Weekend Mirror 10-11 July, 2021

Harm on faces No Confidence M otion 10-11 July, 2021 / Vol. 11 ‒ No. 80 / Price: $100

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

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‒ call made for his immediate resignation as Opposition Leader

GECOM Chair rules…

Motions seeking dismissal of Lowenfield, Myers, Mingo to be debated PAGE 8

PAGE 15

Teixeira takes Granger to task for politicising floods

Gov’t committed to sustainable development of indigenous communities PAGE 10

SEE INSIDE

Hinterland ICT programme progressing smoothly – Sukhai PAGE 2

Pfizer vaccine will go to children PAGE 9

Haitians awake to uncertainty after presidential assassination PAGE 11

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Hinterland ICT programme progressing smoothly – Sukhai T

he PPP/C Government is making significant progress in the execution of the recently resuscitated Information Communications Technology (ICT) programme in the hinterland and riverine communities, according to Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai.

This programme is being managed by the Office of the Prime Minister’s Project Management Unit and falls under the ICT Access and e-Services for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities Project.

Minister Sukhai said the Project Management Unit is currently assessing the preparedness of every community selected to benefit from this initiative. It is ensuring that equipment such as laptops, printers, security cameras, televisions, batteries, among others will be safe, once they are officially entrusted to them.

This process, she said will also allow the Government to work seamlessly.

Sukhai said, “Our task as the Ministry of Amerindian

affairs is to pursue the village council in executing the project in the shortest possible time so that they will be prepared. It will make it easy for the project to roll out in a region so that you do not have to skip villages to return to complete works, so if we have a series of villages in one area ready to do so it will be easy for us to transport equipment. This is why we are looking at the facilities in every community we visit to ensure that they are working on their ICT hub.”

Earlier this year, the Government distributed $1.73 billion to Amerindian communities as a one-off COVID-19 relief investment fund geared at creating job opportunities, generating income and implementing infrastructural development projects.

It was then revealed that at least $2 million of the monies given from this fund can be utilised to either refurbish or rebuild an ICT hub in the communities. In addition to this, the Minister said additional funding will be provided via the ICT Access

and eServices for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities Project should the stipulated amount is unable to complete the facility.

She said the Government hopes to simply provide the opportunity for those within the hinterland and riverine communities to become computer literate, to prepare them for the modernised development of the country.

“It is the Government’s drive to ensure that every community becomes computer literate and that they learn how to use the internet for various reasons like economic enhancing, their ability to advertise, students to research and study. This includes teachers and nurses allowed to enhance their professional academic objectives by doing courses, getting engaged in admittance to the various universities, whether it’s local or international universities,” Minister Sukhai said.

About 200 hinterland and riverine communities are expected to benefit from this programme.

$10.5M mini excavator for Grove/Diamond NDC

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inister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, last week, presented a $10.5M mini excavator to the Grove/ Diamond Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for the general maintenance of the area.

During the handing over ceremony held at the Diamond Community Centre Ground, the Minister said the machine will be used to carry out the much-needed enhancement works. The donation is also in keeping with the Government’s commitment to improve the quality of life of all Guyanese. He said, “The excavator we expect, will serve to upgrade the infrastructure of the Grove/Diamond NDC area. This is one of the emerging areas in our country where thousands of people reside and so we expect that the services the NDC provides that those services are going to be much better quality.”

The mini excavator will be used to clear drains, conduct backfilling and

general maintenance. Minister Dharamlall urged the NDC to maintain the equipment.

“This has always been an issue in our country where a lot of the equipment that government provided to communities have not been sustainably managed. So, I hope that the NDC is going to take good care of it to be used for many years towards the development of the Diamond area,” he said.

Chairperson of the Grove/ Diamond NDC Ms. Indrani Ramnarine thanked the Minister for the donation, which she said, will enable the council to contin-

ue developing communities under its purview. “The NDC has been embarking on several enhancement projects in the district and to bring relief to our residents in times of flood and even to remove encumbrances and so this mini excavator is now an asset to us in the NDC. I know that it will also be appreciated among our residents because now we have the resources at our disposal in times of need,” she said.

The NDC has been focusing on the maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, internal drains and solid waste management, among others.

WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Hundreds of Berbice farmers to benefit from Canje to Corentyne farm to market road

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undreds of farmers between Numbers 52 and 74 villages Corentyne are set to benefit from a farm-tomarket road, which will open up lands for expansion in the agriculture sector.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, over the weekend, met farmers and residents at the Number 36 Primary School to address the infrastructural upgrades in the area.

They deliberated on whether the road should be built on the Number 57-58 or Number 58-59 dam to open up new lands beyond the Canje Creek.

“You can’t have expansion if you don’t open up new lands. The intent is that we will build a road from the Corentyne Highway all the way to the Canje Creek. We may have to do it in phases and then possibly to get to other lands over the other side of the Canje Creek, putting a bridge over the Canje Creek and getting other lands,” Minister Edghill said.

The project, which will be tendered soon, will create avenues for employment in the agriculture sector, which will boost the country’s economy.

Farmers have expressed gratitude for the initiative.

In April, Minister Edghill led a team of engineers, regional officials and farmers to inspect the road alignment, which begins at Number 52 Village and runs for 23 kilometres to the Canje Creek area. He later ventured into the backlands of Number 58 Village to inspect the alignment for another possible roadway to Canje Creek. That alignment measures 10 kilometres and ends at the Seaforth Canal.

The Government is forging ahead with expansion in the sector, with the construction of several farm-to-market roads.

A $175 million road on the right bank of the Mahaicony Creek in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica) and another farm-to-market road worth some $150 million on the left bank of the Mahaica Creek, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) are already on the cards.

Another road is set to be completed this year at Salem, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Earlier in the year, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and Senior Minis-

ter in the Office of the President, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh turned the sod for a farm-tomarket road at Onverwagt, Region Five, to the tune of $327 million.

Some $23.7 billion has been allocated in the National Budget for road construction this year.

Meanwhile, consultations were also held with farmers and residents in the area to build a private airstrip, which will facilitate an aircraft to spray crops.

Minister Edghill said an airstrip in Number 36 Village would allow easier crop spraying.

A proposal by Nand Persaud and Company Limited’s was well-received by most of the farmers and residents. However, some persons expressed concerns about being affected by the chemicals.

Minister Edghill gave the assurance that the Pesticide Control Board must approve the use and storage of the chemical before the company gets the greenlight.

Approval must also be granted by the Defence Board, the Environmental Protection Agency and the local authority.

Guyana maintains Tier One status in TIP ranking

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uyana has maintained its Tier One status for the fifth consecutive year, the latest United States’ State Department Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report has stated.

The report states that despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Guyana has demonstrated serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period.

“These efforts included increasing investigations, identifying and assisting more victims, creating the first anti-trafficking hotline in Spanish, opening an additional shelter, and creating standard operating procedures for victim identification,” the report stated.

In 2020, the Government identified 199 victims while several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) found an additional five. These include 127 sex trafficking and 77 labour trafficking victims- a significant increase from 102 victims identified by the Government and three additional victims identified by an international organisation in 2019.

Of the 204 victims, 127 were Venezuelans, 27 Haitians, 24 Dominicans, 22 Guyanese, three Jamaicans, and one

Cuban. Of these, 151 were females and 53 males, 10 of whom were children.

The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Counter- Trafficking (C-TIP) Unit identified victims and provided social welfare and assistance to them. In 2020, the Government reported that the C-TIP Unit received a budgetary allocation of $25.86 million and in 2021, $37.67 million.

During the reporting period, 2020, the Government referred 100 victims to shelter or protective services, compared to 99 in 2019. A new shelter for trafficking victims in a rural district was also opened, bringing the total number of Government-operated shelters to five. These shelters offer specialised care, including food, training, translation, legal services, medical services, and psychological therapy for the victims.

The Government also provided $62.35 million in 2020 to two NGO-managed shelters providing housing for adult female victims of gender-based violence and human trafficking, an increase from $2.35 million in 2019. Some $4.52 million in direct financial as-

sistance was also provided to victims who opted not to stay in a shelter. Counseling and other humanitarian assistance were also provided to 125 victims who chose not to access shelter services.

For child victims, the Human Services Ministry provided intake counseling and placed them either in a shelter co-managed with NGOs, or in Government managed children’s homes. Some children were placed into foster care or reintegrated with their families, while authorities placed adult male victims at non-specialised night shelters.

In terms of prevention, the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, co-chaired by the Ministries of Home Affairs and Human Services, coordinated national anti-trafficking efforts and served as the decision-making body. The Government began consultations, including with human trafficking survivors, to draft a National Action Plan (NAP) for 2021–2023, to replace the plan that concluded at the end of 2020. The Government also provided funding for the completion and implementation of the NAP in the 2021 budget.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Harmon faces No Confidence Motion ‒ call made for his immediate resignation as Opposition Leader

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rounds for the removal of the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Joseph Harmon as Opposition Leader have been cited by Prime Minister, Mark Phillip, who is advancing a no confidence motion against him.

The motion cites Harmon’s “crucial and integral” part of the process of undermining democracy, following the March 2, 2020 polls. The motion noted that Harmon also continues to “consistently and repeatedly” misinform the public and the National Assembly with claim of a Coalition victory at the March 2020 Elections.

Phillips also noted that the Opposition “recklessly”

misinformed the public and the National Assembly on the issue of the COVID-19 vaccine, relative to its efficacy and acquisition. This, the Prime Minister said, endangered the lives of Guyanese and has increased vaccine hesitancy among some of the most vulnerable in Guyana.

The Prime Minister, thirdly, called attention to Harmon’s opportunistic use of the horrific murder of the Henry boys from West Coast Berbice, as a means to incite ethnic disharmony.

The Opposition Leader’s consistent denigration of the representative of the joinder parties and Deputy Speaker, Lennox Shuman,

as a legitimate member of the Parliamentary Opposition was also included in the motion. It was noted that Harmon has gone as far as denying a member of the Parliamentary Opposition an opposition

seat on any parliamentary committee.

Considering these facts, the no confidence motion calls an expression of a lack of confidence in the Leader of the Opposition and for Harmon’s immediate resignation.

The configuration of the National Assembly sees the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) with the parliamentary majority of 33 out of 65 seats. The APNU+AFC Coalition, the main Opposition party, has 31 seats, while the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), in collaboration with two other parties (the joinder parties), holds one seat in the House.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

EDITORIAL Political maturity needed from the Parliamentary Opposition

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olitical maturity is reflected in leaders’ skills, behaviours and the engagements they pursue in the interest of working for their constituents.

It is now been about 10 months since the PPP/C Administration assumed office and the APNU+AFC Coalition persists in its refusal to recognise a duly elected government as legitimate. The fact is this position undermines chances of meaningful political dialogue.

Of note is the fact that, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said there could be no talks unless the Coalition’s leadership recognises the PPP/C Government as legitimate.

The Head of State had said: “If I am working with you, you have to be able to accept that I am the person you want to work with. So there are a number of things going on, if you look at some of the statements that the Opposition is making and then the Opposition leader is saying that he doesn’t recognize the government…you can’t speak with someone you don’t recognize, you can’t have a serious discussion with me because you are speaking to someone you don’t recognize. Therefore, we have to get it right.”

In the last week, the call for political maturity from the Parliamentary Opposition has had to be repeated.

On June 30, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, made clear that: “We are committed to the sustainable development goals, we are committed to Article 13 of our Constitution. We are committed to constitutional rule of law and participatory democracy…it cannot be the rule of those who refuse to accept democracy and those who do not accept the will of our people of our country.” However, she made clear that the PPP/C Administration will not be ‘bullied’. The Minister said: “We were bullied for over five years and, therefore, we look forward to the APNU+AFC taking a mature political position of recognizing the PPP/C as the legitimate government of our country…then the opportunities for dialogue on a number of issues become opened.”

The matter of dialogue and exchanges, particularly in the political arena, is quintessential to a nation’s development – working under the presumption that all parties’ have as its primary focus, the wellbeing and advancement of people.

In Guyana’s case, political dialogue has been hamstrung by a Parliamentary Opposition that has repeatedly prioritized power over the Guyanese people.

