Weekend Mirror 25-26 June 2022 by Weekend Mirror

Elections CoI will expose ‘wild claims’ made by APNU+AFC – Jagdeo 25-26 June, 2022 / Vol. 12 ‒ No. 28 / Price: $100

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Opposition Chief Whip, seven others facing suspension from National Assembly PAGE 15

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Norton-led Coalition ‘not prepared’ to discharge its responsibilities ‒ Nandlall

Government will support flood-affected communities ‒ PM Phillips PAGE 8

SEE INSIDE

Persons with permanent disabilities to get lifelong public PAGE 6 assistance

– persons with HIV, cancer to also benefit

Health system prepares for detection of Monkey Pox ‒ Health Minister PAGE 7

Funds earmarked for consultation on Amerindian Act revision PAGE 9

‒ President Ali

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Norton-led Coalition ‘not prepared’ to discharge its responsibilities – Nandlall T

he government has tabled its proposal for the establishment of a Constitutional Reform Commission, despite the Opposition’s ‘no show’ at the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Constitutional Reform on Friday.

And Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, contends that the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition is clearly unprepared to discharge its mandate. According to him, the constitutional reform pro-

cess requires a particular majority to have constitutional amendments effected and it is expected that the government and the opposition will work together. “The opposition has shown demonstrably on other areas that they are not

prepared to discharge the mandate of their responsibilities,” he affirmed while noting instances of its refusal to participate in the process. He explained that the government submitted that the constitutional reform

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commission be established by law, and that its members be appointed by the president. He said, “I tabled the government’s proposal, which is that the government is submitting that this Constitutional Reform Commission be established by a law, that the members are to be appointed by His Excellency the President, and that 50% of the membership shall come from the government side in the Parliament and the Opposition parliamentarians and the other 50 shall come from civil society organizations, including the labour movement, the Private Sector Commission, the religious organizations, Guyana Bar Association, farmers’ organizations, organizations representing women and organizations representing youth.” Those basic provisions, the AG said, will be crafted into a bill, after which consequential provisions will be added to ensure that the commission is able to discharge its mandate. “The Chairperson of the Commission is to be appointed by the President in the exercise of his own deliberate judgment….the terms of reference will be established, the financing arrangements will be established in the bill as well as how the procedure of the Commission will unfold. Those issues will have to be decided upon in the Committee and of course taken to our respective principals for approval because the bill will be in draft form. Hopefully we find consensus and we can push the process forward,” Nandlall said. NO PROPOSALS The Attorney General, who also serves as Chairman of the Committee, stated that the opposition is yet to submit its proposal. He noted that the government has a mandate to fulfil to the people of Guyana, and therefore, it will forge ahead with the work of the committee. “Since April of this year, it was agreed that the government and the opposition will bring their proposals to the committee. I indicated since then that our position in clear as stated in the manifesto…a date was fixed for the Opposition to bring their contribution and submission in writing because they pointed out that they have more than one party in their Opposition umbrella. Sometime in May was fixed for them to make a submission in writing. They have not done so. We had a meeting fixed for May and

they did not turn up and I was forced to postpone that meeting to a date in June,” Nandlall explained. NO SHOW Notably, when the meeting was called at the Parliament Buildings on Friday (June 17, 2022), no Opposition member was present. One member eventually joined virtually and did not offer any contribution to the meeting. He subsequently left before the meeting’s conclusion. Further to that, moments before the meeting was called, opposition members sent excuses that they are unavailable to attend the session. It must also be noted that only one opposition member attended the meeting back in April. The Attorney General noted that the government accords constitutional reform high priority in its legislative agenda. Constitutional reform is one of the main issues outlined in the PPP/C elections manifesto. The Party has promised that it would advance constitutional reform with the input of the citizens themselves. In its manifesto, it was noted that it was important that the people participate in something as critical as revising the supreme law. The PPP/C 2020-2025 manifesto clearly states that the Party is “aware that issues concerning constitutional reform, particularly in relation to a national, inclusive governance model” have been raised and discussed in the public domain and is “committed” to a national participatory process to addressing a new governance model. Nandlall said, “If the opposition is not prepared to come on board, well then that’s quite unfortunate. All we can do at this stage is to demonstrate to the public demonstrate to the people our willingness, our preparedness to deliver on what we have promised… the government can’t allow that to cripple us and prevent us from moving the country forward.” The Committee, chaired by Nandlall, includes Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr.; Parliamentarian, Sanjeev Datadin; and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, from the government side. The Opposition representatives are Aubrey Norton, Khemraj Ramjattan, Raphael Trotman, and Amanza Walton-Desir.

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Elections CoI will expose ‘wild claims’ made by APNU+AFC – Jagdeo T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) “has nothing to fear” from such a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, according to Vice President and PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo. “We believe that the Commission of Inquiry will find that APNU+AFC, as we all know, sought to steal elections,” he said on Tuesday (June 21, 2022). 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. Jagdeo called out the Parliamentary Opposition for holding the mistaken view that the PPP is weak. He said, “We had nothing to fear. Many times this Opposition, they misunderstand our desire to move forward as a country as somehow a weakness… we are consciously moving forward and ignoring a lot of things because we just want to remain positive and we want to move the country ahead and address the tasks at hand.” He stressed that the wild claims from the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition will be tested at the CoI. He said, “Ramjattan and the

others may have to tell them tell the public and CoI how the Russians help the PPP rigged elections. And Mr. Norton will have to present his Statements of Poll before the CoI. And you've heard all of the nonsense that we were fed weighed in the five months period…all of the Benschops’ of the world and everyone who knew about these so called attempts of the PPP to rig. And the Sherod Duncan's and everyone else they would then get a chance to present evidence to the CoI.” REVIEW Jagdeo called attention to the fact that the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition has been pushing for an internal review of the March 2020 Elections and using it to score cheap political points. He said, “There was a call by the opposition nominated commissioners at GECOM to have and internal review and the chairperson of GECOM pointed out the uselessness of such a review, an internal review. If some of the main players were absent and as you know now that the CEO and several others no longer employed by GECOM and they're facing criminal charges. “So the opposition predictably sought to portray that to the public, as though there was something that the PPP had to hide around the 2020 elections and they also, not just their GECOM commissioner, said that…. what you had were statements from Norton, we have a statement from the AFC. They're on all the social media program saying See, we

want an internal review and the PPP and everyone there are opposed to this review because there was something to hide about elections. “….we thought that it would not be efficacious if that were to proceed at the same time as the criminal charges.” He stressed that it is interesting that the same players calling for an internal review of the March 2020 Elections, have gone quite since the announcement of the CoI. “They wanted a review, they have even more than a review, a CoI, but have you noticed, strangely, they have gone quiet…the same vocal people were talking about internal review….the Commission of inquiry shall be very uncomfortable to the same people, for the same people who are calling for the internal review who have so boldly been calling for that suddenly I think they've gone quiet, because they realize that many of them would be subpoenaed,” the Vice President and PPP General Secretary said. 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 hon-

our, 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 honour 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. [SEE RELATED REPORTING ON PAGE 10]

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

EDITORIAL

The Coalition’s bluff gets called T

he increasingly embattled APNU+AFC Coalition, from all indications, convinced itself that it could slyly call for a “review” of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. This call was seemingly made because the laws does not allow the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to embark on such an adventure, which was a point articulated by GECOM Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh. It could be argued that the PNCR-led Coalition knew a review of GECOM’s operations by GECOM itself was ludicrous and was fully prepared to exploit the cheap political points it could score by calling for the nonsensical. May 10, 2022, the Coalition-nominated GECOM Commissioners said: “We further reiterated our previous position that GECOM should conduct a review of its conduct of the 2020 elections as the precursor to making any submission on electoral reform.” On May 17, 2022, Leader of the Opposition and the PNCR, Aubrey Norton, called for a comprehensive review of what took place in March 2020. On May 17, 2022, Opposition Parliamentarian and General Secretary of the PNCR, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, said: “A thorough review by GECOM of its performance in managing recent elections. The plethora of faults and irregularities (intended and unintended) in the 2020 elections alone must not be brushed under the carpet to resurface again. They must be swept out for good. To achieve this, a thorough and honest review must be conducted as a necessary first step. Here, we agree with GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander that GECOM itself must not conduct such a review but should commission it.” On June 16, 2022, the Alliance for Change (AFC) said it “rejects” the decision of GECOM to not conduct an internal review March 2020 Elections. The AFC said: “The AFC fully expected a routine examination of the performance of the electoral system…given the reports of illegal activities and trauma surrounding the 2020 General and Regional Elections, and in particular, the many accusations of fraud levelled on all sides, the Alliance For Change strongly recommends that GECOM reconsiders its recent decision…this review should include personnel, structures and all its systems leading up to, during and after the election day exercise, particularly those surrounding the conduct of the national recount.” In fact, the Aubrey Norton camp went as far as using comments made the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, who had pointed out the nonsensical nature of their call, to fuel its misguided political plays. However, the Coalition’s bluff was called by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, with the announcement of an International Commission of Inquiry into the debacle that was Guyana’s March 2020 General and Regional Elections. The members are Justice Stanley John, Retired Justice of Appeal in Turks and Caicos (Chairman); Justice Godfrey P. Smith, SC, former Attorney General, High Court Judge and Acting Justice of Appeal, Eastern Caribbean Court; Justice Carl Singh, former Chancellor, Guyana; and Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, former Chair and Chief Elections Commissioner of India. Dr. Afari Gyan and Dr. Nasim Zaidi will serve as resource personnel. The Head of State, rightfully, pointed out that: “The CoI will set the truth free, apart from the untruth and the CoI will set those who dwell in the house of democracy apart from those who dwell in the fire of undemocratic rule and norms.” In characteristic fashion, the PNCR/APNU/AFC followed each other with statement, a day after the President’s announcement of the constitution of the CoI, signalling their resistance of the work to be done by the Elections CoI. The PNCR has claimed that the announcement of the Elections CoI was a “distraction” and insist that there is “no need” for a Commission of Inquiry. The PNCR went as far as to trash the usefulness of Commission of Inquiry, when it supported, not two years ago, a total of 10 Commissions of Inquiry under the former David Granger-led government. The AFC, for its part, argued that there was no consultation with the Opposition before the International Elections CoI was announced – again, a strange comment, considering the 10 Commissions of Inquiry under the former David Granger-led government. Further, the AFC, clearly scrambling for reasoning to back up its positions, cited the discredited result of the IRI poll. Evidently, the PNCR/APNU/AFC seems intent to sticking to its call for GECOM to review itself, a position that is out of touch with reality, much like its position that its Statements of Poll (SOPs) show an electoral victory at the March 2020 polls. But then again, the International CoI.

