Weekend Mirror 23-24 April 2022 by Weekend Mirror

Norton ‘boxing in the dark’ with ‘ludicrous comments’ – Teixeira 23-24 April, 2022 / Vol. 12 ‒ No. 19 / Price: $100

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Acts of ‘bad faith’ and ‘political machinations’ do nothing for interests of Guyanese PAGE 24

More than 42,000 transactions in Continuous Registration conducted to date PAGE 2

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Consultations on draft LCDS 2030 set for Regions 4, 6, 10

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Home Affairs Ministry implementing host of PAGE 6 initiatives to enhance public security Hinterland will have the same benefits as PAGE 9 the coastland – President Ali

Guyana on track for 47.2 percent GDP growth this year PAGE 15 – IMF Report

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

More than 42,000 transactions in Continuous Registration conducted to date A

total of 42,129 transactions have been completed since the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) commenced its continuous registration exercise as of

April 20, 2022. These transactions range from new registrations, replacement identification cards, changes and corrections and transfers.

GECOM has indicated that, as of April 20, 2022: • 14,034 persons, who are 18 years and older and are therefore eligible to vote,

have been registered; • 17,261 persons between the ages of 14 and 17 years have been registered and will be issued national identification cards;

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• 2,165 persons have applied for transfers to new addresses; • 3,794 persons made changes and/or corrections to their particulars; • 3.923 persons sought to have replacements for their national identification cards; and • 952 persons sought to have their photographs retaken. GECOM has 29 offices across the country. Each registration office operates from

Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. On the weekend, persons can visit the offices between 10:00 am to 2: 00 pm. Some $4.1 billion has been approved for GECOM this year, to carry out its work programme. From this amount, over $700 million has been earmarked to host this year’s LGE. The continuous registration exercise is expected to conclude on May 29, 2022.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Norton ‘boxing in the dark’ with ‘ludicrous comments’ – Teixeira

he latest ramblings from Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, was rubbished by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance as “ludicrous” comments. Norton, also Opposition Leader, on Thursday (April 21, 2022) at a news conference, attempted to argue that the National Assembly is not effective in its function of scrutinizing government decisions. Teixeira charged that the embattled politician is “boxing in the dark” and “creating issues” that do not exist. She explained that it is the APNU+AFC Coalition that stymied the work of the Parliamentary Management Committee (PMC) for almost a year.

“They cannot use the shadow of their own behaviour to cast shade on the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government…if anyone is guilty of rendering the work of the National Assembly ineffective, it is them,” the Minister said, in comments to the Weekend Mirror. She pointed out too that of the four Parliamentary Sectoral Committees, two are chaired by the PPP/C Government and two are chaired by the APNU+AFC Coalition, and this is done on a two-year rotation. The two Committees headed by the Opposition are the Foreign Service Committee and the Economic Service Committee, both of which have met once since 2020. “One meet-

ing each, so Mr. Norton is clearly boxing in the dark, creating issues that do not exist, when it fact it is the Opposition that are actively involved in delaying the work of the House at various levels,” she said. Teixeira also responded to Norton’s comment on increasing the use of Private Members’ Day – a day when the business of the Opposition takes precedent – and said, “What is stopping them from doing that? It is the responsibility of the Opposition to ensure that they have an agenda that complies with the Standing Orders of the House. This is not for the government to do. This is their role,” she argued. Further, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and

Governance argued that Norton seems unaware of how the National Assembly functions. Either he is not cognizant of how Parliament works or is simply making comments trying to impress people,” she said. According to her, this ignorance extends to Norton’s call for public hearings on bills and appointments. “There are no public hearings or such. The political parties elected to the serve in the House are expected to work with their constituents. Political parties have a responsibility to engage the public and consult with them on a range of issues,” she said. The PNCR Leader’s call for civil society to be allowed to bring motions to the House, she underscored,

is another example of ignorance of the Parliamentary processes. “Civil society does not bring motions to the House. Only Members of Parliament can do it. Civil society is allowed to bring petitions, however,” Teixeira explained. Additionally, Norton called for funding for Constituency Officers for Members of Parliament and on this point, the Minister noted that in Guyana, Parliamentarians are part-time and full time Parliamentarians with Constituency Offices will require changes to the laws. “I assume all of the things Mr. Norton talked about will be reflected in motions he brings to the House,” she said. As to the Opposition Leader’s call for increased

number of engagements between Opposition Parliamentarians and segments of the Guyanese society, Teixeira made clear that Norton seems to want to transform the National Assembly into an arm of the PNCR. “This is not a matter for the National Assembly. No one is stopping them from engaging with the public. This is their political work as elected Members of Parliament,” she said. Norton was recently sworn in as a Parliamentarian and Opposition Leader. To date, the APNU+AFC Coalition, as the Parliamentary Opposition, have not advanced substantive contributions to the legislative agenda being addressed by the 12th Parliament (20202025).

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

EDITORIAL

Are we seeing indications that PNCR’s track record of bad faith engagements will continue?

he track record of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is clear in the mind of Guyanese, with greater clarity being offered after the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. One reoccurring theme in the actions of the PNCR has been that of bad faith actions and the reminders of this have been recent. On April 21, 2022, current PNCR leader, Aubrey Norton’s commented about delays in the process to make the constitutional appointments, for his he cast blame on the current administration. Needless to say, his comments were rubbished as “acts of bad faith and political machination” by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira. Citing only one explained in recent months, she explained that it was the APNU+AFC Coalition, which failed to respond to the Government for months, under former Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, when the appointments to the Local Government Commission were to be made – only putting forward names at the absolute last minute. Notably, in the past, under former PNCR leader, David Granger, there were several cases where acts of bad faith were clear. Below are only a few: 1. On October 19, 2017, retired Justice James Patterson was unilaterally appointed as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) – an appointment that was declared flawed and in breach of the Constitution by the Caribbean Court of Justice. At a previous meeting on June 12, 2017 – the meeting before Granger made a unilateral appointment – there was an agreement on what would be the way forward, if Granger refused the third submission of another six nominees for the post of GECOM Chair. The June 12, 2017 joint statement said: “It was also agreed that a high-level team would be assembled representing the President and the Leader of the Opposition which will begin to work immediately on exploring modalities to bring a resolution to this matter in the event that the list is rejected.” There was a joint agreement between the Parliamentary Opposition and the Granger-led APNU+AFC Coalition Government. 2. On December 21, 2018, the Parliamentary Opposition’s no-confidence motion against the Granger government was declared successfully passed in the National Assembly. The day after, Granger said, the Government of Guyana, following the passing of the no-confidence motion will abide by the stipulations which have been imposed on it. “We will do everything necessary to facilitate the smooth functioning of General and Regional Elections… this is a constitutional process which can have favourable outcomes for the nation,” Granger had said. However, less than a week later, the Granger government returned to the National Assembly to ask the House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, to reverse his ruling that the no-confidence motion was validly passed. The Speaker refused and the Coalition Government took the Guyanese people through six months of legal proceedings – with the Caribbean Court of Justice finally ruling, on June 18, 2019, that the passage of the no-confidence motion is valid. 3. Having promised to “do everything necessary to facilitate the smooth functioning of General and Regional Elections”, President Granger waited 66 days after the passage of the no-confidence motion to ask GECOM for an elections work plan on February 25, 2019. 4. President Granger waits for over a week, after February 25, 2019 to meet with the full Commission – the former GECOM Chairman, Patterson, and all the GECOM Commissioners – on March 8, 2019. At this meeting, he rejected a work plan presented to him by the then Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners which included a timeline to ensure that Elections were held within the constitutionally stipulated period. 5. At the July 4, 2019, between the then Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, and then president, Granger, as well as their respective teams, Granger agreed that the Opposition Leader would submit names from the list of 18, appropriately adjusted, which were submitted in 2017 to him as a starting point for discussions between their representatives – an effort to arrive at a consensual position that would see the formal submission of six names to Granger for consideration, so he could appoint a new GECOM Chair. This did not happen. Instead, at the first meeting of the two teams representing the Opposition Leader and Granger a submission from “Government” was made. The persons named by the Government included: Stanley Ming; Kim Kyte; Kesaundra Alves; Dr. Aubrey Armstrong; Justice Claudette La Bennett; Stanley Moore; Kadim Khan; and retired Justice James Patterson – all of whom are politically exposed. These ‘bad faith’ actions by former president Granger were not limited to his engagements in the political arena. Guyanese saw it the same situation when the President engaged the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) on the long delayed negotiation of a new multi-year agreement that would address salary increases and other benefits for Guyana’s public school teachers. Teachers were told one thing and then made to wait for months on end, before finally having a favourable engagement with the Government. It is apposite to mention at this juncture that not all, the majority of the teachers’ concerns were not addressed. The question now is will the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition persist with bad faith actions that undermine the interest of Guyanese or will they work with the PPP/C government as a responsible Parliamentary Opposition to serve our people.