The APNU+AFC Coalition’s persistent focus on power, not people, is clear. So narrow is their focus that they are willing to inspire hurt and division among our people, the impacts of which is likely to be felt for generations to come.

Further, on the question of engagement, PPP General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, had said that the Government is unable to find an “honest interlocutor” in the Parliamentary Opposition. He was adamant that Guyana needs to settle on one agenda for the future. However, the PPP/C Government is challenged to identify a single Opposition official, who can speak on behalf of that team. “We still have to, notwithstanding the fact that all efforts made have failed, we still have to reach out to have that done. The problem now is that we do not have an honest interlocutor on the other side,” Dr Jagdeo had said. To have an “honest interlocutor”, according to him, there must be somebody across the table who will agree to go through “bumpy times with you,” but would still give a commitment and keep that promise. “Who do we speak with on the other side? At this point in time, I cannot see a single individual who can stand up and say I speak for the collective and we are going to make some commitments here about working together and that person has the ability to defend, and have the party defend those commitments,” he had said.

Until there is a change from the Coalition’s camp, the PPP/C Administration, undoubtedly, will continue as a democratically elected government that stands by Guyana’s Constitution, the protection of rights, the protection of rights of all Guyanese, regardless of who they voted for or any other differentiating factor.

Looking ahead, it is clear that political maturity is how, as a people, we advance the cause of political development in our nascent democracy.

True to form PNC ramps up unconstructive diatribe Dear Editor,

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he PNC (now APNU+AFC Coalition) has gone on a rampage during its intermittent forays to make the country ungovernable under successive PPP/C governmental constructs. During those destructive undertakings, innocent people get hurt, even murdered. People who sacrificed much and worked hard all their lives to build and sustain businesses and private properties lose everything in minutes.

If anyone is to follow the trends of Guyana’s political past, they would discover that an escalating crime wave and lobbying to derail developmental funding always correlate with this country’s election season, and post-elections.

And, true to tradition, the PNC is currently ramping up its diatribe against the PPP/C Government, which they are determined to remove – not necessarily by fair means – even taking their anti-nationalist, practically treasonous propaganda to international fora. As always, murderous criminal activities are rising in direct proportion.

Former President, current Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had said, “Opposition should criticise the Government when they make mistakes, and we are not perfect. We do make mistakes some-

times and that (criticisms) is fair; but to have an assault on the Guyanese people through distortions is another matter. To openly lie and peddle falsehoods is not a right of anyone, and that is not fair.

“If you listen to them carefully, their plans for Guyana – and for all of our people, is about what the PPP should or should not do – and it is all criticisms and negativity. They have never, ever presented a positive plan for fixing the problems of Guyana and for creating a better life for our people… They criticised us in Parliament that we were spending too much money on housing.

When we allocated $4 billion to buy some land from GuySuco to produce some (additional) 10,000 house lots for Guyanese, they made a big issue of it in Parliament, criticising then Housing Minister Irfaan Ali for this (initiative).

They know only about criticisms, but not about positive things… We still have a long way to go, but we are getting there… more and more people are benefiting.”

But the coalition has no intention to allow Government’s developmental thrust to continue because this does not suit their agenda. Instead, they are trying desperately to halt and/or reverse gains made through various stratagems, of which ramping up the inflammato-

ry rhetoric – and the imbroglio over COVID vaccines being targeted as the latest cannon fodder.

That the Government’s developmental and people-empowerment initiatives have been re-generating confidence in the Administration, to the extent where communities in the Opposition enclaves are reaching out with trust and hope to the Administration for improved living conditions and enhanced lifestyles, is inimical to their self-interested and self-centred agendas for self-aggrandisement/enrichment/empowerment, and they are attempting to destabilise this budding unity in the Guyanese nation, and the people’s trust in the Administration by whatever way possible, even to blaming the Government for things which they (the Opposition) are culpable – in and out of Government.

Too much is at stake, and care needs to be taken by the people in the country that the Opposition forces do not succeed in their evil intentions by sowing seeds of strife in the land once more, because it is the Guyanese people, whom they pretend to care about, who are hurting.

All for your consideration.

Sincerely, Erin Northe

Racial incitement will not be tolerated Dear Editor,

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s Guyanese, we must stand firm against racism by the APNU/AFC and their surrogates, particularly those who promulgate from the comfort of their basement dwellings in the US. We must weed them out, thereby sending the clear message that racism and racial incitement to violence will not be tolerated.

We must boycott those political talking-heads that only see things through their racist ideologies. We must tell them to “get from here” with

their racist ideologies that seek to keep Guyana backward.

That brings me to the Ethnic Relations Commission. This entity needs guidance on how to do its job. It is not doing a good job. I feel the problem lies in the will of its members to confront the issue frontally.

Look for instance you have people like Facebook activists in Guyana and New York saying some of the most abominable things about the PPP, its Government and East Indian politicians.

These men, through their inciting and hate-filled ranting, are seeking to divide

the population along ethnic lines.

Freedom of speech and expression does not give one the right to spread lies, fairy tales, and half-truths about an issue or person. Where is the ERC on this issue?

I am saying that we are all Guyanese. We are supposed to coexist as one people with a common destiny. We must build strong walls against the racial conspirators of our time.

Yours truly, Alvin Hamilton

Commendable efforts being made to address Trafficking in Persons Dear Editor,

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ongratulations are in order for our Government, as it has fully met “…the minimum standards for the elimination of Trafficking in Persons (TIP).” This is according to a report released by the US State Department a few days ago. The details show that the Guyana Government has continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts. And this was certainly exemplified recently.

In fact, I saw that the news reported on a 33-year-old Haitian, identified as Michelet Murat, who appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Number 51 Village Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to illegally entering the country. Murat was arrested on June 28, 2021, for having arrived in Guyana by sea and disembarking without the consent of an immigration officer. Thus, he was charged and fined $15,000, or three weeks’ imprisonment.

Lest we forget, I remind Guyanese that ten persons without passports or any form of identification, claiming to be Haitians, were found at the Swiss Hotel, Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six, in mid-June.

Adding to this, before the said month was over, fifty Haitian nationals, including two children, were found by law enforcement officials along the Lethem trail. All of them are under the radar, as investigations are revving up.

(Turn to page 6)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

A range of services are being delivered despite Fighting COVID requires COVID challenges cooperation of all Dear Editor,

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eath of a loved one is a painful experience. However, when a loved one dies from COVID-19, it is likely to be more difficult for several reasons: the death is unanticipated and families are separated from their hospitalised loved one due to potential contagion.

Families may be unable to grieve and memorialise their loss in ways that are religiously and culturally familiar. It is likely that family and close friends will be distressed, confused, and have many questions.

As we move through the pain of grief, it is important to remember that many people find new strengths and capabilities and develop enduring relationships with others.

As Guyanese, we must stand together to promote vaccinations so we can save lives and finally get beyond this pandemic.

Throughout our history, Guyanese have put aside their partisan differences and stood together in times of crisis.

It is time for us to stand together again and stop COVID -19 deaths for the past 16 months, the people of Guyana have confronted an enemy unlike any in our lifetimes. The coronavirus pandemic has threatened Guyanese in every community around the country.

It has disrupted our daily routines, ravaged our economy and taken far too many lives not easy to comprehend but thanks to the scientists’ engagement, lifesaving vaccines are widely available and the end of our struggle is at last, coming into view, the most important step forward. At this critical moment is to finally overcome the virus and avoid continued outbreaks, more Guyanese need to get vaccinated.

The World Bank approved US$6 million in additional financing for the Guyana COVID-19 Emergency Response Project to support affordable and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and ensure effective vaccine deployment in Guyana. The project will also support general preparedness, resilience, and overall health system strengthening Perhaps good news for Guyanese as vaccination agents are subject to social and logistical constraints which further complicates campaign efforts.

Our public awareness efforts have been working for months but that is part of the difficulties we have. The PPP/C Government has provided the means, but it is not enough to achieve the objective because of negative community leaders.

There were awareness measures that were put in place with the campaign agents that were dispatched in the arteries of the city, towns and communities, I can speak for Region 10 where the RHO, Dr Harris, and his team visited community after community to ensure effective vaccine deployment and this seemed to bear fruit

Dear Editor,

in the first few weeks because we went from the decreasing curve to the increasing curve but now there are fewer and fewer people coming to be vaccinated, as we all have noticed across Region 10 and the difficulty we have is with the second doses of Sputnik.

A vaccine that still has difficulty being accepted by some of our own residents, still influenced by preconceived notions and selfish Opposition politicians We must all understand that an efficient and equitable rollout of COVID-19 vaccines will be critical to save lives and restore economic activities in Guyana. The World Bank is closely coordinating with development partners and our Government of Guyana counterparts to support the vaccination campaign, and long-term improvements to the country’s healthcare system.

This pandemic has had socioeconomic impacts, including job losses, which disproportionately affect women. This additional financing to the Guyana COVID-19 Emergency Response Project will fund the acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines. It will help the Government of Guyana strengthen health system functions that are necessary for immunisation, such as vaccine awareness communication, human resources, information systems, and waste management.

The additional financing to this project also aims to increase overall health system preparedness to tackle future emergencies.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Bank Group has committed over US$125 billion to fight the health, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic, the fastest and largest crisis response in its history. The financing is helping more than 100 countries strengthen pandemic preparedness, protect the poor and jobs, and jump start a climate-friendly recovery. The bank is also providing US$12 billion to help low- and middle-income countries purchase and distribute COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments.

The spread of misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines has become a significant topic of discussion in Guyana and Region 10 over the last few months. We must do more to eliminate conspiracy theories about the vaccines, which have proliferated over the course of the pandemic.

The development of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines is a huge step forward in our global effort to end the pandemic.

This is exciting news, but there are still some people who are skeptical or hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. Chances are you know a person who falls into this category – maybe among your group of friends or in your family.

If you are unsure of how to approach conversations about vaccines with vaccine skeptics you know, you’re not alone.

Sincerely, David Adams

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he GGMC finds it prudent to highlight its ongoing work performance for 2020/21 despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notwithstanding some levels of staff rotation, the Mines Services Division was able to maintain its presence in the various mining districts with heightened education and awareness campaigns on safety and mining practices. There was also a review of Standard Operating Procedures to improve standardization and equivalence of response across the sector. There has also been the adoption of reporting systems using IT solutions, to improve supervision, foster accountability, and strategically deploy resources.

In an effort to enhance services to miners and other stakeholders, the Geo-Services Division had counted heavily on completing the Geological and Geoche-mical Mapping of Guyana. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic did not allow fieldwork for these regional projects but the opportunity to catch up both with interim reports and final reports due for projects from 2016 was undertaken.

In tandem, were the Core Shed Repository at Yarrowkabra and the Scanning Project at Headquarters to digitize the copious records of the Commission and make them accessible. Both progressed incrementally.

Furthermore, there was sufficient time and circumstance to monitor Prospecting Licences to deter raiding as this continued to be a problem.

The government remains vigilant of the effects of mining on the environment and as such, the GGMC’s Environmental Division remained focused on the broader issues of mercury reduction; land reclamation, and water quality monitoring at the watershed scale. In accordance with the Minamata Convention, the GGMC has been collaborating with other national stakeholders on issues such as the National Action Plan for Mercury Reduc-tion; Mercury Waste Thresholds; and Mercury Releases. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards are involved in this process.

Further, as it relates to Occupational Safety and Health, GGMC heightened its education and awareness programmes through the use of social media to spread material on mining safety. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the Mining School.

As such, the GGMC intends to be relentless in its efforts to ensure the safety of workers is a top priority during mining activities.

In an effort to satisfy the increasing demands for mining properties, the Commission’s Land Management Divi-sion had encountered some difficulties as it relates to the Mineral Property Manage-ment System (MPMS), an e-Services platform for the application of medium-scale and large-scale tenure, which was delayed after encountering programming difficulties. The MPMS seeks to remove the interaction with GGMC personnel in this process and places it in the domain of the customer, providing efficiency, transparency, and avoidance of conflicts. However, the nature of the

approach has been modified to improve efficiency. Furthermore, the Land Management Division continued to work on the preparation of the files for the MPMS as well as the current processes for applicants.

