Weekend Mirror 2-3 October, 2021 by Weekend Mirror

GECOM commences advertising to fill key senior positions 2-3 October, 2021 / Vol. 11 ‒ No. 92 / Price: $100

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Guyanese urged to maximise on investment opportunities Hinterland housing project to be rolled out soon PAGE 3

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Highest number of deaths, daily COVID-19 cases reported in September SEE BACK PAGE

SEE INSIDE Coalition’s James Bond, 16 others arrested for breaching COVID-19 PAGE 18 guidelines Agriculture and food PAGE 15 sustainability key focus of PPP/C gov’t

Waterfront project for Region 10 in tendering stage PAGE 8

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

GECOM commences Rohit Persaud advertising to fill key remembered senior positions T

he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) approved six advertisements needed to fill key vacancies at GECOM’s Secretariat at its statutory meeting on Tuesday (September 28, 2021). GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, in comments on the matter, said, “We’ve settled the ads and are expecting them to be disseminated soon. We want maximum coverage so we are looking to place it in as many places as possible…we wish to have the vacancies published as widely as possible…it will be on the Commission’s website, across social media and in various newspapers.” The posts being advertised include Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO), Legal Officer, Assistant Chief Election Officer

(ACEO), Chief Accountant, Logistics Manager and Civic Voter Education Officer. Notably, the APNU+AFC Coalition-nominated Commissioner, Desmond Trotman, has urged that GECOM to contract an external hiring body to fill several critical vacant posts, including that of the CEO. However, Gunraj, on the issue, pointed out that the Constitution of Guyana is clear on this matter. He explained that Article 161 (A) of the Constitution mandates that the hiring of such officials is done by the Commission. It instructs that the Commission shall be responsible for the efficient functioning of the GECOM Secretariat which is headed by the CEO. “I do not see why that function should be delegated to some other body… the only delegation

that this Article of the Constitution speaks of is to delegate the function to one or more members of the Commission. It does not care for the delegation of this function to anybody extraneous of the Commission,” he said. GECOM has been without several key officers for some months now. Further, on Thursday (September 30, 2021), GECOM in a press statement said, “Advertising will commence on Friday, October 1, 2021 for a two-week duration using a combination of media including but not limited to newspapers, radio, television, GECOM’s website and GECOM’s facebook page. “…The Commission is adamant that the hiring process would be transparent and the process could be completed effectively within

the shortest time possible so that the work programme of the agency could proceed.” Interested applicants are advised to fully utilize the GECOM’s website at https:// gecom.org.gy/home/vacancies for details pertaining to the respective positions along with the full job descriptions. Applications must be signed and include a detailed Curriculum Vitae along with two (2) recent letters of recommendation. Envelopes should be clearly marked “Vacancy for ...........” and addressed to the Chairman, Guyana Elections Commission, 41 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown. Signed applications can also be submitted electronically via email to applications@gecom.org.gy . The closing date for the submission of applications is 14th October, 2021.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) expresses its condolences to the family members and relatives of former Central and Executive Committee member, Comrade Rohit Persaud who passed away on Monday (September 27, 2021). Comrade Rohit leaves behind a rich legacy of party activism and service to his community and the country as a whole. May his soul rest in peace.

Region 4 RDC reps engaged by PPP GS

Vice President, Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo in his capacity as General Secretary of the PPP, met with PPP/C Councilors represented on the Region 4 Regional Democratic Council today (September 28, 2021). Also present were PPP Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha and Executive Committee member Nigel Dharamlall.

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

Guyanese urged to maximise on investment opportunities F

oreign investors are, in large part, making use of the opportunities available in Guyana and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, is urging Guyanese to access these opportunities. Jagdeo’s comments came at a news conference in New York, last Friday (September 24, 2021), where was responding to a question about whether the government would set up a GO-Invest office in Queens, New York, where there is a large diaspora presence. He explained that a physical presence is not required to facilitate inquiries. In the era of the pandemic, he noted that it has become imperative for the government to make e-services prevalent and accessible. “We’re not thinking about physical offices, but more services to people,” Jagdeo said. Addressing another question, the Vice President said business persons do not need to meet with the head of GO-Invest to discuss proposals. He said, “If you have an office, you don’t have to meet the head of the office every time because he’s busy too. You deposit your proposal, say I’m interested. You have staff there. You meet with the staff. People walk in. The foreigners can come and do this every day and they are moving ahead with their projects, and they

go through that mechanism.” He added that the focus on the PPP/C Administration is to ensure that the system works. He said, “You can get help from the system. That is the only way it becomes sustainable in the long run… People have to cooperate too, particularly in the diaspora. I hear sometimes more complaints than an attempt to use the system that is already there and others are using it to their advantage who come from the rest of the world.” The question was then posed, whether the government has plans to lower taxes or provide other relief measures to citizens, giving an example of the high costs of some goods. On this matter, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, noted that of the recent occurrences, outside of government’s control, that were responsible for difficulties, such as the high cost of goods caused by the floods and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, “If you have a flood that wiped out 80% of your food production and at the same time, you have an increase in shipping costs of 900% for imports, … the government doesn’t control the flood, the government doesn’t control the international shipping costs (and) if supply becomes less and demand does not change, automatically you will have an imbalance

in terms of price.” In July, the President had announced that over $7.8 billion would be made available to assist persons severely affected by the floods, providing a catalyst for the agriculture sector to rebound. In August, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) also had announced that the President issued a directive on relief for freight charges for the import of goods, amounting to some $4.8 billion in savings for consumers and businesses. These are just some of the relief measures that the Government has implemented to help Guyanese to weather difficult times. Dr. Ali said too, that these high prices will not last forever, but will fall as the prevailing circumstances

evolve. He also reminded of the incentives the government has instituted to

support agriculture and food security. In support, the Vice President explained that the President has laid out some of the opportunities the Government is providing to open up the country. He said, “[The President has] laid out that we want to move Guyana from a per capita GDP of $6,000 to $30,000 in this decade. To do so, people have to make use of the opportunities.” According to him, some persons tend to lose sight of the billions of dollars in opportunities that others are seeing and coming to Guyana for. He pointed, for example, to the oil and gas industry, which he said

will generate as much as US$40 billion in investments to service that industry. He said, “The President has now directed that we pass legislation on local content in the oil and gas industry. We’re having special carveouts for Guyanese, transportation, logistics, rentals, all of these, the oil companies can only source these companies from Guyanese. That represents billions of US dollars of opportunities for our people.” Media workers in the diaspora were also urged to help the government convey this messaging and called on the Guyanese living in those communities to take advantage of those opportunities.

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

EDITORIAL

Coalition persists with harmful rhetoric ith growing concerns surrounding the surge in the deadly W coronavirus, all efforts have been made to ensure that the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal has a full comple-

ment of medical professionals to care for COVID-19 patients. Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, this week said: “We also have a number of auxiliary staff that include physical therapists, pharmacists, biomedical technicians, laboratory people, and so forth. There is an adequate complement of staff that we have because of the special nature of the facility. What we have been able to do is to have extended hours how people are going to work and will keep on their shifts.” Health workers treating patients at the hospital are required to follow strict COVID-19 protocols including change in garments upon entering the facility and rigorous sanitising practices. To ensure further safety, staff are also asked to refrain from leaving the facility during working hours. However, they are allowed breaks. Further, focus in also placed on quality patient Care. The health ministry has contracted two persons to provide meals for patients and staff. The meals provided cater to the health conditions of patients. Meals are provided at fixed hours of the day; breakfast is served at 6:30am accompanied with a pre-lunch snack for patients. Lunch is served at noon with a mid-day snack and dinner is served at 6:00pm. Health staff are provided with transportation to and from the facility. To date over 30 persons are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. These are facts. However, facts seem to remain an alien concept to the APN+AFC Coalition – a harmful state of affairs as Guyana battles a surge of COVID-19 infections. Following the passing of a Coalition member, the Coalition’s Joseph Harmon, sought to shamelessly manipulate the matter as a political tool. He went as far as calling for an “inquiry into the way in which the Infectious Diseases Hospital is being managed and the kind of equipment that is there that’s necessary to sustain lives” during a programme livestreamed on social media on Wednesday, September 28, 2021. First, to insinuate that the standard of health care varies based on a person’s politics is reckless, shameless and dangerously untruthful. The fact is that many persons from the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition have received care at the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal. The most recent was former Coalition Parliamentarian, Mervyn Williams. In speaking about the care he received he said: “That hospital has the best team of young medical professionals. They care, they go beyond the call of duty. They work with you. They are the best.” Secondly, it is clear that Harmon was clutching at straws given his attempt to criticize the PPP/C Administration’s vaccination effort. He said: “It seems as if we’ve thrown away everything else and all you’re relying on now is to get people vaccinated.” Least, Harmon forget, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that it is not the vaccines that will stop pandemic. It is vaccination. Vaccination will get Guyana to herd immunity. Maximising uptake of vaccines by those who are eligible is of critical importance. As such, the focus by the PPP/C Administration on vaccination against COVID-19 is not disproportionate to the challenge that the coronavirus poses to the socio-economic advance of our people and nation. All Guyanese, who are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, are all part of our national collective defence as a nation against the increasingly worrisome COVID-19 pandemic. The return to greater levels of normalcy depends on Guyanese’s actions, as a collective. Finally, Harmon continues to peddle his narrative about the PPP/C being an “installed regime.” It bears repeating that on Election Day, when all the votes are counted at each polling place, Statements of Poll are prepared on carbon paper – meaning there are multiple copies of the same document that is given to all political parties at the polling places. Further, it was the Chief of the OAS Electoral Observation Mission (EOM), Bruce Golding, who, in addressing the Permanent Council of the OAS on May 13, 2020, had said: “I have never seen a more transparent effort to alter the results of an Election. More than a dozen copies of the Statements of Poll are prepared at each polling station after the ballots are counted on election night. One copy is posted on the wall outside the polling station and each party representative – and there were nine in all – each party representative is entitled to receive a copy. It takes an extraordinarily courageous mind to present documents with fictitious numbers when there is such a sturdy paper trail exists.” The Coalition should also be reminded that the Statements of Poll, as well as the Statements of Recount, were ordered to be handed over to the High Court in July 2021, so the public record of a PPP/C victory at the March 2020 Elections cannot be destroyed or wished away. All said, the APNU+AFC Coalition, clearly, remains hardpressed to proffer any constructive criticism to the current PPP/C Administration. Instead of nonsensical and illogical ramblings, the Coalition owes it to Guyanese to at least attempt to proffer intellectually sound alternative to the policies and programmes being pursued by the PPP/C, which is what responsible Parliamentary Oppositions ought to do, not advance harmful rhetoric.

