Lowenfield, Myers, Mingo sent on leave 26-27 June, 2021 / Vol. 11 ‒ No. 78 / Price: $100
Internet: http: //www.mirrornewsgy.com / e-mail: mirror2018.gy@gmail.com
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Pandemic impacts on cost of living…
Gov’t committing to bringing Guyanese relief – Singh PAGE 18
SEE INSIDE
Bridging the digital divide in Guyana…
Youths provided with ICT training
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Operation Tradewinds Farmers 2021’s tactical training assured of gov’t important for Guyana support Over 100,000 tests NEOC officially fully COVID conducted in first half of operationalized 2021 PAGE 10
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‒ as Ministry ramps up countrywide testing
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
COM M ENTARY
Apology is owed to the Guyanese people By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
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he Russian Government, through the RDIF, had made it clear that they were sending vaccines to different countries (74 as of today), through various partners. One of those was Aurugulf (UAE). Guyana procured Sputnik V vaccines from this source. Guyana was able to secure these vaccines, in spite of the overwhelming demand for the vaccines from other countries, many bigger than and wealthier than Guyana. This was a success story for Guyana. In a letter to the Ministry of Health, the General Director of RDIF (Russian Department for International Funding), the Russian Department responsible for global distribution of Sputnik V produced by Gamaleya Research Institute, confirmed that the batch numbers for the vaccines used in Guyana matched those that were issued by the Gamaleya Research Institute. This letter was a direct response to the reckless assault on the Sputnik V vaccines and an unprovoked attack against the Russian Republic. Harmon's reckless statement
did not escape the attention of the Russian Government and the letter they have now sent to the Ministry of health represents a brutal repudiation for Harmon's unprovoked assault. The Ministry of Health has released the letter from the RDIF as proof that Joseph Harmon was malicious and was deliberately engaged in a desperate effort to slow down Guyana's journey toweards herd immunity. The Leader of the Opposition just cannot help himself in his overt, but futile, efforts to stymie the successful COVID-19 vaccination program. He took a position early to not openly support the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Guyana, even with the knowledge that vaccination is the only way to exit the COVID-19 pandemic. After an extended period of total silence, he briefly came out about a month ago to urge supporters to take the vaccine. Subsequently, he chose public ridicule of Sputnik V vaccines. In never openly supporting the vaccination program, the Leader of the Opposition deliberately choose to put people's lives at great risk. It is time, Jo-
seph Harmon, the Leader of the Opposition, adopts a responsible position and joins in an unconditional call for Guyanese to take their vaccines now. Each day that Mr. Harmon delays his unconditional support for COVID-19 vaccination in Guyana, he bears direct responsibility for those fighting for their lives and those who lose their lives. The Leader of the Opposition has over the last seventy-two (72) hours conceded the Sputnik V vaccines in Guyana are authentic and that the vaccines have been proven to be effective. He conceded that the Government of Guyana was right to procure vaccines at the price it paid because Guyana was competing for vaccines on a global market that has limited supplies. Having conceded the responsible action by the PPP Government, Mr. Harmon, however, raised another bogeyman in withholding unconditional support for the program. Now he has raised concerns about the safe storage of the vaccines before it arrived in Guyana and after it arrived in Guyana. Mr. Harmon and the Opposition, therefore, has
raised these objections first, they were unhappy with the price and encouraged persons not to take the vaccine because they were too expensive; second, he raised doubts relating to the authenticity of the vaccines, deeming the vaccines fake vaccines; third, he now raises the possibility of improper storage of the vaccines. We are not unaware that these overt, reckless excuses complement a whisper campaign against COVID-19 vaccination by members of APNU/AFC in many communities. What will it take for the Leader of the Opposition to abandon his reckless posturing, discouraging people from taking life-saving vaccines? How many more lives must be lost before Mr. Harmon joins the Government in an unconditional call for Guyanese to take their vaccines? COVID-19 Vaccination is not, cannot and must not be another platform for cheap politics. What presently is being vividly presented is a desperate Leader of the Opposition who is trying to latch on to something, anything, that will discourage people from
taking the vaccines. President Irfaan Ali's and the PPP Government's success in acquiring vaccines amidst severe scarcity should not be the motivation for criticism. Urging Guyanese to take vaccines is in the interest of the Guyanese people, all the Guyanese people, no matter who they voted for or who they support. The President, the VP, the PM, the Minister of Health, other Cabinet members have been across Guyana urging people to take their vaccines. The Leader of the Opposition choose to find one fake reason after another to discourage people from taking the vaccines. In the meanwhile, David Granger, the Leader of the PNC, APNU and the APNU/AFC Coalition, has been totally silent, shamelessly missing in action (MIA). More than 100,000 persons (21% of the adult population) are now fully vaccinated in Guyana. Over 50% of the adult population have now received, at least, one dose of COVID-19 vaccines. No person that has been fully vaccinated has tested positive for COVID-19 and, obviously, none has been in the COVID-19 ICU or have died. This is testimony to the effectiveness of the vaccine program. Every single time that Mr. Harmon comes up with another silly reason to withhold unconditional support for the vaccination program, he is directly responsible for those who end up in the ICU with COVID-19 and who are fighting for their lives. After he was shamed for putting a cost on people's lives, insisting that paying $20 per dose in a market of scarcity, he backed-off that claim and raised the issue of authenticity, even alleging there were fake vaccines in Guyana. He has backedoff because he knew from before that these vaccines were authentic. He knew the Sputnik V vaccines were authentic when he and several of his colleagues decided that they preferred the Sputnik V vaccine. There were other public
ways for him to determine that the Guyana Government had procured legitimate vaccines. The Russian Government, through the RDIF, had confirmed that Shiek Maktoum was a legitimate representative for marketing the Sputnik V vaccines. In spite of knowing the truth, Mr. Harmon shamelessly and recklessly castigated the vaccines. Now the Russian Government has had to respond. Mr. Harmon should be ashamed of himself. As for the Leader of the Opposition's latest travesty - raising concerns about proper storage of the vaccines - this is yet another cheap political trick. By itself, we can ignore this as another absurdity by a desperate Leader of the Opposition, desperate for some issue to gain traction. This is a matter we have addressed prior to the first arrival of the vaccines in Guyana. The suppliers ensured that proper storage was available throughout, from factory, storage in Dubai, air flight and from the CJIA to central storage in Guyana. Every box of vaccines has temperature sensors for continuous temperature monitoring. That temperature monitoring remains intact until our nurses remove them for thawing and administration into people's arms. The cost for special freezers at central storage and for dry ice at vaccination centers represent a costly exercise. But the Guyana Government has spared no cost in ensuring total safety of the vaccines. We are hopeful that Mr. Harmon has now exhausted his excuses. Each time he comes up with another silly excuse, hundreds of lives are placed in jeopardy. Each time, Mr. Harmon puts up another bogus, fake excuse for not unconditionally calling people to take the vaccines, he takes responsibility for those unvaccinated people whose lives are in danger. Harmon must apologize to the Guyanese Government and to the Guyanese people for his reckless statements about Sputnik V.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
Lowenfield, Myers, Mingo sent on leave T
he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on Tuesday (June 22, 2021) sent Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Election Officer (DECO), Roxanne Myers and Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo on leave, pending a decision by Chairman, Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh. According to a press release from GECOM, the Commission took a unanimous decision for the Secretariat’s staff to proceed on their respective annual leave with effect from Monday, June 28, 2021. It said the decision was necessary to facilitate the Commission’s deliberation on the three motions tabled by the Government nominated Commissioners seeking the immediate dismissal of those persons as well as the course of action to be adopted to conclude this process. The CEO will proceed on 42 days annual leave, the DCEO will be on 120 days leave and the Returning Officer will be on 35 days leave. GECOM says it intends to conclude the discussions
within the shortest possible time. DISAGREEMENT ON WAY FORWARD The decision was made after a disagreement on a vote before the Commission. Tuesday’s meeting was expected to address a debate and vote on the three motions on the removal of the CEO, DECO and Mingo. GECOM Commissioner and attorney, Sase Gunraj, in comments said, “Courts upon courts have pronounced upon their actions, and have determined the egregious nature of their actions. Their actions were on display for all the world to see. So, it does not require much gloss or much elucidation to determine the transgressions of those persons. “…it (the motions) were submitted from our side that GECOM by virtue of its constitutional mandate, is responsible for the hiring, firing, disciplining and overall management of its staff, and as a consequence is specifically tasked and authorised to conduct the very function that they are complaining of.”
The GECOM Chair is expected to decide on the argument made by the Opposition Commissioners. Gunraj disclosed that she has not provided a timeline for that decision. However, the attorney contends that his reading of the articles of the Constitution from which GECOM derives its powers, does not suggest that it has the power to delegate its functions as the Opposition Commissioners are suggesting. Commissioner Gunraj says he is optimistic that the Chair will rule that the Commission has the authority and ability to hear the motions. MOTIONS/CHARGES Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo are currently before the courts facing charges
Coalition’s Ferguson being sued for $20M over ‘ID card’ comments
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lawsuit for the defamation of character was filed by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, against APNU+AFC Coalition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson, for remarks she made stating that he was distributing identification cards on Elections Day. The allegation that Nandlall had distributed identification cards to People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) supporters on the March 2, 2020 Elections Day, surfaced on the same day when the remarks were made by General-Secretary of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), Amna Ally and former Attorney-General, Basil Williams, at the Mon Repos Primary School, East Coast Demerara. Ferguson had reiterated the remarks on March 22, 2021 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, during a round-table discussion hosted by the European Union (EU) Elections Observer team, in front of the entire forum, while speaking through a microphone. The court documents filed by Nandlall quotes her as saying: “…you have persons who are sitting in this room that were found distributing ID Cards on elections day, not the APNU/AFC. It is the very Attorney-General, Mr. Anil Nandlall, who was found distributing ID Cards in the
lower East Coast corridor…” Present at the round-table discussion were UN Resident Coordinator, Mikiko Tanaka; the United States (US) Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Mark Cullinane; Director of the International Republican Institute (IRI), Dorotta Tyzy; representatives from the political parties, constitutional service commissions, the press and other prominent authorities. The Statement of Claim filed on behalf of Nandlall by the law firm, Satram & Satram, noted that, in their natural and ordinary meaning, and by way of innuendo, the words uttered by Ferguson meant and were understood to mean that Nandlall committed a criminal offence and an electoral offence, both punishable by imprisonment. It adds that Ferguson utterance means that Nandlall is guilty of electoral irregularity; that he was actively aiding and abetting persons to commit a criminal electoral offence and to commit electoral irregularities; that he perverted the electoral process; that he is dishonest and lacks integrity; that he was unfit to participate at forums like the round-table discussion and that he was unfit for public office. “The aforesaid words complained of were calculated to disparage the Claimant [Nandlall] and intentionally done to and did
embarrass, humiliate and injure the reputation and standing of the Claimant in his profession and office,” the court document stated. The court document noted too that Ferguson made the remarks knowing them to be false, and as a consequence, Nandlall’s reputation has been seriously harmed and he has suffered considerable hurt, embarrassment, distress and anxiety. The Attorney-General is claiming general damages in excess of $10,000,000; aggravated damages in excess of $10,000,000; costs and other orders the Court deems just and reasonable. Nandlall is also seeking an injunction restraining Ferguson and anyone acting on her behalf from speaking or publishing the said or similar defamatory remarks, as the court document noted, if Ferguson is not restrained by the Court, she will continue to publish the same or similar remarks. Nandlall had previously issued a statement on the matter denouncing a video that was circulating on Facebook in which Ally and Williams made the accusation, noting that on the day in question he was called to the location by PPP/C candidates to observe a crowd misbehaving and abusing persons who were going to cast their vote.
