Weekend Mirror 29-30 January, 2022

$552.9B National Budget presented for 2022 29-30 January, 2022 / Vol. 12 ‒ No. 7 / Price: $100

Email: mirror2018.gy@gmail.com

‒ No new taxes PAGE 11 ‒ Partially financed by oil revenues

Training opportunities to be created for thousands PAGE 13

Opposition Chief Whip, seven others sent to Privileges Committee PAGE 14

APNU+AFC bungles attempt to counter PPP/C privilege motion PAGE 14

SEE INSIDE

Application PAGE 6 deadline for core homes and home improvement subsidy extended Kurutuku Village concerns addressed by Prime Minister during PAGE 9 engagement

Testing sites open on the weekends PAGE 23 ‒ Health Minister urges persons to get tested, inoculated

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

Tussle for power continues within PNCR/APNU/AFC T

he power struggle plaguing the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) persists, with a several resignations this week alone.

Recently elected PNCR Leader, Aubrey Norton, has taken control of APNU – the

grouping of the PNCR and a few other smaller parties. Former president, David Granger, who was chairman of APNU resigned from the post under pressure. Also resigning from APNU was Joseph Harmon, who had served as General Secretary. Both resignations took place on Tuesday (January 25, 2022).

Further, Harmon also resigned as Opposition Leader on Wednesday (January 26, 2022). However, he remains a Member of Parliament. This means, that Norton’s ambitions to take over as Opposition Leader remain impeded.

Notably, Granger still remains Leader of the APNU+AFC List of representa-

tives, from which its 31 current Members of Parliament were selected. Further, reports are that Granger is unwilling to give up his post and, by extension, control of the List.

As leader of the List, Granger decides who becomes a Member of Parliament representing the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Since Harmon remains a Par-

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cent developments within the PNCR and APNU have determined that changes are inevitable….in the circumstances, the Members of Parliament will urgently consult with the leadership of their respective parties so that the way forward, and a suitable candidate to assume the important office of Leader of the Opposition can be identified.” According to him, the temporary absence of a Leader of the Opposition is no hindrance to the proceedings of the National Assembly.

The tussle for power is reportedly further dividing the groupings into factions.

GBV help at your fingertips with MHSSS’ ‘iMatter’ App including calling 914

It’s

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liamentarian, there is no space for Norton.

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, is deputy leader of the APNU+AFC Coalition list of representatives.

Further, APNU+AFC Coalition, Chief Whip in Parliament, Christopher Jones, in a terse statement on Wednesday (January 26, 2022) said, “Today, January 26, 2022, Members of Parliament representing the APNU+AFC were informed of the resignation of the Hon. Joseph F. Harmon, MP, as Leader of the Opposition. While we are all disappointed in this development, we appreciate that re-

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he Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Gender-Based Violence App, ‘iMatter’ can be downloaded from both the Google Play store and Apple store.

Calling 914 is literally at our fingertips, as the 914-panic button in the App is linked directly to the 914 number.

Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud said, “The App is part of the continuing work we are doing to tackle domestic violence.I wanted to ensure that persons out there have multiple ways to reach our for help, and putting the panic button in the App was something I insisted on. The team working on the App spared no effort to review and revise to have a userfriendly App that contains information and educational resources that will appeal to all ages and needs. I appeal to persons living in violent situation to get on to 914, either by phone or App, because you matter to us and we do not want to see continued acts of violence that leave so much death, pain and scars in their wake.

I encourage people to have every member of their family download the “iMatter App”, let’s save lives and stop the violence.”

This technological development allows persons to access help and resources on Gender-Based Violence and is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Guyana Spotlight Initiative, a European Union–United Nations

global partnership to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Its creation involved initial input by a local GBV activist while Techlify Inc. took the App to its current form under the guidance of UNFPA and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

The application was launched in March, 2021 at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at the ‘We Lift’ event hosted by the Human Services Ministry and is available on all android (iMatter) and IOS devices (iMattergy) and easy to use.

After downloading from your app store, simply select the region you live in to get started for educational information on Gender Based Violence and to find support services for you or someone you know who is affected by violence.

The categories that can be selected include, sexual violence and disability, sexual exploitation and abuse, trafficking in persons, domestic violence, child abuse and elderly abuse. The application also contains useful resources and answers to frequently asked questions that would help users understand more about Gender-Based Violence.

Dedicated Gender-Based Violence case workers assigned to the Gender-Based Violence technological platform will respond by reaching out to a Gender-Based Violence survivor or individual at risk, via the communication channel that the individual has expressed a preference for.

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

GECOM to meet in the new week on electoral reform, remaining vacancies T

he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) held its statutory meeting on Tuesday (January 25, 2022) and agreed to dates for meetings in the new week where they will address filing the remaining vacancies with the GECOM Secretariat and the proposed electoral reform.

The amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA), both the substantive act and the regulations were circulated on November 5, 2021 and the consultation process was expected to run for six weeks.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, earlier this month had said, “The process is still ongoing…the RoPA consultation is not completed as yet. It is still ongoing and as I said earlier that the process will keep running because we have another piece of legislation to amend and that is the Registration Act. That is being drafted and the process cannot go forward until that is completed.”

Meanwhile, relative to the pending vacancies, persons have been shortlisted.

The vacant positions include Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Assistant Chief Elections Officer, Chief Accountant, Legal Officer, Logistics Manager, and Civic and Voter Education Manager. These positions were advertised in October 2021.

To date, four persons have been shortlisted for the post of Deputy Chief Elections Officer: Deodat Persaud, Neil Bacchus, Melanie Marshall and Mohammed Arjoon, while applications for the five other critical posts are being considered.

For the post of Assistant Chief Elections Officer those shortlisted include: Delon Clarke, Noland Jervis, Melanie Marshall, Paul Jaisingh, Mohamed Arjoon, Neil Bacchus, Deolall Ramlall, Natasha Grenion Dipchand, Andrea Sparman, Duarte Hetsberger and Colin April.

Shortlisted for Chief Accountant are: Jaiwattie Singh, Abeossa Simon, Orlando Small, Victor Arjune and Roland Charles.

For Legal Officer those shortlisted include: Shareefa Parks, Kurt DaSilva, Kim-

Teachers in Regions 1, 7, 8, 9 to sign contracts in their Regions

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he Ministry of Education has advised that all recent graduates from Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9 of the Cyril Potter College of Education will not have to travel to the Ministry of Education in Georgetown to sign their contracts with the Government of Guyana.

Arrangements are being made to have them sign the contract in their respective regions.

This process is being facilitated through the office of the Deputy Chief Educa-

tion Officer – Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development (AHED); an office which was created specifically for services like these.

Additionally, hinterland teachers were previously required to have a valid passport or ID card to sign their contract. This is no longer an immediate requirement. All graduates will sign their contract, with or without an ID or passport, and will have an extended time frame of six (6) months to acquire same.

berly Yearwood and Felicia Toby.

For Logistics Manager, those shortlisted include: Paul Sookdeo, Colin April, Duarte Hetsberger, Lawrence Duncan, Terrence Stuart, Preston Paul, Alborn Carbon, Avinash Bookmohan, Shivnand Ramnanand, Dwarka Bhadur, Kenneth White, Nandran Persaud, David Cole, Bodhan Nipan, Winston Harlequin, Adrian Gangaram, Sharon Harry-Munroe, Noland Jervis, Quintyn Patrick, Mohamed Arjoon, Mellone Frank, Neil Bacchus, Anil Roberts and Yuvindra Rampersaud.

Those shortlisted for Civic and Voter Education Manager are: Nardeo Persaud, Tyrone Singh, Marcey Parker, Imran Mohamed Ally, Natoya De Santos, Paul Jaisingh, Yolanda Ward, Ronelle Arokium, Thalisa Grant-Moore, Abiva Cort, Prem Khanhai, Andre Sparman, Gordon Baker, Lauretta Smith-Gray, Telitta Franklin, Pamela Nauth and Jacob Corbin.

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EDITORIAL PPP/C committed to transformational development agenda

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he PPP/C Administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering on its manifesto promises – from major infrastructure projects already underway to advances with long-term transformation for sustainable development.

Budget 2022, totally a whopping $552.9B, is testimony to this, given the plethora of transformative initiatives that are expected to be advanced this year.

That said, the nexus between delivering critical goods and services to a nation’s people in a sustainable manner and development has been recognised globally. It is also aptly captured by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as detailed in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the Guyana context, our development trajectory is captured by the draft Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which addresses: one, the building blocks for a new low carbon economy – including forest climate services, biodiversity, water management and the ocean economy; two, how these building blocks can be used as revenue earners for Guyana; and three, how the revenues earned are channeled through the LCDS Investment Programme to develop Guyana’s human, financial and physical capital, with special emphasis on Amerindian communities. The LCDS 2030, undoubtedly, bolsters other national programmes of development, as funded by tax collection and through bilateral and multilateral partnerships. In all the global threats, including climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are addressed, as is sustainable management of Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas economy.

It is recognised that transformation requires addressing the root causes of economic, social, environmental and political problems and inequity.

At the political level, work continues to be done to bolster an inclusionary approach to democracy. Further, electoral reforms seek to close the gaps in existing legislation, as well as remove ambiguities and opportunities for mischief.

At the environmental level, work is being done to balance Guyana’s capabilities as an oil and gas producer and the maintenance of Guyana’s green credentials, being a nation that is a net carbon sink. PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that Guyana will develop its oil and gas sector in a manner that is environmentally safe and not remain locked into a cycle of “low emission and low income” – a cycle that ignores the fact that Guyana is a net carbon sink, among other facts. He had said: “We have been called to leave our oil in the ground…we believe it’s totally unfair…we’ll develop our oil industry putting in place regulations for safe, low carbon operations…many have been saying that to get to a de-carbonized future to get to a net zero by 2050 there should be no further investment in oil and gas assets….we believe that is totally unfair…the people who are calling for us to not develop the industry in a small country like Guyana have to understand that we cannot remain locked into a cycle of low emission and low income…our people have a legitimate expectation of prosperity. We have a legitimate expectation to grow the per capita income….if we freeze all new investments…there is still a four trillion oil and gas industry that is producing for global demand. What those activists are doing is advocating that this investment be locked in for the incumbent. Why should we not want to displace some of the highest cost producers? We want a share in that market too….if there is no investment in countries like Guyana where the prospects are cleaner because it is light sweet crude and production costs are less then you are lobbying for a monopoly for the existing producers. So we believe that we can develop the industry in our country…we can do so by continuing to invest in a de-carbonized future consistent with the LCDS.” Further, billions spent on education, healthcare, care for vulnerable groups and children, workers’ welfare and access to improved services continue to be made give the importance of interventions are the social level.

At the economic level, much emphasis is being placed on improving the environment for doing business and improving stability – all of which are critical to attract more foreign direct investments. The productive sector – sugar, rice and other crops, as well as non-traditional agricultural areas – also continue to receive focus.

The Administration’s ‘Plan for Prosperity’, the 20202025 manifesto, and its comprehensive range of policies and programmes are being actioned in the interest of all Guyanese and our people can continue to expect improvements in standard of living.

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

Transparency International’s information sources in question Dear Editor,

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uyana's loss of two points on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2021 (CPI) poses a few intriguing questions.

Did the arrest of APNU+AFC’s Winston Jordan on charges of Misconduct in Public Office in December 2021, affect the standing of the nation?

Has corruption in the public sector increased?

Has perception increased?

In seeking answers, I first looked at how the country’s score is tabulated and the global index compiled.

“The Index scores 180 countries based on perceptions of public sector corruption, using data from 13 external sources, including the World Bank, World Economic Forum, private risk, consulting companies, think tanks, and others. The scores reflect the views of experts and businesspeople,” What is the source of this?

What I found was that there was a natural time lag, the Trinidad Guardian’s report on that nation’s movement on the CPI, stated that Trinidad & Tobago Transparency Institute said countries in 2021, score was based on data from the year 2020; Transparency International’s local arm, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) never offered any information on this time gap. Is this a not so ‘transparent’ attempt to smear the present People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration for Granger’s sins?

The data submitted to Transparency International for 2020, surely included the attempt by APNU+AFC to firstly rig and then brazenly steal Guyana’s National Elections using Clairmont Mingo’s fictitious numbers and information that Guyana was run without parliamentary oversight (financial and otherwise) for 635 days, Specifically, between the 21st day of December 2018 to the 16th day of August 2020 and where $419 Billion was expended during that period.

These two events would suffice to drop Guyana a few points. However, I

would ask if TIGI reported any or all of the scandalous acts of the APNU+AFC Administration.

Let me give a few examples of what I am talking about.

The Granger Administration began by the removal of eight (8) containers, containing steel, by BK International from the Ministry of Public Health compound worth millions of dollars, in the first week after the government changed. Further, they gave themselves a 50% pay-raise. They fired 192 Amerindian Community Service Officers. They spent over a billion dollars on Durban Park. They gave GRA tax write-offs to companies that financed APNU+AFC’s 2015 campaign. The APNU+AFC Administration entered the three-year pharmacy bond contract between the Ministry of Health and the Linden Holding Co. for a house in Sussex Street that is particularly egregious. They paid $1.7 Billion as a settlement with BK International for Haags Bosch without an attempt to defend the Government’s position or the taxpayers’ monies. They made a costly but mysterious wind farm deal with APNU+AFC financier, Lloyd Singh. They procured $605M drugs from Ansa McCal without following the procurement laws as confirmed by Public Procurement Commission (PPC).

