAGE 17

PPP/C gov’t moving forward to deliver on promise of 50,000 jobs PAGE 2

Manifesto promise delivered on….

$1.8B payout for severed sugar workers PAGE 9

SEE INSIDE

Government will spare no effort to investigate destruction of public buildings

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New request for proposals to be advertised for Guyana PAGE 7 Suriname bridge

Guyana now has 3rd largest oil reserves in Latin America and Caribbean Region PAGE 20 ‒ 24th oil find recorded bridge

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

PPP/C gov’t moving forward to deliver on promise of 50,000 jobs

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ice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo MP, on Wednesday (October 6, 2021) visited the Wales Community Centre Ground, where he engaged sugar workers who were severed by the previous administration.

He also addressed the development prospects for the area, which are being advanced by the PPP/C government. He noted that more jobs will be generated than

what was lost due to the closure of sugar estates by the previous administration.

Also, the community of Wales will accommodate the onshore facilities of the gas-to-energy project and its spin-off industries in the coming years. “The first 50 million cubic feet per day of gas that will come in would allow us to do the power. We may have a smaller fertilizer plant. You’d have a plant

to do protein for animals, a whole range of economic activities,” the Vice President said. This first stage of development, using associated gas from ExxonMobil’s offshore Liza Phase One project will result in the generation of 250 MW of new power for Guyana’s national grid.

“When the second 70 million cubic feet gas comes in per day, a whole range of industries will be developed right

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here, and all of these will generate thousands of jobs, thousands more than were laid off in the sugar industry, and this is going to happen very soon,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

This refers to an additional stage of the gas-to-energy project, which is being designed with tie-in points for more gas from ExxonMobil’s Liza Phase Two project.

Development in the area will also include a port facility. The Government is already, he said, mapping

bridges that Government has to upgrade to take equipment into the site. Wharves will also have to be built to offload equipment. Further, the new bridge that the Government is going to build across the Demerara River will also facilitate the movement of traffic.

Together, these advances will further the fulfillment the PPP/C Government’s promise to provide 50,000 jobs for the people of Guyana.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

2021-Year Report reveals…

Guyana’s records economic growth of 14.5 per cent in first half of 2021 ‒ Non-oil economy by 4.8 per cent, despite COVID-19 and May/June Floods

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he Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report for 2021 has indicated that Guyana recorded real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 14.5 percent while non-oil GDP grew by 4.8 percent, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and even the devastating floods experienced in May-June.

Due to the unprecedented floods which impacted particularly the agriculture, forestry and mining sectors, along with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of which will spill over into the last half of the year and even beyond, the revised full-year forecast for real GDP growth in 2021 is now 19.5 percent overall and 3.7 percent for the non-oil economy.

The Mid-Year Report is expected to be tabled by Senior Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh at the first sitting of the National Assembly once the Assembly resumes after its current recess.

SECTOR PERFORMANCE With regard to sector performance, the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries for the first half of 2021 are estimated to have contracted by 2.4 percent compared with a decline of 4.1 percent for the corresponding period last year and it was noted that this was as a result of lower output from the other crops, sugar growing, forestry and fishing industries.

“At the end of the first half of the year, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) produced 29,650 tonnes of sugar. This performance reflects the record high levels of rainfall, which resulted in waterlogged soils, particularly at the Albion Estate, and strike action that resulted in over 5,600 man-days being lost,” the Mid-Year Report indicated. As such, it was emphasized that the sugar industry declined by 22.4 percent when compared to the same period in 2020. Some of the reasons indicated were a 30 percent mortality of mature cane at Albion estate, 10 percent at Uitvlugt and 5 percent at Blairmont due to the floods. Another 15,000 tonnes of sugar in the second crop were also expected to be lost, based on the Report.

Meanwhile, the Report noted that the rice industry grew by an estimated 7.8 percent in the first half of the year, marginally lower than the target set for the period, ‘other crops’ declined by 7.3 percent due to the floods and the livestock industry was estimated to have grown by 10.6 percent when compared to the same period in 2020.

However, for that same period, the fishing industry contracted by an estimated 6.6 percent and the forestry industry by 7.1 percent.

R e f e r e n c i n g t h e e xtractive industries, the Report indicated that in the first half of 2021 the mining and quarrying industries were estimated to have grown by 23.1 percent, with higher output from the petroleum

and other mining industries despite contractions in gold and bauxite.

It was noted that total output from the petroleum sector increased by 65.4 percent when compared to the same period last year. With respect to diamond, sand and stone, these were estimated to have seen a total growth of 63.3 percent with quarry stone having a growth output of 141 percent, sand declarations growing by 119.3 percent as a result of increased activity in the construction sector while diamond declarations improved with a growth of 166.3 percent. The outlook for the remainder of this year for other mining industries was estimated to be promising as well with an estimated growth rate of 74.5 percent for the entire year.

With regard to manufacturing, this sector notably saw an estimated growth of 13.1 percent when compared to the same period last year with expansion of the sector being attributed to a growth of 23.1 percent in other manufacturing. In the category of other manufacturing, growth was experienced in the manufacturing of non-metallic products, chemical products and beverages.

Meanwhile, the services industries were estimated to have expanded in the first half of 2021 by 9.4 percent when compared to the same period in 2020 as it was noted that the measures to curtail the impact of COVID-19 would have severely impacted such activities last year.

Notably, the Report indicates

that the gradual relaxation of these measures would have contributed to some growth in the sector.

The Report also noted the strong performance of the construction sector which grew by 25.5 percent in the first half of 2021, reflecting increased emphasis on implementing the public sector investment programme as well as increased private sector construction reflecting improved private sector confidence and optimism regarding the economic outlook.

BALANCE OF PAYMENTS – LARGER MERCHANDISE TRADE SURPLUS The Mid-Year Report noted that at the end of the first half of this year, ‘the overall balance of payments recorded a deficit of US$67.4 million compared with a deficit of US$2.8 million at the end of June 2020’ with the current account registering a deficit of US$39.1 million in comparison to a deficit of US$396.5 million for the corresponding period in 2020. This was attributed to a ‘significant increase in the merchandise trade surplus which moved from US$72.7 million, to US$813.3 million. The merchandise trade account, according to the Report, improved as a result

of export receipts expanding by US$786.9 million, outweighing the US$46.2 million increase in imports.

Meanwhile, the capital account showed a deficit of US$19.6 million when compared with a surplus of US$419.7 million at the end of June 2020, attributed to ‘outflows of US$1,713 million from private enterprises in the oil and gas sector along with outflows of US$123.6 million in revenue from the petroleum sector to the Natural Resource Fund’.

The Report also highlighted the fact that foreign direct investment in the first half of 2021 was 41.6 percent higher than the US$940.6 million recorded last year for the same period.

INFLATION At the end of the first half of 2021, consumer prices grew by 5.6 percent. This was largely driven by increased food prices, as a result of the inclement weather and shortages experienced following the flood. Further, the Report indicated that the bottlenecks in the global supply chain adds some measure of imported inflationary pressures. However, the Report underscores, that the price increases are ‘transitory’ and are unlikely to have lasting long-term impact on inflation’. Inflation is now projected to be in the order of 3.8 percent for the full year.

ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES Earlier this year Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh had indicated that Guyana would be one of the fastest growing economies in terms of real GDP and would see rapid transformation in a number of sectors especially since Government would make efforts to boost the nonoil economy as well.

“We’re anticipating a rapid expansion in the services sector, including transport and logistics, construction of infrastructure including roads, bridges, office buildings in the private sector, etc, along with expansion in other services such as financial services, all of which will contribute to rapid expansion in real output. So, you’re going to see Guyana being one of the fastest growing economies in real GDP terms…. globally in the hemisphere and certainly in the Caribbean… a lot of the real GDP growth in the region will be driven by Guyana,” he had emphasized.

The favorable economic performance at the end of the first half of 2021 in the non-oil economy bodes well for the upcoming second half of 2021 and beyond. It is expected that advances in key investments, both in the public and the private sector, will buttress the second half performance of the economy.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

EDITORIAL

Significance of October PPP/C demonstrates, again, 5th now more commitment to its promises poignant I Dear Editor,

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ctober 5th took on greater meaning this year, coming just over one year after the blatant and shameless attempt to undermine the will of the Guyanese people in 2020.

The March 2020 General and Regional Elections debacle and the five-month fight for the preservation of our democracy made clear that there are still elements in society that threaten the gains we have made since October 5, 1992 – the return of free and fair elections to Guyana after 28 years of rigged elections and dictatorial rule.

On Election Day, when all the votes are counted at each polling place, Statements of Poll are prepared on carbon paper – meaning there are multiple copies of the same document that is given to all political parties at the polling places. The March 2020 Elections was observed by the Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of American States, the European Union, the CARICOM and the Carter Centre – all of whom concluded that March 2nd Elections Day had been conducted in a free, transparent and fair manner. Also, during the five months following these elections, 100 countries – including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the European nations and Canada, representatives from the United National, Commonwealth of Nations, Organization of American States, European Union and the CARICOM – supported efforts to ensure the will of the Guyanese people was not thwarted.

Further, it was the Chief of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission (EOM), Bruce Golding, who, in addressing the Permanent Council of the OAS on May 13, 2020, had said: “I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an Election. More than a dozen copies of the Statements of Poll are prepared at each polling station after the ballots are counted on election night. One copy is posted on the wall outside the polling station and each party representative – and there were nine in all – each party representative is entitled to receive a copy. It takes an extraordinarily courageous mind to present documents with fictitious numbers when there is such a sturdy paper trail exists.”

Nonetheless, the test of our democracy and our strength as a nation, to struggle to ensure that the gains made in our democracy over the past two decades are not lost, saw the will of the Guyanese people prevailing.

The contribution of all stakeholders in the electoral process, including the smaller opposition political parties, as well as the members of the local diplomatic community, the election observer missions and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in the defense of our democracy, cannot be ignored.

The demonstration of the fortitude of our nascent democracy, bolstered by pro-democracy forces, was reminiscent of the 1970’s and 80’s – before the free and fair elections of 1992.

The struggle was one for all of Guyana and this victory, as well as the assurances it engenders, belongs to each Guyanese – regardless of their race, regardless of their politics or any other differentiating factor. And the return to democracy, as well as political and economic stability, has turned up tangible results.

The return to democracy and political and economic stability will, undoubtedly, continue to result in transformations in the lives of all Guyanese across the country.

am ecstatic and happy at the news that severed sugar workers will receive $250,000 each. I am even gladder that the much-needed assistance will come in the New Year as announced by Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo in Skeldon, Upper Corentyne.