CoI will strip cover from many involved in attempts to rig 2020 Elections Dear Editor,

ustice Claudette Singh, the Chair of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), has correctly declared that there will be no investigation of the 2020 General and Regional Elections by GECOM, since it is outside of the Commission’s mandate to do so. Her response addressed the Opposition-nominated Commissioners’ sinister advocacy for the institution to investigate questions about the validity of votes and missing documents. The recent rigging attempts involving the GECOM Secretariat staff — who are now before the courts, answering charges of electoral fraud — bring into question evidence-based support for these actors by the cabal representatives on the Commission. They utilised invited public press interviews to confirm this support, but there was convenient silence from the same Opposition commissioners when the filth began to spew. While they were silent on certain relevant issues during the 5 months of suppression following polls on March 02, 2020, the recent call for GECOM to review certainly targets a mechanism of slowing down GECOM’s progress regarding the Local Government Elections, and presenting the tainted former CEO and his aides with opportunities for public-influencing cover-up. They must tell their story to the Judge, not to the supportive and biased party influencing partners on the commission! It is factual that undercurrents, including the absence of the Opposition’s Statements of Poll (SOPs), reports from the Chief Elections Officer or Region #4 Returning Officer, did not elicit from this PNC cabal group any rational position of fairness consistent with their responsibility under Section 162 (1) (b) of the Constitution Cap. 1.01; which states the commission “shall issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness, and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties connected with or relating to the matters aforesaid.” It follows that the exercise of caution must now be a synonymous consideration by all dealing with the pattern of their agenda-setting prioritisation,

which must now always be seen through a lens that uncovers disguise. At almost every level, the cabal’s advancement of a seemingly agreeable position for simplification of the process is the intent-laden coating of subsequent legal challenges if the results do not work in their favour. The experience of the 1997 National Elections Identification Card fiasco is not too far in Guyana’s recent history, and serves to represent another imbued component to the typical PNC untrustworthy benchmark. President Ali’s recent announcement of the commencement of a State Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the antecedents of the flagrant and contrived thieving, rigging, and denial of the truth comes on the heels of Justice Claudette Singh’s pronouncements. While the findings and recommendations of the CoI are not enforceable, and cannot bind courts considering the same subject matter, it is anticipated that the impartial fact-finding undertaking would provide the scope for informed rational conclusions and exposure of the truth regarding the roles played by various others in the abhorrent and unholy suppression attempt on the Guyanese people, who must continue to unite in their struggle for free and fair elections. Further, the world would know the truth, and our citizens would be more aware of the existing monsters among them, when their silken covers are removed. Editor, when one reflects on the elections events of 2020, it is easy to connect the activities and results of the 2015 elections, which bore the same scars. There was no review, no discussion/reports or investigation into the rigging that took place there as well. I was a Counting Agent of my party, the PPPC, and was present at the GECOM facility when the “rigging broadsheet” was introduced and the APNU/AFC was catapulted into office. It is obvious why our elections petition was never heard. But because we had the facts and we were convinced that we were cheated but not defeated, we contested the 2016 and 2018 Local Government Elections, and whipped all the other contesting parties. In December 2018, the PPP/C, with a one-seat minority in Parliament, was bold enough to move the No-Confidence motion, and caught the corrupt

APNU/AFC with their pants down. Eventually, after struggling for survival and numerous court cases, APNU/AFC accepted defeat and was forced to hold National & Regional Elections after numerous created delays. They did so in full hope that their backup plan to use another false broadsheet would work again. APNU/AFC knew that GECOM could only conduct a review when they retrieve all ten ROs and the CEO reports. Hence, all efforts to put together the relevant reports for discussion must demand that the clean sweep of the computers must be enough reasons for some GECOM staff to face the necessary penalties. All missing documents must be accounted for. In addition, with all the “facts” before us, the eminent Justice Claudette Singh must assert herself and demand that all GECOM spending over the last decade be audited. Those culprits who are calling for Review and investigation must face the Police and the courts. GECOM must stop wasting precious time, and get on with the complete cleansing of all the strangers to the truth and “riggers”. Anyone who values his “sweat” will not deny the fact that the SoPs at the Elections are the most and best authentic documents to confirm the results of the Elections. To achieve this measure, the Guyanese people struggled for decades to ensure the votes are counted at the places of poll, and this was achieved for the 1992 elections. It is universally accepted that the SoPs will be prepared by the Presiding Officers in every polling booth, and signed off by the ROs and all the Polling Agents present after the count, after verifying the tally results by cross-checking the SoPs. Legally, Polling Agents are allowed to take a copy of the SoPs to their respective political parties for reconciliation. Parties and other interested stakeholders also get the necessary information concerning various vote tally for each polling booth, since a copy of the verified SoPs is posted up outside of the polling booth for the public to scrutinise. Had they produced their SoPs, we would not have had to go through five months with APNU/AFC/PNC knees on our people’s necks. Sincerely, Neil Kumar

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Why was this over-looked by Vice News?

Geopolitical agenda backed by lies the focus W of ‘Vice News’ hatchet job on Guyana

Dear Editor,

n anti-China line fuelled the geopolitical agenda that was the focus of the controversial Vice News publication, aired on Showtime on Sunday, 19th June 2022. The Vice News reporter, Isobel Yeung, frames her ‘Guyana for Sale’ video by saying: “As China expands into South America, the US (United States of America) sees their growing presence as a threat. This is a Region where America has long held political and regional dominance.” Inserts of comments by US President, Joe Biden, saying, “China has an overall goal to become a wealthiest country in the world and the most powerful country in the world. That's not going to happen on my watch” and on China’s influence via is Belt and Road initiative were also given prominence in the publication. However, Vice News’ agenda was clearly not factually based or substantiated. First, Isobel Yeung made claims that China approved a $1.5B loan to Guyana. The fact is that in examining the last three national budgets, 2020 to 2022, Guyana has not borrowed a $1.5B loan from China. Secondly, Yeung, in referring to the planned Amaila Falls Hydropower Project said: “This is where they're building a massive hydroelectric power plant to the Chinese state backed Corporation has just won the bid to pick up that project and that deal is worth of hundreds of millions of dollars. And what we've heard is that the only reason they won that project is because of a very sizable bribe.” The fact is that a deal for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) has not been awarded by the Government of Guyana. The Government was in negotiations with China Railway Group Limited for the completion of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant based on a Build,

Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to develop the AFHP, either on the basis of a 20-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) concession or on a Design-Build-Finance (DBF) basis were invited in 2021. A total of four companies submitted proposals. China Railway Group Limited was identified as the most ‘capable partner’ by the Evaluation Committee after a rigorous evaluation process, following which the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) submitted the relevant recommendation to Cabinet for ‘no-objection.’ Under the BOOT model the company will supply electricity to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. at a cost averaging US$0.07737 per KWH over the 20 year BOOT period. However, the China Railway Group Limited indicated that the BOOT model was not feasible, so negotiations ended. Now, the Government is now considering going back out to tender for the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. Thirdly, Isobel Yeung, attempted to link firms working in Guyana to the Chinese “Communist” Party and said, “It does imply very much that the Beijing authorities know exactly what's going on.” The fact is that Guyana formally established diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China on June 27, 1972, under the leadership of former President, the Late Arthur Chung. It is unfortunate that Vice News saw it fit to only use Guyana to pursue their geopolitical agenda; in face of our country’s regional leadership on issues like food security and our country’s international leadership on issues like the plan to allow developing countries to transition to a low carbon economy – that is the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030. Sincerely, Brian Azore

APNU+AFC rep engaged in failed attempt to bring some redemption to former gov’t Dear Editor,

respond forthwith to a letter published on June 13, 2022 in the local media under the caption “An attempt to erase the legacy of the Coalition Government because of political immaturity” I must say this is indeed another failed attempt by the author of the letter to bring some redemption to a former administration which can only be remembered for its blatant attempt to trick the Guyanese people. The author’s first line reads, “Sometimes it bothers me to comprehend the level a few Political Leaders will stoop to propagate lies to confuse the minds of Guyanese”, I believe that line best suits the former administration, to which the author belongs. Editor, I will not respond line for line, but I bring to your attention documented evidence by

way of records from the Transport and Harbours Department in response to the accusations made by Ms. Ferguson in her letter. People’s Progressive Party Civic Government failed to address high costs of vehicular fares for residents of Mahaica-Berbice and East Berbice-Corentyne, Regions 5 and 6. The People’s Progressive Party Civic Government, under President Donald Ramotar, did not lower the tolls for the Berbice Bridge crossing And former Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, was adamant in opposing the calls for fare reductions. All of which, she stated, occurred on or before May 17, 2014. Editor, here are those documented records from T&HD operations in Regions Five and Six. From March 2012 to January 2013, Shanti (Turn to page 18)

hy was several false claims not verified by Vice News before it was presented in the production by that outfit? In the recording of the Mr. Su’s meeting with Vice President Jagdeo, Stabroek News reported a few interesting things: 1. Jagdeo, when asked about his understanding of the meeting between Mr. Su and his associate, Mr. Chan, said: “No, No, No. I'm not getting involved in business. You will get the support. Mr. Su is my friend….I can assist from the government side. That’s it.” 2. At this point, Su insisted to Mr. Chan, in Mandarin, that he will deal with any money matters. 3. When Mr. Chan pressed Su, again in Mandarin, Su said: “I’ll give him they money with you.” 4. But as soon as the meeting with Jagdeo ended, Mr. Su, switched tunes, and said: “His (Jagdeo’s) hands are very clean….he will never admit he’s involved in this.” In Guyana, any person on the street in the same situation would realize they are being made a fool, so why didn’t Mr. Chan? Noth-

ing about bribes or the payment of money was talked about in English. When it came to discussing payment Mr. Su switched to Mandarin. Why didn’t Vice News recognize that Mr. Su was lying? Or did they not care? Vice News also published claims that Chinese-owned firms, have confirmed that they were victims of Mr. Su’s scam. Why was this evidence ignored? It is interesting too that Su claimed to have stakes in the oil sector, according to the foreign reporter. Vice News’ Isobel Yeung said: “Mr. Su is a long time Guyana resident he's one of the country’s biggest land holders in timber and mining with stakes and oil as well.” But China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is the only Chinese-owned organization involved in the sector, having a share in the Stabroek Block with its partners Hess and Exxon. Why wasn’t this fact considered? It seems that the piece was engineered to fit an agenda, despite the clear facts. Sincerely, Erin Northe

Deliberate attempt to paint Guyana as a backwater nation Dear Editor,

he now much talked about 15-minute video, which can only be described as an attempted take down of Guyana by Vice News, is riddled with lies. But for the purpose of this letter, I wish to deal with the subject of the Amaila Falls Hydro project. Editor, I have now seen both the 15-minute piece and the full video of the interview of Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo by the Vice News reporter that was almost two hours long. In the full interview, when the issue of Amaila Falls Hydro project came up, the reporter was told about the project, in depth. Jagdeo, in the February 2022 interview said: “Amaila was developed through a subsidiary of Blackstone. They went out to public tender. This was when I was President. They selected a number of people, the Chinese company to build the hydro. Then I left office. It continued. The last government stopped the project. When they came into office, Norway was putting in $100M into the project. The project had been approved at the IDB Board – the Inter-American Development Bank Board. Then we urged, because the last government was saying there was corruption, so we asked the last government to Norway do an assessment. You can check the assessment done by Norway. Norway said this is the best project to decarbonize the energy sector, the hydro project. So we made it clear in Opposition that there is no way we can achieve our emission targets globally if we don’t go with hydro as part of the baseload. So when we got back in office, we retendered the project. We retendered the project. Now by that time this company that

won the bid, in an open process, they won the bid – the lowest price financing – they had acquired from Blackstone, historically, the material, all the drawing etc. So I suspect that is what helped them to put in a better bid. But this was the lowest of the evaluated bids.” The Vice News reporter, demonstrating ignorance of the tender procedures in Guyana, was also told clearly that there was no closed process with Amaila Falls Hydro project. Still in the 15-minute video, the Vice News reporter, on the subject of the Amaila Falls Hydro project, said: “Even now, in this very, very remote area. You can see the Chinese influence. This is where they're building a massive hydroelectric power plant to the Chinese state backed Corporation has just won the bid to pick up that project and that deal is worth of hundreds of millions of dollars. And what we've heard is that the only reason they won that project is because of a very sizable bribe.” The basics of journalism and reporting are ignored and replaced by a barefaced lie. There is no sugar coating of this. It was a lie in the face of facts and in the face of a detailed explanation on the history and current position of the Amaila Falls Hydro project. Still, despite the lies, I cannot help but notice those who would jump on the bandwagon just for the sake of having company in their criticisms of the current government. People have a right to criticise yes, but with facts, not lies. And not at the expense of our country. We should not allow these foreign personalities to succeed in painting our nation as a backwater country with lies. Sincerely, Thomas Cole

