Weekend Mirror 9-10 July 2022 by Weekend Mirror

APNU+AFC Coalition trying to stir tensions among Guyanese with racist rhetoric 9-10 July, 2022 / Vol. 12 ‒ No. 30 / Price: $100

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Elections CoI must ensure Guyanese are fully aware of shenanigans under Mingo’s watch – GECOM Commissioner

AFC ‘split’ from PNCR/ APNU another act of deception …Parties still tied as a Coalition in Parliament

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CARICOM leaders commit to full support for Guyana in border controversy case

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Guyana PAGE 12 playing its part to curb climate change with LCDS 2030

Thousands of acres of land being identified to address East Coast housing needs PAGE 8

– Minister Croal

Gov’t to implement hybrid PAGE 6 programme to train more nurses

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

Elections CoI must ensure Guyanese are fully aware of shenanigans under Mingo’s watch – GECOM Commissioner

he international Elections Commission of Inquiry (CoI) must ensure that the Guyanese are fully aware of what took place, particularly in Region 4 under the

watch of disgraced former Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, according to Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner, Bibi Shadick.

Shadick played a key role during the last elections and who would have been present during several pivotal moments, said she looks forward to a comprehensive CoI that

exposes everything. In a comment on the international Elections CoI, she said, “I want to see all those things that they think they were hiding; I want to see

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them come out. I saw lots of stuff, in Ashmins. All those envelopes that they say were missing from ballot boxes, they were all in GECOM. There were videos showing GECOM staff opening them, putting them in garbage bags…but you know, those things are never made public. People keep saying the documents were not included. The documents were (to) be brought to the RO (Returning Officer’s) office and they did. There’s lots of things – that’s I want to have come out and made public. Because the people of Guyana have a right to know.” Retired Justice of Appeal, Stanley John has been named the Chairman of the Commission. The other members include Former Attorney General, High Court Judge and Acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean, Godfrey P. Smith SC; Former Chair and Chief Elections Commissioner of India, Dr S. Y. Quraishi; and Former Chancellor (ag), Carl Singh OR CCH. Dr. Afari Jayan and Dr. Nasim Zaidi will serve as resource personnel to assist the Commission with its work. PROMISE DELIVERED President Dr. Irfaan Ali had promised to name members of the examining body last Thursday, during the wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs, at Plantation Enmore, East Coast Demerara Monument. He had said, “We, and particularly your President, promised an international CoI, so I say to all those who struggled and sacrificed, all those who worked in protecting the democracy, that we have, in your honour, before dawn on next Tuesday, your President will name the members of that international CoI…those who subverted democracy, those who cannot present their SOPs, and those who struggled against the will of the people, the CoI will set the truth free from the untruth and the CoI will set those who dwell in the house of democracy and those who dwell in the fire of undemocratic rule and norms…in honour of the these martyrs too and in honour of all the Guyanese who fought for freedom and democracy, who fought relentlessly in those five months to ensure our country never ever was allowed to go down as an undemocratic nation, in hon-

our of your sacrifices, I committed that we will have an international CoI into the last elections.” In October 2020, Ali disclosed that the Government of Guyana was in talks with the international community regarding a Commission of Inquiry into the events of the March 2020 Elections, which saw a five-month delay in the declaration of final election results. He had said, “We’ve already started conversation with various international stakeholders on the subject matter and the international community is also very much interested…the international community was a key part in ensuring that democracy was protected…so the international community is going to play a key part in this and they are very keen and they are very interested…in relation to a timeframe in having the CoI, I would say that it is in the, not the medium-term, but the immediate-term plan for the Government as we proceed towards the end of the year.” Prior to that the President had stated that the panel for the CoI could be drawn from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Organisation of American States (OAS), and The Commonwealth. “Between the OAS, Commonwealth and CARICOM, I think we will have a great opportunity to determine a good panel to look at the CoI,” he had said. The first mention of an investigation into the elections was made by Ali, during his inauguration speech on August 8, 2020. “All of us have an obligation to the nation and to ourselves to ensure that, never again, should any generation of our people be subjected to such unlawful behaviour. Therefore, a review of events related to the electoral process over the last five months will begin shortly to determine forensically exactly what transpired and to hold accountable any person who sought to pervert and corrupt the system.” The Head of State had said too that all necessary reforms will be pursued to make democracy stronger, and the electoral process more transparent. Notably, several high-level officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the APNU+AFC are facing charges before the courts for issues relating to the elections.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

APNU+AFC Coalition trying to stir tensions among Guyanese with racist rhetoric U

nsubstantiated and wildly irresponsible claims – all worded along lines to stir tensions among Guyanese – were uttered by leaders of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition on Monday (June 4, 2020) at Buxton, where a protest was organised to counter a PPP/C government outreach in the area. Coalition Parliamentarian, Christopher Jones, speaking to some of the protestors, said, “Black youngsters go to a commercial bank for a loan and they are denied. An East Indian person, the same age, got the same thing like the young black man, go to the same commercial bank, but he getting the loan….that is the reality of this country…. you go to predominantly East Indian villages in this country and you would see rapid development, nice roads, nice street lights…but you go predominantly the African villages – bad roads, poor drainage, no street lights, no recreational facilities for them… that is the reality of this country.” Jones was not the least of the Coalition Parliamentarians with such divisive rhetoric. During the protest on Monday (June 4, 2022), leader of the PNCR and the Coalition, Aubrey Norton, made irresponsible allegations. “I wouldn’t rule out that they (the PPP/C) gave the instruction to kill this young man so they get something to distract people with…I’ve been in politics long enough to know that when they bring these things to side-track us, we will stay focused…this struggle has to continue,” Norton said, without any evidence, referring to the matter where three Guyana Police Officers were charged over the death of Quindon Bacchus on Tuesday (June 5, 2022). Also, despite the fact that the recommendation for charges to be laid was made on Monday (June 4, 2022) by the Police Complaints Authority, which was independently investigating the matter, Norton claimed that there seems to be a plot to cover the “Indo-Guyanese” ranks – a claim made without

evidence. “If they say that this was something carried out by a particular (Police) Unit, then the head of that Unit should know…you are not charging the Head of the Unit…we are seeing, within this, an attempt to cover some Indo-Guyanese who were involved…they are going to protect them because they are Indo-Guyanese and I say that without fear of contradiction,” Norton said. He also mounted comments about not trusting the PPP. “We do not trust them…we will continue the political pressure,” he charged. Norton repeated unsubstantiated claims about discrimination against Afro-Guyanese, among others. “We know that they have no good intention. The People’s Progressive Party has no good intention,” he said. The most repeated claim is about young Afro-Guyanese men being killed. However, in November 2019, the 32-page findings of an investigate report by the independently–run Stabroek News, exposed the falsehoods peddled by the APNU+AFC Coalition about the crime wave and dismantled the notion that young Afro-Guyanese men were killed indiscriminately. While, the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition had claimed that -some 400 young Afro-Guyanese died as a result of extra-judicial killings during the crime wave. However, the Stabroek News investigative report pointed out that some 420 persons were killed between February 2002 and September 2006 – 151 murdered by bandits, 30 security officers were killed and 239 were killed during confrontations with the police and in unexplained circumstances. It added that the drug trade was a major part of the period in question. After the report was published, comments along this line subsidised, but has returned and are now greatly exaggerated with the claim being almost 2,000 young Afro-Guyanese died under the former PPP/C government. PPP/C leaders, including

a people where we will work towards equitable distribution of goods and services; where we will work for the development of the regions of our country…that is our goal and if you don’t agree with it, I’m sorry. You’re lost.”

A section of villagers at the Buxton outreach on July 4th

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, among others, were also referred to by Norton by derogatory terms, including “house slaves”, in his comments. “They are basically house slaves, doing the bidding of the PPP,” Norton railed. Norton’s comments were made with the controversial David Hinds at his right hand. CALL FOR GOV’T TO BE UNDERMINED Hinds has been among those calling for instability in Guyana, since the APNU+AFC Coalition was voted out of Office in 2020. On November 22, 2021, Hinds had said: “I think the time has come to defend ourselves…it is time for action…I am also repeating my call to undermine the government. I said that in August and I am saying it again. A leader does not have to tell you how to undermine the government. There are many ways…undermine the government and continue to do so.” At the same forum, Hinds went further to call for Indian-owned businesses to be boycotted. He said, “They were enablers and they are enablers….it is your money that is spending on Regent Street that they does take and give to the PPP as contributions for elections so they can get into government…undermine the economic partners of the PPP.”

The poorly attended protest organised by the PNCR-led Coalition at Buxton

Prior to that, while addressing a small group of protestors at Victoria, East Coast Demerara in August 2021, Hinds said: “In whatever way you can undermine this (PPP/C) government. Undermine this government in whatever way you can. I can’t tell you how to do it, but ‘hint to Baniba mek Quashiba tek notice’ (Old African-Guyanese proverb meaning actions to hint something will result in awareness). Undermine this government!” RACE CARD Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Government, Gail Teixeira, in prior comments had blasted the APNU+AFC Coalition, as well as members of the former Coalition government, for its persistent play of the race card. She said, “At a time when we are taking the trajectory of our country forward; when we are seeing transforma-

tion…all of this is taking place and all you can do is drag it down to race. That is the only flag you have. The only flag you wave is race…. the Coalition has stuck loyally to your history from 1954 and onwards - of divide and rule in Guyana. That is unfortunate. I don’t accept that the youth don’t know about these things. They are not obtuse…whether the PNC/ RIG/ APNU/ AFC comes to term with past and steps on the road to national unity, you will be found, if you don’t join, left alone….you have a choice.” Teixeira charged that the PPP/C will push forward with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announced One Guyana initiative, despite the naysayers in the Coalition camp. She said, “The attempt to weaken any embryonic efforts at building a One Guyana will not succeed…efforts at building a ‘One Guyana’- a ‘One Guyana’ for all of us as

MISLEADING The PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition’s expressed intentions to “undermine” the Dr. Irfaan Aliled PPP/C Administration, according to PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, in prior comments, has not gone unnoticed. Jagdeo said, “People like David Hinds, who for decades misled people into thinking they represent Afro-Guyanese, had no interest in development for Guyana, much less development in the interest of Afro-Guyanese…they are parasitic… when they came into office, they had no intention of supporting Afro-Guyanese…he is smarting from the person loss of privileges that he and his family enjoyed…the bitterness stems from there.” Moving forward, Jagdeo noted that the APNU+AFC Coalition must drop racism as a tool and get on board with a national development agenda – all in the interest of all Guyanese across the entire country. “It is a dead end if they don’t drop the racism… there is room for inclusion, providing that you work for the people…you can’t bully people and you can’t lie to people….currently, we have an ineffective Opposition Leader…more often than not, he has a shallow understanding of crucial sectors,” he stressed.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

EDITORIAL Is the Coalition responsible enough to support genuine political cooperation?