related to misconduct in public office. The motions were supported by government-nominated GECOM Commissioners, Gunraj, Bibi Shaddick and Manoj Narayan. The motion to dismiss Lowenfield was tabled by Gunraj and Shadick and listed 20 grounds on which he should be dismissed. The Commissioners said that Lowenfield breached his functions, duties, responsibilities and obligations when he neglected to ensure due adherence and compliance with the statutory process outlined in Section 84 of the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), Chapter 1:03 by Mingo, who was under his direct supervision. Mingo, according to the Commissioners, failed to
follow the stipulated process of adding up the Statements of Poll (SoPs) for his District and Lowenfield aided in his noncompliance. Lowenfield is accused of also breaching his functions when he neglected to provide proper and lawful directions, instructions and guidance to the officers and employees of the Secretariat in the performance of their statutory duties during the process of the adding up of the votes recorded in the SoPs for Electoral District Four. Myers is accused of aiding and abetting Lowenfield’s actions. In her case, the motion was submitted in the names of Shadick and Narayan. They argued that she also went out of her way to facilitate a meeting in a
GECOM facility by then Foreign Affairs Minister Karen Cummings where she threatened to revoke the accreditation of international observers. Myers’ order to have the Guyana Police Force remove Commissioner Gunraj and political party representatives from the GECOM Command Centre during the tabulation of the SOPs is also listed as one of the reasons she should be dismissed from her substantive post as DCEO. Meanwhile, Mingo is accused of discarding his oath of office and failing to act fairly and impartially or legally in the discharge of his duties. The grounds for Mingo’s dismissal surround his tabulation of the SOPs in which he clearly manufactured numbers to reflect a win by the APNU+AFC Coalition. It also concerns his conduct and defiance of the court orders mandating that he follow the outlined statutory process to acquire his final tally of the SOPs. The three were informed of the motions by GECOM Chair after it was tabled earlier this month.
JSC denounces ‘harmful’ misinformation from Opposition camp T
he Joint Services Coordinating Council (JSCC) has joined the voiced denouncing the harmful misinformation coming from the APNU+AFC Coalition camp. According to them, such commentary could have a damaging effect on society. The JSC said, “The Council has noted a circulating document which services to implicate members of the Joint Services in illegal activities and wishes to make it clear that operational troops remain under the command and administration of the Joint Services.” They also noted that claims that a senior officer in the GDF would head this squad were outrageous. The Council urged persons to be responsible and avoid creating public mischief. The matter in reference relates to comments by the Coalition’s Annette Ferguson. The Opposition Parliamentarian, last week, came in for criticism over the comments that were posed to social media. Ferguson, in her social media post, accused the PPP/C Govern-
ment of “setting up of Death Squad and Black Clothes groups.” Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, dubbed the comments as “malicious and deluded” and not founded in facts. She had said, “This is totally untrue. It is malicious both on the part of the MP (Member of Parliament) and the news agency that published it. On Monday (June 14, 2021), the Parliament looked at two financial papers. The second financial paper dealt with a number of agencies. One of those agencies was the Guyana Defence Force… the majority items had to do with the Regional Joint Support teams. This is a decision of the Defence Board and the implementation commenced in April 2021. The Regional Joint Support teams are made up of the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force. This is an operational issue to enhance our capabilities to fight crime, all types of crime…this has nothing to do with any Black Clothes Group. This is not a resus-
citation of anything. This is a new initiative by the Government through the Guyana Defence Board to be able to reduce the level of crime, to be able to have better access to information and intelligence sharing between agencies in order to make our society safer and to be able to make our people live in a safer environment.” The approved supplementary provision for the GDF included $394,391,923 for current and $318,662,251 for capital expenditures. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister said neither the line of questioning from the Opposition’s side on the supplementary provision for the GDF, nor the response by the Government side, made mention of ‘black clothes’ or ‘death squad.’ “This fiction that is being created by Annette Ferguson…this is an attempt to drive fear amongst people… Ms. Ferguson is deliberately misinforming the people of our country and this is unacceptable,” she charged. The Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, also condemned Ferguson’s post.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
EDITORIAL
Fighting COVID is a national task G
etting to herd immunity, via vaccination against COVID-19, is a national task that demands the cooperation of all. Notably, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that 'herd immunity', also known as 'population immunity', is the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune either through vaccination or immunity developed through previous infection. Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, only last week defended the PPP/C government’s use of $1.28B to facilitate payment of vaccines. The $1.28B was part of a supplementary financial paper, detailing Contingency Fund advances that totaled $1.9B, which was tabled in the House last week and debated on June 14, 2021. Anthony explained that monies fund the purchase vaccines – $957M for 200,000 does of Sputnik V vaccines and $326M on 100,000 does Sinopharm vaccines. To ensure sufficient supplies, the Ministry of Health held bilateral discussions with countries, namely India, China, Russia, the US, the EU, Kuwait and the UAE. In addition, Guyana had bilateral talks with manufacturers AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, SinoPharm, Covaxin, Russian Direct Investment Fund. So far, Guyana has been able to secure vaccines from the following sources: 1. COVAX – Guyana is a signatory in the COVAX agreement and has received so far 62,400 doses of Astra Zeneca Vaccine 2. Barbados – Guyana received 3,000 doses of AstraZeneca as a donation from Barbados 3. China – Guyana received 20,000 Sinopharm doses of vaccines as a donation from China 4. India – Guyana received 80,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from India. {Note that Guyana, in turn, donated 5,000 doses of this vaccine to Barbados]. 5. Guyana procured 400,000 doses of Sputnik V vaccines from Dubai. [Note Guyana has received 305,000 doses of this so far. Guyana expects to receive 95,000 doses of Sputnik vaccines from this procurement to arrive in Guyana soon 6. China – Guyana has procured 100,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines from China and expect to receive this shipment within the next two weeks. 7. African Union/CARICOM Agreement – Guyana is part of an AU/CARICOM Agreement to purchase vaccines from the AU. In this procurement arrangement, Guyana is procuring 148,000 doses of vaccines. A portion of this will be made up of Johnson and Johnson vaccines. In addition to benefiting from donations of vaccines, Guyana opted to buy vaccines to ensure adequacy of supply. Our country is on the path to securing adequate COVID-19 vaccines to immunize all adult persons living in Guyana in 2021. Had Guyana waited, like other Caribbean countries, and only depended on the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility, a very small percentage of the Guyanese adult population would have been vaccinated. COVAX is a global initiative aimed at equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines led by GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the WHO. COVAX seeks to provide vaccines for at least 20% of the population of each participating country during 2021. In March 2021, Jamaica was the first COVAX country in the Caribbean to receive vaccines. A total of 15 Caribbean countries were expected to receive just over 2.1 million doses of COVAX vaccines by the end of May 2021. These included Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Surinam, and Trinidad and Tobago. Instead, over 229,000 persons have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines, with over 103,000 obtaining second jabs. The PPP/C government’s leadership, as Guyana battled the COVID-19 pandemic, has, undeniably, kept thousands of our people safe and alive. And the Coalition’s use of the vaccination for the sake of cheap political points must be rejected and condemned by all right-thinking Guyanese.