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 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 ’ Market vendors to be Blood banking services Leonora relocated to facilitate $66M road works to be offered at regional V hospitals – Dr. Anthony

he Health Ministry will be expanding its blood banking services to every region across the country, according to subject Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony. The minister noted that permanent sites will be established at the Regional Hospitals so that persons willing to donate can have access to the facilities. Currently, blood banking services are being offered at the Central Blood Bank, located at the Georgetown Public Hospital, the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, Region Six and the West Demerara Regional Hospital in Region Three. “The intention is that all of our regional hospitals would have capabilities to be able to take blood from donors and also to be able to

screen the blood, make sure it’s free from any pathogens and then be able to transfuse that blood if it’s necessary,” Dr. Anthony said. He explained that plans are in the pipelines to establish facilities at Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two and the Linden Hospital Complex in Region Ten. The government has been working steadfastly to decentralise blood banking services across Guyana. Over time, every region should be able to provide the service and allow persons donating to be screened and treated for various illnesses. “We are increasing the amount of fixed points where people can come in and donate and at the same time maintaining our mobile work activities where we

can go to special areas and collect blood,” Dr. Anthony noted. Speaking about blood banking over the past two years, the minister said less donors came forward due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that pre-COVID the blood bank would collect approximately 14,000 units of blood, however, only about 9,000 units were collected during last year. “We’re mindful that we had a decrease and we’re working actively to see how we can get more people donating,” the health minister noted. As the country returns to some semblance of normalcy, it is expected that persons would be willing to start donating blood again. Guyana has over 15, 000 donors.

endors plying their trade at the Leonora Market, West Coast Demerara, Region three, will soon be relocated, to the make way for the rehabilitation of the old road valued at $66 million. The contract for the 30 feet wide concrete road was awarded to Y. Bola Construction Services. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Deodat Indar, M.P, said a land has been identified aback of the market to relocate the vendors who are currently plying their trade on the roadside. This new area, which will be developed to make way for the much needed road works, can accommodate over 500 vendors. On Saturday (June 18, 2022), the minister conducted an outreach in the area where he met with vendors

and provided an update on the project. He explained that there was a challenge with the portion land which was initially proposed and so, immediate steps were taken to identify another area to house the vendors during the road works. “There are a lot of people that are plying their trade at the side of the road so we cant move them and we have to fina a place to put them…so we found some land that is the market property to be developed and we will bring everybody here,” Minister Indar explained. In the interim, vendors are expected to benefit from a clean-up initiative to improve the market’s environment. The works will begin on June 19 in collaboration with the ministry of public works, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the market commit-

tee among others. He said, “Immediate works will start with cleaning of the drains at the side of the road to improve the drainage system and the tidying up within the market because some people were complaining about bushes and some snakes and so we’re going to try to at least lift the area up a little before the road construction.” In April, His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali visited the market and met with the vendors, where he announced government’s intention to construct a new tarmac and upgrade the Lenora market old road to create a more enabling environment for business. Some $69.3 million will be used to execute these works which includes the rehabilitation of the road and upgraded to the market.

Persons with permanent disabilities to get lifelong public assistance – persons with HIV, cancer to also benefit

ll citizens living with permanent disabilities will have access to lifelong public assistance, according to Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. Dr. Persaud was speaking at the Night Shelter located in East La Penitence, Georgetown. “All persons living with permanent disabilities will be able to access public assistance without any need to qualify, any means test. It’s automatic access to public assistance and secondly that public assistance will be provided to them for the rest of their lives, they do not need to be subjected to any other medical or any other test going forward,” the minister noted. This is following an announcement made by His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to provide every child with a disability grant of $100, 000. The initiative is in keeping with the gov-

ernment’s ‘One Guyana’ plan, which seeks to ensure no citizen is left behind. Minister Persaud noted that public assistance will also be extended to persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and cancer. Persons are asked to get registered with the National Commission on Disability (NCD) or with teams visiting areas across the country to register children for the government’s disability grant. The minister said officers were sent to far-flung communities to ensure there is “inclusivity and equal access” to the government’s programmes and initiatives. “I believe this will help those who are in the caregiving world and care for children and adults… because we want to ensure that persons who are living with a disability understand the government of Guyana’s commitment to them,” she

said. The government continues to put measures in place to assist persons with disabilities to ensure they have access to better opportunities. Through the ministry of human services and social security, persons living with disabilities across the country who are desirous of support are provided with free supportive aids including wheelchairs, walking canes and hearing aids. In addition, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and Women Innovation, Investment Network (WIIN) are providing training opportunities for persons with disabilities. The ministry will be providing transportation for disabled children to attend school, as well. Meanwhile, the ministry will be launching a pampers bank for both adults and children, Persons desirous of accessing support can contact the Difficult Circumstances Unit at the ministry.

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 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 ’

Health system prepares 1,900 job seekers registered on for detection of Monkey national job bank website Pox – Health Minister T L

ocal health authorities are preparing to address any possible case of Monkey Pox in Guyana, Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony said as he gave a global approximation of infected people. “It’s about 1,900 cases that were found globally, and if you look at those numbers and the world’s population is a relatively small amount of people,” he said. But despite the low numbers, the ministry of health is not taking chances. “What we have been doing is to make sure that our

physicians are able to recognise signs and symptoms of monkey pox, they know how to treat and therefore we want to equip our healthcare system in case we have any cases here, that we will first of all be able to detect it and to be able to treat it,” Dr. Anthony said. The ministry is training laboratory staff, and one of the local staff members is engaged in a training being conducted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) for the Caribbean region. “So, we are equipping the system to ensure that we can detect

any cases if ever that happens,” Dr. Anthony said. Dr. Anthony opined that increased surveillance systems around the world may be the reason the disease was detected. “Monkey pox is nothing new you know. The first-time monkey pox was detected was in 1958 and every year you would normally get cases. This is the first time we have seen so many cases outside of the endemic zone, meaning outside of Central and Western Africa, and I think the reason why we have picked that up is because (Turn to page 19)

Over 4,700 applications processed for CPCE so far

he Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) has processed 4,705 applications for the 2022 cohort so far, with increasing submissions coming in from hinterland students. In 2021, the college launched its online training programme in face of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, trainees are still required to attend face- to- face sessions in order to complete their prevocational and secondary academic courses. Meanwhile, the college

has 11 hinterland or riverine centres in Regions One, Five, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten which offer teacher upgrade and trained teachers’ certificate programmes. The Ministry of Education has called for the expansion of the programmes being offered at the hinterland centres to ensure educators are in a better position to deliver quality education, even as Guyana moves towards a first-class education system. Currently, pre-service students from hinterland

communities in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine recently assumed residency at the college, to continue and access their training. To ensure in-service students are afforded the same opportunities as their pre-service counterparts, the college is working to bring the in-service teachers to the CPCE when school closes. They will then be able to access courses that were missed from semesters one and two in order to complete their training.

he Ministry of Labour’s national job bank has attracted some 1,900 job seekers since the premier launch of the website in March 2022. An additional 139 employers have signed on to the website, making available some 299 job opportunities. Minister, Joseph Hamilton, said the data shows a good response by the public to the new online platform which offers ways to optimise the hiring process, and reach a wider audience.

He said, “For me, the most important thing is not so much the figures, the numbers and the data but, how many persons were employed and this is the most important issue for me, so, that is what we will pay some attention to, so that at any given moment, I can report that so many places were employed via the job bank,” he explained. The ministry is currently conducting follow-up/ job tracing exercises to determine the number of persons who have been

employed from the service. It is also advancing its job readiness programme to ensure applicants are better equipped, and aware of proper work ethics. The programme targets job seekers, as well as Grades 10 and 11 students. The list of popular categories of work include Arts & Design, Media/Publishing, Customer Support, Advertising/Marketing/PR, Hospitality/Travel/Tourism, Internet-E-commerce, Construction/Architecture, (Turn to page 19)

School children to receive $30,000 cash grant in late July

uyanese students, from nursery to primary school, will start receiving the $30, 000 cash grants at the end of July. Further, assistance will be given in the form of text books to every child in primary school as was done for children in Grades five and six. Additionally, every student, from Grade seven to 13 will have all Mathematics,

English and Literature textbooks required, while efforts will be made over the next two years for all secondary school students to have all the textbooks needed. Last year, the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, and the School Uniform and Supplies grant, saw every child in both public and private schools receiving a total of $19,000 each.

Though it was first intended to benefit public school children only, government later extended the initiative to private school students. This year the ‘cash grant has increased from $19,000 to $25,0000 dollars, while the school uniform and supplies grant has increased from $4,000 to $5,000, bringing the total to $30,000.

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 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 ’

Guyana leapfrogs into solar energy future with Norwegian forest payments G

uyana’s largest ever solar power projects will be financed thanks to the country’s low deforestation levels, following a landmark forest partnership between Guyana and Norway. The agreement signed on Wednesday (June 22, 2022) on World Rainforest Day, between Guyana, Norway and the Inter-American Development Bank is a major step for Guyana’s green energy transition. Guyana will use funds received for its low deforestation rates to finance eight large-scale solar energy proj-

ects. In total, the projects will provide 27,000 households with cheap, clean energy – benefiting approximately 70,000 people. For years, the South American country has been one of the world’s leading countries on rainforest protection. While tropical deforestation rates remain high in some countries, Guyana – whose forest is about the size of England and Scotland combined – has successfully kept its forest cover of 85% and with only 0,05% deforestation. “I am impressed by Guy-

ana’s continued leadership to protect the country’s vital rainforests, and welcome their decision to use some of the of payments for maintaining a low deforestation to scale up solar energy generation,” said Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s Minister of Climate and the Environment. A total of eight photovoltaic solar projects will be distributed across three areas in Guyana, benefitting around 70.000 people. Photo: Department of Public Information, Government of Guyana. Since 2009, Guyana has received a total of NOK 1.5

billion (about USD220 million) as results-based payments from Norway. These funds have been invested in the country’s low carbon development, financing renewable energy, flood protection, green job creation, as well as land titling and development funds for indigenous peoples. “In 2009, Guyana launched one of the world’s first low carbon development strategies. We set out to show that it is possible to

maintain forests while also creating prosperity and opportunities for our people to thrive. Norway has been a steadfast partner in our work to find international solutions that support this objective. The world needs far more collaborations like ours – so I hope that today’s announcement will motivate others to recognize that progress is possible,” says Prime Minister of Guyana, Honourable

Mark Phillips. The Guyana Utility Scale Solar Photovoltaic Program (GUYSOL) will invest in eight utility-scale, photovoltaic solar projects totaling 33MWp with associated 34MWh energy storage systems distributed across three areas in Guyana. The program is financed by Guyana’s payments from Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative and implemented by IDB and Guyana.