APNU+AFC seeking legitimization of their wrongdoing Dear Editor,

he headline, “APNU/AFC cannot benefit from its own wrongdoing,” is like a common theme where the opposition is concerned. Just look at the aftermath of the March 02, 2020 elections, and see if you get the drift. I am talking here, that in the face of recorded evidence, the opposition continually seeks to litigate, when its members are initiators and perpetuators of some of the most egregious crimes where Guyana’s political landscape is concerned. The Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall SC, is rightfully baffled by what is now taking place. I am referring to the legal proceedings filed by the APNU/AFC Coalition, challenging the passage of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) law. Like he said, the “Opposition cannot benefit from its own wrongdoing.” One only has to revisit the bucking of the No Confidence Motion, and then, even now,

referring to the present government as the ‘installed’ PPP/C. It is like a joke when I read some of the issues in the current matter. For example, “… the absence of the original Parliament Mace, during the passage of the NRF Bill in December last…,” is now an issue. We all saw, followed and recorded what took place and what led to the disputes surrounding the Parliament Mace. The thing was grabbed, tugged, and fought over, and opposition members sought to wreak havoc in Parliament on that occasion. Now it is the court for them. I ask, what will the court and all Guyana see, when time for ‘proof’ comes up? It was the Opposition who actually forfeited their belonging on the occasion. I see that Christopher Jones, in his capacity as a Member of Parliament, is one of the persons who signed the petition, claiming that the bill was passed illegally because the Mace was not in place. Let me quickly go back to December

2018, when the No Confidence Motion was being voted on. Then Speaker, Dr. Barton U.A. Scotland, upended the then government, when its side tried to escape a ‘count in process’ that was going against the government. In this current case, “A substitute Mace was used, authorized by the Speaker, Manzoor Nadir, because they, the Opposition) broke the real Mace. As pointed out, “That mace was authorized by the Speaker and the Clerk, Sherlock Isaacs, and respected by the Assembly. Let me remind, Editor, that universally there is the pervasive legal principle that no one can benefit from his or her own wrong doing. So, as I see it, it is a waste of time and money, to ask the courts in Guyana to declare a law ‘illegal’ just because one side of the National Assembly ran away with the Mace, breaking it, and now is seeking legitimization. Sincerely, H. Singh

Pace of oil and gas development will benefit all Guyanese Dear Editor,

harrat Jagdeo’s outreach to Linden seems to have struck a nerve; it prompted GHK Lall to pen a missive suggesting that Jagdeo reminded him of Burnham ‘jarringly’. Burnham indeed visited Linden (then Mackenzie) so often that they changed the name to suit him; but there is where the similarity ends, for Burnham always spoke in his strongholds and markedly avoided nonPNC areas and crowds. Not so Jagdeo, who is known for walking among the people in every district of Guyana, regardless of historical voting preference/ pattern. That aside, GHK raises some issues that should provoke discussion, and for that I thank him. A comparison between Jagdeo and Burnham is interesting. GHK says “Burnham knew how to deal with the white man”, I concur, Burnham was in the employ of the CIA before he became Prime Minister, and then shockingly continued in that service after his ascension to our highest executive office. Butter did not melt in Burnham’s mouth when he asked for an increase in pay from the CIA; GHK may view this as outsmarting the ‘white man’, but Guyanese know that ‘he who pays the piper calls the tune’. Burnham betrayed and disgraced

himself (and Guyana) by taking money to further the interests of the CIA as a sitting Prime Minister. So, yes, Burnham knew how to ‘deal’ with the ‘white man’ to get small bread, but the ‘white man’ owned the mouth that ate their bread. To read the 303 Committee meeting reports detailing Burnham’s greed is sickening, and to see such behaviour championed by GHK Lall is a reminder of how he (Lall) views ethics; it is not forgotten that it was the same GHK Lall who started a capital works project two weeks before the 2020 elections in contravention of the Laws of Guyana. Burnham also ran up massive international debts, and took ‘the jewel of the British West Indies’ and turned it into the poorest country in the world. Burnham took ‘the food basket of the Caribbean’ and turned it into a begging bowl. Ironically, it was Bharrat Jagdeo who insisted on the Paris Club accords, and toughed his way through negotiations to reduce Guyana’s external debt by almost US$2 billion during his tenure as President. If GHK Lall is ‘jarred’ now, he would have been astounded to see Jagdeo travelling to Washington DC alone, not even an aide to fetch his bags; contrast that with Burnham’s entourage of 137, with whom he filled Guyana

Airways’ only plane to attend the NonAligned Summit. GHK Lall is a remigrant, and has demonstrated ignorance of what obtained in his absence; Burnham demilitarised the Suriname border in acquiescence with the wishes of that country’s leader. President Jagdeo took the border dispute to court, and emerged in 2007 with the only border settlement since 1899. The oil wells that are producing so much for Guyanese every day are a fruit of this labour, and I would inform GHK that the PNC sided with the Surinamese Opposition and against Jagdeo’s decision to approach the courts in this matter. The US$10 billion Yellowtail development is the largest investment ever made in Guyana’s history and that is an indisputable fact. If GHK Lall were to mount his scooter, tour the length and breadth of Guyana, and convince every person to contribute their entire savings towards investment, it would not equal the amount being spent on Yellowtail. Even the taxi drivers on Wall Street know that 250,000 barrels of oil a day is a good thing for Guyana and Guyanese; seems odd the ‘analyst’ does not agree. Sincerely, Robin Singh