Guyana is on the move Dear Editor,

fter meeting several Heads of Government in New York City during (September 21-23, 2021) the 76th Session of UN General Assembly, President Dr Irfaan Ali, and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo squeezed in time to meet with several diaspora groups, including at the Hilton Hotel in Jamaica, Queens on Friday September 24, 2021. All the interactive meetings were fully attended. A major theme of the sessions was the dire need to tell the truth about Guyana’s progress. In the first session of September 24th, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, along with Foreign Secretary Robert M Persaud met with business leaders; at the second session, they met with religious leaders of the Hindu, Muslim, and Christian faiths; and at the third session, they met with political enthusiasts and commentators. The PPPC leadership team also emphasised the need for Guyanese to be involved in the shaping of a new Guyana. Those with skills-set, those with financial resources, as well as others (retirees) were exhorted to return to Guyana to become part of the country’s development thrust. The leadership was pellucid: Guyana’s future development does not depend on oil alone. “We are pushing aggressively for a diversified economy with oil revenues helping to facilitate this process. The non-oil sectors’ growth has been good so far at 7%,” said President Ali. The Head of State also stated that Guyana’s position on food security has been restored after languishing from 2015 to 2020, and that agriculture expansion is not only generating exciting economic activities, but also improving confidence in food security. The President said that CARICOM has determined to reduce food imports by 25%, and that Guyana could play a key role to offset the reduction. The Vice President touched upon the lies, contrived information, and

deception being spewed by Opposition elements, whose most powerful tool of political mobilisation is racism. Dr Jagdeo said that when the Guyana Government required visas for Haitians entering the country, such a policy was deemed racist by the Opposition, notwithstanding that other CARICOM countries have a similar visa requirement for Haitians. He then asked rhetorically, “Would they deem President Biden’s deportation of hundreds of Haitians as racist?” The Vice President insisted that available data does not support any of the Opposition’s outlandish claims. “Afro-Guyanese have made the greatest progress under the PPPC governance,” explained the VP. The evidence is reflected in the allocation of jobs, housing, scholarships, house lots, housing, land, etc. As an example, in the housing sector, the VP pointed out that in Linden (Region 10, a PNCR stronghold), the two major housing projects there were accomplished under the PPPC’s governance. Dr Jagdeo beseeched Guyanese to tell and report the truth. “We are not asking you to support or to defend the PPPC, but to speak the truth.” When asked about the controversy with Venezuela, President Ali said there is no controversy. It is Venezuela which has raised a claim that was already settled. He stated that the matter is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for consideration. On this issue, Dr Jagdeo raised an important point of historical significance. When he, as Guyana’s President, decided to take the maritime dispute between Guyana and Suriname to the ICJ for adjudication, the Opposition PNCR leader joined with the Surinamese Opposition Leader to denounce that move. The VP emphatically stated that the PPPC, whether in Government or in Opposition, always support and defend a unified policy on Guyana’s territorial integrity. When asked about electoral reforms in the wake of the daring attempt to stage an electoral coup d’état in 2020, the VP explained that it is difficult to

legislate behaviour. It was the technical professional staff at GECOM that were key players in the attempted electoral heist. He also cited the PNCR’s ignoring of important constitutional provisions (such as illegally appointing a GECOM Chair and the PNCR’s refusal to adhere to the No Confidence Motion) as examples of a concerted effort to rig the 2020 elections. Nevertheless, the PPPC will propose legislation in the hope of blocking loopholes and preventing further electoral mischief. On the issue of crime, Dr Ali emphasized, “One crime committed is one crime too much.” As part of the Government’s efforts to improve policing, it will also install cameras on streets as well as body cameras on Police officers, among other measures. Dr Vishnu Bisram drew the attention of the Guyana leadership team and the audience to the case of popular singer Rita Persaud who was killed in a car crash, but the assailant could not be traced for over 9 months. In the audience were the two NYPD officers who made the arrest of the suspect on Thursday November 23, 2021. Jennifer Rajkumar, the first Asian to be elected to the New York State Assembly (representing NYC Assembly District 38), showered praises on the two officers and colleagues of NYPD for their good detective work in apprehending the suspect. President Ali also commended the NYPD for bringing the suspect to justice, and further suggested a collaboration between the NYPD and the Guyana Police Force. The audience was happy with the outcome of the meetings, and showed their deep appreciation by giving citations to the President, the VP, and others. Of note were the citations given to Foreign Minister Hugh Todd and Guyana’s Ambassador to the UN, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett. Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

PPP/C serving in the interest of all Guyanese Dear Editor,

he APNU+AFC are embarrassed that the President, His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali, advocated for reparative justice for the descendants of slaves on an international platform such as the United Nations. As such, they have resorted to infantile attacks against the President. This is typical behaviour on their behalf, and comes as no surprise to any of us right-thinking Guyanese. Nevertheless, their actions should be condemned, as they are distasteful. The PPP/C Government’s advocacy on the issue of reparative justice puts the entire coalition to shame, and runs contrary to the racist narrative that they have been peddling. As a result, they are now clutching

at straws and desperately trying to paint the Government in a bad light. But even as they attempt to do so, everyone can see their desperation and how it reflects on them. It is also another clear example of how they failed the very people who voted for them in the 2015 General and Regional Elections. In fact, whilst in Government, they neglected the ordinary Guyanese, particularly those who supported them, in favour of their corrupt business cronies. The PPP/C are currently serving in the interest of all Guyanese, and their actions reflect that even on the world stage. From my vantage point, it can be said that the Government is showing the coalition up, hence their resort to these sorts of attacks against the President. We can expect

more of this sort of behaviour from the APNU+AFC and their shills, as their conjured racist narrative fails to produce the sort of results they are hoping for. What they fail to realise is that the harder they try to attack the President with these inconsequential things, the more they are setting themselves up for failure. As Guyanese, we are smart enough to recognise how disruptive and obstructive the APNU+AFC cabal is at the moment, especially after hearing the President’s speech and seeing all the post-UN engagements with the President and his delegation. Respectfully, Alvin Hamilton

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

Coalition stuck singing same tune Dear Editor

he neo-goebbelism tactics of the PNC and the AFC are once again surfacing with cries of racial discrimination, marginalisation of Afro-Guyanese and extra judicial killings. Guyanese are plain tired of listening to the same old lies being rehashed with the creation of imaginary political links to the PPP. All of these lies were sold to the public pre-2015, but these Coalition ‘salesmen’ are just relentless in their villainous pursuits to gain power at any and all costs. Guyana is never first! The Coalition needs to come to terms with the hard cold fact that a government is elected by the majority based on sound economic and social policies which foster a better standard of living for its people among other things. The achievement must speak for itself. Every Guyanese knew that the Coalition will never be re-elected for a second term because of its track record of squandermania, theft, wholesale corruption, the rising of the cost of living and growing unemployment. These ‘achievements’ are well-documented in the Auditor General’s Report and the Bank of Guyana Report each year from 2015 until the end of its term. The Coalition knew that its re-election will never take place, hence the many steps taken to rig the 2020 Elections even before it was due, for instance, the renewal of Lowenfield’s contract and the appointment of Myers. They also placed a wrong bet on the appointment of Retired Justice Claudette Singh. There is no racial discrimination and this is clearly manifested when one looks at the distribution of the various cash grants, employment opportunities, developmental works in the various communities and the equitable allocation of resources. The re-opening of the closed estates provides equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of race or political affiliation. I would like the Coalition to disprove this. Furthermore, at the last RDC Capital Budget proposal in Region Six, The Fyrish NDC, a PNC-controlled NDC, was allocated over $200 million whilst Port Mourant and Kilcoy/Hampshire were allocated far less. Res ipsa loquitur -The facts speak for themselves. At the meeting to approve this budget, the Coalition’s Councilors fully endorsed it since each NDC received a fair share. No one spoke about discrimination. This undeniable fact is mirrored in the national budgets which ensure that each and