olitical and social trust are deemed essential to a progressive society and, by extension, nation. And in acknowledging this, the fact that trust is relational by definition, must also be recognised. The issue of genuine political cooperation has been a continuous area of focus of successive PPP/C governments, between 1992 and 2015. A Paper titled ‘Towards greater inclusive governance in Guyana – Building Trust To Achieve Genuine Political Cooperation’, was made public in 2003 and the measures detailed in the Paper were cited as “vital” for political development and the “emergence of a new political culture” characterized by greater trust, civility and commitment to the national interest. At the political level, a demonstration of trustworthiness involves: the commitment to act in the national interests; a demonstration of care for the Guyanese people – ensuring that their interests are the primary priority; and a demonstration that there is space to foster engagement among political partners, as well as competence in the domain over which trust is being given. The trustworthy will not betray the trust as a consequence of bath faith actions. In Guyana’s context, bad faith actions by the Aubrey Norton’s PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition – including irresponsible actions, misinformation and unproductive calls, such as the call to ‘undermine the government’ by elements aligned to the Coalition – break trust. In Guyana’s context, more so since August 2, 2020, there has been no demonstration by the PNCR/APNU/AFC that there is space to foster engagement among political partners, with the Coalition’s repeated claims doubting that the PPP/C Administration was duly elected to serve Guyanese, including references to an “installed regime”, etc. After the Coalition secured its May 2015 electoral victory on a narrow margin of just over 4,000 votes, the situation was the same, when there was no talk of inclusion. For example, standing orders in the Parliament were changed to ensure that the APNU+AFC Coalition took charge of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committees. And this is only one example. In Guyana’s context, the Coalition has demonstrated, repeatedly that it is committed to power, not to the Guyanese people. The most dangerous area where we see a focus on power, not people, being played out is with the current use of the ‘race card’ by the APNU+AFC Coalition. This is not surprising. The PNCR, which is the majority partner in the Coalition, has played on ethnic insecurities of our people since the 1960s. The race card has always been the ‘ace in the pocket’, which PNC/APNU/AFC has flashed to keep their supporters in line. In the Guyana context, the commitment to act in the national interests has been absent on the part of the APNU+AFC Coalition, save and except where our country’s territorial integrity is concerned – a subject on which there is no partisan view on the part of any patriotic Guyanese. However, when power was at stake in 2020, the Coalition risked Guyana becoming an outcast among the global fold of democratic nations. Norton, himself, was actively at the forefront of the attempt by the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition to undermine the will of the Guyanese people. Norton appeared on various platforms, not only in Guyana, but in the Caribbean, including on national television in Trinidad and Tobago, staunchly defending the former APNU+AFC Coalition’s efforts to rig the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. On July 21, 2020, Norton, appearing on television in Trinidad and Tobago, went as far as saying: “I do not see the government as illegitimate,” when questioned about the no-confidence motion and the Coalition’s caretaker mode at that time. Further, failing to acknowledge the democratic will of the Guyanese people, evidenced by the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, as well as the results of the national recount, Norton had said, “I believe we must stay focused on ensuring the People’s Progressive Party doesn’t come to power.” Also, Norton has exposed himself as not being one to shy away from peddling misinformation to the Guyanese public. In May 2020, Norton made wild claims that at a polling station in Bush Lot, Region 5, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) secured 199 votes and the Coalition secured four votes – but there were only

Public CoI versus private GECOM review of itself Dear Editor,

he discussion moves forward in a fiercely contested battle as to which route we should take; that is: whether to go the route of a private, internal-type GECOM audit or that of a public, wide-sweeping Commission of Inquiry (CoI). Having an internal audit is the main focus of the Opposition commissioners, for the expressed reason that it would be a private, internal affair far removed from the scrutinising eyes of the public. It also means that Vincent Alexander and crew could mindlessly pontificate in a cloistered and protective environment. This is their aim; this is the purpose of them asking for an internal audit. That proposal of theirs is all quashed with the institution of a public CoI. It should also be of note that, without any formal analysis of their presentations, they can again turn and report to the media that they have made great political mileage. But scoring cheap political points is not the focus of our investigation

into the goings-on in the last general elections; it is all about getting to the bottom of the whole sordid affair, and in the end making recommendations for the conduct of future elections. At this stage of our discussion, I must make it abundantly clear that this is not a Vincent Alexander affair, or a PNC stomping ground. They are in no position to dictate what the parameters of the CoI ought to be; that is beyond the scope of their jurisdiction. However, they would only be required to participate, if need be, or simply hush up and be quiet. What is clear is that these guys are no more in control of the affairs of the electoral machinery. They must recognise that this party has already gone out on a limb trumpeting nonsense that elections 2020 were rigged in favour of the PPP/C and there is an installed Government in Georgetown. So, it is already in the public domain, and what a damning accusation it is that it would take only a public CoI to erase that foolishness from our airwaves. Again, I say this asininity could only go away with a public CoI conducted under international scrutiny.

It is for this reason that the Government of the day is determined that the Opposition loudmouths do not get away with it. All persons and intellectual planners in this rigging alliance must be brought to light. For too long, this kind of nonsense has been in the public domain, and it is high time that some semblance of order and discipline be brought into our electoral system. This is a perennial problem that has plagued the Guyanese Society at election time, and the blame must fall squarely at the feet of the main Opposition PNC. I say there should be no tampering with state documents, there should be no five-month wait for the results of an election. Down with fraudulent people and a fraudulent Opposition. At the end of this CoI, it is my hope that there should be the strongest message sent ever: frauds and fraudulent transactions would not be tolerated in a Guyana society. We can all say, “Never again!” Sincerely, Neil Adams

Patterson’s proposals would have conflicted with the Constitution Dear Editor,

n the 29th of June 2022, in the Stabroek News, a letter to the Editor, captioned “Gov’t rejected sensible amendments to the Local Content bill”, written by Mr. David Patterson, MP, was published. The letter contained a slew of factual and legal inaccuracies. My busy schedule prevented me from

traversing this wanton menu of errors so boldly asserted. Mr. Patterson refused to acknowledge that only the night before the Local Content Bill was tabled in the National Assembly, the APNU/ AFC submitted fourteen (14) proposed amendments to the Bill of which ten (10) were accepted by the Government, moved by the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and included

199 registered voters for that polling station. He had said: “I want to point out that in Box number 5083 at Bush Lot, Region Five, the official list of electors had 199 persons.” The polling station in reference was at the Bush Lot Nursery School [Division 52213C (ii)]and the number of registered voters whose ballots would have been placed in Ballot Box number 5083 is 257 – not the 199 that Norton claimed. This all took place when the report from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) three-person observer team, which witnessed the national recount of votes from the March 2020 Elections, said clearly that: “…nothing we witnessed warrants a challenge to the inescapable conclusion that the recount results are acceptable and should constitute the basis of the declaration of the results of the March 2, 2020 elections….the team categorically rejects the concerted public efforts to discredit the polls up to the disastrous Region 4 tabulation…the numerous requests for information on several serial numbers were so bizarre that on one observed occasion, an APNU/AFC agent was prepared to query serial numbers on the OLE (Official List of Electors) in a work station where no one had noted. These challenges were often made on the ground of death and migration…the team viewed much of the exercise as a fishing expedition designed to gather data for a possible election petition and which resulted in considerable time being wasted

in the Bill. This glaring omission was exacerbated by an accusation by Mr. Patterson that our Government lacks inclusivity. I digress here momentarily to challenge Mr. Patterson to identify a single piece of legislation tabled in their five (5) years of Government in which the Opposition was allowed any input by way of amendments. (Turn to page 22)

during the recount. Furthermore, the net was cast extremely wide in the hope of at least making a small catch and at times the anticipated harvest ended in slim pickings.” Despite these facts, Guyanese were subject to a five-month wait for the final results from the March 2020 General and Regional Elections because of the machinations by several persons involved in the process at the GECOM Secretariat and other elements. Currently, our nation finds itself at a place where the ramifications of political distrust has materialised. Facts and rational arguments many times do not find listening, or comprehending ears, on the other side of the political aisle – in the Coalition camp. Irresponsible actions are advanced and the Coalition’s leadership takes no responsibility – two recent examples being the December 2021 ruckus in the National Assembly and Coalition Parliamentarian Sherod Duncan’s filming and broadcast of threats to assassinate the President. Divisions in our society are fuelled by the Coalition’s misinformation and deliberate provocations for political gain at the expense of Guyanese. The question now is will the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition persist along its currently determined path, one that will undermine the interest of Guyanese, or will they work with the PPP/C government as a responsible Parliamentary Opposition in service to our people?

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

Silence from the usual suspects Dear Editor,

’ve noticed there has been no condemnation or any sort of rebuke of the racist and inflammatory statements made by Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones, David Hinds and Kidackie Amsterdam of the Working People’s Alliance from certain quarters. This is in stark contrast to the many editorials, letters to the editor and statements carried in the newspapers from the usual suspects on everything from oil and gas to a “dildo” remark by a government MP. I urge readers to draw their own inferences as to the silence and selective outrage by the usual suspects. Yours Truly, Alvin Hamilton

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 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 ’

Gov’t to implement hybrid programme to train more nurses

he Ministry of Health will be prioritising the training of nurses, to supply the high demand that will emerge as a result of infrastructural development and the expansion of the health sector. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony met with the newly appointed Nurses’ Council, during which, he explained that they will have a role to play in adding to the drive to train more nurses, and oversee their registration. “We have engaged them, and they are right now designing a hybrid programme for Guyana for registered nurses. In another two to three months, we want to have that programme up and running, and at a minimum, once that programme is up and running, we want to start training

about 500 persons using this hybrid method of online and then you would come in to special simulation centers that we would develop so that you can get practical training,” Dr Anthony said. The minister believes that the hybrid method of training will bridge the gap and minimise the current shortage of health personnel. “Once we train for a number of years using this method, that we will at least be able to be on par with the needs that we have,” Dr Anthony said. Minister Anthony spoke of the Pediatric and Maternal Hospital that will be established, six regional hospitals, as well as upgrades to existing facilities, to modernise specialised facilities. He said, “Therefore, there would be an increased need for nursing

staff to be there. Our capacity in the public sector is just about 250 registered nurses, that is not enough, and if at our current nursing system, we are having difficulty finding nurses, in another two to three years we will have additional facilities.” In addition, the nursing assistant programme will also be expanded, while the continuing nurses’ education programme will continue providing upgraded training for nurses across the country. “We are also going to look at doing a lot of specialty courses, because depending on the needs, whether it’s in surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, critical care nursing, ICU nursing, so all these … we will be looking at and again the support of the council will be very vi-

tal as we move this process forward,” Dr. Anthony said. He called on the council to be very progressive to meet the unprecedented changes. “We really want the council to work with us to ensure that people are properly trained, registered. We are not asking for any compromise in anything, but we want people to understand the broader vision that we have for nursing,” Dr

Anthony said. Minister Anthony explained that there are also partnerships with several international universities that offer world class training in specialised areas. “We’ve had challenges with our nurses leaving, the more experienced ones, they are being actively recruited and therefore we have a deficit in the system of registered nurses. Now if we go in the

traditional way we have been working, in terms of trying to train nurses, it is going to be almost impossible for us to fill the deficit that we currently have,” Dr. Anthony said. Currently there are three public nursing schools at Linden, Georgetown and New Amsterdam, and a private training facility at St Joseph’s Mercy Hospital, while the University of Guyana offers a degree programme.