Harmon has shown poor leadership, lack of care for Guyanese Dear Editor,
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accine hesitancy is of mounting concern around the world, and local politicians that add fuel to such a negative cause are setting their supporters up for suffering and death, although global leaders have embraced vaccination, which has saved thousands of lives. Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon has shown poor leadership and lack of care for Guyanese who have taken his advice to not get vaccinated, while making disparaging remarks about the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programme that has been successful so far. President Irfaan Ali has condemned as “reckless and immature” a call by Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon to suspend administration of the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine. Political leaders who oppose the development and safety of the citizenry are selfish, and will be judged accordingly in the history books. As at Monday last, the Health Ministry shared, Guyana had vaccinated close to 50 percent of its adult population with at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and about 20 per cent of the adult population have received their second dose, making them fully vaccinated. President Irfaan Ali has mandated that the Health Ministry vaccinate all
adults by the end of 2021. Government has reiterated on many occasions that Guyana will not be deterred by vaccine price or other barriers. The Government has declared that it will invest as necessary to protect the Guyanese people. The Region Three COVID-19 Task Force hosted its first ‘drive-thru’ vaccination on June 19 at the Pouderoyen Market Tarmac, West Bank Demerara, and the next is expected to be held at the Synthetic Track and Field Facility at Leonora. The Region Three Chamber of Commerce is encouraging and advocating for all right-thinking Guyanese to take advantage of the vaccination process that is currently being administered freely by health care professionals, as, in the future, those who did not receive their vaccine would have to pay at private entities for the same vaccine. So far, Guyana has been able to secure vaccines and donations from: COVAX, Barbados, China, India, Dubai and the African Union/Caricom Agreement. This is available to benefit all Guyanese, but misguiding citizens with cheap politics will only cause the Opposition to haemorrhage further, as veteran People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Thandi Mc Allister has this month also resigned from the party that she served for over 25 years, after
highlighting that the Opposition has a poor vision for youths and the nation. The Opposition Leader has openly declared that in vaccinating 223,659 persons with a first dose and the 92,157 fully vaccinated persons so far, the price paid was not worth it. No one that is fully vaccinated in Guyana has ended up in the ICU, and none has died. This investment in our people is entirely worth it. The world must emerge from this pandemic with as many people as possible vaccinated. To achieve that, people in politics must leave judgements on vaccination safety and efficacy to the independent experts that they have entrusted with making these decisions. Harmon must be reminded that if he is interested in the next elections, dead supporters will not assist him in any way. Currently, Government is embracing all religions, races, sexual orientations and everyone in society to take the vaccine to safeguard themselves and their families. Mr Harmon should rethink his posture, and instead advocate for all to take the vaccine, since he is not a scientist, and should not be making claims about the vaccine without any foundation of a scientific nature. Sincerely, H. Khan
Guyanese must condemn attempt to politicize the pandemic Dear Editor,
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ver the last week, I have paid keen attention to the issue regarding the procurement of the vaccines with which thousands of Guyanese people like me have gotten vaccinated. I ask that you permit me to share some thoughts which I have on the matter, so that others can become better informed and get themselves vaccinated as well. Last week in Parliament, Mr Harmon made some comments about the source of the vaccines which were purchased by the Government, and the price at which they were procured. I admit I was very intrigued by his comments, and waited patiently for a response from the Minister of Health and other officials, so that I myself could get some clarity. After tuning in to the Minister of Health’s press conference last Friday, I felt more comfortable knowing that the vaccines were safe and were procured through proper channels, which were available at
the time. The clarification which Health Minister Anthony offered was definitely needed, and I am sure other Guyanese felt the same. According to the many statements, comments and press conferences I focused on recently, the Government initially explored their options with sourcing vaccines from the United States, Europe, and multi-lateral COVAX facility. However, their efforts were futile. Nevertheless, they recognised the need for Guyanese to have access to the vaccines, hence their efforts to source the vaccines from other suppliers. It was found that the Prince of Dubai, who had visited Guyana, had connections with a source of the vaccine supply. With existing bilateral rapport, the Government requested access to the supply chain, and was readily accommodated. But the disadvantage was that the price which the vaccines were selling for was higher than that of the recommended WHO price. I fully support the Government’s deci-
sion to go ahead with the procurement of the vaccines despite it being more costly, because I personally know how serious this pandemic is. I lost one of my siblings recently to COVID-19, and therefore I know that the only way to prevent losing anyone else is to get vaccinated. The fact that the Government did what they had to do to give us Guyanese access to the vaccines should be commended, rather than criticised. Therefore, I find it disappointing that the Opposition is going to such lengths to chastise the Government for giving Guyanese access to the vaccines, the very vaccines which they themselves have taken. It would appear that they are politicising the pandemic to gain some sort of cheap political mileage, and that does not sit right with me. In fact, it ought to be condemned by all Guyanese, as their actions are grossly irresponsible. Respectfully, Attiya Baksh
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
Guyana has opportunity to capitalize on link between education, increased levels of economic growth Dear Editor,
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uyana’s future would be a bright one, but it would require a robust, transparent and results-oriented infrastructure development programme; a system of efficient and effective public administration; business-friendly tax and regulatory policies to spur business attraction, retention and expansion; along with a dependable and strong finance and banking sector. According to the latest World Bank Doing Business report, Guyana ranks 134 out of 190 countries worldwide, and in the Caribbean, behind Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados. So, there’s much work to be done. The challenge of human capital and economic development in Guyana cannot be met and overcome by money alone. It would require individual, cooperative and collaborative dedication and effort by the Public and Private Sectors and Civil Society. As a Guyanese business owner and activist declared: “You have to respect what money and success give you, then have the responsibility that goes with that.” For Guyana, at this moment in history, it starts with responsibility. As Guyanese, we highly value education, and that bodes well, as our country seeks to capitalise on its oil and gas largesse and finally build a nation that all Guyanese have hoped for since Independence in 1966.
An encouraging development along these lines is the recent announcement by our PPP/C Government that 20,000 online scholarships are on offer to prepare Guyanese for the energy sector. The training is intended to be very practical, tied to industry, and aimed at local human capital development, since petroleum-related jobs are presently staffed by foreigners. Scholarship recipients have a choice of more than 80 programmes offered via GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning), including the University of the West Indies. With ExxonMobil indicating it would establish training facilities in Guyana, one should hope that other energy companies engaged in Guyana’s energy sector – such as BP, Total, Shell – would also come forward and support human capital development in our country, whether it be for their specific industrial sector or for other sectors. Hess and CNOOC have made a commitment to spend some G$20 billion (US$100 million) over the next ten years to significantly expand capacity-building efforts and promote sustainable economic development in Guyana. Under a new enterprise, called the ‘Greater Guyana Initiative’, the companies would work with several organisations, including the University of Guyana (UG), the Centre for Local Business Development, and Technical and Vocational Education Training
Support to the sugar sector welcomed Dear Editor,
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he GAWU expresses its pleasure regarding the recent decision of the Government to further support the sugar industry. The latest support amounting to $1.5 billion, aggregates to $10.5 billion channelled to the industry since the new Government took office some ten (10) months ago. Indeed, it is welcome news for an industry which had been starved of capital investment during the term of the coalition and who, it appears, was intent on suffocating the industry to death. The need to retool and revitalise the sugar factories and cane fields is important if the industry is to reduce its cost-of-production and enhance and diversify its revenue base. We recognise some funding will be directed to the shuttered Rose Hall, Enmore and Skeldon estates as efforts are being made towards their re-opening. Expectedly, Rose Hall will commence operations in the second crop of 2022. And, according to a recent report in Guyana Times, Skeldon will resume operations thereafter whereas Enmore is being geared to become a hub of employment along the East Coast of Demerara. Presumably, sugar will
feature in the new hub given the historical ties, availability of skilled labour, and the sunk costs incurred in converting several fields for mechanisation. We recognise too that several of the usual suspects have lined up to denounce the support to the industry. In as much as we understand that they may not want the industry to succeed as it exposes their imprudent decisions, we cannot fathom the terms, slangs, and other language they use in their denunciations. The GAWU notices that some commentary had taken on an ethnic slant which confounds us given Guyanese of all backgrounds are employed in the sugar industry. Their actions and utterances demonstrate clearly to the sugar workers, and indeed all workers, who stand with them and those who stand against them. At this time, our Union urges that all monies made available by the State be properly utilised in a prudent manner. Indeed, it can go a long way to alleviating and resolving several of the maladies the industry faces. Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)
(TVET) institutions. The ‘Greater Guyana Initiative’ aims primarily to expand ongoing capacity development efforts by supporting education, job training, healthcare and agriculture. It also aims to offer collaborative programmes to develop a diversified workforce and businesses. At present, our country’s workforce skills’ profile and labour market structure are poorly aligned with the needs of the oil sector. As indicated by the World Bank, workers with technical skills that can be employed in the oil sector are currently engaged in construction, transportation, and agro-processing, which are closely linked to agriculture. The latest projections from the World Bank indicate that the oil sector is expected to create 3,850 direct jobs, and 23,100 indirect ones by 2025, employing 0.7 and 3.9 percent of the workforce respectively. While our PPP/C Government is keen on ensuring significant local content, the job-creating potential of the oil sector is limited by its capital- and skills-intensive nature; and Guyana’s small and undiversified manufacturing base is not capable of producing many of the specific inputs the sector requires. Guyana’s human capital and workforce development are required for a productive, efficient and high-quality oil and gas sector. The same is required for the non-energy sectors, where as a country we have the potential to compete in global and regional markets. However, one should note that
there is the risk of pulling away high skilled human capital from other important sectors before training can catch up. However, our PPP/C Government must continue to intensify our educational infrastructure — primary, secondary, tertiary and vocational-technical – for the skills development required for a competitive 21st century workforce, allowing all Guyanese to position themself in the non-resource sectors to take advantage of the huge economic growth trajectory that is destined for Guyana. As Guyanese, we all need to ride the wave of higher value-added service industries, such as business process outsourcing, IT and software design, communications/media, hospitality and tourism, renewable energy and the commercialisation of agriculture and natural resources. These all have great potential. Even light manufacturing, such as wood-based home accessories, provided small producers can form a cooperative to produce the volume and scale necessary to compete effectively. The blessing of oil in our dear Guyana also comes with a curse, namely the invariable overreliance on that commodity for economic growth. We have a great opportunity to establish the true relationship between education and the increased levels of economic growth in the future, as outlined by the by PPP/C Government. Sincerely, David Adams
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GECOM must dismiss all ‘fraudsters’ Dear Editor,
L
ocal Government Elections are due, and the Guyana Elections Commission must get rid of all the fraudsters and put systems in place for the holding of the Elections before the year is over. The Commission has enough evidence of attempted fraud, dishonesty, insubordination, and willful refusal to comply with clear statutory provisions dictating that those before the courts must be sent home immediately. GECOM must, at all times, be fully prepared to hold elections. Constitutionally, Local
Government Elections are due this year, and the PPP/C Government has allocated enough money in the budget for the holding of these elections. Hence, it is imperative that GECOM put all systems in place to hold free and fair LGEs. The Constitution and the Elections Law Amendment Act clearly mandate the Commission to hire all staff, and all members of staff are subject to the directions and control of the Commission. All the sand dancing during the five wasteful months when the Lone Ranger went rogue and kept this nation with the PNC’s knees on our people’s necks
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021 must never be allowed to happen again. The courts at all levels – the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and the Caribbean Court of Justice – all ruled against the anarchists. The courts emphasised that the Commission reserves the power to discipline and dismiss officers as it sees fit. Hence the motion before the Commission to dismiss all those who are before the courts for fraud and misconduct must be implemented. I am indeed disappointed to know that there was no GECOM meeting. PNC Commissioners have commenced their delaying tactics; they have reported that they cannot attend the meeting, and so the meeting is indefinitely “postponed”. This nonsense must stop! GECOM must prepare a work schedule and put Local Government Elections on the front burner. Vincent Alexander and his two PNC faithful’s must not be allowed to cripple our democracy and deprive the Guyanese people of their basic democratic rights! It is imperative that GECOM cleanse itself by removing those dastardly elements and employing suitable persons who would hold free and fair elections. The Chairperson of GECOM must assert herself. She is a woman of substance, and she enjoys the support of the people of this country.