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

GECOM must win the confidence of the nation Dear Editor,

ECOM’s recent appointment of the controversial Melanie Marshall as Voter Registration Manager is mind-boggling, sanctimoniously suspicious, highly questionable, and devoid of a demonstrated pursuit of winning the trust and confidence of our people. The decision seemingly is hinged on a lack of documented evidence against the myriad complaints and objections reported against the tainted performances of this staff. This may be linked to the justifiably discard of former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, under whose responsibility, the necessary deterring actions should have been taken. The sinister sweep of sensitive and confidential data from GECOM’s computers, does not automatically remove the many emboldened wrongdoings of many of the staff, and therefore, these should not be merely

swept aside in providing a clean slate. Critically, it does not require any major research competence in order for one to link the reasons for this seemingly abstract position in the case of Melanie Marshall. As a part of Lowenfield’s cabal group in GECOM, they were first emboldened by the biased antics of the unilaterally appointed CEO James Patterson. Following his ejection by the Caribbean Court of Justice, the key role players served to fulfill strategic roles in Lowenfield’s sinister plans. Against the backdrop, the antecedents to her retaining present a damning picture. Therefore, re-employment considerations should not be merely academic qualifications, but rather, a much closer look through an absolute interrogation of her previous crooked performance in the various roles. GECOM must so do for all and sundry if the institution will win the trust of this Nation. Melanie Marshall was officially the Re-

gion #4 Returning Officer during the 2015 National and Regional Elections. During the verification process for these elections, she was the person used to introduce the ‘rigging” broadsheet. Notably, the PPPC and other minority parties complained bitterly about the fact that she was not using the Statements of Polls. To these complaints, she deliberately adjourned the process and committed to a continuation the following day. The rest is history! In 2015, the introduction of scandalous ‘broad sheet’ was one of the main reason for an Election petition in the courts given the role of some GECOM Staff the rigging that took place. If this Petition was heard in a timely manner, the likes of Melanie Marshall would have long become a relic of history. It must also be noted that in 2016, the relevant PPPC personnel connected to GECOM, vehemently opposed her as the touted Returning Officer in Region #4 for the Local Government Elections. She was subsequently sidelined. In 2018, again the PPPC presented major objections to her selection to function as Returning Officer in Region #4 during the Local Government Elections. She was not appointed to any substantial position in the 2020 National and Regional Elections. Of note, after she was opposed, the controversial Keith Lowenfield who is before the Courts for election fraud, catapulted the ‘Returning Officer’ from region #5 to the position of Returning Officer in Region #4. As recent history will confirm, the sub-

stitute Clairmont Mingo is the one who continued with the ‘rigging broad sheet.’ He was dismissed and is now also before the Court for Fraud. It must be noted that the Presiding Officers in East coast Demerara during Election Day on March 02, 2020, committed some unpardonable sins. The Presiding Officers claimed that they were wrongly instructed by GECOM officials. Consequently, the PNC tugs begun making all sorts of false allegations of what were and were not in the ballot Boxes. The Guyana Election Commission must have a thorough discussion on what took place before and after the 2020 national and Regional Elections. Most seriously, GECOM must let the Nation know what Melanie Marshall’s role was during and after the 2020 Elections. What was her salary? We should know about all the benefits that she was sporting! Reliable sources have confirmed that with the removal of Lowenfield, all of the perks and some of the other benefits were removed. As they are saying that she was confirmed as the Voter Registration Manager, we need to know when and who appointed her to act as the Voter Registration Manager. When that position was advertised? All Guyanese must have a job but not in GECOM where questionable characters are no longer permitted. Sincerely, Neil Kumar

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

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

Home Affairs Ministry implementing host of initiatives to enhance public security G

overnment is making significant effort to strengthen public security, to reduce crime and improve police engagement with citizens countrywide. With the administration’s aggressive move to implement the ‘Increasing the peace in Guyana’ initiative, Minister of Home Affairs,

Robeson Benn, explained that the new approach, Minister Benn said, will bring about major institutional changes through strategic reforms in the police force, increasing safety in communities. He said, “Increasing the peace in Guyana, needs to recognise that we have challenges in respect of poverty,

it will recognise the fact that we are not a little island like those in the Caribbean.” To this end, the home affairs minister noted that guarding the livelihoods of citizens is of top priority for the government. He expressed satisfaction with the restoration of community policing groups which will (Turn to page 21)

Solar farm slated for Batavia – PM Phillips

rime Minister Brigadier (rtd) Mark Phillips recently disclosed that the indigenous community of Batavia, Region Seven will soon have its own solar farm. The Prime Minister made the disclosure during a recent meeting in Dagg Point while on a one-day visit to Bartica. “Recently we have agreed upon a solar project for Batavia, so you will have your own solar project too. That project is designed to have a solar farm that will provide electricity for all the households in Batavia. All you are required to do is to wire your homes so that you can receive the energy, that is all you are required to do,” the Prime Minister disclosed. The establishment of the solar farm will make it two of its kind in the CuyuniMazaruni region, added to the 1.5-megawatt solar farm soon be completed in Bartica. The $600 million project which is on track to be handed over to government on June 1, will aid

in the overall development of the town, the Prime Minister said. The solar farm would reduce fuel costs while also aiding in the transformation from fossil fuel to greater use of renewable energy, thus reducing Guyana’s carbon footprint, which is in keeping with Government’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030. The solar farm in Bartica is being constructed by Farfan & Mendes Limited and SOVENTIX Caribbean S.R.L. It comes under the renewable energy solutions for the hinterland, which is one of the major components under the Energy Matrix Diversification and Strengthening of the Department of Energy programme funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). A 1.0-megawatt solar farm is also being constructed in Lethem, Region Nine. In budget 2022, the sum of $1.4 billion has been allot-

ted for 33 MWs solar farms for Berbice, Essequibo, and Linden. The establishment of solar farms around the country forms part of government’s plan to reduce the cost of energy by 50 per cent. In budget 2022, $29.4 billion is allotted to Guyana’s energy sector, with $20.8 billion earmarked for the Gas-to-Energy project. The gas to shore project encompasses the establishment of a power plant to generate 300 MW of power as well as a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) plant that will cover domestic demand. The construction of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is also expected to commence this year producing an estimated 165 MW. Additionally, a total of $170 million has been budgeted for the completion of the 150kW hydropower scheme at Kato and for 30,000 photovoltaic home systems for hinterland and riverain areas.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

P P P /C D E L I V E R I N G O N ‘ P L A N F O R P R O S P E R I T Y ’ Five-year strategic plan seeks to strengthen available mechanisms to foster gender equality T he Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) has outlined a five-year (2021-2026) strategic plan which outlines a comprehensive process through which the Commission can advocate and support “a gender just and equitable society in Guyana”. The W&GEC, which falls under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, outlines a number of objectives in the plan, among them, advocacy for gender justice through concrete national and community-based actions; and col-

laborative national and local actions, which will promote gender and social justice. Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud during her address at the Beijing+25 Fourth World Conference on Women had noted that, “Even the best plans and policies cannot create change unless they are implemented. The Government of Guyana understands that and that ‘women’s rights are human rights’ and we commit to accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.” According to the United

Nations Economic and Social Commission of Eastern Asia, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is described as a visionary agenda for the empowerment of women. It is also one of the reference frameworks to analyse the situation of women around the world and to assess the efforts of States in support of women’s empowerment. It was adopted by consensus in 1995 following the mobilisation of over 40,000 government delegates, experts and civil society representatives at the