Additionally, they closed several GuySuCo Estates and callously dismissed over 7000 workers. They enabled exorbitant rental of residences for Ministers as policy. Further, Granger made an arbitrary appointment of James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM in violation of the Constitution. David Patterson, then Minister of Public Infrastructure, handed a sole-sourced $148M contract for feasibility and design studies for the new Demerara River Bridge to Dutch company Lievense CSO. They repaid RUDISA (USD 16M) claim without any negotiations for a debt repayment schedule and even though the company owed and appears to still owe millions of dollars in taxes to Guyana. They issued two fuel licenses for the importation of fuel to companies that are made up of persons

related to top officials and relatives of Officials of the Government who have no fuel bonds, storage facilities, or offices.

Further, HDM labs medical supply was handed a sole-sourced ‘emergency’ drug supply contract worth $366.9M from the Government. Valerie Patterson, while serving as Minister responsible for Housing, gave her husband millions of dollars in housing construction contracts.

Government contracts were awarded to Cathy Hughes’ company, Videomega, while Hughes was still involved in the day-to-day running of that company.

Winston Jordan et al played an integral part in the APNU+AFC’s attempt to hide the US$18M signing bonus paid by ExxonMobil.

APNU+AFC officials authorized NICIL to transfer numerous plots of State lands to APNU+AFC officials and cronies. Further, over 300 want-of-entry vehicles seized by the GRA were sold by Winston Jordan without going to tender or public auction to cronies and officials of APNU+AFC. Approval and non-accountability of NICIL and SPU loan of $30B for GUYSUCO. Simona Broomes’ child received a scholarship payment of over $20 Million that she did not qualify for and that payment was made directly into her account instead of to the institution as per norm.

In light of the preceding and the fact that Winston Jordan’s charges would most likely not be included in the 2021 index, I can only wonder how much of these events were reported to Transparency International by TIGI and I would now ask that Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. make public its reports to the parent body for the years 2015 to present.

Further, to issue an official clarification of the time lag in reportage and calculation of the CPI as the Trinidad chapter proffered without prompting.

Peter should not be taking the fall for Paul in a matter as important as our CPI position.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

Political immaturity of Coalition knows no bounds Dear Editor,

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n another show of desperation, the leader of the opposition Mr. Joseph Harmon has filed two motions in the National Assembly. These motions are bound to fail as it represents a shameless and absurd attempt to seek relevance as the entire nation witnessed the hooliganism and despicable behavior of the APNU+AFC MPs on December 29th, 2021.

Videos surfaced which showed what occurred within the Arthur Chung Convention Center. No one can dispute that what was done by the opposition MPs was far from decent and could be viewed as a hostile attempt at taking over the National Assembly. This was despite the fact that the Speaker of

the House continuously pleaded with them to discontinue their ruckus behaviour. Recordings also showed that the Sergeant-at-Arms and a number of opposition parliamentarians wrestling for possession of the mace.

The political immaturity demonstrated by the APNU+AFC MP’s have since been strongly condemned by many Guyanese and private sector organizations in Guyana. One Human Rights Association; The Association for Democracy and Human Rights (Guyana) (ADHR) in their statement last year said it best “The people of Guyana should be able to look to their elected representatives to preserve the national ethos, as well as the traditional values and virtues that have long distinguished Guyanese society”.

The Parliament should have never descended into such a state of mayhem which was deliberately planned by the Opposition APNU+AFC, in their newest form of political gangsterism.

Luckily their incompetence caused them to fail disastrously as the National Resource Fund Bill was successfully passed.

It is imperative to this nation and its people that we have an opposition of substance, which genuinely has the people’s interest at heart and is less disrespectful, disruptive, and destructive to the country, its people, and our image.

This current bunch of clearly does not.

All for your consideration, Erin Northe

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

GECOM must cleanse itself of all rogue elements!

Dear Editor,

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he recent termination of the highly controversial Duarte Hetsberger from the employ of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was way overdue. Aside from others who suddenly walked away out of fear of prosecution for their hideous roles, the iceberg is cracking and all the commission must ensure that floating rogue elements are dispensed with.

It is not surprising that the contents of the GECOM computers used by Duarte Hetsberger and others were deleted. The purpose it serves is to remove evidence and Hetsberger seems to have taken the ‘Fall-Guy’ posture.

GECOM, however, cannot backpedal as the institution has no choice but to improve its image based on the strongest investigative approach at this time. As the clean-up continues, the public will read much more about the roles of the planted clandestine agents in the attempt to change the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

It is rational for one to link and see the cover up of fraud with the clandestine and criminal intent of wiping computers owned by GECOM. Even though the APNU+AFC Coalition Government piloted the CyberCrime Act in 2018, it is clear that its full operationalisation must be effected to arrest the overwhelming criminal abuse as many of their supporters

continue to show scant regard for the law.

During the torturous five months following the March 02, 2020 elections, and until the cabals in operation at the GECOM Secretariat were dismissed, there is no evidence of any appropriate reports regarding the elections being prepared. Consequently, the Information Technology (IT) Officers subsequently discovered that the computers were all cleanly whipped of data, and Hetsberger offered no explanations about the sweep. It must be noted that he was totally in charge of the office. This absolute failure within such key controls begs pertinent questions regarding the necessary off-site backups that should be in place.

Importantly, concerning computer fraud evidenced in this case, Section 11 (1) of the Cybercrime Act of 2018 states: “A person commits an offence if the person(a) Inputs, alters, deletes, or suppresses electronic data; or (b) (b) interferes with the functioning of a computer system, with the intent to defraud or deceive another person for the purpose of procuring an economic benefit for himself or another person.”

While GECOM is indeed a semi-autonomous organisation, all of its assets are owned by the state. Our taxpayers’ hard-earned contributions were used to procure every piece of equipment and the wiping out and cleaning out of significant information from GECOM com-

puters must be fully investigated. The police must be promptly called in and a full investigation must take place in respect of the clean sweep-out of data from the former GECOM Chief Executive Officer Keith Lowenfield and his secretary’s computers. These rogue actors have sought to intimidate the entire nation, which also brings into consideration offences under Section 19 of the Cybercrime Act. This column has been informed by credible sources that the GECOM Secretariat is depleted of key electronic data, information, and records related to the past several years. At the end of every Local Government, Regional, and National Elections, it is compulsory that the CEO and his staff prepare thorough reports of events regarding the respective elections, and this was notably absent for 2020 and other periods. These damning acts are very serious, given all the pains and the tremendous cost that this nation had to bear. It is imperative that the police are called in and the most rigid forensic examination be conducted to inform charges against those found culpable.

GECOM is in the process of filling several vacancies in the secretariat, along with many other key areas. It is, however, most disgusting to observe the myopic approach to the shortlisting of persons for interviews. Hetsberger was shortlisted for other positions for which he is not appropriately qualified. This highly controversial cabal member does not have a first degree, yet he applied for other advertised vacancies and was shortlisted, contrary to other persons in a similar category.

Further, this column was reliably informed that Hetsberger was offered other positions than Personal Assistant to the CEO, which he bluntly refused, forcing the decision to dismiss him. Given the circumstances, I share the view of many others that a person of his ilk and

rogue involvement should never be accommodated by the consideration of the commission.

In addition, others who have previously committed the unpardonable sins while working at GECOM must be properly scrutinised and weeded out in an attempt to cleanse the organisation of all these rogue elements currently seeking footholds through new employment.

I will be remiss if the ramblings and rubbish that Vincent Alexander are carrying on in the media are not pointed out for what they represent. These statements only continue to expose his vexatious and bitter mentality and partisan support for any means necessary.

Alexander will recall his dismissal as Regional Executive Officer by former President Desmond Hoyte. He must be also aware that his challenge to Robert Corbin for leadership of the PNC, led to him losing his party membership.

Alexander’s publicly displayed irrationality only serves to strengthen the nation’s awareness of his continued bitter demeanour from the commission’s decision to cancel the mandatory use of ID cards for voting, as well as the House-to-House Registration.

Our citizens are candidly aware that the latter would have only had served to lengthen the APNU+AFC’s time in office and facilitate jobs for the PNC family. He has failed miserably in all his efforts and pursuit to find a space under the sun, but Guyana needs the togetherness and not the divisive agenda being peddled by Alexander for all our people.

Guyana is on the rise, let us move forward with pride and dignity. Steps are being taken to rid GECOM of rogue elements.

Yours sincerely, Neil Kumar

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 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 ’ Mega projects will be completed under PPP/C Govt’s first term – PM assures

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he Guyanese people can be assured that all the mega projects of the PPP/C Government will be completed during its first five years in office, according to Prime Minister, Mark Philips.

The prime minister noted that the Gas to Shore project, like all others initiated by the government, will be executed, and will benefit all Guyanese. Noting the criticism of the gas to shore project, he charged that the Parliamentary Opposition, the APNU+AFC Coalition, “does not produce any report that says clearly to this hoax”

– that the Wales Gas-toShore project is not feasible.

“The gas to shore project will be a reality in this term of the PPP/C,” he stressed.

Phillips added, “We have a manifesto where we told the people that we will deliver all the energy mix that will comprise solar, hydro and wind…we have singled out the Gas-to-Shore project for completion before December 2025.”

In like fashion, PM Phillips also reassured Guyanese that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project will begin construction before

the December 2025 timeline.

Affirming that the rhetoric of the opposition was destined for failure, he reminded that Guyanese would have now been paying a fraction of the cost of electricity, had the then APNU and AFC, while in opposition, not voted against the project. “Had they supported that project, the people of Guyana would have been benefitting from energy at a far reduced costs than we are paying today, since 2017. And that is what we expect the honourable member to come and remind us also, and not to get in-

volved in revisionism.”

Another major project that will be completed before the five-year term of government expires is the construction of the Linden to Mabura Hill highway. That road is the gateway to Guyana’s mineral rich interior.

The prime minister said Guyanese can rest assured that under the PPP/C Government, there will be good governance, noting that Guyana is on a development trajectory.

“I want to assure all the people of Guyana, that in a transparent manner, all the mega projects will be managed to completion by this government. That is our promise to the people of Guyana,” Phillips declared.

Application deadline for core homes and home improvement subsidy extended

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ith the hope of capturing more of its intended target audience and giving deserving families a chance, the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) has extended the deadline for applications under its Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP).

Minister of Housing the Hon. Collin Croal made the announcement, stating that the closing date is now Friday, February 25, 2022.

The initial deadline for applications was set for February 7, 2022, however the executing agency with the consent from the funding agency-the Inter-American Development Bank has agreed to the extension.

“To date we have been receiving positive response

from the communities but the majority has been from the West Bank of Demerara, so we want to give persons along the East Coast of Demerara who fall within the project boundary an opportunity to apply” Minister Croal stated.

Under the Core Home Support initiative some 150 low-income families will receive a new 20×20 feet move-in ready two-bedroom concrete house, which is equipped with basic utilities such as water and electricity and can be expanded over time. The home is built through the Ministry and beneficiaries are only required to make a contribution of $100,000. All applicants are required to possess ownership of the land, and it must be a land issued by the (Turn to page 8)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 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-China friendship monument, sports fields among attractions for Joe Vieira Park

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China-Guyana Friendship Guyana Monument, amphitheatre, picnic lawn, a stand canopy over a pond, twin pavilions, and grounds for football, tennis and basketball, are the major attractions earmarked for the Joe Vieira Park on the West Bank of Demerara.

Guyana and China signed

an implementation agreement for the initiative, called the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park, on Tuesday at the Office of the President, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive. Early estimates place the cost between US$8 million and $12 million.

Signing on Guyana’s behalf was Commissioner (ag)

of the Protected Areas Commission and National Parks Commission, Jason Fraser.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of China to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, noted that though Guyana is rich in green spaces which serve as tourist attractions, many of them are in remote areas. June 2022 will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Looking back to previous cooperation, the Chinese Ambassador said, “The governments of both countries adhere to a people-centered philosophy of development.

So, in the past 50 years, all the projects China assisted Guyana with reflected the principle of serving the people.”

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

has indicated his intention to have similar parks es-

tablished about the City of Georgetown, and that those

plans will be unveiled in the future.

US$45 flaring fee introduced in Liza 2 Environmental Permit

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n keeping with the government’s mandate of ensuring maximum benefits from Guyana’s oil and gas sector, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week amended Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL’s) environmental permit for the Liza Phase Two development. This asset is located in the prolific Stabroek Block.

In the amended permit seen by the Department of Public Information, ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, EEPGL,

will now be required to pay US$45 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emitted offshore Guyana at the Liza Unity operations as a result of excess flaring.

For context, flaring is the practice of burning the natural gas to ensure safe operations onboard the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. In the case of Guyana, ExxonMobil was last year forced to flare above the pilot level due to a defective gas compressor.

The EPA listed permissi-

ble instances of flaring only in the commissioning of equipment; start-up when oil production commences and special circumstances. The latter category includes cases of emergencies, whether they be controlled or as a safety response; maintenance; and the restarting/ resumption of operations on the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.

Where any of the above mentioned special circumstances condition is expected (Turn to page 8)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

Application deadline for core homes and home...

Ministry.

While under the Home Improvement Subsidy initiative, low-income families who are living in poor structures can benefit from $500,000 worth in building materials to carry out repairs or expansion to an existing property. This is not a loan and no repayment is necessary. Some 2,000 Home Improvement Subsidies have been earmarked under the programme, with 236 persons already approved.

Also, in a move to raise awareness and invite applications the Ministry through the Community Development Department will be hosting a series of community outreaches over the coming days to the targeted communities. The first outreach will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the

Mon Repos Market Tarmac, Lusignan Market Tarmac and Good Hope Secondary School.