Hence, her legacy must be a revelation that she presided over free and fair National and Regional Elections; and she must ensure that we have LGEs this year. GECOM must have a period of continuous registration, then a short period of Claims and Objections, so as to prepare a voters’ list for the LGEs. This deviously willful absence from the GECOM meeting, resulting in postponement of the meeting, must not be condoned. GECOM must prepare a schedule with a comprehensive plan to deal with any emergencies, to ensure that the critical tasks before them are completed. Our people expect and deserve strong leadership. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo demonstrated that the steel of our people is further strengthened when our diversity is united. The strong leadership that we benefited from last year during turbulent times must continue. Our local democracy must continue to be our nation’s strength at the grassroots level. President Irfaan Ali and his Government must ensure that we have LGEs this year. Our democracy must never flounder! Sincerely, Neil Kumar
Removal of PAC Chair supports efforts to improve accountability Dear Editor,
T
he removal of David Patterson from the head of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was a timely move, and was most welcome by all right-thinking people of this country. His removal comes as a refreshing breeze to the noble estate of the PAC, where accounts, or spending of Government, can be scrutinised. We want to hold all Governments – and I repeat, we hold all Governments – accountable to the people; that is, we demand proper scrutiny of a government’s stewardship in office. This automatically means that there will be an audit of the APNU/AFC Administration’s
spending first, before we venture into those of the current administration. On that note, Patterson refused to recuse himself to give the Auditor General unfettered access into the accounts of the former Government. In essence, what they are saying is this: for that audit to be of any significance, Patterson should remove himself from the chairman’s position. It would be a conflict of interest, or for the Auditor General to do his job successfully once Patterson chairs that committee. Already, there are warning signs of this man’s reluctance to have any audit into past governmental transactions to which he was a part. Patterson has been playing the role of an obstructionist ever since, so there is good
reason to support the position which seeks his removal; because the former Minister of Government is the subject of too many allegedly corrupt transactions during his time in office. His handling of taxpayers’ monies was mired in controversy right from the very beginning of his reign, and it is public knowledge that his Ministry could not get a single project completed. I respectfully concur with Parliamentary Secretary Miss Gail Teixeira when she asserted that if governments can be removed, then why should Patterson not be afforded the same treatment? But it all goes to show the fabric of which the Coalition is made of, a bunch of disgraceful individuals who raped the treasury and
believe that they can get away with it. Well, I must inform the disgraceful group to think again, this is not going to happen in this new dispensation of things. This corrupt bullyism was further displayed when, for five long months, this nation was burdened by a PNC-led Coalition which was adamant that it must remain in office despite the voters’ decision that it should go. Our country had to endure five long, arduous months and numerous court battles to remove this party out of office. The summary of it all is that democracy, as we know, ultimately prevailed. Respectfully, Neil Adams
7
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
No cost can be attached to the lives of Guyanese Affairs of the nation can be addressed without hindrance O
Dear Editor,
Dear Editor,
A
fter approximately 10 years of the PNC-led coalition holding majority in Parliament, another PPP/C administration is governing the country with equity and fiscal prudence. For approximately two decades post-elections 1992, the PPP/C worked unremittingly to reverse the destruction and devastation visited upon Guyana and Guyanese by the former PNC regime, first under Burnham, then Hoyte’s governance, with magnificent success, with socio-economic development in this country poised to catalyse dramatically within the future from a base laid by the unrelenting efforts of former President and current Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who is now aptly referred to as ‘The architect of modern Guyana’. The gains in the nation reversed toward a downward trend when the Government of the newly elected Donald Ramotar administration found itself in a quandary when the PPP/C lost its parliamentary majority to a vengeful joint Opposition in the November 2011 General and Regional Elections. The ludicrous irony of persons who had no input into Guyana’s wealth creation, even those who destroyed Guyana and left it a deeply indebted country, arrogating to themselves the right to abrogate that wealth disposition to the nation and drive the workers of the country into joblessness, sent shockwaves rippling throughout the country as the implications of the budgetary cuts slowly sank into the unbelieving minds of the nation. Even the Private Sector was distressed because, apart from other constraining factors, they realised that disposable incomes would be severely reduced in many families and Government-run institutions, thus hampering purchasing power, with severe, deleterious ripple effects on the business community. There was no logic to the madness as the Opposition wielded its Sword of Damocles on the painstaking work of the Finance Minister, his supporting aides, and the various stakeholders in the nation’s economy.
The stunned disbelief of Government MPs was replicated in the faces of even Opposition media operatives, who could not believe the socio-economic dislocations the Opposition collective was prepared to visit upon the nation merely for vindictive spite and for showing the then Government, in Granger’s own words, “who is boss”. A stunned Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, covered his face in agonised dismay as the Opposition did the unbelievable, cleanly cutting the budget for the Government’s flagship in hinterland development, the LCDS, with all the resultant implications. Former Amerindian Affairs Minister, then Foreign Affairs Minister, Carolyn Rodriques-Birkett, sat next to him in solemn anguish as she contemplated the dire consequences of that vindictive budgetary slash to her people, who have always been oppressed by the PNC in, and now out, of Government. The Amerindian communities and persons who consequently suffered, with many losing their jobs as a consequence of this irrational budgetary massacre, were described as “collateral damage” by Khemraj Ramjattan. However, this should not have been an unexpected eventuality when the joint Opposition determinedly, exulting in its collective power vested through its one-vote/one-seat majority during the earlier sitting, when supplemental financial paper No 7 was laid in the National Assembly, voted against its passage, thus leaving incomplete the country’s accounting records, which would be recorded as unresolved in the AG’s audit reports for the budget agencies in which the monies had been spent. According to legal and financial experts, this has never before happened in any other part of the world. So, what a relief that the Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C Administration could once more conduct the affairs of the nation without hindrance, except for a lot of foul hot air emanating from the Opposition benches. Yours truly, Baldeo Mathura
pposition Leader Mr Joseph Harmon seems to be trying to daub the Coalition’s dirty past on the PPP/C Government. His reckless and irresponsible statement will cement his position as the worst Opposition Leader this country has ever seen, and possibly the worst in the entire world. His claims of “corruption and racketeering” and “fake vaccines” should be deemed a criminal act which would put the lives of many Guyanese at risk, including those of his supporters. What had they done to address the COVID-19 pandemic whilst in Government? They did absolutely nothing, except trying every illegality to remain in power. Sadly, during this time of suffering and death, they use the pandemic to enrich themselves and their cronies. This brings to mind the Ocean View fiasco, which saw $1.6 billion being squandered to produce a ‘shell,’ not a hospital.Whilst trying madly to hold on to power, they were at the same time thieving left, right and centre. This Government had to spend $790 million dollars to bring this facility into operation. Shame, Mr Harmon! Imagine, the Coalition even used our misery to steal. If the PPP/C were in government just after the March 2nd elections, they would have stemmed the increase in deaths and infections we are now seeing. Now the Coalition is throwing their filth at the PPP/C Government. Today, you are attempting not only to stymie the vaccination drive to protect our people from this dreaded disease, but to cast aspersions of corrupt practices, which shows your high level of insensitivity. This is not how a responsible Opposition Leader should behave! Mr Harmon, it will definitely take volumes to actually highlight the many corrupt
acts which were foisted on this nation by the Coalition during its tenure in Government. It was for only 5 years, but your Government ensured the Treasury was emptied, it depleted the reserves and went on a squandering spree which is unparalleled even when compared to the dark days of Burnhamism. The Health Sector was not spared. Billions in expired drugs had to be dumped. A condom bond cost this nation $12.6 million per month. This is corruption, Mr Harmon! In addition, the Coalition sold out our oil patrimony for peanuts, and now they are barefacedly demanding that the PPP/C Government renegotiate the Exxon contracts. They filled their bank accounts to the hilt, and now want to daub their dirty and nefarious past on this Government. With the corrupt five years to their credit, they are now questioning the cost of an emergency supply of vaccines to save our people’s lives. One life is important, Mr Harmon. Would anyone be willing to sacrifice the life of even one of their loved ones because of US$14 or Gy$2,800? You are fully immunized Mr Opposition Leader, and I am sure that all your loved ones are. Imagine, you have very scant regard for the lives of your own supporters! We must vaccinate each and every Guyanese! One life lost is too many. We must all echo the statement by our President, Dr Irfaan Ali, who described Harmon’s diatribe as “shamefully reckless, selfish, and against the interest of Guyana and Guyanese”. Our President promised every Guyanese a better life, and his Government is delivering, unlike the ‘Good Life’ offered by the Coalition that never materialised! The lives of all Guyanese matter, and cost is not a consideration. Yours sincerely, H. Yusuf
8
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
NEOC officially fully operationalised T
he multi-stakeholder National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) was on Wednesday (June 23, 2021) formally operationalised to provide an enhanced coordinated mechanism that will prevent duplication of efforts, maximise resources and ensure all involved are working collectively as one team in tackling the current floods situation in Guyana. The Centre is headed by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which falls under the Office of the Prime Minister, and will include representatives from several government ministries, necessary agencies that fall under them, the private sector,
and civil society. During Wednesday’s opening ceremony for the Centre, Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting affected citizens as the country goes through these difficult times. “As a government working with all the agencies involved in bringing immediate relief to those affected communities throughout Guyana,” Prime Minister Phillips said. The NEOC has been partially in operation since the floods began in May, however it is now being fully activated given the progression of the situation, which
saw the President Dr. Irfaan Ali, declaring the floods a national disaster on June 9, with the country in a Level Two state of emergency, and five Regions being at Level Three. “This is an opportune time to activate NEOC with the aim to apprise stakeholders of their participation in the NEOC to determine immediate and medium term needs and maximise use of resources of all agencies,” the Prime Minister related. The ministries that are a part of the NEOC include the Ministries of Health, Local Government and Regional Development, Finance, Amerindian Affairs, Human
Services and Social Security, Agriculture, Public Works, Foreign Affairs and International Development. The other agencies include the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Guyana Defence Force (GDF) through assistance from the Coast Guard and Air Corps, National Data Management Authority (NDMA), and Department of Public Information (DPI). Through the Ministry of Agriculture there will be representatives from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), the Hydro Meteorological Office, National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the
Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA). Also on the NEOC are the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and Guyana Red Cross Society. The NEOC will be the main decision making body during disaster response, and will be the focal point where all information, and data are shared, analysed, and prioritised to guide decisions making Where decisions cannot be made it would be further sent up to the Prime Minister, President or Cabinet. Meanwhile, CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, in comments, said, “The NEOC will be a very active body to ensure effective response. The intent is for all stakeholders to
work very closely with the team to ensure data, guidance and local context are provided to ensure that we have a very detailed assessment which will drive an informed decision making which will then drive early recovery,” The NEOC held its first meeting on Wednesday (June 23, 2021), and will continue to hold regular meetings as the country continues to assess the current situation and works towards putting together post-disaster recovery plans. The Centre will be active 24 hours. During the meeting the various bodies involved were given a chance to provide data, and outline challenges currently facing their respective areas, so that the CDC could be guided in how to coordinate the necessary aid.