Fourth World Conference on Women, the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action embodies the commitment of the international community to achieve gender equality and to provide better opportunities for women and girls. The W&GEC highlights the need for strengthening legislative, policy and investigative capacity. This would be done by keeping the legislative and policy environment under scrutiny through partnerships with relevant stakeholders with legal competencies so that informed recommendations

could be made to the National Assembly. The Commission also proposes to strengthen its investigations and complaints mechanism with the allocation of the necessary resources to address needs as they arise. Further, it is advancing efforts to build the human and financial capacity. As it relates to Guyana’s progress towards achieving gender equality, Minister Persaud said Guyana has eliminated gender disparity in primary and secondary education, and is striving towards parity at the tertiary

level. “Teenage mothers are reintegrated into the education system with parallel programmes for those pursuing non-formal education. We have also intensified our focus on our indigenous girls and girls living in rural communities to ensure that they have equal opportunities,” she had highlighted at the Fourth World Conference on Women. She noted too, that Guyana is putting economic value to unpaid domestic and care work and encouraging (Turn to page 19)

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

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

Child Care officers to benefit from Gov’t partners with Bush Lot/Adventure NDC counselling, therapy sessions O to identify landfill site T he Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, and the Bush Lot/Adventure Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Region Six, have partnered to identify suitable land to establish a sanitary landfill site that will cater to

residents living within that NDC area. Minister, Nigel Dharamlall, had met with residents of Bush Lot, Wellington Park and Eversham, Corentyne, during a cabinet outreach in the region recently following reports of the improper

disposal of solid waste. Accompanying him were Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, M.P. and a technical team. “We should identify that land within the next few weeks, and we will put some resources to set up the area, but you (Turn to page 20)

fficers attached to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) are expected to benefit from free counselling and other therapy sessions to help boost their mental health. The exercise will soon come on stream, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the relevant authorities. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, made the disclosure on April 8, 2022 evening, during a meeting with staff. She told the gathering that the issues and the challenges they face while performing their duties can

be extremely difficult, especially with their home life. She said a person’s mental health is important, not only to themselves but those around them. “I believe one that propels us forward and should continue to motivate us and energise us is our passion and love for children, and love for children can never be manufactured. Love for children has to come from deep within with the kind of care that you want to see the endpoint,” she said. She relayed that she is in talks with Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar and Principal Personnel Officer, Rafael Boodhoo for the programme. “Mental

health and depression are not small things; they can also become quite worrisome, so, if you feel at times, you feel pressured and challenged to that extent where your mental health is affected, do not be afraid to reach out and ask for the service.” Minister Persaud stated. She added that, “if we do not take care of ourselves, no one will, but in this ministry, we will, we want to ensure that this is offered to you for you.” The minister urged the officers to take advantage of the service when it comes on stream, and stressed that sessions with the professionals will be purely confidential.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE Hinterland will have the same benefits as the coastland – President Ali

he PPP/C government will work assiduously to ensure that hinterland residents receive the same benefits as Guyanese who live on the coastland, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. During a community meeting with residents of Yupukari and surrounding satellite villages, over the weekend, he said that funds are currently being spent on developing the infrastructure in the region. He said, “Our primary objective is to ensure the lives of all the people of our country are improved. And whatever benefits on the coastland must be available for you, and we will ensure you too benefit.”

The President told the residents that he and members of his Cabinet were there to lend assistance. “Today, we are here to listen to you, to listen to your concerns, to listen to your ideas, to listen to what issues you might be facing so that we could work with you in finding solutions,” he said. REBUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE President Ali explained that this year, the region will see a rebuilding of its infrastructure, and the Government will spend $3.7b on hinterland roads and bridges, which will open up new communities and new

farmlands. He also reminded the residents that they will benefit from the 30,000 solar panel units initiative. Ali said, “Every single household will have access to the solar panels and the additional auxiliary…you deserve it— you deserve the same development, the same opportunities [like the coastland].” The Head of State assured that the Government will set aside resources for the development of sporting facilities so that young people can have a chance to enhance their skills. He said, “We’re on a journey to build a Guyana in which every single citizen, every

single household, must experience prosperity.” INVESTMENT IN THE REGION President Ali said that the Government has spent a historic amount of money in the region, including $197m in Covid-19 cash grant, which benefitted more than 7800 households; $604m with the increase in old-age pension for the 1800 recipients and $235m in public assistance for 1400 residents. The President stated that the Government has also invested in training 237 persons, 70 per cent of which were women. Of the lot, more than 60 were given grants to start their own

businesses. Additionally, to ensure that children have equal access to education, he noted that over $50m has been spent on textbooks for more than 7400 children in 65 schools around the region. COMMITTED TO MEETING DEMANDS After making his remarks, President Ali opened the floor to residents to register their concerns and suggestions. One of the suggestions made was the development of a poultry farm in the community. The President pointed out that if, collectively, the residents are serious about the initiative and will help

build the facility, it could be stocked with 400 chicks within two weeks. Key among the concerns raised was the lack of teachers and teaching assistants in the communities. To remedy this, the President said that within a month, qualified persons will be registered for the teaching programme to increase the pool in primary schools. In addition to this, five qualified persons will be employed as teaching assistants in the coming weeks. President Ali also committed to ensuring that a freezer with solar power supplies would soon be provided to the community.

Community Service Officers mobilized, supporting village development

ith the move by the PPP/C government to re-hire Community Service Officers (CSOs), after almost 2,000 were fired by the former, APNU+AFC Coalition government, community development initiatves are being advanced. Over the past few weeks, CSOs have been engaged in various activities, all geared to supporting development in their respective villages. This was evidenced recently in Region 9. In Kumu Village were involved in helping to plant Bahama Grass, as part of environmentally focused initiatives. In Karaudarnau CSO's collaborated with the Village

respond to health concerns. At the St. Ignatius Village Office, CSO’s were involved in data entry work in support of the Village Council. Notably, in 2021, $666.5 million was expended on stipends to engage 2,000 Community Service Officers (CSOs) under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme, and a

Council to work in village infrastructure upgrades. Meanwhile, in Rewa, youths were involved in

helping the elderly, from cleaning their yards to visiting, along with Community Health Workers (CHWs), to

further sum of $115.6 million was expended towards the training of 420 CSOs in areas such as: ICT, tractor driving, licensing and maintenance; and solar panel installation and maintenance. In 2022, the number of CSOs will be increased to 2,500, creating an additional 500 jobs for young persons in Amerindian villages, and

a sum of $60 million will be spent on training 650 CSOs to serve in 220 communities within all ten administrative regions in areas such: as tourism and hospitality; development of business plans; food safety pre-requisites; good manufacturing practices; ATV and outboard engine repairs and licensing; as well as garment construction.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE Telemedicine trial to begin at new Nappi Village health post M

inister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, M.P, along with several other key officials from the Ministry of Health, on Tuesday (April 12, 2022) officially opened a $13.6 million health post in the village of Nappi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo.) The new facility will provide medication and oth-

er forms of treatment for persons suffering from diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and several other health issues. In his brief remarks at the simple opening ceremony, Dr. Anthony explained that the opening of the facility forms part of the PPP/C government’s larger vision of improving the healthcare

sector, and providing easier access to these services. Within this vision is the intention to establish a telemedicine system. Once implemented, the mechanism will allow for doctors in the capital city to easily contact Community Health Workers (CHW) in rural communities, to offer assistance when necessary.