Energy-efficient lighting project set for Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica, and Linden in 2022

he communities of Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica, and Linden will benefit from a planned lighting change-out project for the latter half of 2022. The Government of Guyana, in pursuit of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, aims to transform Guyana’s economy to deliver greater socio-economic development under a low carbon pathway while also addressing the issues associated with climate change. Within this context, resources have been allocated for an energy efficiency project which targets the replacement of inefficient lighting (particularly incandescent bulbs, CFLs and 4-feet fluorescent lights) with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for residential, commercial, and public buildings in Leguan, Wakenaam, Bartica, and Linden. This energy-saving initiative encourages sus-

tainable consumption and supports households and businesses in making energy-conscious decisions while reducing their carbon footprint. The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) will provide employment to sixteen (16) licensed practising electricians to undertake these installations. Each electrician will be required to present a letter to the occupant of the building requesting their participation in the project and consent to replace all existing inefficient lights (incandescent bulbs, CFL lamps and 4-feet fluorescent lights) within the premises. If the occupant agrees to participate, each electrician will be required to record the quantity and type of inefficient lights replaced on a document prepared by the agency. This information will then require verification from the beneficiary by

affixing their signature and contact information on the document and verifying the number of lights installed by each electrician. The contracted electrician will then be required to submit the completed documentation to the GEA. Each beneficiary will be visited to verify the information provided and allow for inspection by the GEA of the lights installed. This project is expected to commence in the first week of July 2022 in Linden while the remaining areas will commence in August 2022. The Guyana Energy Agency, in keeping with the LCDS 2030, will continue to implement and spearhead such projects as part of the realization of the Agency’s objective to increase energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy technologies at the national and local levels.

Gov’t signs US$106.4M contract for Ogle to Eccles Road link

overnment has inked a $21.2 billion (US$106.4 million) contract with Indian company – Ashoka Buildcon Limited – to begin the first phase of the highly anticipated Ogle to (Haags Bosch), Eccles road network. The signing ceremony of the new four lane project was held at the Parking lot of Rucamel Shopping Plaza, at the Rupert Craig Highway and Ogle Road intersection, on Friday (June 24, 2022). Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance,

Dr. Ashni Singh, said the massive undertaking is being generously supported by a concessional line of credit through the India EXIM Bank. Highlighting the numerous projects government has undertaken to date, Minister Singh emphasised that the new throughfare will significantly complement the administration’s comprehensive master plan for Guyana. “What we are witnessing today, in each and every one of the projects, is the result of visionary leadership,” he emphasised, citing that the

fruits of the leadership are not restricted only to roads. Our commitment to you is to more aggressively roll-out this agenda for transformation with one objective in mind, to ensure that the life of every single Guyanese person is improved. We want to improve your ability, the ability of our young people to get a good education. We want to ensure that all of the people of Guyana have access to better social services,” Dr. Singh added. Although the project was on the table for a number of (Turn to page 18)

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 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 ’

2023 pension books to be distributed from August P

ensioners will be able to uplift their 2023 pension books beginning mid-August to December this year, according to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. She said the early distribution is part of efforts to ensure easy access of pension for senior citizens. “Before the end of this year, we will continue what I started last year, which is, making sure you get your pension books for next year, well in time for next year, well in advance of next year, so you don’t have to run around. That service will be available to you from about mid-August all the way to the end of the year, so you can go anytime and pick it

up,” Minister Persaud said. She explained that officials of the ministry will visit communities to make distributions. Apart from the post offices, pensioners can also now access their pensions at Western Union and Money Gram locations nearest to them. They also have the option of having their money deposited into their bank accounts. “Pension is paid every day at Money Gram, Western Union, so you don’t have to go the first day of the month to get your pension, you can go any day and you get your pension, and you don’t have to line up for it,” Minister Persaud said. Previously, pension-

ers had to visit post offices throughout the country on certain days which caused crowd build -ups. “I don’t want you to line up or punish in the lines so, whether you choose to go to the post office or you choose to go to any one of those locations the pension is there for you, so that’s one, two if you want to have your pensions deposited in your bank account, we can do that for you too,” Minister Persaud said. In January of this year, the Government of Guyana earmarked $2.6 billion, to increase old age pension from $25,000 to $28,000, to the benefit of approximately 65,000 pensioners countrywide.

Major multi-million-dollar infrastructural projects being implemented countrywide

uge multi-million-dollar infrastructural development projects are being rolled – out countrywide, in an effort to bolster Guyana’s economy and improve citizens’ lives. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill said the government is rolling -out these projects because the government is executing development without discrimination. He said, “The PPP/C Administration, President Irfaan Ali and his cabinet, we are working in every single community; the ones who have voted overwhelming for us and the ones who didn’t vote for us because we are not developing a PPP/C Guyana, we are developing a ‘One Guyana’, and in developing a One Guyana, we bring development to all the people.” In Region One, citizens will benefit from a number of rigid pavement concrete roads in the sub-regions of Mabaruma, Moruca, Port Kaituma and Matarkai. New stellings are being constructed in the various sub-regions to facilitate the docking of the new $2.5 billion North-West ferry (MV MA Lisha), which is expected to set sail to Guyana in the coming months. Two massive infrastructural development works are in progress on the Lima Sands and Onderneem ing roads, Region Two. Work on the sea defences at Charity River Dam

and several miscellaneous roads in every NDC is also ongoing. In Region Three, the alignment for the Del Conte Road, which begins at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and goes all the way down the East Bank Essequibo area into Goshen has already been cut and established. This road will link Region Three to Region Seven creating massive development. In addition, similar alignment works were executed on the Schoonard to Parika roads. Minister Edghill noted that these projects will boost the regions’ economic development. “These are going to be major new infrastructure that we will put in for the opening up of new lands, getting produce to market, being able to help with industrialisation, and gas to energy project coming in at Wales with the possibilities of downstream petro-chemical industries including the production of fertilisers,” he said. In Region Four, multi-billion-dollar contracts for the East Coast, East Bank and Georgetown have been signed for the construction of the Ogle to Haags Bosch, Eccles Road network. This road network will be linked to the ongoing Eccles to Great Diamond four-lane highway. The major infrastructure project that is geared towards cutting travel time will be completed within

18 months. Major road works are being executed in Region Five, from the Mahaicony area in every NDC. Additionally, the minister highlighted that, residents from traditional areas in Region Six will now benefit from rigid pavement concrete roads and foot paths. Works are being executed in Little Africa, Little India, and Crabwood Creek among other areas, and are being undertaken by residents from the various communities. This initiative is geared at making residents more proactive in the execution of developmental projects within their communities. Government has developed a plan which will see the development of Region Seven into a service hub for the mining sector, which will in turn benefit over 21 communities. Works on the Timehri to Bartica Road are ongoing. This is one of government’s major transformational projects. Works are also ongoing on the Bartica to Mahdia and Issano roads. In Region Eight, the construction of a hinterland road link that connects the region to Region Nine is underway. When completed, the road will alleviate the high cost of transportation, thus creating social and economic benefits for users. The 72mile hinterland road link (Turn to page 19)

100 Sophia residents benefit from gov’t’s business grant

ome 100 residents of Sophia, Georgetown on Saturday benefitted from the government’s $250, 000 business grant. This is a part of the government’s manifesto promise to ensure Guyanese across the country have access to business opportunities. The grant was distributed at the Sophia Exhibition Centre, and was spearheaded by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. The money will enable residents to start or expand their businesses. The exercise was led by Minister of Local Government and Regional Devel-

opment, Nigel Dharamlall, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy. Minister Dharamlall noted that this initiative shows the government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens have access to funds, and opportunities to upscale their lives. “You have to have ambition to spend this money and don’t look at the amount, but look at what it can do, and so we hope that you are going to put it to good use,” he said. He

also said persons starting or expanding their business, should employ people from their community, to ensure that citizens have the opportunity to earn a living, and at the same time, contribute to the country’s development. Minister Walrond further assured residents that the government will continue to support their business ventures. She noted that the PPP/C administration is a ‘caring government’ and the grant is one such initiative undertaken to equally assist citizens. “With the business grant, we want to help you grow, and this will not be (Turn to page 18)

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 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 ’ Massive outreach….

Buxton part of gov’t’s development agenda – PM Phillips R esidents of Buxton and surrounding East Coast Demerara villages turned out in large numbers to have their issues and concerns addressed during a ministerial outreach held at the Buxton/ Friendship Community Centre Ground, on Monday (July 4, 2022). ‘As Buxton goes, so goes the country,’ was the chant from the mammoth crowd, as Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips, who led the outreach activity, addressed the gathering. That statement was validated by the Prime Minister, who said like all communities across the country, Bux-

ton is an integral part of the Peoples’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) Government’s national developmental agenda. He said successive PPP/C Administrations have always put forward a ‘people centered’ development plan and, as such, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his cabinet continue to engage citizens in every community, listening to the concerns of the people, and providing solutions as far as practicable. However, Prime Minister Phillips said that that there are ‘detractors’ who are seeking to stymie the development of the people,

and their communities. He, therefore, urged residents not to be distracted by the naysayers, and assured them that the administration is committed to partnering with them to develop their lives and community. “If we are talking about development, we have to do away with the detractors who tried to derail this session today…. Your turn out is sending a strong message to the detractors who never wanted this to happen. Now is the time for development in Guyana, and Buxton will not be left out; no village will be left out,” he said. Prime Minister Phillips

noted the gas-to-shore energy project which will result in cheaper electricity for all Guyanese. It will also allow the administration to take reliable electricity to unserved, and underserved areas across the country. “That is a people- centered energy programme, and Buxton will benefit from it, all the villages all over Guyana will benefit from it,” he noted. The Prime Minister was joined by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall; Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony; Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill; Minister of Local

Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond; Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister,

Kwame McCoy; and Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson. Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) distributed 250 food hampers to vulnerable families in the area.

Thousands of acres of land being identified to address East Coast housing needs – Minister Croal

he Ministry of Housing and Water’s- Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) is in the process of identifying thousands of acres of land to meet the housing needs of residents along the East Coast of Demerara. Minister, Collin Croal, said the acquisition of land for serviced house lots is being done in collaboration with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). The minister was at the time responding to questions raised by residents of Buxton regarding house lot allocations, during a ministerial outreach at the Buxton-Friendship community ground on Monday (July 4, 2022). “It’s not that we haven’t been allocating, but we have to allocate in the macro context of achieving 50,000…we have thousands of acres that will be available for future allocations on the East Coast starting as early as next month,” he explained. He however, reminded the gathering that when the administration took office, it found 70,000 pending ap-

plicants in the system. That number has increased to 83,000 to date, despite the administration has allocated more than 11,000 house lots since assuming office. Minister Croal noted that along the East Coast alone, 2,600 house lots were allocated in under 18 months. These allocations were made at Bladen Hall, Strathspey, Vigilance, and La Reconnaissance housing developments. For persons in Buxton and surrounding communities who have pending applications, Minister Croal assured that they will be updated soonest on the process. “We will do our follow–up, and everybody will be contacted following this meeting…I can assure you that everybody will receive their house lots, we just ask for your patience.” Minister Croal also spoke of the job opportunities that will be derived from the housing development on the East Coast, noting that a number of residents of Buxton are currently employed under various infrastructure projects being executed by the housing ministry on that corridor, as well as on the East Bank.