The government is keeping all of its promises made to the people of this country. I can speak for every

sugar worker that was severed from the job and every family that has been displaced when I say, thank you.

I am happier now that the Government is making the necessary investment in its people and also ordered GuySuCo to carry out a survey on all sugar workers.

Around 7,000 sugar workers were severed by the former APNU+AFC administration from the Wales, Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore estates. These families suffered the brunt of the wrath

of the APNU+AFC regime for almost five consecutive years when there was no plan to reintegrate the thousands who lost jobs back into society. I would never forget the tears that fell because of this catastrophic decision.

Now we are waiting on the full reopening of the Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore estates, in order for a next promise to be completed.

Yours Truly, Erin Northe

Welcomed decision to assist to severed sugar workers Dear Editor,

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he GAWU has recognised the announcement by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo that the some seven thousand (7,000) sugar workers who were made jobless following the closure of Wales Estate in 2016 and Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates in 2017 will benefit from a grant of $250,000.

Indeed, given the hardships that has beset the thousands of workers since they were heartlessly thrown on the breadline, the support by the Government is a welcomed and seeks to correct the injustice and indignation the workers and their families confronted following the callous minimization of the sugar industry.

Indeed, the Government must have taken account of the socio-economic tribulations that the workers encountered following estate closure. As

the ILO study on the impact of estate closure outlined, the pangs of hardship and despair confronted a great lot of our Guyanese brothers and sisters. That study confirmed that the workers and their families’ lives and well-being were significantly setback and indeed some may never be able to make up the ground that they lost. As GAWU said then and reiterates again, the decision to shutter estates has no sincere economic or social rationale. We contend that it was an undisguised attempt to punish sugar workers and the sugar industry.

The GAWU must point out too that while heartened about the support to the severed workers, we cannot ignore the plight of those sugar workers who were retained but punished severely by the former Administration. It is now documented history of the decline in standard-of-living that sugar workers faced at the hands of the Coalition.

Successive years of no pay increase, the arbitrary withdrawal of benefits and a seeming policy to punish the industry extracted a significant toll on the workers. We believe they too are equally as deserving, and we urge the Government to consider extending its support to all sugar workers. We believe it will help to alleviate the many burdens the workers had to contend with during the term of the Coalition in office.

We recognised from media reports that the Vice President also spoke to other plans for the shuttered estates.

Separately, the GAWU will seek to engage the Government on its thoughts to develop a better understanding and be able to advise workers who would seek guidance.

Sincerely, Seepaul Narine, President of GAWU

Harmon is being hypocritical and biased Dear Editor,

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t comes as no surprise that following the recent fire, which destroyed the Brickdam Police Station, the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, would release a ridiculous statement calling for the resignation of the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn. I find the statement to be hypocritical and biased and as such I ask that you allow me space in your publication to share some of my views.

Firstly, the call made by Harmon for Minister Benn to resign over the Brickdam Station fire has no basis since the investigation revealed that it was an act of arson not poor leadership as is stated by Harmon.

The investigation also led to the individual responsible for the fire

being identified. In addition to this, no lives were lost.

However, back in 2016 when the APNU+AFC coalition was in office, the Camp Street Prison was set on fire which resulted in 17 prisoners losing their lives and a part of the facility being destroyed. At that time, Khemraj Ramjattan was in charge functioning in the capacity of Minister of Public Security. With so many lives lost in that fire, why didn’t Harmon make calls for the resignation of his ministerial colleague Ramjattan for poor leadership and incompetence?

I wish to also point out that in 2017, there was another fire at the Camp Street Prison facility which resulted in its destruction and the death of Prison Officer Odinga Wickham.

Where was Harmon then? Why did he not call for Ramjattan to step down as

Minister of Public Security?

It is ridiculous that now with the Brickdam Police Station fire, Harmon is calling for Minister Benn to resign.

I posit this question to Harmon; on what basis should the Minister resign?

Again I say, no lives were lost in the fire, efforts were made immediately to ensure that the work of the police force continues as smoothly as possible, and the culprit responsible for the fire was identified. As far as I can see, the Minister and the police should be commended for their efforts to deal with this unfortunate situation.

It would appear that Harmon’s obsession with painting the PPP/C’s ministers in a bad light is affecting his ability to think properly.

Respectfully, Alvin Hamilton

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

Something smells wrong and it is political Dear Editor,

H

is Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali’s avowal that Government will spare no effort to investigate the destruction of public buildings is comforting to those who are convinced and fearful that Guyana is returning to the days of PNC-and its political, media and NGO affiliates are ramping up their “slo’ fiah, mo’ fiah” program.

Recall that they unleash periodically on the nation, especially with the incendiary, race-baiting rhetoric that is being regurgitated unceasingly through their social media outlets by their leaders and supporters in and out of Guyana. Also, reassuring is his assertion that he will be seeking international assistance to solve the case while preliminary investigations take place.

In 2020, Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon openly called for insurrection subsequent to the ruling of the Chief Justice

on Elections Petition No. 88. His utterings have grave implications, given the PNC’s history and proclivity for instigating violent mayhem and murder in Guyana.

The inflammatory, subtly racist calls for their supporters at the homes of the murdered Henry boys precipitated the actions by criminal elements to burn, loot and destroy people’s homes and businesses – all targeting those they perceive as PPP/C supporters.

The police never received any encouragement and support from the PNC in their dangerous fight against the criminal elements in our society. So, if you examine the patterns of these periodic episodes, these latest threats at the Brickdam Police Station are symptomatic of the PNC/APNU/AFC dogs of war and pundits against the State.

Yours very truly, Baldeo Mathura

Strange yet predictable criminal behaviour Dear Editor,

F

rom mysterious fires to mysterious murders to Police getting caught in criminal activity, the list goes on. Then, who would have thought that the Police could have been on top to the perpetrators of these crimes, and we can be well on our way to having them solved?

Interesting! We have been left spellbound and utterly stunned by the fact that the Police could be on top of these matters in such a short period of time, and with deft skill. I make mention of the solving of the matter involving the shooting death of the young electrician. In less than 24 hours, the perpetrators could have been tracked down and killed.

The quick solving of that crime is, in my book, considered a commendable act; or was it? I ask the curt question, “Is this shooting of the criminals considered a commendable act”, as viewed by some on social media?

Listen to some of the comments made: “The actions of the Guyana Police (are) quite unfortunate”; “(Are) the Police sure that these are the perpetrators of the crime?”

Some even went to the extreme end to say, “How comes these two “innocent” boys could be considered the persons who shot the electrician, it does not add up.”

The second matter which I would like us to pay close attention to is the Brickdam Police Station fire and Clarence Greene’s confession statement. Again, we view the naïve statements of Facebook, “Why a confession statement, is this man Clarence Greene of a sound mind? “Can a prisoner be so intelligent as to do such a thing? This is certainly an Anancy Story or some All-Fools Day tale.”

None of these statements give any credit to the hard work done by the Police; they seek

only to absolve the criminal of his crime.

Well, I have news for them: criminals are smart people – in my estimation the smartest of persons – the only difference from normal people is that the criminal’s skill is utilised for the wrong purposes. From my short span of existence, I have seen some criminal acts which can only be considered as miraculous.

It seems sometimes there are no limitations to their thinking power.

It is strange that a criminal could make a public confession to a crime of such magnitude and not be considered a madman. From the perspective of some, this is madness, or even stupidity, on the part of the confessant.

However, my point is: you do not know what is going through his criminal mind, and what led him to make the confession. What is pellucid is that he is not of an unsound mind, something I think our lawyer crime chief would have had tested at a psychiatric facility at the earliest opportunity.

So, some will say it is strange and fishy, I, on the other hand, say strange but predictable; criminal behaviour. It is not strange that a criminal could behave in an unorthodox fashion, because that’s who they are. If criminals act in the prescribed way some are suggesting, then they would not be criminals at all, but experts in their field. Their modus operandi is to beat the system as far as their criminal minds can afford them. Criminals are great thinkers.

And to those who are of the opinion that criminals must act in a “prescribed way,” They, too, would have their questions answered when this matter comes up in court.

In the meantime, I say kudos to the GPF for a job well done.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

I agree with the President’s criticism of the GFS’s response to the Brickdam Station fire Dear Editor,

I

want to say that Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Permanent Secretary Mae Thomas, Police Commissioner, Leslie James and other stakeholders handled the incompetence and bewildering approach shown by the Guyana Fire Service to the fire which occurred at the Brickdam Police Station over the weekend.

All of them were assessing the damages and conducting meetings with the aim of rebuilding the Brickdam Police Station and ensuring the public is not inconvenienced while they are doing so. They have shown leadership in this dark moment in time when the historic building went up in flames.

I am sure they are working feverishly to ensure that this will not subsume the government and distract the police force’s attention from the arrest of crime in our society.

If anything, this fire, though deliberately set, will make the law enforcement stronger

and the government will show what “leadership” means in times of uncertainty.

But I must comment on the response of the fire service. It was poor and unsatisfactory to say the least.

I agree with President Dr. Irfaan Ali when he said “This is less than three minutes’ walk to a main fire station. We cannot continue as a country and as a people to not address these issues. We can’t continue to make investments and not have the return on the investments. Whether it is in the public service, in the hospitals, the inefficiency has to be weeded out. If you don’t want to perform public service then do the honourable thing, don’t take a job in the fire department and believe it is a part-time job. Don’t take the government assets, your safety gear, and leave it home and you are an emergency worker.”

Yours Truly, Attiya Baksh

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Solar outdoor lighting can play a critical role in building sustainable communities Dear Editor,

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nvesting in an energy-efficient street lighting system can be a game-changer for Kwakwani and outlying communities.

On one hand, switching to modern street lighting schemes based on light-emitting diode (LED) technology presents an opportunity for Kwakwani Utilities Inc and PPP/C Governments to lower energy consumption, operation and maintenance costs, while reducing the overall carbon footprint.

Solar street lighting technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and is fully aligned with the goals of our Government’s clean energy and economic stimulus initiatives. Just 15 streetlights can save enough electricity to power a home for a year, these street lights’ digital technology can be connected to sensors and be controlled remotely, enabling forward-thinking municipalities and communities to leapfrog

to solar and reap the benefits of the digital age.

At the same time, reliable, bright street lighting can have a range of socio-economic benefits: well-lit streets make people feel safe and reduce accidents, while economic and social activities are boosted after sunset.

Given these benefits, switching from outdated systems to modern technology is a win-win solution for many communities.

Solar outdoor lighting can play a critical role in building sustainable communities. Sustainability isn’t just about being “green,” it involves economic, social, and environmental considerations. The advantages of solar street lights are that they improve community sustainability because they can create social change, they’re financially smart, and they’re good for people and the planet.