“We can use the internet to be able to communicate with a doctor in Georgetown, and that doctor will work with the CHW or the nurse that is stationed here, to be able to make a diagnosis, and then offer treatment,” Dr Anthony highlighted. He also took the opportunity to encourage youngsters

in the community to enroll in the Nursing Assistant Training Programme in Lethem. Meanwhile, Toshao of the village, Samuel Fredericks welcomed the facility, explaining that the health post will help the village to save finances, since transportation cost will be reduced. “It will benefit us in many ways. Firstly, it will

cut the cost from going to Lethem to seek the services that Lethem provides. It will now be done here in Nappi, so in terms of money it will cut down on that, and time,” Fredericks detailed. The new healthcare facility is expected to provide around 215 health interventions for Nappi and the surrounding communities.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

High-tech security features for Mandela Avenue to Eccles highway T

he newly commissioned $2.6 billion Mandela Avenue to Eccles four-lane highway will be outfitted with high end security features within three weeks, to ensure order is maintained on the thoroughfare. The new motoring technology which matches international standards, will see errant road users being summoned to pay fines or even lose their licences. President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the an-

nouncement when he officially opened the nation’s first ever concrete highway to the public last week. The Head of State stressed that the aggressive approach is to ensure citizens live to enjoy the new ‘One Guyana,’ while activating the demerit system for drivers who continuously abuse road rules to be held accountable. He said, “This feature will track vehicle speed. It will pop your speed up so you can see it.

It will then transmit your speed electronically to the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).” The high-tech system can record the vehicle registration plate and has the feature to capture images of the driver and the front seat passenger in any vehicle, even at nights. “The information will be exchanged on platforms and the adjustment in the law will come where necessary. It will then

be connected to the safe country solution and the safe city solution,” Dr. Ali underscored. The tickets are going to be printed monthly and then sent to the residence of the errant road user, who is then required to pay the GRA for the offence. “Should you default on your ticket, your registration and road user licences will not be renewed in the following year,” President Ali emphasised. He stressed that gov-

ernment’s drive to achieve a ‘One Guyana’ means responsibility, discipline and commitment. Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, M.P, disclosed that more than $6.8 billion have already been expended for infrastructure works on the East Bank of Demerara. From the over $27.5 billion set aside for additional infrastructure works along the East Bank corridor, the fourlane highway will be further

expanded from Eccles to Great Diamond. Little Diamond, Providence, Prospect, and Golden Grove are among villages to receive massive infrastructural upgrades, thus creating opportunities for the opening up of new commercial lands. The $2.6 billion Mandela Avenue to Eccles highway, which he declared, is another undertaking accomplished by the PPP/C Administration to enrich the lives of Guyanese.

CARICOM’s 25% reduction in food imports by 2025 a necessity

he Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM’s) vision of reducing its food import bill by 25% by 2025 is no longer a dream or an objective but a necessity driven by global challenges, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. At the launch of the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, the Head of State pointed to the “urgency” of producing more food within the region. He referenced the war in Ukraine and its ramification on the global food supply. He said, “The war in Ukraine and its consequences are now beginning to take a toll globally. We don’t know where the end is, but what we do know is that every single global citizen will be affected, and that is why this must come to an end as fast as possible.” He spoke of the wheat production capacity of Ukraine and Russia, which, prior to the war, exported more than a quarter of the world’s wheat. Since the drop in the production of wheat and other produce will affect the global cost and availability, the President was adamant that the time is right for us to return to agriculture in the region. As the Lead Head on Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security in CARICOM, the President noted that pro-

ducing food for the region and reaching the intended goal is not just complex but multifaceted. He listed several critical areas, including financing, technology, partnership, shared responsibilities and the inclusion of women and youths to not only bolster production but to make it globally competitive.” He said, “It is about transport and logistics. It is about niche markets. It is about job creation. It is about research and development. It is bringing all of these different areas together in unison that will allow us to achieve this target.” On this note, the President lauded Republic Bank for initiating the process of setting aside an allocation of resources to support the vision of 25 by 2025 and the achievement of this target. Ali said, “Republic Bank is not on the agenda by chance…I want to also take this opportunity to thank the private sector of this region, and here [in Guyana], for their strong commitment to this vision.” The Head of State also expressed gratitude to the CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett and her team for their “tremendous support” while reiterating Guyana’s commitment. He said, “I want to say to you, you not only have our commitment from Guyana; as far as our resources would allow us, we are going to provide the financing that is required to

help to support the implementation of this strategy because it is key for all of us.” CARICOM’S VISION GAINING GLOBAL ATTENTION The President announced too that CARICOM’s vision is also attracting global attention. He said, “Sometimes we believe things go unnoticed, but our vision in CARICOM is already touching different corners of the globe to the extent that the Minister of Finance this week was able to get the full commitment of IDB Invest to be part of the 25 by 2025 vision. Not only will they be part of the vision, but they will be part of the Expo.” He said too that the Canadian High Commission and the EU Ambassador have also pledged their support. Meanwhile, the President announced that four of the largest buyers and distributors from the UAE would also attend the forum in May. Ali said, “They will be coming here to be part of the Expo to look at the opportunities, but more than buying and distribution, they invest in the agricultural potential of countries. They put the capital in, and they derive the product as the output; and what are they targeting? Coffee, cocoa, spices, sugarcane, these are some of the target areas that they

are looking at, and they are all confirmed.” The President noted that to date, 20 international companies, 33 regional companies, 53 local companies and at least four global institutions have all committed to the Expo. He said, “The appetite is there, the time is right—we must now embrace it.” The President added that he is confident of attracting the necessary financing to achieve the vision, but all hands must be on deck. He said, “It is how we package what we want, and that is what the CARICOM Secretariat and the technical team would be doing, working with every single country to package what we want…we can’t package something,

and when investors come, they take ten months to facilitate the process of getting off the ground. That is superficial. That is not what we want to achieve.” TIME-BOUND VISION The Head of State said that the inaugural Investment Forum and Expo is critical in bringing together leaders, practitioners, farmers and others along the value chain. Ali said, “We as leaders in CARICOM have tied ourselves to a timeframe. That should tell you how serious we are about this. We didn’t leave this as an open-ended discussion. We have tied ourselves to that timeframe. We now look forward to the support of all of you in the region,

in the private sector, in the field of food production and distribution to work with us.” Dr Barnett and several regional leaders, including Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley; Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Honourable Dr Ralph Gonsalves and the Prime Minister of Belize, and the current Chair of CARICOM, the Honourable John Briceno also made remarks (virtually) in support of the timely initiative. The inaugural Agri-Investment Forum & Expo will be held on May 1921, 2022, under the theme ‘Investing in Vision 25 by 2025’.

