Weekend Mirror 29-30 April 2023

PPP/C heading into LGE 2023 with no contest from APNU in 56% of constituencies – Jagdeo

APNU presented no evidence of forged signatures to back up allegations – GECOM Chair True DNA of PNCR exposed in ‘black and white’ for all to see – Jagdeo

‘Ultimate goal’ of election riggers was declaration of falsified results

PPP/C Gov’t committed to strengthening audit office to ensure transparency, accountability – Edghill

Gov’t prioritises peace, unity, diversity for Guyana’s advancement – Ali

Op-Ed: Narratives that ignore facts do a disservice to Guyana, Guyanese people

Guyana’s most recent economic developments places it in a position to accelerate implementation of Agenda 2030

During the Sixth Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America

and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development currently underway in Santiago,

Chile, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh said Guyana reaffirms its com -

mitment to Agenda 2030, both in terms of the country’s national policy agenda

and ‘our call to action by the international community’.

He outlined a number of achievements over the last three years allowing for the country to become one of the fastest growing economies such as the rebuilding and strengthening of key institutions of State, bringing itself back from the brink of bankruptcy, regaining fiscal solvency and sustainability, rebuilding and steadily improving public infrastructure and social services and restoring its credibility as a destination for private investment.

Dr. Singh highlighted further that within just over three decades, Guyana has resumed and consolidated its place among the fold of democratic nations. The Minister then called on the international community to recommit itself to those undertakings already agreed upon if ‘we are to stand an even remote chance of achieving the lofty objectives of Agenda 2030. ‘Nothing less is required’, Dr. Singh underscored.

The Senior Finance Minister was part of the

panel which addressed ‘Strategies to Advance Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean’. He took the opportunity at the forum to highlight two particular strategies to advance the national and sub-regional agenda in a manner fully consistent with Agenda 2030. “These most recent economic developments have placed Guyana in a position to accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2030, to which we are firmly committed. Indeed, even the most cursory examination of our successive national budgets in recent years will indicate very close alignment between national policy priorities and Agenda 2030,” the Minister posited.

Guyana is currently spearheading CARICOM’s Food Security Agenda ‘25 by 2025’ which seeks to reduce CARICOM’s food import Bill by 25 percent by 2025. The country has also outlined its second-generation Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as a successor to the first LCDS.

In November 2022, Guyana

Ali announces key international partnerships to boost economic growth

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has restated his government’s commitment to collaborating with international partners to advance transformative projects across all sectors.

Speaking at the Private Sector Commission’s Annual General Meeting on April 18, 2023, at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, President Ali revealed plans to visit the United Kingdom (UK), as part of efforts aimed at strengthening relationships with private sector bodies.

He disclosed that the government is in discussions with the European Union (EU) to find ways in which the private sector there can play a greater role in partnership with the local private sector.

India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Guyana last week to advance discussions on a number of areas for collaboration.

“We are working on building stronger partnerships, looking at expanding agro-processing, manufacturing and value-added… looking at research and development, looking at building out our scientific capability,” the head of state noted.

President Ali was also invited by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for a state visit to Brazil to discuss a strong and robust plan for regional integration. He said, “As you are aware, there are some massive transformative projects that are on the table with Brazil. I am convinced that this state visit as I am invited to, will advance these, will bring forth a tremendous opportunity for the local private sector, for Guyanese and Guyana.”

President of the Dominican Republic, Luis

Abinader is also scheduled to visit Guyana soon. President Ali will accompany President Abinader back to the Dominican Republic to meet with the private sector and several major financial institutions. The Dominican Republic, he noted, has expressed interest in working on projects and financing local initiatives. The country is also keen to collaborate closely in the area of energy security.

In addition, Guyana will collaborate with Cuba, later this year to enhance its human resource capacity

and advance its healthcare services. Cuba has provided strategic ideas in this regard.

Qatar and the UAE have extended invitations to discuss Guyana’s development and explore opportunities for private sector involvement.

The president further revealed that, “Later this year, we intend to visit China, we will have great collaboration and discus -

sions also on opportunities here. Also, we will be visiting Washington once more to further the collaboration and partnership of a number of transformative projects.”

President Ali expressed his hope that Canada will be an active participant in Guyana’s transformation and acknowledged the High Commissioner’s hard work in advocating for this agenda and promoting it as a top

priority. He emphasised the importance of managing Guyana’s multilateral and bilateral interests to ensure the country is well represented internationally.

Currently, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips is leading a delegation in Trinidad and Tobago to deal with the issue of crime not only from a country perspective but from a regional perspective.