The target area encompasses Westminster, Onderneeming, Recht-Door-Zee, Lust en Rust, and Parfaite Harmonie Phase II on the West Bank of Demerara, Region Three. In Region Four, it includes communities from Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank of Demerara; from Georgetown to La Bonne Intention on the East Coast of Demerara and the following nineteen (19) communities: 1. Bladen Hall South Squatting Area 2. Block 7 Pln. Mon Repos (D’Jango Town) 3. Elizabeth Hall known as Pln. Enterprise 4. Lusignan Block XXI 5. Lusignan Parcel 99 (Binkey Ally)

6. Lusignan Tract ‘A’ (Lusignan Pasture) 7. Strathspey South 14B 8. Vigilance / Bladen Hall 9. Vigilance 14A / 14B 10. Area B Lusignan ( Grassfield) 11. Enmore – (Haslington Block 20) 12. Good Hope Area X 13. Good Hope Tract A (Phase 1) 14. Haslington Block 18 15. Hope Area A 16. Mon Repos Block 8 17. Non Pareil Block 12 18. Non Pareil Section B 19. Vigilance Area X Interested persons can apply for the programme online at www.chpa.gov.gy Application forms are also available free of cost at the CHPA Headquarters, 41 Brickdam and United Nations Place, Stabroek, Georgetown; sub-office 237

Camp Street, Georgetown (next to St. Margaret’s Primary School); Regional Housing Offices at Vreed-

(From page 6)

en-Hoop, Region Three and all local authorities within the project boundaries. All applications, along with the

relevant documents, can only be returned to the sub-office 237 Camp Street, Georgetown.

US$45 flaring fee introduced... (From page 7) to exceed 14 days, the permit holder, being EEGPL, will have to seek an approval from the EPA for flaring within the first 96 hours of its commencement. Further, where flaring during startup is expected to exceed 60 days, EEGPL will seek an approval from the EPA for flaring no later than five days prior to the end of the 60 cumulative-day period.

The permit states that the subsidiary shall submit CO2e payment calculations within 28 days from the date of expiration of the approval granted by the EPA. CO2e emission payments shall be

made payable to the EPA within 14 days of the EPA’s approval of the calculation.

In May 2021, the government moved to amend the Liza Phase One Environmental Permit which saw the introduction of a flaring. Initially, the fee stood at US$30 per tonne of CO2e emitted but it was later increased to US$45.

With this payment mechanism, the EPA has since collected approximately $900 million from EEPGL for its excess flaring.

During a press conference last year, Vice President Dr. Bharrat had noted

concerns that Guyana may have to compensate the ExxonMobil-led consortium for any fine imposed on it because of the stability clause within the Stabroek block’s Production Sharing Agreement. The clause, which was agreed to by former Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman in 2016, forbids the government from imposing new taxes or fees on the companies. If it does, Guyana would have to compensate those companies. The Vice President gave assurances that no compensation would be offered.

9

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

Amerindian Development…

FOCUS ON GUYANA’ S FIRST PEOPLE Kurutuku Village concerns addressed by Prime Minister during engagement P

rime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips, over the weekend, joined other Government officials, including Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn; Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and National Security Advisor Captain Gerry Gouveia for a one-day visit to the village of Kurutuku in Region Seven.

The high-level team addressed several concerns and discussed areas that can benefit the people of the Hinterland. They also made a commitment to support train-

ing initiatives for women and youths from the community.

Additionally, commitments were made to fur-

nish the school, enhance the school-feeding programme and address birth certificate issues.

The residents also raised security concerns, transportation issues for students and health services and requested

that an airstrip be re-established in the community with the hope of complementing river transportation, support-

ing mining operations and medical actions.

Further consultations on the issues were promised.

Amerindian Affairs Ministry inks two contracts to boost community development

S

cores of Malali residents will soon be gainfully employed in the quarrying industry. This follows the signing of a lease and addendum to mining agreements between the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, and the Malali Quarry Inc and the Malali Village Council, on January 21, 2022.

Following the signing, Minister, Pauline Sukhai, commended the village council for attaining such an investment, which she said will boost the community’s economy activity. She urged village leaders to assess the level of resources in their village and examine the best options to utilise them, as

well as find investors willing to invest in the community.

This approach, she said, will lessen the dependency that exists in small hinterland villages.

“This agreement is a progressive step in the interest of the people of Malali Village Council…in this case, we are very pleased that the village council stepped up to addressing investments, stepped up in addressing the need to create employment opportunities and of course, that will, in the long run, benefit the opportunities for job creation and increase the income of the people of that village,” the Minister told those present at the signing

ceremony.

According to the agreement, villagers will mine 1,400 acres of land over 25 years.

Minister Sukhai pointed out that per the agreement, the tribute is payable to the village to the sum of $7,400 per acre per month for the extraction of zone lands within the mining area. This includes the establishment of a wharf and ‘which shall include for the first five years of this agreement, 20 acres with an additional inclusion of 20 acres every five years during the term of this agreement.”

It was noted that from the date of the agreement,

St. Cuthbert’s Secondary School receives table tennis gear T he Ministry of Education on Friday handed over two complete table tennis sets to St. Cuthbert’s Secondary School.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer with responsible of Amerindian Hinterland Education Development (DCEO-AHED), Marti DeSouza said that this is in keeping with the Ministry’s vision to produce rounded students. He added that it will also enhance the

school’s Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) Physical Education programme.

He said, “It is a little gesture of where we want to be heading in terms of sports development and producing well rounded individuals not just in academics.” He encouraged the students to get involved in the sport.

This is part of a larger programme which will see secondary schools across the

hinterland being given access to sporting equipment.

St. Cuthbert’s Secondary School Headteacher, Janice Williams expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education for the timely donation.

The equipment is part of the second tranche of 50 table tennis tables from the People’s Republic of China through the Embassy in Guyana and is aimed at promoting the sport in schools.

the tribute is payable at USD $2 per acre per month for eight months and then USD $3 per acre for the following four months, after which the sum of USD $3 per acre per month will be paid. This will allow for an annual added increase of 5 per cent per annum for the remaining acreage of the mining lands referred to as the ‘Safety Zone’. It will include 1,380 acres in the first five years of the agreement.

Sukhai said, “The village councils are the priority when it comes to activities like this, and so we ensure that they are party to any agreement that will benefit from the process. The law specifies that

the Amerindian villages … mining in their lands benefit from a minimum of no less than 7 per cent. This is not only for gold, but any mining operation for any material that is located within their community.”

According to her, the tributes “the two parties have worked out is fair and reasonable rates following a few negotiating meetings and examination of the market rate that exists and I believe that it is comfortable at this point, with this fair level of tributes and royalties in keeping with the Amerindian Act relating to the market rate and minimum range.”

In 2021, the Malali Quar-

ry Inc., expressed interest in investing some $3.3 billion (US$16 million) into its Tigerhill quarry project which covers about 1,400 acres or 135 kilometers.

Meanwhile, a contract was also signed between Hururu Village Council and Businessman Ameer Bacchus, for Bacchus to access the village’s log pond. The three-year contract allows Bacchus to use the log pond to store and export lumber from the village and his concession per the Amerindian Act. Hururu and Malali are both titled communities. The projects will help the communities to broaden their economic prospects.

10

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Budget 2022 creates opportunities, reduces burdens, enhances welfare – Ali T

he issues, the policies and the programme addressed

by Budget 2022 are people-centered and people-driven, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. “Our focus would be economic expansion, increased productivity, enhanced competitiveness, a stable macroeconomic fundamentals, capacity building and supporting a stronger private sector,” he said in a pre-budget address to the nation on Tuesday (January 25, 2022).

REBUILT AND RESTORED Ali explained that his administration’s immediate task, on assuming office, was to restore the economy, address job loss, address the negative image of Guyana and address the waning levels of investor confidence in Guyana.

He said, “I am very pleased to say that we have been able to address all these issues and place Guyana now in a stable environment in which international investors, the sophisticated investors and the local private sector are once again, actively seeking out opportunities in our country. We have been able to put our agricultural sector, our mining sector, our forestry sector on a forward looking trajectory, one in which we have restored hope, one in which we have restored functionality and profitability, and functionality is important if we are to address issues that surrounds the various sectors.

“We have been able to make the point not only

through narrative, but through concrete measures that Guyana is not only about oil and gas, but that the sustainable development of our country and our economy requires investment in every single sector, and we have been working on creating the conducive framework through policies and programmes, through incentive mechanisms to ensure that these sectors project a forward looking profitable, and sectors that can attract investment.”

Moving forward, efforts will be made to build on the groundwork for transformation framework that has been laid.

Budgets 2020 and 2021 saw actual expenditure of $337.034B ($329.5B budgeted) and $404.85B (383.1B budgeted), respectively on policies and programmes to advance the PPP/C development agenda, as detailed in its 2020-2025 manifesto.

ECONOMIC EXPANSION Addressing effort to advance economic expansion will be multi-faceted, according to him.

Ali said, “Budget 2022 is geared towards economic growth and expansion without bringing new tax burdens or hardship on the people of Guyana.”

This aim will be bolstered by “tremendous aggression” in advancement of the public sector investment programme. “The PSIP, the Public Sector Investment Programme is integral to the transformation of our

country. Investment in key infrastructure, enhancing infrastructure is key to the improvement of living condition and livelihood of the Guyanese people and Budget 2022 will see a comprehensive and aggressive framework in terms of our public sector investment programme.

These investments are in keeping with the transformative agenda outlined in our manifesto. We spoke about many of these needed investments, whether it's the road to Lethem, important bridges, expansion of highways, building of new highways, opening up of new road links along the hinterland and riverine communities, creating more direct access for miners, reducing the costs of transportation, these are the issues that will be addressed through the investment in PSIP,” he said.

MORE SERVICES Relative to improved service delivery to the Guyanese, Ali noted that Budget 2022 will be aimed at expanding and creating job opportunities, ensuring that the foundation for a better healthcare system and educational services is laid. “Importantly, greater and more enhanced public-private partnerships and support to the vulnerable especially our children, women and the elderly,” he said.

The Head of State added, “We have made a specific commitment as it relates to health care, education, children, women and elderly, and all those commitments in the manifesto will be realized.

Budget 2022 will continue to point in incremental realization of these promises we made. Improvement in the disposable income for old age pensioners, more resources for children, more opportunities for women, better health care and educational services, expanded scholarship programme.”

The allocations in Budget 2022 for the sectors are: Ministry of Education – $74B; and Ministry of Health $73B; while the allocation for Water – $4.9B. Ali said the allocations ensure that health and education services are made more accessible, while investment in the water sector will allow for more services to reach hinterland and riverine communities.

WELFARE MEASURES On that note, he explained that Guyanese will benefit from increased support for welfare. “The policy agenda and measures in Budget 2022 will be aimed and geared towards increasing disposable income, and this is critical.

We must have more disposable income available to the population,” Ali said.

The welfare measures detailed in Budget 2022 address an increase in the income tax threshold to $75,000; an increase in uniform allowance to $5,000 and cash grant to $25,000 – totalling $30,000 per child; an increase in public assistance $14,000 and an increase in old age pension to $28,000, among other measures.

Ali noted that these mea-

sure ensure that “there is more money available to families, more money available in the economy” for the benefit of all Guyanese and Guyana, as a whole.

INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY Increased productivity is supported with investment in various sectors, from agriculture to construction.

Ali said, “Food security and expansion of agriculture is another key area through which government will support and partner with farmers and stakeholder groups in making our agriculture sector competitive, productive and an integral part in the region's food supply system.

It is not only about building the farm to market access roads, and improving more access to lands and enhancing productivity and yield… we are working aggressively on removing the barriers and building the capacity to be the main food supplier in the region…we will have specific initiatives aimed at supporting farming and agriculture and food production in our country.

According to him, there will be significant investment in industrial and manufacturing development to ensure that sustainable communities, in which there is a match between community development and economic expansion and opportunities, are created. “Specific measures will be announced to boost the construction sector, enhance our efficiencies and create an enabling environ-

ment in which Guyanese can more easily acquire assets, equipment and machinery to boost their business,” he said.

Resources, the President added, are earmarked to build specific entrepreneurial programmes, reward innovations and expand Guyana’s tourism, through support for the private sector.

This focus will be supported by attention to maintaining stable macro-economic fundamentals.

“As you're aware, Budget 2022 will continue along the trajectory set out by our manifesto addressing the socioeconomic transformation of Guyana, and building our One Guyana stronger and more secure. The policies and programmes and Budget 2022 would be people-centered and people-driven, focusing on policies and programmes that will continue the transformation of our country and expand and improve the delivery of services… the Budget is about removing burdens. Budget 2022 is about creating opportunities, reducing burdens, enhancing welfare, giving back more to the population, enhancing livelihood, improving living conditions and improving the quality of life of the Guyanese people.

This is what Budget 2022 will address in a holistic manner. Building a stronger Guyana, building One Guyana, enhancing the policy framework for us to achieve the agenda we set out in the manifesto.” the Head of State declared.

Budget 2022 is $552.93B.

Net-Zero emissions by 2050 a development priority for the region ‒ Cannot be abstract of food security, economic growth and national prosperity

M

eeting the Net-Zero emissions target by 2050 is essential for the development of the region, but it would only be possible if the global system rectifies its inherent disparities and unevenness, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. In his keynote address to over 300 participants at the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Conference 2022, the President said that achieving the target is imperative to the survival of the planet, but more so for Small Island Developing States and

Low-lying Coastal Nations.