every Guyanese and every community are treated fairly and the resources are equitably distributed. Let the Coalition prove otherwise. Furthermore, if any a person feels marginalised then that is based solely on his/her choice not to work or to be engaged in gainful employment. Marginalisation in Guyana is more of a myth propagated by the Coalition than a reality. A man cannot want to party every night and wants his life to be better. Those who are unwilling to make sacrifices do suffer. Achievements are born out of sacrifice. During the Coalition’s misrule, inequitable distribution was the order of the day, as they ensured that their support base received the lion’s share of the resources. The Coalition is once again propagating its ‘theory’ that extra-judicial is linked to the PPP. During its five-year term in government the Coalition had all the opportunities available to them to prove this ‘theory’ correct but they could not have done that. PNC member provided the worst excuse for this. He claimed people fear giving evidence against death squad members. He was quoted as saying that, ‘You are not going to get people that easily to go and give evidence out of fear. Don’t forget that a lot of people are afraid. You have to do thorough investigations and, hopefully, with improved investigative capacity etc. we would be able to deal with those matters and many of them who still exist’. Why is it that the Coalition Government never used resources available to them to ‘improve the investigative capacity of the GPF? The answer is simple. There was no link to the PPP; hence there was no need to investigate further. Does anyone think that the Coalition would have squandered an opportunity to prove this link? Absolutely not! I fully endorsed His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali’s statement of finality when he said that, ‘The propaganda that was used in the past about extra-judicial killing was dismantled.’ It is time for the Coalition to sing a new tune. The Leader of the Opposition and his team should engage their time and effort in meaningful debate and give support to policies which foster the socio-economic development of our country. The opposition should not squander this opportunity to prove to the people that Guyana is first and desist from creating racial schisms. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Being vaccinated is still our best safeguard Dear Editor,

rom indisputable evidence that is available to us, it has been proven that persons who are vaccinated stand a far higher chance of being protected against the deadly coronavirus disease. Reports from all across the world also attest to this fact. It is therefore advisable that we get ourselves vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. Those who are opposed to the vaccination programme need to rethink their position and come on board with the Health Ministry, and become immunised while at the same time encourage others to do the same. I am talking about encouraging persons to become fully vaccinated when I say this. I am not referring to taking the first dose only, but to get immunised with the full dose of the vaccines available. The point I am making is: vaccines help save lives, or at least give one the immunity to withstand the disease should they become stricken with the disease. “Get yourself immunised” should be the call to all across our country. On that note, I am asking that those responsible remove politics and religious fanaticism from the pandemic, and get on board. The coronavirus disease is not a political issue, neither is it a religious

issue; it is a health issue, which means that it needs to stay in that domain. Health issues have to be scientifically addressed or dealt with in a health context. When you analyse the present situation in our country, you see a new precedent developing; that is, persons who are affected by the disease are claiming that they have been vaccinated and yet have come down with the disease. However, careful examination shows that these people have either had pre-existing conditions or, at the first sign of the virus, would have rushed to get themselves immunised. This in itself is dangerous, because it means that you have been a carrier all along, and have intermingled with others of the same household, and even other persons along the way. You certainly might have passed on the dreaded disease to others, which makes the pandemic even a greater threat to others. This puts a strain on the health sector while at the same time increases fear among the population. My people, please get yourselves immunised today, do not wait until it is too late. Let us help stop the spread of this deadly disease. Respectfully, Neil Adams

Food security has become an imperative part of sustainable development Dear Editor,

aribbean Governments have set an ambitious target to realise 25 percent reduction in their food import bill over the next five years (until 2025). Attracting partners who would be investing in the use of technological advancements and innovation in agricultural production and agro-processing would ensure that this target is achieved, and sustainable jobs are created in the region. The Caribbean Export Development

Agency will host the region’s first Agricultural Technology Investment Summit from October 5-7, 2021. This high-level event would feature a keynote address from His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali. Guyana holds lead responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification, and food security in Caricom. The intent here is to overhaul the Caribbean food system to make it cope with the pressing challenges of a climate crisis and diminished biodiversity and rising food insecurity. But many stakeholders

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021 would probably leave the table still hungry for change, among them smallholder farmers, Indigenous groups, and the Caribbean’s own Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. The Caribbean is one of the most food-insecure regions on our planet. COVID-19 has once more shown this acute vulnerability, and the imperative of boosting food security. Given our challenges, such as small size, technology is a valuable friend to our agricultural sector, as digital technologies are transforming the agricultural sector globally. We in the Caribbean have no option but to embrace these new possibilities to give food security to our people. We would also reap the many attendant benefits, such as creating precious jobs, exports, boosting trade, and driving growth by creating new opportunities for Caribbean people. Importantly, the Agricultural Technology Investment Summit must offer Caribbean Governments something substantive to tackle the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the food crisis that it triggered. The summit has to offer the Caribbean people something to help overcome their daily struggles to feed themselves and their families. We must do better for our people. The Caribbean is blessed with great eco-

nomic potential and growth opportunities, and is widely recognised for its tourism prowess and historical trade in agricultural produce. However, as the region faces a burgeoning food import bill, heightened concerns regarding non-communicable diseases, exposure to the vagaries of weather due to climate change and natural disasters, food security has become an imperative part of sustainable development. The Caribbean Agri-Tech Investment Summit will showcase opportunities for agricultural technology companies in the Caribbean and globally to invest. The event will feature agri-tech success stories, and provide information on the business environment in the Caribbean, and the support mechanisms available to potential investors interested in exploring the region as an agri-tech investment destination. Agri-tech can bring practical and transformative solutions to the Caribbean agrifood sector. It can bring greater efficiency, traceability, and quality at all stages of the value chain, from production to processing and marketing. Sincerely, David Adams

New PNCR Executive needs to proclaim an end to rigging Dear Editor,

write this letter as an alternative to, and prompted by the Demerara Waves article of September 27, entitled “New PNCR executive needs to get rid of maximum leader approach”, written by my former Cabinet colleague and still friend, Dr. Henry Jeffrey. I differ comprehensively and totally

with him. I wish he had seen the occasion and opportunity here for getting on to what he has been calling for, getting on the road of “a historical narrative to which we could all subscribe”. Neither the “decision making” nor the “who is the leader, leader” question is the PNC/R executive’s major problem: it is the question of “what is their business plan, their winning plan?” It ought to be a

plan to win elections fairly and squarely: proclaiming an end to rigging: regretting the historical fact that Forbes Burnham and most leaders and supporters of the PNC and latterly, the PNC/R/APNU, succumbed to the argument that rigging was the only way for the PNC/R/APNU to win, and that there could be nothing in the world worse than losing to the PPP/C. A “Proclamation to End Rigging” would open many wonderful doors for all our people, our country, and most of all those who, for understandably good reasons, support the PNCR/APNU. What a great relief for all of us, some relieved from having to deny and others from being angered in hearing the denials of what are well known. And take it from me, the PPP/C is not all that bad. There have been, recently in our newspapers and other media, so many allusions to, explicit references to, and even seeming justifications of the PNC’s historically rigged elections and the rigging narrowly averted last year that the admission inherent in a “Proclamation to End Rigging” would not be an admission to something secret, not known, should not take any skin off of anyone’s nose. It would take a great burden off all of us Guyanese chests, particularly so, I say again as an Afro-Guyanese, the chests of so many of my Afro-Guyanese parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters – who earnestly believed and wanted an opportunity to demonstrate that the PNC/APNU would be good for Guyana. Our hopes and aspirations may have been noble: we all know and the whole world saw the behaviour of Mr. Mingo, the Region 4 RO. He was a man knowingly facing a subsequent life of ridicule which many would consider worse than death – we must put aside and leave behind us the world view that would have motivated him so. Our hopes and aspirations were noble, but turning from our Christian foundations of truth and honesty to rigging has been our doom, initiating a slide to group and national disaster. It is timely to deliberately and firmly turn that page – avert the need for our younger people of great potential for our Guyana nation, like

Amanza Walton-Desir and James Bond, to go down that same road of make believe on which we have been so long stuck. It is time to extend new hands of fellowship to our fellow comrades in Guyana, and in the much wider world that is much more one, and in which we must fraternise. If the story of about twenty years ago has any truth, my former fellow MP Raphael Trotman, then a rising star in the PNC, had the right inclination in his suggestion to former President Hoyte that the PNC/R apologise to our country (and to many of its own supporters). There could and must be a PNC/R/APNU that could and would be good for all Guyanese and Guyana. The new Executive must work at getting there. Yes, the arguments for rigging did seem so strong to us Afro-Guyanese, to do a little wrong, a little rigging, to avert a greater wrong – the stealing of our entitled birthright of succeeding the departing British colonial masters under whom we had suffered so much, endured so much, and learnt so much. We were ready to take over. Not that we did not recognise Cheddi and his PPP supporters as brothers in the anticolonial fight, but they were younger brothers, recently come, whose time had not yet come – they should wait their turn. And when those sentiments were aligned with the instigations of the Cold War against ungodly atheistic communism, they were irresistible and so deep, given that they also aligned with our self-interest – they are still deep in the bones of many of us, our organizations, and are being transmitted to our new young generation– we must work at dissipating them. A “Proclamation of an End to Rigging” by the new Executive of the PNC/R would open the door to us all becoming Guyanese first, One People, One Nation with One Common Destiny. One independent nation of less than a million people altogether getting on amongst ourselves, and getting on with the more than seven thousand millions of other peoples in nearly two hundred other nations. Sincerely, Samuel AA Hinds, Former Prime Minister

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE

Parents relieved of transportation burden – as Gov’t provides bus to take Fairview children to school

he PPP/C Government has made available a minibus to the village of Fairview, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), eliminating the transportation woes of students, who are enrolled at the

Annai Secondary School in Region Nine. This is yet another fulfilment of a promise made by the government to the community, during the 2020 hustings.

The community had complained that many students of Annai Secondary are not attending school regularly, as transportation from Fairview in Region Eight, to Annai in Region Nine is costly.