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
9
Gov’t flood relief efforts continue
10
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
Farmers assured of gov’t support F
armers from Moleson Creek, Crabwood Creek, Skeldon and Bush Lot, Corentyne, were engaged by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, who assured them of government’s support. During his engage-
ments, Minister Mustapha told flood-affected persons the Government will ensure the necessary assistance is provided so that they can return to the land. He said more aid would be given when the waters have receded.
“We are experiencing a national disaster. Over the last few weeks, we’ve experienced unprecedented rainfall. This is the first time in our country’s history we are experiencing this type of flooding. We’ve had major floods before but when you
look around today, this flood is far more devastating than those experienced in the past because all the regions in our country have been affected. The water might have receded in a number of residential areas, but in the back lands,
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the water level is still high. Persons lost cash crops, rice, livestock and they need help,” Minister Mustapha said. The Minister also said the Government has approached its disaster relief efforts in a phased manner, prioritising human safety. “We are now approaching this disaster in a phased approach. As a Government, the most important thing for us to do now is to ensure people have food, medical supplies, and water to drink. The Ministry has also been working with livestock farmers across the country. Feed and veterinary services are being offered free of charge to those who were affected. Farmers are also given assistance to move their cattle from flooded areas in the back lands to higher ground,” Mustapha said. The Guyana Livestock Development Authority has been offering additional services to affected farmers. Farmers who have yet to benefit are encouraged to inform their regional extension officer. While farmers from Moleson Creek complimented the Ministry’s efforts in executing much-needed drainage works in the area, requests were made for a machine to return there to complete the additional works. Requests were also made for the Ministry to hire temporary sluice attendants as farmers would often have to operate the structures themselves. Minister Mustapha told residents that all of the machines are currently deployed to several flood-affected regions. However, he pledged to send one back to complete the works as soon as it becomes available. He also committed to ensuring
sluice attendants are placed at the structures in the area. Over in Crabwood Creek, residents said although the Minister and Government had given certain directives, officials from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and the Water Users’ Association (WUA) have not been working in the best interest of the residents. Several residents voiced concerns about the non-responsiveness of some of the staff at the NDC. They also said the overseer was negligent in executing his duties. Minister Mustapha advised residents to write to the relevant body to have their issues with the NDCs addressed. He also told residents that he would ask the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development to meet with them. As it relates to issues with the WUA, Minister Mustapha told residents that his Ministry would launch an investigation. Meanwhile, farmers from Bush Lot said they were satisfied with the services being administered by the crop and livestock departments. Farmers complained that they are yet to receive the much-needed veterinary services being offered and also sought the assistance of the Minister with having a number of drains desilted. The subject Minister said that he was not satisfied with the level of service being offered by some of the extension officers in the Region and told the respective heads of departments to ensure those in need receive assistance. He added that there were over 50 extension officers in the Region so persons shouldn’t be complaining about not being served.
11
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT
Operation Tradewinds 2021’s tactical training important for Guyana T
he tactical exercise of Operation Tradewinds 2021, conducted at the Yarowkabra Range on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, was hailed as a success by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. During the adrenaline-packed simulation, the ranks showcased their tactical abilities and demonstrated the skills learnt over the past two weeks. The demonstration culminated as three Black Hawk helicopters swooped down to ferry the ranks to safety, signalling a successful extraction of the troops. The Head of State, who was accompanied by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess, National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia and other military officials from participating countries, including the United States, applauded the performance. He said, “I want to thank you guys; I think this was a great exercise.” President Ali pointed to
the importance of strengthening the decision-making capabilities of the ranks in the fields, which he said will allow them to strategise better and better respond to a range of scenarios. The President added that the strategies and teamwork executed by the ranks are needed to combat the changing nature of crime in the region. LOGISTICAL BRIEFING Prior to arriving at Yarrowkabra, the Commander-in-Chief was given an administrative and logistical briefing at the Ramada Princess Hotel on the two-week operation. He was also provided with a situation update on two enemies’ courses of action as well as three friendly forces’ courses of action by several staff officers. After the briefing, he lauded the ranks for the successful execution of Operation Tradewinds, given the COVID-19 environment in which they operated.
He said, “I would like to see at the end of the exercise, the heads come together and maybe develop a manual as to how you did it in such an environment for future exercises, and out of that you can develop a master plan of best practices in operating and working in an environment that we are in right now.” This, he added, will be a critical, progressive and visionary outcome of the exercise and will pave the way for future exercises. Tradewinds
is a US Southern Command sponsored combined joint exercise conducted with partner nations to enhance the collective ability of defence forces and constabularies to counter transnational criminal organisations, conduct humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations. Tradewinds exercises also help to develop strong relationships and reinforce human rights awareness. This exercise dates back to the mid-1980s. Representatives from the
United States and 12 partner nations, including host nation Guyana, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Netherlands, Brazil, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, are participating in the 36th iteration of Tradewinds. The exercise commenced on June 12 and is scheduled to run until June 25. As hosts, 350 ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana De-
fence Force (GDF) trained in various military skills, including close-quarters combat. Local ranks have also been trained in marksmanship, emergency medical evacuation, search and rescue and recovery responses and mechanical and engineering repairs for both air and water transportation, among other areas. Guyana was scheduled to host Tradewinds in 2020; however, the exercise was cancelled due to COVID-19.
IsDB intervention, Gov’t will take every step to safeguard support discussed Guyanese lives in the wake of T countrywide floods P resident Dr. Irfaan Ali this week met virtually with the President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Bandar Hajjar and his team to discuss intervention measures and the Bank’s support in the wake of the recent floods across Guyana. The Head of State raised the need for aids to farmers to restore their productive capacity, support for drainage and irrigation initiatives and further strengthening of the national drainage system. Discussions also centred on assistance for the affected hinterland and riverine communities. These areas, the President explained, depend predominantly on the mining and forestry sectors. Other critical interventions identified were the restoration of river dams, hinterland roads and bridges, many of which were
destroyed and remain submerged. The President of the Islamic Development Bank assured that no effort would be spared to support Guyana’s rebuilding efforts and enable more resilient infrastructure. Dr Hajjar added that a technical team will be in contact with Guyanese officials to develop the response mechanism and to mobilise resources needed under these very “urgent circumstances”. The Head of State said that a technical team from Guyana would mobilise and gather all the necessary information to accelerate the implementation of the interventions raised. He also thanked The Islamic Development Bank for its commitment to working with the Government and the people of Guyana and for its overall support.
he PPP/C administration’s only interest is to safeguard the lives of all Guyanese, and his Government will do everything in its power to do so. Dr. Ali made this statement last week in response to calls by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, for the people to refuse the Russian made Sputnik V vaccine. The President said Mr. Harmon’s statement is “one that only seeks to derive political gain gains… Whilst I’m sure that if one is to examine the statement by Mr. Harmon in relation to the Sputnik V vaccine dissuading Guyanese from taking the Sputnik V vaccine, you will find it to be self-serving, shamefully reckless, selfish and against the interests of Guyana and Guyanese. This is a man who shamefully tried to steal an election some months ago. This is a man who himself took the Sputnik vaccine.” President Ali reiterated that the Government will spare no effort to protect
its citizens. He said, “There is no cost to protecting the lives of Guyanese, and that is the only interest of the Government. That is my only interest.” The President reminded the nation of his public statement assuring citizens that his Government was exploring other avenues for vaccines outside the COVAX facility to ensure all eligible persons could be immunised. “That position would not change. Every single manufacturer, developer, country, whether it was for Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, AstraZeneca, Sputnik, we tried. We tried countries directly; we tried developers directly; we tried manufacturers directly; we tried diplomatic channels; we tried every single thing and we continue to try every single day. We have requests with every single developer manufacturer for vaccines to protect the life of Guyanese people. I announced that we were getting the Sputnik,
from the UAE at $20.00. Very, very early I made it very clear to Guyanese people,” Ali said. Dr. Ali also noted that more than 74 countries across the world are using the Sputnik V and the clinical data has already been submitted to the European Union and World Health Organization (WHO)approving authorities. He said countries all across the globe use the Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm vaccines without WHO approval. Additionally, prior to WHO approval, the UK also used AstraZeneca. The President said, “All the scientific literature tells you how important vaccination is and countries are fighting, desperately to get these vaccines. These vaccines are not easily procured. We have tried every single measure, and for Mr Harmon, to try to discredit those efforts, to now try to dissuade Guyanese at this
important, this public health juncture of our country, is reckless and shameful.” The President has urged the population not to fall prey to what he describes as the self-serving interests of the Opposition Leader. “Heed the call of the Ministry of Health, call of scientists, heed the call of the scientific community, heed the call of doctors and get vaccinated. Get vaccinated, I implore you, please, my Guyanese brothers and sisters, vaccination is an essential part of the struggle against COVID; it protects you; it protects your family, and it gives us an opportunity to get out of this pandemic. Please get vaccinated,” he said. The President said his Government will continue to roll out the Sputnik V vaccine and other vaccines when they become available. He said shipments are expected from the African Union and COVAX which will augment Government’s efforts.