With a backlog due to COVID-19, some special arrangements have been employed to address the issue. There were systems also being worked on by which applicants could have basic inquiries addressed such as rental and penalty payments and the satisfactory resolution of tenure conflicts. The Division also maintained its multiple tasks in tough circumstances.

As it relates to oil and gas, the Petroleum Division remained with the GGMC for yet another year and collaborated extensively with the Department of Energy. The Division was closely involv-ed with the Cost Recovery Audit of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd; the review of the Liza II and Payara Development Plan and other such significant issues. The Division was also able to attend the daily activities of all the operations offshore. It has been a formidable and challenging year for the Petroleum Division but it managed to be effective despite some setbacks.

To counter some of the challenges posed

by COVID-19, the GGMC’s Infor-mation and Communication Technology Division has been the most visible in 2020/2021 when compared to previous years. All the Divisions of the Commis-sion reached out to ICT during this period in order to have viable solutions to aid their work process. Typically, these interventions were as simple as creating linkable databases so that access to data and updating of information was better managed for reporting and analysis, for example within Mines Division.

Importantly, the Commission’s Special Projects Unit received additional assets and personnel to monitor road works being financed by GGMC in the various mining districts. This was addressed when two civil engineers were added to the Unit and vehicles were specifically assigned. Hinterland roads done in 2020 were to the tune of approximately $1.8B. While it was ascertained that due to COVID and other challenges, many of the projects were behind schedule, the SPU managed to have an organized recommitment to the projects by the contractors. The results have been positive.

The general experience on the roads being maintained by the GGMC is a satisfactory one and this needs to remain the case if not be improved on. However, the recent intense above-normal rainfall has caused roads and other critical infrastructure to deteriorate, which is being assessed for necessary works.

Most notably, in an effort to promote transparency and accountability, the Legal Division has taken the lead in the pursuit of AML/CFT as the Commission is the supervisory authority for the same in the Mining Sector. In that regard, the Legal Division has been working to conclude a Risk-Based Compliance Programme for the Commission.

Yours faithfully, Stephon Gabriel for Ministry of Natural Resources

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

GECOM must account for billions spent

that were incurred during that time must be fully investigated and revealed to the public.

As the notorious trio continues to face the courts and are slapped with more electoral fraud charges this nation must continue to call for full investigation into the likes of Sherfern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Bobb-Cummings, Michelle Miller et al. Staff members at GECOM must be accountable and work in a transparent way. GECOM must cleanse itself and remove all those who were

Dear Editor,

Commendable efforts...

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t cannot be denied that the Guyana Elections Commission has spent billions of dollars during the 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2020 Elections and the ‘Lone Ranger’ Chief Elections Officer is yet to answer the Auditor General’s queries.

The purchasing of millions of dollars in equipment, stationary, hiring of staff and giving out of phantom contracts must be fully investigated. Billions of dollars were abused and misspent, during a spending spree for the senior staff. Further, billions were lost by our Guyanese people whose livelihood came to a standstill during the deliberate elections crises from March to August 2020. Guyana suffered international infamy as the entire world was looking on as the PNC/APNU attempted to steal the National and Regional Elections.

The lawlessness that took place from March to August last year must never be allowed to happen again.

The ‘Rogue elements’ in GECOM usurped unknown powers and humiliated Commissioners and International Observers.

They must be accountable for the millions of dollars that the GECOM Secretariat spent on food, drinks, transportation, lawyers’ fee,

and the hiring of phantoms to commits acts of terrorism. Political activists and leaders of the communities were threatened and scared to be in the streets.

Our children were kept away from schools, commuters were afraid to travel, the business communities were forced to close their doors. Our farmers were afraid to take their products to the established market places. The memoires of that dreadful five months continue to haunt our nation. Our Guardians of Democracy will live on forever. We will never forget Mark Wayne Xavier – their dedication to the cause, patriotism and un-flinching support to our struggle must strengthen our resolve to demand that all the fraudsters and riggers must be condemned condignly.

Ever since, the passing of the No-Confidence Motion on that historic night, December 21, 2018, the PNC/APNU/AFC took advantage of the courts in Guyana. They relished using the Judiciary to stay in power.

However, the total amount paid with taxpayers’ money to Mercury/CosbyTextor, to JJ&B and LLC must be cleared in the public eyes.

Basil Williams’ statement to OAS on July 22, 2020, the sanctions, the No-Confidence Motion that APNU took to the CCJ costing hundreds of millions and all other expenses

Indeed, Guyana has been doing its part on the ground.

At the legislative forum, it is even more intense where Guyana is concerned. All and sundry are now aware that President Ali has imposed a “visa” requirement for Haitians entering Guyana. This stemmed from the fact that most of the 38,000 Haitians, who arrived here in Guyana since 2015, cannot be accounted for.

The suspicion is that Guyana is being used as a conduit, since the rumour has it that “…most of these persons have in fact left illegally, using the “backtrack” to either Suriname or Brazil…”

What we need to all do is to pay careful attention to words enshrined in the UN Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), saying that “migrant smuggling”: “Smuggling of Migrants is a crime involving the procurement for financial or other material benefit of illegal entry of a person into a State of which that person is not a national or resident. It undermines the integrity of countries and communities, and costs thousands of people their lives every year.”

I recall all too well that in February, the Brazilian Federal Police arrested 27 immigrants who entered Bom Fim illegally via Guyana’s borders. The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) had noted that of those

part and parcel of the “Gang” that attempted to rig and then derail the 2020 National and Regional Elections.

Billions of taxpayers’ dollars were abused and there is no accountability. Guyanese’s human and constitutional rights were trampled upon and this nation is waiting patiently for justice.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

(From page 4)

arrested, there were 26 Haitian nationals and one Cuban.

Recently, Brazil’s Federal Police and CANU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to share information and conduct joint operations, involving narcotics and other criminal activities.

So, the response from Guyana is good, that is, the increase in cooperation and more measures that are very stringent, as it seems a fact that in Guyana “…there is a huge Trafficking In Persons and human smuggling ring, including children, taking place in the region and Guyana is being used as a transit point in this racket, which includes Cubans, Nigerians and Haitians, among others.”

On the humanitarian side, the US report also points to the assistance that the Government of Guyana has given to victims of violence and trafficking. To this end, it was noted that “Victims could receive shelter, food, training, and psychological therapy”.

The report also points to the efforts of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, which has funded transportation costs and police escorts for victims staying outside a shelter, as well as the granting of deportation relief to 135 foreign victims.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

7

WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

PARLIAMENT HAPPENINGS GuySuCo pays UNDER REVIEW almost $900M debts

Figueira replaces to Patterson as PAC Chair T

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PNU+AFC Coalition Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), following a vote at a meeting of the PAC on July 2, 2021.

During the meeting, Opposition MP, Ganesh Mahipaul, made a nomination and it seconded by MP David Patterson.

The new PAC Chair, in comments after the meeting, admitted that the PAC is far behind schedule with the work to be completed. “We have a lot of backlogs in work that we need to address,” he said.

Figueira replaces Patterson, the former Chair, who was removed as Chair, following a vote in the National Assembly, on June 15, 2021, just at around 5:32hours, after about five hours of debate.

The motion was tabled by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira. In her contribution,

the Minister recalled that Mr. Patterson was nominated and declared PAC Chairperson on December 28, 2020.

During the sixth meeting of the committee on February 1, 2021, following the exposure of findings of the Auditor General’s Report of 2016, Minister Teixeira had moved a motion calling for Mr. Patterson to resign as the PAC Chairman. Cognizant of those findings, Minister Teixeira said it was “inappropriate” for Patterson to continue as the Chairman.

But despite numerous instances of guidance from Mr. Sherlock Issacs, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Patterson refused to resign from the Committee. To compound matters, he had refused to allow the motion to be put to the vote and PAC meetings were cancelled as a result of the ensuing stalemate.

Minister Teixeira explained, “Mr. Speaker, worse yet, having not been satisfied that he hadn’t put the motion and we had to

put another motion on the agenda, the Chairperson deliberately refused to deal with the motion and went to all the other issues, even though we kept trying for the motion to be put to the vote. “…no Chairperson is so entrenched and entitled to the point that he or she cannot be removed; just like a government.

If a government can be removed, why not a Chair of a committee? This is logical, isn’t it?”

A subsequent motion

by Minister Teixeira for Mr. Patterson’s removal as Chairperson was asterisked by him meaning it was not to be dealt with.

Teixeira noted that Mr. Patterson was advised by both the Clerk and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Manzoor Nadir, that he did not possess the authority to asterisk a motion. In a letter to Mr. Patterson, the Speaker had also indicated to him that his actions were a “gross violation of the Standing Orders and tantamount to bullyism”.

Guyana supports OAS resolution condemning Nicaragua's jailing of potential presidential rivals

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uyana supported a majority vote at the Organisation of American States (OAS) to condemn the arrest of members of the political opposition and independent media in Nicaragua and to urge the current Nicaraguan government to implement necessary electoral reform measures to ensure the scheduled November 2021 elections are free and fair.

The vote, which took place on June 15, saw Guyana voting with 25 other OAS Member States on the resolution titled ‘The Situation in Nicaragua’.

The Permanent Council of OAS held a special virtual to address the situation in Nicaragua, at the request of the permanent missions of Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Peru, and the United States.

The resolution read that supporting members resolved to: “Express grave concern with the fact that the Government of Nicaragua has not implemented, as of May 2021, electoral reform measures consistent with applicable international standards to ensure the scheduled November 2021 elections are free and fair; unequivocally condemn the arrest, harassment, and arbitrary restrictions placed on presidential candidates, political parties, and independent media and to call for the immediate release of presidential candidates and all political prisoners; strongly urge the Government of Nicaragua to implement without delay legislative and other measures consistent with applicable international standards to promote transparent, free

and fair elections in November, including welcoming OAS and other international election observers; and continue monitoring the electoral process in Nicaragua, for its consideration and possible submission to the General Assembly.”

The resolution was adopted by a vote as follows: In Favor (26): Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela; Abstentions (5): Dominica, Honduras, Mexico, Argentina, Belize; Against (3): Bolivia, Nicaragua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

creditors, GAWU

he Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has been able to pay some $700 million to its trade creditors over the past nine months, according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sasenarine Singh.

In a publicized interview, Singh said the sugar company has managed to pay $175 million to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), honouring debts owed to credit unions in the industry.

“People who were not touch for months finally saw money and some of them were paid off. It’s a serious issue because some of these people thought that they would have never seen a dollar in their life, but GuySuCo was able to do it,” Mr. Singh explained.

Due to GuySuCo’s commitment to its 7,400 workers, a strategic plan was sought to ensure arrears owed to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) are paid.

During a media conference last November, Mr. Singh announced that the

sugar company had paid some $123 million to the NIS and was working to clear its backlog of about $475 million.

“We have already paid about four months of this year [2021] and every month going forward we are going to pay NIS. So yes, there is a back period that was inherited that we are working on simultaneously… and we will work aggressively,” the CEO said.

He said while the workers’ welfare is a priority of the corporation, the company is unable to provide a salary increase at this time. However, efforts will be made to ensure that workers’ medical benefits at the NIS are protected.

The CEO said the entity’s objectives are achievable, especially now since the new management remains committed to working with all stakeholders to change the strategy by which sugar is sold.

As part of plans to reform the sugar industry, GuySuCo intends to ease the produc-

tion of bulk sugar and focus on more value-added products. “This is where changing the sales mix from bulk sugar that were sold on the world market for between $320 to $350, to now selling package sugar at US $700,” he added.

Meanwhile, the CEO said GuySuCo has also started a programme which will ensure issues in the factories are addressed six months ahead of schedule.

He said plans are already being streamlined for the December out of crop season.

“Most of these specialised parts come from India, England, Mexico and Brazil.

We need to make sure that they are here. We are also changing some of these parts that were not changed in a decade. Right now, we have two million rollers coming from Columbia that will be changed in the Christmas season when we are out of crop,” the CEO stated.