He said, “We should not be asking ourselves whether we can achieve Net Zero by 2050, but whether we can afford not to. The scientific community has made its predictions: life on the planet will become perilous should the rise in global temperatures not be checked. The target of Net-Zero by 2050 is therefore imperative for the survival of the planet.”

The three-day conference, hosted by the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago, started today under the theme

“Can we achieve Net Zero by 2050”?

According to the President, it is relevant and timely because it allows the region to discuss the critical questions and to come up with needed solutions. He said, “As all global leaders agree, the big question is how can this be achieved? Is the capital available? Is investment available? Is the technology available? Are the costs affordable? Beyond the pledges, are commitments being kept?”

He emphasised that

achieving Net Zero cannot be abstract of food security, good social services, economic growth and national prosperity. He noted, too, that nations also need to be prepared to address developmental gaps, global inequality and disparities, and uneven trade relations, as all these factors are hindrances in achieving the target.

COUNTRIES’ READINESS AS MEASURED BY COVID-19 RESPONSES President Ali called on the participants to reflect on

their readiness to respond in the wake of “death and economic destruction”, as evidenced by the Covid-19 Pandemic. He pointed to “vaccine diplomacy, disparity, inequality” and the effects on “people in low-income countries”.

He said, “Here is an example of the results so far; 62.1 percent of the global population is now vaccinated with at least one dose, but guess what? Only 9.5% of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose. The question is, why? And the answer, you all know it.”

According to him, whilst these very countries must invest to achieve this global target, they must also survive and meet their immediate needs. Ali said, “This recent test of global resolve did not give much hope.”

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY The President pointed out that as much as Small-Island Developing States and the Low-lying Coastal States are not major contributors to climate change, the threats posed by the effects of climate change to the lives and (Turn to page 19)

11

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

STEADFAST AGAINST ALL CHALLENGES, RESOLUTE IN BUILDING OUR ONE GUYANA

$552.9B National Budget presented for 2022 ‒ No new taxes ‒ Partially financed by oil revenues

G

uyana’s national budget for 2022 was presented to the National Assembly by Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, on Wednesday (January 26, 2022) – an estimate of a whopping $552.9B that is finance by no new taxes.

Singh said, “Although

this is the third, not the first or second, budget of this PPP/C Government since we resumed office, Budget 2022 is indeed an historic budget. It sets us resolutely on the path to realising the bright future we have long awaited. It launches some

BUDGET 2022

of the most transformative projects in our country’s history, whose realisation is critical to resolving the bugbears and bottlenecks we have long faced, whether it be adequate and affordable electricity, a transport network that is responsive to both productive opportunities and changing patterns 7,305,802,000 of urbanisation, or improved 39,609,844,000 medical services for our People. Budget 2022 also 53,731,166,000 lays the foundation for cre6,164,456,000 ation of thousands of jobs 278,401,000 and provides for the training 10,343,697,000 Budget 2022: Regional Allocations of our Guyanese brothers 3,312,412,000 Region 1 and sisters to take up these jobs…in short, Budget 2022 3,158,460,000 Region 2 can well be regarded as the 28,770,187,000 Region 3 budget that truly launched 6,075,860,000 the transformation of GuyRegion 4 1,640,905,000 ana, the building of the mod96,125,547,000 Region 5 ern Guyana.”

Office of the President

$

Office of the Prime Minister

$

Ministry of Finance

$

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

$

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance

$

Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development

$

Ministry of Public Service

$

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs

$

Ministry of Agriculture

$

Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

$

Ministry of Natural Resources

$

Ministry of Public Works

$

Ministry of Labour

$

Ministry of Human Services and Social Security

$ 30,021,898,000

Ministry of Education

$ 33,339,952,000

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport

$

Ministry of Housing and Water

$

Ministry of Health

$

Ministry of Home Affairs

$

Ministry of Legal Affairs

$

Region 6

OIL RESOURCES/ REVENUES The landmark budget is Region 8 5,674,887,000 the first to be financed, in Region 9 17,442,727,000 part, by revenues from Guy57,336,106,000 Region 10ana’s oil production.

27,894,335,000 Some $126.7B will be transferred from the Natural 932,314,000 Resources Fund to the Con17,631,014,000 solidated Fund to finance Budget 2022. “This ensures 1,852,411,000 that the accelerated devel1,050,956,000 opment agenda outlined in this budget, the critical in159,122,000 vestments proposed, as well 124,454,000 as the measures still to be 4,161,996,000 announced, can be financed 3,505,206,000 without excessive borrowing 238,174,000 or the introduction of any 56,970,000 new taxes,” the Finance Minister said.

68,323,000 Singh said, “It is also 171,482,000 important to note that Bud10,020,000 get 2022 is the first budget 130,898,000 that will benefit from financ199,828,000 ing from the proceeds of Region 7

$

Guyana Defence Force

1,041,591,000

Constitutional Agencies Parliament Office

$

Audit Office of Guyana

$

Public and Police Service Commission

$

Teaching Service Commission

$

Guyana Elections Commission

$

Supreme Court

$

Public Prosecutions

$

Office of the Ombudsman

$

Public Service Appellate Tribunal

$

Ethnic Relations Commission

$

Judicial Service Commission

$

Right Commissions of Guyana

$

Public Procurement Commission

$

Regional Development Region 1

$

4,668,446,000

Region 2

$

6,101,644,000

Region 3

$

8,468,756,000

Region 4

$

9,842,372,000

Region 5

$

4,858,462,000

Region 6

$ 10,777,302,000

Region 7

$

3,663,542,000

Region 8

$

2,594,016,000

Region 9

$

4,132,309,000

Region 10

$

5,368,589,000

Guyana’s new and emerging oil sector. In this regard, this budget, supported by the robust institutional architecture that this Government has established, ensures that two complementary and critically important objectives are met: firstly, that the urgent development needs of the country are met in the shortest possible time; while secondly and simultaneously that the long term economic well-being of the country is protected and safeguarded at all times.”

A total of 42.7 million barrels of oil were produced in 2021 compared with 27.2 million in 2020. $Billion Addressing production for 20222, $ 4.7 Singh said, “With two FPSO vessels expected to$ be6.1 in operation this year, it$ is 8.5 anticipated that there will be 94 lifts from the $ 9.8 Stabroek Block, 13 of which $ 4.9 will be Government lifts.

From this, it is estimated $ 10.8 that deposits into the NRF $ 2022 3.7 will total US$957.6 for million, $ 2.6 comprising some US$857.1 million earned $ 4.1 from the Government lifts of profit oil, and an additional $ 5.4 US$100.5 million from royalties.”

From the commencement of oil production in December 2019 to the end of 2021, there were 69 lifts of oil exported from Guyana, of which 9 were for Government. In March 2020, the US$54.9 million proceeds from our nation’s first lift of crude oil were deposited into the Fund, followed by the first royalty payment of US$4.9 million at the end of April 2020. The Fund received US$185.4 million from four lifts of profit oil and US$12.9 million from royalties for the period

March 2020 to December 2020. In 2021, the Fund received US$357.2 million from Government’s share of profit oil, and US$52 million from royalties, and at the end of the year, the Fund’s cumulative balance stood at US$607.6 million.

ALLOCATIONS Of the $552.9B, some 11.72B will be used to fund the operations of 13 constitutional agencies, including the rights commissions.

Further, over $60B will go to regional development, covering expenditures by the 10 Administrative Re-

gions on agriculture, public works, education delivery, health services and regional administration. These allocations are supported also by allocations to the various subject ministries.

Among the major total allocations for the various key sectors are: Education $74.4B; Health $73.3B, Security, 47.9B; energy $29.4B, Agriculture 22B and housing $12.4B. Budget 2022 is 44.3 per cent larger than Budget 2022 and will see a 36.6 per cent increase in expenditure compared to the previous period.

Region 10, $5.4 Region 1, $4.7 Region 9, $4.1

Region 2, $6.1

Region 8, $2.6 Region 7, $3.7

Region 3, $8.5

Region 6, $10.8 Region 4, $9.8

Region 5, $4.9

Budget 2022: Regional Allocations

$Billion

Region 1

$

4.7

Region 2

$

6.1

Region 3

$

8.5

Region 4

$

9.8

Region 5

$

4.9

Region 6

$ 10.8

Region 7

$

3.7

Region 8

$

2.6

Region 9

$

4.1

Region 10

$

5.4

Over $6B budgeted for COVID-19 vaccination programme

O

ver $6.8 billion of the Ministry of Health’s 2022 budget has been earmarked to boost the Government’s immunisation programme this year.

This sum will also facilitate the procurement of an additional 260,000 doses of vaccines for

booster shots for persons currently unvaccinated.

Currently, 60.3 per cent of the country’s adult population has been vaccinated while 82.1 per cent of the adult population receive the first dose of the COVID vaccine.

Finance Minister,

Dr. Ashni Singh told the National Assembly, on Wednesday, that “recognising that the pandemic will continue to demand dedicated attention, in 2022, the COVID-19 response programme will continue to heavily rely on masking, physical dis-

tancing, ventilation and sanitising requirements, access to COVID-19 vaccines and care and treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH).”

In 2021, some $8.4 billion was utilised to address the pandemic.

12

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

STEADFAST AGAINST ALL CHALLENGES, RESOLUTE IN BUILDING OUR ONE GUYANA

Measures costing Over half a billion earmarked to billions to support increase support local fisher folk in disposable income T M easures that will directly impact on the disposable income of Guyanese were detailed by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, on Wednesday (January 26, 2022), during his five hour, 16 minute address to the National Assembly where he presented Budget 2022.

The support measures will place a whopping $25B in the hands of Guyanese people and businesses.

Among the measures are: • An increase in old age pension to $28,000; • An increase in uniform allowance to $5,000; • An increase in public assistance to $14,000; • An increase in low-oncome mortgage loan ceiling to $15million; • An increase in the income

tax threshold to $75,000 – meaning the first $75,000 of monthly income will not be taxed; • A deduction for taxpayers from their chargeable income for premiums paid for life and medical insurance up to a maximum of 10 percent of their income or $30,000 monthly whichever is lower; • Removal of the withholding tax from individuals in the banking system whose total interest does not exceed 10,000 per annum; • Support of $600,000 per annum worth of dialysis treatment per person affected; • Reduction in the cost of gas and diesel, via the lowering of excise tax from 50 to 35 per cent and 35 to 20 per cent, respectively; and

• The abolishment of requirement for revenue stamps for retail transactions only.

Other measures address the importation of vehicles, equipment and the removal of the 2 per cent withholding tax paid by resident contractors.

“In addition to the wide range of public investment projects and initiatives announced earlier, all of which will stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and thereby generate incomes, Budget 2022 also proposes additional specific measures aimed at providing support to both businesses and households with the same objectives of job creation and income generation and, ultimately, improving wellbeing,” the Finance Minister declared.

$29.4B to develop Guyana’s energy sector

A

whopping $29.4B has been allocated to advance developments in Guyana’s energy sector, which will reduce the cost of electricity by 50 per cent over the next five year, support work to transition to cleaner sources of energy and improve the current distribution system.

This is according to Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, during his Budget 2022 presentation in the National Assembly on Wednesday (January 26, 2022).

In 2022, $1.6 billion is budgeted for the construction of a parallel transmission line linking the Kingston and the New Sophia substations, the upgrade of the existing L5 transmission line, and other works aimed at reducing transmission losses and maintaining desired system voltage levels. Singh said, “Regarding the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), we have successfully supported the rehabilitation of over 600 km of medium/low voltage distribution network. We have also implemented a “transformer module” in GPL’s customer information system. Both interventions will serve to better manage electricity loss in the grid.”

TRANSITION The Gas-to-Energy proj-

ect, which is expected to help Guyana transition from using heavy fuel oil to renewable sources of energy was allocated $20.8B. The Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Natural Resources has received bids for the pre-qualification for the gas-to-energy project under the natural gas fired power plant and natural gas liquids (NGL) plant.

During a recent bid opening at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), it was recorded that 12 bids from local, regional and international firms. They include Amerapex Cooperation (USA); NGC Group (Trinidad and Tobago); China Machinery Engineering Cooperation; CEPCOII Electric Power; CH4 Guyana Incorporated and Lyndsayca Incorporated; China Enegy International Guyana Company Limited; Apan Energy; Wison Offshore and Marine Limitedl; Constutora Queiroz Galvao; Tecnicas Reunidas; Power China International Group Limited.

The rationale for the combination of the power plant and the NGL facilities is guided by findings by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) – the local subsidiary of ExxonMobil – that there

will be substantial savings from combining these two facilities. As such, notwithstanding that the government of Guyana has separately received expressions of interest in September 2021 that included the power plant, and that EEPGL had separately pre-qualified firms for the NGL plant, the decision to combine the power and NGL plants necessitated that all interest parties be invited to submit or re-submit information.

The project will see the establishment of a gas processing plant (GPP) and a natural gas liquids (NGL) facility, capable of producing at least 4,000 barrels per day, including the fractionation (or separating out) of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The government said a power plant will be established to generate 150 MW, with an additional 150 MW in a second phase, and that an industrial park will be established to comprise industries that could use gas, steam and/or electricity.

ExxonMobil’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), has guaranteed the government that a minimum of 50 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd) will be transport(Turn to page 13)

he fishing industry has been going through challenging times, despite its creditable performance in 2021, according to Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh.

And he noted that the Government has been and will continue to work closely with the sector to help overcome the challenges and encourage growth.

As such, a total of $743.7 million has been allocated to support the fisheries subsector, with the aim of expanding fishing activities and easing the woes of local fisher folk.