Government will support flood-affected communities – PM Phillips

rime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips disclosed on Tuesday (June 22, 2022) that the Government will make needed interventions to support communities affected by flooding. During a virtual meeting with members of the National Taskforce on Flood Monitoring, the Prime Minister announced that the Government will provide relief to all affected residents. Recent rainfall, particularly over the last 96 hours, has affected many regions throughout Guyana. A comprehensive update provided by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) indicated that water is decreasing in certain areas, but is rising in others. To this end, special attention will be paid to Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), where many communities are flooded. Region Seven has a high water level as a result of the

overtopping of the Cuyuni River, and Chenapau in Region Eight is enduring a similar outcome due to the overtopping of rivers there. Reports from Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) indicate that over 180 households and 15 farms have been impacted by flooding. Meanwhile, in Region 10, Rockstone and Speightland are also affected, while reports from Kwakwani indicate that the Berbice River is approximately two feet above the river bank, which has resulted in over 200 households being affected. Parts of Region One, Region Three (Canal Number One and Two), Region Five and Region Six are also affected. To alleviate the problems, Central Government, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and regional bodies have been clearing drains and canals; repairing and maintaining pumps and kokers, while they have also been relocating livestock. The Prime Minister be-

moaned the flood situation in Georgetown and again spoke to the Mayor, His Worship Ubraj Narine, and they agreed that the Government will work with the city council to improve the management and monitoring of sluices and pumps. In keeping with the Prime Minister’s directive the Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha and the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, the Honourable Nigel Dharamlall will continue to render further assistance to the city council in the forms of human resources (to improve monitoring of sluice gates) and fuel (to ensure all pumps are working). Along with assessing the affected communities, the Government through its respective agencies will deliver food hampers, sanitation hampers, purification tablets, and collapsible one-gallon bottles, while the Ministry of Health officials will be available to deal with any flood-related or waterborne disease.

Guyana partners with IICA to tackle food security

ulfikar Mustapha, Agriculture Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, affirmed his country’s support during an official visit to IICA headquarters, describing the proposal as innovative in bringing countries together, working as a team and collaborating with food security in the region.

Zulfikar Mustapha, the Guyanese Minister of Agriculture, guaranteed his country’s support for the continental alliance proposed by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) to address growing threats to food security in the hemisphere. Mustapha made an offi-

cial visit to IICA headquarters in San José, Costa Rica, where he met IICA Director General, Manuel Otero, to discuss the Caribbean nation’s action plans, priorities and agricultural challenges, and to advance the dialogue on the main advances of Guyanese agriculture and new opportunities for technical cooperation. “We in (Turn to page 19)

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE Funds earmarked for consultation on Amerindian Act revision – President Ali T

he government through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, has set aside financial resources this year, to commence a national consultation as part of plans to revise the Amerindian Act of 2006. President Dr. \ Irfaan Ali made the announcement during his address to res-

idents of Phillipai, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven, recently. During the interaction, residents spoke of the need for the Amerindian Act to be updated in accordance with national and international laws. President Ali noted that the government is committed to delivering on its

manifesto promise to review the act in full consultation with the Amerindian people, and their leaders. “We can’t revise the Amerindian Act in some fancy office somewhere. We have to consult the people, going to every single community listening to the people, listening to their voices, not an associ-

ation, an organisation, or a government, as a unified force,” he said. He added, “All the people who are captured under the Amerindian Act must be involved in the process. Based on the principled of a consultative approach, we have to consult with the people, and that is our com-

mitment.” The Amerindian Act is the primary legislation that governs the affairs of the Amerindian people of Guyana. It provides for the recognition, and protection of collective rights of Amerindian Villages and Communities in Guyana and the promotion of good

governance. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government in its manifesto in the run-up to the general elections of March 2020 had promised to revise the Act and ensure it adequately meets the current, and future needs of the Amerindians of Guyana.

ICT hubs being completed in more remote communities T

he Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Hub initiative continues to be expanded across Guyana, reaching an increasing number of Guyanese youths. The creation of ICT hubs in the hinterland was reintroduced by the PPP/C

government, after taking office in August 2020. The ICT Hubs will be established in communities which would not have had facilities before and the hubs will be equipped with a minimum of 25 computers. Currently, many of the

very remote villages still use the traditional form of communicating via radio sets. These sets are old and have not been repaired or replaced over the years. Before 2015, the PPP/C Government had started a programme aimed at modernising Guyana through

Tapakuma - Region 2

ICT. This programme saw ICT labs being constructed and equipped in several communities and schools in the hinterland. Moreover, the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme was created in aid of ensuring that every Guyanese, throughout the country,

has access to information technology. The PPP/C Government has committed to prioritizing Information and Communications Technology as a strategic catalyst for accelerating economic and social development across Guyana; particularly in

Itaballi - Region 7

Baramita - Region 1

Moraikobai - Region 5

Agatash - Region 7

Meriwau Village - Region 9

the hinterland. Reducing many disparities between the hinterland and coastal areas necessitates the use of technology, a critical tool which the new government is looking to afford persons in indigenous communities, through the establishment of the ICT hubs.

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT President Ali delivers….

Retired Justice Stanley John to head International Elections CoI

resident, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Tuesday (June 21, 2022) announced the members of the International Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. The members include Chairman of the Commission Retired Justice of Appeal, Stanley John; 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. According to the statement released by the Head of State, Dr. Afari Jayan and Dr. Nasim Zaidi will serve as resource personnel to assist the commission with its work. The missive that in the coming weeks, the commissioners and resource personnel will review the reports and documentation, set out modalities and commence work. Dr. 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. “The

COI will set those who dwell in the house of democracy against those who dwell in the fire of undemocratic rule and norms,” the Head of State remarked. He is confident that the findings of the COI will see Guyana celebrating yet another victory. The PPP/C Administration since taking office had vowed to commence groundwork to strengthen the country’s electoral system, which will close major loopholes in the process. Government will be seeking changes including establishing that SOPs be used as the only basis for the tabulation of results, instead of spreadsheets. The administration also wants SOPs to be posted online by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and contesting political parties within 24 hours of receiving them. The APNU+AFC Coalition made attempts to rig the March 2 elections, presenting fake SOPs and claimed victory. Following five months of legal battles, the will of the people being stifled and numerous calls from the regional and international community, the APNU+AFC accepted defeat and stepped down, finally making way for the constitutionally elected President Ali-led administra-

tion to assume office. Since then, several high-level officials of GECOM and the APNU+AFC faced charges before the courts for issues relating to the elections. BIOGRAPHICAL SUMMARY OF EACH COMMISSIONER: Retired Justice of the Appeal Stanley H.W. John Retired Justice Stanley John is currently serving as the Non-Resident Justice of Appeal, Turks and Caicos Islands. He presides over criminal and civil appeals from the Supreme Court. Prior, He served as Temporary High Court Judge of The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in Montserrat from April – July 2021. He also served as Temporary High Court Judge of The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in the British Virgin Islands and Temporary High Court Judge of The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in Antigua and Barbuda. In addition to these, Retired Justice Stanley John was once a Puisne Judge in Trinidad and Tobago from 1994 to 2002 where he presided over criminal trials and headed the Criminal Division of the High Court. His professional appoint-

President Ali commits to addressing priority issues in south Georgetown P

resident Dr. Irfaan Ali committed to addressing the core issues, including flooding, that the communities in South and North Ruimveldt face. President Ali made the pronouncement during an impromptu visit to south Georgetown over the weekend. The President told residents that he wanted to “engage the communities on a few things and one is flooding”. He said that the Government has committed to working with south Georgetown and to developing a holistic plan to deal with flooding. President Ali noted that a team of engineers will

execute an initial assessment and when that is completed, they will consult with the residents to find the best way forward. During his visit, the President walked around Festival City where he inspected the conditions of the roads, drains and the community centre ground. The President made a commitment, on the spot, to not only rehabilitate the ground but also repair the building. This will be done in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Efforts will also be made to clean and de-silt the drains with expediency to

aid the community in alleviating its flooding woes. During the walkabout, the President engaged residents on pressing community issues and solicited their opinions on addressing them. President Ali also spoke to several youths in the area and encouraged them to sign up with the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme. Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; CEO of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves; and other government representatives were also on the walkabout.

ments are as follows: • Chairman of The Public Service Appeal Board, Trinidad & Tobago | Mar 2019 – Present • Member of The Ethics Committee Cricket West Indies (CWI), Trinidad & Tobago | 2016 – 2021 • Disciplinary Tribunals for Magistrates, Trinidad & Tobago | 1996 • Executive Director / Chairman of The Legal Aid and Advisory Authority, Trinidad & Tobago | 1990 – 1993. Godfrey P. Smith Godfrey Phillip Smith SC has served as Attorney General of Belize, a High Court Judge, and an Acting Justice of Appeal in the Eastern Caribbean. Each has a track record of distinguished adjudication while leading major reforms and innovation to achieve efficiency in the business of resolving disputes. He has also served as Minister of Tourism & National Emergency Management, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Attorney General & Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister of Belize, and a Member of the House of Representatives. Currently, the Former Attorney General is Partner

at ByronSmith, Arbitrators & Litigation Support Services and Senior Partner, at Marine Parade Chambers, LLP, Attorneys-at-Law. Dr S.Y. Quraishi Dr. S.Y. Quraishi holds a bachelor’s degree (Hons) and a master’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. He later gained a PhD from the J M I University, Delhi. He joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1971 and after holding several strategic and key positions, rose to become the 17th Chief Election Commissioner of India, the world’s largest democracy. Among the numerous posts Dr Quraishi has held were: Chief Election Commissioner of India, July 2010- June 2012, Election Commissioner of India, June 2006- July 2010 and Secretary, Govt. of India Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, 2005-2006. HE is also credited for founding the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management from which more than 75 countries have received training in this institute within five years. More recently, he was a member of the Board of Advisors of International IDEA (Institute of Democra-

cy and Electoral Assistance) Stockholm for 9 years (2012 – 2021). Dr Quraishi was nominated to be a Global Ambassador of Democracy alongside Kofi Annan by International IDEA (Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance) Stockholm in Oct 2018. Retired Chancellor (ag.) Carl Singh Retired Chancellor (ag) Carl Singh has held several key positions following his admission to the Bar in 1982. He fulfilled the roles of Magistrate- 1983, Land Court Judge-1988, High Court Judge-1995, and Court of Appeal-2000. In 2001, Retired Chancellor (ag)Carl Singh was appointed Chief Justice, and from 2005 – 2017 he served as acting Chancellor of the Judiciary. The retired Chancellor (ag) also served as the Chairman of the Advisory Council to the President of Guyana on National Honours from 2005- 2017. From 2017-2019 he served as Professor of Law and head of the Department of Law, University of Guyana. Retired Chancellor (ag) Carl Singh was awarded 2nd and 3rd Highest National Honours – OR and CCH respectively.