Government’s financial investment in GuySuCo now stands at $10.5 billion since the taking office on August 2020.

8

WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

GECOM Chair rules…

Motions seeking dismissal of Lowenfield, Myers, Mingo to be debated T

he next statutory meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), scheduled for Tuesday, July 13, 2021, will see a debate on the three motions for dismissal of Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Election Officer, Roxanne Myers; and Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

The development follows a decision by GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, at GECOM’s meeting on Tuesday (July 6, 2021).

GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, in comments on the matter, said, “It is our contention that the Constitution allows the Commission

to treat with and deal with motions of this sort. In fact, we are constitutionally mandated to be the authority to do that and that there is no power in us to delegate such hearings.”

The trio is currently on annual leave pending the decision of the Commission.

All three are currently before the courts facing charges related to misconduct in public office.

The motions were supported by government-nominated GECOM Commissioners, Gunraj, Bibi Shaddick and Manoj Narayan.

The motion to dismiss Lowenfield was tabled by Gunraj and Shadick and list-

ed 20 grounds on which he should be dismissed. The Commissioners said that Lowenfield breached his functions, duties, responsibilities and obligations when he neglected to ensure due adherence and compliance with the statutory process outlined in Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), Chapter 1:03 by Mingo, who was under his direct supervision. Mingo, according to the Commissioners, failed to follow the stipulated process of adding up the Statements of Poll (SoPs) for his District and Lowenfield aided in his noncompliance. Lowenfield is accused of also breaching his

functions when he neglected to provide proper and lawful directions, instructions and guidance to the officers and employees of the Secretariat in the performance of their statutory duties during the process of the adding up of the votes recorded in the SoPs for Electoral District Four.

Myers is accused of aiding and abetting Lowenfield’s actions. In her case, the motion was submitted in the names of Shadick and Narayan. They argued that she also went out of her way to facilitate a meeting in a

GECOM facility by then Foreign Affairs Minister Karen Cummings where she threatened to revoke the accreditation of international observers. Myers’ order to have the Guyana Police Force remove Commissioner Gunraj and political party representatives from the GECOM Command Centre during the tabulation of the SOPs is also listed as one of the reasons she should be dismissed from her substantive post as DCEO. Meanwhile, Mingo is accused of discarding his oath of office and failing to act fairly and impartially or

legally in the discharge of his duties. The grounds for Mingo’s dismissal surround his tabulation of the SOPs in which he clearly manufactured numbers to reflect a win by the APNU+AFC Coalition. It also concerns his conduct and defiance of the court orders mandating that he follow the outlined statutory process to acquire his final tally of the SOPs. The three were informed of the motions by GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh, and were given until June 15, 2021 to respond to the allegations.

Hiring of electoral workers to be addressed as parts of reforms – Nandlall

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reas for reform include the process for employing electoral workers, according to Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

“Reform must be directed to the employment process and the quality and calibre of people who are considered for employment.

They must be able to withstand scrutiny and examination,” Nandlall said, over the weekend, as he engaged

members of the Diaspora in New York, at an event organised by the International Council for Democracy (ICD), on several issues.

This is critical, he explained, given that laws can be in place, but can be subject to perversion by persons. “The government had recognised that no matter what law you put, if you put a miscreant in the system, he will pervert the

law, no matter how clear it is,” Nandlall charged.

The Attorney General assured that the government’s responsibility is to protect the state and prevent a recurrence of what had transpired after the March 2, 2020 polls. As such, the PPP/C administration is committed to drive the electoral reform process – an inclusive process that will see (Turn to page 19)

9

WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Confidence in democracy, economy restored I

n under a year, the PPP/C Government, through its policies and programmes, has been able to restore confidence in the country’s democracy and economy, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The Head of State was at the time delivering a virtual address to the Town Hall Forum on Friday (July 2, 2021), organised by the International Center for Democracy (ICD), in Richmond Hill, Queens New York, where he also highlighted several major projects underway.

The President pointed to the development in the tourism and hospitality sector with the planned construction of two more internationally-branded hotels and the addition of several more before the end of the year.

He added that more than 40 projects have been approved for manufacturing

and fabrication, including a cement and asphalt plant, a large scale plantation farm and agro-processing facilities. Ali said, “We will see a new milk plant and the completion of a US$20M juice plant, corn and soya production to meet the full needs of our poultry sector.”

MASSIVE INVESTMENT President Ali said that these investments will be made by the local Private Sector and those in the Diaspora.

“The confidence in our economy in just ten months in a covid environment has seen increased growth in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction, wholesale and retail. In this covid environment, we are also managing a horrible flood that has affected the lives of tens of thousands of our Guyanese brothers and sis-

Gov’t to utilise local funds to realise major projects G

overnment will be utilising local funds to initiate critical projects, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The Head of State made this disclosure during his address at the official Sod Turning Ceremony of the Courtyard by Marriott, which will be built within the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) compound at Timehri.

He noted that this decision was taken at the most recent Cabinet meeting held yesterday. Ali said, “We have to invest so that the end result is the success of various projects and investments that is what is critical for us.

We are not going to wait as a Government; we have made a decision too on sometimes

loans that take too long—we are going to get the work started.”

As a result, he said that before the end of the year, the four-lane road from Mandela to Eccles will be completed, as well as the design, tender and hopefully awarding of the contract for the Eccles to Diamond bypass road, utilising local funds.

He added too that sometime in the second quarter of next year, the Government is hoping that the Ogle to Eccles leg of the new superhighway would also be completed before it continues onto Timehri.

President Ali emphasised that at every level, development must take place so that the success of investments can be realised.

ters, while we also had to deal with post-elections issues,” he said.

He added that the country’s revenue target at the first half of this year has surpassed its projection by $11.3M due to the growth in these sectors. The country has also witnessed a 100% improvement in the balance of payments deficit; they have also been able to stabilise reserve holdings and stabilise public debts to a sustainable level. He said, “We have seen great improvements in the labour market and increase in Government transfers that will see social goods being given to the people of our country.”

REMOVING THE TAX BURDEN He noted that, more importantly, the Government has been able to remove, in

an annualised manner, more than $50B of the tax burden that was imposed by the former government on the people of Guyana.

Ali said, “By the removal and reversal of those taxes, we have put back in the pockets of ordinary Guyanese more than $50B annually.” He said that his administration has also restarted tremendous investments in drainage and irrigation and infrastructure road works that will see the opening up of thousands of acres of agricultural land.

Government, he highlighted, is also supportive of aquaculture and large-scale agriculture investment.

On the education front, the President pointed to the investments made in the sector through the construction of 28 new schools, the scholarship programme and the injection of $4B in on-

line learning and community training and the printing of education materials during the pandemic to keep school children in a learning environment.

“So my dear brothers and sisters, I am pleased to tell you that we have started this journey and we intend to work every single day, harder than the previous day, to realise the dream of all of us; that is a better, more prosperous and fulfilling Guyana,” Ali said.

The President acknowledged and expressed appreciation for the sterling watchdog role and advocacy of the ICD in defending the people’s democratic rights prior to elections and during the elections impasse from March 2 to August 2 2020.

Ali said, “I wish, in this regard, to commend the efforts of forces at home and in the Diaspora, who stood

their ground and demanded the respect of the will of the electorate. The ICD was in the forefront of the Diaspora’s clamour for respect for the will of the people. I recall its statement of April 7 2020, when it insisted on the people of Guyana having a government that was democratically elected in a free, fair and transparent manner.”

Guyana, he stressed, owes a debt of gratitude to non-profit and non-partisan organisations in the Diaspora, such as the ICD. He added that it was the vigilance of democratic loving forces, their outspoken and principled stance, and their robust and sterling advocacy which allowed democracy to survive the brutal attempt of its suppression.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Honourable Anil Nandlall also spoke at the event.

Pfizer vaccine will go to children

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali promised to allocate all of the US COVID-19 vaccines to children, if the country receives Pfizer-BioNTech.

While speaking to the media, the Head of State said that he is optimistic that Guyana would benefit from vaccines from the US. “I can’t say what is coming, I know that we are in discussion at CARICOM with the US. The US has committed to giving vaccines to the region.”

The President said that although he is unsure about the amount, he is hopeful that it will “be substantial for Guyana”. He said, “What I can say is that once it is Pfizer, I can tell you this policy now, it will go to the children,

starting from 18 and below.”

In May, US President Joe Biden announced that he will share 80M vaccines with the rest of the world.

Last month he disclosed that of the first 25M tranches of doses to be sent overseas, 7M of those will go to Latin America and the Caribbean.

The White House had stated that the initial 25M doses will be shipped from existing federal stockpiles of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines.

Meanwhile, President Ali told reporters that he was extremely concerned about the news of children being infected with severe cases of the virus. He said, “Every single person that goes into

the hospital to me is alarming, especially children.”

He noted that although children are not as affected as older adults, many still suffer, especially those with underlying issues. He said that it will be a plus if the country receives the Pfizer vaccines to protect them all. Ali said, “Let us say that we get Pfizer through the US opportunity and we roll out Pfizer for those 18 and below and we can capture the whole cohort, population, for secondary schools that will be very good for us.”

According to the Ministry of Health, of the 20,000 plus COVID-19 cases in Guyana, almost 1600 have been chil-

dren under-14.

A US research from a 2000 plus sample size in 2020 had shown that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 100% effective in preventing the COVID-19 virus in children ages 12 through 15. In late 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed emergency use of the vaccine from age 16. This year the vaccine was given to children in the US from ages 12 to 15.

Further, WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) has concluded that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is suitable for use by people aged 12 years and above but that particular vaccine is not available in Guyana.

PPP/C gov’t committed to equipping Police Force

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nsuring that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is equipped with the necessary advanced tools and human resource training remains a priority for the PPP/C Administration.

And this commitment was reiterated by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his most recent address to ranks of the Force.

He contends that a stronger force would help to bolster the economic development that will revolutionise Guyana.

In outlining his vision for the Guyana Police Force at their annual Officer’s Conference held in March, the Commander-in-Chief had coined

the term “Smart policing”S.M.A.R.T: Systems, Manpower Attitude Reliability and Technology. He has repeated at numerous forums that technology is an important component in the overall process of repositioning, restructuring, rebranding, reorganising, retooling and repairing the force’s image and service delivery.

Ali’s comments were made during the Guyana Police Force’s Drum Head Church Service to commemorate the force’s 182nd anniversary, held at the Police Officers’ Mess Annexe, Eve Leary. The church service ended with a doxology and

benediction by Bishop Dr Raphael Massiah CCH, the officiating celebrant, followed by the un-piling of the drums signalling the end of the service. The Drum Head Service is a tactical method, arranging the drums requiring skills, poise, neatness and coordination. Being a paramilitary organisation, the GPF adopted this tradition among many others in existence. The regimental banners were substituted by the National Flag and the Police Flag, respectively.

The Drum Head Service is a precursor to a series of activities to commemorate the estab-

lishment of the police force on July 1, 1839. Then called the British Guiana Police Force, the entity started with 245 ranks. Today the institution has several thousand members at posts all over the country.

President Ali, who was accompanied by the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn and several hierarchies of the Joint Services. National Security Advisor, Captain Gerry Gouveia; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier Godfrey Bess; Acting Police Commissioner, Mr Nigel Hoppie and other high-ranking GPF officers were also in attendance.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Gov’t committed to sustainable development of indigenous communities - Tractors handed over to 30 communities is testament to election pledge

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he PPP/C Government’s commitment to ensuring that all indigenous communities across Guyana develop sustainably was stressed by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. He noted that this is a must in order to not only secure the livelihoods of Amerindians, but to put them in line with the development trajectory of the country.

His comments came during a handing-over ceremony of tractors to 30 indigenous communities in regions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 9.

The Head of State said that the tractors are the first batch of 112 that have been procured for community development. They are equipped with hydraulic trailers and implements to support agriculture. He said, “It is our vision to work with indigenous communities, hinterland communities, riverain communities to ensure sustainable development, to ensure sustainable livelihood, to ensure that you are part of the mainstream development of our country, and when we speak about sustainable development and sustainable livelihood it is not only about

the provision of goods and services, it is also about the transformation of our human resources, and our community as a whole.”