NRF Board of Directors appointed

n accordance with the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday (April 20, 2022), appointed Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh, MSS, Mr David Lammy, MP (UK) and Carolyn Rodrigues along with Mr Dunstan Barrow and Mr Ramesh Dookoo as the NRF’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Singh, MSS, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors by His Excellency the President. Section 3 (1) of the Natural Resources Fund Act 2021, Act No. 19 of 2021, assented to by the President December 30, 2021, estab-

lishes the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) to manage the natural resource wealth of Guyana for the present and future benefit of the people in an effective and efficient manner and in accordance with the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and international best practices, including, the Santiago Principles. Section 5 (1) of the said Act provides for a Board of Directors of the Fund comprising of not less than three (3) and not more than five (5) members, who shall be appointed by the President, inclusive of a chairperson. In accordance with Section 5 (2), these Directors are selected from persons

who have wide experience in legal, financial, business or administrative matters, one of whom shall be nominated by the National Assembly and one of whom shall be a representative of the private sector. The National Assembly on April 13, 2022, approved a motion was addressing the nomination of Barrow by the Standing Committee on Appointments of the National Assembly, as a Director of the Board of Directors, of the Fund. After consulting with the various organisations representing the private sector, Mr Ramesh Dookoo was selected as a representative of the private sector.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Consultations on draft LCDS

egional consultations on the draft Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, continued in Kamarang, Region Seven, this week. Representatives of Kako, Imbaimadai, Waramadong, Paruima, Philipai, Chinaweng, Jawalla, Warawata and other satellite villages were also present at the consultation held at the Kamarang

REGION 7

Primary School. To date consultations have been done completed in seven Regions, where technical teams were accompanied by PPP/C government ministers to advance the process. LCDS 2030 is based on four objectives: to create new incentives

REGION 7

REGION 1

for a low-carbon economy, protect against climate change and biodiversity loss, stimulate future growth: clean energy and low-carbon development, and align with global climate and biodiversity goals. Since the development of Guyana’s first LCDS in 2009, the country has maintained more than 99.5 per cent of its 18 million

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

2030 set for Regions 4, 6, 10

hectares of forest. Guyana also boasts one of the lowest deforestation rates in the world, having the capacity to store about 19.5 billion tonnes of carbon-monoxide. Launched by President Ali in October 2021, the draft Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 can be accessed at the following

REGION 2

website: https://lcds.gov.gy/ The draft LCDS 2030 is expected to create a new-low-carbon economy in Guyana by establishing incentives which value the world’s ecosystem services, and promoting these as an essential component of a new model of global development with sustain-

ability at its core. In Guyana’s case, harnessing the value of the country’s ecosystem services can build a long-term, low- carbon diversification opportunity. Consultations in Region 10, 6 and 4 will be conducted in the last week of April 2022.

REGION 5

REGION 3

REGION 9

”INVESTING IN VISION 25 BY 2025”

May 19th - 21st, 2022 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Guyana

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Guyana on track for 47.2 percent GDP growth this year – IMF Report G

uyana’s economy remains resilient in the face of global economic tensions, and is on track to seeing a 47.2 percent growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the end of this year. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revealed that Guyana will see positive growth, although the global economy entered 2022 in a weaker position

than previously expected. In its most recent edition of the World Economic Outlook released on Tuesday (April 19, 2022), the IMF said the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant earlier this year, forced countries to reimpose restrictions to movement. Rising energy prices and supply disruptions have also resulted in high-

er and more broad-based inflation than anticipated, especially in the United States and many emerging markets and developing economies. And while countries are slowly easing restrictions put in place to counter the pandemic, the IMF said global growth is still expected to slow significantly in 2022, largely because of the war in Ukraine.

Guyana has not been spared by neither the economic harshness engendered by the COVID-19 pandemic, nor the war between Russia and Ukraine. However, the Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali-led Government has taken a formidable hold on the country’s economy, making strategic moves to ease the burden on especially the most vulnerable Guyanese.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh had made the projection of the GDP earlier this year. He said the projected growth would be fueled by oil production increases from the Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, as well as the Liza Phase Two project which will be

set in place by the first half of the year. “In the oil and gas subsector, production is expected from both Liza Destiny and Unity FPSOs, and the rate of production for 2022 is expected to be approximately 257,000 bpd on average,” Dr. Singh had said in his budget speech. He had noted that the nonoil economy is also expected to continue registering (Turn to page 18)

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Much work to be done to reverse damage done to the sugar industry by Coalition Dear Editor,

he sugar estates closed by the APNU/AFC coalition due to sheer vindictiveness and spite have remained closed ever since. From APNU’s perspective those estates would not be reopening again. This is the mantra the PNC have been peddling since and they have been holding a never-ending amen corner since with that sanctimonious gangster theme, ‘why are the sugar estates still closed, why are the sugar estates still closed!’ Well, to begin with there are lots of things going on in the sugar belt other than their reopening that they need to be cognisant of. I am talking about many developmental changes which augur well for the movement of industry and people, well into the fashioning of a modern society. Reopening of the estates is a final culmination of things, but for the moment the germane issues take preeminence. But let me begin at the beginning, the prophets of doom who are going forward with their evil predictions must face the facts that they are the ones who closed a thriving industry, near 250,000 tons produced, and brought it down to a level where it is barely limping along. It is a fact they would have to live with for the rest of their lives. You see, metal, such as iron and steel, has been left idle for near seven years now and much of it is derelict machinery, that has to be rebuilt and/or replaced. It takes money to replace these before a restart of activity there. There is also the Wales Estate which was scrapped and cannot be replaced. Instead of ploughing the proceeds of that sale back into the industry, the proceeds are unaccounted for or safely said, placed into private accounts. While all of this is going on, in the fields lay thousands of tons of sugarcane that was left abandoned, all of its sucrose content gone, canes that cannot produce the brown crystals anymore. The canals and farm roads have deteriorated due to years of neglect. The rehabilitation of these infrastructural works will require millions of dollars, with millions more to bring the industry into production mode. In the meantime, our external markets have long turned to other producers. This is the legacy the APNU/ AFC coalition has left us. Now, we haven’t taken into account the human factor, that is, the more than 7000 workers and their families that were displaced and callously placed on the breadline. That human factor index meant nothing to the visionless, rudderless coalition as they blazed a trail of hate and destruction of the very fabric of Guyanese society. You would recall that those workers were suddenly cut off from employment and income and left to wander. More than a year, those workers were left out of mainstream Guyana, it took the herculean effort of Dr Bharrat Jagdeo to call upon the then Government to pay the workers their severance. Even that did not achieve much as the matter had to be taken to court for the workers to get what was rightfully theirs. So, when the incoming PPP/C Administration gave that $250,000 subvention, it merely marked a pittance payback to our hardworking sugar workers. But I must hasten to a close, when you analyse the true extent, scope and depth of the damage done to the sugar industry in Guyana, you get the real picture of what the Granger Administration has done to our country. They have pushed our economy decades into retrogression. It would take years to revive the sugar industry, but we will get there. With external help and direct injection of state capital, sugar will rise again. We look forward with great hope and expectation to that time when sugar will be a success story. Respectfully, Neil Adams

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Guyana on track for 47.2 percent GDP... strong growth, projected at 7.7 percent this year, and driven mainly by rebounds in rice growing and gold mining, and continued expansion in construction activity and wholesale and

retail trade and repairs. The rice sector is also expected to expand by 25.1 percent in 2022, due to replanting efforts and the introduction of new high-yielding varieties,

representing a significant rebound from the 20.5 percent decline observed in 2021. The large gold mining sub-sector is anticipated to grow by 12.2 percent

due to higher expected declarations from one large operation, and the small and medium -scale miners. This also represents a significant comeback from this sector’s 2021 performance, which saw an estimated contraction of 14.8 percent. In construction, the finance minister said that its continued heavy investment in projects across sectors, and major projects coming from private sector investments, will result in a projected expansion of

(From page 15) 10.5 percent. Government has already set aside $5 billion in this year’s national budget for cost-of-living adjustments. The Ministry of Agriculture’s farmers’ market initiative has been easing the financial burden faced by many families across the country. Since 2020, government has put several measures in place to ensure disposable income remain in the pockets of Guyanese. These include the

removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) from water and electricity, the continual increase in old-age pension and public assistance and the restoration of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant and school uniform cash grant which now stands at $30,000 for each child in both public and private schools. Late last month, the government slashed the incise tax on diesel and gasoline to zero percent, further reducing economic hardships on Guyanese.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Five-year strategic plan seeks to strengthen... healthier partnerships with men and boys, especially in terms of shared household work. Childcare assistance is also offered to essential workers to help women par-

ticipate equally and competitively in the workforce. The Strategic Plan is built on five pillars access, equity, economic justice, participation, and human rights. These pillars

are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) five and ten, which speak to gender equality and reduction of inequality within and among countries.