All hands needed on deck for sugar to succeed – President Ali

resident, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the success of the nation’s sugar industry cannot be stirred by the efforts of the government and management only, as he called on the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), to play its part to ensure the sector achieves remarkable goals. The President was at the time addressing a massive crowd during the wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the 74th anniversary of the Enmore Martyrs, at the Plantation Enmore, East Coast Demerara Monument. MASSIVE INVESTMENT The President emphasised that it was the PPP/C who led the efforts when the industry was shattered and some 7, 000 Guyanese

lost their jobs during the previous government’s tenure in office. “We are not here to fight the industry. It is this government that is finding billions of dollars to bring back this industry. It is this government that bring back the jobs. It is not this government that took away the 7, 000 jobs, the direct and indirect loss to the industry was more than 30,000 jobs,” the President underscored. Providing the facts, Dr. Ali told the gathering that the previous APNU+AFC Coalition government was responsible for implementing the more than 200 taxes that eroded disposable income. “So, when we speak about human dignity and the struggle for human dignity, it is a philosophy of this government to struggle for human dignity. That is the funding principal of

this government,” he noted. The Guyanese leader said government will continue to support sugar, as it understands the social and economic value of the industry. “We are going to work on restructuring the management and working with the management to strengthen their measures and policies to turn the industry around. But we need the union in this process also,” President Ali underscored. He said the sacrifices of the martyrs afforded Guyana the opportunity to produce and provide valuables that were not envisaged at that time. As Guyana improves economically and financially, the President emphasised that the nation’s workers must feel the benefits. (Turn to page 19)

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Cooperative Republic of Guyana

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE Please see below the lists of contact information for the committee members who are in charge of the registration and verification exercises for the Government of Guyana's fertilizer assistance programme for rice and cash crop farmers.

Regional Fertilizer Committee Representatives - Rice Region 2

Region 5

SN District/Area

Number of Representative(s)

Good Hope to Fairfield

2 3

Vilvoordeen to Onderneeming Suddie to La Union

1 1

Queenstown to Reliance

Bushlot to Richmond

La Belle Alliance to Windsor Castle

Hampton Court to Elisa

Perth to Better Hope

La Resource to New Road

Name of Representative Fizul Mohamed Khan Hansraj Yadunauth Madhoo Pradesh Brahaspac Daramchan Das Kaydar Persaud Doodan Singh Sundar Persaud Ibrahim Baksh Bisram Laltoo Cyril Lochan Lyndon Stephany Thakur Samlall Olyndia Lawrie Lionel Boodhram Karran Koomar Alsayad Ahamad Daneshshree Lalmon Sabaschandibhose Bharrat Allan Rampersaud Dhaniram Ramcharran

Telephone Number 603-2480 689-9322 656-8677 647-1478 625-9884 655-9568 629-0732 612-8201 667-2331 681-1953 646-7771 645-7082 613-0413 609-1645 613-8986 630-2259 661-8841 648-7835 617-4872 652-0070 622-2095

Region 3 SN

District/Area

Number of Representative(s)

Canal # 2 to Vreed-En-Hoop

Novelle Flanders to La Jalousie

Blankenburg to Hague Back

Vergenoegen to St Lawrence

Leguan

Wakenaam

Name of Representative Mahipaul Ramharak Jeetlall Ramraj Kumar Ramnarace Sudama Mohamed Basheer Khan R. Kadarnauth George Nedd Ray Persaud Motie. J.L. Meghan Zaheer Dexter Thomas Faizal Baige Yassin Mohamed Shoaib Yassin Ramnaresh Persaud Dookie Mohandai Arshad Hamid

Telephone Number 670-4797 671-8666 647-9878 694-9435 671-1482 616-8015 688-5625 685-8392 696-1408 666-8860 687-8354 656-5133 696-1083 678-1512

Mortice to Esau & Jacob

Hamlet to Chance

Mahaicony to Abary

Profit to Rising Sun

Seafield toTempie

Union to Naarstigheid

Bath to Woodley Park

Woodlands to Bel Air

Rosignol to Zeelust

Blairmont to Gelderland

Region 6

District/Area

Number of Representative(s)

Mahaica Creek

Woodlands to Farm

Mahaicony Creek

Name of Representative Amarnauth Kiripal Ejaz Hoosein Karran Deokarran Neil Machado Vishnauth Lall Alim Bacchus Dewan Shrikant Ganesh Persaud Hansraj Durga

Telephone Number 623-1009 629-2296 627-8312 604-4930 657-1972 695-3247 658-5543 628-2863 625-1026

687-6760 658-3304 648-6817 682-6700 656-9358 661-5846 649-3686 629-8947 627-7850 691-1765 678-0641 611-0900 657-3072 672-0290 676-1944 627-9251 619-9061 654-3824 650-3831 626-8687 657-7641 604-8070 657-9563

District/Area

Number of Representative 1

Lallbachan Kampatpersaud

668-5032

2 3 4

Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder Johanna, Black Bush Polder Yakusari, Black Bush Polder

1 1 1

No. 43 Village to Number 35 Village

Adventure to Bushlot

Hogstyl to Lancaster

Whim to Clifton

Port Mourant (Follow Up)

Crabwood Creek to Molsen Creek

No. 52 to No. 74 Village

Ryan Pariang Nazir Khan Devanand Parmanand Terrence Sampson Mohamed Clarke Lakeram Ramlakhan Khublall Mangra Gideon Rajgopaul Robin Thom Hemraj Premaul Purush Ramanuth Mahase Rupert Ashook Seepersaud Wadesh Baichu Mahendra Deonarine Ahmad Rajab Bhanmatie Lalsaran Yadoo Hanoman Ravindra Ramlochan

Good Hope to No. 51 Village

13 14 15

No. 19 Village East Canjie West Canjie

1 1 1

East Bank Berbice

680-0658 672-4450 657-0971 691-6969 671-6544 616-9697 675-7251 670-5887 661-5301 650-1623 652-7533 661-9223 646-3002 629-2990 626-1422 618-5853 338-2452 644-1186 622-9228 629-8315 339-4062 655-9409 638-4299 686-1529 697-4776 622-9410 651-6996

Region 5 SN

Thameshwar Geerjah Surujpaul Dhanpaul Keshwar Etwaroo Lancelot Bourne Eaton Bowen Malcolm Bristol Rabunauth Baichu Brijdat Ramnarace Avinash Ramnauth Joseph Rooplall Richard Hookumchand Abdool Wahab Vishwamin Singh Basil Bazilio Araf Khan Tullapersaud Persaud Roopchan Doodnauth Khemraj Brijmohan Nandi George Munesh Sinacharan Jiaram Deolalla Malvern Adams Zahiruddeen Rahman

Name of Representative

Dyanand Singh Deewan Singh Premkaran Karan Heman Kanhai Josiah Semple Radesh Ramkarran Clifford Fraser

Telephone Number

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

REGION 6 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Name Address New Amsterdam - Germania Diane Leitch Hinds Roopchand Singh Odesh Tambarain Padaratt Seebarran Rohit Emraj

Telephone Number

Sandvoort Ma Ritrait Plegt Anker Sisiters Kortberaadt

Canje - # 19 Village Nourang Beharry

Reliance Besty Groud

Hogstyle - Borlam

Henrie Park Lesbeholden, Black BushLot Polder132 Alness Village Donna Campbell Lot 194 Gibraltar Abek Sukhan Lot 134 Fryish Ishwarsammy Narainsammy Lot 258 Area R Port Mourant Devindranaught Yonette Elcock Ulverston Village Mohaber Paras Lot 100 Area R PortMourant

Adventure- #43 Village Daaneshwar Rameswar Lokepaul Sukhai Lennox Haynes Komal Ganesh Narine Persaud Sahair Rahamat Rawle Medford

Lot 91 Bush Lot Lot 66 Kilmonarck Kiltern Village Cromarty Lot 1 Bengal Farm Lot 3 Kildonan Village Phillipi Farm

#44 Village- Linepath Isradai Ramdehal Keion Pestano Deodat Persaud Yawraj Ramproop Nowrang Badur Hanoomansingh Rampersaud

661-1143 613-9842 677-0859 630-5241 322-1779/641-0028 650-1726/674-0028 630-9403 662-0575 611-7846 618-7346 661-5242 696-6295 671-1828 609-4484 625-6211 655-7008

Lot 7 #45 Village #50 Village Lot 49 #56 Village Lot 93 # 71 Village #69 Village

6426017 6891376 3394063/ 6112707 6443531 6539964

#62 Village

6349930/ 6976910

Black Bush Polder

Vidya Sanichar Lita Outar Naresh Nandlall Premdat Etwaru Madhumattie Madramootoo Hemwattie Tageraj Bibi Faroozadeen Samemattie Persaud

675-2320 639-5737 651-3888 675-89999 644-4610

Lesbeholden Lesbeholden Mibicuri Mibicuri

626-4258 660-7306 688-3035 642-2717

Joanna Joanna Yakusari Yakusari

673-2098 600-6375 627-1412 622-6623

Crab Wood Creek- Moleson Creek

Hemchand Kaidnauth Lot 104 Grant 1806 335-0389 (Boye Sideline) Suresh Sukhram Lot 97 Grant 1805 335-0389 (Boville Sideline) Norman Hartman Grant 1780 610-5499 (School Sideline) Garesh Rohanlall ( Milali Sideline) Lot 119 Grant 2229 638-2479 Vishwa Mohabir Lot 75 Grant 1778 335-0661 (Rama Sideline) Teerbhawandat Arjune Lot 27 Grant 1805 653-2225 ( Balchand Scheme) Hassina Ally Moleson Creek 612-8869

Orealla

Winston Peneux Rose Sarius Flyod Edwards Ann Harry

Orealla Orealla Orealla Orealla

658-4188 617-5323 656-6667 610-5925

Region 2 List of Farmers assist with the verification and distribution of fertilizers: NAMES

ADDRESS

CONTACT #

Rosealine Thompson

Lima Sands

626-1586

Wajib Ali

Riverstown

661-5861

Shamnarine

Golden Fleece

628-9605

Dhansham Singh

Jacklow UPR

610-6074

Lalita Bissessar

Siriki UPR

615-4018

Haymraj Naraine

Supenaam

697-9728

Elta Stepen

Dartmouth

691-4541

Dexter Cameron

Gt. Bel Air LPR

672-2214

Hansraj

Hibernia

683-9322

Bholaram Mohan

Golden Fleece

670-7770

Sonia Latchman

Bethnay (Toshao)

622-5691

Areafa Shabeer

Mashabo (Toshao)

692-3455

Ralph Hendricks

Capoey (Toshao)

662-3781

Yvonne Pearson

Mainstay/Wayaka (Toshao)

639-8339

Aubry Fredricks

St. Denys/Tapakuma (Toshao)

628-8283

Eve Samuels

St. Monica/Karawab (Toshao)

689-9966

Monty Simon

Kabakaburi (Toshao)

686-5208

Lloyd Pereira

Wakapoa (Toshao)

675-9211

Rudolph Wilson

Akawani (Toshao)

684-0848

Farmers for the verification of the fertilizers for distribution in Region 2: Rosealine Thompson Wajib Alli Shamnarine Dhansham Singh Lalita Bissessar Haynraj Naraine Elta Stepen Dexter Cameron Hansraj Bholaram Mohan Sonia Latchman Areafa Shabeer Ralph Hendricks Mainstay/Wayaka St. Denys/Tapakuma St. Monica/Karawab Kabakaburi Wakapoa Akawani

- Lima Sands - Riverstown - Golden Fleece - Jacklow Pomeroon River - Siriki Pomeroon River - Supenaam Creek - Dartmouth - Lower Pomeroon - Hibernia - Golden Fleece - Bethnay (toshao) - Mashabo (Toshao) - Capoey (Toshao) - Yvonne Pearson (Toshao) - Aubry Fredricks (Toshao) - Eve Samuels (Toshao) - Monty Simon (Toshao) - Lloyd Pereira (toshao) - Rudolph (toshao)

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Jagdeo-led team engage in follow up meetings in Regions 5, 6

REGIONAL OUTREACH INITIATIVES During the ongoing regional outreaches, Vice President Jagdeo, as at June 18, 2022, has advanced several initiatives, in addition to ongoing efforts at both the regional and central government level. REGION 2 2,000 part-time jobs in the short term, while efforts continue to generate employment.