Hinterland housing project to be rolled out soon

he PPP/C Government, through the Ministry of Housing, will soon be rolling out a hinterland housing project in the new month. Subject Minister, Colin Croal, in comments on the matter said, “I’ll be pleased to let you know that in the four major hinterland regions, by the end of October, we will have an announcement and commencement for hinterland housing… we already have the areas identified and we are going

through the necessary process.” He explained that hinterland housing projects are more complex than those on the coastland. “The hinterland housing programme is a bit separate from how you do it on the coastland, but there are some central areas for which we have identified and we also have a housing programme,” Croal said. Through a collaborative effort with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission,

the Ministry of Housing and Water has managed to identify lands for future development and housing projects in Regions One and Seven. “The collaboration continues for them to identify lands for us for future development and housing. That is ongoing, so there will be futuristic activities in Bartica…similarly for Region One, I’m happy to say that there was a leeway for us to have a housing programme,” Croal assured.

In response, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, and a team from the Ministry took the challenging journey from Georgetown to Fairview, on the Linden-Lethem trail to hand over the bus. The Minister underscored the fact that the PPP/C government is investing heavily in education during the pandemic, especially in Amerindian communities. She said, “Today (September 25), you would see a spanking new minibus parked just outside the school. It means that the PPP Civic Government has now delivered to the students and the community, the commitment that was made since then and this delivery is going to assist students. They will not have an excuse or parents will not have an excuse that

they could not take their children to the school, including bringing them back home on weekends or on occasions that they have to bring them home. So, the objective is for us to support education to ensure that Fairview brings out from this village, qualified young people and not dropouts.” Sukhai said this is a demonstration that the government continues to address the challenges faced by citizens even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure that children, including those from the hinterland, achieve their academic dreams. She noted that the bus can be used for other purposes in the village, but its priority is for the transport of the students.

There are 16 students in the village who attend Annai Secondary, and who usually pay $3,000 to travel from Fairview to the school. That price is doubled as the parents must accompany the child whenever he or she enters or leaves the school. But, now with the village acquiring a bus from the government, that financial burden has been eliminated. Additionally, Minister Sukhai also handed over a tractor to the village council. She noted that the vehicle, which has a hydraulic dump is to be used to better the village economy. Fairview is one of 137 villages that will be receiving a tractor in 2021. The tractor also has a plough and a chipper to help in the agriculture sector.

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

P P P /C D E L I V E R I N G O N ‘ P L A N F O R P R O S P E R I T Y ’ Over 500 allottees to occupy Extensive drainage to commence in Mara in the new week – road works to follow new Experiment housing scheme by December – Croal R

he Ministry of Housing and Water’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is currently executing about $455.6 million of infrastructural works in Experiment housing scheme, Region Five. More than 500 allottees will be able to occupy their land in the Mahaica-Berbice Region by the end of the year. Housing Minister, Collin Croal, MP, recently visited the area to inspect ongoing works. Four contractors are currently working on the project which include land clearing, construction of roads, bridges and drainage. “There were some initial concerns, that is a slight delay with access to the reef sand, but we have met all the contractors and we worked out a timeline and so, allottees here awaiting Experiment can rest assured that by the end of this year they will be able to access the facility,” he said. Currently ongoing at the site is the construction of a major bridge that will

allow access into the area earmarked for residential and commercial housing. Another major access road has been cleared, and contractors are on the ground completing the land clearing. Minister Croal assured Region Five residents that the government is accelerating its housing development drive for them, to ensure every person awaiting a house lot receives one. “Persons have been asking (they haven’t been seeing much) what is happening for housing in Region Five. We are off the main road, but if you come down here then you will see the amount of development that is taking place,” he noted. Further, he said the housing ministry is seeking to identify additional lands for future housing developments within the region. To this end, the ministry is negotiating with the Mahaica, Mahaicony Abary – Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and the National Industrial and

Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), to explore the possibility of accessing new lands for future housing allocation. The PPP/C Administration has embarked on a national housing drive aimed at ensuring all citizens can enjoy the comfort of owning a home in sustainable communities. To this end, the government is investing $12 billion in infrastructural development in 22 new and existing housing schemes across the country. These include: Little Diamond/Great Diamond, Prospect and Providence, East Bank Demerara; Cummings Lodge, Mon Repos, Vigilance, Bladen Hall and Strathspey; Experiment in Region Five and No 79 Village, Ordinance Fortland and Hampshire/Williamsburg in Region Six. This paves the way for the administration to achieve its target of distributing 10,000 lots during its first year in office and an overall 50,000 lots in five years.

esidents of Mara Village, which is located on the East Bank of Berbice, will soon benefit from a series of extensive drainage works. This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on during a meeting. The minister was at the time spearheading the government’s ongoing flood relief distribution exercise. While addressing those present, Minister Mustapha announced that in the coming week, the ministry through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will commence a series of extensive drainage works in the area. He said, “When I met with you the first time at Plegt Anker, I told you that the ministry will do some extensive drainage works in the community because this area is a farming community. Since then, I’ve asked our technical officers to put things in place, and from this week, the machine will be coming into the area to commence those works. The machine will work to tie the conservancy dam and then it will continue with the other works that were promised. You can rest assured that a lot of work will be done in this community.” Minister Mustapha told

farmers that since taking office, the government has expended close to $40 million to execute drainage works in the East Bank Berbice area. He also told them that the ministry is working to have new lands open for farmers come 2022 and will also be putting the necessary infrastructure in place to ensure farmers have access to these lands. He said, “Those works included the rehabilitation of critical structures because, what we are seeing; although our country is advancing with the production of oil and gas, more people are returning to agriculture and we are seeing more investments being made in the sector. This is because of the resources that the government has been investing in the sector over the last year. With the renewed interest we are seeing in agriculture, the resources are becoming more stretched because we have to develop more infrastructure and open more lands so that farmers can extend their cultivation. We also have to work with farmers to find more markets for their produce while encouraging value-added.” As it relates to the government’s ongoing flood relief cash grant, Minister

Mustapha told farmers that they would be benefitting from the cash relief during the day’s exercise because many of the farmers from the area reported that they were not captured in the initial registration and verification exercise. “When we had the last flood-relief distribution exercise, farmers from this area said that their names were not on the list. I made a commitment that those who suffered would receive assistance. The Regional Chairman and our extension officers were able to get that list and do the verification. Today, a team from the Ministry is here to extend that assistance to you,” Minister Mustapha said. Farmers who received their grants thanked the government for extending the initiative to the area and said they would use the monies to return to the land as soon as possible. While addressing concerns over the dilapidated state in which the main access road is currently in, Minister Muatpha told residents that works to upgrade the condition of the road are expected to commence soon. These works, he said, will be done through the Ministry of Public Works.

Waterfront project for Region 10 in tendering stage More reliable power for Region

inister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, MP, said the multimillion – dollar waterfront development project for the McKenzie and Wismar shores in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is currently in the bidding process. The projects will see a host of benefits including job creation in the township, and the expansion of the mining town’s river and eco-tourism potential. “We are at the stage of tendering for the award of contracts for the waterfront development, both on the McKenzie shore and the Wismar shore phase one,” the minister said at arecent event in the township. A total of $30 million is expected to be expended in the first phase of the project. Since taking office, the government has invested

heavily in the development of Linden and Region 10 as a whole. Minister Edghill said the administration is pushing for the construction of the Linden to Lethem Road. The $38 billion or $US190 million, is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Minister Edghill said the government is working to get the contractor engaged on the project and get approval from the CDB. Once completed, this too, will open up avenues for the region to tap into its tourism potential. “That is why I am appealing for a mature political culture to ensure that these things happen, and happen speedily for the benefit of all the people,” he said. In addition, the government has commenced the

construction of houses in the township under the Ministry of Housing. The government has ensured that all labour for the construction comes from Linden and all materials are being purchased from businesses in the region. The move is a deliberate act by the PPP/C Administration to not only create jobs in the town, but also spur economic activity. “Linden will never be left out. They are part of our plan to bring development to Guyana,” the Minister stated. Furthermore, the government and MIDAS BPO recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of a call centre in Linden. Over 250 persons are expected to be employed when the centre becomes operational soon.

Six residents

esidents and business owners in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) will now have a more reliable supply of electricity with the operation of an automated regulating system, which will lessen power outages and low and high voltages. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, said the upgrade will grow the region’s economy. He said the government has been receiving numerous complaints about power outages and low power supply, but with the upgrade to the Canefield substation, there will now be reliable power distribution which he stressed is critical to the manufacturing sector. Indar said, “Businesses need that because you have to refrigerate stuff, you have to keep

your equipment running, all of your pumps, all your all your equipment that run on electricity. Reliable power is critical to not damaging those things, and you get a lot of that; we get a lot of complaints about low voltage … where it normally burns your equipment…you also have the impact of GPL on GWI activities. So, the pumps require stable electricity for current flow. If you get a lot of high voltage, you damage the pumps and you get a water issue. So, that’s what reliable power means that you don’t have things to blow up your stuff or things that cause your stuff to damage.” The automated system is integrated to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, SCADA. SCADA, is a software system that collects data from field devices for

management and control purposes. Minister Indar said the commissioning of the substation is integral to the government’s agenda of ensuring reliable and cheaper power. At the substation, the voltage level Guyana Power and Light (GPL) customers receive, can be properly regulated electronically, which will reduce the likelihood of power fluctuation. Similar systems will be installed at GPL’s power stations at Sophia, Edinburg and Good Hope. While the commissioning of the Canefield Substation will eliminate some of the electricity woes in the region, Minister Indar admitted that GPL, in the short-term, is working to maintain dilapidated lines to decrease the frequent blackouts.