Guest EDITORIAL

The narrative of PNCR-led Coalition is counterproductive to national unity

By Nigel Dharamlall (PPP Executive and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development)

Fromtime immemorial, the politics of inclusion and broad representation has always triumphed over fear and intimidation. In Guyana’s context, our country is a classic case study.

In the years leading up to national independence following the Second World War, a multiracial group comprising Dr Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase and Jocelyn Hubbard established the Political Affairs Committee on November 6, 1946, to pursue representative politics and inclusive governance through universal adult suffrage.

With the advent of the People’s Progressive Party on January 1, 1950, as an established political force that consisted of a wide cross-section of Guyanese, the move towards peaceful agitation for independence and national identity began.

In the early 1950s, the PPP team and membership took root in practically every part of Guyana on a platform of transitioning our country from a dependent colony to an independent nation, where her peoples were free to live and prosper in unity and harmony.

That was short-lived, however, as a breakaway faction led by Forbes Burnham formed the PNC, in collusion and connivance with external forces that were unfriendly and unkind to the conviviality that existed under the diverse banner of the PPP.

Thereafter, the PNC embarked on a vicious campaign to derail the independence efforts of the PPP, which culminated in sordid violence against our Guyanese brothers and sisters around 1964.

After handed unelected authority in 1964 and an independent Guyana in 1966, the PNC began dismantling the institutions of national unity at break-neck speed.

A once peace-loving and ethnically diverse country was machinated into a desperate nation governed through fear and intimidation.

The result of such undemocratic rule saw the rise of a dictator, one-party rule and party paramountcy never before practised in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Tens of thousands of Guyanese were driven from the shores of our country, illegally and legally, as ethnic discrimination, political victimization, economic malaise, widespread ill -health, food shortages, national insecurity, endemic corruption and rigged elections became historic in Guyana.

After prolonged peaceful and non-violent struggles, the move from ethnic domination and unelected rule to democratic transition began in late 1992 upon the return of a broadbased multiracial, multi-religious, multicultural coalition of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, led by Dr Cheddi Jagan and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

The transformation of our country into a national polity with sound governance structures once again prospered.

During the period 1993-2014, Guyana prospered immensely, rising to the top of the Caribbean economic index. Democracy was restored, good governance prospered, the economy grew, hope beckoned, poverty was reduced, jobs flourished, the constitution was respected and national institutions were fortified.

This all happened because the PPP is premised on multiracial, multicultural politics. The PPP is a unifying force.

The period from mid-2015 to mid-2020 during the rule of APNU+AFC, which was led by the PNC as the main and

PPP/C has my support for LGE

Dear Editor,

It was with interest that I watched the proceedings held on Nomination Day around the country by the various political parties and independent candidates. Editor, it is interesting to note the vigor with which our local authority areas will be contested this year.

The main political parties will seek to outdo each other. In many areas, the emergence of independent candidates will oust many of those that wastefully occupy seats at the NDC and municipality levels. Many of these local councillors have got to go. They have failed to represent the interests of the people of their community. This is tragic, as many of these local government areas and their residents suffer because of mismanagement.

Local democratic organs which include NDCs and municipalities provide a link between the central government and communities and as such

it is important that these democratic organs function in the interest of the people, ensuring development at the community level. This development includes implementing and enforcing local laws such as building codes, zoning regulations, and business licensing requirements, maintaining roads and public spaces, and waste management, among others.

The People’s Progressive Party Civic has demonstrated in government an unmatched ability to govern in the interest of the people of Guyana. This political movement is phenomenal. It is noted that the PPPC will be contesting all the six hundred constituencies in Guyana. This political party has some 2000 candidates as was reported and has always taken LGE seriously.

The People’s National Congress Reform which controls Georgetown has failed the citizens of the capital since the 70’s having always mismanaged the city. This year the citizens

of Georgetown will make changes in the city, voting out the PNC and its affiliates.

As a resident of Georgetown, I will be voting for the People’s Progressive Party Civic which has a proven track record of development. Every municipality and NDC area controlled by the PPPC has been successfully managed in the interest of the people of those areas. This competency is needed all across Guyana, to foster good governance and improve development.

LGEs are therefore important, as they will allow citizens to have a direct say in who will be representing them and make decisions on their behalf at the local level. As a citizen it gives me a voice in the shaping of policies and priorities of my community and ensures that local government officials are held responsible to me; a constituent.

Yours Truly, Brian Azore

Dear Editor,

Democracy is alive and kicking in Guyana. Congratulations are in order for all the candidates representing political parties, organizations and those who ran as independents. It is now for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to put in place the necessary mechanisms to ensure a free, fair and transparent elections.