The W&GEC says social justice will be promoted through strategic collaborations and initiatives will be designed to target the most vulnerable and disadvantaged group.

(From page 7)

This year, the Human Services Ministry has been allocated $30 billion, which the minister said will be utilised to improve the various departments within the Human Services Ministry,

to enhance the livelihood of citizens. Focus would also be placed on eliminating gender-based violence in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Gov’t partners with Bush Lot/Adventure NDC... have to make sure that you manage it (landfill site), and anyone found dumping (garbage) you have to take actions against them or report them to the police,” he stated.

Minister Dharamlall has also advised the NDC’s councillors to publish a garbage collection schedule for residents. He said he has received complaints that garbage collection oc-

curs only once weekly. He said, “The garbage issue is a national issue so do not blame yourselves alone, but councillors, you need to create a roster which can be published and shared

with the residents so they will know when their garbage will be picked up. Those services also need to be consistent.” The minister reiterated that residents need to

(From page 8)

address persons caught littering in the respective communities. This, he said, is in keeping with government’s promise to improve the lives of Guyanese whether in the security,

education or even agriculture sectors. Some $1.4 billion has been allocated this year, to improve sanitary and environmental conditions countrywide.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Home Affairs Ministry implementing host... add to the improved safety of citizens. “We have community policing groups which I am glad have been rejuvenated and we want of course more information to come to ourselves not only

to the police but ourselves in respect to issues relating to crime, violence and drugs.” Additionally, to ensure the engagements between the police and citizens are of standards that reflect a devel-

oping Guyana, the ministry will be installing audible CCTV cameras at the counter of every police station, to ensure citizens are offered the best policing services. “With the new transition there is a

wind of change by the Guyana police force and in the other agencies and as I also said that they have a mandate to be more empathetic, to treat people better. I keep saying that we need people to

(From page 6)

be treated in a way we want ourselves to be treated or how we want our wife, our daughter, our mother to be treated if they come in contact with the law,” said Minister Benn. Meanwhile, the ministry

is working to build three new prison modules at the Lusignan and New Amsterdam prisons, which will have a safer and modern prison system attached with a school to reduce inmate recidivism.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

COM M ENTARY

Guyanese must be wary of so called ‘expert advice’ that ignore country’s situational nuances By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

his column has a great respect for experts, people who use their knowledge and experience and conduct data-driven analyses, people who avoid their personal likes and dislikes, and make comprehensive, non-biased conclusions. Guyanese like to claim that everything we do and say is based on what experts conclude. The problem is that not all who deem themselves “experts” or not all of those who political parties, newspapers and social media deem “experts” are really experts. While Guyana is known for many good things, we seem to also sometimes embrace some dubious distinctions. One of those dubious distinctions is that “experts” now sprout from every inch of our country, blossom in the newspapers and social media like ants. We might be short of certain kinds of technical skills, but, one thing for sure, we are not short of are these “experts”. One newspaper, in particular, introduce us to an “expert” almost every day. Some of these “experts” genuinely have university degrees; others are just “experts”. Some of these “experts” have worked in their

fields, but have never really earned distinction. Yet others are just deemed “experts”. They all preach to us, not able to point to an instance when or where they were proven right. Just recently one newspaper flashed a headline from an “expert” who is only heard from when the PPP is in office. He is an engineer by qualification and not one of his engineering analyses between 1992 and 2015 and since 2020 to now have proven correct. But he is still an engineering “expert” that one of our local newspapers use as their go-to “expert”. Guyanese are most familiar with his denunciation of the Hope Canal Project. He was one of the “experts” certain newspapers used and that APNU/AFC paraded as part of their rejection of the project. It is now fifteen years since the canal has been operational. There has been no breach and the major floods that the East Coast had to endure every time heavy rain came have largely disappeared. This “expert” was one that came to my office when I was Minister of Agriculture, brought to see me by the then APNU/AFC shadow minister of agriculture, Rupert Roopnarine, demanding we stopped the Hope Canal Project because a canal of

the magnitude of Hope Canal cannot be built on pegasse. He was also one of those “experts” who objected to the Berbice River Bridge and its location. Both of these projects have improved the lives of the Guyanese people and, both of these projects, have contributed enormously to the economic improvement in our country. This and other “experts” who were critical of the Hope Canal and the Berbice River Bridge have never apologized to the Guyanese people for trying to stop these projects. Now this “expert” and others who I am expecting will sprout from everywhere have taken aim towards the proposed development projects in Region 6. This particular “expert” has already deemed the proposed projects as “white elephants”. In fact, the Berbice Bridge and the Hope Canal were among the projects that this “expert” concluded would be “white elephants”. That this and other “experts” were totally wrong, in every aspect of their analyses has never deterred them from criticizing every infrastructure project under the PPP. They only go silent when the PNC is in power. His criticism of the planned development projects in Berbice, such as

a second national stadium, an international airport, a hotel, the deep-water port, etc. is that why build something the people will not afford to use. According to him, the people will not be able to afford these amenities because they have been out of jobs. This “expert” ignored the fact that these projects will not only establish Region 6 as a world-class Region of Guyana, but create thousands of jobs. He also ignored the reason why many persons today are without a job. The reason is that the majority of jobless persons were as a result of the closure and downgrading of sugar estates in the Region. The closure of sugar estates and dismissal of thousands of sugar workers, the non-support for agriculture, the abandonment of projects like the deep-water harbor and the bridge across the Corentyne River, the abandonment of the ethanol plant at Albion, the increases in taxes that suffocated small businesses in Region 6, all caused economic stagnation and increasing unemployment. Perhaps the most glaring examples of “experts” are those being paraded by one newspaper and by social media and by the PNC in the OIL and GAS industry. We all agree that Guyana singed a bad deal with EXXON. These same experts were disgustingly silent when APNU/AFC signed the deal. Between 2015 and 2020, not one of these charlatans ever spoke a single word about the bad deal. Suddenly, these local and international “experts” are demanding Guyana renegotiate the deal. Even those who signed the deal, who argued then that they got the best possible deal, are now joining these “experts” to call for a renegotiation. These same “experts” had agreed that APNU/AFC did what they had to do. For those bold voices that rejected the deal, they were told by the “experts” that international law demands that government’s signature must be respected. The Irfaan Ali-led government has kept its manifesto and 2020 election campaign promises on OIL and GAS. The PPP had always said that as a government, we will respect international law, but wherever and whenever opportunities come up for

