Weekend Mirror 12-13 March 2022

No response from APNU+AFC on proposed changes to electoral laws – Teixeira 12-13 March, 2022 / Vol. 12 ‒ No. 13 / Price: $100

Email: mirror2018.gy@gmail.com

PAGE 24

Harmon quits after booted from leadership of PNCR, APNU PAGE 15

GOAL scholarship application deadline open until March 13

PAGE 2

Border controversy case before ICJ…

Guyana seeks declaration that 1899 Arbitral Award is ‘valid and binding’ PAGE 11

SEE INSIDE

Elections for NTC executives to be held this year PAGE 9

– Minister Sukhai

Guyana PAGE 11 looking to tap into multibillion-dollar hemp industry

Gov’t to procure new anti-viral COVID-19 PAGE 23 treatment pill

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

GOAL scholarship application deadline open until March 13 T

he Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) 2022 scholarship programme extended its March 05, 2022 deadline to 23:45hours on March 13, 2022.

GOAL had initially ex-

tended its February 19, 2022, application deadline to March 05, 2022, prior to the new deadline.

According to GOAL, as at February 20, 2022, some 7,000 prospective students

had already applied for the over 187 programmes, a number which continued to see an upward trajectory over the weeks that followed.

This initiative paves the way for Guyanese learners

to have access to several internationally recognised institutions, such as the University of the West Indies Open Campus, the University of the Southern Caribbean, the University of Applied

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Sciences in Germany, as well as the Indira Gandhi National Open University, the JAIN University, and the Sherlock Institute of India.

The GOAL scholarships are geared at equipping citizens from across the country with the knowledge and qualification for self and economic development.

Persons who wish to apply are reminded of the following: • Carefully select three programmes options that are aligned with your current academic qualifications.

• Copies of all academic certificates are required to be certified by a Justice of Peace or Commissioner of Oaths.

• A recent Curriculum Vitae

or Job letter (if employed) should be uploaded to the online application portal.

• Applicants should have successfully completed their respective qualifications before applying for a GOAL scholarship.

• An official letter from the institutions confirming completion of studies will be accepted in lieu of certificates for students who have recently graduated.

• Official and unofficial transcripts should also be uploaded to the online application portal.

For further guidance on the GOAL scholarships visit www.goal.edu.gy or contact GOAL’s representatives on 222-5391 and 222-5395.

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

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Party leaders remember Dr. Cheddi Jagan during memorial event The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, Red House, hosted a memorial event – a Reflection on the Life and Work of Former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan – on Thursday (March 10, 2022). PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, was among those who made remarks at the event. Also present were former general secretaries, party leaders and others. This year, March 6th, marks 25 years since the passing of Dr. Jagan.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

EDITORIAL

Our collective tribute to Guyanese will now be Dr. Cheddi Jagan must be to assured of a clean and never again allow reliable electricity supply assault of our Constitution, I democracy Dear Editor,

M

arch 6, 2022, marked 25 years since the passing of the founder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Guyana’s third Executive President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

Guyana, the Caribbean Region and the world, were poorer following his passing in 1997.

The contributions of Dr. Jagan – a hero, a son of the soil who rose from humble beginnings to the highest office of the land – are inextricably linked to the development of our nation as democratic and prosperous, for all the benefit of all Guyanese.

With an unwavering commitment, Dr. Jagan fought relentlessly for an end to colonialism and the improvement of working conditions for workers. The Guyana we know today could not have been possible without the efforts of Dr. Jagan, particularly his life-long dedication to the cause of freedom and democracy, including his efforts to bring an end to the rigging of elections. Throughout his years of arduous struggles, Dr. Jagan was imprisoned, removed from office and denied his rights. However, he never relented, dispensed with hope or lost sight of what was needed for Guyana and the Guyanese people. His valiant and selfless struggle for freedom, the development of Guyana and the betterment of the lives of all Guyanese, remain invaluable and relevant.

As another anniversary of his death is observed, it allows for reflection on his many contributions, which were made through personal sacrifices and struggles.

Undoubtedly, his life, struggles and teachings are not only a reservoir of inspiration, but remain profoundly relevant today. Drawing from that inspiration and everything he stood for with regard to safeguarding our freedom, the PPP, led by its General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo –with unwavering support from Guyanese, at home and abroad; civil society; and regional and international partners – stood up to every constitutional transgression and each attempt to undermine the will of the Guyanese people at the March 2020 Elections by the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition. Those unforgettable assaults on our nation’s democracy not only underscored the value of our freedom, but emphasized that its preservation demands continued effort.

That said, our collective tribute, as we mark this anniversary, must be to never again allow such an assault of our Constitution or our democracy.

As our nation moves forward, we stand on the cusp of major transformation that will benefit all Guyanese, and we remain comforted by the rich legacy Dr. Jagan has left and from which all Guyanese will benefit.

’ve noted that there appears to be some confusion in the minds of many with regards to the financing of the Amaila Falls Hydro project.

For the purposes of the readers, many of whom I presume are ordinary Guyanese, I offer my understanding of the financing of this project based on what has been put forward by the Government.

Between July 25 and August 15, 2021, there was a public invitation by the Government for proposals to be submitted for the construction of AFHP using two models: Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) and Design-Build-Finance (DBF).

This means any company could have submitted proposals.

But this was not the case. Instead, a total of four companies submitted proposals and the China Railway Group Limited was identified as the most “capable partner” by an evaluation committee and is expected to construct the AFH power station based on the BOOT model.

Under this model, the company will supply electricity to Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc at a cost not exceeding US$0.07737 per kWh. What does BOOT entail in this instance? What it means is that the cost of the construction of the AFH power station will be borne by the China Railway Group Limited, who would then operate the project for a 20-year BOOT period to recoup their investment. But during this period, it will supply electricity to GPL at around 7

US cents per kilowatt (GPL currently produces electricity at around 30 US cents per kilowatt). At the end of the BOOT period, the project will be handed over to the Government at no cost.

This means that it is the contractor who will foot the bill for the construction of AFHP and not the Guyanese taxpayers. It also means that electricity cost will be significantly reduced as GPL will be buying it at less than it currently costs to produce and will therefore be selling it back to consumers for less than it currently does. In addition, Guyanese will now be assured of a clean and reliable electricity supply.

Yours truly, Erin Northe

Guyana is in good hands Dear Editor,

T

he PPP/C Government has never gotten a smooth and easy sailing whether in or out of office. From the inception of that political party of persons to the present era, this party has never had an easy road, there have always been bumps, holes, caverns, what have you, dug into their path to impede its forward movement. This party has been buffeted on every hand.

For starters there has been a mountain of criticisms and negative comments since its accession to office, the first hurdle it had to surmount was to have a free election held within the constitutional stipulated timeline.

In the bullying obstinacy of the PNC, our constitution was flagrantly violated as witnessed in the non-recognition of the No-confidence motion. Even further, there was a fight by the PNC to uphold a fraudulent declaration and a further 5 months of waiting for the rectification of the same. These are some of the glaring instances in the weaponry of the PNC’s Obstructionist plans.

Now, with the founding of oil the naysayers are showing up with a renewed fervor displaying their negativity

in every area that they possibly can. So, try every which way to bring the party and government down; just shower them with an avalanche of negatives. But even that cannot deter the progress that has already started.

Everything is now is a sacred cow, never to be exploited, never to be touched, but only to be constantly gazed upon and nothing else. I am talking about the mangroves that are so sacred that a few of them cannot be disrupted because it would bring about the end of the world. Even our oil should not be touched because it would bring about Climate Change, this is the idiocy that emanates from the halls of the Opposition.