YEA R IN R EV IEW 12
JANUARY
2021 will be a year of recovery for Guyana ‒ President Ali APNU+AFC left empty Consolidated Fund – Finance Minister ICJ rules that it has jurisdiction in Venezuela border controversy Development opportunities for every region - President Al GECOM Chair denies Amna Ally’s request to meet with her ‘alone’ Groundwork being laid to tighten electoral system – Nandlall Multiple breaches of financial laws under Patterson’s watch
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
Teixeira spotlights opportunistic use of issues to fan ‘racial’ tensions at UN special meeting ‒ highlights work of PPP/C gov’t Over $1.5B budgeted for solar electricity in Amerindian communities ‒ as Government expands affordable, reliable energy
Gov’t investing in hinterland healthcare services ‒ aims to bring quality, services on par with coastland Coalition persists with baseless claims – AG Nandlall Another AFC Member resigns, says party has ‘lost its way’
Venezuelan decree a ‘legal nullity’
Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine gets local emergency use authorisation
GDF, US Dept. of Defense sign logistics agreement
Fuel price reduction leaves more money in people’s pockets – Finance Minister
Agriculture has key role in govt’s diversification plan PPP/C gov’t unsupportive of rates and taxes increases
Coalition put on blast for ‘radicalising and racialising’ budget debates
Chief Justice dismisses one election petition, second to proceed
MARCH
Renovations started on vaccination centres ‒ in preparation for COVID-19 vaccine roll out
APNU+AFC Coalition Legacy: A Party willing to do anything, everything to stay in power ‒ Teixeira says nothing can whitewash, downplay this fact
Guyana condemns ‘wanton act’ of aggression by Venezuela Small parties engaged in Budget 2021 discussions
Opposition missed opportunity to present development ideas to National Assembly -Minister Singh
Coalition loses bid to table ‘2015 version’ of bill dealing with marijuana
Steps would be taken to restore State lands gifted away by Coalition
Guyana focused on ensuring oil revenues meet development needs – Dr Ashni Singh
PPP/C legislative agenda detailed ‒ Gov’t to retain international consultant to draft legislation for petroleum sector
FEBRUARY Electoral reform remains important issue of gov’t agenda – President Constructive criticism, sharing of ideas welcomed by PPP/C gov’t
Regional Ministerial Task Force will help push agricultural development within CARICOM PM calls for COVID-19 related debt write-offs at PROSUR meeting
Gov’t working to strengthen institutions to prevent corruption
Reform of election laws necessary to ensure fair, transparent process
Government doing all in its power to protect country’s territorial integrity
Coalition’s imprudent financial management leaves massive burden on taxpayers
Potaro-Siparuni Region receives $31 million COVID-19 allocation
COVID-19 vaccine not mandatory, but Guyanese encouraged to get immunised
Patterson should recuse himself as PAC chair -Minister Teixeira Parliamentarians charged to serve Guyana, not ‘pull’ nation apart ‒ President details plans for One Guyana Commission, more APNU+AFC engaging in ‘traditional misinformation campaign’ – Edghill
Dr. Cheddi Jagan’s struggle for democracy remains relevant Harmon must acknowledge legitimacy of elected PPP/C gov’t before any talks can occur Another APNU/AFC tax measure reversed
Government earmarks US$17.4M to improve internet in 200 communities –PM
Election Report cites APNU+AFC for abuse of state media, funds ‒ EU EOM formally hands over report to Foreign Affairs Minister
Coalition MPs cautioned about breaches of Standing Orders
Coalition’s latest legal challenge dubbed ‘waste of court’s time’
Detailed medical checks before and after COVID-19 vaccine is given - Minister Anthony
Role for private sector in climate change fight – Jagdeo
$383.1B National Budget presented for 2021
‘Aggressive engagement’ with communities on the cards – Jagdeo Guyana has ‘boundless’ economic prospects
New Production Sharing Agreement will see greater benefits for Guyana – Jagdeo tells LCP Consultation
Witch hunting claims rubbished, race-baiting by Coalition rejected
Proposed $2B budgetary sum would ensure better performing sugar factories –Mustapha
Finance Minister details agenda to strengthen and modernise government and business institutions
GECOM Secretariat, not the Commission, failed the nation
APRIL
Health, Education, Infrastructure and Human Services take lion’s share of Budget 2021 allocations
‘2020 US Human Rights report… APNU+AFC Coalition cited for refusing to accept Election results
YEA R IN R EV IEW
13
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
President urges world leaders to revisit and reform the existing global debt framework
Mingo given house lot a month before March 2020 Elections ‒ application dated three days after house lot given to him
COVID transmission can lessen if public acts responsibly – Health Minister
Lowenfield attempting to block prosecution from securing evidence against him – Nandlall
Some 200 hinterland and riverine communities stand to benefit from hinterland ICT programme
40,500 ‘pink slip’ recipients for second phase COVID-19 relief grant
Guyana’s economy will remain resilient against COVID-19 impacts – World Bank
Guyana re-establishes leadership on the environment – APNU+AFC continues their misinformation and lies
Small businesses vital to the economy
Guyana tops Caribbean at CSEC, CAPE
Another advance with PPP/C’s infrastructure agenda… First step of Bartica-Timehri road project started
Granger’s leadership of PNCR being challenged
Guyanese urged to take pandemic seriously, country not yet ahead of the curve
Gov’t addressing crime with forensics scholarships, expansion of Smart city programme
CJ to rule on April 26 in elections petition process
Government will not be a scapegoat for City Hall’s mismanagement
Students encouraged to take advantage of Government programmes – Min. Teixeira
‘We will not be bullied’ – President on Guyana’s territorial integrity
Finance Minister outlines plan to develop Human Capital – during World Bank’s Ministerial Conclave
Incentives in store for public school teachers under GOAL’s initiative
Fixed COVID-19 vaccination sites countrywide
Chief Justice orders release of SOPs, SORs
PPP/C delivers on manifesto promise of online scholarships
JUNE
APNU+AFC called out for perpetrating façade to divert from failures
Stakeholders welcome move to hold ‘recalcitrant’ GECOM officers accountable
Electoral fraud charges to move forward in Court on June 11
Regional Disaster Risk Management Systems activated
Billion-dollar farm-to-market road for Corentyne to Canje Creek ‒ to unlock new agriculture lands
SOPs handed over to the Police ‒ following High Court ruling
Youths afforded apprenticeship opportunity in natural resources sector
NGSA mock exams set for June 9, 10
PNC-led Coalition failing in attempt to stir sense of instability – Teixeira Lower COVID vaccine age is push for herd immunity – Anthony PPP/C demonstrating commitment to developing Guyana’s human resource capacity
BIT investing $40M in training programmes in Region Six ‒ Over 400 to benefit Coalition called out for only investing in ‘strongholds’ Farmers assured of gov’t support during rebuilding phase $10B supplementary funding for flood relief – Jagdeo
DPP, Police Commissioner move to High Court to secure copies of SOP, SORs ‒ to assist in prosecution
Election Petition 88 appeal… APNU+AFC objects to SOPs, SORs being handed over to court
MAY
Walter Rodney to be ‘properly’ honoured, wrongs rectified – Nandlall
Opposition has ‘no interest’ in country’s development APNU+AFC’s Election Petition 88 thrown out over lack of evidence ExxonMobil announces discovery at Uaru-2 offshore Guyana Constitutional, electoral reforms high on agenda – President Ali Gov’t leading national civil society campaign to boost vaccination against COVID Kamwatta and Whitewater to get electricity before the end of 2021 – PM Regional Health Training Centre in Barima-Waini commissioned APNU+AFC ‘seem scared’ of electoral reform – Gunraj Vaccination is our best option to save lives, exit pandemic ‒ President Ali
ExxonMobil announces discovery at Longtail-3 Crucial GECOM meeting cancelled ‒ Absence of Coalition-nominated Commissioners results in lack of quorum Teixeira rubbishes Ferguson’s ‘fiction ‒ Says it is intended to ‘spread fear’ Wales Development Authority to be ‘industrial centre of Caribbean’ Patterson removed as PAC Chairman after National Assembly vote National Emergency Operating Centre activated ‒ for better coordination, response to floodin Coalition called out for causing loss of billions owing to bad deal
WIN to focus on financial independence via training
Harmon’s ‘malicious’ attempt to derail COVID vaccination programme rejected
Stopping misinformation about COVID vaccines starts with you – Anthony
APNU+AFC’s characteristic ‘negativity’ puts Guyanese at risk – Nandlall
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Bridging the digital divide in Guyana…
Youths provided with ICT training Y
ouths from across Guyana, from as young as 10 years old are being introduced to a concise, but thorough training exercise in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The programme, which is being administered by the Industry and Innovation Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister, entails several ICT training sessions for young people to bridge the digital divide in Guyana. The unit’s director, Mr. Shahrukh Hussain said the three-day course focuses on computer operation, software application and Microsoft office, among other basic computer pro-
grammes for participants ranging from 10 to 18 years old. “One of the initiatives we took on is to do basic level training. The aim is essentially to build IT capacity among youths and adults to increase their level of competence with regards to the productive usage of information technology platforms and equipment,” Hussain said. He added that the programme, which began in East Berbice-Corentyne, will be taken to Regions Five, Three and Two before heading to Region Ten and then Region Four. Hussain noted too that IT literacy is no longer a
luxury but a requirement that everyone must be able to use to function effectively in an ever-changing landscape. The programme has already been held in five communities in Region Six. In keeping with COVID-19 Measures, up to 30 participants are allowed into the programme at any one time. Meanwhile, given the importance of building capacity in ICT, Hussain explained that the unit will continue to implement initiatives to ensure every home has at least one individual who has at minimum, basic knowledge in IT.
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
Region One’s Arakaka Village gets support A boat and engine was handed over by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal on Wednesday (June 23, 2021), to Arakaka village, Region One (Barima-Waini), to help transport children to school. Croal said the vessel would also serve teachers and other residents when necessary. He noted too the boat and engine, which were provided by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, have come at an opportune time, especially since the Government is working to have students back in the classroom by September. The initiative is part of a series of interventions to enhance the lives of residents in the riverine community, which was neglected over the past five years. Croal said, “When I started coming to this Region, I have always heard the complaint that you feel like you are a step child in the Region and I want to
assure you that it is far from that. Every community’s development is important to us. It is part of our country’s growth.” Further, through the Government’s Hinterland Electrification Expansion Programme, a 250 KVA generator has been obtained to provide first time electricity to over 1000 Arakaka residents. Additionally, the Guyana Water Incorporated will be drilling a new well to boost the water distribution system in the community. Additionally, over 1000 residents of Arakaka are set to receive electricity for the first time, following the procurement of a 250 KVA generator through the Government’s Hinterland Electrification Expansion Programme. Croal made this announcement during an engagement with residents, as part of an outreach to the community. The Minister said the generator, which was pro-
cured through Regional Democratic Council, will be delivered to the community shortly. He said, “It will be transported from Port Kaituma to your village and then the next phase will kick in, where the collaboration between the Region and the community will see the provision of lamp post and wiring to start putting the residents of Arakaka on a grid.” According to him, the initiative is delivering on a promise the Government made to provide electricity to the residents of the mining community, and ensuring the people are part of the national development process. Minister Croal was accompanied by Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley, Chairman of the Port Kaituma/Matthews Ridge/ Arakaka Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Orlando Thorne and the Regional Prime Minister Representative, Margret Lambert.