As part of the allocation, of $200 million is earmarked

to introduce and develop marine cage fishing which will enhance the production of prawns and tilapia. This will provide an important alternative production modality for Guyana’s fisherfolk.

Further, in 2022, $230 million is budgeted for second phase of the brackish-water shrimp production initiative. Both phases are expected to raise aquaculture production by over 300 percent moving brackish-water shrimp production to 500,000 kg per annum.

Also, in 2022, the greenhouse at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station will be upgraded for the promotion

of aquaponics, as a climate smart option for food production. “Research will be also undertaken in indigenous high-value species and the use of local low-cost feed ingredients into aquafeed development,” Singh said.

The agriculture, forestry and fishing sector bore the brunt of the impact of the floods and is estimated to have contracted by 9.1 percent in 2021. This position is largely on account of reduced output in the sugar growing, rice growing, and other crops subsectors, which outweighed improved performances in the forestry, fishing and livestock subsectors.

$300M budgeted for Small Business Development Fund

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he PPP/C government recognised that small businesses have the potential to strengthen communities, local economies and the economy as a whole. And Budget 2022 earmarks $300 million as the replenishment of the Small Business Development Fund.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, who presented Budget 2022 to the National Assembly on Wednesday (January 26, 2022), said, “Training will be provided to small business owners in areas including business management, recording keeping, business plan writing, amongst others, which will enhance the capacity of small business owners to effectively develop and manage their businesses.

Government.”

He noted too that the Small Business Bureau is also expected to stablish an e-commerce marketplace for small businesses to market goods and services which will, no doubt, support their resilience, helping to maintain and increase revenue.

Singh said, “As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance small business support, six Small Business One-Stop Shops, across Regions 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, are anticipated to be held in 2022, targeting 500 beneficiaries. We will also continue our efforts to improve the ease of doing business through the digitisation of the licensing process, in addition to development of an online platform for communication with the public and the provision of training to businesses in leveraging technology.”

INDUSTRIAL ESTATES Budget 2022 also provides $245 million for the establishment of new industrial estates in Regions 2 and 10.

“Business incubator centres at the Lethem and Belvedere estates will be operationalised in 2022 with 16 pods combined between the centres. These pods will provide access to shared light manufacturing facilities, operational space, and training and coaching for small busi-

nesses. They will also allow for small businesses to produce value-added agricultural products including virgin coconut oil, indigenous flour, and processed fruits, as well as other goods and services,” Singh said.

In 2021, the Small Business Bureau (SBB) successful distributed 746 small business development grants at a value of $329 million, of which 61 were COVID-19 relief grants valued at $13.4 million. Additionally, the country's first-ever Small Business One-Stop Shop was introduced in Region 2, which rendered assistance to 111 persons, helping them to register their businesses, secure NIS compliance and with other related business transactions. To further improve the ease of doing business, the reduction of the processing of export/ import licences to target a 24-hour turnaround period has increased the aggregate number of licences issued from 5,282 licenses in 2020 to 5,969 in 2021, benefitting all scales of businesses.

GECOM gets $4.16B for 2022 T he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was allocated the sum of $4.16B for its operations in the year 2022, as part of the $552.9B national budget that was presented to the National Assembly.

The sum is expected to cover the holding of Local Government Elections (LGE), which were due in

2021 but was not held, given that several crucial positions, including Chief Elections Officer (CEO), were vacant.

GECOM’s massive budget for 2019 was $5.37B. GECOM’s 2020 Budget was $4.068B, while the revised sum spent in 2021 was $1.828B. The work of the Guyana Elections Commission is

guided by the Constitution of Guyana. Article 162 (1) of the Constitution states clearly that: “The Elections Commission shall have such functions connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections as are conferred upon it by or under this Constitution or, subject thereto, any Act of Parliament.”

13

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

STEADFAST AGAINST ALL CHALLENGES, RESOLUTE IN BUILDING OUR ONE GUYANA

Training opportunities to $1.3B to fund 4,500 more GOAL be created for thousands scholarships

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s Guyana continues to boost its capacity to capitalise on the opportunities in the burgeoning oil and gas sector, the PPP/C government has budgeted $420.5M to train 1,000 workers in a wide range of areas relevant to the sector.

“Under this programme, training and certification will be provided to welders, stevedores, heavy vehicle operators, and others. This programme will continue into the medium-term and will see up to 4,500 persons trained over the next four years,” said Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during Wednesday’s (January 26, 2022) presentation of Budget 2022 to the National Assembly.

He explained that this is part of efforts to ensure a pool of Guyanese are trained and equipped to take up positions in the oil and gas sector.

Further, $2.5 billion is earmarked to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes across the country at post-secondary levels. This will equip approximately 4,500 young people currently enrolled with the skills to pursue entrepreneurship and ensure employability. “Additionally, nine secondary schools will complete a pilot of the Level 1 Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) pro-

gramme across various skills, including crop production, furniture making, electrical installation and masonry.

This will now create the opportunity for students to access the technical institutions that offer Levels 2 and 3 CVQ, qualifying them as independent workers capable of managing their own operations and as supervisors, respectively with a first batch of 129 students expected in 2022,” Singh said.

In 2022, The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) training programmes will continue, benefiting over 4,000 persons, and some $448.5 million has been allocated to support this undertaking. The Board of Industrial Training launched its website in 2021 to allow online application for the relevant skills course. Since launching, 90,787 persons have visited the website and 5,150 have submitted their applications for skills training on the same platform. Additionally, 3,086 persons were trained in various classifications of occupational skill training such as small engine repairs, shade house farming, refrigeration and air conditioner repairs, introduction to photovoltaic systems- solar installation, maintenance and repairs, electrical installation and computer repairs.

Singh said, “For the

2020/2021 academic year, under the national youth programme, 254 youths completed training in areas such as data operations, welding, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioner repairs, and masonry, among other areas, at the Kuru Kuru, Sophia and the Vryman’s Erven Training Centres. These programmes are expected to continue in 2022.”

Also, to support the expected construction boom in 2022, the Community-based Employment Stimulation Project for vulnerable communities, which was launched in 2021, under the Ministry of Housing and Water, to train persons in block making is slated to continue.

In the area of agriculture, 110 persons will graduate from the Guyana School of Agriculture in the disciplines of agriculture, agro-processsing, veterinary public health and forestry.

Other areas of training include the Carnegie School of Home Economics and the Women Innovation and Investment Network initiative.

“The Government will be focusing on ensuring that trainees are gainfully employed,” Singh assured.

Altogether, these various skills training which will result in almost 10,000 persons being available to the enter the job market during 2022.

Billions earmarked for Amerindian Development programmes

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whopping $3.1 billion is allocated for core Amerindian development programmes. “This, along with key investments across every sector, will set the stage for a rapid improvement in wellbeing in our Amerindian and hinterland villages,” said Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, during his presentation of the national budget for 2022 to the National Assembly on Wednesday (January 26, 2022).

Budget 2022, provides $561.6 million to achieve a target of 20 Certificates of Title for Amerindian Villages. In 2021 a total of 5 demarcations were completed.

The Certificates of Titles for these demarcations are currently being issued. Capoey Village would have been

the first of the five villages to receive their Certificate of Title.

The sum of $3.4 billion is budgeted for the hinterland roads programme, with the aim of improving connectivity.

In 2022, a total of $411.2 million is budged to allow 71 additional communities to benefit from tractors, implements and economic projects aimed at enhancing the development of agriculture, tourism, women and youth.

In 2021, a total of $673 million was spent on this objective and the result was the distribution of 112 tractors and trailers along with implements to Amerindian communities to help promote village agriculture as well as for use in transport.

In 2021, $666.5 million was expended on stipends to engage 2,000 Community Service Officers (CSOs) under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme, and a further sum of $115.6 million was expended towards the training of 420 CSOs in areas such as: ICT, tractor driving, licensing and maintenance; and solar panel installation and maintenance. In 2022, the number of CSOs will be increased to 2,500, creating an additional 500 jobs for young persons in Amerindian villages, and a sum of $60 million will be spent on training 650 CSOs to serve in 220 communities within all ten administrative regions in areas such: as tourism and (Turn to page 18)

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n additional 4,500 young Guyanese are expected to benefit from scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) in 2022.

Budget 2022 provides $1.3 billion to fund an additional 4,500 scholarships, as well as 2,726 continuing students.

In 2021, the GOAL programme offered 6,000 online scholarships in keeping with the PPP/C manifesto promise of accelerating the development of our human capital.

GOAL has announced all programmes offered for 2022 and in a notice published by the institution, interested applicants were advised to get themselves prepared for when the official rollout begins in order to facilitate a “seamless” application reviewing process.

EMAIL ADDRESS Each applicant should have an email address already created before applying for the scholarship.

If an applicant does not have an email, it is advisable that you create one today. iii. Email is the primary mode of communications amongst GOAL, the univer-

sity and applicant.

It is advisable to create an email address with your name. The following as an example (Firstname.Lastname@gmail.com).

TELEPHONE NUMBER Each applicant should have access to either a mobile or landline telephone number to ensure direct communication is maintained.

An applicant should also provide the name and contact telephone number of an individual, in the event GOAL personnel is unable to contact the applicant directly.

ELIGIBILITY The award of scholarship and admission into any of the universities is dependent on key documents submitted with your application.

ACADEMIC CERTIFICATES Only the following form of academic certificates should be submitted with your application: 1. Academic Board certificates from the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) [CSEC and/or CAPE] or General Certificate of Education (GCE) [“0” and/or

“A” levels].

2. Diplomas from Guyana Technical Institutes, Cyril Potter College of Education, Guyana School of Agriculture and University of Guyana.

3. Graduate Degrees from any accredited University (locally or internationally).

FORM OF IDENTIFICATION A copy of the Bio data page of your passport or National ID card.

WORK EXPERIENCE An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with details of work experience. The CV should include two references including their names, designation, email addresses and contact telephone number.

GOAL has advised that all academic certificates and identification documents should be certified by a Justice of Peace or Commissioner of Oaths.

Interested applicants are urged to ensure these documents are scanned in pdf format and be ready for GOAL’S 2022 rollout application and registration processes.

$29.4B to develop Guyana’s... ed through the pipeline by 2024. The pipeline will have a maximum capacity of 130 mmscfd.

The gas-to-energy project which is expected to come on stream by late 2024, is expected to reduce Guyana’s energy sector emissions. The project will also cut electricity cost by more than half. The cost has long been regarded by the private sector as prohibitive to investments.

Hence, Government expects the gas-to-energy project to revolutionise to significantly improve the ease of doing business in Guyana.

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES Relative to investment in renewable energy sources, Singh announced $1.4B for 33MWs solar farms for Berbice, Essequibo and Linden. Further, $1.1 billion is budgeted for solar farm interventions in 2022. These include the completion of the 1.5 MW solar farm at Bartica, 0.75 MW at Wakenaam and the 1.0 MW at Lethem. “We

will also tender for a 0.6 MW solar farm at Leguan and a 0.65 MW farm at Mahdia later this year,” Singh said.

Further, sums have been allocated for 30,000 photovoltaic home systems for hinterland and riverain areas. “These solar mini-grid and off-grid solutions are our most viable options to ensure unserved and underserved hinterland regions are energized,” the Minsiter said.

Construction of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is earmarked to commence this year, as well.

Additionally, Small Hydropower Plants are carded to be completed soon. The Finance Minsiter said, “We have also advanced the process for the construction of a 1.5 MW hydropower plant at Kumu, and for rehabilitation and upgrade to 700kW capacity of the defunct Moco Moco hydropower plant in Region 9. Over $600M is budgeted for the construction of both projects in 2022,” he said.

According to the Minister, monies have also been bud-

(From page 12)

geted for the completion of the 150kW hydropower scheme at Kato.

The PPP/C government, in an effort to further reduce its carbon footprint in 2022, will be providing for the free distribution and installation of over 22,000 LED bulbs and over 12,000 LED tubes in homes, businesses and government buildings at Bartica, Linden, Leguan and Wakenaam. “This initiative is anticipated to remove over 500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from the environment,” Singh said.

Fast-charging stations for electric vehicles, in Regions 3, 4 and 6 are also on the cards. “These, in addition to the existing fiscal incentives for the procurement of renewable energy equipment, are all part of Government’s plan to influence consumer choice in favour of low- or zero-carbon options,” the Minister said.

Guyana’s energy plans is aligned to the updated Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which was launched in October 2021.

14

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

STEADFAST AGAINST ALL CHALLENGES, RESOLUTE IN BUILDING OUR ONE GUYANA $76.7 B budgeted for roads and bridges $5B allocated for interventions to address cost of living concerns whopping $76.7 billion He said $1.1 billion has Demerara Harbour Bridge. A

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he concerns about cost of living in Guyana will be addressed by a $5B allocation that is earmarked for interventions.

This is according to Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, during the presentation of Budget 2022, who said, “Our Government regards the issue of cost of living as a matter of pressing concern. As already discussed, it is the direct result of global factors such as COVID-19 and the attendant disruption to the supply chain, as well as domestic factors such as the flood which caused a temporary disruption to production. We have already implemented a

number of measures to try to mitigate the effects of these shocks.”

The Minister noted that the PPP/C government intends engage in further consultations with the communities most affected both on the coast and in the hinterland on possible interventions to help ease the impact on the most vulnerable in our society. “Given the complexity of the factors driving price increases and the limited policy instruments available to mitigate these increases, we intend to engage in further consultations,” he said.