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

Message of

His Ex cellency Dr Mohamed Ir f aan Ali President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for Agriculture Month 2021

AGRICULTURE IS ON A TRANSFORMATIVE TRAJECTORY

he designation of October as Agriculture Month is in recognition of the importance of the sector’ s contributions to the country’ s economy, and its critical role in guaranteeing food security and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Agriculture has long been a mainstay of Guyana’ s economy. In 2020, the value of agricultural output amounted to 16.2% of the country’ s Gross Domestic Product. The sector makes a valuable contribution to the country’ s foreign exchange earnings. Along with forestry and fishing, it accounts for 12.2% of national employment and provides livelihoods for thousands of workers and their families. The nationwide floods of May-June this year has caused widespread devastation to the agricultural sector. Our first priority, therefore, is to ensure rapid recovery of agricultural production and minimize disruptions to the country’ s food supply. Government is supporting the restoration of the agricultural sector, including its distribution of flood and recovery relief. We are also reversing some of the ills of the sector. In just over one year in government, we have also made progress in strengthening agricultural institutions, improving drainage and irrigation, providing incentives to boost production and diversification, conducting country-wide engagements with farmers and enhancing the business environment to drive agricultural growth. Our mission over the next 10 years is to secure an expanded, diversified and modernized, resilient and competitive sector: • The expansion of the production sector will be propelled by investments in large-scale cultivation, including in soya and corn, which are feed inputs, and the thousands of acres of new lands for cultivation; • Local agriculture will be made more resilient by the development of high-yielding, pest-resistant and climate-resilient crop varieties; • Modernization will involve the establishment of modern farms and increased use of technology and more eff icient farm practices; • Diversification will include promoting increased aquaculture and through the cultivation of new crops; and • Guyana is also pursuing an aggressive campaign to dismantle restrictive regional barriers to the trade in agricultural produce to foster increased agricultural exports and stimulate more production. Guyana intends to become the agricultural heartland of the English-speaking Caribbean and play its part in helping the Caribbean Community reduce its food import bill by 25% by 2025. The development of local agriculture is also pivotal to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the recently concluded UN Food Systems Summit, Guyana committed to focusing on concrete actions to build more sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems and to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. The envisaged transformation of local agriculture will involve an inclusive approach, which will include the active participation of the government and the private sector, andcontinued engagements with farmers, agriculturalists, agronomists, veterinarians, food exporters, importers, academia, the scientific community, and other stakeholders. Guyana’ s agriculture sector is on a transformative pathway. An exciting future lies ahead. Agriculture Month 2021 is an opportunity for us to plan and prepare for that future.

Happy Agriculture Month 2021!

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

LAUNCH OF

AGRICULTURE MONTH 2021 we commence the observation of AgriculToday ture Month 2021. I want to recognize the contribution of our farm-

ers, fisherfolks, agri-businesses who toil and labour every day to ensure we have food available and accessible. You are helping to build a strong and diverse Guyana. We observe Agriculture Month under the theme Transforming our Food Systems: Achieving Food and Nutrition Security. This theme is quite appropriate given the dire need to change our agriculture and food system so that it addresses the many food security challenges encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020 and then the unprecedented floods in May/June 2021. In October we join in with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization to celebrate, World Food Day on 16th October under the theme “Our Actions are Our Future. Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life”. Reminding us to choose food that will positively affect our health and our planet. This choice will ultimately impact the way our agri-food systems work.

AGRI VISION 2025

As we look to the future, Guyana will emerge as an oil-based economy, however, agriculture will remain a key sector in our economy. Our vision for the agriculture sector is to have a competitive, dynamic and diversified, and environmentally sustainable agri-food system by 2025. To achieve this vision, the agriculture and food systems sector in Guyana must be repositioned and transformed: 1. To build a diversified and competitive agriculture sector with increases in production and exports and reduction in food imports 2. To address the impacts of climate change with resilient infrastructure by improvement in drainage systems, farm-level risk management systems for

rice, livestock, and cash crop farmers, and implementation of the National Mangrove Management Action Plan 3. To increase access and satisfaction in agri-service delivery, especially extension services 4. To enable agri-businesses to access markets by improvements of the ease of doing business environment and implementation of a traceability system for crops and livestock I believe if we focus on these 4 priorities, we will begin to modernize the sector, change the image of the sector, and start the transformation process.

BUILDING BACK OUR PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY - FLOOD RELIEF

Guyana’s agriculture sector has suffered from the economic shock caused by COVID-19 and the floods of May-June. Our farmers have been greatly affected. As a relief mechanism, the Government has begun the distribution of the cash grant to persons who were affected by the flooding. Over 27,000 crops and livestock farmers and households were affected and we have started distribution of flood-relief cash grants to help those affected return to the land. Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture will be assisting with genetic improvements, drainage and irrigation works, technical support, planting materials, and extension services.

TRANSFORMING OUR FOOD SYSTEM

We need forward-thinking, game-changing approaches for agri-food system transformation. Everyone has a role as we diversify and de-risk the agriculture sector, Today, Guyanese agriculture is greatly productive, largely due to the resilience of our farmers and fishers. However, to move to the next level, we cannot keep doing agriculture the way it has been done, we need to be more innovative, to have a high

up-take in technologies that will transform and modernize our food system. We need the private sector to be prepared to buy local and reduce imports of similar products. As a country, we are importing too many commodities that can be produced locally. Transforming the agri-food system will require significantly greater public financing as well as private capital from national, regional, and international partners. International support, institutions, and bilateral partners will be critical to ensuring a more resilient agricultural sector through financing, technology, and creating an enabling environment. The Government of Guyana stands committed to ensuring that the right solutions are implemented. The Government will continue to work to ensure that Guyana’s agri-food system is resilient and sustainable and that we are not only food secure but that we continue to be a leader in agriculture matters and the food basket of the Caribbean.

CONCLUSION

As in 2020, we are observing agriculture month in the midst of social restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, many of our activities for Agriculture Month will be held virtually, or in limited small gatherings in regional outreaches. I join with my colleague Minister of Health to plea with our citizens to protect themselves by getting vaccinated, keeping your mask on, and social distancing as we work to combat COVID-19 together. We look forward to the participation of all our partners as we celebrate Agriculture Month. Ladies and gentlemen, let me wish you a bright and successful month of activities. On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and the organizers of I wish you a Happy Agriculture Month 2021!

Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha, M.P. Minister of Agriculture

A g r ic u lt u r e M o n t h : M a in A c t iv it ie s October 1 – MOA -Launch of Agriculture Month (Virtual) streamed live on the Ministry’s Facebook page from 10:00hrs October 4-8 – CARICOM - Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA)

workshop with media houses: to address the issue of publishing unauthorized weather forecasts and to promote a better understanding of forecasting terminology.

Facebook page from 15:00hrs and other local channels.

October 4 – CARICOM - Opening Ceremony of CWA

October 12 - CARDI - Handing over of Hot pepper seeds (Virtual) October 13- Hope Industries - Opening of Wakenaam and Leguan Coconut Nursery

October 19 – NAREI - Opening of the NAREI’s Office and Living quarters and commissioning of mini orchard Parmakatoi and Handing over ATV (Kato)

October 13 – GRDB - Commission of Drying Floor at Wakenaam

October 20 – GLDA - Commissioning of Smart Classroom Building and Relaunching of the Artificial Insemination Programme in small ruminants

October 4 – CRFM/Fisheries - 11th Special CRFM Ministerial Council Meeting (CRFM) October 4- PTCCB - Launch of Pesticides Storage Cabinet Distribution for Farmers, PTCCB October 5 – Caribbean AgTech Investment Summit October 6 – GFSA - Tambique Tuma Launch on October 4th, at 09:00hrs October 8 –CARICOM - COTED Ministerial (Virtual) October 11- GRDB/IICA -Discussion on Bio Fortified Rice Trial. October 12 - Hydromet - Sensitization

October 13- GRDB - Commission of Extension of Region 3 Sub Office Building, Crane October 15 – NAREI – Launch of Fruits and Vegetables Booklet and Distribution of Planting Materials at Mon Repos Nursery @10:30hrs October 15- MOA/FAO - Launch of Food Security Bill October 16 – FAO/MOA - World Food Day (VIRTUAL) Streamed live on the Ministry’s

October 18 – GRDB- Commission of Drying Floor at Riverstown, Essequibo Coast

October 22 – GSA – Virtual Graduation Exercise October 22 – GRDB - Commissioning of Value--Added Laboratory and Extension of Administrative Building at the Burma Rice Research Station October 22 – MMA -Signing and hand over of lease @ 14:00hrs October 25 - Distribution of Cassava Mills

in Region Nine October 26 – PTCCB - Pest Control Operators Certification Programme Graduation October 27- GMC - Launch of Showcase at the Presidential Lounge and Unveil the signage/billboard at CJIA October 27- NDIA – Delivery of Mini Excavator to Mabaruma, Region One October 29 – IICA- Webinar - AGRI-TOURISM –Road map Sensitization October 29 – Tour of Satyadeow Saw Aquaculture Station Other important events scheduled for the Month of October 1. Harvesting of Corn at Dubalay (Private Sector) 1. Launch of Agriculture Development Strategy – MOA/FAO 2. Commissioning of Agro-processing facility – GMC 3. Commission of a Pump Station/Road – NDIA

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

PRIVATE SCHOOLS CASH IN

ON ‘BECAUSE WE CARE’ AND SCHOOL UNIFORM GRANTS

want the best for our kids. So, when I heard that the president, they are giving the private school I was so happy.”

Errol Adams “The cash grant is actually a good thing …. the private school will denitely benet from it .”