Local democracy has evolved over the years with a hybrid system of constituency representation and proportional representation. This provides an opportunity for citizens to have a much wider choice in determining who they would like to have as their local leaders.

All eyes will be on Georgetown where the PNC held sway for nearly six decades but which now appears to face a challenge from the PPP/C alliance. The

PPP/C had already improved its showing at the last local government elections in Georgetown, moving from three to seven seats. Now with the coming on board of a number of high-profile PNC leaders on the PPP/C ticket, the chances of a PPP/C making additional inroads in the city appear good.

Sincerely, Hydar Ally

Were Nagamootoo, Ramjattan induced with money when they switched sides?

Dear Editor,

How come it is okay for Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan to switch allegiances from the PPP to PNC/APNU+AFC, but somehow it is not okay for the likes of Patricia Chase–Green to do the reverse?

I ask this question in response to a letter published in the Stabroek News on April 19th, 2023, in which PNC supporter Eric Moseley insinuates that Chase–Green was induced with some sort of “incentive”, given, according to him, that she was once a fervent PPP

critic.

Nagamootoo and Ramjattan were staunch critics of the PNC for decades. Readers would also recall that they went ahead and merged with the PNC despite earlier declaring that to do so would render them “dead meat.” So how come it is okay for them to do so, but not okay for PNC members to throw their support behind the PPP – particularly Afro-Guyanese?

But this issue shows how poorly the PNC think of their Afro-Guyanese supporters – that they can be easily bought, and are motivated only by financial and

significant partner, Guyana’s excitement went into a tailspin as ethnic discrimination, racist policies, political vendettas, en vogue corruption, poverty, unconstitutional rule and national fear stalked our land.

Today, with President, Dr Irfaan Ali at the helm, after leading the PPP/C to victory at the 2020 elections, a new life was breathed into Guyana.

Our country is now the fastest-growing economy in the world, national pride has become entrenched, and world class investments are prospering, ethnic domination zeroed, and

other rewards.

Those currently in their good graces should take note. It matters not that you might be dissuaded by their racist, incompetent and uninspiring leadership. It matters not that you might have been disgusted by their blatant and comical attempt to remain in office through fraud. For them, once you exercise your democratic right to support a party of your choosing and that choice is not the PNC/APNU+AFC, you are a sell-out.

Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

constitutional rule has been restored; jobs are bountiful and national harmony pervasive.

The platform of President Ali, One Guyana, is truly being realised because every Guyanese has a role and a space to function and contribute in an unfettered way.

We need to continue on this path and our country and her peoples will soar to unimaginable heights.

Guyanese must at all cost repel and rebuke racism, intolerance fear, bullyism and intimidation propagated by the APNU and its leaders.

The probability that the PPP/C will gain inroads in the city appears good

There will be more defections from the PNCR

Dear Editor,

Iam on record here cautioning Norton that he would supervise the destruction of himself and his party. And this all has to do with his leadership style, or gross lack thereof.

The stark reality is that Norton would not dissociate himself from the PNC’s abominable past; instead, he embraces it, and this

has had a deleterious effect on everything he says or does.

Norton prides himself as a Burnhamite makeover who thinks he can bully his way through any situation. Well, that might have worked for Burnham, but in the new dispensation of things, that will not work; not within his party nor for the wider Guyanese society.

Right from the very start, Norton came out like a battering ram as he strongarmed his way through. The sure signs saw the moving away of the top brass of the PNC, leaving the crazy dictator to self-destruct.

The party began to crumble from within as supporters – some of them longstanding members of the party – began the exodus away from his midst. So, what took place on Nomination Day was the clear indication that people were not going to put up with those archaic, backward values any longer. Down with party loyalty, and up with progress of the country!

So, as the LGE draws closer, I can assure Norton that the number of defections would get bigger and bigger.

What is even more distressing is the lowdown, demeaning fashion in which Norton goes about humiliating the crossovers, which is another one of those outright nasty PNC strategies that party members resurrect when their backs are against the wall. If

Norton thinks these tactics will work, I can tell him they would not, because the more he drags those former PNC supporters through the mud, the more repulsive he appears in the eyes of the Guyanese people. The more he speaks about them in disparaging terms, the more the wider populace would abhor him.

I guess that by now Norton would realize the folly of his ways in lending support to fringe elements. Those have brought him the ultimate ruin of his career. It is all due to their own handiwork; that is: the breaking up of their own party brick by brick. They have spread the idea of violence, racism and division far and wide, and now they are reaping the horrible rewards of that retrograde move.