As the cost of electricity continues

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021 to climb, Kwakwani Utilities Inc and the KNDC must collaborate and seek new ways to enhance green energy in sub-region #2.

Using solar commercial lighting not only reduces the monthly utility fuel cost, but also avoids compounding future expenses for aging infrastructure repairs. And with an installation cost that’s comparable to on-grid AC lighting, solar lighting improves community infrastructure while also offering long-term economic savings.

Solar lighting uses renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, which can be appealing to our communities with a desire or initiative to be more sustainable. Since running of electrical wiring isn’t required, solar outdoor lighting also avoids environmental disruption during installation and maintenance, also making lighting possible in environmentally sensitive areas. Street-lighting is important. It allows informal vendors and traders to operate for longer hours, and improves road and public safety. It also makes streets feel safer and more secure, especially for women.

But street-lighting is sorely lacking in many areas. Faced with multiple pressing challenges and very limited budgets, street lighting is rarely a priority.

Even when there’s political will, there are major barriers to implementing conventional street-lighting. Many areas have large areas of informal settlements which aren’t connected to the national grid. The upfront costs of grid connectivity and street light infrastructure – like poles, lamps and pavements – are huge. However, the solution may lie instead with solar lighting.

KUI Inc, with Government’s intervention, is committed to correcting these challenges with the installation of street lights in those areas.

This is another step Kwakwani Utilities Inc has taken in advancing our Government’s Low Carbon Development pathway in the shift towards clean and renewable energy.

Energy generation of Kwakwani Utilities Inc is largely fossil fuel-based, coming from a generator plant utilising diesel fuel oil. The cost of electricity is approximately US$0.32 per KWH. This high cost of electricity continues to affect operating performance.

Renewable energy is a suitable solution which can address these challenges, especially micro-grids for outlying communities, communities’ playground and Government outdoor compound.

The PPP/C administration promises to reduce the cost of power and provide reliable electricity. The intention to reduce energy costs joined with renewable energy presents significant opportunities for all communities as the PPP/C Government complements this strategy with the development of renewable energy sources to sustain its growing energy demand. Historically, Guyana has been reliant on diesel and heavy fuel oil to power its economy, which not only emit more carbon emissions, but are also more expensive. By developing its wind resources along the Atlantic shoreline, installing solar panels in the hinterland, and developing a large-scale hydro project, Guyana will “green” its grid. Our Government will also capitalise on the large offshore gas discoveries by developing a gas-to-shore plant that produces cheaper and cleaner power that can be dispatched quickly to back up renewable energy.

Sincerely, David Adams

7

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

P P P /C D E L I V E R I N G O N ‘ P L A N F O R P R O S P E R I T Y ’ Guyana one step closer to Lesbeholden facility expected to begin operation releasing biofortified rice to farmers before the end of the year variety ‒ candidate variety showing promising results, trial plot withstood recent flooding following rehabilitation

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ollowing a visit by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to the Guyana Rice Development Board’s (GRDB) seed paddy facility located in Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder in Region Six, last April, the facility is expected to come into use within a few months for the first time after being commissioned in 2008.

During the visit last April, Minister Mustapha expressed disappointment after learning that the facility was never put into operation.

Minister Mustapha had said, given the millions of dollars that were invested to ensure the facility was outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and the government’s plan to double rice production by 2025, it was important for the GRDB to ensure the facility

was up and running.

While speaking with members of the media during a tour of the facility, Minister Mustapha said that with the upgrades to the facility, the GRDB will be able to improve its capacity to produce more seed paddy. He also disclosed that the Government of Suriname had made requests for Guyana to supply them with seed paddy. “The refurbishing has started.

The generator and all the motors are working. The bin is clean. In another two months, this facility should be in operation. We’ll have more capacity in the GRDB to produce seeds. Now we are seeing a lot of interest being expressed by Suriname for the supply of seed paddy. During the recent

visit by the Surinamese delegation, a request was made for us to provide almost 130,000 tonnes of seed paddy. At the MMA Scheme, too, we’ve brought a second seed facility into operation there so that we can improve the capacity.

When the PPP government makes a commitment, we deliver. This is a testimony to the commitment made when I visited this facility earlier in the year,” Minister Mustapha said.

Approximately $25 million was expended to carry out the infrastructural upgrades to the facility so far.

Minister Mustapha had said it was important for the facility to become operable because there was now a high demand for quality seed paddy from farmers.

New request for proposals to be advertised for Guyana/ Suriname bridge M inister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, had said there has been a change in the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge linking Guyana and Suriname.

He explained that eight firms have already been shortlisted to submit proposals adding that the construction of the bridge remains a priority for both countries.

Minister Edghill said prior to the change, the request for proposals from the firms only required them to produce a feasibility study and design for the high span bridge. However, following the recent bilateral summit between President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, a decision was taken to procure the Corentyne bridge as a ‘Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain’ (DBFOM) model. He said, “It means that some amendments will have to be made to the RFP

that went out to the various firms and we are looking at having a DBFOM contract advertised soon and we want this to be ready in terms of proposals coming in by the third quarter of 2022.”

The bridge is expected to be 1.17 kilometres from Guyana to the abutment on long Island, 2.15 kilometres road through long Island and a 2.5 kilometres bridge from long Island to South Drain in Suriname. Minister Edghill said discussions surrounding the change is ongoing.

“That adjustment is being made, active discussions are taking place between myself and my counterpart, Minister of Public Works of Suriname and we are to have a final meeting to ratify our approach with some of our other colleagues and we are all set to go,” he said.

In October 2020, Minister Edghill, along with Surinamese Public Works Minister, Dr. Riad Nurmohamed visited the proposed site for the bridge.

The following month, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of the bridge, during a joint press conference. President Ali at that time said the bridge will link not only Guyana and Suriname but the rest of South America.

“We recognise the enormous benefit that this can bring in the area of tourism, transportation and trade. To this end, we have expanded our discussions where we can jointly promote business opportunities and tourism opportunities for both countries. It is therefore expected that the proposed road alignment will create within its vicinity the possibilities for free trade zone, enhanced land value, reduce the cost of doing business and increase the ease of doing business,” President Ali stated.

Guyana and Suriname have shared diplomatic relations since November 25, 1975.

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he Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture’s Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) is one step closer to introducing a new high-value rice variety to the market.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha visited the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and GRDB Research Facility at Lesbeholden, Black Bush Polder, Region Six to witness the harvesting of the second trial of the zinc-infused candidate variety rice.

The project is a collaborative initiative between the GRDB and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

There are currently four one-acre plots under trial in Regions Two, Three, Five, and Six. While speaking to members of the media during the activity, Minister Mustapha explained this candidate variety has different characteristics from other varieties cultivated in Guyana and once trials are complete and large-scale cultivation commences, farmers would be able to benefit from preferential prices. “This is the second trial. Shortly we’ll have a candidate variety available for farmers to use extensively across the country. This candidate variety is different from what we usually plant in Guyana.

Healthwise, it has a lot more zinc, which is good for persons with underlying issues.

When this rice is ready for export, it will attract preferential prices,” Minister Mustapha explained.

The minister also said he remains optimistic that, after the next trial, the candidate variety would be given the green light for release to farmers across the country.

Noting the effects that climate change continues to have on the agriculture

sector globally, Minister Mustapha disclosed that this candidate variety has a higher resistance to climatic conditions experienced in Guyana. “This plot that we are visiting here today, withstood the recent floods.

It was in the water for about three weeks. Now that the flood waters have receded, this is the result. So, it shows a lot of resilience and that it is good for the conditions faced in the country. This fits in well with our President’s agenda for improving and advancing the agri-food system in our country and the Caribbean,” Minister Mustapha added.

As part of the project, IICA also donated a rice thresher to the GRDB valued at US $5000 (GY $1,000,000).

IICA’s Country Representative, Wilmot Garnett said Guyana will be the first in the region to release a variety enriched with zinc. He also said the rice thresher that was procured to assist with the project would help speed up the harvesting process. “We have the rice trials looking at zinc and hopefully, as early as next year we’ll be moving to farmers in different rice-producing regions using this candidate.

Based on the performance, Guyana will be the first in the region to release a rice variety with zinc. Also, we need to bear in mind the climate conditions. You will note that the seed thresher that was purchased to support this project; we know with climate change things are very different. With this machinery, you can quickly harvest and process and it also helps with quality. Remember quality starts from the field, not at the mill.

The machine is also mobile because we want to ensure the farmers’ benefit,” Mr. Garnett said.

In addition to rice, the thresher can also be used to

process beans and peas.

Programme Manager for Agriculture and Agro-Industrial Development within the CARICOM Secretariat in Guyana, Shaun Baugh said the programme is a clear response to CARICOM’s food security needs. “Guyana is well suited, certainly for rice production to demonstrate to the region and definitely to the world the possibilities which exist. What we’re seeing here with this biofortified project is a response to our food security needs, a response to climate change, and a response to the demand of our consumers and our farmers.

What we’ve seen here with the partnership between the Government of Guyana and IICA is conception becoming reality and the results that we’ve seen here are more than encouraging. It says to us as a people in the region, that when we come together, and our scientists and our innovation are put together and put to the test, then the results are tremendous. With the COVID pandemic moving from a health crisis to a food crisis, this is a response that the region has put together for this. It’s not just talk; we’re seeing action,” Mr. Baugh said.

Back in February, Minister Mustapha visited the Burma Rice Research Station to assess the first trial of the bio-fortified candidate variety that was under cultivation.

During that visit, GRDB’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Mahendra Persaud, said the strains were part of a breeding trial and will be tested over the next three seasons.

Approximately 17 entries are being tested at the various trial locations.

The GRDB is scheduled to conduct one more round of trials before identifying a strain suitable for farmers’ field trials during the second crop of 2022.

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

Major road upgrade for Gov’t advancing Region Two solar farms for A Bartica and Lethem

– GEA seeking bidders to install transmission lines

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he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) is currently seeking bidders from qualified persons to design, supply and install transmission lines to accommodate solar photovoltaic (PV) plants for Bartica in Region Seven and Lethem in Region Nine.

Bidders have the option to bid for one or both lots.

The Inter-American Development Bank is funding the installation of transmission lines for Bartica, Lethem: • Lot 1: The works are for the design, and procurement of all materials and specialised equipment, and construction of 2.5km 13.8 kV, threewire (3W), three-phase, bare conductor overhead interconnecting transmission line for the solar PV plant at Bartica.