The PNC and the naysayers have all come out in full force to condemn, tear down and stop the very fabric of development and progress. In their book nothing should be touched, nothing should be developed everything should remain in “pristine beauty” that even if Christopher Columbus should return in this century, he would recognize this country.

It is the same asinine reason that the Amaila Falls project never got started, the flaring of natural gas which is a natural occurrence of oil exploration should

not come to shore so that we can utilize it. This also means that there should be no expansion nor improvement to our infrastructure and agriculture because it marks an infringement on the “rights” of poor people wanting to squat and get a place called home in this country.

You get my drift! This is the reasoning that this bunch of idiots would want us to absorb! Not forgetting some politically aligned NGO’s and fly by night experts who see gloom in every move this government makes.

But this is not going to happen because with every negative comes the strengthening of the government’s resolve to move this country forward.

Development and progress are in the Government’s corner, because we are going to explore every avenue there is to press on in that development trajectory. If we do not have the knowledge and expertise to carry it out, then we will partner with those who have that knowledge and experiential know-how to achieve it. Guyana is in good hands and we are holding on tenaciously to those hands.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

PPP/C government recognises the importance of women’s empowerment, provision of equal opportunities Dear Editor,

O

nce again, we take a moment to observe International Women’s Day. This year, this occasion is being held under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” and highlights the contributions of women in the area of climate change, the environment and sustainability. This particular observance serves as just another stark reminder of the long way we must go to achieve Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment as outlined in SDG

5. An assessment of the current injustices faced by women does not paint a pleasant picture: an unbelievable increase in violence against women and girls across the world brought on by the pressures of the pandemic; rising poverty among women and gross under-representation in decision-making positions are only a few of the challenges that women continue to face globally.

This PPP/C government recognises the importance of women’s empowerment and the provision of equal opportunities for women and

Transformative agenda of Guyana will open more doors for women in Guyana Dear Editor,

O

n the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance joins the rest of the world in celebrating the achievements and contributions of women and girls in all areas of economic and social development.

This UN’s theme “Gender Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow” brings attention to the role of women and girls in leading the charge towards achieving sustainable development, particularly in climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction. At the same time it recognizes that there are still many countries where basic human rights are being trampled on and where women and children suffer the most.

Sadly, this International Women’s Day has been marred by the images of women and children fleeing the bombing of their homes, schools and hospitals in Ukraine, reversals of women’s rights in some countries, images of girls being sold for marriage so their families can eat in Afghanistan, of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Palestine, and of droughts, unbearable poverty and starvation in Southern Madagascar and Yemen.

Peace, equality, democracy, and sustainable development are needed more than ever before.

From the beginning of the organised struggle for women’s rights dating back to 1946 in Guyana we have always viewed gender equality as inextricably interwoven with the larger development of the society; first in the anti-colonial struggle and then with the

struggle for democracy. The theme this year reinforces our views.

As Guyanese women we must be grounded in remembering our journey, acknowledging where we have come from, and what we have so far achieved, whilst pausing and lending solidarity to women in other parts of the world where daily life is a battle for survival.

Despite our many challenges, we are fortunate to live in a country that has made strides in women’s and children’s rights and there is no doubt it will continue to do so.

The Government of Guyana remains resolute in its commitment towards ensuring an equitable society, where women and girls enjoy all the rights and freedoms guaranteed in Guyana’s Constitution, and the international Human Rights treaties Guyana which has ratified, including the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Violence Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Significant resources continue to be dedicated towards providing access to training and entrepreneurial support for women to both empower and create viable opportunities for them to emerge from vulnerable situations, enhance their independence and reduce their exposure to violence and other forms of abuse. During the first cohort of Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), an innovative flagship program of the Government of Guyana, 6000 tertiary scholarships to accredited international institutions were awarded and 69 percent of the beneficiaries were women from all ten administrative regions.

Moreover, through the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), the Government via the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is providing economic benefits to women through the provision of training and certification in emerging fields such as ICT, graphic design, video editing and professional care. Just last week, 850 women graduated from this programme. The WIIN programme has been strengthened by the launching of the first ever women’s business incubator which is equipped and well poised to support thousands of women across the country with starting up, sustaining, and marketing their micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to further secure their economic independence and security.

More recently, the First Lady has secured 100 scholarships for women from Amerindian Communities to be trained in the maritime and offshore industry through the Atlantic Alliance Marine and Offshore Training School. This laudable initiative will provide technical training to the recipients, further ensuring that women play a leading role in Guyana’s expanding oil and gas sector.

In line with this year’s focus on the role on advancing gender equality in the context of climate change and disaster risk reduction, Guyana is one of nine Caribbean countries currently implementing the Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate and Environmental Resilience (EnGenDER) project, a fiveyear project scheduled to end in 2023. The project aims to (Turn to page 17)

girls in Guyana, given the contributions that women can make to the country’s development. The empowerment of women, children and vulnerable groups was a pillar enshrined in the PPP/C Manifesto through incentives and programmes to access microfinance in the commercial banking system, the establishment of women’s micro and small businesses through training, mentoring and grants and increased mainstream participation in governance.

Along this grain, I wish to take a moment to commend the outstanding work of the Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who has stood as a bastion in her Ministry’s neverending efforts to represent and empower our women and girls while contributing to the achievement of this government’s vision. The Minister’s work from the moment this government took office speaks for itself. It lays out a vivid story of a government that wholeheartedly believes in the value of women to our society at large.

Since its launch in July 2021, the Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) Programme has seen over 1,500 women gain access to skills training in various areas; additionally, more than 4,000 women will have the chance to start up or enhance their small businesses through the recently launched ‘Empowerment Fund.’

This past weekend, the Ministry of Hu-

man Resources and Social Security hosted its second “We Lift” exhibition, which I had the honour to attend. That event was a pioneering one. It created a platform for women to display their talents and innovative products, services and ideas. It served as a stark reminder of the innate dynamism and ingenuity that Guyanese women possess. As I observed the intricate displays of each entrepreneur there, I was not only impressed, but I was energised by the potential that our Guyanese women hold to bring growth, success and development to yourselves, and this country as a whole.

There is a saying that goes: “Don’t wait for the right opportunity: create it.” We are committed to continually creating opportunities for women to achieve the benefits that, for too long, they have been excluded from.

Our administration believes that a concerted effort must be made not only by governments, but by the private sector, by communities, by large groups and individuals – including mento take targeted approaches and find solutions to change this trajectory. These changes must start somewhere, and focusing on empowerment is one good place where our efforts can begin.

Sincerely, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 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 ’ GEA continues to provide support for $184.7M in development Solar Power – Hackney Primary School benefits from the Replacement of depleted batteries works for Region Two M T he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), under its sustainable energy interventions at community/public buildings, replaced the 9.6 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) of the 0.5kWp Solar PV System installed at the Hackney Primary School located along the Pomeroon River.

During a PV System inspection exercise on January 11, 2022, the GEA discov-

ered that the battery bank of the Hackney Primary School PV System was depleted.

The Agency, in exercising its mandate, provided support to the school for the procurement and transport of a battery replacement system.

The batteries were procured at a cost of four hundred and fifteen thousand, six hundred and eighty dollars (G$415,680). The battery bank includes four (4) bat-

tery units rated at 12 Volts; 250Ah representing a 25% increase in capacity over the previous 200Ah units.

The installed hybrid PV system avoids the need for a fossil fuel-based generator for electricity supply to the school and teacher’s quarters and its operation will result in the avoidance of an estimated 90kg CO2 emissions annually.

This initiative will pro-

vide a stable and reliable electricity supply for delivery of the school’s daily learning activities benefiting approximately eighty-seven (87) students and eight (8) teachers.