The President said that the handing over of the tractors to the communities is testament to his Government’s promise of ensuring that every commitment made during the election period is fulfilled.

Equipping the communities with the right tools, according to the President, is necessary to sustain their livelihoods, improve community services and advance their productive capacity.

“In advancing your productive capacity you need equipment, you need the tools, you need the technology, you need the knowledge, you need technical support so that we can move to different forms of agriculture, so that we can move to high value, sustainable crops, whilst at the same time, supporting the community economy.”

REBUILDING STRONGER AND MORE RESILIENT President Ali emphasised

that it is important to recognise that every move charted forward has to be done in a climate-resilient manner.

This, he said, is evident by the devastating effects of recent floods across the country.

He noted that during his visits to a number of riverine communities, he was pleased to hear that residents and leaders want to have settlements on higher grounds that will be akin to housing schemes. This will improve the efficiency of services to citizens while reducing costs.

Ali said, “This intervention comes at a critical juncture. The flood disaster has affected all of the country's 10 administrative regions. It has severely impacted our country's agricultural sector—hinterland agriculture has not been spared. Many interior communities have been affected by the floods, resulting in loss of produce, and the destruction of farmlands. In some communities, the availability of food remains perilous. We are however going to rebuild stronger and better. The agricultural sector remains vital to our

people's livelihood and I want to assure all farmers that we'll work with you to restore the sector.”

President Ali reminded that prior to the recent floods, hinterland agriculture was being supported by the Government. He said that going forward “we’ll fashion a plan to not only help in the recovery efforts but also ensure it becomes more resilient”.

ENHANCED EXTENSION SERVICES The Head of State also pointed out that food security has been impacted by the decline in non-traditional agriculture between 2015 and 2020. Production of non-traditional agriculture declined from 11,000 metric tons in 2015 to 9907 metric tons in 2020.

The President said that this was also compounded by a decline in agro-processing, and as a result, a number of initiatives are being undertaken to remedy this. He said that the system of extension services is being revamped to become fit for purpose.

“Funding is being pro-

vided to support hinterland agriculture. Tillage and transportation are being improved. We are committed to revitalising agricultural extension services to our hinterland communities.

We are boosting the capabilities of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, to improve and to enhance the provision of extension services,” he said.

The President said that these enhanced and extended services will allow for the Government to work closely with farmers in addressing their needs and concerns in boosting production and productivity.

Ali said, “We are committed also to ensuring that farmers, affected by the recent floods, receive planting materials and breeding stock. The horticultural station at Hosororo and Santa Rosa Moruca will allow for the availability of planting materials for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, roots, and tubers. Germplasm banks are being established in Kato and Monkey Mountain. In addition, selected

farmers will be identified for contract breeding of pigs, poultry, and small and large ruminants and these will be made accessible to farmers.”

President Ali added that while the rebuilding of hinterland agriculture will require the injection of considerable financing, funding is currently being pursued aggressively to support the development.

The 30 tractors were handed over to the communities of Haimacabra, Santa Cruz, Karaburi, White Water, Santa Rosa, Waramuri, Four Miles, Barabina, Bumbury Hill and Kamwatta (Moruca) in Region One; Bethany, Wakapoa, St Denys and Mashabo in Region Two; St Cuthbert’s Mission in Region Four; Moraikobai in Region Five; Orealla and Siparuta in Region Six; and Moco Moco, Yakarinta, Annai Central, Wowetta, Rupertee, Fairview, Kwaimatta, Quiko, Kwatamang, Potarinau, Quatata and Quarrie in Region Nine.

The procurement of the tractors cost $446M.

Comprehensive, post-flood Guyana/US relations strong and valuable package for every affected T community W

ork on devising a comprehensive post-flood package, which will be delivered to every flood-affected community, is ongoing according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. “We are now working on a comprehensive investment package, a post-flood package that would be delivered to every community in every region that has been affected by the floods,” Ali said, noting that this is in addition to resources being transferred to the communities at the end of last year, He reiterated that the Government is committed to ensuring that farmers get back to their lands, and will continue working with them and the sector to restore its productivity. This commitment, he noted, will be further enhanced with the recently-approved $10B

supplementary provision.

The President also explained that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) is finalising a report to show the real value, in terms of dollars, of the destruction and displacement caused by the recent floods across the country. When the assessment is completed, the Government will reorganise and reprioritise expenditure to target the most severely affected communities and farmers to bring direct benefits. He said, “So I want to assure you and farmers all across the country, and this is not only for farmers, the assessment will also cover households, small businesses and community losses. As you're aware, the infrastructure in many communities have been severely affected, the mining sector,

forestry sector have all been severely affected, so we are now completing that assessment and on the completion, those investments will have to be made. So today, as we deliver on this promise I assure you that better days are ahead, more vibrant days are ahead.”

President Ali also reiterated that the Government is committed to working with residents from the communities on developing strategies, plans and projects that will directly address the needs and priorities of the respective communities.

He stressed that such plans and programmes cannot be developed “in a back office of any ministry” but must be developed with collaboration from the people and leaders in the communities so that ownership can be created.

he relationship between Guyana and the United States of America remains strong and valuable, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who pointed to greater partnerships between the two nations moving forward.

The Commander in Chief and several senior members of his Government, including the Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, joined the United States Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch and other members of the US Embassy for a special 245-year celebration of the Declaration of Independence.

President Ali, who delivered the feature address at the Ambassador’s residence, said that the US and Guyana were friends, who share a strong relationship. “That is what Guyana and the United States share, a strong, healthy, respectful and valuable relationship,” he said.

He also wished his US counterpart President Joseph Biden good health and personal well-being and credited him for his progressive policies in climate change. The US’s decision made earlier this year

to rejoin the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was commended and Mr Biden’s plan to reduce greenhouse emissions by 50% by the year 2030 along with other critical developmental policies were applauded.

The President said, “Guyana looks forward to working closely with the Government of the United States, to build a more resilient and sustainable post-COVID-19 future” and to combat and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

Achievements of the Guyanese Diaspora were also highlighted and the President noted that many have contributed to aspects of development within the US. Ali said, “The recent co-naming of the corner of Liberty Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard of Liberty Avenue in Queens, New York to ‘Little Guyana,’ is both recognition and an acknowledgement of the contributions which Guyanese have made to the development of the State of New York. Guyanese have also distinguished themselves and contributed to the development of other parts of the United States.”

The Head of State also acknowledged the role that

the US played in safeguarding Guyana’s democracy during the 2020 national election and expressed his gratitude for support at the territorial level. “We look forward to the continued support of the United States in safeguarding our democracy and our territorial integrity,” Ali said.

Last month’s collaboration between the US, Guyana and several other nations within the region and further afield in Operations Tradewind 2021 was also mentioned.

The President said that the tactical exercise was a “demonstration of our shared commitment to partnership in the face of shared challenges, and in pursuit of common goals”.

Credit was also given to the US Ambassador for her veracity and impartiality. “We must celebrate the relationship between the United States Embassy here in Guyana led so well by Ambassador Sarah Ann-Lynch and the Government and people of Guyana.

We want to thank you for your strong, resilient and faithful leadership…one in which you have lead with great integrity,” the Head of State declared.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Haitians awake to uncertainty after presidential assassination (REUTERS) Haitians awoke to uncertainty on Thursday (July 8, 2021), awaiting the outcome of a gunbattle between police and a hit squad that assassinated President Jovenel Moise, while politicians argued over who should assume the leadership of the violence-wracked country.

Moise, 53, was shot dead early on Wednesday (July 7, 2021) at his home by a commando of trained killers, pitching the poorest country in the Americas deeper into chaos amidst deep political divisions, hunger and widespread gang violence.

Haiti's police and army managed to track down and encircle the presumed assassins, who included foreign

mercenaries, and were engaged in a fierce battle with them late on Wednesday night, officials said.

They had so far killed four suspects, apprehended two and freed three police officers taken hostage.

"The police are still in combat with these assailants," Police General Director Leon Charles said in televised comments late on Wednesday, as gunshots rang through the capital.

The sprawling capital on the shores of the Caribbean appeared calm on Thursday morning as police prowled the streets in the Pelerin neighborhood where a standoff with the remaining gunmen continued, a Reuters witness said.

Moise's death has generated confusion now about who is the legitimate leader of the country of 11 million people, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic.

That does not bode well in a nation that has struggled to achieve stability since the fall of the Duvalier dynastic dictatorship in 1986, grappling with a series of coups and foreign interventions.

"I can picture a scenario under which there are issues regarding to whom the armed forces and national police are loyal, in the case there are rival claims to being placeholder president of the country," said Ryan Berg, an analyst with the Center for Strategic & Inter-

national Studies (CSIS).

The 1987 constitution stipulates the head of the supreme court should take over. Meanwhile, amendments that are not unanimously recognized stipulate it be the prime minister, or, in the last year of a president's mandate - like in the case of Moise - the parliament should elect a president.

Adding further complications: the head of the supreme court died last month due to COVID-19 amid a surge in infections in one of the few countries worldwide to have yet to start a vaccination campaign.

There is no sitting parliament as Haiti failed to hold legislative elections

in late 2019 amid political unrest. And Moise had just this week appointed a new prime minister, Ariel Henry, to take over from interim prime minister Claude Joseph, although he had yet to be sworn in when the president was killed.

Joseph appeared on Wednesday (July 7, 2021) to take charge of the situation, running the government response to the assassination, appealing to foreign governments for support and declaring a state of emergency.

Henry, however, told Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste that he did not consider Joseph the legitimate prime minister anymore and he should revert to the role of foreign minister.

"I think we need to speak. Claude was supposed to stay in the government I was going to have," Henry was quoted as saying.

The Dominican Republic said on Wednesday (July 7, 2021) it was closing its border with Haiti and bolstering security amid fears of a breakdown in order in the country.

The United Nations Security Council was due to hold a closed-door meeting on the situation in Haiti on Thursday.

A U.N. peacekeeping mission - meant to restore order after a rebellion toppled then-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in 2004 - ended in 2019 with the country still in disarray.

Political assassination Violence undermines has no place in the democracy, not the way contemporary Caribbean [Statement of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, on the assassination of His Excellency Jovenel Moïse, President of the Republic of Haiti]

I

am shocked and stunned by the tragic news of the assassination of the President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency Jovenel Moïse. This horrific act is a tragedy for both Haiti and the Caribbean.

Those responsible for this indefensible and cowardly execution must be brought swiftly to justice.

Political assassination has no place in the contemporary Caribbean. It

solves nothing nor resolves anything. Such murderous actions are repugnant to the values of the regional integration movement and incompatible with democratic values and constitutional rule.

The assassination of President Moïse compounds the already disquieting political and constitutional crisis in Haiti. Guyana will continue to work with the Caribbean Community in

seeking to engage with Haiti in order to ensure peace and stability.

On behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, and on my own behalf, I extend deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Republic of Haiti and to the wife and family of President Moïse.

I ask all Guyanese to pay respectful homage to the memory of the late President. (July 7, 2021)

Security of all people must be ensured T (United Nations Security Council Press Statement on Haiti)

he members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the assassination of the President of Haiti Jovenel Moïse. They expressed their condolences to his family and to the Haitian people and called for the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime to be swiftly brought to justice.

The members of the Security Council made an

emphatic call on all political stakeholders in Haiti to refrain from any acts of violence and any incitement to violence. The members of the Security Council called on all parties to remain calm, exercise restraint and to avoid any act that could contribute to further instability, and expressed their steadfast support for dialogue.

The members of the Se-

curity Council affirmed their determination to monitor the ongoing situation in Haiti and reiterated the essential need to respect the rule of law and to ensure the security of all people and UN operations.

The members of the Security Council expressed their continued solidarity with the people of Haiti. (7 July 2021)

differences are settled

[STATEMENT BY HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY ON ASSASSINATION OF HAITIAN PRESIDENT JOVENEL MOISE]

T

he Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met in a Special Emergency Session on Wednesday, 7 July, in the wake of the assassination of the President of Haiti.