The Minister noted that this effort builds of previous work to cushion the impact

of global changes on cost of living. Notably, In August 2021, the PPP/C advanced an adjustment to the freight cost component, rolling back freight costs to pre-pandemic levels. “This had the effect of reducing the import duties, excise taxes, and VAT charged on imported item,” Singh said. This measure was initially due to expire on January 31, 2022 but the application of this adjustment has been extended until December 31, 2022 – costing some $6B. Other measures announced are expected to support this effort, including reducing in fuel and support to farmers.

Govt on track to provide 50,000 house lots at end of first term

‒ $12.4 billion budgeted for infrastructure works in housing schemes

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he sum of $12.4 billion has been allocated for continued infrastructural development works in housing schemes, including the upgrading of 45.5 km of roads in thirty-one (31) existing housing areas across Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten. This will see the PPP/C Government accelerating its national housing plan in 2022, in keeping with its manifesto promise of delivering 50,000 house lots to Guyanese by 2025.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, made this announcement in his presentation of the National Budget on Wednesday (January 26, 2022).

In addition to roads, Minister Singh said drains and bridges will be constructed, as well as the installation of LED street lamps. Electricity distribution networks will also be completed in the existing housing areas, and electrical hardware will be procured for new housing areas.

Last year, a total of 10,063 house lots were allocated to Guyanese, many of whom had applied decades

ago. This was done through the Ministry of Housing and Water ‘Dreams Realised’ housing drive across the country. Additionally, some 1,266 land titles and transports were distributed in 2021, and another 6,000 applicants will be targeted in 2022.

“Our commitment is not only to distribute house lots, but also to ensure that persons become homeowners by constructing their own homes. In 2021, real estate loans issued by commercial banks totalled $95.6 billion, an increase of $5 billion over the previous year, and this amount is expected to increase further,” Minister Singh told the house.

In support of low-income households, the government, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) constructed 50 houses at Prospect in 2021 and, in 2022, 100 core homes will be constructed at La Parfaite Harmonie and Sophia Housing Areas with an additional 125 core homes to be constructed in areas to be identified.

Further, a total of 228 home improvement subsidies were distributed in 2021 to the value of $114

million, and it is expected that 1,000 subsidies will be disbursed in 2022.

For moderate income earners, 133 homes were constructed at Cummings Lodge, Onderneeming and Amelia’s Ward, as well as 100 houses for young professionals at Providence.

Further, the government has also negotiated successfully with commercial banks to reduce the mortgage interest rates to the lowest level ever seen in the history of the country, and have also taken bold steps to keep building material costs as low as possible.

In 2021, the sum of $18.7 billion was expended to continue the consolidation works in 11 existing CH&PA housing areas, including Great Diamond, Prospect and Cummings Lodge.

Minister Singh noted that the PPP/C Government is committed to providing affordable housing to the People of Guyana by making serviced house lots available for allocation, targeting young professionals, individuals with immediate needs, persons who have disposable income to commence construction, and plots for private housing developers.

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has been budgeted in the 2022 National Budget to improve roads and bridges countrywide. Senior Minister in the Office of the President Dr. Ashni Singh made the announcement as read the National Budget in the National Assembly.

Minister Singh said of that amount, $49.2 billion will go towards roads and $27.5 towards bridges. This investment represents a massive increase from the $25.6 billion allocated in the 2021 budget for roads and bridges which saw $23.7 billion for roads and $1.9 billion for bridges.

“Key allocations include provisions of: $8.3 billion for the rehabilitation of the Corentyne Main Road from Palmyra to Crabwood Creek; $6 billion for the construction of the Linden-Mabura Hill Road; $3.4 billion for hinterland roads; $2.6 billion for the rehabilitation of the entire Soesdyke-Linden Highway; $2.3 billion for the East BankEast Coast Demerara Road Linkage between Ogle and Eccles” the Minister stated.

been budgeted to complete the Sheriff Street/Mandela Road Network and Expansion Project, while $15.2 billion is being proposed for the construction and rehabilitation of additional urban and community roads.

Added to that, Minister Singh said the construction of the four-lane Ogle to Haags Bosch road will also commence shortly.

“Further, works will also commence to widen and pave the East Bank highway from Grove to Timehri for which $2.1 billion is allocated in 2022,” the finance minister announced.

The minister also noted that preparatory work has also been initiated in the widening of the East Coast highway from Annandale to Mahaica, the upgrade of the railway embankment from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau, and the construction of the new four-lane superhighway from Schoonard to Parika.

In relation to bridges, government is forging ahead with the construction of the New

significant amount of $21.1 billion has been budgeted to advance construction of the fixed four-lane high span bridge. In November 2021, Cabinet granted its ‘no objection’ to China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) to construct the bridge.

Added to that, Minister Singh said $946 million has been budgeted to rehabilitate and maintain the existing floating bridge across the Demerara River.

To facilitate the construction of the road network from Linden to Lethem, $4.1 billion is allocated for the re-construction of 32 bridges along the Kurupukari to Lethem corridor.

Additionally, $173.9 million is budgeted for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of bridges in Garden of Eden, Chateau Margot, Beterverwagting, and Cemetery Road.

Budget 2022 was read under the theme ‘Steadfast against all challenges; resolute in building our one Guyana’.

Increased production, exportation at GuySuCo to be aided by $6B allocation

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he PPP/C Government has allocated some $6B to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) this year, as it plans to turn around the industry’s field and factory operations.

Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh said the allocation will see strategic investments being made at the Albion, Blairmont, and Uitvlugt factories.

Presenting the fiscal package to the National Assembly on Wednesday (January 26, 2022), the finance minister stated that government’s aim is to ensure the industry produce more value-added products for domestic and international markets. He said major focus will be place on upgrading and mechanising the field operations, and expanding packaging capabilities.

Since the PPP/C Ad-

ministration took office in August 2020, it has been proactive in focusing on reopening and recapitalising the closed estates, as well as rationalising cost structures and diversifying the sugar sales mix to maximise earnings.

Singh said, “These investments will be undertaken with the ultimate objective of ensuring that each estate is able to break in the not too-distant future.”

In anticipation of improved production levels, GuySuCo will be concentrating its marketing efforts on shifting from the low-value bulk-sugar markets to more bagged and packaged sugar products. To this end, Dr. Singh stated, that these products will increase from 34 percent in 2020 to 64 percent of total production in 2022.

Minister Singh said gov-

ernment wants the sugar industry to remain steadfast and production to expand, despite being shattered during previous APNU+AFC Government tenure.

Additionally, he told the House over 5,000 workers who were severed between 2016 and 2017 received cash grants of $250,000 in 2021.

“I am pleased to announce to this honourable House that over 1,300 persons have been reemployed with GuySuCo and are now able to provide a livelihood for their families. Mr. Speaker, in 2022, Government has allocated $6 billion to support GuySuCo’s ongoing investment in field and factory operations to turn around the industry, while we continue to consider the possibility of engaging private investor interest also in some of the estates,” the minister announced.

15

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

PARLIAMENT HAPPENINGS UNDER REVIEW THE PPP/C’ S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, MORE

Opposition Chief Whip, seven others sent to Privileges Committee E

ight APNU+AFC Coalition Members of Parliament (MPs) have been sent to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee, where the issue of sanctions for the disruption of the December 20, 2021 sitting will be addressed.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, on Monday (January 24, 2022) 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.

Teixeira said, “This day (December 29, 2021) will go down in annals of the history of the Guyana Parliament… the evidence is overwhelming. This is recorded evi-

dence that cannot be erased or forgotten. In fact it was seen in Guyana, nationally, and globally. “…the space between the Government side and Opposition side is, in any Parliament, considered the safe zone, the safe space, and any entrance without permission is interpreted as an act of aggression and a threat to the safety of the Members of Parliament. “…these events that transpired in this house – the stealing and the damage to the mace of Parliament; the deliberate damage to the equipment of the Arthur Chung Conference Center and the control room; the assault on a member of staff; the repeated disregard for the Speaker and the authority of

APNU+AFC bungles attempt to counter PPP/C privilege motion F

earful of possible sanctions for disruption of the December 29, 2021 sitting of the National Assembly, the APNU+AFC Coalition bungled its own attempt to advance a motion to send over 20 PPP/C Parliamentarians to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee.

Having addressed a motion by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, which was properly moved in the House, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, pointed to the mistakes of the APNU+AFC Coalition.

The Speaker explained that the Coalition motion to PPP/C Parliamentarians to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee was submitted to the National Assembly under the heading ‘Office of the Opposition Leader – Press Statement’. The mis-

take was brought to the attention of Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones, who was unable to resubmit in a timely manner. Nadir said the Coalition’s motion was resubmitted just under an hour before the Monday (January 24, 2022) sitting was scheduled to commence and, as such, could not be reviewed and placed on the agenda. “A review of the contents of the motion will be done at a later point,” Nadir said.

The Coalition’s motion was signed by Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, and seconded by the Opposition Chief Whip.

Notably, the incumbent PPP/C Government holds 33 seats in the National Assembly, while the Opposition – APNU+AFC Coalition – holds 31 seats and the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) holds one seat.

the Assembly require stern measures.”

After reading the motion, House Speaker, Manzoor Nadir, ruled that the matter be sent to the Privileges Committee. “The matter is now referred to the Privileges Committee,” he said.

The Coalition Parliamentarians facing sanctions are: Christopher Jones, the Opposition Chief Whip; Ganesh Mahipaul; Sherod Duncan; Natasha Singh- Lewis; Annette Ferguson; Vinceroy Jordan; Tabitha Saraboo-Halley; and Maureen Philadelphia.

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.

Teixeira’s in her motion noted 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.

Teixeira, Coalition MP added as new members of Privileges Committee

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he Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, and Opposition Member of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan, have been added as new members of the Parliamentary Privileges Committee.

The new group is expected to determine the sanctions, if necessary, that would be

applied to eight Opposition Parliamentarians who disrupted the December 29, 2021 sitting of the House, abused a parliamentary staffer and caused damage to public property.

A decision is expected to be made within a month of January 24, 2022 – that is by February 23, 2022.

The Parliamentary Privileges Committee has a duty to “consider any such matter and to report thereon to the Assembly” that is referred to it.

The other members of the Committee are: Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Youth Minister Charles Ramson,

Attorney Sanjeev Datadin, former Education Minister Nicolette Henry, and former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Mazoor Nadir, is the Chairman of the Committee and is expected to will convene the first meeting soon.

Amendments to Powers of Attorney Act geared to prevent fraud

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he National Assembly on Monday (January 24, 2022) evening passed the Powers of Attorney (Amendment Bill 2021).

And Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C, relayed that the deep and far-reaching amendments will prevent miscreants from perpetuating fraud.

A power of attorney or letter of attorney is a written authorisation to represent or act on another’s behalf in private affairs, business, or some other legal matter.

The person authorising the other to act is the principal, grantor, or donor.

In his presentation to the 35th sitting of the National

Assembly, the Attorney General highlighted that the power of attorney in Guyana is unfortunately and often abused by the donee.

To fortify his point, he noted a few cases as evidence.

How is this authority abused? The Legal Affairs Minister outlined this in two ways: one, persons forging the power of attorney document with malintent to secure, for example property; and two, those in control of the power vested in them, abusing it to secure the donor’s savings and/or other assets that they were not given privileges to access.

“Powers of attorney are given too carelessly in this country,” Minister Nandlall

said. “This Bill would do the donor better. Donors’ interest will be protected. It is intended to protect society, private property and all of us who intend to authorise someone to conduct a transaction, better achieve the purposes of the Act. It seeks to stamp out fraud.”

To weed out the fraud, the amendments to the Bill propose that a power of attorney will only be vested with the donor of the power and the donee of the power appealing personally together before a public notary or magistrate, and the two parties shall provide to the notary or judge, two photograph identification documents that establish their

identity and a photocopy of each of the documents.

In the case when the donor is out of the country and the done is in Guyana, the two parties shall each appear personally before a public notary or magistrate in the country in which he/ she is and execute the power of attorney, providing the notary and judge with two identification documents that establish his identify and a photocopy of each of the documents.

The Principal Act was also amended, and it speaks to the sections of offences to dishonestly obtain and use power of attorney. It states that a person shall (Turn to page 17)

16

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

PARLIAMENT HAPPENINGS UNDER REVIEW

THE PPP/C’ S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, MORE Amended Deeds Registry Bill Opposition’s Motion to stall gas-to-energy carries stiff penalties project defeated in National Assembly T he amended Deeds Registry Bill 2021, was passed in the National Assembly on Monday (January 24, 2022).

Enshrined within is that anyone who fails to register, file or record a power of attorney without the attached copies of the photographic identification document and witness statement, in the case of a power of attorney executed outside of Guyana commits an offence.

This Bill’s passage is consequential to the Powers of Attorney Bill which was passed earlier in the House.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C.,

M.P., noted that the Bill will make it difficult for persons who are bent on committing fraud. “Clause 22 provides a person who registers, files or records a document purporting to be a power of attorney, in contravention of Section One, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for five years. As I said, this is simply to facilitate and to accommodate the changes that we have made to the law in relation to powers of attorney,” Minister Nandlall said.

Further, Government Member of Parliament, Sanjeev Datadin, in support of

the amendment, explained that the updated documents now required to legally obtain a power of attorney, are what is required to be filed at the Deeds Registry as records. He noted that it would be “useless” if government didn’t amend the Act to accommodate the amended Powers of Attorney Bill. “It would be useless, it would be downright foolish if I say so, Mr. Speaker, that you will go to all that trouble, that the donor of the power has to identify itself, the donee, the recipient of the power has to provide identification, the notary is obliged to examine it, the

witnesses are required to give statements, but you don’t take all of that information and file it in the Deeds Registry, so there is a permanent record. It would all mean that everything you are doing to preserve the sanctity of the document, to make and save, you would have defeated the most important step, which is where the permanent record is created,” M.P. Datadin said.