$2B road upgrades for East Coast Demerara

‒ Buxton priority farm-to-market road for rehabilitation

number of roadways along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) will soon be enhanced to allow improved traffic flow for road users. Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, said the upgrades will be part of the government’s infrastructural development agenda for the East Coast, East Bank, and Georgetown. Works will be undertaken on the East Coast

Railway Embankment from David Street, Kitty to Enmore, as well as a number of internal roads under the ministry’s 2022 miscellaneous road programme. He said the ministry is replacing the steel bridges and, “we want to be able to open up the railway embankment for greater traffic flow.” The minister was at the time addressing residents of Buxton at the ministerial outreach at the (Turn to page 19)

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE Labour Office to address labour, exploitation issues in Upper Mazaruni A

new labour office and training centre will be established in the Upper Mazaruni district, (Region Seven) to help resolve labour and exploitation issues in the district. Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, made the disclosure recently following reports from residents about employers’ refusal to pay monies owed. “Many Amerindian communities, if not all of them are struggling this way. Contractors coming into communities to cut wood or other activities, they take people and carry them to work and then they do not pay them, and I am talking about lots of monies,” he said. According to Minister

Hamilton, the office will enable timely responses to labour-related matters, workplace accidents and health risks, and other issues. He said the village councils have a responsibility to safeguard workers’ rights, and wellbeing through a written contract. “We can only resolve this matter one way; not by gaff or by shedding tears, but you have to give me the power to resolve the matter, and the way to do so is to have a written document,” he noted. As such, he offers to provide a one-day workshop with interested councils to learn how to prepare a contract to protect their people. In 2021, the ministry was able to recover some $38.2

millions owed to employees for salaries, annual leave, overtime payments and severance. So far, for 2022, almost $14 million has been recouped for employees unfairly treated. The labour ministry is making arrangements to appoint a Board of Industrial Training (BIT), Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) officers for the district. “We have already set up a sub-office in Bartica with a labour, co-operative, OSH and BIT officer there, and now we are making arrangements for BIT and OSH officers for Kamarang so you do not have to look for us (government) because we will be here soon to provide these services,” the Minister

said. The Office, he said, brings government one step closer to achieving its com-

mitment to decentralising its services, across the country. Since assuming office in August 2020, the minis-

try has expanded its reach across the country, through increasing the number of labour and OSH officers.

Several Region 7 communities $30M well for Kariako as Gov’t to benefit from BIT programmes expands access to potable water

everal communities in the Upper Mazaruni district (Region Seven) are gearing up to access training programmes being provided by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). The villages of Jawalla, Kako, Waramadong, Kamarang, and Paruima are among villages to benefit from garment construction, joinery, boat building, and commercial food preparation programmes set to commence at the end of next month. Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, along with his technical team visited these communities, which he explained, forms part of the government’s commitment to empower and educate

Guyanese. The introduction of BIT programmes in such locations, he said, will fast-track government’s plans to ensure citizens benefit from job opportunities emerging from the oil and gas industry. The Labour Minister pointed out that the programmes are not gender specific, and encouraged women to take advantage of the male -dominated training programmes. “These training programmes are not a special favour from government, but it is your right and as such, we do not want to impose any training on your village, but rather I will like to know your needs as you are in the best position to say,” Minis-

ter Hamilton said. He told the residents that the programmes are just the beginning of what they should expect from the ministry, and within two weeks, a technical officer will return to the respective communities to finalise their work programmes. The minister assured residents that the ministry will continue its support to ensure citizens and communities are developed. Since 2020, BIT has provided training for over 4,000 people in the areas of small engine repairs, heavy-duty equipment operation (HDEO), electrical installation, and computer repairs.

esidents of Kariako, Region One (Barima-Waini), will benefit from improved access to potable water, with a new $30 million well to be drilled in the village during the first quarter of 2023. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said the project will be undertaken by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF). It will include, the drilling of a well, pipe network with service connections, and a photovoltaic system. The new water system, Minister Croal said, will add to the existing system which provides water to some sec-

tions of the village including schools, the health centre and other public buildings. The announcement came following calls by residents on Sunday, for an additional system to provide potable water for persons located in a cluster aback of the main area of the riverine village. “You have a system here, and we did some maintenance work and you have improvements already…the aim is to ensure those persons who currently do not have access, benefit from the service,” the Minster said. Minister Croal explained that the government is committed to ensuring all citizens

The Kariako Community, Region One

have access to potable water, in keeping with the United Nations Sustainable Goal Number Six- water and sanitation for all. Some 70 communities are spread across the three Region One districts- Moruca, Matarkai, and Mabaruma. Currently, only 55 per cent of the entire area has access to potable water. With several wells expected to be drilled in villages including – Waramuri, Himacabra, Hobodiah, Kaburi, Manawarin, Kwebanna and Santa Rosa, access to potable water is expected to move up to 70 percent across the region.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Tremendous progress made toward achieving 25% reduction in food imports by 2025 – President Ali T

here has been significant progress in terms of achieving the target of reducing the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) US$5 billion food import bill by 25 percent by the year 2025, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. He was speaking during an interview with the Caribbean Media Corporation-DIME Network in Paramaribo, Suriname, on the sidelines of the 43rd Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. Guyana currently holds lead responsibility for Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security in CARICOM, and is spearheading the regional body’s quest of reducing its food

import bill. The President said that an overarching strategy was developed that incorporated all the stakeholders, including farmers, the private sector, women and youth within the region. The strategy, he noted, outlines specific actions that are required by each state in achieving the 25 by 2025 goal. An integral part of the plan is transportation and logistics and President Ali said that at the CARICOM meeting great strides were made in developing the architecture to bring the transportation plan into action. There was also a commitment to advance the work to secure financing to operationalise the plans as quickly as possible.

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali being interviewed by Kimberly Ramkhalawan of the Caribbean Media Corporation-DIME Network in Paramaribo, Suriname

Another important aspect is removing the barriers within the region itself. The

Guyanese Head of State said, “There is a clear commitment from all the leaders

that the time for discussing and talking about these barriers is over, and we are now working on a strategic time – bound approach, and the removal of these barriers.” President Ali reiterated that financing is an integral aspect of the plan, and there has been tremendous commitment in that area to advance the region’s food security strategy. “Not only financing, but how do we create sustainable financial models that speak to the existing need? Incorporate the future dynamics of food production itself? We have the history of technology, technology transfer, research and development,” he explained. The president noted that the region’s food security plan focuses on the creation

of an agro-business model that incorporates young people, and allows them the option and understanding that agricultural production is profitable, and can create opportunities for them to accelerate their careers and independence. He said, “So, it allows us to bring along the next generation of CARICOM nationals who will be part of the food production system.” Importantly, he noted, the model developed will ensure distributors understand that the drive to food production is not a displacement for them, but the need for them to advance their own business models, and to be part of the production process which will ultimately generate more wealth for them.

Guyana, Barbados sign agreement Public accountability and transparency integral to development agenda for increased cooperation

resident Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, this week, signed an updated and augmented copy of the Saint Barnabas Accord, paving the way for the two countries to further dialogue and cooper-

ation in nine specific areas. These include agriculture, aquaculture and food security; mining and quarrying; tourism and international transport; trade and business development; energy; manufacturing; education

- technical and vocational training and capacity building; cooperation in security and bilateral integration measures. Guyana and Barbados are cooperating already on initiatives in several sectors.

– Members of the Public Procurement Commission take oath of office

resident Dr Irfaan Ali said that public accountability, transparency, and functioning institutional mechanisms are integral to supporting the country’s transformative development pathway. The Head of State made this pronouncement on July 1, 2022 during the swearing-in ceremony for the members of the Public Procurement Commission, at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive. The Commission comprises of Mr Joel Bhagwandin, Mr Rajnarine Singh, Ms Dianna Rajcumar and Mr Berkley Wickham. The fifth member, Ms Pauline Chase, was not present and will be sworn in at a later date. Ali said, “This Government has embarked on a development path that is transformative. Important to that transformation are issues of public accountability, transparency, and ensuring that institutional mechanisms and systems that allow the public expenditure to occur are not only strong, but that they’re continually renewed in an effort to advance and

enhance transparency and accountability.” President Ali noted that the job of the Public Procurement Commission is one that adds the tier of institutional mechanism that has been established to ensure oversight of public financing, in this instance, the oversight of procurement. He said, “So that whatever we do, falls under the umbrella of transparent, democratic and open governance. Your role and responsibility cannot be understated. That is why there are specific skill sets that are required and that the Constitution speaks to in relation to the members of the Public Procurement Commission.” He expressed confidence that the combined experience, knowledge and diverse expertise of the members of the Commission will add value to the Commission’s work and will bring the necessary benefits to the country and to government systems as work progresses on enhancing and building a stronger framework through which Guyana will be transformed and developed. He informed the mem-

bers that Attorney-at-Law Pauline Chase is expected to return to Guyana next week and will be sworn in soon after. He said that this will ensure that the commission “can be fully constituted and you can move into execution of your responsibilities”. The Constitution of Guyana mandates the appointment of a Public Procurement Commission tasked with oversight of the public procurement process. In a separate ceremony, Police Service Commission member, Mr Hakeem Mohamed, was also sworn in. Mr Mohamed was not present when the other members of the PSC were sworn in on May 31, 2022. The Honourable Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Philips, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, the Honourable Anil Nandlall; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, the Honourable Gail Teixeira, members of the Public Accounts Committee and relatives of the newly sworn-in Commissioners were also present at the ceremony.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

Transitioning to a Low Op-Ed: Development in a sustainable manner T

he PPP/C Administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering on its manifesto promises – from major infrastructure projects already underway to advances with long-term transformation for sustainable development. The nexus between delivering critical goods and services to a nation’s people in a sustainable manner and development has been recognised globally. It is also aptly captured by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as detailed in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the Guyana context, our development trajectory is captured by the draft Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which addresses: • One, the building blocks for a new low carbon economy – including forest climate services, biodiversity, water management and the ocean economy; • Two, how these building

blocks can be used as revenue earners for Guyana; and • Three, how the revenues earned are channeled through the LCDS Investment Programme to develop Guyana’s human, financial and physical capital, with special emphasis on Amerindian communities. The LCDS 2030, undoubtedly, bolsters other national programmes of development. BALANCING TO FUND DEVELOPMENT At the same time, work is being done to balance Guyana’s capabilities as an oil and gas producer and the maintenance of Guyana’s green credentials, being a nation that is a net carbon sink – a balance that will allow Guyana to earn the revenues to fund national development. PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that Guyana will develop its oil

and gas sector in a manner that is environmentally safe and not remain locked into a cycle of “low emission and low income” – a cycle that ignores the fact that Guyana is a net carbon sink, among other facts. He had said: “We have been called to leave our oil in the ground…we believe it’s totally unfair…we’ll develop our oil industry putting in place regulations for safe, low carbon operations… many have been saying that to get to a de-carbonized future to get to a net zero by 2050 there should be no further investment in oil and gas assets. “….we believe that is totally unfair…the people who are calling for us to not develop the industry in a small country like Guyana have to understand that we cannot remain locked into a cycle of low emission and low income…our people have a legitimate expectation of prosperity. We have a le-

gitimate expectation to grow the per capita income. “….if we freeze all new investments…there is still a four trillion oil and gas industry that is producing for global demand. What those activists are doing is advocating that this investment be locked in for the incumbent. Why should we not want to displace some of the highest cost producers? We want a share in that market too…. if there is no investment in countries like Guyana where the prospects are cleaner because it is light sweet crude and production costs are less then you are lobbying for a monopoly for the existing producers. “So we believe that we can develop the industry in our country…we can do so by continuing to invest in a de-carbonized future consistent with the LCDS.” MISINFORMATION Of note is that while the PPP/C Administration

moves Guyana towards the transition to a low carbon economy, there is a risk that misinformation could undermine this effort. For example, the Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and the Parliamentary Opposition, Aubrey Norton, has called for oil production not to be “ramped” up – an asinine comment given global developments. Guyana’s opportunity to benefit from oil and gas is now, before 2030, when the world is targeting a transition to net zero. And Guyana’s utilisation of oil and gas does not endanger the shift to a low carbon economy, given the fact that the PPP/C government is working on dual tracks – developing the oil and gas sector, so revenues can come in to help develop our country and people, while progressing along a low carbon pathway, as detailed in the Low Carbon Development

Strategy 2030. Importantly, a country needs resources to fund the shift to a low carbon economy and the oil revenues represent those resources. How else will our country fund our developmental needs and fund the infrastructure needed for a sustainable low carbon economy? By Norton’s logic, Guyana should remain locked in a cycle where income is low and emissions that contribute to climate change are also low. What is clear is that Norton, without an understanding of the Guyana’s situational nuance, is peddling misinformation. The PPP/C Administration’s ‘Plan for Prosperity’, the 2020-2025 manifesto, and its comprehensive range of policies and programmes are being actioned in the interest of all Guyanese and our people can continue to expect improvements in standard of living.