The Heads of Government are shocked and saddened by the assassination of a member of the CARICOM family, His Excellency Jovenel Moise, during the early hours of 7 July 2021.

They are concerned by the condition of his wife, the First Lady, Her Excellency Martine Moise, who was gravely wounded in the attack, and wish her a full and speedy recovery.

Heads of Government strongly condemn this abhorrent and reprehensible act

that comes at a time of deep turmoil and institutional weakness in the country.

They called for the perpetrators to be apprehended and brought to justice, and for law and order to prevail.

In accordance with its values, as expressed in its Charter of Civil Society, the Caribbean Community does not settle its differences by violence which undermines democracy and the rule of law, but peacefully through dialogue and recourse to democratic institutions.

In light of Haiti’s Membership of CARICOM and the family ties that bind the people of Haiti and CARICOM together, CARICOM expresses its willingness to play a lead role in facilitating a process of national

dialogue and negotiation to help the Haitian people and their institutions to craft an indigenous solution to the crisis.

They call on the people of Haiti to remain calm, and to overcome their differences and unite at this moment of national peril.

Heads of Government extend condolences to the family of President Moise, and the Government and People of Haiti.

As a mark of respect, the Member States of the Community and the CARICOM Secretariat will fly their national flags and the CARICOM Standard at half-mast for three days beginning immediately, as well as on the day of the funeral. (July 7, 2021)

Guyana’s flag on Government buildings to be flown at half-staff

P

resident Dr. Irfaan Ali has declared that as a show of respect for the late President of Haiti, His Excellency Jovenel Moïse, national flags at all Government Ministries, Agencies, and Institutions, will be flown at half-staff.

The Golden Arrowhead was flown at half-staff on Wednesday and Thursday.

The same will happen today, Friday, and on the day of the funeral of the late Head of State. That date is yet to be announced.

Other CARICOM member states have agreed to do the same.

President Moïse was assassinated in the early hours of Wednesday (July 7, 2021) morning at his home.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Communiqué issued at conclusion of th Conference of Heads of Government of th T

he Forty-Second Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held virtually on 5-6 July 2021. Chair of the Conference, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Gaston Browne presided over the proceedings.

Other Members of the Conference in attendance were: Prime Minister of The Bahamas, the Rt Honourable Dr. Hubert Minnis; Prime Minister of Barbados, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C; MP; Prime Minister of Belize, Honourable John Briceño; Prime Minister of Dominica, Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit; Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Rt. Honourable Keith Mitchell; President of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness; Premier of Montserrat, Honourable Easton Taylor-Farrell; Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris; Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves; President of Suriname, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi; and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley.

Saint Lucia was represented by Ambassador to the Caribbean Community Her Excellency Elma-Gene Isaac.

Associate Members in attendance were: Bermuda represented by Deputy Premier Honourable David Burt; Cayman Islands represented

by Premier the Honourable G. Wayne Panton; and the Turks and Caicos Islands represented

by Premier the Honourable Charles Missick. British Virgin Islands was represented by Deputy Premier, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley.

OPENING CEREMONY Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, immediate past Chair Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Chair of Conference the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda addressed the Opening Session.

The speakers all addressed concerns about the on-going COVID-19 Pandemic in particular the inadequate supplies of vaccines and the risk to lives and livelihoods of not being inoculated. They also expressed solidarity with the Member States which had been affected by recent natural disasters.

The Heads of Government and the Secretary-General welcomed the incoming Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett who assumes office on August 15, 2021.

The Secretary-General, speaking at his last Regular Meeting of the Conference, thanked the Heads of Government for their support during his tenure and expressed his pride at being allowed to serve the Community.

Both Heads of Government praised the Secretary-General for his achievements during his tenure and spoke highly of his performance particularly during the difficult time which the Region has been experiencing.

THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN HAITI Heads of Government received a report on the situation in Haiti from the Expert Group which they established at the 32nd Intersessional Meeting in February 2021.

NATURAL DISASTERS Heads of Government received an update on the situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines in the aftermath of the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano and the recent flooding in Guyana and Suriname. They also received a report from the countries affected by the recent passage of Hurricane Elsa, in particular Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Heads of Government expressed their solidarity with the

affected states.

They reiterated that the need for strengthening resilience was a central theme for Member States in view of the Region’s complex multi-hazard environment.

Heads of Government noted that the 2021 hurricane season has already commenced with an expected eighteen named storms of which eight are forecast to become hurricanes and four major hurricanes.

Heads of Government recognised the critical role that regional institutions have played and continue to play in the response to regional emergency events. In that regard they commended the sterling work of the Seismic Research Centre of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) in providing timely and accurate scientific advice to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with respect to the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano.

Heads of Government expressed appreciation to the Region’s development partners for the financial and technical support which continues to be provided to the Regional Response Mechanism led by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) in support of Member States.

Heads of Government agreed to lobby development partners

for continued support in view of the ongoing response and the requirements for recovery going forward.

COVID-19 Heads of Government considered a range of issues emanating from a report by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) on the situation with respect to the COVID-19 virus. The most critical of these was the continuing need for equitable access to vaccines as well as how to treat with the emerging COVID variants.

They expressed their determination for the Region to achieve herd immunity of 80 per cent coverage before the end of 2021 and, to this end, agreed to redouble their efforts to acquire adequate supplies of vaccines.

Heads of Government expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, CARPHA, and the CARICOM Secretariat for the work undertaken to acquire vaccines.

Heads of Government further expressed appreciation to the Governments of Third States, Regional Organisations and the community of International Development Partners (IDPs) for their financial support and donations of vaccines to the Caribbean Community.

Heads of Government thanked the United States of America for its offer of vaccines and looked forward to a speedy conclusion to the negotiations for their delivery.

Heads of Government agreed that equity of access to COVID-19 vaccines is still of utmost importance to CARICOM Member States and as such efforts to achieve same should be pursued with PAHO/WHO, Third States, and the Facilitation

Council for the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator to address this matter.

Heads of Government mandated the CARICOM Secretariat to continue to collaborate with CARPHA, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), regional nursing, medical and allied health professional bodies and institutions, to identify strategies and policy guidelines to address vaccine hesitancy, using an evidence-based approach.

Heads of Government urged that employees co-operate with employers to ensure a safe working environment either through vaccination or regular testing.

Heads of Government emphasised the importance of citizens being inoculated so that Member States could achieve herd immunity, recognising that no one is safe until everyone is safe.

They also mandated the CARICOM Secretariat to mobilize resources to support the implementation of communication and other initiatives to address vaccine hesitancy at the regional and national levels.

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE Heads of Government recognised that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a silently expanding global threat with potentially devastating health, social and economic impacts for the Region.

Heads of Government noted that AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time making manageable infections harder to treat with existing medicines, therefore increasing the risk of disease spreads, severe illness and death.

Heads of Government also recognised that the economic impact of uncontrolled AMR would be catastrophic as it places sustainable food production and safety at risk. They further noted that environmental conditions affect disease transmission and that AMR and climate change are inextricably linked and can severely impact the tourism and travel sector.

In response to the challenge, Heads of Government agreed to establish multi-sectoral AMR national action plans in line with the One Health approach including integrated AMR surveillance systems for the human, animal, plant and environmental sectors.

CSME Heads of Government recognised that the implementation of the CSME requires the commitment of each Member State.

They also recognised the importance of the internal mechanisms including strengthened governance and accountability structures in Member States for effective implementation.

Heads of Government agreed that all Member States would commit to enhanced public education programmes to better inform stakeholders of the benefits of the CSME. Heads of Government issued a Declaration on the CSME which is attached.

CARICOM DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF) Heads of Government welcomed the appointment of Mr. Wendell Samuel of St Vincent and the Grenadines as Chair of the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF).

TOURISM Heads of Government, recognising the need to re-open economies while balancing the health and economic livelihood of Community Nationals, agreed that new protocols for health, safety, visitor management and sanitization measures were of utmost importance in encouraging the resuscitation of the sector.

Heads of Government received the first report on a Draft Joint Tourism Policy for CARICOM: COVID-19 Emergency Plan for the period Q3 2021 to Q4 2022 prepared by the Interim Tourism Working Group (ITWG) which they established earlier this year.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

he Forty Second Regular Meeting of the he Caribbean Community (5-6 July 2021) Security (IMPACS). They expressed concern at the new challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

REVIVAL OF REGIONAL AIR TRANSPORT POST-COVID Heads of Government noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated the tourism sector and regional air transport.

They mandated the Secretariat to compile a list of fees and taxes which are applicable at the Region’s airports and agreed to the convening of a Special Meeting of the Conference during the week of 12 July 2021 for urgent discussions on the matter of travel taxes.

Heads of Government also agreed to request the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to provide technical support for this effort.

They endorsed the recommendations of the Group with respect to building the COVID-19 Health Safety Risk Resilience and enhancing CARICOM Destination Capacity among others.

Heads of Government agreed to consider proposals to reduce taxes on intra-regional travel for a pilot period of six months.

Heads of Government agreed to consider the use of a Vaccination Passport for vaccinated persons travelling by air and sea, supported by a Digital Vaccination Database, possibly based on the Barbados model in the first instance.

Heads of Government also agreed to consider proposals to create a regional travel bubble for a pilot period of six months taking account of previous lessons learnt.

Heads of Government further agreed on the need for further consultation on the development of a harmonised Policy for cruise ships covering both vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.

In this regard, Heads of Government mandated the CARICOM Secretariat, in collaboration with CARPHA and other relevant regional security agencies to convene a high-level meeting with cruise lines to agree on the minimum health and safety requirement for the resumption of cruise sailing in the Caribbean.

Heads of Government commended the work of the ITWG comprising representatives from the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the CARICOM Secretariat, the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the Governments of The Bahamas, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia.

FOOD PRODUCTION AND FOOD SECURITY Heads of Government considered an update from the Lead Head of Government responsible for Agriculture; Agricultural Diversification and Food Security in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, His Excellency Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana on the work of the Special Ministerial Taskforce (MTF) on Food Production and Food Security established at the Thirty-Second Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.

Heads of Government welcomed the actions so far taken to advance the CARICOM agri-food systems agenda, including agreement by the Taskforce on terms of reference, an implementation plan, and on priority commodities for heightened investment by the regional private sector.

In that regard, Heads of Government welcomed the recent engagement of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy with the Special Ministerial Taskforce and the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation Inc. (CPSO), and agreed that priority attention be accorded to the determination of the quantum of investment required and the attendant implementation timelines.

Heads of Government also received an initial presentation on transport and logistics aspects and agreed that priority attention be given to proposals to incentivise private sector partnership in addressing transport and logistics requirements for implementation of the agri-food systems agenda and to inviting expressions of interest in this regard.

SINGLE ICT SPACE - ROAMING CHARGES Heads of Government welcomed the Report on the outcome

of the initial engagement with the two principal telecommunications providers in the Region on the issue of the elimination of roaming charges in the Region.

Heads of Government endorsed the Governance Framework and the composition of the Negotiation Team led by Mr. Selby Wilson of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and also endorsed the projected timelines and action proposed in relation to the negotiations.

TAX TRANSPARENCY, BLACKLISTING AND DE-RISKING Heads of Government stressed that the blacklisting and de-risking phenomena remain as serious threats to the economic security of CARICOM Member States.

Heads of Government acknowledged the excessive economic pressure exerted on CARICOM States by the European Union through the continuous inclusion of several Member States on blacklists with respect to non-cooperative tax jurisdictions and High Risk Third Countries with Strategic Anti-Money Laundering / Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/ CFT) Deficiencies.

Heads of Government considered issues concerning the recently announced decision by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for a minimum global corporate tax rate and agreed to meet in special session before the end of July to discuss this matter.

Heads of Government welcomed the efforts of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to facilitate a more transparent, inclusive and mutually beneficial relationship through dialogue and consultation within the framework of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement which links members of the OACPS to the EU. Heads of Government while recognising that the US Anti-Money Laundering Law (AMLA) 2020, enacted on 1 January 2021, presents a more structured risk-based approach to the conduct of correspondent banking relations, noted that it can potentially worsen the regulatory landscape for CARICOM banks.