Timeka McAlmont

Shellon Sancar

“It will assist me in a lot of ways, you know. It will assist me in helping buy books and help buy other things for the kids to use around, like face mask, sanitizer…I would like to thank the president for giving the private school that chance.”

“It’s not like every private school parent could aﬀord it. It’s just that you have to do what you have to do for the best for your kids… I’m happy that it extend because for me, I would take it and buy books.”

Devon Hopkinson “This is a good initiative on behalf of the President because people have this notion that once your kids going to private school you have money, which is not so. Just that you are making an extra sacrice to send them to the private school. So, I think any help right now will go a long way, especially in the time that we’re in.”

Eulanie Smart “I will not be the beneciary; they will be the beneciaries because they will have the money for their books and probably other things that was unable to get right oﬀ the bat, but it is a privilege to be accepted into the grant and more so we have to thank the Government for extending it to the private schools because most people don’t think the private schools need these grants because they think parents can aﬀord it. So, it is a privilege to be part of the system that they are choosing to give the grants and we are totally grateful.”

Octavia Paris “I think that it’s a good initiative actually because I have two kids going private school, one in nursery and one in primary…I think that they should continue this because just like the public parents, us private parents are also doing the very best that we can and you know we want the best education for our parents so whatever little help, I mean we appreciate it.”

Marcia Lovelle

Christine Kase “I think it’s awesome. All the kids deserve an opportunity to get what the Government is giving. So, I think it’s a good idea.”

Babita Suchit

Sabita Narine “It will assist me a lot to buy books and school supplies… It’s very good of the president.”

“I’m very happy as a parent, and is because…when I heard of it (The cash grant) I heard that the government school is getting, I was a bit jealous because never mind we take our children to private school it is not because we are rich or whatever. We have little but we

“I’m so pleased with this. There is a great misconception about the private school parents having to be the ones that can aﬀord the private schools but …we expect one thing, results and so we invest. So, this is an investment that we chose to do, to send our child or children at the private schools, and with us beneting now from the cash grant WOW! This is amazing, this is great, God is good.”

Denise Jacobs Savitri Singh “I think the government did a good job giving the private schools the grant and it will help the parents a lot especially the single parents and I’m very, very happy about that.”

“I think this will impact my children very much because they will be very grateful . They are part of what has been happening, you know, not only for ….the Government school children…, but also private.”

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021 PRIVATE SCHOOLS CASH IN

ON ‘BECAUSE WE CARE’ AND SCHOOL UNIFORM GRANTS

books I just mentioned are very expensive. I have two kids. The books are about 40 to $50,000. That’s a lot and this will relieve some of the pressure of that… Also, now you’re using technology in which computers, they need laptops to attend classes for them to advance in technology.”

Zoia Fileen

Kenola Glasgow

“What we will do, we will buy books with it because we already have the school things for school. We will use it up to buy the text books because he is going into fourth form and that is what we going to put the money towards.”

“I’m very happy that they decided to make us a part of this contribution or donation. We’re very grateful for it and you know we do sometimes need help too even though it’s private school. You know, you have diﬀerent challenges under the pandemic.”

Althea Ogle “It’s a good thing and it would encourage more parents to get their children educated…Each child deserves to have that so that it can come in to uses like purchase of books- exercise books, text books that the children would need to further their future and their education which is important, and I must thank the President for the good work he has been doing.”

Horace Young

Ronison Thomas

Natasha Bess “It will assist a lot for the private school because you have to buy books and stuﬀ for them and it is not easy sending a child to private school, and it is not like you wanted to show oﬀ, it’s just the sacrice you’re making.” Christine Humphrey “Well, I’m very grateful for it. I think it’s a very good gesture from the government and for my kids. I’m so happy because it’s gonna help with the school supplies and maybe the tuition fees.”

“I think it is a good idea that the Government thinking about all the children in the country and it’s a real good eﬀort and it will help me a lot to buy my son’s school text book and get certain things out the way because right now with the pandemic, things are really nancially stressful, I might say. It’s a real good initiative to give everyone the cash grant.”

“Something actually I have been looking forward after I saw that they do it for the public school. I think that we are glad for our kids coming to this school and I think it is a very, very good initiative, ‘cause I think all kids must be included even though if it is private or not, denitely it is something very welcomed from the Government. Really appreciate it.”

Sabash Harricharran

Malinda Mahadeo “Well, it’s an amazing initiative to me because it’s not all private school parents are… they can do something with that money, because they are not always up there or well oﬀ that they can aﬀord it all at all times so it will come in good somewhere or the other.”

Omkaar Ragnaut Balram Ramotar “At least it will help and other children could get a help from the government and we happy about it.”

“We all have expenses and we all use the same materials as a public school, so I am glad that the Government has decided to give us that grant-opportunity to have our kids learn…First of all, the

“I’m happy to hear that the Government is covering for the kids them and I must say that …it’s something good. You’re not taking away from- you’re actually giving everybody a chance there. I mean not every parent can aﬀord it but they are trying their best to do what is best for the kids them… They have a lot of other stuﬀ you have to get for these kids, so basically you’re putting it towards the kids them.”

14 PRIVATE SCHOOLS CASH IN

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021 ON ‘BECAUSE WE CARE’ AND SCHOOL UNIFORM GRANTS

The PPP/C Government continues to deliver on its manifesto promises which are to increase the school cash grant and uniform voucher from $10,000 and $2,000 to 15,000 and $4000 respectively. To date Government has not only delivered on their promise but also extended the social relief measures to the private schools. The ‘Because You Care’ cash grant will be increased over successive budgets during President Ali’s rst term in oﬃce to $50,000 per child by 2025. Approximately $3.3 billion was distributed to parents of more than 175,000 students in the public schools. Lucille Gonsalves

Donna Bane

“I thank the Government to help the kids them at the private school because the books them, the money will use for the books and the clothes and the travel expense and so on. So, I thank the Government to help them.”

“It’s a really good initiative because not because we are sending our kids to a private school it means that oh, we are parents that can aﬀord it…I’m using that money towards my kids’ books.”

Dexter Collins

Nita Sookraj “I welcome that initiative and I must thank the President and all those involved in getting private schools involved in the cash grant.”

“I think it is a positive idea because a lot of people think because the kids going top private school, the parents doing well, but it’s not that case... Kids need computer. Kids need a lot of books, even to the text books. Not all the private schools are going to give you the text books to go home with. So, a lot of things the kids will be able to aﬀord. So, I think it is a positive and I’m really grateful for it.”

Roy Vantull “I think it’s a very good move. Not all parents that send their children private schools are wealthy-oﬀ. Some of them are public servants, some of them work in the private sector and they also struggle to get their ends meet at home. So, it’s a very good move to help the parents help to get things for their children to go to private school also… Right now he needs some text books, so we will purchase text books .”

Oral Thompson “Because of COVID, things got real steep concern... So, I think it’s very good what the Government do…The text books very expensive, so I think that cash would be very important for parents.”

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Agriculture and food sustainability key focus of PPP/C gov’t S ustainable food and agriculture is the country’s future and that the Government will fully support the soya bean and corn project in Ebini, which will help produce much-needed feed for the poultry industry, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. He said, “As I have said before, this is our future—agriculture, food security and our ability to service the regional market is our sustainable future, and all of our efforts will be to ensure we transfer enough resources to this sector to make it viable and resilient.” The Head of State took an on-the-ground tour of the 115acre soya bean and five-acre

corn pilot projects in Ebini, Upper Berbice River, where he was able to closely inspect the crops and evaluate their growth. He was also given a progress report on the project and the plans for its expansion by David Fernandes of Bounty Farm, Alex Mendez of Dubulay Ranch and Shameer Mohammed from Royal Chicken. Ali said that the existential crisis of climate change makes it more important for the agriculture sector to be resilient and to be guided by scientific and technical standards. The President said that after having a tour of the project and being able to do a handson inspection he is “very con-

fident that this project will be a success”. He said he wanted to thank the members of the group, which include Guyana Stock Feed Limited, Royal Chicken, Edun’s Poultry Farms and Hatchery, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch, Bounty Farm Limited and a Brazilian investor, for the labour, capital and effort they have personally put into the initial phase. “From all the plans that I’ve heard and the work that I have seen, I am confident that they are on a journey to ensure that we are self-sufficient and that we can have import substitution for both the soya and the corn to meet our local livestock feed requirements,”

he said. The President also commended the commitment and dedication of the group and challenged them to aim higher. He said, “What I have seen today is most pleasing, it is most remarkable. I want to commend the guys but this is just the start. We have to now replicate this ten-fold in the next crop and then of course after that we move to increase incrementally until we get up to the full production.” CONSOLIDATION OF LAND President Ali noted that given the success of the pilot projects so far, it must be replicated on a larger scale. He

said that part of doing this will be consolidating and making lands available. The Head of State pointed out that over the years many leases would have been given out across the country for agricultural purposes that are not being used efficiently or at all up to this day. As a result, he said, an assessment of those leases will be done. He said, “We have to get up to 75,000 acres for us to move to full production locally in this area. So in the coming weeks, we will be looking at how we can find that land that meets the soil requirements and the scientific requirements to achieve the

target.”

DIVERSIFICATION OF GUYSUCO President Ali also pointed out that the project will give the Government the chance to diversify the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). He said, “We are already discussing how we can expand this partnership and one of the things that we have always talked about in GuySuCo is to have diversification, and we are now discussing with the group how we can use one field in the next phase of the trial to do the same thing that we have done here; replicate the same thing and (Turn to page 18)

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Efforts underway to address national Water Strategy

President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Tuesday (September 28, 2021), met with stakeholders responsible for crafting Guyana’s National Water Strategy. The strategy focuses on the integrated management of the country’s water resources.