Guyana playing its part to curb climate change with LCDS 2030

he adverse and potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change are already being experienced in Guyana, and since the 1960s, Guyana has observed marked increases in temperatures, sea levels and the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events. As one of many small developing states, Guyana is doing its part to improve and sustain a clean world for all, and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 is a clear example of

how the PPP/C Government intends to protect the biodiversity in Guyana and by extension, the world. Launched by President, Dr Irfaan Ali, in October 2021, the new and expanded programme, which is still in its draft stages, seeks to create a new-low-carbon economy in Guyana by establishing incentives which value the world’s ecosystem services, and promote these as an essential component of a new model of global development with sustainability at

its core. In Guyana’s case, it is about harnessing the value of the country’s ecosystem services to build a long-term, low-carbon diversification opportunity. In protecting against climate change, Guyana, along with a number of other countries, gave its full support at the recently concluded United Nations 26th Conference of Parties (COP26), held in Glasgow, Scotland. In fact, over 130 leaders, representing more than 90 per cent of the world’s forests, have committed to work together to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 in the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use. Countries have also committed to the funding pledge of US$12 billion between 2021 and 2025 to finance forest-relate matters. From early 2022, there

is a strong possibility that Guyana could access market-based mechanisms for forest climate services that includes private, as well as international public sector financing. This will enable a pathway to transition from the existing Guyana-Norway partnership and increase the value of sustainable managing Guyana’s forests. The monitoring, verifying and reporting system, built since 2009, will also act as a platform for integration with other ecosystem services markets. Guyana can also undergo one of the world’s most ambitious energy transitions and grow the economy up to five-fold, while keeping greenhouse gas emissions from energy generation at around 2019 levels. This can be done through the replacement of expensive, polluting heavy fuel oil with natural gas as a bridge to an

energy system built mainly from hydropower, solar and wind power. Alongside the national low-carbon energy transition, targeted investments can be made in the underlying infrastructure of a broader, low-carbon economy to create jobs all over the country and enhance livelihoods. This includes investments to enhance digital connectivity in under-served communities, to improve transportation, improve access to finance, and create micro and small, low-carbon enterprises. It also includes targeted support for Amerindian and other forest-dependent communities, with a dedicated 15 per cent revenues from forest climate services, adding to other investments for Amerindian communities. Importantly, the new LCDS programme intends to align its operations with global climate change goals.

Guyana will act strategically and responsibly as the sector develops, supporting global energy security while diversifying and decarbonising Guyana’s domestic economy and investing in development priorities for all Guyanese, including health, education and low-carbon opportunities. At the same time, the government will advocate internationally for a strong global carbon price and the removal of subsidies on fossil fuel – to incentivize the lowest carbon, most cost-effective oil and gas in the global marketplace in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement under which there will be demand for decades to come. In parallel, Guyana will advance a “no flaring” policy, and mandate the use of best technology in the oil and gas sector to limit its environmental impact.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

w Carbon Economy Climate-resilient agriculture systems to be supported under low carbon development trajectory G

uyana’s agriculture sector is one that contributes hundreds of millions of dollars annually to Guyana’s economy. This industry, with subsectors of aquaculture, farming, sugar and rice production, employs over 17 per cent of Guyana’s workforce. However, this South American nation’s agriculture sector is at risk of collapsing due to the erratic changes in climate. Against this backdrop, the government, by way of its new and expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, seeks to

sustainably manage Guyana’s agriculture sector by building climate-resilient agriculture systems. This national strategy will achieve this by strengthening institutions such as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Sea Defence Board, Hydrometrology Department, and others; improving flood control and water management; strengthening river and sea defence systems; addressing drought prevention, including in the hinterland regions; improving the response to climate-related events and implementing

smart initiatives. In its history, Guyana has suffered from two major floods – the 2005 and more recently, the 2021 flood. While both of these natural disasters caused damages ranking in the millions of dollars, resulting in our gross domestic product taking a hit, the 2021 flood is unique in that for the first time ever, Guyana’s hinterland region also suffered significantly. For context, the 2005 floods resulted in damages to the agricultural sector amounting to US$52.6 million. The sub-sector hardest

LCDS 2030 will enhance Guyana’s healthcare system to adapt to climate change

or some countries, climate change is a threat. But in Guyana’s case, it is an unfortunate reality. In fact, dating back to the 1960s, Guyana has been facing the adverse effects of climate change by way of increased temperatures, drier weather, longer drought seasons and heavier rainfall. In seeking to adapt to climate change, the Government of Guyana, through its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, will fortify and transform the country’s healthcare system. How does the LCDS 2030 plan to achieve this? This strategy will support improving Guyana’s public health adaptation infrastructure; planning and response capability of the health sector to climate-related impacts; and developing and implementing programmes to tackle climate-related illnesses. By achieving these objectives, Guyana’s LCDS 2030 will boost and promote disaster risk preparedness and management capacity of the health sector; quicker recovery from extreme weather-related events like floods; better access to clean water and

sanitation facilities; the public’s sensitisation of the risks of climate-related health impacts – particularly at the community level. Under this national advancement plan, significant efforts will also be invested in improving access to, and the quality of healthcare services in the country. This will include training healthcare personnel to render service in a low-carbon economy; upgrading medical facilities and equipment to facilitate accurate diagnosis, treatment and care; improving management systems, data information storage and retrieval; as well securing effective quality medication. Tthe Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led administration has already taken steps to transform Guyana’s health sector. For context, Budget 2022 of $552.9 billion-Guyana’s largest budget ever-dedicated some $73.2 billion to the health sector. A breakdown of this mammoth sum would show that the government budgeted: • Over $6.8 billion for the national COVID-19 response, which includes, among other initiatives, the provision for an additional 260,000 doses of

vaccines to be utilised for booster shots; • $16.1 billion to launch a major expansion in public healthcare facilities. This includes • $12.4 billion for the design and construction of a state-of-the-art paediatric and maternal hospital; upgrading the West Demerara and Bartica Regional Hospitals, and construction of six modern regional hospitals at Anna Regina, Tushen, Diamond, Enmore, Bath and No. 75 Village in the Corentyne; • $200 million to retrofit and equip the Festival City Polyclinic to provide x-ray, dental, laboratory and rehab services; • $1 billion to update health centres across all regions and address critical interventions needed to provide the patient experience; • $39 million for the extension of the mental health ward at the National Referral Hospital; and • $17.9 billion to procure supplies to eliminate incidences of drug shortages by 2023, among other key investments. LCDS 2030 is yet to be implemented and the government is looking to do so before the end of this year.

hit were sugar, US$11.2 million; and rice, US$8.1 million. Non-traditional Agricultural Commodities sustained damages of US$28.8 million and livestock, US$2.9 million. With overall costs of US$29 million and US$14.7 million respectively, the droughts of 1997 and 2010 resulted in damages to the rice and sugar industries resulting in losses in export earnings to the country and income for many households. More than 1,500 Amerindian families in Southern Guyana reliant on agriculture were affected and several rice farmers were forced to leave 35% of their rice fields uncultivated. Losses to the other subsectors of livestock and

non-traditional agricultural commodities were numerous. With the 2021 floods, however, over 74,000 acres (43,473 acres of cash crops and 30,684 acres of rice) of farmlands and over 20,000 farmers were affected. An assessment of the total damages is estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The farmers that were affected – small scale or otherwise – were given grants by the government to help them get back on their feet. Billions have been distributed to farmers as part of this relief programme. When it comes to water use in Guyana’s agriculture sector, LCDS 2030 will give greater consideration to:

• The establishment of water storage facilities for agriculture and domestic use during times of scarcity; • The need for the increased role of communities’ drainage and irrigation systems; and • Supporting and encouraging farmers to maintain and operate drainage and irrigation systems, among other objectives. LCDS 2030 recognises the important role resilient agriculture systems play in achieving food security in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Food security is a major priority of the Government of Guyana, one which seeks to reduce the region’s food import bill by producing more.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

Regional Energy Strategy being considered by CARICOM member states P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali said that discussions are underway with several CARICOM leaders on developing a Regional Energy Strategy to highlight opportunities and to provide a clear direction on the way forward. The Head of State made this disclosure as he delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit this afternoon in Paramaribo. “We are proposing to move rapidly on a Regional Energy Strategy to look at all the potential areas for investment, to bring investors together, bring the markets together and to see how, as quickly and transparently as possible, we can unlock those opportunities.” This strategy, he added, will allow investors to have

a “fair and clear” understanding of the policy and energy needs of the region. President Ali emphasised that the potential of energy security in the Region is “undoubtedly” enormous. He said, “Just imagine if we get the capital resources to do theexploration work and move into production; not only the contribution we can make regionally but the position we can take globally—we can reposition this Region globally.” STRATEGIC APPROACH To achieve this, he noted, requires bold decision making, a common strategic approach and working in union on policy formulation. Reference was made to the energy crisis and global inequality, which has

been exacerbated due to the Covid-19 pandemic, invasion of Ukraine and supply chain issues. He drew attention to the rising oil prices as well as the 243% increase in natural gas prices and the need for the region to navigate through the challenges. Ali said, “These are the realities that we face together as we confront these challenges, so in the midst of this global crisis, CARICOM members like Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, with the possibility of natural gas, we have to come together to advance a solution not only for the region, but one that incorporates northern Brazil especially.” NEEDED CHANGES He called for the remov-

al of bureaucratic delays and the need to advance the project with dynamism and to work on unlocking the natural gas potential which can contribute to the rebalancing on the supply side for the Region. In addition, he explained that CARICOM nations cannot be locked out of the energy conversation as the potential that exists for renewables and for oil and gas is tremendous. The resources, he reminded, will allow leaders to deliver to the people of their countries and the Region, better education, better health care, and better infrastructure among other benefits. “We have to give them, the future generation, a better shot at life….That is why oil and

gas cannot be looked at in a one-dimensional way. We have to put together a development strategy that shows how the rest of the economy will be built out from the revenues that come from oil and gas. And that is why the Region is advancing a very elaborate and ambitious food strategy. We have to be able to fund this strategy—our climate resilience strategy,” he said. Ali also pointed to the importance of exploiting the resources from the Oil and Gas Sector in a safe, responsible manner— a manner in which countries can continue to advance their credentials on the environment and in a manner where sustainable, long-lasting development

is secured for the people of the region. Meanwhile, President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, in his remarks, said strong strategic alliances combined with the generation of cheap energy will ignite new industries, create regional opportunities and guarantee prosperous lives for those in the region while adding sustainable revenue opportunities. After the opening ceremony, President Ali took a tour of the exhibits, where he interacted with representatives from a number of companies, including those from Suriname and a few from Guyana. The 2022 Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit is carded from June 27-30.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