Documents that must be presented to the Deeds Registry are photographs of the donor of the power and recipient, statements of the witnesses, and the seal of the notary public or Magistrate.

‒ “Guyana’s most transformational project”- Minister Bharrat

M

inister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat has reaffirmed that the US$900 million gas-to-energy project that will cut energy costs by 50 per cent, will be Guyana’s most transformational project.

Defending the government’s development plan, the natural resources minister said the highly-anticipated gas-to-energy project will provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy to the grid. The natural gas from the Liza developments in the Stabroek Block will serve as the catalyst and transition fuel for Guyana, as the world looks to achieve net-zero by 2050.

Opposition Member of Parliament, David Patterson, brought the formal proposal to the House, asking that the National Assembly put the transformational project on hold and instead send it to the special select committee.

That motion was however voted down in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

One of several ministers to defend the project, Minister Bharrat said every Guyanese will benefit from the massive infrastructural development. “This project is probably the most critical, most transformational project that we will witness in the history of this country.

Every Guyanese will benefit, cost of living will be reduced and improve the standard of living. We cannot stall such an important and critical project,” Minister Bharrat outlined.

Furthermore, the project will massively expand a slew of sectors in Guyana – particularly manufacturing and agro-processing. Impor-

tantly too, the project will create hundreds of jobs for Guyanese.

“This motion,” Minister Bharrat relayed, “sounds like a lot of questions that could have been asked different and a lot of wild assertions.

It sounds as though there was a plan to misrepresent the truth. The coalition’s aim is to slow down the gas-to-energy project, the Corentyne River Bridge, the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, new highways, the energy mix development of hydro and solar, modern and international healthcare and education services, as well as the distribution of house lots to people who need them.”

The minister continued, “we as a country need to move forward with development and our developmental agenda and we want to say to the coalition that if you are serious about development and you want to get onboard on the development train, then our arms are open.”

The gas-to-energy project which is expected to come on stream by late 2024, is expected to reduce Guyana’s energy sector emissions. The project will also cut electricity costs by more than half. The cost has long been regarded by the private sector as prohibitive to investments. Hence, Government expects the gas-to-energy project to revolutionise and significantly improve the ease of doing business in Guyana.

Just last week, the government through the Ministry of Natural Resources, received bids for the pre-qualification for the gas-to-energy project under the natural gas fired power plant and natural gas liquids (NGL) plant.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

PARLIAMENT HAPPENINGS UNDER REVIEW THE PPP/C’ S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, MORE

National Assembly passes Human Organ and Tissue Transplant bill ‒ paves way for improved surgical healthcare ‒ National Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency to be established

T

he Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill 2021 was passed in the National Assembly, on Monday (January 24, 2022). The Bill provides the legal framework for the removal of human organs, tissues, cells and bio-fluids for transplantation and blood transfusion.

The Bill states that such transplantations are to be used in regenerative medicine including cell therapy, gene therapy and stem cell therapy, and other therapeutic purposes; for medical education and for scientific research purposes including stem cell research, cell explant research and cell line research and for connected matters.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony told the National Assembly that doctors in Guyana have been transplanting solid organs since 2008, but without any legal governance structure.

He said, “While we have transfused blood for several decades and we have been transplanting kidneys since 2008 and we have been transplanting corneas since 2014, there has been no legal framework in place to regulate the donation of blood, organs, cells or tissues. This legislation is now going to put that framework in place so that this can be done ethically and safely and in keeping with the global best practices.”

Dr Anthony, who labelled the Bill as one of the most advanced pieces of legislation in regenerative tissues and human organs, tissues, cells transplantation in the region, posited that it is in keeping with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guiding principles on human organ transplantations.

Now that the Bill has been passed, a National Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency must be established. This agency which will be responsible for the management of the removal, donation and transfer of human organs to patients in need. It will also coordinate with hospitals permitted to conduct the surgeries, to establish the operating procedures. The agency will be tasked with public education campaigns, related to consent for the donation and use

of organs. The agency will be headed by a chairperson appointed by the Minister of Health and will include the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Medical Officer and the Chairperson of the Medical Council.

Added to that, there will also be the creation of a National Blood Transfusion Services Department. “They will be responsible for the establishment of blood banks, manufacturing various blood products for blood transfusion and managing a voluntary donation system and having a robust approach to prevent transfusion transmitted infections,” the Minister noted.

Also, as Guyana has been conducting cornea transplants at both public and private hospitals, the Bill paves the way for the establishment of a local eye bank that will ease the coordination of donation of the vital organ.

Anthony said, “This local Eye Bank would recover and store ocular tissue from donors for transplant to eligible recipients. This measure will assist hundreds of persons in regaining their sight at very affordable costs.”

The Bill will now allow scientists, researchers and clinicians to start researching and exploiting the benefits of regenerative medicine, Dr Anthony told the National Assembly. Anthony said, “When this is achieved Mr Speaker, no immunosuppression would be needed, no waiting lists would be necessary, no preservation of organs would be required, as these organs tissue ourselves would be manufactured on demand, and implanted immediately.”

CALLED OUT The APNU+AFC Coalition objected to the bill.

However, the grounds on which the opposition was based was exposed by Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, who noted that, contrary to the rhetoric of the opposition, the Bill has a series of protective mechanisms. “The same thing they have done with the NRF Bill, although as I’ve said repeatedly, that Bill is about 80 per cent their Bill, yet it’s a recipe for cor-

ruption and for thieving of resources. That is what they do, Mr. Speaker, they come here, they don’t read the bill.

I don’t know if they read it, they don’t have understanding, they don’t understand what they read. But they gave their mouth a lot of liberty and contribute to an avalanche of misinformation,” Minister Nandlall stated.

The AG also noted that that the modern and comprehensive bill will remain fluid and will be amended as newer technology is available.

Further, Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, affirmed that the Bill is multifaceted as it seeks to penalise persons who attempt to sell organs. He charged that

the objections made by the opposition are spurious. He said, “This Bill includes all that needs to be done including penalties, Mr. Speaker, including the deterrence to organ transplantation tourism, for example, including those who might want to go down the road of selling organs and so it has all of that encapsulated here Mr. Speaker, so I have no hesitation Mr. Speaker, in sup-

porting. It says five years jail if you’re found guilty. Mr. Speaker, I have no hesitation in supporting this bill.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Member of Parliament, Lennox Shuman supported the Bill in its entirety, while urging that all services that come under its purview must be accessible to persons in the hinterland.

The bill was passed by a majority vote.

18

Sherod Duncan has to learn to walk the line responsibly Dear Editor,

I

t is not surprising that Opposition Member of Parliament Sherod Duncan found himself before the court for his latest transgression.

Host of the “In the Ring” talk show, Sherod Duncan would add to the rising cyber-crime court cases worldwide as, since the start of the pandemic, the number of cybercrime-related incidents in the world has risen to record levels.

Steeped in controversy, Mr. Duncan was arrested by the Police, kept in custody for several hours, but was released on bail. He is being accused by IT Manager at the Guyana Elections Commission, Aneal Giddings, over statements that he allegedly made on his social media talk show. Mr. Giddings complained to the Cyber Crime Unit that during one of Dun-

WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

can’s talk shows, he, Giddings, was singled out by Duncan and allegedly referred to as a “jaggabat” and “trench crappo,” two demeaning descriptions that are disrespectful, and so caused him significant emotional distress and humiliation.

This kind of posture from MP Sherod Duncan, that is, of using various platforms in social media to fire invectives and derogatory remarks, typifies him. Back in September last year, Sherod Duncan was publicly chided for his “vile, most repugnant onslaught” against Minister Priya Manickchand.

Duncan has repeatedly done this, often attacking many of those whose political views do not align with that of his and the APNU/AFC. In this latest incident, the Police were obligated to act on the complaint, as is prescribed by the very stringent cyber-crime laws passed by the APNU+AFC when they were in Government, and despite many objections.

I hope his situation would culminate in some kind of condign treatment from the court. We can’t say whatever we want about people on a platform like Duncan’s and get away with it because of politics. Duncan has to learn to walk the line responsibly.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

Billions earmarked for... hospitality; development of business plans; food safety pre-requisites; good manufacturing practices; ATV and outboard engine repairs and licensing; as well as garment construction. “Through these interventions, this administration will continue to drive employment and opportunities for our Amerindian youth,” Singh said.

These sums are additional to monies budgeted by various ministries for interventions to support Amerindian communities.

“We are mindful of the unique challenges faced by our Amerindian brothers and sisters particularly those residing in remote

(From page 13)

communities. We are committed to ensuring that Amerindian and hinterland villages are economically empowered, first and foremost through the land titling programme and secondly through development of the village economy. We are also committed to ensuring that all of the country’s best educational and training opportunities are as available to our hinterland brothers and sisters as they are to those on the coast.

And, we are committed to ensuring that the quality of social services delivered to all villages is improved markedly,” the Finance Minister said.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

Net-Zero emissions by 2050 a development... livelihoods of their peoples are of serious concern.

He said that failure to address the global environmental crisis questions, in tandem with other developmental challenges, will be a recipe for setbacks.

Given this reality, the Head of State posed key questions for consideration: Is our forest resource valued more standing or dead? And if countries agree it is not only worth more but essential in achieving the Net-Zero target, is the world willing to pay the value of keeping it alive?

Secondly, with regards to the Blue Economy, how important it is to achieve this target? And if we all agree, how willing are we to monetise its value?

On the final point, President Ali said that while there

are many examples in ecosystems, biodiversity and environmental services that are all critical in alternative revenue streams key to achieving Net Zero, the question is the same, is the market ready to pay?

“After all, survival requires resources, and if we value the survival of the planet, we must value the importance of these services and incentivise the world to safeguard these in achieving Net Zero,” Ali said.

IMPORTANCE OF LCDS In the area of energy security, the Head of State said that we cannot reduce energy generation in the near or medium-term since it will impact negatively on economic growth and prosperity. It is therefore important, he noted, to ensure energy security by

diversifying our generation more towards cleaner sources.

President Ali assured that energy security remains central to Guyana’s plans for Net-Zero by 2050. However, he stressed that environmental sustainability is not founded solely on energy security.

He reminded that Guyana was among the first regional economies to develop a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS); the agreement provided a model of how a country can sustainably manage its forests and secure payments in return.

The LCDS he added is being expanded to include the provision of environmental services, the protection of our biodiversity and water resources, the development of our marine economy and the promotion of climate resilience. The enhanced

(From page 10)

LCDS would allow Guyana to further decarbonise onshore economic activities, thereby further reducing carbon emissions.

He said that Guyana is also committed to the wider goal of energy security for the countries of the northern cone of South America: Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana.

“Just last Thursday, I, met with the presidents of Brazil and Suriname, and we agreed through a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the development of an energy corridor linking our respective states,” Ali said.

Guyana, he reiterated, will remain a strong advocate for greater international cooperation to reverse the adverse effects of climate change. And it will lead through not only its advocacy but through its example.

Amendments to Powers of Attorney... (From page 15) not dishonestly obtain a power of attorney to obtain financial advantage for the person or another person; to cause loss to the principal or another person. Like the previous offence, the Bill outlines that an attorney shall not commit the same.

Importantly, an attorney who fails to comply with the requirements commits an offence and is liable on a summary conviction of five years and $5 million fine; and in the case of a corporate body, $10 million.

Other offences include that if any public notary who has been suspended or removed from practice, or whose name is not on the register exercises their power of that office, commits an offence. In addition, a

person who willfully certifies or propounds any false statement or document, or who fraudulently with intent to deceive, conceals, withholds or perverts any fact or document pertinent to the subject of the power of an attorney commits an offence. These are just a few of the offences listed in the Bill.

“The compendium of measures will go a long to prevent miscreants from perpetrating fraud small in size, but deep and reaching ratifications. The two forms of identification were not inserted into this bill lightly. It was deliberately drafted this way,” Minister Nandlall stated.

A majority vote facilitated the passage of the bill.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

Agri ministry, GLSC collaborate to create more farming lands – Minister Mustapha

T

he Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) to identify lands suitable for agricultural development nationwide.

Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, disclosed that the current land mapping exercise is in keeping with the PPP/C Administration’s motive to

provide adequate cultivation space for agriculturists to advance production.

The initiative also comes at a time when the government is working aggressively to remove barriers affecting Guyana’s food export. He said, “…before the first quarter, we are going to get that mapping out finished.”

After the lands are iden-

tified, infrastructural development will commence, he stated.

The minister believes that with the new approach, citizens will see a rise in agricultural development, as food cultivation in various farming districts will increase.

He said the land upgrades will cater for every aspect of the agriculture industry. “We

have to ensure that we work in a way that all the sectors within the agriculture sector can survive. That means cash crop, rice, cattle, or livestock, all must work together,” he underscored.

The ministry plans to construct a dairy plant in the community of Maratraite, as a means to conceptualise large scale farming across the

East Bank of Berbice. The venture will provide farmers with the opportunity to build their capacity, specifically in cattle rearing.

To achieve the goal of making Guyana the bread basket of the Caribbean once again, the ministry is also open to private funding.

“More importantly, what we’ll be doing will also en-

courage private investment because there are a number of interests that are being added as people are expressing to come to these parts of the country to invest,” the minister added.