Over $628M in development contracts signed in Region Two ‒ contract awarded for new Abram Zuil Secondary School
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he Region Two Administration has signed three contracts valued over $628M for several infrastructural projects aimed at improving access to Government services and enhancing residents’ quality of life. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, last weekend, witnessed the signing during a visit to the Region. A $585 million contract was awarded to Builders Hardware and General Supplies, for the construction of a new Abram Zuil Secondary School. Minister Dharamlall said the construction of the new
school is the fulfilment of a pledge the Government made to the Region. “Since its establishment in 1980, I think the school has seen bits and pieces upgrade, rather than upgrade or construction that would modernise it. Abram Zuil has been at the forefront of education in our country. It has produced outstanding students…. So, we have to put investment in education and we have to provide greater services to our students and also to our parents,” he said. The school has over the years, been producing exceptional students who have succeeded at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams. The school even
produced top students in the Caribbean in 2012, despite not being equipped with all the necessary amenities. Mr. Sayyad Ramjohn, Project Engineer attached to E and A Consultants Incorporated said the project has a 16 month timeframe and a 12-month defects liability period. The two-storeyed, ‘E’ shaped, reinforced concrete structure would be built at the school’s current location, after a complete demolition of the existing building. The modern structure will cater for a population of 750 students. It will feature an elevator, a Science Department with Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories, a Home
Economics Department, including a section for a Food and Nutrition and Sewing Department; a Technical Department, Information Technology Laboratory and a Wood and Metal Workshops. The school would also boast a modern lighting system with LED Lights, wheelchair ramps, medical facilities, a guard hut, driveway and parking, a sanitary block, and cafeteria with a multi-purpose and canteen area. The teachers are removing items from the building so that the demolition can start within two weeks. Alternative accommodation would be made for students until the new building is complete. OTHER CONTRACTS Meanwhile, two other
contracts were also awarded, to K and K Boat Building and Outboard Mechanic Services for the supply of a water ambulance that will operate between Supenaam and Parika, and GenEquip for the supply and delivery of two four-wheel drive John Deere tractors. Meanwhile, Minister Dharamlall urged all the contractors to deliver their projects on time. He also called on them to ensure they follow the necessary protocols on their worksites and properly advertise the projects. He said, “We would like to see the partners that we do business with, that they also uphold the high values that our Government put in place to manage the country and to ensure that the resources of
our country get to the people. This investment that we are making today, we would like to see the people of Region Two benefit so I want to urge you that you employ as much as possible, persons from this Region and especially where these contracts are being done.” There are several other developmental projects currently ongoing in the Region. Another contract will also soon be signed for the construction of a new Queenstown Nursery School. Regional Chairman, Vilma daSilva and Regional Executive Officer, Devanand Ramdatt and several stakeholders in the Education, Health and Agriculture Sectors also attended the signing.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
Arguments in appeal of Elections Petition 99 to continue on July 29 B
oth election petitions – Petition 88 and Petition 99 – filed by the APNU+AFC Coalition are currently before the Court of Appeal. The Court of Appeal commenced hearing argument in the case of Petition 99, last week. Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, filed a motion asking the Court of Appeal to strike out the Coalition’s appeal of the High Court ruling in the case of Petition 99. During a virtual hearing before Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, Nandlall urged that the appeal should be struck out as there is no statutory or constitutional jurisdiction to the Court of Appeal to hear an election petition dismissed for proce-
dural impropriety or any other reason not stated in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana. Arguing for the Coalition was attorney and Coalition Parliament, Roysdale Forde. Arguments will continue on July 29, 2021 at 9:30hours. Petition No.99, which challenged the final elections results, was nullified by the Acting Chief Justice on the grounds of non-compliance of service on the second named respondent, former President Mr. David Granger. Petition 99, argued that fraud was committed in the March 2020 Elections and over 115,000 votes were affected, benefiting the PPP/C. So far, Petition 99 has been thrown out and the other will move forward. Petition 99 of 2020 was
filed on September 15, 2020, by APNU+AFC Coalition agents Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse. Thomas and Nurse named Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; David Granger – APNU+AFC Coalition; Horatio Edmonson – Federal United Party; Bharrat Jagdeo – People’s Progressive Party/ Civic; John Flores – Liberty and Justice Party; Asha Kissoon – The New Movement; Vishnu Bandhu – United Republican Party; Adebin Kindi Ali – Change Guyana; Patrick Bourne – People’s Republic Party, Jonathan Yearwood – A New and United Guyana; Shazam Ally – The Citizenship Initiative; and Gerald Perreira of Organisation for the Victory of the People as respondents. The Attorney General Chambers also joined the proceedings.
PETITION 88 The Coalition, on June 3, 2020, filed an appeal in the case of Petition 88, arguing that the ruling judge erred in the decision that was handed down. In May 2021, Petition 88 was dismissed in the High Court by Acting Chief Justice, Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire. Delivering her almost two-hour long virtual ruling yesterday morning, she underscored the fact that the petitioners had presented not a single piece of evidence to substantiate purported irregularities they sought to advance. Petition 88, argued that
the Recount Order was illegal and unconstitutional and therefore the declaration of results based on the recount is illegal and unconstitutional. Dominican SC Anthony Astaphan, represented the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM); Trinidadian, SC Douglas Mendes, represented Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo in his capacity as General Secretary of the PPP/C; and Mr. Nandlall himself, who is representing the State. Trinidadian SC John Jeremie, led the team of lawyers representing the petitioners. The petitioners, Ms. Claudette Throne and Mr. Heston Bostwick were asking
the Court to declare the election results null and void. In further seeking to do so, the petitioners are challenging the national vote recount process, Section 22 of the Elections Laws Act and Order 60 of 2020, which governed the recount. GECOM, on August 2, 2020, finalised results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections process. Those results showed that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) won elections with 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC secured 217,920 votes. The two election petitions are challenging the results on different grounds.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
Between 2015-2020…
No record of over 38,000 Haitians leaving Guyana M
ore than 30,000 Haitian nationals entered Guyana between 2015 and 2020, but cannot be accounted for. This has fueled concerns of the Government of Guyana about human trafficking. A total of 38,187 Haitian nationals entered Guyana from 2015 to 2021, but were never recorded as having left. According to data, for 2021 so far, 1378 Haitians
were documented entering Guyana, but only 165 were shown to have left. Some 9,239 Haitians entered Guyana in 2020. However, only 717 are documented by the authorities as leaving. In 2019, there were 20,261 arrivals of Haitian nationals in Guyana. However, only 1,697 were recorded as leaving Guyana, leaving 18,564 unaccounted for.
SYSTEM IN PLACE As such, President Dr Irfaan Ali, this week, signed an Immigration Revocation Order, effectively removing Haiti from the list of countries that enjoyed visa-free travel to Guyana. Haiti was in January 2019 added to the list through an Order under the Immigration Act by former President David Granger. With this order being revoked by President Ali, this
means that Haitians will no longer enjoy the automatic six-month stay upon arrival in the country. A SERIOUS ISSUE Meanwhile, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall stressed that the issue at hand is a serious matter that must be addressed. He said, “You know that we have a problem in Guyana which we have been grappling with, and it is the influx of illegal aliens into Guyana and the influx of persons from various nationalities into Guyana. It has long been suspected that they are
part of a human smuggling ring of international stature. They enter Guyana and they do not remain here. Very few leave through the channels they came. “…there are laws to govern these situations…we have to tackle this issue once and for all. Only three countries in the Caribbean are visa free for Haitians. All the other Caribbean countries had to put in place visa requirements. Guyana will be moving in that direction… it’s not about protecting Guyana’s borders, it’s not about enforcing Guyana’s laws, it is not about ensuring that our
country is not being used as a trans-shipment point.” In November 2020, Police in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) had arrested 26 Haitians who had reportedly entered Guyana illegally. They were reportedly intercepted in two minibuses at Mabura Trail, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). It was reported that the Haitians were detained after it was discovered that they had entered the country illegally via Suriname. Police related that the foreign nationals were enroute to neighbouring Brazil at the time of interception.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
PNCR grapples with resignation of Executive ‒ McAllister says leadership not serving national interests, supporters or youths
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ongstanding People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Thandi McAllister, who has been with the party for decades and was a candidate at the last General and Regional Elections, has resigned from the party. McAllister resigned as Central Executive Committee of the PNCR and the Office of Regional Chairman. The letter was addressed to PNCR General Secretary Amna Ally. In a statement, McAllister
said, “After very careful and agonizing consideration, I concluded that the present direction of the leadership is ill-suited to the fulfilment of the aspirations of young people in Guyana, the enhancement of the party’s supporters, and the advancement of the nation…in this connection, I can no longer accompany a process that, in my view, has departed from serving the interests of the many who reposed faith in the PNC/R to champion their causes, and to offer
constructive pathways for the development of our beloved Guyana.” Further, in a widely publicized interview, the former PNCR Executive added, “I found that the current leadership is not best suited for the party since it does not take into consideration the best interest of its membership and support base.” The PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition has been grappling with a series of resignations over the past several months.