Heads of Government further agreed to continue efforts to strengthen their AML-CFT frameworks and will pursue a more effective engagement with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)/Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and other standard setting bodies towards this end.

ENGAGEMENT WITH PRIVATE SECTOR, LABOUR AND CIVIL SOCIETY Heads of Government engaged with representatives of the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation and the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) on behalf of civil society.

Heads of Government noted the presentations of the two organisations and the issues raised in their statements including the impact of and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heads of Government urged them as leaders in civil society to assist in the drive for the Region’s citizens to be inoculated against the COVID-19 virus for the Community to achieve herd immunity.

CRIME AND SECURITY Heads of Government received a confidential security brief from the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and

BORDER ISSUES Belize-Guatemala Relations Heads of Government received an update on the progress of Guatemala’s Territorial, Insular and Maritime Claim (Guatemala/Belize) at the International Court of Justice.

They expressed concern that the undertaking by both countries and the Organization of American States (OAS) to engage in the design and development of a mechanism of co-operation for the Sarstoon River remains outstanding and urged both countries and the OAS to reinvigorate their efforts to this end.

Heads of Government also urged Belize, Guatemala and the OAS to continue implementing fully the existing Confidence Building Measures. They expressed support for the crucial role of the OAS in the process aimed at resolving the dispute, arising from Guatemala’s claims on Belize; and further called on the international community to continue supporting the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.

Heads of Government reaffirmed their unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Belize.

GUYANA-VENEZUELA RELATIONS Heads of Government received an update on the most recent developments in the controversy between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

They noted that Guyana had begun to prepare its Memorial for submission on 8 March 2022 in accordance with the schedule set by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to hear the case on the merits of Guyana’s application concerning the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 and the related question of the definitive settlement of the land boundary between the two countries.

Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the ongoing judicial process that is intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the long-standing controversy between the two countries and urged Venezuela to participate in the process.

Heads of Government reaffirmed their firm and unwavering support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

UPDATE ON COMMISSION OF INQUIRY IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Heads of Government reiterated support for the Government and People of the British Virgin Islands and agreed to issue the attached statement.

INSTRUMENTS FOR ADOPTION AND SIGNATURE Recalling the decision taken at its Eighteenth Special Meeting to amend the definition of CARICOM national in Article 32(5) (ii) of the Revised Treaty to make it clear that paragraph 5(ii) applied to Montserrat only, Heads of Government adopted the Protocol to amend Article 32 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

Antigua and Barbuda and Montserrat signed the Protocol.

CARIBBEAN REGIONAL POST-COTONOU DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION PROGRAMMING Heads of Government endorsed the priorities for Caribbean Regional Post-Cotonou Programming, identified by the Council of Ministers of CARIFORUM. Heads of Government agreed to expand the priorities to include Transportation and Health.

Heads of Government also agreed that CARIFORUM internal consultations and dialogue between CARIFORUM (Turn to page 18) and the European Union (EU) on

14

WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Remembering Michael Forde J

uly 17th marks the death anniversary of Michael Forde, who made a significant contribution to Guyana’s fight for freedom and democracy. Forde was a 22-yearold Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) activist and was one of the leaders of the historic Freedom Marches in February of 1964. He was killed that same year.

On the morning of Friday July 17, 1964, the then Premier of British Guiana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan and the leaders of the two main opposition parties, Mr. L.F.S Burnham and Mr. Peter D’Aguiar, were locked in a peace bid conference at the Premier’s office when a lethal bomb exploded at PPP headquarters, Freedom House.

Reports from the daily newspapers of the day, recorded that the explosion, which rocked the heart of Georgetown, went off at about 10:45 a.m. The force of the explosion dismembered Michael Forde, sent an old house crashing to the ground and smashed glass windows at the nearby Metropole Cinema. The eastern portion of Freedom House and furniture in the building were also damaged. The windscreens of cars parked in the area were also shattered.

The death of Forde in the explosion was the second in the Forde family that week.

His father had died on the previous Sunday. His elder brother, Kenneth, who was at the scene of the explosion, declared, “I told him about this party life”. He then burst into tears and was taken away from where his brother’s body lay by a policeman.

It was reported to the police that a young man went into the Progressive Bookshop, housed in the Freedom House building with a small carton. He placed the box on a bookshelf, purchased a book and without waiting for his change, hurriedly left the shop leaving his box behind.

Seconds after the man had left, Forde, an employee, called out to the manager, Miss Euna Mulzack, an American citizen residing in the country, and informed her that the young man left hurriedly without collecting his change and also left a box behind.

Becoming suspicious, she told him to throw the box out of the building. Forde responded and was rushing through the eastern side door of the shop when there was an explosion. The lower part of Forde’s left hand was hurled some 50 yards away back of the pit entrance of the Metropole Cinema. His

mutilated body was found face upward lying across the entrance of Freedom House with just strips of clothing dangling around his waist.

At the time of the explosion there were around 40 persons in Freedom House, some of whom were injured.

Among the wounded were Mrs. Mary Nunes, wife of Minister of Education Mr. Cedric Nunes, Mrs. Patricia Christian, Miss Euna Mulzack, with a damaged eye and Miss Bispat with a suspected fractured spine. The Premier’s wife, Mrs. Janet Jagan, the then General Secretary of the PPP, escaped with slight injuries to her hands.

Mrs. Jagan, who was in

the PPP and thus prevent its functioning, but to destroy the lives of the leaders and activists of the PPP who work at Freedom House. It is now known that a man came to the Progressive Book store on the lower flat of Freedom House, purchased a book, did not wait for the change and left a parcel on a chair.

Due to the quick thinking and brave action of the employees, Michael Forde and of the manager, the parcel was taken out of the shop; Michael Forde was killed when the time bomb exploded.

It was due to his quick and brave action that the lives of some 40 persons were saved.

It was also due to the clear di-

present crisis. The work of the PPP goes uninterrupted, despite the dastardly efforts to curtail its activities. Volunteers immediately offered help to clear the debris and rebuild the destroyed parts of the building. In the spirit of the PPP, our work goes on as usual. Neither dynamite bombs nor death will deter the party from its goal of seeking a peaceful solution to the problems of Guyana.”

The police investigation into the death of Forde resulted in charges being laid

the office speaking on the telephone when the explosion occurred, had said: “Everything happened so quickly.

I ran out of my office to find people weeping and bleeding.

I decided to rush them to the hospital while I asked a party comrade to summon the police. On my way out I passed the body of a young man lying across the entrance. I later learnt that it was our devoted and reliable comrade Michael Forde….he was a hero. There were about 36 people in the building at the time, about 21 of them on the third floor.

All of us could have died had he not the courage to rush out with the box.”

In a statement the following day, Mrs. Jagan had said: “A grim and determined effort by some elements in the opposition had been made to destroy FH headquarters of the PPP. Since 1962, Freedom House has been the target of those opposed to the PPP and three efforts were made that year to destroy that building. It is believed that the perpetrators of the bombing were seeking not only to destroy the symbol of

rections of the Manager that two men, who were coming out of Freedom House, were saved from certain death.

Unfortunately, they suffered serious injuries. The PPP wishes to place on record its appreciation of a gallant and devoted member who gave his life to save others.

Michael Forde was a trustworthy and respected member who had for long devoted

his services to the members of the party and particularly by the youths who held him in high esteem. It is significant that the bombings at Freedom House and Gimpex, which were carefully timed, took place at the same time that the leaders of the three parties were meeting at the Premier’s office. We believe that the intention was to prevent any action which might lead to a solution of the

against Emanuel Fairbairn.

On August 10, 1964 Emanuel Fairbairn aka Batson gave the following signed statement to the police. “On Friday the 17th July, 1964 at 10:30 a.m., I received a parcel bomb from one Clive Wilson of East La Penitence Housing Scheme at Congress Place, Camp St. Georgetown.

He told me to carry it to Freedom House at Robb St.,

Georgetown. One George Roberts was with me when Clive Wilson gave me the bomb. This George Roberts belongs to Ann’s Grove, carried the parcel bomb on a bicycle and went into the book shop at Freedom, Robb St., met some people in the book shop and I took down some books and looked at them. I had the parcel bomb with me and I put it on the counter in the book shop. I bought a book for 5¢ and paid a woman there with $1 note.

I went away with the book and my change I rode away to Camp St., and when I was opposite Congress Place the bomb go off”.

Mr. L.F.S Burnham and Mr. Desmond Hoyte, among other prominent lawyers, represented the persons accused of the actions that led to the death of Michael Forde from August 1964 until December 1964, when the People’s National Congress took over government and Burnham became Premier of then British Guiana.

Michael Forde, a former national council member of the PYO, was buried on Guiana’s national day of mourning and reconciliation.

The last rites of Michael Forde were performed in an atmosphere of respect, although among the hundreds of curious spectators there were a number of antagonists, who booed and handclapped in an obvious attempt to stir up opposition and provoke disorder and disrespect for the dead. It was also noted that as hundreds looked on reverently, some opposition hooligans shouted vile abuse.

The Progressive Bookshop has since been renamed the ‘Michael Forde Bookshop’ in honour of the fallen comrade.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Teixeira takes Granger to task for politicising floods P

eople’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) leader and former president, David Granger, was taken to task by the PPP/C’s Gail Teixeira, for using the countrywide flooding as a political tool.

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance said, “Mr. Granger has emerged from his somnambulistic trance…the flood began and it is a natural disaster that has affected many families; affected the economy; affected agriculture and mining sectors; affected people’s contracts; it is a natural disaster, and to try to make political mileage out of it is unacceptable.”

Granger in his comments on the flooding called for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI)

into the disaster and charged that the PPP/C government too long to acknowledge and respond appropriately to the disaster.

In response, Teixeira said, “Typical to the way in which Mr. Granger has operated – how does he wish to solve the problem? His answer is absolutely predictable. What is it? It is another Commission of Inquiry….this call, instead of offering to assist, as a former president, the farmers and miners who are still affected by the floods… instead of Mr. Granger calling for a Commission of Inquiry, he should be looking at in what way he, as a former president, can support the efforts of the Civil Defence Commission…there are still

areas under water…. In the period of this disaster it is a hands-on approach…Mr. Granger is ignoring the plight of the people.”

According to her, Granger’s attack on the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which has been working assiduously in flood relief efforts, is unconscionable. She noted that so far, some 62,574 food and 25,440 cleaning hampers were distributed by the CDC, with the support of several non-governmental organisations. The Minister noted that the CDC is also manning shelters for those in need.

The Minister said, “Mr. Granger is trying to use the floods in a cheap way to attack…this is a natural di-

saster…the fact is that in this period, there has been mobilization and support by the Government, by President himself, and by Ministers in

the field….in this phase now, we are in recovery….it is unfortunate that Mr. Granger continues to live in a cocoon, not knowing what is going on in our society.”

Teixeira charged that Granger, while quick to comment on the issue of flooding, is still to answer for the five years of suffering under his leadership. “Mr. Granger needs to be reminded that under his five years, all Guyanese suffered,” she said, pointing to a range of issues – from widespread drug shortages to the imposition of over 200 new taxes and fees.

Since the floods began, the President Dr. Irfaan Ali-

led government has advanced comprehensive outreaches and assessment visits to almost all of the heavily flooded communities across the country. PPP/C Cabinet Members were also on the ground leading efforts to distribute relief hampers and engaging residents on their needs and expectations as the disaster response continues.

Supplementary funding of $10B was also taken to the Parliament for approval and the monies will be used to support relief, rebuilding and recovery efforts.

The national disaster as affected over 51, 000 households across the country.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Nabaclis WUA gets support

A

tractor-driven pump was handed over to the Nabaclis Water Users Association (WUA) to assist with boosting agriculture production in the village. The pump was procured at a cost of $1,100,000.

During a visit to the village last November, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, committed to assisting farmers with resuscitating agriculture in the villages of Nabaclis, Victoria, and Golden Grove. Farmers who attended the initial meeting told the Minister that the area was once known for its agriculture production and sought his assistance with returning to the land.