Head Teacher of the Hackney Primary School, Ms. Glenda English, expressed sincere gratitude to the GEA team, stating that “With the repair of the system, Teachers and Students are now afforded the opportunity to participate in the Ministry of Education’s Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) Mathematics programme.”

assive development is slated for the Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) as $184.7 million in works will soon be undertaken to benefit residents.

Works to be undertaken include the upgrading of several roads, along with the construction of a health post.

The works, which are out for tender, were promised during the debates and consideration of the estimates of budget 2022.

Road works totalling $80 million will see the upgrade of David James Street in Charity, Damon Street in Dartmouth, Sec-

ond Cross Street in Anna Regina Housing Scheme and Market Street in Suddie Housing Scheme. Residents will also benefit from the construction of a reinforced concrete bridge at Onderneeming at $28 million, and the construction of a health post and landing at Siriki at the cost of $25 million. Additionally, the Cecilia Secondary school will be extended at a cost of $35 million, while the regional state house annex will be rehabilitated to the tune of $16.7 million.

The 2022 budget for the region is $6.1 billion.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 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 continues support to revitalise coconut production T

he PPP/C Administration in keeping with its commitment to increase the country’s capacity to produce value added products, is giving prominence to the coconut industry, with the allocation of $66 million this year, to boost resources and promote expansion.

The financial support to the Hope Coconut Industry Limited will see the advancement of inter-cropping, utilisation of coconut by-products and increased

production and productivity.

Government continues to highlight the benefits that Guyanese can enjoy from the use of coconut, and the production of value-added products from coconut waste.

Since 2020, coconut acreage under cultivation has increased by 2,505 acres, with 2021 surpassing its target by 1,005, encouraging about 117 new farmers to come on board.

In 2021, a total of $38.5

million was injected into conducting capital projects to improve services to farmers.

Four new coconut nurseries were also established in Wakenaam, Leguan, Canal No. 2, and No. 63 Village last year, which increased production capacity to 172,000 seedlings.

Farmers were also able to have easy access to adequate amounts of high-quality coconut seedlings at a reduced cost.

Due to the intervention, the Hope Estate now has under its management seven seedling nurseries established in Regions Two, Three, Four and Six. Additionally, two shade houses were constructed in the estate’s compound.

This year, the administration is targeting 1,000 acres of new coconut lands, while three new coconut nurseries will be established, with funds allocated in the 2022 fiscal package.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, in a previous interview, pointed out that, “These will be constructed at Hosororo, Region One, Fort Wellington, Region Five and Lethem, Region Nine, resulting in an additional 36,000 seedlings per annum or an overall 208,000 seedlings of national production per year.” He said the National Coconut Sensitisation Programme along with the National Coconut Seedling Decen-

tralisation Programme are ongoing and will be advanced this year. Minister Mustapha said too, that the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will continue research and development by upgrading the Bio-Technology Laboratory to be able to generate coconut plantlets.

The agriculture ministry was allocated $28.7 billion from the National Assembly in 2022.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 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 ’

Over 60 Region One youths graduate from BIT programmes O

ver 60 young people from Mabaruma and Matthews Ridge, Region One (Barima-Waini) have successfully completed training programmes offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The graduates received training in garment construction, welding and fabrication, heavy-duty equipment operation, shade house gardening and small engine repairs.

This is the first time residents of Matthews Ridge

benefitted from training programmes by BIT. During the graduation ceremonies held on Tuesday and Wednesday, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, M.P, said the opportunities are not a favour, but rather a commitment by government to ensure persons are well-rounded and can aid the country’s development.

It is also part of government’s objective to ensure equal opportunities and services are provided to all.

“This is a way of giv-

ing you back part of your own contributions to nation building because sometimes when government brings services in the communities, some people say that we are giving handouts because that is what a government must do. Government must look for the weak and seek to help them to make them strong. Government must look for those in darkness and find the light for them. A government must look for those who don’t have a skill and ensure we

involve them in training for them to develop their skill,” Minister Hamilton told graduates.

After assuming office, the ministry found that training programmes were only administered to persons living on the coastland. The ministry has now expanded the programmes to hinterland communities.

Attention is also being placed on women empowerment. Hamilton said, “We have to empower our women because society has

done an injustice to women as they have defined the type of job or training, they must have. We are changing that.”

Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley commended government for implementing training opportunities, especially for isolated communities. He said persons who benefitted from the heavy-duty equipment operator programme are now employed by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). “In the coming

weeks, we will continue to ensure that employment opportunities are provided because we are committed as a RDC with the support of our central government, not only to talk the talk, but walk the walk, in making the dreams and aspirations of every single of these participants sitting here today, a reality,” he added.

Minister Hamilton said Labour and Occupational Safety and Health officers will be deployed to Mabaruma.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE Three new wharfs for Region One Elections for NTC executives to be held this to aid economic development R year – Minister Sukhai

T

he election of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) executive body will be held before the end of April this year.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, said while there is no confirmation of a national conference, there will be an election of the council members.

She explained that there is no limitation on how the members are elected, according to the Amerindian Act of 2006. “Knowing how every district elects their own representative to sit as an executive member, we may

be able to do a full house.

If not, we will do it the way we have begun last year and that is through the Regional Toshaos Meeting so that we will be able to resolve the matter of not having a fully elected National Toshaos Council,” Sukhai said.

The council is a semi-autonomous body comprising all Toshaos in Guyana. The 20-member executive committee includes a chairman, vice chair, secretary and treasurer.

That executive body is installed every three years during the annual NTC Con-

ference, after the regions elect their members to serve on the council.

The last NTC annual conference was held in 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the hosting of the conference, where Toshaos and other village leaders gather to elect representatives and address issues affecting their respective communities. Last September, three representatives were elected in a Regional Toshaos Meeting in Region Nine. However, the remaining members have not yet been elected.

Three new multi-million-dollar wells commissioned in North Rupununi

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lose to 1500 residents of the North Rupununi, (Region Nine), will benefit from first time access to potable water, as three new water distribution systems were commissioned in Aranaputa, Wowetta and Rupertee on Saturday (March 5, 2022).

The distribution systems cost over $100 million – $37.2 million for the system at Aranaputa, $25.8 million for one in Rupertee and $27.2 million for another in Wowetta. The systems were jointly funded by the Government of Guyana, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Caribbean Development Bank’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), under the Ministry of Finance.

The scope of works for the respective projects included installation of a distribution network to facilitate household level service for the first time, and the construction of a storage facility for adequate supply and improved level of service.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, and Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, officially handed over the water supply systems to the respective communities. The ministers were joined by Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock and Regional Executive Officer,

Karl Singh among other technical officers from the finance ministry.

During his remarks, Minister Singh said that when the PPP/C Government came into office in 2020, potable water coverage in the hinterland was at mere 6o per cent. Immediately, the government, through the Ministry of Housing and Water developed a strategic plan that will see 100 per cent coverage in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine and riverine communities on the coast, by the end of the administration’s first term in office.

For instance, in Aranaputa, prior to the new system only 20 percent of the population were receiving potable water; 25 percent in Wowetta and 50 percent in Rupertee. Today, Dr. Singh revealed that all residents of those communities are receiving potable water to their homes through standpipes.

Minister Singh also took the opportunity to outline some of the major transformational projects in the pipeline for the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region, including the construction of the Linden to Mabura road and the construction of 32 bridges along the Linden to Lethem corridor. “It means immediately, connectivity will be improved once the bridges are completed. It means that jobs will be

created and economic activities generated, construction materials will have to be purchased, construction workers will have to be working on those bridges.

And so, even during the construction phase you will see economic activity being generated for all of the communities along the alignment of that road,” Minister Singh told the residents.