So, while they sow seeds of discord, we in the PPP/C are building on the sure foundation of hope, peace, and prosperity.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

PNC should know that they cannot fool all the people all the time

Dear Editor,

Many moons ago, I predicted that the Coalition, which is primarily made up of the PNC, would die a natural death, since it can no longer mask its intent to destroy this country in its bid to wrest power from the PPP. I further wrote that, “They cannot continue to shout marginalization and discrimination, since their own supporters are seeing the truth. No doubt, the APNU/AFC is the sinister architect of marginalizing and impoverishing their own people”.

The old corruption and marginalization mantra will not work. “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear” (Holy Bible).

How can the PNC and the AFC continue to lie and deceive their supporters, and expect them to remain faithful? The Coalition had begged the Guyanese people to give them a chance, and they were given that opportunity to serve them in 2015, and they totally squandered that opportunity. The cronyism, corruption and mismanagement of the economy reached unprecedented heights, and the country was heading for a replica of the Burnham dictatorship.

They gave themselves humongous salary increases to remove the ‘temptation’ to steal, they claimed, but they did in a big way. The first money received from Exxon (US$18 million signing bonus) was deftly diverted, and was subjected to an intense investigation to determine its existence. It’s anyone’s guess what would have happened had our oil wealth fallen into their oily hands. I can imagine mansions, palaces, RollsRoyce and Bugatti; luxurious yachts, private jets, and exotic pets, which would have made even the Sheikhs of Dubai and Saudi Arabia envious.

Moreover, they spent five long months attempting to rig the 2020 elections utilizing various old and new PNC tactics. Today, they want Guyanese to believe that the PPP/C rigged the 2020 Elections. They failed miserably in their rigging, but that blatantly exposed them to not only their own supporters, but to the world at large.

I can recall that when the PNC’s abhorrent deeds are narrated to young Guyanese, they seldom believe, and received those historical facts with varying degrees of skepticism. Fortunately, they had a first-hand view of what the PNC is capable of during the Coalition’s term in office, and their rigging propensities. As Dr Jagdeo aptly put it, “they attempted to

steal a whole country”.

Today these youths are convinced, and our people do not pledge blind allegiance to any political party; the party they voted for must deliver on its manifesto and promises to the people. The Coalition never did deliver – just as the PNC of old.

From August 2020 to date, this PPP/C Government has delivered in excess of what it promises the Guyanese people. The PPP/C’s socio-economic programmes do not make exception to any race, class, or ethnic grouping, and supporters of the PNC and the AFC are not blind to this fact. President Ali’s One Guyana initiative is not mere vacuous rhetoric, but his government is meaningfully pursuing its major objective of uniting the Guyanese people. The magnitude of this effort is unprecedented, and is greatly successful.

Therefore, the shifting of former PNC and AFC supporters to the PPP/C is not accidental, but the consequence of what PPP/C has delivered to the Guyanese people. Why insult these Afro-Guyanese brothers and sisters and insinuate that they were ‘bribed’? One social media post stated that they were given $140,000.00, but had to provide proof in the polling booth by snapping photos who they voted for. This is a gross insult to these people, who have made their educated choice based on their own evaluation.

One letter writer went as far as to speak about “tradition of good politics” and “sacred line that even Jagan or Burnham did not cross”. What ‘tradition’ and what ‘sacred lines’? Burnham never respected any sacred line when he rigged his way into office from 1968, and impoverished the Guyanese people.

The PNC never respected any so-called tradition when high profile PPP members such as Ranji Chandisingh and Vincent Teekah and others crossed the floor. Teekah’s murder is still an unsolved mystery.

Today, when members of the PNC are embracing the PPP in huge numbers (not 10, as misstated by the letter writer), they are attacked and condemned in the vilest of terms. The PNC should know that they cannot fool all the people all the time. Time has caught up with them.

The PPP/C has reached out to the people, and the people are reciprocating. I could recall that, at one of the President’s Outreaches, an AFC Executive member was stunned when he saw the huge number of PNC and AFC supporters who were there,

and he told me there and then that the PPP/C would sweep the polls, since it has the Midas Touch. And they will, not only at the LGE, but in 2025. The days of partisan politics are

over: either deliver or be kicked out.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

MINISTRY OF AMERINDIAN AFFAIRS INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs hereinafter referred to as “the Procuring Entity” invites interested bidders to submit their bids for the:

• Supply and Delivery of Twenty - Six (26) Reconditioned Mini Buses: Lots 1-3

• Supply and Delivery of Five (5) Reconditioned Canter Trucks

Interested eligible bidders may purchase bidding documents from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs at the address below from 8:00 hours to 16:30 hours - Mondays to Thursdays and on Friday from 8:00 hours to 15:30 hours, at the cost of Two Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars – ($2,500.00) each which is non-refundable. The method of payment will be Cash.