Gov’t in talks with private sector to ramp up supply of construction materials – Finance Minister S
enior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Hon. Dr. Ashni Singh has said the Government recognises that high costs and low supply of construction materials are ongoing concerns, and the administration is working to address them. Minister Singh said challenges in the global marketplace, such as the cost of shipping, are only transitory, and that the market will regulate itself at some point. In the interim,
the Government will do what it can to facilitate improvements in supply and cost. He said, “We are tackling this from multiple channels. First of all, we’ve taken off the taxes from most construction materials… But secondly, we’re also working with the private sector.” Dr. Singh said the Government has a long track record of working closely with the private sector, which it is tapping to encourage additional sources of supply for construction material like
steel and cement. He said the private sector has been exploring those options. “There is going to be a tremendous construction boom in Guyana, not just as a result of public sector activity, the buildings, the roads, the bridges, et cetera, the Government is building, but also on the private sector side. You know we will have multiple hotels that are going to start constructing now. You are going to have people taking up their house lots and starting to build their homes,” Singh said.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
Pandemic impacts on cost of living…
Gov’t committing to bringing Guyanese relief – Singh T he PPP/C Government is exploring avenues to bring relief to Guyanese, following the recent increases in the cost of living, according to Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh. The Finance Minister made this disclosure during
a recent interview, where he also said, “I can tell you that we are certainly open to the extent that there are some items that have some room that we can adjust on taxes… As a Government, we are open to all viable policy options. We are under
no illusion of the nature of the challenge. We know that this is a situation that exists.” Singh made clear that the Government is cognizant of the challenges brought on by the hike in prices – primary due to heightened costs in manufacturing and ship-
ping globally, a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the decrease global trade market. He said, “We have been operating in an environment where the global economy is facing challenges. A number of commodities on the global market have had issues with supply. As a result of COVID-19, a lot of manufacturers and suppliers have had to scale back and introduce social distancing. It is not business as usual, so there is
an issue on the supply side.” The Minister pointed out that these “extraordinary challenges” are not unique to Guyana, but are affecting other countries as well. As part of relief efforts, the Government had moved to reverse taxes on a range of utility services and items when it took office in August 2020. Some of these include the removal of value-added tax on electricity, water, healthcare, education and
even construction material. The Government estimates that these tax reversals have returned some $20 billion into the pockets of Guyanese. Notwithstanding these relief efforts, the prices for commodities have still increased, the Minister said. As such, he gave assurances that the Government will assess all options to determine what form its intervention will take.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
GOAL receives over 8,800 applications for online scholarships T
he Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has received over 8,800 applications for the Government’s online scholarship programme. Head of the Academy, Professor Jacob Opadeyi said some 60 per cent of those applications were submitted online. Most of the applications were from Region Four which saw approximately 3,400 persons applying for the programmes. Region Three follows with 1,044 applications; Region Two
with 786; Region Six, 674; Region Five, 577; Region Ten, 429; Region One, 300; Region Seven, 296; Region Eight, 109 and Region Nine 110. Dr. Opadeyi said several applicants, particularly those from Regions Seven and Eight, did not provide an email address. He noted that it is important for persons undertaking these programmes to have a formal means of communication. To ensure that they did not miss out on the opportunity to further their education,
email addresses were created and provided to them. Professor Opadeyi said 80 per cent of the applicants are eligible for the programme of their choice. The eligibility process will be completed next Tuesday after which the applications will be submitted to the Ministry of Public Service to be vetted further. “These for the scholarship, there is a rubric of five conditions that must be used before you get a scholarship. One is a Grade Point Average (GPA). So, persons are
rank based on their GPA. Then we rank you based on your income. Of course, if you have high GPA, more points. Then we rank them based on the region of origin, where they come from,” he explained. Dr. Opadeyi gave assurances that there will be equity in the distribution of scholarships in the regions. The scholarships will be awarded by the end of June
to facilitate the commencement of classes in July. The Government’s 20,000 online scholarship initiative is the fulfilment of a commitment the PPP/C made while on the hustings, to provide opportunities for educational development. Applicants were allowed to choose from 104 available programmes offered by six international universities. The institutions are the Uni-
versity of the West Indies Open Campus, the University of the Southern Caribbean, the University of Applied Sciences, the Indira Gandhi National Open University, the JAIN “deemed to be” University and the Sherlock Institute of India. The 20,000 online scholarship initiative will see 4,500 people benefiting from scholarships every year over a five-year period.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
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National Vocational Training Centre offers support for persons with disabilities T
he National Vocational Training Centre for Persons with Disabilities also known as the ‘Open Doors Centre’ was established in 2001, under the genesis of a project instituted and funded by Associazion Italiana Amici de Raoul Falleau (AIFO), an Italian non-governmental organization. The Open Doors Centre caters for young adults ages 16-45 with disabilities. At the moment, Open Door Centre happens to be the only institution in Guyana that provides vocational skills training for persons living with disabilities. The Centre currently provides skills training in four (4) areas, which is being done for a period of two years. The courses are: • Carpentry • Information Technology
• Garment and Craft • Beauty Care The Carpentry training offers technical drawing, furniture making, wood turning and maintenance of hand and portable tools and machines. The Information Technology course provides training in spreadsheet, developing logos, basis networking, and computer maintenance and system applications. The Garment and Craft course offers training in body measurements, tie-dying, fabric painting and printing, drapes and cushion making and adapting patterns to create various styles while the Beauty Care course caters to salon ethics, proper use of facial products, massaging, nail enhancement, manicure and pedicure and hair care. These courses are supplemented with core courses
such as Remedial Education, Life Skills and Guidance and Counselling. A curriculum was specially designed for these training courses to provide to the needs of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Subsequent to the completion of the skills training, each trainee is subjected to a work attachment where they go into the working environment to gain experience in their various fields of studies. The Centre also assist the trainees in finding jobs or furthering their studies through enrolment in other institutions such as Carnegie School of Home Economics, and Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC). For further information feel free to contact the Centre on 219-2737 0r 219-2753.
WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
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WEEKEND MIRROR 26-27 JUNE, 2021
Over 100,000 COVID tests conducted in first half of 2021 ‒ as Ministry ramps up countrywide testing
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Gov’t working to get second dose Sputnik V before 12-week timeframe expires ‒ no mix-up with vaccine orders
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inister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony says the Government is working towards getting the second doses of the Russian made Sputnik V vaccine before the 12-week timeframe is expired. “I want to make this point as well. One, you have between four weeks to twelve weeks to get your second dose. We have not exceeded that 12-weeks, and we are working very hard to make sure that we get those second doses in before that 12-weeks expire. So, most people who have received their first dose vaccine, they have not exceeded those 12 weeks. We still have time; we are working very hard to ensure that we get those vaccines in and I am reassured that we will get it before that 12-week expires,” Dr. Anthony said. He explained that the Ministry had made two separate orders for the vaccine to aid Guyana’s fight against COVID-19. “The first one was for 400,000 doses of the Sputnik V vaccine and of those, that
first order that we placed, which was the monies I went to get from the Contingency Fund…that would include paying for the 200,000 first doses and paying for 200,000 second doses. Minister Anthony noted that Guyana has received the first 200,000 doses and a partial supply of the second dose from that first order. He said, “We have received to date, 61,000 of those second doses, so we have approximately 139,000 second doses remaining from that first order…. In addition to that first order, we have also placed an order for 86,000 doses, additional doses which would make up 43,000 first dose and 43,000 second doses. We have received the 43,000 first doses and we are now awaiting the 43,000 second doses. So, together what we have remaining then is 182,000 second dose vaccines.” Dr. Anthony noted that the money for both orders of vaccines came from the Contingency Fund and later,
the Supplementary Budget some two weeks ago. He also said the delay in the arrival of the second doses may be as a result of a spike in the Delta variant in Russia’s capital, Moscow. The Minister siad, “Again, I think you would know that yesterday I spoke at length about issues with second dose vaccines and vaccines generally because right now, there are various spikes around the globe. You have in Moscow itself, you have spikes, new cases, especially with the Delta variant, and in Moscow they have increased vaccination. So, I think globally there would be an issue of supply. Nevertheless, we continue to work to try to get those vaccines into Guyana.” Meanwhile, to date, over 229,000 adults in Guyana have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Some 101, 246 adults are now fully vaccinated. Minister Anthony said this is a milestone as the figure represents approximately 20 per cent of the adult population in the country that is now fully immunised against COVID-19.
inister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony says the Ministry has recorded over 100,000 COVID-19 tests during the first half of the year, even as the countrywide vaccination campaign is ongoing. In an interview on Wednesday (June 23, 2021), Dr. Anthony said Guyana’s testing capacity has significantly increased since the PPP/C Government took office. This, he said, has led to the detection of more positive cases. In 2020, only 38,000 tests were conducted, when compared to 100,000 in the first half of 2021. Minister Anthony said there are three types of tests that detect the deadly disease. In addition to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, point of care testing using gene expert machines and antigen testing are also being used to diagnose positive cases. The National Public Health Reference Laboratory has the capacity to conduct 2000 PCR tests per day, with approximately 96 samples processed every three hours. “We have improved the capacity tremendously from when we were struggling to do about 21 tests per day and you use to get that back in seven to eight hours. We are now able to increase the processing time and also the number of tests we can do because we have automated that process. Most of the time, we get between 300 to 400 PCR
per day and we are able to comfortably handle that,” the Minister said. He also noted that the full capacity of the Laboratory has not yet been utilised. In addition to the Government, several private institutions have been granted permission to offer PCR testing. These include the Eureka Medical Laboratory, Coastal Diagnostics and Sherriff Medical. The regional testing capacity has also been boosted with the installation of pointof-care testing at regional hospitals in Regions One, Six, Nine and Ten.
He said, “We are able to do testing, rather than wait until the next day to send the sample in. If there’s an emergency that you need to know what’s happening with this patient, you can run those tests. So those are point-ofcare testing and there’s PCR testing so they’re extremely accurate.” At some sites, particularly in hinterland areas, antigen tests are conducted for faster results, as the process takes approximately 20 minutes. However, these tests are not as accurate as the PCR which is the global gold standard for COVID tests.
Teixeira says narcotics bill awaiting parliamentary select committee
− others, including oil & gas bills for Parliament soon
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number of bills that have not been passed in the National Assembly and made into law are either awaiting the appointment of the parliamentary select committees or will be ready for the National Assembly soon. This is according to Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, during a recent televised programme. According to her, among the bills awaiting the select committees are the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2021 and the Hire Purchase Bill 2020. She said, “Of course, we have one pending, which is the adoption of the children’s bill…then you have the two others that are sitting for select committees. The one on marijuana and the
one on hire purchase, those are two that are waiting for the Parliament to have a committee of selection to meet and appoint those select committees.” Additionally, Teixeira explained that there are other bills currently in the drafting stage. Here she pointed to bills for the oil and gas sector, a possible reference to the Natural Resource Fund Act, which the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government has said it will either repeal or amend. “So, there are a number of things. There are some more bills coming which aren’t ready yet for Parliament, that are drafted. So, I think there’s going to be legislation that covers all sectors. There’s going to be legislation dealing with the social issues, you’re going to have legislation dealing with law enforcement and
improving the capacity of the law-and-order bodies… the other areas, of course, oil and gas. All those are going to be coming up, as well as other amendments to remove the impediments for people to have service or get things done in our society,” the Minister said. According to Teixeira, the Government has been doing its best to parallel the push for investments and infrastructure development, with the modernisation of the laws to better serve the interest of Guyanese. Earlier this year, the Government had tabled in the National Assembly the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) (Amendment) Bill 2021, which if passed, would see persons in possession of 15 grams of cannabis or less sentenced to counselling.
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