• Lot 2: The works are for the design, and procurement of all materials and specialised equipment and construction

of 0.5km 13.8 kV, threewire (3W), three-phase, bare conductor overhead interconnecting transmission line for the solar PV plant at Lethem.

The project is being funded in part by the proceeds of a loan from Guyana’s development partner, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), under the Energy Matrix Diversification and Institutional Strengthening of the Department of Energy Project.

The main objective of the programme is to support Guyana’s evolving energy sector, by improving the reliability of its electricity supply, investing in sustainable energy solutions, and strengthening the country’s capacity to regulate the oil sector.

The upcoming solar farms will provide a clean alternative to the heavier polluting fossil fuel products

(diesel and heavy fuel oil), thereby reducing emissions and Guyana’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Coupled with urgent plans to improve and upgrade the national electricity grid, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration intends to provide more than 500MW of power for residential and commercial-industrial users.

Government recently signed a US$7.2M line of credit agreement with India for the provision of solar power units for 30,000 families in the hinterland.

Government sees energy as key to Guyana’s economic growth, and for an improved quality of life for all Guyanese. It has therefore committed to ensuring affordable, stable and reliable energy is delivered to households and businesses across the country.

Several Mahdia communities likely to get electricity by Christmas H

undreds of residents in sub-region two of Mahdia, Region Eight are expected to receive electricity for the first time.

This was revealed by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, during his meeting with residents of Campbelltown over the weekend. “We, as a government have made a commitment to our people that their lives will be improved under our leadership, and this approach falls into this promise and so you

should get your electricity for Christmas,” he said.

To this end, the Mahdia Power and Light (MPL) will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine the scope of works. Minister Dharamlall also encouraged the residents to partner with the power company to ensure that these works are completed efficiently.

Dharamlall said, “I would advise that the Toshao work along with the power company for this and to inform about their expected visit in the community so that you

are able to provide some assistance. This is also for purpose of accountability and transparency.”

Residents thanked the minister and the government for recognising their needs for this amenity and expressed hope that more can be done to develop the community.

Other communities in the region will also benefit from interventions from the power company, including the housing scheme near the airstrip, which will receive electricity by mid-2022.

$61 million road maintenance project is currently underway in the Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) which will improve traffic flow on the public road.

The infrastructural work being executed by the Ministry of Public Works stretches from Supenaam to Charity and is slated for completion in October.

During a visit to the region last month, Minister,

Bishop Juan Edghill, had said the road works are in keeping with the government’s commitment to ensure every community benefis from infrastructure and social development. This is evident in the transformation that can be seen over the past year in Region Two. Over the last few months, the region has benefitted from a series of road construction and rehabilitation works worth close to $200

million. Roads in communities such as Golden Fleece Estate, Good Hope, Affiance and Cullen, among others were upgraded.

Some $23.7 billion was allocated for the government’s road programmes in 2021. Of this amount, $7.9 billion will go towards the development of community roads, of which $2.1 billion has been earmarked for hinterland roads and the rehabilitation of hinterland airstrips.

Another 100 houses for Cummings Lodge Phase Two Project T

he Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is currently working on the second phase of the Cummings Lodge housing project, which will see an additional 100 homes being constructed.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said the additional houses will cater to the needs of Guyanese seeking to own their own homes. “That is happening immediately because when the land is cleared the contractors will commence their work. So, we have the clearance for that, so it’s an ongoing process.”

In phase one, the minister noted that persons have already been pre-qualified and beneficiaries are awaiting access to their homes.

Minister Croal said he is pleased with the progress of the project. He said, “There was a small portion of land that we had an issue with …, there’s concern by the Ogle airport in terms of the flight path, but we have clearance for that area and so we’ll be building some flat houses there … So, we have to do the land preparation for that,

we have about 30 acres there identified.”

He added that the process has been progressing favourably. He said, “It’s moving according to plan, there was a slight delay for that part of Cummings Lodge 1767 because remember we ran into a few persons who were illegally occupying the area, so we did the settlement, we went through the process because there were some farming activities taking place and so that is out of the way so the clearance is continuing.”

In addition to the works being carried out in the Cummings Lodge area, land clearing for future developments is also ongoing on the East Bank of Demerara. He said, “This is for future developments, recall that earlier in the year you would have had the signing of contracts for infrastructure work and these are for areas where we’ve already allocated. So, what happens for example our budgetary allocation programme, our allocation exercises that we have now for areas that have been identified, it forms part of our bud-

getary programme for 2022 because it informs us of areas that have to be developed in the coming year, so that is a cycle that continues.”

Minister Croal said allottees for the first phase Cummings Lodge project would be able to access their homes very shortly.

In March, the CH&PA signed 51 contracts for the construction of 290 homes.

Included in that amount are the 190 elevated homes in Cummings Lodge, while another 100, two-bedroom flats will be constructed at Prospect, East Bank Demerara.

The homes are part of the 1,000 young professional, low-income and middle-income housing units the Ministry plans to build this year as part of the CH&PA’s National Housing Development Programme.

The units are being built at Cummings Lodge, Prospect, Providence, Little Diamond and Great Diamond in Region Four; Onderneeming and Wales in Region Three; Ordnance/Fortlands, Hampshire and Williamsburg in Region Six and Amelia’s Ward in Region 10.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

Manifesto promise delivered on….

$1.8B payout for severed sugar workers A

payout package totalling between $1.8B was announced by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, for the 7,000 sugar workers who were severed after the previous administration closed down several sugar estates.

Jagdeo met with dozens of sugar workers during meetings at Skeldon, Upper Corentyne and Rose Hall, East Canje Berbice, where he explained that each severed sugar worker will receive $250,000 each by the end of January 2022.

He said, “Every sugar worker here, who was laid off, you need to make sure that you cooperate with them when they put together this database because it would be helpful for us to correct this historical injustice…you have to cooperate with this, that every sugar work who’s been laid off, that we do a survey on how many are working, whether they have a job in the industry or outside, if they are looking for a job outside of the industry, maybe in other government sectors or industries, the number of members in their families, etc., if they have kids going to school, and of scholarship age, who have applied for scholarships, all of these issues. “…by January or so, each sugar worker, each sugar worker who was severed, would also get another $250,000 on their severance.

That would be between $1.7 and $1.8 billion, because we have 7,000 workers who were severed who will all get that. If this is crucial, it is important that we fix this.

It was a great injustice and

many people stood out there and remained silent. Many of them to justify the action of APNU because of politics, but any decent person would have stood up and defended it.”

The Vice President underscored the fact that spending in the sector have implications outside of the sector.

“We’re spending more than the revenue of the industry is. But when you assess it from the social impact side, it is important and necessary spending,” he said.

The former APNU+AFC Coalition to close the Wales, East Demerara, Rose Hall and Skeldon sugar estates in 2016 and 2017. The three remaining estates Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt were then starved of investments, resulting in sugar production reaching its lowest level in history. The impacts of this decision was addressed in a study by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on the ‘Socio-Economic Impact of the Closure of GUYSUCO Sugar Estates on Sugar

Workers in Guyana’. The report gives a comprehensive overview of the vast economic impact the estates’ closure have had on workers, sugar producing communities and the economy as a whole.

STRENGTHENED MANAGEMENT Further, the Vice President explained that efforts are being made to strengthen management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.

“We have to strengthen the management of GuySuCo because we need a strong management to lead our program forward, and to make sure that the industry achieves breakeven point in the very near future. That way we don’t have to have to return to the treasury for help. For the time being, we’d have to put money in the industry,” he said.

Jagdeo added, “I still believe that with a diversified base, sugar and the allied activities can make money.

PPP General Secretary engages party activists in Region Six

In addition to a series of meetings on the Corentyne Coast and in Canje, Region 6, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, met with activists from Region 6.

Several issues were addressed during the meeting.

But we have to have a strong management team to lead that. And the management team will be expanded.”

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY The Vice President advised that efforts are being made to diversify the economic activities at regional levels and expand the scope of opportunities in new areas of economic activity.

One such example is the oil and gas sector. Jagdeo called for the opportunities in other sectors to be capi-

talised on. He said, “They are looking for hundreds of workers but cannot find enough workers, the problem is how do we get people from Berbice and these are good paying jobs, how do we get them to work in the oil and gas industry…not everyone has to go back to the sugar industry because the oil and gas industry, the pay there will be significantly higher.”

He added that there is a need for at least 600 welders in the oil and gas industry, given the move to bring a pipeline to shore. “In a few months you can become (a) certified welder so once you get your certificate you can work in the industry.”

That said, Jagdeo detailed the PPP/C government decision to expand GuySuCo’s Port Mourant Training School to offer the courses to certify workers who can then be employed in the oil and gas sector. According to him, Professor Clement Sankat, a Berbician, who was at the University of the West Indies (UWI), will be heading up the training school. He also said,

“We’ve had discussions with MACORP and with others where they can move their training facilities to Berbice, to Skeldon, to Canje and other areas, especially in the sugar belt where people don’t have jobs.”

Short-term support, in the form of an Emergency Employment Programme, is also available, according to him. The Vice President said, “In every region, we will put together a facility, a facility to temporarily employ people and give them a few days/ weeks of work – those who are unemployed…this region would have about 1000 persons who will be able to work on a Government programme for maybe three of four days per week, so that they can get to maintain their families while they are training or they are looking for another job.”

The meeting with the severed sugar workers at Skeldon, Upper Corentyne and Rose Hall, East Canje Berbice, were among several during a visit to Region 6 by Vice President on Monday (October 4, 2021).

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

Stakeholder driven process will guide granting of 150 licenses for Guyanese to fish in Suriname waters – Jagdeo H

aving secured a commitment from Suriname to issue to issue 150 licences to Guyanese to fish in their waters, the PPP/C Administration has made efforts to ensure that this becomes a reality via a process that is stakeholder driven.

This was communicated to fishermen on the Corentyne Coast who were engaged by Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, at

the No.66 Inshore Fishport complex, Berbice on Monday (October 4, 2021), to address this matter.

He made clear that the Government will not select the names which will constitute the list. “We thought about bringing people together and then setting up a committee here where you will determine the names going forward, and then we can check that you don’t have any evident flaws,

because we don’t want four persons from one family to be getting it, or one man to be getting all the licenses.”

Jagdeo noted that Guyana had engaged successive governments of Suriname in the past, and that the fishermen, through their own ingenuity, had been able to secure some licenses in the past. Moving forward, Jagdeo explained that 150 licenses, a number determined by the Surinamese

authorities, will be available to local fishermen.