1. All bidders should submit their bids no later than 09:00 hours on 03rd day of May, 2023 at the address below:

The Chairman

National Procurement and Tender Administration Board

Ministry of Finance

49 Main and Urquhart Streets

Georgetown

For Purchasing of Bid Documents:

Accounts Department

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs

251-252 Thomas and Quamina Streets

Georgetown

Please note for submission of tender bidders are required to:

- Submit one (1) hardcopy and an electronic copy (flash drive only) with an exact PDF version of the hard copy tender.

- Ensure the envelope of the hardcopy and the electronic copy are identically labeled.

- The electronic copy (flash drive) should be placed in a smaller envelope and properly affixed to the hardcopy submission.

Closing date for submission of Bids will be o3rd May, 2023 at 9:00am. Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders’ or their representatives who attend on Thursday, 03rd May, 2023 at 9:00am.

Permanent Secretary Ministry of Amerindian Affairs

Co-operative Republic of Guyana

Dear Editor,

Our democracy is once again under threat of being trampled upon by a despairing PNC cabal which is using brutish methods of intimidation and bullyism against persons participating in the democratic process for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

The PNC is cognisant that their campaign of racial incitement for close to three years has been roundly rejected, further isolating the party from voters,

We must protect our democracy from PNC intimidation, bullyism and threats

including its own supporters, many of whom are gravitating to the PPP/C in droves, choosing to embrace a multi-ethnic party with a platform of inclusion for all Guyanese.

It is for this reason that the PPP will face no contest from the PNC-led APNU in about 283 of the 610 constituencies across the country.

Faced with the grim reality of a heavy defeat, the PNC has deployed henchmen across towns and villages to intimidate persons who have consented to be backers

for PPP/C candidates at LGE.

Several reports have been made by persons who have been harassed by the PNC’s thuggish surrogates whose only agenda is to derail the holding of the 2023 LGE.

The PNC’s tactics of intimidation include false accusations of fraud against persons freely participating in the election process by defaming them. These persons are made to feel unsafe.

We must stand firm by protecting the right of citizens to vote free from fear and

intimidation.

While we’re working hard to safeguard our democracy from the PNC, which has a history of rigged elections and voter suppression, we encourage voters to maintain confidence in our elections process by resisting the fear to openly support the candidate of their choice.

Yours respectfully, Kwame McCoy Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister

Threats and intimidation will not change the numbers

Dear Editor,

Ihaveobserved that the main political opposition continues to exhibit its ferocious racial and divisive tendencies. This political faction has no strategy for the upcoming local government elections. We do not hear of any plans but only some of the saddest stories. The leadership is uninspiring and tribalist.

In my opinion, the People’s Progressive

Party Civic is the only logical choice for the upcoming local government elections. The city of Georgetown and many of the opposition-controlled NDCs are grossly mismanaged and in need of a change of representatives.

The PNC-led APNU is cognizant that they will perform poorly in Local Government Elections in June 2023. This is because the people of Guyana have already rejected

them at the poll in the Elections of 2020.

In the local government elections of 2018, the PPPC beat the combined coalition APNU/AFC whilst they were in government. In those elections, the People’s Progressive Party Civic got a whopping 61% of the votes cast.

The members of the opposition have urged the Guyanese people not to believe the numbers. Editor, numbers don’t lie. All

across the country, the numbers are showing poorly for the opposition. To make up for this they have resorted to threats and intimidation as a means of getting backers of lists and candidates for the PPP/C to withdraw. This is unfortunate and ought to be addressed by the relevant authorities.

Sincerely, Ryan Newton

MINISTRY OF AMERINDIAN AFFAIRS INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs hereinafter referred to as “the Procuring Entity” invites interested bidders to submit their bids for the:

• Supply and Delivery of Eighteen (18) New Outboard Engines, Lots 1-5.

1. Interested eligible bidders may purchase bidding documents from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs at the address below from 8:00 hours to 16:30 hours - Mondays to Thursdays and on Friday from 8:00 hours to 15:30 hours, at the cost of Two Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars – ($2,500.00) each which is non-refundable. The method of payment will be Cash.

2. All bidders should submit their bids no later than 09:00 hours on 04th day of May, 2023 at the address below:

The Chairman

National Procurement and Tender Administration Board

Ministry of Finance

49 Main and Urquhart Streets

Georgetown

For Purchasing of Bid Documents:

Accounts Department

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs

251-252 Thomas and Quamina Streets

Georgetown

Please note for submission of tender bidders are required to:

- Submit one (1) hardcopy and an electronic copy (flash drive only) with an exact PDF version of the hard copy tender.