Meanwhile, Minister Croal said that while over 75 percent of Region Nine villagers have access to potable water, the aim is to have 100 percent coverage by 2025. With the commissioning of three new wells in the North Rupununi, over 90 percent of those communities will now have access to potable water.

“As a government, we are committed to ensuring that every village, regardless of location or political persuasions, your location, your race or background, every citizen will be on the same path of development,” Minister Croal emphasised.

Community Support Officers (CSOs) of the communities were also trained and equipped to manage and maintain the systems in the respective villages.

This year, a total of five wells will be drilled in Region Nine through GWI. Another well will be drilled in the region by the regional administration in Sand Creek and another by BNTF in Surama.

esidents of Region One (Barima-Waini) will benefit from the rehabilitation of three wharfs, which are expected to aid economic transformation within the region.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, recently, met with residents to address the construction of the structures, which will accommodate a new ferry.

Speaking with residents of Port Kaituma and surrounding areas, the minister said the new docks will enhance the livelihood of citizens. “The People’s Progressive Party government is a government that has remained resolute in its commitment to bring about transformation in the lives of people everywhere, regardless of where they are living. We are committed as

a government and more so the RDC is very committed to working with the central government, to ensure that this ideology of prosperity reaches to every citizen, to every home, to every family and so the construction of this wharf and better road infrastructure will see better economic activities taking place, not only in the mining sector, but even in the agriculture sector,” he said.

The new ferry will replace the 88-year-old MV Barima. It is measured at approximately 70 metres long and 14.5 metres wide, with a water frontage length of 200 metres. To adequately accommodate the watercraft, new wharfs will be constructed at the Barima loading area to service residents of Port Kaituma and surrounding communities. The wharf at

Kumaka will be relocated in an effort to mitigate the heavy traffic caused by the market. The Morawhanna stelling will be upgraded as it caters to persons and small cargo.

Meanwhile, the minister has committed to upgrading the roads leading to the Port Kaituma nursery, primary and secondary schools. The roads and bridges from Matthews Ridge to Baramita will also be improved.

Tickets for the ferry will begin selling online by October. Minister Edghill was accompanied by Transport and Harbours Department, General Manager, Marcelene Merchant, Maritime Administration, Director General, Captain Stephen Thomas and Chief Transport Planning Officer, Patrick Thomas, among other officials.

Amerindian CSOs to be trained in water system management

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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was on March 2, 2022 signed between the Ministries of Housing and Water and Amerindian Affairs, for the training of Community Service Officers in the Operation and Maintenance of Water Supply Systems in Hinterland communities.

The MoU was signed by Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Housing & Water and Amerindian Affairs, Andre Ally and Ryan Toolsiram respectively, in GWI’s Boardroom.

At least two Community Service Officers will be identified from each Amerindian community that has an existing GWI water supply system, to operate and maintain the system in their respective communities.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal told the media that the signing of the MoU signals Government’s commitment to the development of all Guyanese, by ensuring opportunities are available for persons to acquire skillsets to be gainfully utilized, regardless of where in Guyana they reside.

Minister Croal noted that the training programme for CSOs will help to address the challenge of finding resources and personnel for the management and maintenance of water systems in far flung

Regions. Therefore, this activity he said, emphasizes the Ministry’s commitment in ensuring technical repairs are addressed in real time to ensure a continuous supply of water to residents.

Part of the training would entail the operation of a new PAT drilling rig, which was recently acquired by GWI. It is scheduled to commence drilling in the community of Swan, followed by Kaikan then Moruca.

The Minister noted that there is a macro plan for the delivery of potable water countrywide, since there is under 60% access in the Hinterland. He therefore noted that with this robust programme, 100% access is envisaged by 2025. This means that to have full water coverage for Regions 1, 7, 8, 9 and riverain coastland communities, 146 new wells would be required.

Since Government took office, close to $1B was expended for intervention in water delivery and this year 30 wells are earmarked to be drilled.

Meanwhile, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai reiterated that the PPP/C Government has committed to ensuring that the Hinterland benefits from an ongoing supply of potable water. Minister Sukhai highlighted that there are currently over 2000 participants in the

CSO programme across the country and this year, it is expected to move to 2500.

The newly acquired PAT well drilling rig for Hinterland and Riverain areas The Amerindian Affairs Minister noted that the level of infrastructure in Amerindian communities continues to improve and there is need for human resource to take charge.

CEO of GWI, Mr. Shaik Baksh said Wednesday’s signing cements what GWI has been doing for the last 18 months since Government resumed office, which is building partnerships. He explained that GWI also has partnerships with the Ministries of Public Works and Education, as well as UNICEF, the latter which will be funding part of the training for CSOs. “As infrastructure is built across the country, including Hinterland, we have to ensure that communities, NDCs and RDCs are involved in the caring of the infrastructure”, Mr. Baksh said.

According to him, the training will be comprehensive and robust and will include hygiene best practices.

The Training programmes for CSOs commenced on, March 3, 2022 in Region 9 and would not only feature the theory aspect but will also be heavily focused on the practical side.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Guyana looking to tap into multi-billion-dollar hemp industry G

uyana is exploring tapping into the lucrative hemp industry.

His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali made the disclosure on Sunday (March 6, 2022) at a press conference hosted at State House. “There is a great opportunity that lies ahead in terms of the hemp industry and what it can do in terms of the technological push and construction material, pharmaceuticals,” the President highlighted.

President Ali said the numbers he has seen on the return per acre in the hemp industry are unbelievable.

The results of the 2021 Hemp Acreage and Production Survey in its National Hemp Report, which shows data of hemp grown in the open and under protection in the United States [US], stated that the value of U.S hemp production in the open totalled $712 million. The value of production for hemp that was grown under protection in the U.S totalled $112 million.

According to the Global Industrial Hemp Markets Report 2021-2028, published

by GlobeNewswire in November 2021, the global in-

dustrial hemp market size is expected to reach US$12.01 billion by 2028 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 16.2 percent from 2021 to 2028.

It is also projected that the upscaling utilisation of hemp oil in food and beverage products for its dietary benefits is expected to increase the demand for hemp over the forecast period.

Population growth, coupled with the rising per capita disposable income, is expected to result in the increased demand for high-quality cosmetics, personal care prod-

Integrity of NRF board nominees defended

P

resident, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has rejected claims that the government used its majority in the National Assembly to deny opposition nominees the opportunity to serve on the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Board.

Responding to the claim on the sidelines of at a recent press conference, Ali made it clear that the parliamentary process dictates that the Committee of Appointments selects someone of public standing in society to serve as the director of the board. He said, “Let’s focus for one moment on the three names that were submitted, that tells you how much interest we want in ‘One Guyana’, not PPP names, three citizens of this country. When we talk about ‘One Guyana’ you need to have integrity.”

The three persons nominated by the government included Dunstan Barrow, who is a former PNC Member of Parliament; Hamley Case, former Guyana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Non-Resident Ambassador to France and Russia; and Clement Sealey, former Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

The Opposition nominees were Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram and former Head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Vincent Adams.

The President said he has no issues with the oppo-

sition nominees, but the parliamentary process must be respected. He said it is not about politics and should not be viewed as such.

President Ali reminded that it was the same APNU+AFC that rejected Christopher Ram’s nomination for the position as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). He said, “Look at the duplicity, when we had the nomination for the Chair of GECOM [Guyana Elections Commission], remember what they [opposition] said…Christopher Ram was not ‘fit and proper’… and now the very same people saying Mr. Christopher Ram ‘fit and proper’. That is what I am telling you, agenda, agenda, agenda.”

The nomination of the director of the NRF board is provided for in the NRF Act 2021, which became law in December, 2021.