“We don’t know as yet how Suriname will treat those names. They’ve said to us, submit 150 names, for approximately 150 licenses. But we’d have to keep working with them, pushing them. Remember, it’s not our country, and the stocks are not our fishery stocks,” the Vice President said.

Based on feedback at the meeting it was agreed that

a Committee to coordinate the compilation of the list of fishermen who will benefit from the 150 licences. They will consist of two persons from each of the areas being looked at for licenses – Adventure, Number 43 Village and No.66. Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts, was tasked with working with the Committee.

The Vice President assured the fishermen that licencing for Guyanese fish-

ermen is high on the agenda for His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, while on official visit to Guyana in August 2021, had communicated his country’s support for Guyana’s fisheries sector to Head of State, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. Also at the meeting was Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and several other technical experts.

PPP/C to work with aquaculture farmers in Region 6 A

quaculture farmers at J. C. Chandisingh Secondary School, Region 6, were engaged by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Monday (October 4, 2021), who committed Government’s support for the expansion of the industry.

The Government is encouraging investments into this industry, specifically into the production of swamp shrimp, which Dr. Jagdeo said, has markets which can

be tapped for immense profits.

He said, “We know the demand is there, from the diaspora but also locally. So, this is one thing that we don’t have to look for markets for. There are unbelievable amounts of markets for the swamp shrimp. And so that is why we wanted to support this.”

The Vice President noted that swamp shrimp production stands at 150 kilograms

(kg), and that government inquired about what would be needed to move production to 500,000 kg. He said two assessments were done, with recommendations being made for the government to supply a hatchery. He said, “A budget was given to the Ministry of Agriculture to assist with the infrastructure and hopefully to work with you and the extension officers in a collaborative fashion so that this could be-

come a success, that we can help everyone in here to get this going.”

A survey was also ordered by the Vice President, for the Agriculture Ministry to determine those who have an interest in shrimp or other aquaculture business, so that supply can be expanded.

According to him, the sector is of interest to the government due to its job creation potential.

Jagdeo said, “We wanted

to work with the farmers because not only would it benefit them. I gather there are 66 farmers here who are benefitting from this. But there will be hundreds of others who can be employed because if we expand production, you’d get more employment for people in these areas.”

This is just one of many initiatives, he said, that Government has in store to create employment for Berbicians. Jagdeo noted that the Government is banking on the development of the oil industry to provide jobs for Berbice residents in the future, but that people must not rely on the oil industry

alone. He said aquaculture, information and communications technology (ICT), business process outsourcing (BPO) and hospitality are some of the industries which could create gainful employment for the residents of Berbice. “We have to rely on expanded industries, lot of industries that when the oil has gone in the future, maybe 15, 20 years from now, these are the sectors that will carry our country,” he s PPP/C leaders also heard from some persons about the obstacles they face to the smooth running of their aquaculture farms, and proffered solutions.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

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POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Guyana will push to dismantle barriers to – President Ali tells CWA2021 region intra-regional agri trade has enough resources to feed itself G

uyana will push aggressively for the dismantling of barriers that restrict intra-regional agricultural trade in a bid for the country, and by extension, the Caribbean, to not only attain food security but to also export food, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Ali, who is the lead Head of Government with responsibility for agriculture in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, delivered the keynote address virtually at the 16th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA) 2021. “We cannot seriously speak of significantly denting the enormous and unsustainable regional food import bill yet, unwittingly or otherwise erect, and keep in place non-tariff barriers (NTBs), which impede regional trade in agriculture produce and products,” he said.

The President stated that his Government would be “bullish” in pressing to dismantle the barriers. “I know that there are vested interests who wish to retain these barriers, but the choice facing us is clear,” he said.

In his pre-recorded address, President Ali pointed out that the promotion of regional initiatives aimed at eliminating non-tariff barriers to trade is among the critical areas being addressed by the Special Ministerial Taskforce.

He also said that CWA2021 should address two fundamental questions— why the transformation of regional food systems is necessary and how best the

Caribbean can pursue the transformation process. Ali said, “The Caribbean has the resources to ensure greater regional food security. It remains a travesty that our Region, blessed with arable lands, abundant freshwater supplies and skilled agricultural workers, imports more than US$5B annually in food.

We have the means to slash our regional food import bill, produce more of the food we consume and, in the process, generate sustainable livelihoods through agriculture.”

The President said that Guyana, being resource-rich in land and freshwater, is desirous of leading the charge by making available appropriate lands as part of the process of promoting cross-border investments in agriculture. He said, “Guyana is currently embarking on a process of consolidating unused and underutilised lands with the aim of making suitable lands more readily available for supporting large-scale agriculture investments.”

The President noted that the Caribbean must also become more food secure since climate change can imperil global food supply, subjecting the Region to external-induced shocks.

ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY In addition to ensuring that the Region is food secure, the Head of State also believes that transforming the sector can open economic opportunities, including food exportation. He said,

“By 2040, it is estimated that there will be an additional 1.4 billion mouths to feed. Food will be in high demand. This represents both a challenge for us to feed ourselves and also an economic opportunity to help feed the world.

We must reform our food systems in order to respond to these challenges and seize the opportunities that will arise from the demand for more food.”

The President also underscored that the transformation of regional food systems must involve the regional private sector. To this end, he added, the Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security, headed by Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, and the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) has been actively working together.

He said that the groups have since contributed significantly to identifying specific areas for regional policy support in targeting investments and intra-regional trade, particularly in poultry, niche vegetables and commodities such as corn, soy, rice, coconut, beef and meat of ruminants.

The Special Ministerial Taskforce has also initiated dialogue with regional and strategic entities regarding the de-risking of the regional agricultural sector. It has also identified an innovative Agricultural Insurance Product that is being pioneered by a regional company, among other related initiatives. He

said, “I have been advised that a sub-committee is currently being established specifically to address the possibilities for establishing similar agricultural insurance on a regional scale. We are moving forward with the agenda to transform regional food systems.”

The President further explained that given agriculture’s extreme reliance on favourable climatic conditions, there is now an even stronger need for appropriately tailored and accessible risk transfer financial services. In this regard, the absence of adequate insurance has severely constrained investment in the sector. He said, “A central focus of reforming Caribbean food systems should entail the rapid dismantling of barriers, which inhibit intra-regional trade in agricultural produce and products, increasing food production, increasing investments, promoting climate-resilient agriculture and de-risking the sector.”

SDGs AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE President Ali also noted that food security is central to attaining many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said that if the Region is to attain the SDG’s, then it must transform its food systems to ensure greater food security.

The President added that this transformation must also result in more climate-resilient agriculture since the Region is particularly vul-

nerable to the adverse effects of climate change and natural hazards. These include overtopping sea and river defences, salt-water intrusion into agricultural lands, flooding, drought and the threats posed by hurricanes and other natural disasters. He said, “It is therefore imperative that attention is given to building climate resilience in order to transform the Region’s agrifood system.”

GUYANA’S REPLICABLE TRANSFORMATION MODEL The Head of State emphasised that Guyana, as lead on agriculture, agricultural diversification and food security in the Caribbean, does not take its responsibility lightly and has demonstrated its willingness and commitment to lead from the front.

The President stressed that Guyana is committed to the sustainable and equitable transformation of its food systems at a national level.

The country’s efforts to do so are rooted in the commitment to the ‘2030 Agenda’ and the obligation to “leave no one behind”. Ali said, “We are dedicated to ensuring that there is access to safe and nutritious food for everyone, the reduction of on-farm and post-harvest waste and loss and the implementation of a circular food economy. As part of this commitment to providing safe and nutritious food for all, Guyana is taking steps to consolidate its National School Feeding Programme by strengthening

connections between consumers and food producers, by fostering more robust food value chains and creating solid alliances between farmers and the wider society, to deliver safe, healthy and nutritious school meals.”

The Head of State pointed out that Guyana is also expanding agricultural production and productivity, including through increased investments in large-scale agricultural production and the provision of incentives to boost investment in the sector by strengthening its agricultural institutions to provide greater support to the sector; by improving the country’s agricultural-support infrastructure, by including drainage and irrigation and farm-to-market roads; by de-risking the agricultural sector; by diversifying and modernising local agriculture to create a more resilient sector; by promoting an increase in research and development and innovation in agriculture to pursue climate-smart agriculture; by intensifying increased value-added through agro-processing, by adopting an inclusive approach to the management of its agricultural sector and by regular consultation with stakeholders.

CWA2021 was planned in collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Caribbean Research and Development Institute (CARDI).

Government will spare no effort to investigate destruction of public buildings

C

ommander-in-Chief Dr Irfaan Ali has made clear that his Government will spare no effort in investigating the circumstances surrounding the recent destruction of several public buildings by fire.

The President made the comment during a visit to the temporary police offices that have been set up at the St Stanislaus College, in the aftermath of a fire on Saturday that destroyed over 80% of the Regional Police Division 4 ‘A’ Headquarters at Brickdam, Georgetown.

The historic Brickdam Station is the third public building to go up in flames within the last few months.

In mid-June, the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School was partially destroyed by fire. It was followed by the Mabaruma Secondary School just under two weeks ago. A preliminary investigation by the Guyana Fire Service into the Mabaruma fire, later revealed that the destruction was an act of arson.

The Head of State during his visit earlier today said that he is very concerned by the recent trend and will be seeking international assistance to solve the case while preliminary investigations take place.

Ali said, “To say I am not bothered would not be a true reflection of how I am think-

ing. I am bothered because this is not the first public asset that we have lost… this is coming on the heels of threats made on the capital city from New York, this is not the first time, and I am not going to take this lightly… out of concern and out of an abundance of caution at this early stage, we will not spare any effort in reaching out for international support…to investigate, to follow any lead and to ensure that our capital remains safe and stable.”

Additionally, the President said that he was disappointed by the response of the Guyana Fire Service, during Saturday’s fire. He noted that since entering office, his administration

has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to equip the fire service with the necessary resources to do its work, and it is sad to see the institution not live up to expectations.

He stressed that there must be a strong system of accountability and a sense of professionalism for those persons who perform public services. Ali said, “The State can’t provide you with basic things like equipment for you to wear as fire officers and you turn up without them. It means that you are not in any state of readiness to respond to an emergency, it means that from a personal level you are not taking the job that you are

entrusted to do with the level of seriousness that is necessary… we can’t be making investments in state apparatus and state institutions and do not get the results from those investments”.

The Head of State added that he has already requested a list of all the persons in the diaspora who would have worked in a senior position within large cities, in an attempt to retain their expertise and infuse it locally. He, however, commended the ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) within the St Stanislaus College compound for their valiant efforts at ensuring that there was no loss of service to

the public, amidst the destruction and devastation caused by the fire.