- Ensure the envelope of the hardcopy and the electronic copy are identically labeled.

- The electronic copy (flash drive) should be placed in a smaller envelope and properly affixed to the hardcopy submission.

Closing date for submission of Bids will be o4th May, 2023 at 9:00am. Bids will be opened in the presence of bidders’ or their representatives who choose to attend on Thursday, 04th May, 2023 at 9:00am.

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of Amerindian Affairs

Co-operative Republic of Guyana

Dear Editor,

Iam a young Guyanese who takes an interest in politics. As such I followed the news and the utterances of various political parties, etc… It is to note many statements are disbelieving and leave me confused.

I have never voted before and hold no affiliation. However, I cannot possibly think of reasons to support the main political opposition. As an Afro-Guyanese, it is disbelieving and disappointing to know that should I support the government I will be labeled in the most disrespectful manner. I’m disappointed that the opposition claims to represent the interest of Afro-Guyanese but engages in this sort of behaviour.

Local Government elections are here, and the campaigns have begun but what I’m seeing so far from the opposition is worrisome.

Editor, I would like to believe elected officials can act sensibly and responsibly. To me, the statements and utterances of the opposition have been uninspiring and offensive and as such I cannot see myself supporting their candidate for my area in Georgetown.

The attacks on Afro Guyanese and some of their own former members do not inspire my confidence in them. I also saw reports of persons being threatened to withdraw their support for the PPP and the allegations of fraud and I ask myself, how can one claim to respect people’s constitutional rights to support a party of their liking, but also bash

those same persons when they do exactly that?

The independent candidates contesting bring more decency to the local government landscape than the opposition. When the time comes, as a Guyanese, I would like the freedom to exercise my right without fear of intimidation.

I would like to experience the electoral process. More so, I would really like to see changes in Georgetown. The city is a fearsome place, with many problems that affect us all that live and work here. I am hoping to use my vote to institute a change in keeping with how I would like to see my capital managed.

Yours respectfully, Rebeca Constance

Opposition’s attack on Afro-Guyanese who support the PPP is disappointing

Dear Editor,

Iam once again at loss as to why the APA is continuously violating the rights if our Indigenous brothers and sisters and trying to conceal their agenda. They have now submitted a complaint to ART to stop the sale of credits and suspend the program. This is a violation of the rights of indigenous people. I wish to state the following facts:

REPRESENTATION OF VILLAGES

In my previous article I call on the APA to list the villages, CDC and Satellites communities who they are representing. There maybe two or none out of over 240, so who are they speaking on behalf. You cannot make a complaint under the ambit of representing the whole of Guyana Indigenous people when in fact the people have not given you the mandate to do so and you have no evidence to prove otherwise. I hope the ART Secretariat dismiss the claim. This is just a violation of my right and thousands of indigenous people’s right. I as an indigenous

Double standards being practiced by APA

leader and person is calling on the ART Secretariat to dismiss the claim. I have not given APA the right to make a complaint on my behalf.

LAND TITLING

APA is making it out that land titling is a top priority of the APA. The question that the APA needs to answer was why this was hidden under the table and never spoken out when during the period May 2015 to August 2020 nothing was being done on Land Titling for Indigenous Communities. This is a shameful mis representation by the APA. Where the rights of indigenous people not violated during that period.

DISMISSAL OF ALMOST 2000 AMERINDIAN CSO

One wonders whether there are any Amerindians OR Indigenous people within the APA. Soon after the APNU/ AFC Government took office over 2000 Amerindians CSO were sent home. Was this not violation of the rights of

indigenous young people. Why was the APA silent, and never speak out on this violation of rights of the CSOs.

REVISION OF THE AMERINDIAN ACT

Can the APA explain or tell the public what was done in relation to the revision of the Amerindian Act during the APA Government 2015-2020. Leading members of the APA with legal background were employed at the Ministry OF Indigenous People and yet no attempt was made to revise the ACT. I call on the APA to tell the public why the big fuss not to revise the Act and when you had a majority in Parliament nothing was done or propose. Whose right were being violated then? Only the APA knows. There are many more cases of double standard being practice by the APA and now trying to take bread from Amerindians mouth.