The Board of Directors is a new governance mechanism introduced by the PPP/C government, which adds a layer of separation between political leaders and the fund, where previously there was none. The other directors are to be selected

by President Ali, who noted that when parliament submits its recommendations, the names of the other members will be announced.

The National Assembly on January 24, 2022 approved a Motion by Senior Minister in the Office of the

President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh for the Appointment Committee to recommend a Parliamentary nominee to serve on the new 2021 Natural Resource Fund’s (NRF) Board of Directors, as stipulated in Part III of the Act, as well as for another Parliamentary Nominee to serve on the Public Accountability and Oversight Committee (PAOC) in pursuant of Section VI of the new Act. According to Part III of the new Act, Governance and Management of the Fund ‘shall be selected from among persons who have wide experience and ability in legal, financial business or administrative matters, one of whom shall be nominated by the National Assembly and one of whom shall be a representative of the private sector’.

The inclusion in the new Act (Board of Directors) was made by government as part of groundbreaking amendments to the old 2019 NRF Act as it removed the excessive powers of the Minister which were contained in the old Act. It also allows for management of the Fund by the Board of Directors, a Board which will be responsible for reviewing and approving the policies of the Fund and monitoring its performance, thereby completely separating the management of the Fund from the Minister responsible for Finance.

ucts, protein supplements, and other health food products. These factors are expected to drive the market over the projected period.

Meanwhile, President Ali said he will be engaging marijuana farmers on the possibility of them taking advantage of this industry. “I intend to have very soon, a meeting with all the marijuana growers in this country,” he noted.

Aside from the economic benefits of hemp cultivation, President Ali said he hopes the engagement would deter persons from planting the

narcotic that has social consequences. “I intend to have a meeting and to let them understand that there is a viable future in the hemp industry and bring them into that discussion and move away from the marijuana that has social consequences and come into mainstream economic activity that does not have that impact, that will give them more returns.”

The Head of State said he is realistic and would not be naive to the fact that the marijuana farmers possess the ability to help the industry flourish. “They already have

the experience in growing… they come with the technical skills frankly speaking,” the President stated.

Some of the uses for hemp include rope, textiles, clothing, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel. This is in addition to a number of medical purposes.

Hemp seeds are particularly rich in healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both of these fats are known for improving heart health by reducing cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglycerides.

The sugar industry is viable ‒ Ali says the plan is to twin operations with Guatemala

S

ugar continues to play a vital role in Guyana’s economy and towards the socio-economic development of its people, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. He said that due to this, efforts will be made to ensure the longevity of its production, in the long-term diversification plan of the country. “We said that we are building the sugar industry, we are revitalising the sugar industry—but we are also cognizant of the fact that the new economy will be driven also by manufacturing, industrial development, aquaculture,” he said.

The Head of State made these remarks while fielding questions on his Government’s plans for the industry during a Press Conference held today at State House.

He explained that stemming from a fruitful meeting with Guatemala’s President Alejandro Giammattei on the sidelines of the CARICOM-SICA Summit last week; the two leaders have decided to “twin their approach” to ensure best practices and maximum yields for their countries. “So we are going to look at the best practices in Guatemala and Guyana and twin our operations from the management side, operational side, investment side, but more importantly, the end result of this is sustainability—job creation, economic expansion, and viability of the industry. That is the main output that we are looking at,” he said.

President Ali said that the two countries are in the process of finalising the

Memorandum of Understanding as well as plans for an exchange visit. He said, “Guatemala is the fourth largest exporter of sugar worldwide and the second [largest] in Latin American countries. Can you imagine that? The second-largest and fourth-largest in the world, it generates 80,000 jobs directly, 410,000 indirect jobs and export earnings of over US$1b. This is sugar’s contribution in Guatemala.”

The President said that from efficiency, productivity, and competitive standpoints, Guatemala would play a key part in the revitalisation of the industry. He said, “We are not going to reinvent the wheel—sugar is viable. I said this a long time ago, from a financial and economic and social (Turn to page 18)

President Ali lauds women’s strength of character, dignity and honour

H

is Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali said that it is immensely important to celebrate the integral role that Guyanese women play in the development and integration of our society.

“Let me be very clear… there is a reason why a specific day is earmarked for the celebration of International Women’s Day and that is because of the value that women bring to our society and our country,” he said.

Guyana joined the rest of the world to commemorate International Women’s Day

(March 8, 2022) and joins in celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

The day also marked a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

President Ali took the time to pay homage to women in general. He said, “I just want to salute all women in Guyana, the region and around the world, for the strength of character, for the dignity, the honour, the pride, the simplicity, in which they go about every day changing lives, chang-

ing countries and changing communities.”

He encouraged those gathered irrespective of gender to recognise not just the contributions but the roles women continue to play.

“We owe it to women everywhere to celebrate, not their contribution; contribution is a minimal approach at looking at this, but celebrating their integral role in the development and integration of societies.”

This year’s theme is ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’.

11

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

Border controversy case before ICJ…

Guyana seeks declaration that 1899 Arbitral Award is ‘valid and binding’ G

uyana on Tuesday (March 8, 2022) submitted to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, its Memorial on the Merits of its Case against Venezuela - as required by the Court following its decision of December 18, 2020 confirming its jurisdiction to decide the merits of Guyana’s claims.

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-oper-

ative Republic of Guyana arising from events that occurred after the signature of the Geneva Agreement.”

The matter is before the Court pursuant to the decision of the Secretary General of the United Nations under the 1966 Geneva Agreement, by which the parties conferred upon the Secretary General the authority to determine the means by which the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela shall be settled.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said, “Guyana seeks from the Court a decision that the Arbitral Award of 1899 determining the boundary is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela, and that the boundary established by that Award and the 1905 Agreement demarcating it, is the lawful boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. The Court has agreed in its earlier decision that it has jurisdiction to do so. Guyana now looks to the Court’s judicial process and its settlement of the matter under the rule of law.

This year sees the 56th anniversary of the 1966 Geneva Agreement. Guyana considers that the true commemoration of that Agreement is in contributing in good faith to the fulfilment of its true meaning and intent by participating fully in the current juridical process deriving from it. Hence, the submission today to the International Court of Justice of Guyana’s Memorial on the Merits as required by the Court.”

PRIORITY In September 2020, President Dr. Irfaan Ali made clear that a resolution of the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case, which is currently before the Interna-

tional Court of Justice (ICJ), is a priority of the PPP/C government He reminded that it was the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in 2014 that had put an end to the interminable ‘good offices’ dialogue with Venezuela, after “it had become, for them, a strategy of prolonging contention rather than of seeking solution.”

The Guyanese Head of State contended that there is no policy more sacred than those relating to the country’s border for his Administration. “As Guyanese, all of us stood with the previous Administration in defence of Guyana’s patrimony. For us, Guyana’s territorial integrity is never a matter for domestic division; it is always a matter for national cohesion,” he said.

Ali added that Guyana must be loyal to the enduring vision of the country being truly “One Nation” and indivisible. “Therefore, the PPP/C gave full support to the former Administration when, as initiated by us, they submitted the Venezuela contention to the International Court of Justice. We shall not descend. The sovereignty of our State, the integrity of our territory – both land and sea – is a sacred trust. We must defend, and we will do so in collaboration with our partners and allies,” he noted.

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

The shaded area of Guyana’s map is the territory being claimed by Venezuela, land that is west of the Essequibo River

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.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

Remembering the life o

(Born on March 22, 1918, the founder of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Cheddi Jag on Guyana’s Attainment of Republican Status on the 23rd

Our people deserve a better futu M

r. Speaker, on this Republic Day I rise to speak with mixed feelings. Universal adult suffrage, voting at eighteen, self-government, independence and republic - these were the dreams we dreamed. We want to cut the umbilical cord with Great Britain. We want to be free.