REGION 3 2,000 part-time jobs in the short term, while efforts continue to generate employment.

REGION 5 2,000 part-time jobs in the short term, while efforts continue to generate employment.

REGION 6 REGION 10 4,000 part-time jobs in the short term, 1,000 part-time while efforts continue to generate jobs in the short employment. term, while efforts continue to generate employment.

200 persons will benefit from small business grants to the tune of $250,000

$100M fertiliser support for farmers

200 persons will benefit from small business grants to the tune of $250,000

400 persons will benefit from small business grants to the tune of $250,000

200 persons will benefit from small business grants to the tune of $250,000

$250M fertiliser support for farmers

US$30M hospital

$300M fertiliser support for farmers

New Wismar/ Mackenzie bridge

Over $3B for major agriculture projects

Anticipated US$100 million capital investments to deal with flooding

Fisherfolk to receive $150,000 relief grants

$800M for housing development

US$30M hospital

35,000 acres of land to be cultivated to support economic activity, create employment for 3,000 Concrete roads, improved drainage for Little India, Little Africa as part of $4B infrastructure budget for Region 6 US$30M hospital

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Opposition Chief Whip, seven others facing suspension from National Assembly I n keeping with an extension, the Parliamentary Privileges Committee has completed its report on the APNU+AFC Coalition Members of Parliament (MPs) who were sent to the Committee in January 2022. The Coalition Parliamentarians facing sanctions are: Christopher Jones, the Opposition Chief Whip; Ganesh Mahipaul; Sherod Duncan; Natasha SinghLewis; Annette Ferguson; Vinceroy Jordan; Tabitha Saraboo-Halley; and Maureen Philadelphia. A motion, stemming from the completed report, is expected to be tabled at an upcoming sitting of the National Assembly. The motion calls for a

suspension of Ferguson, Jordan, Saraboo-Halley, Philadelphia for six sitting. It also calls for the suspension of Jones, Mahipaul, Duncan and Singh-Lewis for four sittings.

INCIDENT ON DECEMBER 29, 2021 In an effort derail the debating and passing of the Natural Resources Fund Bill, the Parliamentary Opposition hijacked the sitting – blowing whistles and chanting – while its MPs, Ferguson and Jordan, attempted to seize this ceremonial symbol. Other Opposition MPs attempted to do the same too, in the presence of the entire National Assembly. Also, Opposition MPs

ambushed the control room of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) and wildly unplugged the connections in the electrical systems room, which led to an internet disconnection and audio failures. Members of Parliament who had joined processions virtually were even disconnected from the feed as a consequence of this. The Coalition’s Saraboo-Halley was named as responsible for this. Further, a parliament staffer, Ean McPherson, was assaulted. He has since moved to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) with a complaint. McPherson, in prior interview, explained that in his attempts to protect the mace, not only

was he verbally abused by members of the Opposition, but he was also physically assaulted. “I held on to the mace and it was fling to the floor… and I overheard people screaming. “Kick he! Lash He! Drag He! Let’s Throw he over the rail. All I said, was throw me over the rails because I know when I’m going over the rail, I am going with the mace,” he said. “They throw me on the ground, they kicked me, they dragged me outside and then Ms. Philidelphia, Member of Parliament start to abuse

me with a series of words like ‘House Salve’, but the one that caught me and I don’t know how I become a ‘House Negro’. So, I prepared a letter and I dropped it upstairs and I showed my concern about how I was treated,” McPherson added. In addition to Philadelphia, the Coalition’s Singh-Lewis was also named as being responsible. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, on January 24, 2022, had moved the motion in the House, which also called

for the Privileges Committee to act with “alacrity” on the matter and report to the House within one month. Minister Teixeira’s in her motion had made clear that the actions represented “gross disorderly conduct” and “contempt and breaches of privilege” by Opposition Parliamentarians, and such abhorrent actions cannot be condoned. The APNU+AFC Coalition has consistently been cited for disruptions and behaviour that is not constructive.

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Jagdeo says…

VICE News ‘couldn’t incriminate me in my most unguarded moment’

he move by the international news agency, VICE News, to associate him in a corruption scandal is nonsensical, and will in no way tarnish his image, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. The Vice President told journalists on Tuesday (June 22, 2022) that all of his assets are in Guyana, and have been declared to the Integrity Commission, and therefore, every cent that he earns is recorded at the bank. “I

don’t have any assets held abroad, whether in banks or in shares or in properties. All of my sources of income are known to the bank, every bank where my money gets paid in,” he emphasised, during a media conference. A reporter from the United States media house had conducted a two-hour long interview with the Vice President in February. Dr. Jagdeo had released the complete documentary a few days after the official recording. Four

months later, on Sunday, the interview was aired by Showtime television network and lasted approximately 16 minutes, which tried to paint a narrative that the Vice President takes part in bribe schemes with Chinese businessman, Su Zhi Rong. “If you look at the total interview, the one that I released several months back unedited, it was nearly two hours long, and I think that with even more allegations than the final product that

was actually published by Vice because it was unedited,” the Vice President pointed out. He explained that the interview was basically designed for him to say something contrary to the discourse which occurred at his private residence. The private engagement, Dr. Jagdeo referred to, was one he had at his home with the Chinese businessman and the VICE News journalist, who at the time disguised

as investors interested in Su Zhi Rong’s business. “They were coming on a hotel and casino deal that is what they were coming to see me about. In the interview, I didn’t know they were recoding me. It was more an interview which lasted about 15 to 20 minutes. The guys were trying to get me to say whether I will be part of the hotel and casino deal, and I kept saying no, no that’s not it. I am in government; I deal with government issues,” he noted.

Jagdeo added, “Vice came into my house with the sole purpose of catching me engaged in something illegal or taking a bribe and they couldn’t do that in my most unguarded moment. So, that is the key issue here. As I said before, they are never going to find anything of that nature…that was the moment when this country saw me unguarded and with an international news agency trying to implicate me in a corrup(Turn to page 17)

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

VICE News ‘couldn’t incriminate me in my... (From page 16) tion scandal, when I didn’t know I was being taped and they saw what happened. I think it worked in my favour frankly speaking.” Jagdeo reiterated that he has never taken a bribe, thus it is impossible for any reporter or investigation to prove such. PRE-DETERMINED AGENDA He related too that the Vice News reporter could not see the situation for what it was, given that their judgment was clouded with a pre-determined agenda to get Guyana embroiled in the geopolitical issue between China

and the US. “I made it clear that as a small country we did not want to get involved in that. As you saw the framing of the report, it was precisely about that at the beginning. China’s growing presence in this hemisphere and growing concerns about this. From the framing of their report, one could clearly see that we’re vindicated when I spoke about us not wanting to become a geopolitical pawn. I made it clear that we are not going to participate in an anti-China hysteria. We will look out for our country and what’s best for our people.” The Vice-President noted that notwithstanding having

extensively spoken about the issue during the twohour interview, the reporter did not use any of his very lengthy responses on the matter. He released the full two-hour long interview earlier this year prior to the Vice News documentary. “… in the almost two-hour long interview, just about a minute of it was used in the final product. This country has had a chance to see the entire two hours. She even asked extensively about the Amerindian, our approach to Indigenous people and I spoke about that. Clearly none of that mattered. They had to come up with a narrative,” he said.

The Vice-President also reminded of several inconsistencies in the reporters line of questioning and in the story. Examples of those included the reporter’s lack of knowledge about the existence of the country’s Integrity Commission, a claim that Su has a stake in the oil and gas sector, this is despite CNOOC being the only Chinese company involved in Guyana’s oil and gas sector.

CNOOC is a partner in the Stabroek Block along with ExxonMobil and Hess. “It was my surprise when the report said that Su had a stake in the oil and gas sector. No other Chinese company had any stake in the oil and gas sector,” the Vice-President said. According to Jagdeo, the documentary fell way short of its aim, and while many, including the opposition, had

expected the documentary to be an explosive expose, they were instead left with a lukewarm story. “I’ve seen some calls for resignation from APNU. They were hyping this interview as this would be the end of Jagdeo. I think they are majorly disappointed. I think they were hoping Vice would find a long range of issues with me. They didn’t find anything,” he declared.

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

APNU+AFC rep engaged in failed... (From page 5) (contracted) and Alford ‘C’ (MARAD speed boat) provided service to residents of both regions. From March 5th 2012 to January 25th 2013, the M.B. Sandaka operated between New Amsterdam and Rosignol. And from 2013 to 2015, the M.B. Bonasika operated between New Amsterdam and Rosignol. Now, let me remind Ms Ferguson that, on April 6th 2020, it was the CARETAKER APNU Government which restricted the movement of citizens from those regions when it callously instructed that the T&HD Berbice operations be suspended. Editor, the evidence has been laid out, and it will show that there can be no attempt to erase any legacy of anything or anyone, especially that Ms. Ferguson’s accusations are riddled with inaccuracies and falsehoods. Editor, this statement, “On taking office in August 2020, without any justifiable reason, the Ministry of Public Works pulled the water taxis, returning hardship and challenges to those who benefitted from the services.” Again, I must refer Ms Ferguson to the records of the T&HD. Those records show clearly that it was the CARETAKER APNU Government, to which she belongs, which brought hardship on the Guyanese people when it suspended the Berbice ferry service. Editor, I implore Ms Ferguson to get her facts straight, as the PPP/C Administration never stopped the Berbice ferry service; maybe the former Minister believes that a lie spoken over and over can become truth. Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoevsky said, “Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others”. Editor, the PPP/C Administration under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali will continue to engage citizens and form policies for the benefit of every man, woman and child in this great nation. If Ms Ferguson desires to be credited as the first to commission the water taxies, then by all means take that credit, as I have no desire to receive such credits, but only to work for the people of Guyana, who have placed their confidence in the PPP/C Administration when they voted us into office. I believe service to people is service to God, and that I will continue doing.