The President said that his Government is already assessing the acquisition of resources for a more permanent solution.

Minister of Home Affairs, the Honourable Robeson Benn; Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie and other senior members of the GPF also visited the temporary offices.

Meanwhile, following the President’s visit, the GPF via a statement, said that their officers have managed to get a video confession from a prisoner who claimed to have started the fire.

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Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE Region One villages GWI to commence drilling get tractors to boost of new well in Matthews Ridge soon agri production T

hree villages in Region One (Barima-Waini) are now the recipients of three new tractors, to boost agricultural production, making them more self-sufficient and food secure.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, handed over the vehicles to the Chairperson of the Community Development Councils (CDC) of Hosororo, Bumbury Hill and Wainaina Hill. These are three of 137 Amerindian villages slated to receive tractors.

Minister Sukhai affirmed that it is critical for communities to become food secure, especially with the uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic

poses. “That’s the hallmark of my government, where we are advancing in every sector, opportunities because our people in this environment of Covid need to survive…You as a community will have to ensure that it is used for the right purpose, that it is not abused, that it is maintained and that it provides the level of support in the sectors in which it would be put to use,” She said.

Chairman of Region One, Brentnol Ashley urged the CDCs to care and maintain the tractors to ensure longevity.

Minister Sukhai also pointed out that the tractors can be used in sectors other than ag-

riculture, such as logging and can be advertised to be hired.

The Amerindian Affairs Minister said the onus is on the CDCs to control the use of the tractors and affix prices for their use, to ensure the villages are financially rewarded.

After receiving the key to the tractor, Chairman of the Wanina Hill CDC, Marlon La Cruz said that each member of his community will directly benefit from the vehicle.

The Government continues to work towards the development of Amerindians to bridge the gap between persons living in the hinterland and those on the Coast.

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efore the end of the year, the Ministry of Housing and Water, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), is expected to roll out several relief measures to enhance water supply and access in Matthews Ridge, Region One. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal visited the community of Minab, recently, where he engaged with residents on a water expansion program for their community.

Approximately thirty three (33) household in the area will be receiving potable water for the first time from GWI’s Mathews Ridge Water Supply System. “We will be implementing this through the community participation method. GWI will build a trestle for water storage, as well as, provide all the materials [and] the community will assist with the laying of the pipe networks,” explained the Minister.

He underscored that this

method is a part of GWI’s goal for sustainable hinterland development, increasing skills set and employment.

Further plans for the overall development of Mathews Ridge are also in the pipeline, as the Minister stated drilling of a new well is expected to commence before the end of the year.

Residents in the area are said to be receiving water from a nearby spring. However during the dry season, the springs are depleted to as much as forty (40) per cent of its capacity and GWI provides relief in the form of sectional delivery.

“This will aid in the water flow in Mathews Ridge in general. We have a commitment to deliver safe water to the households and so as far as possible where we have cluster communities, we will do this with the provision of additional wells,” the Minister said.

Upon completion residents in Mathews Ridge and

environs will have a daily supply of potable water.

Minister Croal also visited the proposed well site with GWI’s Hinterland Services Director, Mr. Ramchand Jailall and a technical team.

Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley, Martakai Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Mr. Orlando Thorne and other officials were also present.

The new well represents one of four wells to be drilled in the Martakai sub-region.

The other three will be done in Baramita, Arakaka and Port Kaituma. GWI’s longterm goal is to eventually interconnect the well systems for the provision of equitable distribution in the sub-region.

During the earlier part of his visit, the Minister had also presented the NDC Chairman with a contract for the upgrading of the Port Kaituma water supply system, which will bring tremendous relief to residents in the area.

Gov’t determined to restore Agri in the hinterland – Minister Sukhai

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he PPP/C Government is focusing on rebuilding the agriculture sector in the hinterland, after the unprecedented countrywide flooding that devastated parts of the country.

The Dr. Irfaan Ali-led administration has crafted a plan to revive the sector, part of which is the delivery of tractors to villages, equipping them to improve the agriculture sector.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, MP, recently visited nine villages in Region One (Barima-Waini) and handed over the critical piece of machinery.

Village Toshaos and Chairpersons of the Community Development Councils (CDCs) of Arakaka, Barabina, Bumbury, Hosororo, Khan Hill, Oronoque, Wainaina, Wauna and White Water, received the tractors.

Minister Sukhai affirmed that the tractors are the first step for villages to become food secure. She noted that

four decades ago, Region One was a major agriculture producer and it’s the Government’s vision to help restore the sector there. She said, “Our task as a government is to ensure that agriculture remains an economic sector that has to be supported and has to maintain our country when it comes to food security. Our importation bill is still too large, so we have to pursue agriculture to reduce our food import bill.”

Minister Sukhai said Guyana can return as the breadbasket of the Caribbean, with Region One playing an integral role in the country reaching that achievement.

The delivery of tractors is not the only government initiative to empower hinterland communities as the government is continuously training Amerindian youths to become drivers and technicians of solar panel installation and maintenance.

They are also being trained to become computer literate.

The government is also

executing a major Information and Communications Technology (ICT) project in the hinterland, where these villages will have access to the internet. Some villages have been granted $1 million to refurbish their ICT hubs, while others without a facility were given $2 million to construct a building for the computers.

This project will end in 2022. So far, over 20 villages have been connected to the internet, which will assist students to study online.

Since entering office, the Community Service Officers (CSOs) programme was reinstated. Every Amerindian village can have up to 10 CSOs that are tasked with assisting the village in its development.

These CSOs earn a monthly stipend of $30,000, which is payable every two months. This means $600,000 is pumped into the local economy every two months, in a village with the maximum number of CSOs.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

October 13 set as date for ruling on appeal in case of sacked DCEO ‒ Seven others set to return to court on Monday A

ruling on the appeal filed

by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, in the case involving sacked Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers, is set to be handed down on Wednesday, October 13, 2021.

The DPP had moved to the High Court and appealed the decision of Senior Magistrate Leron Daly’s to have Myers’ matters be tried indictably instead of summarily.

The ruling in the appeal will be handed down by Justice Franklyn Holder.

The DPP is seeking: • A declaration that the decision made by Magistrate, Daly to hold a preliminary inquiry into the misconduct allegations, engages the provisions of Article 144 of the Constitution with the likely result that the case may not be tried within a reasonable time; • An order of certiorari to quash Daly’s decision to hold a preliminary inquiry into Myers case on the grounds that it is irrational, ultra vires, illegal, without legal foundation, without legal authority and contrary to natural justice; • A declaration in accordance with the Judicial Review Act that in the circumstances of the charges, and in compliance with the constitution, that the two charges against Myers proceeds by way of summary trial; and • That Magistrate Daly reconsider her discretion afresh under Section 61 of the Summary Jurisdiction Procedure Act Cap 10:02.

Magistrate Daly, on February 11, 2021, ruled that the two charges for misconduct in public office against Myers will remain indictable which would require her to conduct a preliminary inquiry to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial in the High Court.

The charges against Myers allege that between March 4 and March 14, 2020, in Georgetown, while being a public officer, she willfully misconducted herself together with Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, and others, to declare a fraudulent account of votes for the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, which amounted to a breach of the public’s trust in the office of the DCEO of GECOM. Myers is currently on $300,000 bail for the two cases.

SEVEN OTHERS CHARGED The trial against seven persons accused of colluding to rig the March 2020 General and Regional Elections is set to commence on October 11, 2021.

The Prosecution was granted more time to complete compilation of the copies of Statements of Polls (SOPs) and Statements of Recount (SORs) for disclosure to the court. The SOPs and SORS are expected to be accompanied by statements and video evidence.

After those disclosures are complete, a decision will be made on the mode of trial – either calling the witnesses to the stand or via the paper committal process

The seven facing court are: 1. Sacked Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; 2. Chairperson for the People’s National Congress, Volda Lawrence; 3. APNU+AFC activist, Carol Smith-Joseph; 4. GECOM Registration Clerk, Shefern February; 5. GECOM Registration Clerk, Michelle Miller; 6. GECOM Registration Clerk, Denise Babb– Cummings; and 7. GECOM Information Technology Officer, Enrique Livan.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan is presiding over the matter.

Mingo, Lawrence and Joseph are facing several electoral charges.

The signatures of Lawrence and Joseph were on manipulated declarations for Region 4– issued on March 5, 2020 and March 13, 2020 – that were prepared by Mingo.

In both cases, the manipulated declarations increased votes for the APNU+AFC and decreased the votes for the PPP/C. By the end of the recount for Region 4, the declarations were exposed as having been manipulated.

Mingo and Lawrence are facing a joint charge, which alleges that on March 5, 2020, in Georgetown, with intent to defraud the public, they uttered a certain forged document, that is to say, a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast in District Four for the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections, knowing said report to be forged.

Mingo and Joseph are facing a charge alleges that on March 13, 2020, they uttered a forged document purporting to be a true report of all votes cast in the March 2, 2020 general and regional elections, while knowing that the report was forged.

Joseph faces two individual charges, which state that on March 13, 2020, at High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, she conspired with Mingo and others to declare a fraudulent count of votes for District Four for both the general and regional elections.

Lawrence, Mingo, and Joseph have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trio is represented by Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes.

Having appeared in court the trio was granted bail. Mingo was placed on $60,000 bail for the two charges he faced. Lawrence was placed on $30,000 bail for the joint charge. Joseph was placed on a total of $90,000 bail for the three charges she faces.

SACKED CEO Meanwhile, sacked Chief Elections Officer

(CEO) Keith Lowenfield, is facing three counts of forgery and three counts of misconduct in public office. He has been placed on $300,000 bail.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has hired a team of lawyers to prosecute these cases on the State’s behalf. The prosecutorial team is headed by attorney Darshan Ramdhani, QC. Others on the team include: Glenn Hanoman, Mark Conway, Ganesh Hira, Arudranauth Gossai and George Thomas.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

Commemoration of the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 O ctober 3 is a special day to Guyana and to Venezuela. It is special to the rule of law internationally. It is special to peace and justice worldwide.

122 years ago, on 3 October 1899 – on an autumn day in Paris – the Anglo-Venezuelan Arbitral Tribunal which had met there (in the halls of the French Foreign Ministry) in the preceding three months – delivered its Award fixing the Boundary between Venezuela and British Guiana.

It was no ordinary Tribunal. It had been established under a Treaty -the Treaty of Washington of 1897 between Britain and Venezuela – whose purpose was to settle for all time the boundary between Venezuela and Britain’s colony of British Guiana. Venezuela and Britain

undertook in solemn terms in that Treaty “to consider the results of the proceedings of the Tribunal of Arbitration as a full, perfect and final settlement of all the questions referred to the Arbitrators”.