improving the terms and provisions in the “bad” contract, as a government, it will fully utilize those opportunities. The Irfaan Ali-led PPP government has, in fact, taken full advantage of those opportunities to improve the terms and conditions in the EXXON deal. True, the PPP government has not been able to remove all the things the PPP was opposed to, but within observing international laws, it has sought to eliminate as much as possible the “bad” terms. The PPP has always respected international law. It is not the first time that the PPP has inherited bad agreements. The Cheddi Jagan-led PPP government in 1992 inherited many, similarly bad deals. The telephone company deal in which the purchaser almost recovered their full investment within days, the purchaser of Demerara Woods who recovered and profited from a resale within months are examples. As much as the stench suffocated the PPP government when it took aover in 1992, it honored the contracts based on international law. Investors must have the confidence that change of governments in a country will not lead to renegotiation, unless laws were broken. The PPP government knew the absurdity and the corruption relating to the telephone company deal, but it honored the contract signed by Desmond Hoyte and the PNC government. In the present OIL and GAS contracts, the PPP government has already signaled that all future contracts will extract more for our country and, in the meanwhile, the PPP government will ensure that the “bad” EXXON deal provides Guyanese with as much as we can extract, without violating international laws. One of the most ambitious projects for Guyana is the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project. Had the PNC and APNU/AFC, with considerable help from the “experts”, not derailed this project, Guyana today would have benefitted from affordable, reliable energy supply, our industries would have been more competitive, more jobs would have been available. Had the original timeline been kept, most of Guyana’s energy would today have been hy-

dro-powered. The “experts” are back. This time, however, there is little chance they will derail the project one more time. In addition to spurious objections, including questioning the cost, the “experts” now claim that solar energy is a better and cheaper alternative. But these same “experts” have not identified one country that relies mostly on solar energy, have not identified which country chose solar over hydro and which country has replaced hydro with solar. The PPP government has pursued an energy agenda with a diversified portfolio as we replace fossil fuel. Solar energy is part of the mix, together with hydro and gas. Guyana is a blessed country. We have natural resources of myriad kinds and, finally, we are able to benefit from our natural resources because of the PPP government. The PPP government has been able to finally bring together the various natural resources such as our rich soil, forestry, water, minerals, oil and gas and our people to foster the fasting-growing economy in the world. It was a slow progression as we moved from being a highly-indebted poor country (HIPC), one of the most indebted countries in the world in 1992, a country consistently ranked then by the prestigious West Indian Commission and the global institutions such as the IMF, World Bank, IDB, CDB as the poorest in the Americas, even below Haiti, to a middle-income country with a manageable debt to GDP ratio by 2012. By the time the PPP left office in 2015, Guyana was set to propel itself into a high middle-income country with OIL and GAS poised to make its mark in Guyana. Since 2020, the Irfaan Ali-led PPP government has been able to use new OIL and GAS resources to stimulate foreign direct investment, the infrastructural improvement, education and health and develop a diversified economic platform. We use real experts, not those who deem themselves or who are deemed by newspapers and social media as “experts” to advise and guide us. Often, our guide are the people of Guyana. They knew why they voted for President Irfaan Ali and the PPP.

WEEKEND MIRROR 23-24 APRIL, 2022

Adolescent vaccination campaign set to begin at reopening of schools next week W

ith schools set to reopen in the upcoming week, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony revealed on Tuesday (April 19, 2022), that his ministry will soon be launching a vaccination campaign in schools across the country, to increase the uptick of COVID-19 vaccinations. This comes on the heels of what Minister Anthony described as “pretty stagnant” inoculation numbers in the younger age category. “There is a lot more work to be done with this age group. Unfortunately, we have been seeing like 100-200 vaccinations a day and that includes both first and second doses, so that’s pretty low and these numbers have been pretty

stagnant for quite a while,” he said. However, the minister expressed his belief that with the rollout of this new vaccination drive in schools, more students will be able to easily receive the jab. Minister Anthony noted the importance of permission by parents and guardians for students under the age of 18. He explained that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, have already identified mechanisms to have this addressed frontally. “Parents would have to give permission before we can vaccinate the child…just before school closed, the schools were sending out letters to parents for them to sign and hopeful-

ly when school resumes, we would be able to get those permission slips so that we can organise the vaccination within the schools,” Dr. Anthony explained. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has conducted several vaccine hesitancy workshops to continue educating citizens about the importance of vaccines, in an effort to encourage more persons to take the vaccine. “The understanding is if our healthcare workers and other stakeholders better understand the reason why people should be vaccinated, they can become champions of getting people to be vaccinated,” the minister highlighted. Schools are expected to reopen on April 25.

New version of the omicron variant gaining ground

new version of the omicron variant has been spreading fast in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of last week, global health authorities are tracking four COVID-19 variants - BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 and

the fourth one being a recombinant made up of BA.1 and BA.2 is being referred to as XE. The new variant is a sub-variant of XE and is called BA.2.12.1 variant. It now makes up one-fifth of COVID-19 cases in the United States of America,

according to the CDC. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the COVID-19 pandemic right now. Cases have hit a lull — which could be due to more athome testing, among other factors — but there are also fewer restrictions. “It’s really tough to say

what is going to happen,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief pandemic scientist for the White House, told BuzzFeed News. “But there are going to be new variants.” A lot is still not known about BA.2.12.1, added Davidson Hamer, a Boston

University School of Public Health infectious diseases specialist. There have not been sufficient studies to adequately characterize its transmissibility, he said. The BA.2.12.1, contains a mutation that appears to give the variant an advantage, computational

biologist Cornelius Roemer wrote on Twitter. The mutation resides on the part of the virus that binds to human cells. Some experts suggest that the end of the travel mask mandate could accelerate the creation of more COVID-19 variants, too.

Acts of ‘bad faith’ and ‘political machinations’ do nothing for interests of Guyanese

resident, Dr. Irfaan Ali, has disclosed that consultations with the Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, will take place in about two weeks. And he underscored the fact that Norton can choose to remain in his “bubble” or do the “right thing” in the interest of Guyanese. “The Leader of the Opposition has a choice. Let me be very clear on this, he has

choice. Sometimes, we have to decide what is foolhardy and what we really want to achieve. I don’t know what bubble he is in, but I am sure the Leader of the Opposition is aware, like the rest of the world, that he trampled upon democracy,” the President had said. On the focus of the consultation, Ali said, “There are a number of constitu-

tional matters that have to be addressed, so those are the matters that will primarily be on the table…you know we have to get the Judicial Service Commission in place, so all the constitutional issues that require consultation with the Opposition will be on the table.” Meanwhile, Norton was called out by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and

Governance, Gail Teixeira, for his “backhanded comments”, which were made at a news conference on Thursday (April 21, 2022). BAD FAITH In comments to the Weekend Mirror, she said, “Mr. Norton’s backhanded comments about delays in the process to make the constitutional appointments are

acts of bad faith and political machination.” She explained that it was the Parliamentary Opposition, the APNU+AFC Coalition, which failed to respond to the Government for months, under former Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, when the appointments to the Local Government Commission were to be made. “It was not until the weekend before the President indicated that he would move forward with the appointments that Mr. Harmon responded with names. In

terms of track record, the PPP/C has not been involved in delays,” Teixeira stressed. Referring to further delays in having an Opposition Leader in the position to consult with, he Minister added, “We are not responsible for the delays and difficulties within the PNCR, prior to and after their Congress.” Notably, despite calls, the Opposition APNU+AFC Coalition has actively engaged in pushing the false narrative, which was circulated on social media platforms and other forums.

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