Allow me time to also update Ms. Ferguson, even if she refuses to acknowledge this truth. Since coming into office, the PPP/C Administration has been focused on ways to better the lives of Guyanese. In 2020, over $50 billion in disposable income returned to citizens by way of reversal of measures which caused much hardships to citizens. VAT on data was removed, VAT on water and electricity was removed. Government also reduced the cost of licensing and permits annually in 2020 as well. In 2021, $2.6 billion was set aside to assist pensioners, persons benefiting from public assistance, and persons living with disabilities. A one-off cash grant of $25,000 for over 65,000 pensioners and an additional $25,000 for public assistance recipients and persons living with disabilities were paid. This year, $1.8 billion in relief measures was allocated for persons living in hinterland communities, as well as for farmers. $1 billion worth of fertiliser was set aside for free distribution to farmers, for use in their planting and replanting activities. The mining community also received relief to the tune of $2 billion. In the area of transport and infrastructure development, in 2021, a US$12.7 million ($2.6 billion) contract was signed with Garden Reach Shipbuilders Engineers Limited (GRSEL) for an ocean-going passenger and cargo vessel for the Barima-Waini (Region One) route, which has been completed and will be delivered in the coming months. In 2022, $96.1 billion was allocated to this sector; $76.7 billion for development of roads and bridges; $8.3 billion to facilitate upgrade of the highway from Palmyra to Moleson Creek, and construction of the Corentyne River Bridge; $6 billion to commence work on the Linden-Mabura Hill Road; $4.1 billion for re-construction of several bridges along the Kurupukari-to-Lethem corridor; $2.3 billion for the East BankEast Coast Demerara Road linkage between Ogle and Eccles; $2.1 billion to commence the widening and paving of the East Bank Highway from Grove to Timehri; $2.6 billion for the rehabilitation of the entire Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and $15.2 billion to upgrade urban roads. These are only a few of what the PPP/C Administration has planned for the country’s development, and there is no time wasting in getting our work done. Sincerely, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Health system prepares for... (From page 7) you have heightened surveillance with the Covid systems that were put in place,” the health minister said. The Health Minsiter had noted previously that symptoms of the disease can appear about five days after a person is infected, and are similar to small pox. The virus is not only spread through contact with monkeys, but rodents and from infected persons. According to the United

States’ Center for Disease Control, the first human case of monkey pox was recorded in 1970. Since then, monkey pox has been reported in people in several other central and western African countries. Prior to the 2022 outbreak, nearly all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs, or through imported animals.

1,900 job seekers... (From page 7) Food Industry and Government Services. “The issue of discipline, ethics preparation for interview and writing a simple application, preparing a CV, I have enough information that suggests that because they were not taught those things (in school) they fail and fall short,” Hamilton said. So far, four one-day training workshops were undertaken by the Central Recruitment and Manpower Agency (CRMA). “We are present engaged with GT&T and Digicel to go make the necessary con-

nections available in all the regional offices so that … we can have independent management of the job bank countrywide…the internet issues they are having with GT&T in some areas where it is unavailable, we having discussions with Digicel,” the minister explained. The national job bank website was established by the PPP/C Government to enable employers to network with potential employees. There is no fee attached to the services. Persons interested in the website can check out: https://www.jobs.gov. gy/.

All hands needed on deck for... (From page 10) Government has since invested some $12 million to revitalise the industry and is advancing efforts to return the thousands of jobs that were snatched from Guyanese. On June 16, 1948, Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi and Harry were killed by colonial police during a strike at the East Coast Demerara estate. The five martyrs were among a larger group of workers, many of whom were also injured during the exercise to demand better working conditions. The President underscored that the blood of the sugar worker was not shed only for the industry, but for human dignity and honesty, and for Guyana to rise as a nation which provided a platform for the achievement of independence. He made clear that to confine their contribution only to the sugar industry will be mistakenly narrowing their contribution to the nation’s development. MORE DISPOSABLE

INCOME IN POCKETS OF GUYANESE President Ali highlighted a number of achievements by his government to date which have seen billions of dollars in disposable income being injected into the pockets of Guyanese. Government has spent some $612 million in yearend tax free bonuses for healthcare workers. All central government employees benefitted from a seven percent across the board increase that placed some $10.5 billion in the hands of 50,000 families. Notwithstanding the challenges in the sugar industry, workers also received a seven percent retroactive on their salaries. The PPP/C Government has also increased the ceiling on low-income mortgage from $8 million to $12 million. The loans ceiling which was granted by the New Building Society (NBS) was advanced from $12 million to 15 million. A further 400 million was placed in the hands of frontline workers in the healthcare sector.

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

Guyana partners with IICA to... (From page 8) Guyana will support the continental alliance and contribute to the Director General’s vision. We have to work together to achieve food security. The interest they have shown in food security not only in the Caribbean but in the whole world is to be applauded. IICA has been highly proactive in helping the agricultural sector to progress,” Mustapha said. The Agriculture Minister described the alliance as an “innovative way of uniting the countries and working together to ensure that we address food security,” which has been aggravated by a current context of overlapping crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the conflict in Eastern Europe and climate change. “In Guyana, we are grateful that our president Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali is promoting these same ideas in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to ally with countries from all over the world to address the issue,” Minister Mustapha added. The alliance proposed by IICA for collective action to combat food insecurity, promote sustainability, guarantee peace and democratic stability, has as its roadmap a document with concrete proposals that was also submitted at the Summit of the Americas last week in Los Angeles, USA. This medium- and longterm work is based on four strategic aspects: the strengthening and transformation of agri-food systems in the Americas, challenges, and opportunities for agrifood trade in the region in the new geopolitical context, the role of science, technology, and innovation, and facilitating economic and social inclusion by reinforcing the cooperative system. On his visit to IICA headquarters, Minister Mustapha, who is also chair of the Ministerial Work Group established by the CARICOM to analyze the food agenda and the agrifood system in the Caribbean, spoke about the reality of the agriculture sector in his country,

a strategic nation with a great capacity to become the food basket of the region. He explained that Guyana’s priorities are to reduce food import costs by 25% in three years, diversify production and increase resilience to climate change, focusing on corn, soy, and wheat crops; boost intra-regional trade by removing barriers that impact the country; harmonize standards; and foster more science, innovation, and technological development, boosting the institutional framework in these areas. “We must look for ways to reduce the food import bill by 25% in the next three years; this is a monumental task, and we are going to need investments and a lot of capital, but we have the capacity. We want to diversify our economy, make it more resilient so that smallsized farmers are part of this development that we seek. We have the land, the water and the capital, we can produce the corn and soy that we need for the Caribbean and for Guyana itself, which can become the center of food production, reduce its import costs and have a resilient productive sector,” he added. During the meeting, Mustapha spoke about other issues the country is focusing on: work in logistics and food transport, infrastructure, agricultural extension, attracting young people to agriculture, and boosting the meat, poultry and aquaculture industries and rice and sugar chains. Manuel Otero, IICA Director General, committed to providing technical cooperation to Guyana for re-engineering and strengthening the National Agricultural Research Extension Institute (NAREI), connecting science with innovation and promoting entrepreneurialism, train young rural people in the use of new technologies for agriculture and act as a bridge in bilateral dialogues and in south-south cooperation actions. “We wish to continue building an increasingly stronger technical cooperation agenda,” concluded Otero.

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

COM M ENTARY

The Elections CoI an imperative to move Guyana forward By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

his commentary starts out with a prediction – the PNCR will boycott the Commission of Inquiry (COI) to inquire into the March 2, 2020 elections. Their leader, Aubrey Norton, will definitely moan and groan and come up with one or more absurd reasons to reject the members and the mandate of the COI. Their appendages in APNU, all parties in names only, will join them. The two dead political parties that can today barely gather a quorum for meetings, the AFC and the WPA, will have an opportunity to show they have still a little bit of spine to act independently. But if you are smart, do not hold your breath waiting to see if the WPA and the AFC could muster an ounce of courage to take the right stance. President Irfaan Ali on Tuesday June 21, 2022 announced the appointment of the members of the international COI to inquire into the events of the March 2, 2020 elections. The members are

Justice Stanley John, Retired Justice of Appeal in Turks and Caicos (Chairman); Justice Godfrey P. Smith, SC, former Attorney General, High Court Judge and Acting Justice of Appeal, Eastern Caribbean Court; Justice Carl Singh, former Chancellor, Guyana; and Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, former Chair and Chief Elections Commissioner of India. Dr. Afari Gyan and Dr. Nasim Zaidi will serve as resource personnel. Both Dr. Gyan and Dr. Zaidi are very familiar with Guyanese politics and very conversant with the operations of GECOM, having served as the UN’s international experts to support GECOM. As promised, President Ali has appointed a distinguished international panel to inquire into the March 2, 2020 elections. The establishment of the COI comes almost 28 months after the March 2, 2020 elections and less than two years since President Irfaan Ali was sworn in as President on August 2, 2020. President Ali, on the day he was

sworn in, promised that the shenanigans intended to rig the March 2, 2020 elections results will be inquired into and exposed for all Guyanese and for the world to see and understand. He repeated his promise several days later when he made his inaugural address. President Ali, Vice President Bharat Jagdeo and Cabinet members have reiterated this promise. The PPP, together with its executive, promised that they would demand such an inquiry. Outside of the PNC and AFC and some of the one-man or almost dead political parties that constitute the rest of APNU/AFC, all the other political parties that contested the March 2, 2020 elections have been calling for the COI. ANUG, the URP, the LJP and CI are all on record demanding a COI. President Ali and the PPP have kept their promise and answered the call. The majority of Guyanese people, the diplomatic community and all international and local organizations that served as observers in the March 2, 2020 elections support a COI into the events surrounding the aftermath of the March 2, 2020 elections. Many had hoped that the COI would have been established earlier. But establishing an international commission with distinguished members and one that commands respect and confidence is a task that takes time. There are members from across CARICOM, with wide experience in elections and the conduct of elections in CARICOM. There is a member who served as Chair and the chief elections commissioner of the Elections Commission of India, the commission that conducts the largest democratic elections in the world. There are two resource persons from Africa and India who have elections experience in countries around the world. But, unfortunately, the