After listening to those requests, Minister Mustapha told the farmers that he would

make the necessary resources available to assist them with stimulating farming in the villages. He assured residents that his ministry has been working to fulfill all of the requests made by farmers. The Minister said, “When farmers make requests for works to be done, whether it be the clearing of drains and canals, the rehabilitation of critical structures, or the installation of tubes or pumps, I try my best to have those requests satisfied. After becoming Minister of Agriculture, I visited the area and farmers made several requests. I want to assure you that we’ve been working with the farmers and those requests have been met and satisfied. Our officers from NAREI and GLDA have been working with you.

The NDIA has also done a number of works to have drains cleaned and now I am here again to hand over this tractor-driven pump to further assist you with your production. As a government, we have a responsibility to work with all citizens, and I

want to assure you that communities like yours will not be left out of development.”

Farmers present also appealed to Minister Mustapha for improved infrastructure.

Residents also asked the Minister to engage the Minister of Public Works and have him

conduct a site visit to assess the state of the roads in the area. After listening to the farmers’ requests, Minister Mustapha invited them to visit his office to discuss all the agriculture needs in the community so that a work programme can be devel-

oped. He also told residents that he was committed to working with the various interest groups in the villages to improve their agriculture economy.

Guyana is once again seeing an upsurge in agriculture-related activities.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Ballot Box $41M Infectious Diseases Unit for New Amsterdam Hospital Martyrs remembered T

J

uly 16th marks the 48th death anniversary of the Ballot Box Martyrs.

On Election Day, July 16, 1973, Bholanauth and Ramessar were part of a crowd that had gathered outside a polling station at No. 63 Village on the Corentyne as part of a protest action. They were peacefully protesting the illegal removal of the ballot boxes from the place of poll at the end of voting.

Bholanauth and Ramessar were shot and killed by a Guyana Defence Force Officer.

The 1973 incident was one of the many struggles to restore democracy to Guyana.

he New Amsterdam Hospital will soon be retrofitted with a $41 million Infectious Diseases Unit to facilitate COVID-19 patients.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall on Wednesday (July 7, 2021) witnessed the signing of the contract between the hospital and contractor Navin Deokissoon of Navin and Sons Construction Company. “This unit is basically going to consolidate all the

infectious diseases, into one area rather than it being spreading, management and the clinical services being offered in different departments. So, this is part of the enhanced services that we’re providing in Region Six as well,” Minister Dharamlall said.

He added that there will be more investments in the Region. The commencement date and duration of the contract is yet to be finalised.

The unit will complement the Infectious Diseases Hos-

pital at Liliendaal, which houses COVID-19 patients.

Even as the Government continues to put the neces-

sary infrastructure in place, it is encouraging the adult population to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Communiqué issued at conclusion of the Forty Second Regular Meeting of the...

(From page 13)

a Caribbean Multi-Annual Programme, Post-Cotonou, should be intensified.

Heads of Government further agreed that CARIFORUM should negotiate for continued access to bilateral grant resources through national Multi-Annual Indicative Programme, based on vulnerability, for those

CARIFORUM States being denied access to bilateral grant resources.

SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH Heads of Government noted the current situation regarding the renewal of the

Right Honourable Patricia Scotland, Q.C., for a second term as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Heads of Government also noted that the Secretary-General has been viewed as a champion of developing countries and of the interests of small states during her

tenure.

Heads of Government expressed their broad support for the renewal of the term of office of the Secretary-General.

SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY Heads of Government expressed their deep appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador

Irwin LaRocque. They lauded his commitment and his hard work to advance the regional agenda despite the challenging circumstances during his tenure. They expressed the hope that his knowledge and experience would continue to be available to the Community and they wished him well in his future endeavours.

Heads of Government welcomed the imminent succession to the post by Dr. Carla Barnett on August 15

and looked forward to working with her in continuing the quest for the sustainable development of the Community.

DATE OF THE 33RD INTER-SESSIONAL MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE The 33rd Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government is proposed to be held in Belize on 23-24 February 2022.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Hiring of electoral workers to be addressed... engagement of stakeholders.

The need for constitutional, and more so electoral, reform was underscored following last year’s March 2020 General and Regional Elections, which led to a five-month tumultuous delay in the final declaration of the election results.

To this end, the US Department of State has recently announced that it was supporting an 18-month project to strengthen the

capacity of GECOM and the Attorney General’s Chambers to lay the groundwork as it relates to electoral reform. The project, which will be implemented by the International Republican Institute (IRI). Guyana has also been offered assistance, mostly technical, from several other bilateral partners – including Canada and India as well as various international organisations – to aid in the electoral reform

process.

Notably, PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, in prior comments on the move to electoral reform said, “The idea is to make more transparent and to define responsibilities in the Act that are unambiguous and… to put in place a set of penalties for people who may try to steal the elections…any right-thinking person will support that.

That’s the objective...we

will look at issues right from registration to declaration of the results, so everything that is not unambiguous, not transparent etcetera.

We made it clear that we want SoPs [Statements of Poll] in the public domain before the tabulation starts, that sort of thing…this is an open process…every person will have a chance to have an input. So, we are soliciting these views. Eventually there will be a draft bill.

(From page 8)

Then that draft will be sent to the international community, all the political parties in Guyana, civil society bodies and GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission) too, and will be up on the website. Then people would have 3 months in Guyana to give their input…everyone will get a chance. So when that is done, APNU will get a chance to give their input there and several civil society organisations. And then

when that’s done, a draft bill would be had, taking into account the input made and it will be presented to the parliament, where the Parliamentary Opposition will once again have an input…. when the debate takes place it will Guyanese who finally decide.”

A draft of proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Act is expected be completed soon.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Tax relief for COVID-19 supplies extended to year-end

T

he Government’s tax relief measures to support individuals and corporations amid the COVID-19 pandemic is extended as per the amended list of COVID-19 prevention, care and treatment supplies which remains free of Customs Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Excise Tax (where necessary) until Decem-

ber 31, 2021.

For VAT purposes, all the items are Zero-Rated.

The list below is available on the GRA’s website via the link: https://www.gra.gov.gy/tax-relieffor-covid-19-supplies-extended-tojune-30-2021-2/

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WEEKEND MIRROR 10-11 JULY, 2021

Op-Ed: World’s four millionth death recorded, global recovery requires global vaccination

By António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nation

T

Special COVID testing site for HIV patients – Anthony M inister of Health Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony says by the week’s end, HIV patients would be able to comfortably and discretely get their COVID-19 vaccinations.

According to him, the Ministry has been working along with the National Care and Treatment Centre to set up a COVID-19 vaccination site to accommodate HIV patients. He said, “One of the issues that we have heard is that persons who are HIV positive, did not feel comfortable coming to one of our regular vaccination sites. …

We have been working with the National Care and Treatment Centre here in Georgetown, to make that also into a vaccination site, so they should start from this week.

So, patients going there for their regular treatment they will be counselled about taking the vaccine, and they can get the vaccine right there.

We are hoping to replicate this at all our treatment sites so that these patients don’t have to feel uncomfortable.”

The Minister is hopeful that this added measure would encourage HIV patients to get their COVID-19 vaccines, as HIV is a comorbidity which heightens a patient’s chances of being severely affected by the coro-

navirus.

“We’re hoping to see better uptake of the vaccine among this population…We will be monitoring with other types of patients as well, and we are hoping that we can introduce a similar service for patients with chronic non-communicable diseases and some of the more popular clinics that we have, that we would use these opportunities to talk to people about getting the vaccines,” Anthony said.

Meanwhile, Minister Anthony said more health centres in Region Four will now be used as vaccinations sites.

He said with approximately 13 health centres operated between the Ministry of Health and the Municipality, this can provide greater accessibility.

Minister Anthony said training is being conducted with staff at the various health centres and the initiative should come on stream soon.

oday the world marks yet another grim milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic. Four million souls have now been lost to the virus. This tragic toll is more than the population of one out of three countries on earth.

Many of us know this loss directly and feel its pain. We mourn mothers and fathers who gave guidance, sons and daughters who inspired us, grandmothers and grandfathers who shared wisdom, colleagues and friends who lifted our lives.

Vaccines offer a ray of hope — but most of the world is still in the shadows. The virus is outpacing vaccine distribution. This pandemic is clearly far from over; more than half its victims died this year.

Many millions more are at risk if the virus is allowed to spread like wildfire. The more it spreads, the more variants we see — variants that are more transmissible, more deadly and more likely to undermine the effectiveness of current vaccines.

Bridging the vaccine gap requires the greatest global public health effort in history.

In short, the world needs a Global Vaccine Plan: • to at least double production of vaccines and ensure equitable distribution, using COVAX as the platform; • to coordinate implementation and financing; • and to support countries’ readiness and capacity to roll out immunization programmes, while tackling the

serious problem of vaccine hesitancy.

To realize this plan, I am calling for an Emergency Task Force that brings together all the countries with vaccine production capacities, the World Health Organization, the global vaccine alliance GAVI and international financial institutions able to deal with the relevant pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers, and other key

stakeholders.

Vaccine equity is the greatest immediate moral test of our times. It is also a practical necessity. Until everyone is vaccinated, everyone is under threat.

Global recovery requires global vaccination. The tragic loss of four million people to this pandemic must drive our urgent efforts to bring it to an end for everyone, everywhere.

Coalition’s No Confidence motions represent opportunity for PPP/C gov’t ‒ Work done in 10 shorts months to be highlighted ‒ Record of APNU+AFC to be under spotlight

P

olitical drama is how President Dr. Irfaan Ali described the filing of two no confidence motions against his Ministers of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, and Home

Affairs, Robeson Benn.

“First of all, if you’re going to do something meaningful, you should put effort in it. Did you see the no-confidence motion? One line;

they didn’t spend any time to put in any effort; it shows that this is just political drama…there’s no structure behind it; there is no work behind it; it is just political drama and I am not interested in political drama,”

Ali said.

According to him, the PPP/C government’s focus is on delivering on its promises to the Guyanese people – an undertaking that both Ministers Anthony and Benn have demonstrated a commitment

We Fry it, You Try it!

to. The President said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Health have been doing just that, delivering to the people of this country.”

As such, he charged that the APNU+AFC Coalition’s no-confidence motions will provide the PPP/C government an opportunity to highlight the work being done, while, in contrast, calling attention to the Coalition’s record in office. Ali said, “This gives us yet another excellent opportunity to once again, present to the Guyanese people, what we reached or inherited when we came into office, and where we are today. And mark my word, our commitment will be kept.”

The no confidence motions against Anthony and Benn were signed by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, and submitted to the National Assembly on Tuesday (July 6, 2021).

The motion against Anthony is being seconded by the Coalition’s Dr Karen Cummings, while the motion against Benn is being seconded by Geeta Chandan-Edmonds.

Both Dr. Anthony and Minister Benn have signaled their intention to rigorously defend their performance within their respective sectors.

The Health Minister in comments on the matter said, “We welcome this opportunity to remind Mr. Harmon and the APNU+AFC of the many shortcomings that they have had for the five years that they were in government….what we have done in [the] last several months is far more than they have accomplished in the last five years that they were in government.”

Anthony referred to the

many scandals in the health sector, under the Coalition’s tenure, including the initial management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the expenditure of over a billion dollars on a COVID facility that was not even furnished.

“For those first few months when they were there, we had difficulty having a PCR test done… throughout their tenure they would have done about 21 tests per day,” he said, adding that there were widespread shortages of personal protective equipment, ventilators and a plan for the treatment of COVID-19.

Anthony added, “It’s going to be fun when this thing comes up for debate, because we can clearly contrast what they have been doing with what we are doing and how that differs.”

Meanwhile, Minister Benn said, “We have a lot of things to talk about and I am happy that Harmon has provided me with that opportunity so that the people of this country would have a fairer idea of where we are coming from, what we have done, and what more there is to be done, because we are not done here yet…it speaks to deeper issues relating to the desperation of the APNU+AFC in the light of them being continuously exposed in respect of their failings both in Government and also against the efforts which we are making in just 11 months, even with the COVID and severe flooding.”

Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, has since informed the Opposition Leader that he will examine the motions to ensure they “do not offend the Standing Orders” and then they will be transmitted to Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, for his approval or disapproval.

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