With the exception of voting at eighteen, these things have been achieved. We should be rejoicing, but unfortunately, there is little to shout about. The real freedom which we fought for has eluded us. Instead of a new liberation, we have a new servitude.

True, the Queen Victoria Statue no longer commands the Law Courts compound, the British Sovereigns, past and present, and the British heroes of yesteryear no longer adorn our august Chamber.

But these are mere trappings.

Our masters do not really object to their removal.

They have a certain historical flexibility. From the days of slavery to the present time, they have made certain accommodations, surrendering symbols and forms, but, substance never. Today, they prefer to use honeyed words like “cooperation” and “partnership” and to substitute black, brown and yellow men for white men, the better to achieve their objectives.

We do not see much cause for rejoicing, for what we see is merely a change of form, not of substance. Actually, Republican Status should have come on the attainment of Independence. Had that been done, there would have been no necessity for all the ballyhoo, the demagogy and the gimmickry of today. Rather, there would have been for us today the necessity for a cold concrete assessment of where we are heading.

The fact is that our beloved country is retrogressing instead of progressing. All that independence and republicanism stand for are being violated in our country.

Conceptually, republicanism was a declaration of independence, an enunciation of the principle that sovereignty derives from the people and not from tyrants who ruled on the basis of the “divine right of kings” and “the king can do no wrong”.

In Guyana, a minority regime has seized power by fraud and rides roughshod over the rights and aspirations of the people. Look around! A paralysing fear grips our land. The Constitution is being subverted at every turn.

The People’s National Congress has made a mockery of the elector-

cle not for the suppression of those who exploit our people and plunder our resources, but for attacks on the people.

Political opponents of the Government are daily being intimidated, harassed and discriminated

al process and the Government is being carried on with concessions being freely made to corruption, patronage and nepotism at all levels. Overall hang both the threat under the National Security Act of Restriction and Detention without trial, and the fear under the proposed Trade Disputes Bill of the abolition of the right to strike.

The state apparatus is a vehi-

against. The barbaric practice of housebreaking for arrears of rental is reminiscent of the cruel measures applied in the days of slavery, and indenture is resorted to at Black Bush Polder. Those who do not conform are ruthlessly weeded out. Pledges to the Amerindian people have been honoured in the breach and they have been treated as second class citizens, browbeaten and coerced.

Yes, fear stalks our land. Instead of freedom from want, we have a widening gap between the rich and the poor. Foreign vested interests have become more entrenched, more exploitive and more ruthless. For their support of these bureaucratic capitalist elite, they receive more and more concessions. Meanwhile, unemployment and underemployment soar and crime, delinquency and prostitution increase. The cost of the living mounts in the face of the wage freeze.

In this context of the empty stomach, discontent and disillusionment the small man must be

reassured. He will become the real man, he is told, under the Cooperative Republic. Cooperatives will become the dominant sector and will be the means which, they claim, will bring socialism to Guyana.

Mr. Speaker, when will they stop fooling the people?

The Prime Minister, the Minister of Information and I read the same classics in good old days.

The fathers of scientific socialism, Engels and Lenin, long ago exploded the myth that socialism can be achieved through the cooperative movement in peaceful harmony with the monopoly capitalists who own and control the commanding heights of the economy – the banks, insurance

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

of Dr. Cheddi Jagan

13

gan died on March 6, 1997. This following is a speech made by Dr. Jagan d February, 1970 in the National Assembly)

ure, that they must and will have companies, factories, mines, plantations and foreign trade firms. They made abundantly clear that it was utopian to think that contemporary society can be transformed into socialism without taking into account such fundamental questions such as the class struggle, the capture of power by the working class, and the overthrow of the rule of the exploiting class.

These things our ex-comrades know, but they choose to practice the politics of deception. Let them come out with the truth.

There is no such thing as a Cooperative Republic. Republics are either socialist or capitalist. The slogan “Cooperative Republic” is a hoax, a fraud, to lull the Guyanese people into a false sense of security. It is a device to cloak and hide the reality of a neo-colonialist, capitalist-imperialist republic.

The truth is, cooperatives cannot succeed in such an environment. They will fail here as they have failed elsewhere. Four years ago, we told them that the seven year Development Plan conceived and made by imperialists would fail. Today, they have set it aside.

The yet-to-beborn cooperative plan will die an abortive death.

The cooperative will not bring socialism. Rather, it is only socialism which will permit of the growth and development of cooperatives. In Guyana, the cooperatives will only provide the cover for a new breed of privileged capitalist elite to use the state machine to get rich quick.

Mr. Speaker, our ex-comrades have killed a dream. Go back to the early 1950s. Ask the Prime Minister and the Minister of Information, the then Chairman and Executive Committee member, respectively, of the People’s Progressive Party, whether our dreams when we had written so-

others who are desirous of studying in universities in the socialist countries? Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to build a cooperative or socialist edifice on colonialist, neo-colonialist and imperialist foundations.

Yes, they have not only crushed a dream; they have also smothered hope. Thousands, disillusioned and frustrated, are leaving our country. They have silenced criticism. The young

cialism on our banner did not encompass economic emancipation and social justice, freedom from fear and freedom from want.

How can they honour our national hero, Cuffy, when they persecute those who are carrying on his tradition? How can they build a socialist society when the economic foundation and the political and ideological superstructure are becoming more and more under imperialist control; when our resources have been bartered away, and our country has been mortgaged and strangled

by huge local and foreign debts; when the real producers are penalized, agriculture hindered and industrialization stifled; when agents of imperialism like Garner Ted Armstrong, daily from the Government radio station poison the minds of the people with anti-scientific, anti-socialist and anti-working-class ideas?

How can they build socialism when they refuse employment to those who have studied in socialist countries the theory and practice of socialism, and deny passports or the right to travel to

socialist movement, the youth arm of the ruling party has been bludgeoned into silence for its advocacy of socialism, of nationalisation, of diplomatic, trade and cultural relations with Cuba and other socialist states.

They have betrayed a trust.

They have sold out the people.

While serving imperialism and building a retinue of hangers-on and yes-men, they are feeding the people with half- truths, slogans and gimmicks.

The depth of the depravity, arrogance and callousness of the Government was visibly demonstrated last evening at the National Park. At a most solemn occasion, who should read prayers on behalf of the Muslim community?

Not a representative of the United Sad’r Islamic Anjuman, but a hand-picked puppet, who like others today secure their positions through police intervention.

Mr. Fazil became Chairman of the Bush Lot Local Authority simply because the police had detained Mr. Seegobin, himself a candidate, on the day of the election.

The P.N.C regime has brought Guyana to the crossroads. It must now make a clear-cut decision.

The decks are cleared. It now has a majority, albeit by fraud. It is not restricted in anyway. There should be no more excuses.

If the members of this Gove r n m e n t c u t o u t t h e i r D a i mler-style living, abandon Duvalier methods, follow in the footsteps of Julius Nyerere and Fidel Castro and serve the people, we will march with them, we will back them.

But we warn, if they continue with the imperialist, we will flight them. Our people deserve a better future, and that they must and will have.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

In Focus : Adv ances in t he Agr icult ur e Sect or S u p p o r t in g L o c a l F a r m e r s

Farmers market for Albion on March 13th

T

he Ministry of Agriculture will be taking its farmers’ market initiative to the Albion Sport Complex, East Berbice Corentyne (Region Six) on Sunday, March 13, 2022.

Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said the event is being organised to allow consumers to benefit from organically grown fruits, vegetables and other commodities, while local farmers will be able to sell their produce in large quantity and receive higher sales.