PNC and its array of oneman parties and dead political parties do not want an international COI to inquire into the March 2,2020 elections. They were, after all, the intellectual authors of the rigging attempt. They know full well that a COI into the March 2, 2020 elections is a natural outcome of the failed attempt to thief the elections. It would be stupid, absolutely stupid on their part, if they did not expect that a COI is an imperative. But, no one should be shocked that they are opposed to the COI; the PNC, AFC, WPA and all the others who only exist in name fully expected this outcome. It is the reason they used their surrogates in GECOM to derail the need for a COI. When Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Trotman, the opposition members on GECOM, moved a motion for GECOM to inquire into the elections, it was an attempt to control the process and the narrative of the inquiry. They wanted to argue that since GECOM is already conducting the inquiry, there is no need for another inquiry. The Chair of GECOM recognized this and, in any case, knew that GECOM does not have the authority of a court. The COI through its presidential edict has those powers. But the most important reason why the opposition members of GECOM tried for GECOM to look into itself is because they fully expected that if they succeeded, they would have tied up the process and prevent an effective inquiry. The world watched in shock, horror and total disbelief as APNU/AFC, with the PNC leadership, tried desperately to orchestrate a rigging of Region 4 election results. By the morning of March 3, 2020, everyone in Guyana knew the election results. The PPP had gathered and compiled results

from the Statements of Poll it had gathered throughout the evening and morning of March 2/March 3. Other political parties had collected SOPs from across the country and they knew who won the elections. The observers knew. The media knew. GECOM knew. The people knew. The PNC and its coalition partners also had their SOPs. By 7:00hours of March 3rd, the PNC and coalition partners knew the grim, gloomy results; they knew definitely they had lost. They began to vacate their campaign headquarters on Lamaha Street because they knew that their supporters were waiting across the road and they did not want to share the bad news. Immediately, they hid their copies of the SOPs and they began putting in place their wicked plan to rig the Region 4 results. The APNU/AFC/PNC copies of their SOPS have mysteriously disappeared. It is the first time ever that the party that claimed to win is hiding the evidence. By the evening of March 3, the results from Regions 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were declared. The PPP had an unassailable lead of more than 53,000 votes. While none of us had any doubt at that time that APNU/AFC would win Region 4, we knew that the best they could do is win by about 35,000 votes because that is the best they have ever done and none of us, including them, thought that they could perform better than that in the March2, 2020 elections. Early in the evening of March 3, the unveiling of the plan to rig the declaration of the Region 4 results emerged. On the evening of March 3, they began the preparation of fake results. A scheme was concocted to create maximum delay to limit declaration to only a small number of SOPs on March 3 evening. In spite of a promise to work through the night, a practice

in all elections, the GECOM staff claimed they were tired and could not continue. What began on the morning of March 4th and continued over the next several weeks and months was a brazen attempt to change the numbers in the authentic SOPs. Like the PNC copies of the SOPs, GECOM’s copies also mysteriously disappeared and was replaced with a fake spreadsheet. Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honorable Bruce Golding, representing the OAS, boldly declared he had never seen nor imagined a more transparent attempt to steal an election. Former Barbadian Prime Minister, heading a Commonwealth team, could not believe the audacity of the GECOM staff members who were executing the brazen thieving scheme. In the meanwhile, the Carter Center and other observers were essentially banned from observing the recount process that Prime Ministers Mia Mottley and Ralph Gonsalves and other CARICOM heads of government brokered. During the recount itself, led by the PNC with its coalition appendages, including AFC and WPA, tried to make voters disappear. The Chief Elections Officer, in fact, arbitrarily decided to remove votes from PPP constituencies across Guyana. The March 2, 2020 elections in Guyana must have been the first ever theft of an election that was livestreamed for Guyana, CARICOM and the world to see. For sure, it was the most brazen attempt ever anywhere to thief an election. Some of the GECOM staff and senior members of the PNC are now facing criminal charges. The COI is an imperative now so that no election in Guyana must ever again be subjected to the wickedness we all experienced between March 2 and August 2, 2020.

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 JUNE, 2022

New coronavirus sub-variants escape antibodies from vaccination and prior Omicron infection, studies suggest

Gov’t installing oxygen plant at Infectious Diseases Hospital T

he Government of Guyana continues to build the capacity of the health sector, with a number of significant investments, the latest is the acquisition of an oxygen plant, which is currently being installed at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Liliendaal. This will allow Guyana to produce its own oxygen to supply patients requiring intensive care. The plant which was donated by Sewa International arrived in Guyana last week, according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony. “So that container with the oxygen plant arrived last week and we are right now in the process of offloading and doing installation of the oxygen plant so that we’ll be able to generate our own oxygen,” he said.

During the height of the pandemic, the government was required to purchase oxygen cylinders to adequately supply patients at the hospital. Dr. Anthony noted that it has been costly and as such the independent source of oxygen will substantially decrease the level of expense placed on the ministry. To date, over a dozen persons are currently hospitalised, with several patients at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. The minister noted that the hospital has a “large capacity” to treat patients if the need arises. Dr. Anthony stated further, that regional hospitals are also prepared to deal with COVID-19 patients that require hospitalisation. “We have a lot of capacity

in terms of treatment of patients not only at the Infectious Diseases Hospital but in every region, each one of the regional hospitals we’ve established a number of beds to treat COVID, so we have a very large capacity in terms of treatment of patients.” The Liliendaal hospital is equipped with 198 beds for COVID-19 patients, 52 of these are set aside for ICU patients. The health minister explained that the relevant equipment to go with these beds are fully functional. Additionally, last year, oxygen pipes were installed throughout the facility, as well as other services to boost the operations of the hospital and ensure patients receive better care.

(CNN) Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 appear to escape antibody responses among both people who had previous Covid-19 infection and those who have been fully vaccinated and boosted, according to new data from researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, of Harvard Medical School. However, Covid-19 vaccination is still expected to provide substantial protection against severe disease, and vaccine makers are working on updated shots that might elicit a stronger immune response against the variants. The levels of neutralizing antibodies that a previous infection or vaccinations elicit are several times lower against the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants compared with the original coronavirus, according to the new research published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday (June 22, 2022). "We observed 3-fold reductions of neutralizing antibody titers induced by vaccination and infection against BA4 and BA5 compared with BA1 and BA2, which are already substantially lower than the original COVID-19 variants," Dr. Dan Barouch, an author of the paper and director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, wrote in an email to CNN. "Our data suggest that these new Omicron subvariants will likely be able to lead to surges of infections in populations with high levels of vaccine immunity as well as natural BA1 and BA2 immunity," Barouch wrote. "However, it is likely that vaccine immunity will still provide substantial protection against severe disease with BA4 and BA5." The newly published findings echo separate research by scientists at Columbia University. They recently found that the BA.4 and BA.5 viruses were more likely to escape antibodies from the blood of fully vaccinated and boosted adults compared with other Omicron subvariants, raising the risk of vaccine-breakthrough Covid-19 infections. The authors of that separate study say their results point to a higher risk for reinfection, even in people who have some prior immunity

against the virus. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 94.7% of the US population ages 16 and older have antibodies against the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 through vaccination, infection, or both. BA.4 and BA.5 caused an estimated 35% of new Covid-19 infections in the United States last week, up from 29% the week before, according to data shared by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday. BA.4 and BA.5 are the fastest spreading variants reported to date, and they are expected to dominate Covid-19 transmission in the United States, United Kingdom and the rest of Europe within the next few weeks, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. 'COVID-19 STILL HAS THE CAPACITY TO MUTATE FURTHER' In the New England Journal of Medicine paper, among 27 research participants who had been vaccinated and boosted with the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, the researchers found that two weeks after the booster dose, levels of neutralizing antibodies against Omicron subvariants were much lower than the response against the original coronavirus. The neutralizing antibody levels were lower by a factor of 6.4 against BA.1; by a factor of 7 against BA.2; by a factor of 14.1 against BA.2.12.1 and by a factor of 21 against BA.4 or BA.5, the researchers described. Among 27 participants who had previously been infected with the BA.1 or BA.2 subvariants a median of 29 days earlier, the researchers found similar results. In those with previous infection -- most of whom also had been vaccinated -- the researchers described neutralizing antibody levels that were lower by a factor of 6.4 against BA.1; by a factor of 5.8 against BA.2; by a factor of 9.6 against BA.2.12.1 and by a factor of 18.7 against BA.4 or BA.5. More research is needed to determine what exactly the neutralizing antibody levels mean for vaccine effectiveness and whether sim-

ilar findings would emerge among a larger group of participants. "Our data suggest that COVID-19 still has the capacity to mutate further, resulting in increased transmissibility and increased antibody escape," Barouch wrote in the email. "As pandemic restrictions are lifted, it is important that we remain vigilant and keep studying new variants and subvariants as they emerge." A separate study, published in the journal Nature last week, found that Omicron may evolve mutations to evade the immunity elicited by having a previous BA.1 infection, which suggests that vaccine boosters based on BA.1 may not achieve broad-spectrum protection against new Omicron subvariants like BA.4 and BA.5. As for what all this means in the real world, Dr. Wesley Long, an experimental pathologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, told CNN that people should be aware that they could get sick again, even if they've had Covid-19 before. "I think I'm a little bit worried about people who've had it maybe recently having a false sense of security with BA.4 and BA.5 on the increase, because we have seen some cases of reinfection and I have seen some cases of reinfection with people who had a BA.2 variant in the last few months," he said. Some vaccine makers have been developing variant-specific vaccines to improve the antibody responses against coronavirus variants and subvariants of concern. "Reinfections are going to be pretty inevitable until we have vaccines or widespread mandates that are going to prevent cases rising again. But the good news is that we are in, I think, a much better spot than we were without the vaccines," said Pavitra Roychoudhury, an acting instructor at the University of Washington's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, who was not involved in the New England Journal of Medicine paper. "There's so much of this virus out there that it seems inevitable," she said about Covid-19 infections. "Hopefully the protections that we have in place are going to lead to mostly mild infection."

Norton ‘searching for relevance’ – PPP General Secretary T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration will not be distracted by the Aubrey Norton-led APNU+AFC Coalition, according to PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo. And he underscored that there is much work to be done to ensure that the government delivers on its manifesto promises in order to

advance the development of the country and the prosperity of Guyanese across the length and breadth of the country. He said, “I'm not paying too much attention to Mr. Norton. And on those issues, he I think he's looking for relevance. And it's hard for him to find it….there is a master plan being rolled out and we remained focused on the work.”

Jagdeo explained that the Administration is “not just dealing with one issue”; rather it is working on several fronts to ensure that it responds to the needs of citizens. UNFOUNDED CLAIMS Asked about Norton’s claim that the PPP/C is taking the lead from the Coalition, the PPP General Secretary

said, “Our work is not a spur of the moment thing. We can be we're not doing this because Norton has visited any area. This was planned in the budget long before Norton became the leader of the opposition. “We set aside $5 billion in the budget for cost of living and production support for people $5 billion dollars; so when you see help going

to Amerindian and riverine communities, it is because the money, it's coming from money that was programmed at budget time, long before Norton, through a great struggle with his own party, became Opposition Leader. When you see money going to the fisherman and the other groups, it's coming from that those programmed funds. “So when you see the aid, maybe 10,000, maybe more people hired for part time him for part time jobs now for government, there is a budgetary allocation already we had intended since budget time to do this. This is not a spur of the moment thing. It's not spontaneous.” WORK CONTINUES According to him, the PPP/C Government has fulfilled 90 per cent of its manifesto promises in less than two years in office, and is currently working to ensure the modernisation of the country to the benefit of all Guyanese. A number of transformative projects that will foster development in the region and the country as a whole in the various sectors including education, health, infrastructure and agriculture, among others, are ongoing. He explained that there are challenges that the government must respond to, even as it rolls out its transformative agenda, including

the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, reports of flooding in several Regions. On Tuesday (June 21, 2022) Jagdeo said, “As you know, we have been experiencing an unusually heavy period of rain. And we have had many coastal areas and hinterland areas that have been flooded. And we've made several interventions to alleviate the problems that people are faced with. We're very conscious of the difficulties people have in their communities with infrastructure and with livelihoods etc. And just today, we have seen some really horrific images coming from the hinterland where the rivers are all overflowing and flooding massive areas and communities in the hinterland. The Prime Minister is convening a meeting with the technical agencies and ministers today, and he will be speaking to the media shortly either today or tomorrow but the government is planning a series of interventions in these areas as much as we can do. We cannot prevent the water from the rivers rising and flooding some of these areas. But we are going to work on alleviating the concerns of many of the residents or helping them in in this period.” The PPP General Secretary assured that all Guyanese will be supported by the incumbent administration.

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