Sincerely, Peter Persaud, President TAAMOG

PARLIAMENT HAPPENINGS UNDER REVIEW

THE PPP/C’S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, MORE

PPP/C Gov’t committed to strengthening audit office to ensure transparency, accountability – Edghill

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Monday (April 24, 2023), said the PPP/C administration remains committed to strengthening the audit office to ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The minister was at the time supporting a motion in the National Assembly, to increase the manning level by an additional three engineers in the Works and Structures Division within the Audit Office of Guyana.

The proposal for the increase was made by the Auditor General, given the critical role of the Works and Structures Division. The increase in the number and complexity of infrastructural projects being executed across the country presented the need for additional staff to execute the duties of the Audit Office.

Minister Edghill remind-

ed the House that, in the interest of accountability and transparency, it was this government that put legislation in place to strengthen the independence of the auditor general’s office. This legislation ensures that the auditor general is not subject to the authority, direction, or control of the executive. “It was also under the PPP/C administration that sufficient funding for staffing of the audit office to scrutinise the public accounts of Guyana was facilitated. What is important is that, in the support of this motion, it is exactly what the auditor general asked for that he is getting,” the minister highlighted.

He noted that the increase in expenditure speaks to the extent of the government’s continued efforts to bring development to the people of Guyana. “It means that we are doing more for the people of Guyana. We in

Comprehensive bill to combat human trafficking tabled

The fight against human trafficking in Guyana has taken a major step forward with the introduction of a new bill in the National Assembly.

in Persons Act 2005, and will be aligned with international best practices and changing socio-political needs.

ing of children.

the PPP/C want the auditor general to have the capacity to put out reports as it relates to quality and everything else so that they will answer this continuing diatribe and narrative about discrimination. In whatever way we can support transparency, improving the levels of accountability to ensure that we have good governance and value for money, we are committed to doing that, and we will not play politics with such serious issues,” the public works minister reaffirmed.

The auditor general’s office, established by Article 223 of the Constitution of Guyana, is responsible for the auditing of public accounts of Guyana, all officers and authorities of the Government of Guyana, including the Commissions established by the Constitution, the accounts of the Clerk of the National Assembly and of all Courts in Guyana.

New Foreign Judgements, National Intelligence Bills introduced

In a significant move towards modernising Guyana’s legal framework, the government introduced two new bills to the National Assembly on Monday (April 24, 2023) – the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Bill and the National Intelligence and Security Bill.

The bills were presented by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall.

The Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Bill 2023, when passed, will allow for the recognition of foreign judgments and will replace the existing Foreign Judgment (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act, Cap 7.04, and the Judgments Extension Ordinance, Cap. 27. Clause Three of the bill specifies the extension of the act to countries listed in the Schedule. If a country is not listed, the act will still apply to that country if Guyana is obligated to recognise and enforce a judgment of that country under an international agreement. A key provision of the act grants the Minister the authority to extend its reach to other countries, pro-

vided that there is a substantial reciprocity arrangement for the enforcement of judgments obtained in the High Court. Under Clause Four of the act, a list of judgments to which the act applies is specified, while Clause Five deals with the exclusion of certain foreign judgments from the act. Clause Nine of the act provides individuals against whom a judgment has been made with the ability to seek to have it set aside. There are certain grounds under which a foreign judgment may be set aside, which include instances where the original court did not have jurisdiction over the case. Additionally, if it can be shown that the foreign judgment was obtained through fraudulent means, this can also be a basis for setting it aside. “The legislation will allow judgments from one country to be enforced in another country. And once that company has assets in that country, then you recover the proceeds of your judgment in the same way as if the company had assets in the country in which the judgment was granted,” Nandlall had said.

Meanwhile, the Nation-

On Monday (April 24, 2023), Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, tabled the Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Bill 2023, which is designed to provide more comprehensive measures to combat trafficking in persons.

This new bill, once passed, will replace the Combatting of Trafficking

Human trafficking is a grave violation of human rights and the new bill seeks to protect the rights of individuals and prevent and combat trafficking of persons both within and across the borders of Guyana.

Part One of the bill defines key terms and outlines the main objectives of combatting human trafficking, including the traffick -

In Part Two, criminal offences related to trafficking in persons are outlined with extraterritorial effect. Those found guilty of this offence face imprisonment for five years on summary conviction or life imprisonment on conviction or indictment. Property forfeiture and restitution to the victim may also be ordered. Ancillary offences are also provided for in this part.