“This came about because we are finding that middle men are buying the goods, vegetables and products from these people and go to the market and put a high mark up. “Over the last few months, what we have noticed is

that the price for vegetables and other commodities have skyrocketed, so we want to put this measure in place,” he underscored.

Additionally, he emphasised that this approach is part of a wider strategic plan outlined in budget 2022, as the government advances efforts to reduce the cost of food commodities. “We are working to bring down the cost of products. We can organise these markets on a monthly basis across the country,” the Agriculture Minister reiterated.

The first farmers’ market which was hosted at the Lusignan market tarmac, on February 20, saw major success, as consumers, farmers and

agro-processors came out in their numbers to participate in the event.

“This is not a one-off event. What we are doing from the ministry’s point of view, we are starting these markets and hoping that it will continue and our extension officers are working with the farmers and other stakeholders, so that we can have it regularly,” he noted.

On Sunday, consumers will be able to purchase a pound of beef for $400, chicken at $280 to $300 per pound, fresh milk at $80 a pint, plantain at $140 to $160 per pound, eddoes at $60 to $80 a pound and a tray of eggs for $650 to $700.

This event has been held in other locations in Guyana.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

Harmon quits after booted from leadership of PNCR, APNU A

fter days of back and forth, embattled Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, has confirmed that he will be vacating the position.

Harmon had sent a letter addressing his registration to House Speaker, Manzoor Nadir. However, after media reports indicated that Harmon resigned, Nadir clarified that there is a difference between a letter of resignation and a letter of intent to resign. He said, “There might be semantics, but saying I

intend to resign at a certain date doesn’t say that I have resigned, or I am resigning effective March 10th.”

According to Nadir, the Parliament Office would write the Representative of the List after the resignation is received. “We have to write them…we have to write the Representative of the List. When a resignation comes to the Speaker, then the Speaker writes to the Representative of the List for nominees,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Shurwayne Holder, confirmed that the much talked about resignation was not in fact a resignation. He said, “I have seen a copy of the letter from the National Assembly (that Harmon sent to the Speaker). I do not think it’s legally it’s a… resignation. There’s an intent for Mr Harmon to resign and so I wouldn’t take it that he has resigned.”

Further, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, said, “The letter was sent to the Speaker [Manzoor Nadir] on Thurs-

day (March 3, 2022) and he forwarded me a copy. It informed of Mr Harmon’s intention to resign by March 15 [2022]. I would not con-

sider that a resignation because a letter of resignation would sound like ‘I hereby submit my resignation effec(Turn to page 16)

16

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

Harmon quits after booted from leadership... tive so and so’ or ‘I hereby resign’ etc,” the Clerk had said.

Given the uncertainty, Harmon has since confirmed he has resigned. He said, “It is not my intention to send another letter. When that date arrives I am finished.”

Notably, between December 2021 and present, Harmon suffered a crushing defeat in his bid for leader of

the PNCR and recently was booted from holding any significant position in APNU. Initially, it is expected that Harmon would give up the position of Opposition Leader, but remain as a Member of Parliament. This was before he was booted from the APNU leadership.

The APNU+AFC Coalition will now be short of two representatives in Par-

liament, until the vacancies are filled. Nicolette Henry’s resignation is supposed to take effect from March 31, 2022 while Harmon’s is supposed to take effect from March 15, 2022.

PNCR Chairman has said, “It’s a process. We have to wait until Mr Harmon resigns, and we’ll take it from there. As I have said, we have a number of

names, a long list. In terms of who goes to Parliament, the Central Executive has got to make that decision.

We have to discuss internally and come up with the most suitable person. There will be no discrimination in that process…the party had made a decision that the party leader (Norton) will become the Leader of the Opposition. This is where

(From page 15) we are with that…it’s a process, and much of it is in the public domain already.

We had consultations with APNU and AFC. As far as I am concerned, that’s a done deal. We await March 31, when there is a vacancy, and then we take it from there.”

Norton is expected to take over as Opposition Leader, but only after former president and Leader of

the APNU+AFC Coalition list of representatives, David Granger, extracts his name.

Reports are that Granger has been written to informing him that Norton should be named as a replacement.

While it is clear that Norton will take Harmon’s seat in Parliament, there has been no indication on possible candidates to take Henry’s seat.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 MARCH, 2022

Transformative agenda of Guyana will open more... (From page 5) make women, girls, and key vulnerable populations more resilient to the harmful effects of climate change, by sustainably implementing climate change action and disaster recovery. The completion of a Gender-based Climate Resilience Analysis for Guyana provides recommendation on developing gender-responsive and socially inclusive policies for building climate resilience in the priority areas of agriculture and health.

Moreover, the revised and expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 specifies gender equality and social inclusion as central tenets for its effective implementation.

Gender equality and social inclusion will be mainstreamed by building on the indispensable contributions of women in key sectors, including

agriculture, where many of the subsectors are dominated by women. The LCDS will also promote the inclusion of women in decision-making in non-traditional fields such as the mining sector through continuous training and mentorship, and will foster a range of opportunities for women to play an active role in their communities in low-carbon sectors such as sustainable tourism, particularly in rural and Amerindian communities.

Additionally, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), women are also taking a leading role in Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM). The CDC has championed the establishment of CBDRM Committees in 120 communities across Guyana’s

ten administrative regions, by providing training on Disaster Management and Climate Change, lending ongoing support, and working with the communities to develop and implement projects and programmes which reduce their vulnerability to future disasters and build their capacity to respond to a disaster. Women make up at least 50 percent of the membership of each established committee.

Additionally, women property owners have increased tremendously through the National Housing programme thereby providing greater security and opportunities to use this as collateral for further expansion and growth.

However, despite these many initiatives and programmes, despite having a progressive

Constitution and laws regarding women’s and children’s rights, we are still confronted with daily incidents of domestic and sexual violence, and even femicide.

Like in most other countries around the world, constant and consistent efforts and initiatives must be supported to fully achieve gender equality and sustainable development in our One Guyana.

The transformative agenda of Guyana will open more doors for women in Guyana; this is the time to seize these opportunities.

Sincerely, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance

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The sugar industry... perspective, sugar is viable.

We have to decide, do we want the jobs and save the industry at the same time?

We’re not selling out any assets; we are catalysing the asset. There is a difference.”

The President reminded that it was the PPP/C Government that made clear the importance of sugar after the former APNU/AFC Government had closed the estates and shut the industry

down.

He also made it clear that the packaging facility in Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara was not closed.

“The Enmore packaging plant is not closed. Let me make it very clear. The facility at Enmore will be used, and it’s not sold, it will be used to sustain all the jobs and expand the opportunity for the East Coast corridor because the East

(From page 10)

Coast corridor is linked to the industrialisation and manufacturing that is taking place, no jobs will be lost,” the Head of State stressed.

He added that as part of the Government’s strategic plan, the packaging plant will be moved to Albion in Berbice, and two extra lines will be placed there, which will create even more jobs and consolidate the sugar industry.

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PYO members support gov’t countrywide clean up exercise Members of the Enterprise Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) engaged in a clean-up exercise within the Enterprise/Non Pariel East Cost Demerara area as part of the government’s countrywide clean-up exercise.

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No more COVID-19 ‘hotspots’ in Guyana – Health Minister

G

uyana continues to record a downward trend in COVID-19 cases with just over 400 active cases currently across the country, according to Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony.

He explained that areas known as “hotspots” no longer exist. These areas were identified as communities with over 100 positive cases.

Given the latest figures, these numbers have dropped significantly. “Given the level of infection that we now have, it is not what we used to call hotspots where we were

seeing maybe more than 100 cases in some areas. So, a lot of the places that we have now they probably got like six, five, four, so it’s not that many, but we will continue to monitor,” the minister said.