National Toshao’s Conference set for July 11th

he annual National Toshao’s Conference (NTC) commences on Monday, July, 11, 2022, following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The NTC brings together Amerindian Leaders from over 212 hinterland communities from across the country. It is a platform for Amerindian leaders engage government and other stakeholders on issues pertaining to the development of their communities. At the upcoming NTC which spans five days, focus will be placed on improving access to government

services such as health, education, land titling and demarcation, security and infrastructure, among others. The PPP/C Government since taking office, has been investing in the development of Amerindian people. The administration has re-established the Community Service Officers (CSO) programme which has employed 2,000 Amerindians. Recognising the impact COVID-19 on hinterland communities, some $1.73 B was injected into communities that were neglected under the previous government. Villages received

$3 to $15 million in grants based on the size of their population. In addition, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali recently announced a $25,000 cash grant for riverine and hinterland communities to cushion the rise in cost of living. In keeping with the ‘One Guyana’ vision, government also distributed 112 tractors to hinterland communities to ensure food security by boosting agriculture production. Other support measures and initiatives have been implemented across hinterland regions.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

AFC ‘split’ from PNCR/APNU another act of deception …Parties still tied as a Coalition in Parliament L

osing ground in the political arena and on the ground with Guyanese, Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, this week, announced that his party will be pulling out from the APNU+AFC Coalition, come December 31, 2022. Ramjattan, who was recently re-elected Leader of the AFC, said the decision was taken at the party’s re-

cently-concluded National Executive Conference (NEC). On an online programme, he said, “The decision on whether we should remain was, in a sense, decided at this National Conference....we have the Way Forward document that was given to every delegate in our conference…in this document, which we did about eight months ago, was to argue the case at the NEC,

what are the pros and cons and what we should do. “…one, to stay as is with the Cummingsburg Accord…another, to exit immediately at this National Conference…and/or to allow the Cummingsburg Accord to come to an end…it is the 31 of December this year that the Cummingsburg Accord comes to an end and then we maintain our independence and go hit the ground run-

ning, have good relationship with the APNU, have good relationship with the PPP, criticise them whenever we have to…and maintain an independent position….and if it comes to that, whenever that is ready, another accord, more closely to an elections time, but that will depend on another National Conference to make that decision…. effectively, we are in a Cummingsburg Accord period

at this time until the 31st of December 2022. After that, as the party has now decided, we go separate to the extent of having an AFC doing its work all across the country separately and then, whenever that time comes, we can then make the decision [to re-join].” While the Cummingsburg Accord expires on December 31, 2022, the (Turn to page 17)

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

AFC ‘split’ from PNCR/APNU... (From page 16) AFC Parliamentarians who currently sit in the National Assembly represent the Coalition, having been elected on an APNU+AFC Coalition slate. A split between the two parties will only affect this arrangement, if the AFC members leave Parliament. Essentially, despite Ramjattan’s talk, the AFC will still be part of the Coalition, in its role as the Parliamentary Opposition. Also, following the AFC’s recent NEC, the APNU issued a statement whereby it expressed satisfaction that the smaller party decided to stay in the

coalition. Further, Ramjattan did not elaborate on the AFC’s plans for the future, one its leave the APNU and breaks from the Coalition. The AFC had joined hands with the APNU to contest the 2015 General and Regional Elections and the Coalition subsequently won. However, APNU, led by former President David Granger, had been accused of continuously violating the accord. In addition, there has been the former Government’s strategic reallocation of responsibilities away from Ministries that were headed by AFC officials, to other

Ministries. This has included removing citizenship from Ramjattan, himself, when he acted as Public Security Minister. Also, while it was agreed that the former Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo being vested with the responsibility for chairing Cabinet and domestic issues, the former APNU Government never honoured this, instead Nagamootoo was left in charge of the State Media. On December 24, 2019, after much back and forth between APNU and the AFC, a revised Cummingsburg Accord was signed, but the full details were never released to the public.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

100 Sophia residents benefit from gov’t’s... (From page 7) just a one-off, hand-you the money, this will be a constant support for you, and for your community, and for your families,” the Minister said. Meanwhile, Minister McCoy noted that soon training opportunities will be accessible to Sophia residents. This will include techniques and principles of establishing, sustaining and growing their small businesses. He further said government will continue to heavily invest in its human resources.

“Our intention is that we will work with you to enable you to grow, to empower you, to make you move from one stage to the other, upwards and to move so progressively over the next few years,” the minister pointed out. The beneficiaries were happy for the grant and expressed their gratitude to the government. Government has already distributed approximately 12, 000 business grants to citizens across the country.

Gov’t signs US$106.4M contract... (From page 6) years, the process became dormant since the change of government in 2015. After the PPP/C Government returned to office in August 2020, immediate works commence to advance the venture. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, said Guyanese must be proud to witness another positive economic explosion. He disclosed that the 7.8 kilometers four -lane highway will be constructed with sidewalks and a median, while each of the lanes will be built at 3.6 meters wide. “As you know the volume of the traffic in the country is becoming more and more, so we are addressing that in a long-term perspective. This project… it fits part of connecting the East Coast to the East Bank so that persons who don’t want to go through the city to the airport, they can take an alternative route,” the minister explained. Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill made it clear that nothing will stop the Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led administration’s mission to modernise the nation. he said, “I am happy that today, we are not

just talking about plans, but we are actually witnessing the beginning of the execution of a major transformational project that will be signed here today. We have moved Guyana forward.” Minister Edghill said the intention is to link the Eugene F. Correia International Airport with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The construction of the new road artery will not only develop the country’s infrastructure, but will open up land to meet the needs of the agriculture, housing and oil and gas sectors. “You cannot transform and modernise a country without putting in road infrastructure. And once infrastructure is put in, it opens up a way for so many things to happen,” he emphasised, while making a clarion call for Guyanese to lock arms together amidst government’s push for transformation. Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner of Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, believes that the initiative will bring long- term benefits to Guyana. He said the bond between the two countries, specifically in the areas of transformative projects, will be strengthened.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

$2B road upgrades... (From page 8) Buxton-Friendship Community Centre Ground on Monday. He further explained that, “[Rail Embankment Road] will complement industrial development that is to take place on the East Coast, which will provide real employment for East Coast people.” Minister Edghill said the internal community roads will be done through a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Public Works, the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (NDC) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). Under the comprehensive miscellaneous road programme, the sum of $2 billion is being expended to upgrade and expand roads from Industry to Mahaica. A number of these works have been advertised for tender, while works have commenced in some communities. Additionally, the ministry has expended millions of dollars to improve farmto-market roads across the country, particularly along the coast. This will be done in collaboration with the agriculture ministry. During the interactive session, residents requested that the government assist in upgrading their farm to market roads which are in a deplorable state. These roads, residents stated, will allow them to transport their produce from farm to market, and allow them

to access ancestral lands which were inaccessible for years. Minister Edghill has committed to immediately rehabilitating the priority farm-to-market road. A team from the ministry will return to the community to consult with the residents and identify the road. “I will also return here next week Wednesday to meet with small civil works contractors within this area to discuss your capacity to assist the ministry in this effort,” he noted. Minister Edghill said once these works are completed, it will bring government closer to achieving its goal to enhance connectivity across the country. However, he believes that more can be done if the residents and government can work together to transform their communities and by extension, the country. He said, “What we need is communication, dialogue, and peace that will promote development, and when the economic pie expands and there is greater development, and we also get more, we can be able to have a stable environment.” So far, government has injected billions of dollars to rehabilitate several roadways and bridges among other much-needed development to improve the lives of all Guyanese. Among these are the $21.2 billion Ogle to Eccles Road.

Major multi-million-dollar infrastructural... (From page 7) begins in North Rupununi, Region Nine, and will connect to Region Eight at Monkey Mountain. The road maintenance project will benefit some 15,000 residents from 28 villages in the region. Additionally, the Kato- Kurukubaru, Kurukubaru- Itabac, and Kamana- Kopinang roads are set to be rehabilitated to the tune of some $39.8 million. In budget 2022, the sum of $2.5 billion was approved for Region Eight, which would go towards its development. In Region Nine, works including rehabilitating and building access roads and bridges and installing lights and other infrastructure in and around the region are progressing well. Government also signed a US$190 million contract to construct 121

kilometres of road from Linden to Mabura Hill, Region 10, and a contract to the tune of $3.1 billion to construct 32 concrete bridges along the Kurupukari-Lethem corridor to facilitate the construction of an asphaltic road that will eventually lead from Linden to Lethem. The ministry is currently in the process of awarding contracts to the tune of $800 million for the rehabilitation of road works in the region. Road networks are a major aspect of a country’s development, not only do they ease transportation and cut costs, they integrate communities and boost people’s development, hence the government’s major focus on building the country’s road networks.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA

Ministry of Public Works

The Ministry of Public Works invites sealed bids for the procurement of the following Works: MISCELLANEOUS ROADS, REGION 3 & 4 (PHASE 10)

Engineer's Estimate (GY$)

Lot 248

Rehabilitation/Construction Road Network, Greenwich Park New Housing of: Scheme, East Bank Essequibo Region # 3

$83,000,000

Lot 249

Main Access Road, Tuschen New Housing Rehabilitation/Construction Scheme-Phase 1, East Bank Essequibo, Region of: # 3 (Phase 2), Region # 3

$124,000,000

Lot 250 Lot 251

Road Network 1, West Section (Section #3), Rehabilitation/Construction Tuschen New Housing Scheme-Phase 1, EBE, of: Region # 3 Rehabilitation/Construction Road Network 1, Tuschen New Housing of: Scheme-Phase 2, EBE, Region # 3

$118,000,000 $69,000,000

Lot 252

$87,000,000

Lot 253

Rehabilitation/Construction Road Network 3, Tuschen New Housing of: Scheme-Phase 2, EBE, Region # 3

$64,000,000

Lot 254

Rehabilitation/Construction Road Network 1, East Section, Tuschen North, of: EBE, Region # 3

$76,000,000

Lot 255 Lot 256 Lot 257 Lot 258 Lot 259 Lot 260 Lot 261 Lot 262 Lot 263 Lot 264 Lot 265 Lot 266 Lot 267 Lot 268