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

Guyana now attracting high levels of interest Dear Editor,

write to you to express my gratitude to His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, for his representation of the interests of developing countries during his address to the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I also want to commend all the other individuals who participated in the engagements at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, as they have all made Guyana proud. The President and his delegation were involved in a multitude of bilateral en-

gagements, which undoubtedly will bear tremendous benefits for Guyana. These engagements would allow Guyana to improve significantly, and for that reason, I call on every Guyanese to commend His Excellency and the others for a job well done. In addition, it is clear that the President and his delegation, which included the internationally respected Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, have restored Guyana’s international profile, which was severely damaged by the APNU+AFC’s incompetent, corrupt management of the country,

as well as their transparent attempt to rig the March 2, 2020 elections — an act that received international condemnation. Guyana has not seen this amount of interest before at the level of the United Nations, and, as such, efforts should be made in every regard to lend support to our leaders as they continue to work in our interest. We are positioned for much suc-

cess and to become a global powerhouse. President Ali’s speech alone at the UN shows that we are a strong nation with our priorities in check. I think it is time for us to work along with our Government so that Guyana can be all that we want it to be. Sincerely, Erin Northe

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

Agriculture and food sustainability... (From page 15) Coalition’s James Bond, 16 to see the cost efficiency, in the private sector he has Fernandes also noted that the others arrested for breaching then the operation efficiency and never experienced such con- results so far from the trial the profitability because this sistent Government support in have the group “quite excited”. COVID-19 guidelines is not done for the love of it a project. He said, “It’s for the He said, “We are not very far

ust weeks after he was arrested and charged for breaching the COVID-19 guidelines, Attorney-at-Law James Bond has again been arrested, and is expected to be charged with breaching the curfew. This was confirmed on Sunday (September 26, 2021) by Regional Divisional Commander of Division 4B, Senior Superintendent Khali Pareshram, who said that Bond and others were arrested during an operation at Bond’s Cigars and Cognac business place on Saturday evening. The Commander said the bar and lounge had been

shut down by the National COVID-19 Task Force and was ordered to cease operating, but this order was ignored. “At the time of the operation, they were in breach of the COVID measures… On arrival, the Police found that there was a large gathering; the club was in session; and a total of 17 persons, including James Bond, was arrested…”, he said. Commander Pareshram added that, sometime later, Bond and the others were processed for court. Almost a month ago, it was alleged that Bond and Krishnan Ross had operated

the bar on four occasions, in breach of the restrictions on social activities. They were brought before Vigilance Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges and were later released on self-bail. That trial is expected to commence on December 17, 2021. Also, in March of this year, ranks of the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) visited the Cigars and Cognac bar and arrested several party-goers for being in breach of the curfew. [SEE RELATED COVID-19 REPORTING ON PAGE 23]

alone, it has to be profitable, it has to make financial and economic sense.” The President said that lands in the various estates will be examined and tested to see which can be viable to replicate the project and further diversify the sugar company. Meanwhile, spokesperson for the group and one of its main contributors, Mr Fernandes also heaped praises on President Ali for birthing the idea and the Government for its continuous support. Fernandes related that in his years

first time in the private sector I found that we have actually had the Government actually initiate something that we are part of in terms of agriculture. Where they are actually pushing us along the road of developing this and we hope not only to provide for the local market but in the very near future our sister CARICOM territories; which I don’t think is too difficult for us to do.” He further explained that the group would not have thought of the idea, especially for the poultry sector, if it wasn’t for the push from President Ali.

away from reaping, we could probably start reaping this in about three weeks and then we will know exactly what the productivity looks like. We already know what the costs are up to this point, so it is interesting and I think that with the push the Government has given us, we will go on to the next stage of doing 2500 acres and then beyond that, it will be a level of acceleration that will probably be interesting to see.” Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha also accompanied President Ali on the visit.

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

Agri sector set for rapid take-off, foreign investments increasing – Mustapha T

he local agriculture sector is attracting a lot of interest, according to subject Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who noted too that Guyana is rapidly advancing due to the Government’s commitment and inputs into the sector. The minister, who was speaking at a recent engage-

ment with farmers at Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo, said this commitment by the Government is resulting in more foreign investments. “Guyana is the hot spot, in terms of people lining up to come for investment…we are seeing that our agriculture sector is about to take off rapidly, we are seeing

more interest once again in the agriculture sector, this has come about because of the investments we have made,” the minister explained. Minister Mustapha said the agriculture sector will not be neglected, even as the country’s emerging oil and gas sector expands. He

also reiterated government’s commitment to help farmers across the country. He said, “We are seeing revitalisation once again. In last year’s emergency budget, we had $18.6 billion that was expended in the agriculture sector, and this year, we’ll see $22.6 billion so you’ll see increases all the time in

the agriculture sector.” The agriculture minister urged them to prepare for bigger investments in the sector and to plant various crops such as corn and soya bean. He also told them to utilise the agro-processing facility that is being retrofitted at Parika, to ensure they get value for their produce.

“Those things (corn and soya bean) have very lucrative markets in the Caribbean, and right here in Guyana. Today, Guyana is driving the agriculture agenda in the Caribbean, and I want you all to rest assured that we will continue to make critical investments in this sector,” Mustapha stressed.

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

CH&PA commences construction of another 20 home at Amelia’s Ward

onstruction of another twenty (20) middle-income homes has commenced under the supervision of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) in Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region Ten. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves, visited the mining town on Wednesday, where he engaged with shortlisted applicants. The CEO stated that over 200 Lindeners have expressed interest in owning one of the units, however sixty (60) have been shortlisted thus far. As such, Wednesday’s (September 29, 2021) exercise was geared towards guiding the applicants on receiving pre-qualification from financial institutions; and other key stages of the homeownership process moving forward. Greaves said, “Construction of the homes has started and it is our intention to have persons identify their house lots, their houses […] and to ensure they can acquire these houses, as early as possible, and be able to monitor the homes throughout construction.” Most of the applicants for the homes are said to be young professionals, including healthcare workers, law enforcement officers and other public and private sector workers. The homes are 600 square feet, two-bedroom elevated units that will cost a total of $7.5 million, inclusive of the cost of the land, which costs $300,000. The CEO explained that successful applicants are required to pay CH&PA an initial $660,000, which includes

the cost of the land and five (5) per cent of the cost of the home ($360,000). He further stated that in its bid to foster affordable home financing, CH&PA has liaised with several banks, to provide additional funding for applicants. “We have engaged the New Building Society, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and Demerara Bank, who have agreed to give preferential interest rates for those persons who want loans. They have also reduced the legal fees by half and waived other fees and charges,” the CEO told the potential homeowners. He added that while the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and Demerara Bank do not currently offer services in the region, CH&PA is also in discussions with Republic Bank. Construction of the first twenty homes started some weeks ago, following an announcement by His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, earlier in the year, for a 1000 homes project in Linden. CEO Greaves said that these forty (40) homes are the first stage of meeting the President’s commitment and another fifty (50) homes will be constructed before the end of the year. Following the outreach, he visited the site where the homes are being constructed to inspect the level of works. In addition to the homes, CH&PA is also undertaking several infrastructure projects in Amelia’s Ward, Wisroc and Watooka, Region Ten.

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

COM M ENTARY

Harmon must apologize for questioning medical professionals’ integrity, competence By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

OVID-19 has blazed a deadly path across the world, in every single country. While Guyana is confronting this deadly enemy, Guyana’s healthcare system has shown, that even in the face of overwhelming odds, it has no less capacity than other countries to respond. In this regard, the statement issued on Wednesday (September 28, 2021) by the Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, insinuating that the doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers lack integrity and professionalism and questioning their competence is out of place, out of order and reckless. Decent Guyanese must reject the politicization and disparaging of the courageous, hardworking medical professionals who are saving lives in the face of a deadly enemy. Mr. Harmon must apologize to the Guyanese medical professionals. We join Mr. Harmon in grieving the death of one of APNU+AFC Coalition’s senior members. The death of anyone due to COVID-19 or any other cause is regrettable. We pray for the well-being of all families who have lost loved ones. While Mr. Harmon and his colleagues are busy politicizing a deadly public

health threat, they ignore plain truths. One such truth is that more than 95% of all SARS-CoV-2 infected cases in Guyana are among the unvaccinated and less than 1% are among fully vaccinated persons. A second truth, they conveniently ignore is that more than 98% of those hospitalized and in the ICU are unvaccinated persons and less than 1% of the ICUCOVID-19 patients are among fully vaccinated persons. They also conveniently ignore that more than 99% of the COVID-19 deaths in Guyana are unvaccinated people, with less than a fraction of 1% of the COVID-19 deaths being fully vaccinated persons. Truly concerned political leaders will join unconditionally in urging, even demanding, that all eligible Guyanese become vaccinated against COVID-19. The Infectious Disease Hospital at Liliendaal is operated by medical professionals, with total autonomy in the functioning of the hospital, in management of patients, taking no political direction. In insinuating biasness by medical professionals, influenced by politics, Joe Harmon has insulted every medical professional in the country and has done a disservice to the hardworking healthcare workers who have

risked their lives to save thousands of persons. Persons known to be stringent activists of the PPP, PNC and other political parties have been successfully treated for COVID-19 in the Infectious Disease Hospital and in other hospitals in Guyana. Some who have succumbed to COVID-19 have been activists of several political parties in Guyana, including senior members of the PPP, PNC, AFC and other parties. SARS-CoV-2 virus, the COVID-19 virus, respects no person, does not discriminate based on politics. We are all vulnerable to COVID-19. Since its opening in September 2020, the Infectious Disease Hospital has admitted almost 2400 very sick persons, all confirmed for SARS-CoV-2 virus and with COVID-19 symptoms. These persons have come from all ten geographic regions and include supporters of all political parties. Every person who is admitted to the hospital is referred to the hospital by the GPHC or, after consultation with the GPHC and the Infectious Disease Hospital doctors, by one of the other hospitals in the country. The almost 2400 patients that have received care at the Infectious Disease Hospital amount to more than 1,000,000 patient hours.