The agriculture ministry is extensively working to create more opportunities and achieve a sustainable future for all Guyanese.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

Budget 2022 delivers on more PPP/C... in Annadale and the Balwant Singh Medical Center. In 2021, most families with a dialysis patient received a onetime grant of $360,000 from the government. This year, an annual grant of $600,000 is catered for. Just this one medical support initiative account for about $200M. One form of direct cash transfer is for people to be able to keep cash in their pockets. One way to do this

is to reduce income tax. The PPP/C government literally introduced the income tax threshold to the taxation system in Guyana when the Cheddi Jagan government in 1993 introduced an income tax threshold and declared that the first $20,000 earnings per month will not be taxed.

This has increased significantly over the years. The PPP increased the threshold last year from $60,000 to

$65,000 per month. Budget 2022 increased the threshold to $75,000. This means that an additional $1.3B will remain in people’s pockets.

In terms of taxation, a number of taxes have been reduced. Gasoline taxes have been cut in half, moving from 20% excise to 10%.

The PPP/C had moved the gasoline taxes from 35% to 25% to 20% in 2021. Budget 2022 slashed the excise tax on

(From page 22)

gasoline to 10%. The PPP/C has also slashed VAT and excise taxes from trucks and other vehicles and supplies.

The PPP/C’s Budget 2022 has also removed the punitive 2% withholding taxes APNU/ AFC had placed on resident contractors. This would allow these Guyanese small businesses and local businesses in general to keep some of their money and, therefore, be more competitive and be able

to withstand the competition from foreigners. Together, these measures keep more than $2B in people’s pockets.

It is simply remarkable that a country has more than doubled its national budget in a two-year span and the government has not increased taxation. On the contrary, the Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C government, with behind the scene work by Vice President Bharat Jagdeo and Minister

Ashni Singh, among others – have done so with tax cuts.

Guyana’s citizens will benefit from record-breaking direct cash transfers at a time when unprecedented investments are being made to our infrastructure, roads, bridges, schools, hospitals etc. and the government is cutting taxes.

This is a remarkable national budget crafted and presented by a remarkable government.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 29-30 JANUARY, 2022

COM M ENTARY

Budget 2022 delivers on more PPP/C manifesto promises

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

N

o CARICOM country provided for direct cash transfer to citizens like Guyana did in 2021. After presentation of Budget 2022 on Wednesday (January 26, 2022), one of the takeaways is that it provides for about $20B in direct cash transfer into people’s pockets, something no CARICOM country provides for.

Budget 2022 is $552.9B,

more than $US2.5B. Less than ten years ago, this would have been unthinkable for Guyana. When former president, Janet Jagan, signed an exploratory contract for Oil with ExxonMobil in 1999, no one ever thought that in anyone of our lifetime at that time we would have seen a budget anywhere near this massive figure. In 2021, the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Guyana was greater than $US4B. We can now realize

a budget of more than $US2B and we have only begun to see the explosion of foreign direct investment in our country because Janet Jagan and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) dared to dream.

For those who say leave Oil in the ground, they lack the vision to see that Guyana’s real benefits from Oil is not the revenues from Oil itself, but the revenues generated by the collateral benefits from oil.

Budget 2022 has now

been presented. This has been one of the most anticipated budget presentations in Guyana’s history. Like other PPP/C government’s national budgets, people were eagerly awaiting it because every citizen in Guyana always expect “goodies” in the national budget. This is very much unlike the anxiety with which people often view budgets presented by the PNC, whether presented by the PNC themselves or in the form of one of its dis-

guises, such as APNU/AFC. With the PPP/C, they know that no additional burden will be placed on their lives and, on the contrary, there would be things that empower families. In contrast, people were anxious when budgets were presented by the PNC because every one of those budgets before 1992 and between 2015 and 2020 were filled with new burdens, new or increased taxes or loss of jobs.

After the longest ever budget speech ever in Guyana – a total of five hours and 16 minutes – and anywhere else in CARICOM, no objective Guyanese citizen is disappointed.

Budget 2022 has benefits for working class families, for businesses, for the physical and social welfare needs of the Guyanese people. Budget 2022 will continue to accelerate the way Guyana looks.

A total transformation of the physical appearance of Guyana is provided for by Budget 2022.

It is the first budget that is supported by revenues accrued from the Oil and Gas Industry. It gives Guyanese a glimpse of what is to come.

Every Guyanese has something in the budget that will positively touch their lives.

This is a totally people-centered budget. The Irfaan Aliled PPP/C government has shown that the confidence people placed on them when they voted the PPP/C back in office was well deserved.

Overall, the massive increase in Budget 2022, partially funded by the oil revenues, support the upliftment of the lives of citizens everywhere.

The budget is almost 40% larger than Budget 2021. By any standard, this is the largest increase in a national budget ever. But most of the increase goes towards safety net provisions to support families.

From making provisions for direct cash transfer for children, the budget also caters for direct cash transfer to the elderly, persons with disabilities and the vulnerable in our society.

The Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C government has proven that it is totally committed to the ‘Because We Care’ school grant. The program was previous introduced by the PPP/C government and then was wickedly eliminated from the Budget in 2015 by the then Granger-led APNU/AFC government, which described the school grant as a total waste of money. The PPP/C reintroduced the program in 2021, increasing it from the $10,000

per child to $15,000. In 2022, the PPP/C government has increased the cash grant to $25,000 per child, a whopping 66% increase. In doing so, the PPP/C has kept its election promise to restore the programme and to increase it to $50,000 per child by the end of President Irfaan Ali’s first term. But the Government has also increased the uniform grant from $4,000 to $5,000 per child, a 25% increase. An increase of more than $3B of direct cash transfer will be made for more than 200,000 children and about 100,000 families will benefit, with a total of more than $6B allocated for the Because We Care and the Uniform programme.

In the 2020, the PPP/C promised that should it return to government, they would double the old-age pension in their first term. It is less than halfway in the term, but the PPP/C has now already almost doubled old-age pension. Old age pension was moved from $15,000 in 2020 to $25,000 in 2021 and now, in Budget 2022, has moved to $28,000 per month. For many households, with two persons aged 65 years and older, this means they will receive $56,000. While this is not much, many such families also benefit from NIS Insurance and also from a job-related pensions. Many persons receiving old-age pension are also receiving another pension, which they earned from jobs they had. Budget 2022 also increased public assistance grants, support for the persons with disabilities and other support for families.

These budgetary allocations overall amount to more than $2B in Budget 2022.

Budget 2022 increased allocations to support families with special health problems.

For services not available in the public sector which people access either from the private sector or they are forced to go overseas, the PPP/C government has always provided funding. That funding increased significantly in 2021 and now has almost doubled in 2022. One of the areas in which people needed help was to obtain dialysis. This is a costly medicinal intervention. While it is provided free of charge at the GPHC, the GPHC can only provide service for a handful of people.

Almost 300 persons presently are on dialysis in Guyana.

The majority of them receive service through the private sector, mostly from the Doobay-Gafoor Medical Center (Turn to page 21)

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Testing sites open on the weekends – Health Minister urges persons to get tested, inoculated

G

uyanese are being encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 on the weekends as testing sites are open to the public for both testing and vaccination on Saturdays and Sundays.

Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, in recent comments said, “We are doing testing on the weekends.

Unfortunately, we don’t see a lot of people coming on weekends to be either tested or vaccinated, so we have a number of sites that are open on the weekends,” Minister Anthony said.

Fixed vaccination sites have been established in all regions across Guyana, with more mobile sites established in hinterland regions.

Minister Anthony continues to encourage persons to visit any vaccination site and

get inoculated with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine along with a booster at the appropriate time. He noted that while the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) grapples with COVID-19, it has not affected the delivery of service to citizens. “So, while we have some staff that are positive, that’s not going to affect the services that we deliver and it’s not only for GPHC, we have put those mitigation measures in place for all the hospitals and health centers across the country,” he said.

Minister Anthony added that measures have been put in place to manage the services of the hospital, when infected healthcare workers are isolated. He said, “We have put mechanisms in place at GPHC to be able to

manage the services so when people go off, if they have tested positive, they have to isolate, so we have put contingency in place to deal with that.”

Further, he said persons in home isolation are being monitored by healthcare officials within the regions in which they reside. “We had decentralised the monitoring of people so each region has their own responsibility for monitoring the persons within their region, so they have been checking in on those persons,” minister Anthony related.

The Health Minister said there are staff members available to monitor the status of persons in Region Four.

Guyana has country recorded over 13, 644 active cases.

Omicron sub-variant appears more contagious, but not more severe, Denmark says

Majority of COVID hospitalisations are unvaccinated patients with comorbidities

T

he majority of persons hospitalised due to COVID-19 have been found to be unvaccinated with a number of comorbidities, which put them at a higher risk, according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.

“What we are finding about the persons who are becoming hospitalised now, they would have a lot of comorbidities, some of them don’t just have one underlying illness, but they have several underlying illnesses.

Secondly, most of the people who are now coming in to hospitals have not been vaccinated, and of recent too, we have noticed a lot of elderly people who are coming into the hospital who are unvaccinated and with

comorbidities,” Dr. Anthony said.

The minister noted that these persons are more at risk of dying. “These are all risk factors and because of that we have found that a lot of these patients don’t do too well, and they are at risk of dying if they get COVID,” he noted.

The health minister noted that long COVID does exist, as was seen with previous variants of the respiratory illness, however, how long COVID will affect those infected with Omicron is still to be observed, as the variant was only discovered in November of 2021. He said hospitalisation is shorter with this variant. “With Omicron, the acute phase has been shorter and even

for hospitalization. When we were looking at between 10-14 days, we have now seen most patients spending probably about 5-17 days, so the time for the interval of hospitalisation, in many ways have been reduced,” the minister noted.

Meanwhile, a special unit was set up at the Georgetown Public Hospital to attend to patients with long COVID. “It has been established and they have been reviewing these patients and treating them, and obviously if we have patients in other areas of the country, we would want to replicate it and if those doctors believe, they can’t manage those patients there, they will refer them to the Georgetown Hospital,” Dr. Anthony said.

(Reuters) The BA.2 subvariant of the Omicron coronavirus variant, which is dominant in Denmark, appears more contagious than the more common BA.1 sub-lineage, Danish Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said on Wednesday (January 26, 2022) in a national address.

"There is no evidence that the BA.2 variant causes more disease, but it must be more contagious," Heunicke told a news conference.

The BA.1 lineage currently accounts for 98% of all cases globally but in Denmark has been pushed aside

by BA.2, which became the dominant strain in the second week of January.

Preliminary calculations suggest BA.2 could be 1.5 times more infectious than BA.1, Denmark's top infectious disease authority, Statens Serum Institut (SSI), said in a note on Wednesday.

However, an initial analysis by the institute showed no difference in the risk of hospitalisation for BA.2 compared to BA.1.

"There is some indica-

tion that it is more contagious, especially for the unvaccinated, but that it can also infect people who have been vaccinated to a greater extent," SSI's technical director Tyra Grove Krause said at the briefing.

This could mean the

peak of Denmark's epidemic will extend a bit further into February than previously forecast, Krause said.

BA.2 cases have also been registered in Britain, Sweden and Norway, but to a much lesser extent than in Denmark.

Perceptions determined by ‘handful’ of unknown persons not reflective of progress being made in Guyana – Teixeira T

ransparency International is a non-empirical database – a fact that must be taken into consideration by those inclined to attach weight to its findings, according to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

In comments to the

Weekend Mirror, she said, “For Guyana, based on population, they may send a survey or a questionnaire to ‘x’ number of individuals.

For our population they may send five. So our fate is in the hands of five people?

And did our index go down because of the 2020 Auditor

General Report’s which exposed the corruption under the former APNU+AFC Coalition government? Was that an influence? Interestingly, Transparency International does not say who its respondents are. At the end of the day, the findings are not an indication of a

country’s standing when it comes to work being done to tackle corruption.

“Often it is forgotten that Guyana is assessed by the United Nations (UN) and the Organisation of American States (OAS), based on the conventions we have signed that deal with

corruption and they do not use a ranking system. What the UN and OAS do is based reports on incremental progress, or decline, that is made by countries.”

Transparency International, this week, released its annual Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2021, in which Guyana ranked two points lower than in 2020.

According to her, international agencies like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) do not give credence to the Transparency Intentional rankings because it is subjective – not reflecting quantitative and qualitative information. She explained that the IMF has strict guidance of the use of third party indicators for reports produced by the fund.

CAPAC MOTION Notably, this week, Guyana moved a motion to join the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees in the National Assembly.

The motion, which calls for the House to approve Guyana as a member to the Commonwealth Association of Public Accounts Committees (CAPAC), was moved in the House on Monday (January 24, 2022) by the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance. It is expected to be debated soon.

She explained that the motion will ensure Guyana benefits from a more advanced anti-corruption

framework. “This was something that only last week in the Parliamentary Management Committee it was approved. We have no problem with it as a government. We have singed the Inter American Convention Against Corruption since 2001, and we’ve been reporting to the OAS Inter American Convention Against Corruption,” Minister Teixeira said.

Guyana is a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

The body links parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from several national, state, provincial and territorial parliaments and legislatures across the Commonwealth through its network.

Teixeira explained, “The Public Accounts Committee will allow for Commonwealth countries to have representatives from their public accounts…we will know how to improve public accounts work, the kind of ways they examine government procurement…” She said Guyana has joined the United Nation’s Convention against corruption and is in its second assessment. “So, this is all part of an anticorruption framework and I think this will help our public accounts members in the future to be more familiar with how public accounts work in other countries,” the Minister emphasised.

Guyana is a signatory to several international conventions that address anti-corruption efforts.

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