He noted that it is possible that more variants could arise, as the virus is constantly mutating. He hopes however, that Omicron would be the last ‘variant of concern’. Anthony said, “Hopefully they would not be at the level of a variant of concern, but maybe variants under investigation,

which means that we’ll observe them, see what’s happening and be able to find treatment for them, but they would not become so disruptive.”

Meanwhile, over 433,000 or 84.4 per cent of the adult population took the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while over 329,000 or 64.2 percent are fully vaccinated.

In terms of the 12 to 17 age group, over 33,000 or 46 per cent took the first dose of the US-made Pfizer vaccine with 24, 325 0r 33.4 percent receiving both doses.

Gov’t to procure new anti-viral COVID-19 treatment pill M

Verification of vaccination data ongoing to aid digitization efforts

T

he Ministry of Health is currently verifying and reconciling its vaccination data to be better able to keep a record of vaccinated persons.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that data is being collected from a number of vaccination sites for the initiative.

According to him, during the peak of the vaccination campaign, there were approximately 120 sites, which he noted could have seen a duplication of information. “So, we are now working that through, to

make sure that we don’t have any duplications, so cleaning the data is a very important exercise, and while we are cleaning the data, we are also digitising it so that if somebody would need a replacement card is much easier to be able to go into this electronic data base and to know whether this person has been vaccinated or not,” Dr. Anthony noted.

Currently, if a vaccination card has to be replaced, a manual search has to be conducted, which, Minister Anthony said, is time con-

suming. The upgrades will automate the process.

Since the vaccination campaign began locally and vaccination mandates were put in place, several persons have been placed before the courts for forging vaccination cards.

“If we discover any forgery, then we will turn that information over to the police so that they can take the relevant actions,” Dr. Anthony cautioned.

The exercise is being executed by the ministry’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Surveillance Unit.

inister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, has said that government will soon be procuring the anti-viral COVID-19 treatment pill, Molnupiravir, to treat persons with mild symptoms of the disease.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has granted approval for the pill under the ‘emergency use authorisation listing,’ as it has shown promising results in patients with non-severe symptoms.

Dr. Anthony said a number of countries have already been using the medication.

“We’ve had an application in Guyana for the use of Molnupiravir and the Food and

Drug Administration (FDA) here would have granted to that local importing agency, the right to import and to use Molnupiravir under this regimen of emergency use authorisation, so we have authorised the use of it here in Guyana,” he said.

While the drug is in the country, it is not available to the public. Dr. Anthony said “from the ministry level we would also be making some attempts to get some of the medicines into our system.”

The Health Minister said the drug is under consideration for use in patients with comorbidities and severe forms of COVID-19. He has, however noted that expecting

or breastfeeding mothers should not be treated with the pill. “Before a woman uses the medication, the person prescribing would have to check to see whether or not this person is pregnant, so a pregnancy test would be required. And if someone is breastfeeding then it’s preferable if you’re going to use the medication that you stop breastfeeding for the duration and maybe about four to five days after you would have completed the course of treatment,” the minister said.

He is also advising persons to ensure they state to their doctor if they have any allergies before taking the medication.

Obese persons at increased risk for COVID-19

M

inister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony is urging persons with obesity to ensure they are vaccinated against COVID-19.

According to him, obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia and other diseases that could cause premature death. “With COVID-19, we have also seen that persons who are obese would be at a higher risk for COVID-19, and we have seen that in the global statistics and we have seen that locally as well, so there is an increased risk if you are obese,” Dr. Anthony said.

He said vaccines are easily accessible in Guyana, however persons are still hesitant to take the jab. “It is a big problem and among

the obese you would find persons who might have gotten misinformation and therefore they are reluctant to come and get vaccinated.

For example, maybe a person who has diabetes, they think they shouldn’t get the vaccine because they are diabetic and that’s not so. In fact, because of the risk, you have a higher risk of getting COVID, then you should go and get your vaccines,” the Minister said.

In managing the disease, the Minister said persons could check their Body Mass Index (BMI), practice healthy habits and consult with their local health care provider if they are at risk for obesity and diseases associated with it. He noted that a doctor could help decide the best

treatment option for the individual. These include diet, exercise, medication or even surgery, depending on the individual.

Minister Anthony said the ministry has developed several guidelines and persons have been trained at the different health centres to be able to provide this type of guidance. “We have printed materials, we have video material and, in some instances, the team from the ministry would go out into the community, go to specific areas and they would do demonstration of how to cook these types of meals,” he said. He noted that the Food and Nutrition Unit at the ministry can work with communities and organisations to hold talks on this topic.

No response from APNU+AFC on proposed changes to electoral laws – Teixeira A

s efforts continue to finalise the proposed amendments to Guyana’s electoral laws, the APNU+AFC Coalition persists in shutting itself out of the process, according to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

Amendments to the Rep-

resentation of the People’s Act (ROPA), both the substantive act and the regulations, have been in public circulation since November 2021.

Teixeira, during a televised programme, said, “We did draft amendments to the Representation of People’s Act and the reg-

ulations; they were posted up for public examination.

Interestingly enough, there hasn’t been a lot of responses. No response from the APNU+AFC. Maybe it’s understandable but I would still think they would respond.”

She explained that feedback has been communi-

cated by one of the small political parties – A New and Unity Guyana (ANUG) – as well as a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and several overseas-based Guyanese individuals and bodies.

“GECOM put in their comments on the reforms and added additional reforms

that they felt should be included,” Teixeira added.

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance has indicated that the next step in strengthening Guyana’s electoral laws will include amendments to the National Registration Act. Notably, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on October 2021 made clear that the long-awaited legislation to improve Guyana’s electoral system is a priority for the PPP/C administration. He also assured that there be an efficient timeframe for the processing of the legislation.

Ali had committed, since his first day of assuming office that the five-month-long elections process that Guyanese painfully endured, will never again occur.

FOCUS OF REFORM Further, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking at a news conference recently, had said, “The idea is to make more transparent and to define responsibilities in the Act that are unambiguous and… to put in place a set of penalties for people who may try to steal the elections… any right-thinking person will support that. That’s the objective...we will look at issues right from registration to declaration of the results, so everything that is not unambiguous, not transparent etcetera. We made it clear that we want SoPs [Statements of Poll] in the public domain before the tabulation starts, that sort of thing. “…this is an open process…every person will have a chance to have an input. So, we are soliciting these views…APNU will

get a chance to give their input there and several civil society organisations. And then when that’s done, a draft bill would be had, taking into account the input made and it will be presented to the parliament, where the Parliamentary Opposition will once again have an input…. when the debate takes place it will Guyanese who finally decide.”

FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS Also, in prior comments, Jagdeo had said that the electoral reform process is necessary to ensure Local Government and other elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.

He had said, “In that Act, which requires a simple majority to pass, there will be some key reforms, so there is no ambiguity in how things are conducted.

So, the areas which we have issues in are recruitment of staff… We have to build into the legislation a clear process for recruitment and placement of staff that is fair, open, transparent, random placement, so it favours none of the parties.”

Jagdeo added this should include substantial penalties, a clear definition of how recounts are to be conducted and publication of the Statements of Poll (SOPs) before tabulation begins. “A lot of changes along these lines will have to take place,” he said.

Guyanese were subject to a five-month wait for the final results from the March 2020 General and Regional Elections because of the actions of several persons involved in the process at the GECOM Secretariat and other elements.

PUBLISHED BY NEW GUYANA Co. Ltd., Freedom House, Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: [592] 226-2042 / 227-2095 / 655-0459 / 627-7432