Yet, even with extraordinarily overwhelming odds, close to 90% of all patients admitted to the Infectious Disease Hospital have returned home. Overall, in the country, more than 95% of all COVID-19 patients treated in our hospitals have recovered and returned to their normal lives. The doctors and nurses have every single day, under severe stress and pressure, put their own lives in jeopardy to ensure every single patient is given quality care, no matter what socio-economic group they belong to, where they live, what is their race, ethnicity, religion, politics. Harmon’s insinuation that admission to the Infectious Disease Hospital is a death sentence is not just misinformation, it is recklessly obnoxious. It is the integrity and professionalism of the doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers that have ensured the case fatality rate (CFR) for COVID-19 in Guyana is consistent with the CFR for COVID-19 observed in other countries around the world. The CFR rate for Guyana is 2.5%, Trinidad 2.9%, Bahamas 2.5%, Belize 2%, Antigua and Barbuda 2.4%, Jamaica 2.2%, Barbados 1%, Haiti 2.8%, Suriname 2.3%, Argentina 2.2%, Brazil 2.8%, Chile 2.3%, Colombia 2.5%, Mexico 7.6%, Peru 9.2%, US 1.6%, UK 1.8%. One clear, vivid picture emerging is that countries with full vaccination exceeding 50% have fallen below 2% in mortality rates. But not only has vaccines impacted on the mortality rates in countries, some of the lower mortality rates are seen also for countries that have access to certain medicines unavailable to most countries. For example, the US and the UK have access to medicines such as Regeneron, a medicine that was used to treat former President Donald Trump, which is widely unavailable for countries such as Guyana. The impressive group of medical professionals, including intensivists (ICU

specialists), internists, emergency specialist, anesthesiologists, psychiatrists, nurses, physiotherapists and other allied healthcare workers, work every second of the day to ensure their patients, which sometimes number as much as 100 per day, receive high-quality care, receiving all the medicines that are presently included in the international treatment and care guidelines and which are available for procurement, getting all services, including oxygen therapy, dialysis, comprehensive radiology and laboratory diagnostic services. No patient is deprived of oxygen therapy and for those patients who need mechanical help for oxygen intake, such as ventilators and CPAPS, all of the patients at the Infectious Disease Hospital are guaranteed access. Under the circumstances, the Leader of the Opposition, Joe Harmon, must be unequivocally condemned for questioning the hard work being done at the COVID-19 Hospital at Liliendaal. His demand for an investigation of the Infectious Disease Hospital is another example of the Leader of the Opposition and his cohorts in the PNC and APNU+AFC politicizing a public health response and, in the process, jeopardizing people’s lives. This latest reckless rant follows the death of one of their senior ranks, an unvaccinated person. The loss of any life is unfortunate and must be regretted. Persons who have died at the hospital might have supported or might have been activists and members of different political parties. But the vast majority of persons, the overwhelming number of persons who have been admitted to the hospital have recovered and are at home, many of whom have returned to work or assumed their normal way of life. In calling for an investigation, Harmon ignored the hard work and the dedication of healthcare workers, doctors, nurses and others, who provide round-the-clock care for

very sick people and whose work have resulted in many lives saved. This in itself is unforgiveable. But, in calling for an investigation, he clearly asserted that the staff at the Infectious Disease Hospital is mismanaging the patients. Harmon asserted that patients who immediately do not require use of ventilators should not be managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital, claiming these patients are exposed to more risks. First and foremost, Harmon exposes his ignorance and the fact he must have failed to consult his health advisors or received bad advice. No patient is admitted to the Infectious Disease Hospital unless that person shows symptoms and is already demonstrating an inability to maintain his or her health vitals, such as oxygen saturation. Not all patients who are admitted immediately require mechanical support for oxygen saturation. But as long as symptoms are shown, this is the right place for such patients. These patients cannot be kept with non-COVID-19 patients in the other hospitals, in which case non-COVID-19 patients would be exposed. This would be reckless. The Leader of the Opposition has clearly meandered into a reckless place by unambiguously questioning the integrity and professionalism of doctors, nurses and others who put their lives in jeopardy every single day. His cohorts, in various FB postings and in TV and radio programs, also insinuate the same. Instead of politicizing, demoralizing and insulting the hardworking, stretched out medical professionals, Mr. Harmon should stop the prevarication, should stop flirting with the “my body, my choice” movement and join in urging every Guyanese to vaccinate against COVID-19. This is the wise thing to do. This is the responsible thing to do. Mr. Harmon’s prevarication is deadly, leading to the death of innocent Guyanese.

WEEKEND MIRROR 2-3 OCTOBER, 2021

(OCTOBER)

Highest number of deaths, daily COVID-19 cases reported in September A t the end of July 2021, the number of reported cases in Guyana stood at 22,523. By the end of August 2021, there was an increase of 3,025 cases – taking the total to 25,548 – and an additional 81 deaths. September 2021, however, has recorded numbers that are the highest in Guyana since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Guyana. In one month, there have been 6,279 new

cases reported and 164 Guyanese have died. In this month, Guyana has also recorded its highest number of new cases in one day. On Wednesday, September 22, 2021, a total of 362 new cases of COVID-19 were reported. Notably, Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, has warned that Guyana is experiencing a “Delta surge” and is urging Guyanese to take all precautions necessary.

“The numbers are climbing, we are seeing more people getting infected and it is also very worrying because if we don’t manage this carefully, our hospitals can easily be overwhelmed,” he said. Guyanese are being encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and follow all the health guidelines for staying safe, including wearing a mask and washing your hands.

“The best vaccine that you have is the vaccine in your arm” – Anthony

inister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, says the best vaccine a person can take to protect themselves against COVID-19, is any that is available to them. The health minister assured that the vaccines available in Guyana, namely AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and Sputnik V, are safe and effective in protecting against the deadly disease. Dr. Anthony was addressing the myth that only FDA approved vaccines are superior to other COVID-19 vaccines. “The best vaccine that you have is the vaccine you have in your arm because that vaccine is going to protect you,” he stressed. He explained that while vaccines can be ranked by

their level of effectiveness, they are all effective in doing what they were designed to do, which is protecting against COVID-19. Anthony said, “We want to ensure that people get vaccines that are safe, that are effective, that would protect them and all the vaccines that we’re offering have been proven to be safe and effective, and they are protecting people and saving lives.” The Minister urged persons to visit any of the COVID-19 vaccination sites to receive their jabs. He made a special plea to persons who are overdue for their second dose to take it. The minister said there are enough second doses of the AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines for

those who are due. He said, “I’m urging everyone if you haven’t gotten your vaccine as yet, go and make sure that you can get your vaccines and if you got your first dose, and you’re eligible for your second dose, please come and get that second dose.” To date, over 352,000 adults or 68.8 per cent of the adult population have received the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while over 182,000 adults or 35.6 per cent of the adult population are fully inoculated. Further, over 21,000 adolescents or 29.9 per cent of the population between the ages of 12 and 17 have received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccines, with over 300 of them fully vaccinated.

Allergic reactions to other vaccines should be reported before taking COVID-19 jab - Health Minister

inister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, is advising persons, as a precaution, to report any allergic reactions to vaccines to a medical officer before taking any of the COVID-19 vaccines. Minister Anthony explained, “some people with MRNA vaccine they have an allergy to specific components of the vaccine. And again, if in your past medical history, you had an allergic reaction to these types of vaccines or the components within these vaccines, then you should let that person know. Outside of that, it’s quite safe for you to go take the vaccine.” With vaccine administrations increasing throughout the country, persons with adverse reactions to the vaccines are rare, the minister said. He said, “There are many different types of allergies. Some people would have food allergies, some people have allergies to specific

medicines but in the case of COVID-19 what is more important is if you have an allergy to a component that is in one of the vaccines. “The main thing is to understand whether with a previous vaccination wherever you would have had an allergic reaction. And if you did have an allergic reaction to a vaccine, then that should be reported, because that’s important.” Information from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows the components in vaccines include active immunising antigens, conjugating agents, preservatives, stabilisers, antimicrobial agents, adjuvants and culture media used in the preparation of the vaccine, as well as inadvertent contaminants that are introduced during vaccine handling. Potential triggers of an allergic reaction from these components are culture derived proteins from egg, gelatin and yeast. Other sources of an allergic reaction are

from antibiotics and vaccination antigens. The most immediate allergic reactions are type one hypersensitivity that occurs within minutes of exposure, within a four-hour span. Common symptoms include hives, swelling of the skin, nasal congestion, cough, stridor, wheezing, shortness of breath, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and hypotension. If a person is allergic to any of the components listed above, an Immunoglobulin E or skin test should be conducted. If the result is positive, the vaccine should be administered in graded doses under observation. If the result is negative the administration is carried out as per normal with observations of patient after receiving their jabs. Locally, after receiving the COVID vaccine, persons are observed by medical personnel for at least 15 minutes before leaving the vaccination site.

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