It was no ordinary Tribunal in another sense. It was the time of the Monroe Doctrine and Venezuela co-opted the full patronage of America. It nominated the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court as a member of the Tribunal, and a former American President as its chief Counsel – Benjamin Harrison. Its members invited Professor F. de Martens – Professor of International Law at the University of St. Petersburg, perhaps the most eminent international lawyer of that time – to be the President of the Tribunal. An assemblage of more

distinguished judicial minds and offices it would be hard to match at any time.

The verbatim records of the work of the Tribunal fill 54 printed volumes – with arguments four hours each day, four days each week, for nearly 3 months. On 3 October 1899 – 122 years ago today – the Tribunal gave its decision. It was unanimous.

In announcing it the President, Professor de Martens, stressed its significance for the development of international law: describing the boundary established by the Tribunal as a “line based on equity and law”.

Venezuela’s Ambassador to Britain – the then President’s brother, Jose Andrade – hailed the Award: “Greatly, indeed, did justice shine forth. … We were given the exclusive dominion over

the Orinoco, which was the principle aim we sought to achieve through arbitration”.

Reporting to the US Congress (on 5 December 1899) President McKinley reported “The decision appears to be equally satisfactory to both parties’. And for 63 years that was the official Venezuelan position. The boundary as determined by the Tribunal’s Award of 3 October 1899 was jointly surveyed, marked on the ground, and formally mapped and agreed to in the 1905 Boundary Agreement between Venezuela and Great Britain.

In a special moment of regional accord in the 1930s Venezuela, Brazil and British Guiana met and marked on the summit of Mount Roraima the point where that British Guiana – Venezuela line of 1899 meets the boundary

with Brazil. They called it the ‘Tri-Junction’ point – and erected a monument that defines it – a pyramid that marks were the sun sets on Guyana’s western border.

But there were cabals in Venezuela that ever craved for more; and as an imperial Britain faded in the 1960s an imperial Venezuela arose.

For the first time, in 1962, as the people of Guyana exercised their right of self-determination, the Government of Venezuela laid claim to two-thirds of our country – the entire Essequibo region.

In commemoration of this day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has released a booklet entitled ‘IMPERIAL AMBITION: Venezuela’s Threat to Guyana’ which lays out the whole squalid story of Venezuela’s unwor-

thy efforts to undo what unfolded in Paris 122 years ago.

Today, the Government and people of Guyana: • Stand by the Geneva Agreement of 1966; • Stand by the Secretary General of the United Nations for his actions under it; • Stand by the International Court of Justice for its decision on Jurisdiction in the matter; and • Stand by the whole judicial process which upholds the rule of international law.

Together, they show the futility of Venezuela’s efforts to erase that boundary ‘line based on equity and law’ – our western boundary that this day commemorates.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

Solar farms to be built from Norway forest funds G

overnment will be building several solar farms under the Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Programme (GUYSOL), using funds from the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF).

The forest investment fund from Norway holds US $83.5 million, and is being managed by the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB), a partner entity in the initiative.

A recent advertisement

from the IDB stated that the Government of Guyana is looking for consulting services for topographic surveys, flood risk assessments and geotechnical investigations for the eight solar photovoltaic farm project sites for the 33-MegaWatt peak (MWp). “There are two (2) project sites in Region Two (Essequibo Coast), three (3) project sites in Region 10 (Linden), one (1) project site in Region Five (West Coast Berbice), and two (2)

project sites in Region Six (East Coast Berbice),” the notice states.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the executing agency, “is seeking to hire a consulting firm with experience in civil engineering site investigations for ground-mounted utility scale solar photovoltaic farms.”

It said the intended outcome is for GPL to have all the relevant information on the ground conditions of

each project site, so as to minimise risk and liability while maximising the economic and safe design of the project, and with cost-effective, timely completion.

The procurement will follow the fiduciary safeguards, and operational policies and procedures of the IDB. The government is also advancing plans to have solar farms in Lethem and Bartica.

The Guyana Energy

Agency (GEA) is currently seeking bids from qualified persons to design, supply and install transmission lines to accommodate the solar plants in those areas.

The government plans to provide solar power to 30,000 hinterland homes.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh on Wednesday last, signed an agreement for a US$7.2 million line of credit from India.

Received under the Indian Technical Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, the funds will go toward the government’s ambitious solar initiative.

It is also part of government’s plan to provide stable and reliable electricity to suit Guyana’s growing energy needs. The government will upgrade the national electricity grid, and provide more than 500MW of new power for residential and commercial-industrial users.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

Guyana now has 3rd largest oil reserves in Latin America and Caribbean Region ‒ 24th oil find recorded J

ust over a month since its last find, ExxonMobil on Thursday (October 7, 2021),

a 24th discovery was made at the Cataback-1 well.

And Minister of Nat-

ural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, explained that the find places Guyana as the

nation with the third highest oil reserves in the Latin America and Caribbean

Region.

In comments on the find, he said, “As the petroleum sector continues to drive the country’s economic growth, the Ministry of Natural Resources on behalf of the Government of Guyana is pleased to announce Guyana’s newest Oil Discovery

by Exxon Exploration and Production Guyana (EEPGL) and partners at Cataback Offshore Guyana, within the Stabroek Block. “…in transforming the hydrocarbons sector, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Government of Guyana remain committed to enhancing the exploration and development of Guyana’s oil and gas resources. Therefore, as Minister of Natural Resources with responsibility for Petroleum, I would like to once again remind all Guyanese and stakeholders that the oil and gas investments and activities will be undertaken in a manner that is keeping with international best practices for compliance and transparency within the petroleum sector.

Additionally, the GoG is continually working through consultations to enhance local content with policies and legislation that will create a sustainable development pathway to ensure maximum economic benefits for all Guyanese.”

Bharrat also disclosed that the Liza Unity FPSO halfway on its journey to Guyana and it is expected to arrive offshore in mid-November 2021 with an anticipated startup of production in early 2022. The Liza Unity FPSO has a capacity of approximately 220,000 barrels of oil per day, which will complement the Liza Density FPSO which is currently producing approximately 120,000 barrels of oil per day, bringing Guyana to producing approximately 330,000 barrels of oil per day in 2022.

Further, a statement from the oil company said, “The updated resource estimate includes a new discovery at the Cataback-1 well, which brings the total significant discoveries to more than 20 within the Stabroek Block. The Cataback-1 well encountered 243 feet (74

meters) of net pay in high quality hydrocarbon bearing sandstone reservoirs. It is located approximately 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) east of Turbot-1 and was drilled in 5,928 feet (1,807 meters) of water by the Noble Tom Madden.

Senior Vice President of exploration and new ventures at ExxonMobil, Mike Cousins said, “This discovery adds to the resource in the Turbot/Tripletail area, enhancing the development project potential. Our proprietary technologies, global exploration experience and drilling capabilities continue to yield positive results in the Stabroek Block, which will generate additional value for Guyana.”

The find at Cataback-1 is ExxonMobil’s 24th discovery in the Stabroek Block.

The oil company’s 23 other discoveries include: 1. Liza 2. Payara 3. Snoek 4. Liza deep 5. Turbot 6. Ranger 7. Pacora 8. Longtail 9. Hammerhead 10. Pluma 11. Tilapia 12. Haimara 13. Yellowtail-1 14. The Tripletail 15. Mako-1 16. Urau 17. Yellowtail-2 18. Redtail-1 19. Urau-2 20. Longtail-3 21. Whiptail-1 22. Whiptail-2 23. Pinktail-1 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.

The latest find increases the estimate of discovered recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana to approximately 10 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

COM M ENTARY

The PPP has always stood with sugar workers and the working people

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

T

his week, Guyana observed the 29th anniversary of the restoration of democracy on October 5, 1992. I heard Ralph Ramkarran at Red House on Tuesday (October 5, 2021) saying that the period leading up to the October 5th restoration of democracy in Guyana was not only a victory for Cheddi Jagan, the PPP and the Guyanese people, it was the most exciting time in his long political career.

Many of us feel the same, for different reasons. But October 5th was not merely a victory for democracy, it has much meaning and significance for many groups and many individuals, including the private sector which in the period since has flourished in Guyana. They have every reason to not just observe the significance of October 5th, 1992, they have many reasons to celebrate October 5th 1992. The PPP, the supposedly socialist party, between 1992 and today is responsible for a dramatic turnaround of the fortune of the private sector, with large and small businesses blossoming up all around Guyana. But one group for whom October 5th, 1992 is significant and whom

October 5th 1992 changed the trajectory and changed the dispensation was the working people of Guyana.

Not only because October 5th 1992 rang in a new period of dignity, but October 5th 1992 started a journey towards social justice for all working families in Guyana.

Among those working families that were impoverished during the 28 years of dictatorship were the sugar workers. The PNC never forgot they tried to close SUGAR before they lost power in the first genuinely free and fair elections they faced after independence. They resumed exactly where they left off when they got into power again in 2015, through an election many of us believed was rigged in their favor.

They began in a hurry to close sugar estates and by 2017, they had closed four sugar estates, leaving only three in operation. More than 7,500 sugar workers lost their jobs, bringing poverty to more than 40,000 people in the sugar estate areas of Guyana. But workers benefitted from the change in October 5th 1992.

One simple measure is this – wage and salary freeze were a norm before 1992 in the PNC dictatorship. Since 1992 all public servants, all workers

in public corporations and all workers, even in the private sector benefitted from wage, salary and benefits increase, every year, other than the period 2015 and 2020 when the PNC took power again. This and other realities of the era since 1992 clearly articulate the DNA of the PPP – it is a working people party and a working people government.

For sugar workers, there must never ever be any need for questioning the PPP’s DNA – that of always standing with and for the working families of this country. What transpired between 2015 and 2020 and since August 2, 2020 to now clearly separate out the PPP from the PNC and other political parties of Guyana. We will never betray sugar workers or any worker in this country. Our natural disposition is to stand with workers.

Having already after just more than one year in office made direct cash transfers to Guyanese families amounting to more than $20B or more than $US100M, the PPP turned its attention to those suffering sugar workers who the previous Granger-led PNC/APNU/AFC government brutally impoverished by taking away their livelihoods between 2015

and 2020. As those sugar workers suffered, Granger and his heartless cohorts told them SUGAR is dead and the workers are collateral damage. On the verge of the 29th anniversary of the restoration of democracy, this past Monday, the Vice-President, Bharat Jagdeo, went to Skeldon and with sugar workers surrounding him, he announced that all sugar workers who were severed from SUGAR would receive $250,000 each, amounting to another cash transfer to vulnerable population of $1.8B. Cheddi Jagan became Independent Guyana’s first democratically-elected President. October 5, 1992, therefore, is historical and significant enough for October 5 annually to be observed. As we observe this very important milestone, the five-months long rigging efforts to steal the March 2020 elections are still fresh in our minds.