$171,000,000 $89,000,000 $28,000,000

$100,000,000

$74,000,000 $30,000,000 $25,000,000 $40,000,000

$24,000,000 $18,000,000

Rehabilitation/Construction Somerset Court 2nd Street, Herstelling / Little of: Diamond,Region # 4

$12,000,000

Lot 271

Rehabilitation/Construction Hajjie Street (East – West), Herstelling / Little of: Diamond, Region # 4

$12,000,000

Lot 272

Rehabilitation/Construction Hajjie Street to Creek Dam, Herstelling / Little of: Diamond, Region # 4

$25,000,000

Lot 276 Lot 277 Lot 278

Lot 279 Lot 280 Lot 281 Lot 282

Guysuco First Street (North – South), Herstelling / Little Diamond, Region # 4

$19,000,000

Barnwell Road, Mocha/Arcadia, Region # 4

$54,000,000

Cemetery Road, Mocha/Arcadia, Region # 4

$58,000,000

Diamond New Scheme 6th and 7th Avenue, Region # 4 Grove New Scheme, 2nd Bridge North to South Corner, Region # 4

Rehabilitation/Construction Aqueduct Corner, North to South and Internal of: links, Region # 4

Rehabilitation/Construction of: Rehabilitation/Construction of: Rehabilitation/Construction of: Rehabilitation/Construction of:

Grove East Bank Demerara Post Office Street, Region # 4 Kaneville Main Access Road, Region # 4 Kaneville, 3rd Field inter link corners, Region #4 4th Field First corner and inter link corners, Diamond Place / Golden Grove, Region # 4

Lot 288 Lot 289 Lot 290 Lot 291 Lot 292 Lot 293

Lot 5

Lot 11 Lot 12 Lot 13 Lot 14 Lot 15

$206,000,000 $25,000,000 $29,000,000

$7,000,000 $206,000,000 $38,000,000 $39,000,000

Engineer's Estimate (GY$)

Rehabilitation/Construction Third & Fourth Street, Good Success, Region # $24,000,000 of: 4 Rehabilitation/Construction GAC Old Road, Soesdyke/Huist’ Coverden, To be provided in of: Region # 4 document. Rehabilitation/Construction Cemetery Road Timehri, Region # 4 $28,000,000 of: Rehabilitation/Construction Farm Track, Soesdyke/Huist’ Coverden, $53,000,000 of: Region # 4 Rehabilitation/Construction First Back Road from Crosbie Road to Van Sertima $67,000,000 of: Road, Region # 4 Rehabilitation/Construction Centre Road, Soesdyke/Huist’ Coverden, Region # 4 $30,000,000 of: Rehabilitation/Construction Thomas Road-E.P.R. D-Coverden, Region # 4 $26,000,000 of: Rehabilitation/Construction JP Patterson Street, Lamaha / Yarrowkabra, Region $93,000,000 of: #4 Rehabilitation/Construction Seven Day Adventist Street, Lamaha / Yarrowkabra, $69,000,000 of: Region # 4 Rehabilitation/Construction Ferrier's Drive, Hauraruni/ Yarrowkabra, Region # 4 $89,000,000 of: Rehabilitation/Construction Pilot Street and Middle Street, Hauraruni/ $77,000,000 of: Yarrowkabra, Region # 4 URBAN ROADS - RETENDERED Engineer's Estimate (GY$) Rehabilitation/Construction Church Street, Danielstown, Reg 2 $44,000,000 of: PUBLIC AND MAIN ACCESS ROADS Engineer's Estimate (GY$) Rehabilitation of: Sections of Black Bush Polder (Yakusari), Region 6 $200,000,000 Rehabilitation of: Sections of Black Bush Polder (Joanna), Region 6 $100,000,000 Rehabilitation of: Sections of Burma Road, Mahaicony, Region 5 $105,000,000 Rehabilitation of: Sections of Canal No.1, Mahaicony, Region 5 $105,000,000 Rehabilitation of: Sections of Canal No.2, Mahaicony, Region 5 $105,000,000 EXPANSION OF THE NEW AMSTERDAM TO CORENTYNE HIGHWAY PHASE 1:

$25,000,000

Lot 270

Lot 275

Lot 287

$16,000,000

$21,000,000

Lot 274

Lot 286

$42,000,000

Rehabilitation/Construction Prospect to Little Diamond Second Street of: (North – South), Region # 4

Rehabilitation/Construction of: Rehabilitation/Construction of: Rehabilitation/Construction of: Rehabilitation/Construction of: Rehabilitation/Construction of:

Lot 284

$104,000,000

Lot 269

Lot 273

Lot 283

Lot 285

Rehabilitation/Construction Road Network 2, Tuschen New Housing of: Scheme-Phase 2, EBE, Region # 3

Rehabilitation/Construction Main Access Road (Brother Dam), Zeelugt of: North, East Bank Essequibo, Region # 3 Fisher Dam Last Cross Street West Section Rehabilitation/Construction Road Network, Zeelugt North, EBE, Region # of: 3 Bald Head Street U-Shaped Bypass Road, Rehabilitation/Construction Zeelugt North, East Bank Essequibo, Region # of: 3 Western Road Network, Zeelugt Housing Rehabilitation/Construction Scheme-Phase 1, East Bank Essequibo, Region of: #3 Eastern Road Network, Zeelugt Housing Rehabilitation/Construction Scheme-Phase 1, East Bank Essequibo, Region of: #3 Eastern Perimeter Road, Zeelugt Housing Rehabilitation/Construction Scheme-Phase 2, East Bank Essequibo Region of: #3 Northern Section Road Network, Zeelugt Rehabilitation/Construction Housing Scheme-Phase 3, East Bank of: Essequibo, Region # 3 Rehabilitation/Construction Road Network, Area K (South), LBI, ECD, of: Region #4 Rehabilitation/Construction Second Cross Street (South), LBI, ECD, of: Region #4 Rehabilitation/Construction Middle Street (South), LBI, ECD, Region #4 of: Rehabilitation/Construction Seventh Cross Street (South), LBI, ECD, of: Region #4 Rehabilitation/Construction Third Cross Street (South), LBI, ECD, Region of: #4 Rehabilitation/Construction Sixth Street, Cummings Lodge, Georgetown, of: Region #4 Rehabilitation/Construction Coldigen Dam, ECD, Region #4 of:

MISCELLANEOUS ROADS, REGION 3 & 4 (PHASE 10)

Lot 3

Relocation of:

Electrical Utilities (Section 1)

Lot 4

Relocation of:

Electrical Utilities (Section 2)

Lot 5

Relocation of:

Electrical Utilities (Section 3)

To be provided in document. To be provided in document. To be provided in document.

1. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedure specified in the Procurement Act 2003. 2. Interested Bidders may obtain further information from, inspect the Bidding Document, and purchase a complete set of Bidding Documents at the Ministry of Public Works (address (1) below) from Thursday, July 7, 2022. Bids can be purchased from 09:00hrs to 16:30hrs, Mondays to Thursdays, and on Fridays from 09:00 to 15:00 hours. 3. A complete set of the bidding documents, in English, may be purchased by interested Bidders at address (1) below upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Five Thousand Guyana Dollars (GY$5,000.00). The method of payment will be cash, or by manager’s cheque payable to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works, Guyana. 4. Qualifications requirements include but are not limited to: Bidders registered in Guyana must submit valid Certificates of Compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS). 5. Bids shall be valid during One Hundred and Twenty (120) days of the date of bid opening. 6. Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders’ representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at the address (2) below on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 09:00hrs.

Address (1) - Purchase and Inspection of Document: The Accounts Department, Flat Building, Ministry of Public Works Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: (592) 223 1847 (592) 223 6070 E-mail: procurementwsg@gmail.com

Address (2) - Submission and Opening of Bids:

The Chairman, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance, Main & Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, Guyana.

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

CARICOM leaders commit to full support for Guyana in border controversy case T

he Caribbean Community (CARICOM) made clear its “full support” for Guyana in the ongoing judicial process addressing the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy. The communiqué issued on Wednesday (July 6, 2022), at the conclusion of the forty third regular meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of government, said, “With respect to the case before the International Court of Justice concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela), Heads noted that Guyana had submitted its Memorial on 8 March 2022, in accordance with the schedule set by the ICJ to hear the case, concerning the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 and the related question of the definitive settlement of the land boundary between the two countries. Heads reiterated their full support for the ongoing judicial process that is intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the long-standing controversy between the two countries. Heads reaffirmed their firm and unwavering support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.” The Forty-Third Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held from 3-5 July 2022. Chair of the Conference, the President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi presided over the

proceedings. DELAY In June 2022, the Registrar of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has advised that the Government of Venezuela has submitted a Preliminary Objections to the admissibility of the case before the Court regarding the Arbitral award of 3 October, 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela). And the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has noted that the Venezuelan Government is engaged in an effort to delay the Court’s final judgement on the merits of the case. In a statement on June 8, 2022, the Ministry said, “Venezuela had previously not recognised the jurisdiction of the Court to consider the case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also notes that, by submitting an objection at this advanced stage of the proceedings before the ICJ, the Venezuelan Government is patently engaging in an effort to delay the Court’s final judgement on the merits of the case. “Nonetheless, by its action, the Venezuelan government now joins the judicial process which Guyana had always urged it to do, a step that Guyana welcomes, confident of the validity of its position on the merits of the case.” The Rules of Procedure of the ICJ allow for such an objection to be lodged and considered by the Court, and that, as a consequence, the proceedings on the merits of

the case are suspended until the Court rules on the Preliminary Objections. “The Guyana Government will submit its observations, with dispatch, as soon as the Court advises of the time by which it expects to receive them. The Ministry emphasises that, at all times, Guyana has steadfastly adhered to the rule of international law, and the rules and procedures of the ICJ, with regard to this matter, and we will continue to do so,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. JURISDICTION The ICJ on December 18, 2020 delivered its Judgment in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) – relative to the question of the Court’s jurisdiction. The court ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear Guyana’s case seeking the validation of the 1899 arbitral award establishing the boundary with Venezuela. Venezuela did not take part in the proceedings. The judgment found that both Guyana and Venezuela had conferred authority on the UN Secretary General under Article 4, paragraph two of the February 17th 1966 Geneva Agreement. That agreement allowed the Secretary General to choose a means of settlement under Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations which included judicial settlement. A press statement from the ICJ said, “In its Judgment, which is final, without

appeal and binding on the Parties, the Court, by twelve votes to four, finds that it has jurisdiction to entertain the Application filed by the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on 29 March 2018 in so far as it concerns the validity of the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 and the related question of the definitive settlement of the land boundary dispute between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela… (the Court) unanimously, Finds that it does not have jurisdiction to entertain the claims of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana arising from events that occurred after the signature of the Geneva Agreement.” ICJ CASE The Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) held public hearings on the question of the Court’s jurisdiction in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) on June 30, 2020. The ICJ had postponed the long-anticipated hearing of the Guyana/Venezuela border dispute case that was scheduled to begin on March 23, 2020, citing the coronavirus pandemic. Guyana is seeking to obtain from the Court a final and binding judgment that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then-British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and binding, and that Guyana’s

Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela. Guyana took its case to the Court following the decision by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in January 2018, that the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela should be decided by the International Court of Justice. In taking his decision, the Secretary-General was exercising the power vested in him in the 1966 Geneva Agreement between Guyana, Venezuela and the United Kingdom to decide how the controversy should be settled. Venezuela has claimed, in a letter to the Court, that the Secretary-General exceeded his authority under the Geneva Agreement, and that the Court therefore lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate Guyana’s lawsuit. On this basis, Venezuela has indicated that it will not participate in the proceedings. On November 19, 2018, Guyana submitted its Memorial to the Court refuting Venezuela’s arguments and demonstrating that the Court has jurisdiction. However, under well-established judicial precedent, the Court will proceed to decide if it has jurisdiction over Guyana’s claims, irrespective of whether or not Venezuela participates in the proceedings. MOVE TO COURT Under the United Nations Charter and the Court’s own rules, its final judgments both on jurisdiction and the merits will be legally binding

on Guyana and Venezuela, whether or not Venezuela participates in the proceedings. Efforts over more than half-a-century, including a four-year Mixed Commission (1966-1970), a twelve-year moratorium (1970-1982), a seven-year process of consultations on a means of settlement (1983-1990), and a twenty-seven-year Good Offices Process under the UN Secretary-General’s authority (1990-2017), all failed to end the border controversy. The move to the ICJ was advanced there was no success with a further attempt, using the United Nations’ Good Offices process, to resolve the matter of Venezuela’s renewed claim to Guyana’s territory, the Essequibo County. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in 2015, charged that the signing of the 1966 Geneva Agreement rendered the 1899 Arbitral Award null and void. On 30 January 2018, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, acting under the authority bestowed upon him by the Geneva Agreement, chose adjudication by the Court as the means for resolving the controversy with finality. Guyana commenced proceedings before the Court on 29 March 2018 in accordance with the Secretary-General’s decision. Guyana’s legal representatives before the Court includes the efforts of Sir Shridath Ramphal.

Patterson’s proposals would have conflicted... (From page 4) Mr. Patterson took umbrage to the fact that in the Act, we did not confine Guyanese nationals to citizenry by birth. He is correct. This were among proposed amendments of theirs which we rejected. Mr. Patterson is obviously unaware that our supreme law defines who is or is qualified to be registered as a citizen of Guyana. Any law which purports to restrict or is inconsistent with that definition will run afoul of the Constitution and shall be void to the extent of that inconsistency. Article 8 of the Constitution provides: “This Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana and, if any other law is inconsistent with it, that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.” More fundamentally, Article 149 of our Constitution prohibits discrimination. Article 149(1) of the Constitution provides, inter alia,: “Subject to the provisions of this article – (a) no law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect; and (b) no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any written law or in the perfor-

mance of the functions of any public office or any public authority.” In the circumstances, were we to adopt Mr. Patterson’s proposals, the Local Content Act would have been in violent tension and conflict with the Constitution. “The New immigration Policy” for which Mr. Patterson advocates would suffer a similar fate. Mr. Patterson also took umbrage to the speed with which Mr. Deepak Lall was “approved for citizenship”. Again, a lack of learning underlies this contention. By his heritage, Mr. Lall is a Guyanese citizen from birth. He simply had to register that citizenship with the relevant authority: Article 44 of the Constitution provides: “A person born outside Guyana after the commencement of this Constitution shall become a citizen of Guyana at the date of his or her birth if at that date his or her father or his or her mother is a citizen of Guyana….” Mr. Patterson further admonishes us for not limiting the length of contracts within the sector to three (3) years. It is a basic tenet and a fundamental building block of the English

common law that parties, having full capacity, have the freedom to contract with whom they want and on whatever terms they choose. Though this freedom is not absolute, the exigencies of the petroleum industry should dictate the length of the contracts entered into by the Licencees, Contractors and Sub-contractors. It is not a policy of our Government to stifle freedom to contract by legislation. It is indeed policies of that type pursued by the Coalition that placed them on the Opposition benches in the National Assembly. Mr. Patterson next criticizes the Act for not providing a right of appeal in respect of any application rejected. This was a conscious omission. The intent was to avoid administrative bureaucracy as far as possible, full well recognizing that a genuine challenge will eventually wind its way into the judiciary. The drafter was alive to the provisions of the Judicial Review Act. Under section 3 of the Judicial Review Act, Cap. 3:06, any person who is adversely affected by an administrative act or omission of anybody which affects

public law rights, obligations or expectations may apply to the court for judicial review. Further, under section 15 of the Act, a person adversely affected by an administrative decision may request reasons for that decision and must be provided with those reasons if that request was made within fourteen (14) days of the decision. Therefore, there was no need to burden the Local Content Act with such an unusual bureaucracy specifically dealt with by the Judicial Review Act. As fate would have it, this is the very Act, under which the lawyers for the company relied in their request for reasons regarding the rejection of their application. As regards the allegations of violation with the Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Government’s position was elaborately articulated for the public record. I consider it unnecessary to be repetitive. Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 JULY, 2022

Second dose Pfizer vaccine to soon be administered to children 5-11 years T he Ministry of Health will soon be administering the second dose of the Pfizer – BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of 5 to 11. The second dose is administered 28 days after the first. Some 4,000 children in that age cohort have already received the first dose of the vaccine. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said, “We need to do a lot more, and we need to encourage more parents to bring their children out to be vaccinated.” Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended extending the use of a smaller dose of the Pfizer – BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11. The recommended dosage for the younger population is 10 micrograms instead of 30, which is given to adults.

The vaccines have been widely used in places like North America, and Europe and have been found to be quite effective. On June 6, Guyana received some 52,800 doses of Pfizer – BioNTech vaccines from Spain which will be administered on a two-dose schedule. Before a child can be vaccinated, a consent form must be filled by a parent or guardian. The process is relatively simple, and allows the staff to ask the parent or guardian questions that will determine whether or not the child has any allergies to vaccines, or he/she has comorbidities. This will determine whether or not the vaccine should be administered. Meanwhile, the ministry has administered some 35,066 COVID-19 vaccines to adolescents. In addition, some 25,647 second dos-

es were administered to that age cohort. A total of 442,872 first dose COVID vaccines were administered to adults countrywide. The ministry administered 343,640 second doses and some 68,984 booster shots. The minister continues to encourage citizens to get their booster shots. “If you have had your first and second doses more than a year ago, that’s too long. So, people need to come back and get their booster doses because after six months the anti-bodies in your system begin to drop, and therefore you need to be boosted,” he urged. Since the government’s procurement of COVID-19 vaccines for the population, the ministry has rolled – out an aggressive vaccination campaign. Persons interested in being vaccinated can visit any of the vaccination sites across the country.

US Gov’t commits to providing all of Guyana’s COVID-19 vaccines T he United States (US) Government will be providing all of Guyana’s COVID-19 vaccines moving forward, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch has stated. She made the announcement during an event held in commemoration of the US’ 246th independence anniversary held at the ambassador’s official residence on Thursday evening. Guyana and the US have built a long-standing, supportive development partnership over the years, which has seen collaboration on a number of projects, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The US has supported the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, special freezers to properly store the vaccines, provide personal protective equipment (PPEs) and tents to support the ministry’s vaccination response programme, among other forms of assistance. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, expressed his gratitude to the US

government. He noted that this will allow every adult and child to be inoculated. “We’re very pleased with this announcement because it would allow us to continue our vaccination programme, and make sure that every child who requires a vaccine will be able to access one, and every adult who requires a vaccine or a booster shot would be able to access it so we’re very grateful to the Government and people of the United States for this very generous gesture and we’re extremely thankful,” he said.

The Ministry of Health continues its vaccination programme utilising the Sinopharm, Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer vaccines. To date, over 86 per cent of the adult population took the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine while 67 per cent is fully vaccinated. In terms of the 12 to 17 age cohort, over 48 per cent received the first dose, and over 35 per cent took both doses. Of the five to eleven age group about 4 per cent is vaccinated with the first dose of the US-made Pfizer vaccine.

PNCR-led Coalition persists with ‘reckless’ allegations – Nandlall C

omments by Parliamentarians representing the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition have been dubbed as “reckless allegations” by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, who also pointed to recent comments by the Opposition’s Roysdale Forde. “Mr Forde is accusing our Government of constantly violating the Constitution. I reject that contention. Our Government complies with the Constitution. And whenever we cannot comply with the Constitution, we make that public, and we invoke the relevant doctrines that are available…for example, the doctrine of necessity, when we are forced not to comply with the strict provisions of the Constitution, because of the absence of certain things that make compliance impossible, the doctrine of necessity avails us to comply with the Constitution and subsequently seek compliance when the particular situation rectifies itself,” Nandlall said. The Attorney General charged that that Forde and the APNU+AFC Coalition have no moral authority to speak about violations of the Constitution of Guyana, considering the Coalition’s records during its May 2015 to March 2020 term in Office, including the violation of the No-Confidence Motion provisions. NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION On December 21, 2018 the successful passage of the No Confidence Motion defeated the Granger-led government. Article 106 (6) and (7) was invoked and elections were due to be held within 3

months, by March 21, 2019. From January 3, 2019 to April 2019, there was multiple moves to the local courts and Guyana’s apex court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The Coalition spent millions of taxpayers’ money to bring foreign lawyers to argue in the High Court and later the Caribbean Court of Justice that the majority of 65 Members of the National Assembly is 34, and not 33. Guyana was made the laughing stock of the Caribbean. The CCJ had ruled that “Thirty-three votes constitute a majority of the 65 member National Assembly;….Upon the passage of this motion of no confidence in the Government, the clear provisions of Article 106 immediately became engaged..” Most critical was the CCJ ruling on June 18th 2019 and orders of July 12, 2019 that stated “Given the passage of the no confidence motion on 21 December 2018, a general election should have been held in Guyana by 21 March 2019 unless a two thirds majority in the National Assembly had resolved to extend that period. The National Assembly is yet to extend the period. The filing of the court proceedings in January challenging the validity of the no confidence vote effectively placed matters on pause, but this Court rendered its decision on 18 June 2019. There is no appeal from that judgment.”(2019-CCJ-14 AJ) The CCJ further ordered that “By convention, the government is expected to behave during this interim period as a caretaker and so restrain the exercise of

its legal authority. It is this caretaker or interim role that explains the three month deadline, in the first instance, that the Article lays down, in principle, for the holding of the fresh elections.” These orders were honoured in the breach as elections were not held until March 2, 2020 and the Granger-led government continued with “business as usual”. The “Ministerial plenary of all Ministers” took the place of Cabinet, performing the duties of Cabinet and awarding multi-million dollar contracts, sale of lands, and resources, appointments on boards etc., with no legal or constitutional authority. MULTIPLE BREACHES OF CONSTITUTION Nandlall noted that there are multiple instances where the Coalition violated the Constitution of Guyana. “We have multiple decisions from the courts, condemning the APNU+AFC for its unconstitutional actions,” he said. The Attorney General added, “…importantly, during the five-month period following the (March 2020) elections, we saw the rampant illegalities and unconstitutionalities being attempted to be perpetrated and Mr. Forde, led the group of lawyers, or was part of the group of lawyers, who failed abysmally and repeatedly in the Courts, as they tried to get the courts to justify, legalise, their unconstitutionalities. These are matters that are still fresh in the minds of Guyanese.” Nandlall made clear that the Coalition’s track record speaks volumes.

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