Some of the persons, including senior staff members of GECOM who were intimately involved with the rigging efforts have been charged with serious crimes. But more than a year later, GECOM is still not in a position to fill positions and there are also others who were part of the conspiracy to rig the elections

still in positions at GECOM. However, our country tasted freedom and we will never as a country ever again allow dictatorship to return to this beautiful country.

Twenty-nine years after we ended dictatorship in Guyana, we are still recovering from its deleterious effects.

During the almost three decades of dictatorship before 1992, we were the laughing stock of the Caribbean, the poorest country in the Americas. We have come a long way in regaining our dignity and we are poised now to be the leading economy in CARICOM. Far from a laughing stock, we are now the envy of CARICOM. But after a vigorous five-month resistance between March 2 and August 2, 2020, we barely managed to stop the theft of an election.

While we celebrate freedom and democracy, remember we still deal with the aftermath of the 2015 - 2020 era when the blueprint for renewed dictatorship was being put in place.

One aspect of that blueprint was the targeting of certain groups for harassment and intimidation. Working people became the target for the PNC-led coalition. No group of workers suffered more than sugar workers. On more than one occasion, the sugar workers were identified as a group that had to be silenced. Closure of sugar estates was purely a political hatchet job. More than 7,000 sugar workers lost their jobs.

Some were grudgingly paid their severance, but only after waiting a long time, during which time many became indebted and their children and families endured untold misery. Many waited years to get their severance. The court had to intervene on behalf of many of these sugar workers who were deemed collateral damage. To hurt the PPP, the PNC forced sugar workers to pay a price.

But the closure of four estates, termination of employment for more than 7,000 sugar workers, were not the only assault on sugar workers.

Those sugar workers who were lucky to still have their jobs and who APNU/AFC/ PNC promised a 20% annual increase in wages and other benefits before the 2011 and the 2015 elections, had their wages and benefits frozen.

Instead of a 20% annual wage

increase, the Granger-led government gave them a big, fat zero wage increase.

They also reduced benefits such as the annual production and weekly production incentives. The PNC-led coalition was brutal in their harassment and intimidation of sugar workers. Among those who betrayed sugar workers were Moses Nagamootoo who called himself the sugar workers’ champion and Khemraj Ramjattan who stood on the public platform before 2015 on many occasions with crocodile tears.

Some fell for the crocodile tears, for the lies, some voted for Ramjattan’s party.

But the PPP, for more than seventy years, has been the sugar workers Rock of Gibraltar. As sugar encountered difficulties, the PPP stood with the workers and made sure not one of them lost their jobs. Even as sugar reeled from the combination of inclement weather, climate change and an international environment that arbitrarily abrogated agreements, the PPP stood in solidarity with sugar workers, making certain sugar workers every year between 1992 and 2015 got a wage increase. That protection and that solidarity ended in 2015 when Granger’s PNC took control of the government.

But in August 2020, the Irfaan Ali-led PPP government returned. Hope returned not only for sugar, but also for sugar workers and their families. The PPP started immediately to reopen the estates, creating jobs. This week’s announcement of a direct cash transfer to severed sugar workers is testimony to a caring government, one that has sought myriad ways to help all vulnerable populations in Guyana. The PPP continues to demonstrate that it will stand with the people, with sugar workers in good times and in bad times. This is what freedom and democracy represent. In an independent Guyana that is free and democratic, the private sector has a place to bloom and flourish. But the PPP government will always place workers at the center, a special place to ensure their dignity and well-being.

This is why October 5 will always be a special time in the life of this country.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 OCTOBER, 2021

New vaccination card to be implemented to curb forgery T

he Ministry of Health will soon introduce a new type of COVID-19 vaccination card, in an effort to curb the forging of vaccination documents, according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.

He said, “We are going to change the current system.

So, we are working on that right now, and very soon we are going to introduce a different type of card that’s going to be harder to forge, and if people did not have the proper documentation in the first place, then they are not going to get the new card that we’ll be putting in.”

He explained that while the majority of persons in the healthcare sector are “honest, hardworking people”, there are a few who are dishonest and are facilitating the forging of COVID-19 vaccination booklets. He disclosed that currently, there are 15 cases of this type of forgery being investigated by the Guyana Police Force.

The health minister highlighted that this type of practice is dangerous and once a person is caught forging documents, he or she will face the full brunt of the law. He said, “If you’re facilitating somebody to get the card but they didn’t get the vaccine, then, when they get sick, we’ll probably think that they have been immunised and we are getting a breakthrough infection when in the first place, they did not get the vaccine at all. So, we

have to put an end to this practice, and I want to urge those healthcare workers who have been involved in this to desist.”

Anthony added that healthcare workers who are found guilty of engaging in such activities also face the possibility of being discharged from working in the medical field.

Additionally, persons found in possession of forged COVID-19 vaccination cards will also be charged. He said, “This is a really serious offence, the persons who are buying these cards. If we catch you, you are going to be charged for tendering a forged document. So, you know, either way it’s those who enable this, and those who are caught with those documents are going to face serious penalties.”

Minister Anthony urged the public to play their role and report any such incidents.

Mammograms can be taken before or after COVID-19 vaccines depending on the type

M

inister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, MP has clarified that it is safe for women to take mammograms after taking the Vector Covid-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Sputnik V. However, the Minister noted that if a person has taken either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, which are known as the MRNA vaccines, it is recommended that they take the mammogram either before taking their first dose or at least six weeks after taking the second dose of the vaccine.

“If you’re going for a mammogram, either do it before you get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, if not, then wait until you have completed your second dose and wait for six weeks and then you go and you can

get it. By then, whatever changes that were there on the lymph nodes would be resolved,” Minister Anthony said.

He noted that this is so because there is a possibility of a false diagnosis if it is done before the six – week period. Anthon said, “There is a possibility, about 16 per cent of the women who would have gotten a MRNA vaccine, if they go and do a mammogram, you can see enlargement of the breast lymph nodes and that can sometimes lead to a false diagnosis.”

Meanwhile, the Health Minister said it is also recommended that cancer patients take the COVID vaccines as they are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. He said, “Some of the most prestigious societies dealing with the

treatment of cancer has recommended, if you have any form of cancer that you should really go and get the Covid-19 vaccine. We know that persons with cancer, it can be considered as one of the co-morbidities and therefore it would put you at increased risk for Covid-19.

So, you need to go and get vaccinated because that’s going to protect you…if you have someone who is more vulnerable, that is the cancer patient and you have a caregiver that is unvaccinated, the chances are that person can bring the infection to the vulnerable person and put them at risk.”

Minister Anthony emphasised the importance of caregivers and other family members taking the vaccine, since persons with cancer are more susceptible to the deadly disease.

Jagdeo details action to address ‘unscrupulous’ actors in rollout of flood relief grant ‒ One-month period for persons to submit information to aid investigation

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he government has established a mechanism which would allow persons who suffered losses as a result of flooding to verify their names, persons who were left off of the list to have their names added, and pave the way for an investigation into discrepancies related to the distribution of the flood-relief grants.

This programme will run for a month, and will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, according to Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a meeting with stakeholders at the Rose Hall Estate Community Ground, on Monday.

As part of the investigation into the matter, members of the public with information on persons who did not qualify for the grant but benefited, are advised to contact the Agriculture Ministry to aid in the process.

Vice-President Jagdeo said that this programme is a direct response to “unscrupulous acts” by a few persons to undermine the

successful rollout of a carefully thought-out support programme, which was announced in July 31, 2021, for farmers who were hard hit by flooding during the period of April to June this year.

Jagdeo said that assessments, with the aid of regional organisations, were done and a support programme valuing $8 billion was carefully crafted to help some 60,000 in various categories of households and farmers.

A no-hold barred Jagdeo made it clear that government employees who are found to have engaged in corrupt and unscrupulous activities will have their services terminated. “We hired people to look out for our (the government’s) interest to verify it (the compilation of names of proposed beneficiaries),” he said.

On July 31, 2021, the PPP/C led government made available almost $8 billion to assist persons severely affected by flooding – a measure that was in response to a commitment made.

Cash of $100,000 was to be issued to homestead farmers, $50,000 to those with kitchen gardens and $50,000 to affected households. This amounted to over $3.5B. There was a ceiling of $10M in compensation for rice farmers. Those farmers who lost rice ready to be harvested were to receive $80,000 per acre. Those with rice sowed were to receive $65,000 per acre and those with land prepared were to receive $45,000 per acre.

In addition, to this support, 60,000 bags of seed paddy were to be made available.

This totaled up to $3.2B. Affected livestock farmers were to receive $600M. Subsistence farmers, Small farmers, Medium farmers, and Large-scale farmers were targeted for support. In addition to these direct transfers, the Ministry of Agriculture and GLDA were to assist through genetic improvements, drainage and irrigation works, technical support, and extension services to the approximate value of $500M.

Gov’t announces further cut in excise tax on fuel – Prices at Pump expected to reduce

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he PPP/C Government will be further reducing the excise tax on gasoline and diesel to ease the domestic impact of the continuous rise in the world market price for fuel, according to Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

On February 17 of this year, the Government reduced the Excise Tax rate on both gasoline and diesel from 50 percent to 35 percent. Since this time, oil prices have continued to rise steadily on the world market, moving from over US$60 a barrel to over US$80 a barrel at close of trade on October 5, 2021. This steady rise in

the world price has had a resultant effect with prices rising on the domestic market also.

Minister Singh, on Wednesday (October 6, 2021) disclosed that the Government will be lowering the excise tax rate on both gasoline and diesel from 35 percent to 20 percent with immediate effect.

This reduction will aid in cushioning the impact on domestic consumers, particularly the travelling public as well as those productive sectors for whom fuel is an important input.

The prices at the pump are expected to also be re-

duced with immediate effect, with gasoline prices expected to reduce from $213 per litre to $198 per litre, and diesel prices from $200 per litre to $185 per litre.

Minister Singh explained that the adjustment in the excise tax rate on fuel from time to time is part of the measures that the PPP/C Government will implement to cushion the domestic impact of world market price fluctuation. He emphasized that implementation of these measures are in keeping with President Irfaan Ali’s commitment to ensuring that Guyanese consumers continue to be protected from escalation in fuel prices on the world market as far as possible.

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