Moreover, transporting a person or child across

TURN TO PAGE 21 →

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond announced Monday (April 24, 2023) that the single window system for trade will be operationalised by the end of this year.

al Intelligence and Security Bill, when passed, establishes the National Intelligence and Security Agency as the body responsible for enhancing the state’s defence and security policy. The bill outlines the agency’s functions, which include to “collect information of national intelligence and security interest that provides a basis for decision making and preventative actions; gather, store, process, analyses and disseminate information that is relevant to national intelligence and security; conduct analysis of information of national interest and security interest.” The agency coordinates the state’s defence and law enforcement activities related to national intelligence and security. Additionally, the agency will offer national intelligence and security advice to the President, Cabinet, and other entities within the security sector.

The introduction of these bills is a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to modernise and streamline the laws that govern the country, particularly in light of the rapidly evolving business landscape.

The minister was at the time speaking in support of the Single Window for Planning and Development Bill, which was being debated during the 63rd Sitting of the National Assembly. “That project is well underway and we expect that electronic Single Window to be operational by the end of this year,” Minister Walrond informed the house.

The implementation of a single window system for trade will facilitate the integration of the procedures and information criteria of 14 agencies involved in the import/export process.

“In the same way that the Central Housing and Planning Authority is the central entity for the Planning and Development Single Window, so too will the Guyana Revenue Authority be the central entity in the Single Window for Trade,” the minister explained.

She further stated that the single window for trade system involves the electronic automation of processes as well as the streamlining of these processes.

The objective, Minister Walrond underscored, is to maximise efficiency and benefit the clients of the system. “It is amongst the foremost reasons for our embarking on this and other related initiatives. It is part of our thrust to modernise the state and it stands alongside a number of other initiatives aimed at this modernisation objective,”

she affirmed.

The national e-ID project is another essential component of the government’s modernisation thrust.

Minister Walrond explained that citizens who are enrolled in the electronic system will be able to use various online government services, including the planning and trade single windows, without having to go through duplicate registration processes.

The national approach will also eliminate the need to provide personal information repeatedly at every government agency when conducting business transactions.

Once equipped with the e-ID, a registrant would be able to automatically be enrolled for any government service or programme for which they qualified.

TURN TO PAGE 21 →

National Assembly greenlights amendments to Court of Appeal Bill

The‘long overdue’ Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill of 2022 was on Monday (April 24, 2023) passed in the National Assembly to improve the efficiency of court proceedings.

This comes in response to the mammoth caseload on the Court of Appeal docket and the small complement of judges to dispose of matters in a timely matter. Currently, only three Permanent Appellate judges sit on the Court of Appeal.

The Court of Appeal (Amendment) Bill of 2022 amends section 34(1) of the Court of Appeal Act, Cap.

3:01, which presently provides that the judges of the Court of Appeal shall include no more than five Justices of Appeal.

It is aimed at increasing the number of appellate court judges to at least five and no more than nine.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, said the increase in the complement of judges is long overdue, amid a tremendous increase in litigation. He said, “In my view, the propensity to litigate in Guyana has grown progressively over the years. It is, therefore, both unreasonable and impossible to expect

the same number of judges to cope efficiently in the face of such an increase in workload. Our government has been a willing and reliable partner in supporting the judiciary in every initiative designed to improve the justice system and bring to its processes greater dispatch.”

The AG reminded that the administration spearheaded the implementation of several systems to advance this agenda, such as the introduction of the audio-visual recording system, which allowed for the automatic recording of proceedings in court, with a writ-

Single window system for trade to be operationalised by year-end - Walrond

Positions from PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo

PPP/C heading into LGE 2023 with no contest from APNU in

Norton’s ignorance of NISA operations exposes failings as Leader – PPP General Secretary

The PPP/C is prepared to contest all 610 constituencies in the 80 Local Authority Areas, as it did successfully in 2016 and 2018, while out of government office, according to the Party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo, during a news conference on Thursday (April 27, 2023) at Freedom House, Robb Street, charged that the PPP/C’s position is vastly different from that of the APNU, led by the increasingly embattled Aubrey Norton. “He is not prepared…when they lose at the national level, he has to claim fraud to try to avoid blame….it is so transparent…the whole country must be seeing this… everybody must be wise to his game….Guyanese have to understand what is happening in the PNC to understand what is happening here.”

He also called out Norton for claiming that the APNU is contesting in all 610 constituencies in the 80 Local Authority Areas, when the reality is that APNU is not contesting 56.72 per cent or 346 of the 610 constituencies in the 80 Local Authority Areas. “Who will believe the APNU on anything?... their entire campaign is built around lies” Jagdeo questioned.

NORTON OBJECTIONS

Norton on April 20, 2023, when asked where APNU was contesting said,

56%

of constituencies – Jagdeo

APNU press conference on Thursday (April 27, 2023) morning, by Shurwayne Holder, who said, “We are contesting in practically all LAAs…save and except those we encountered some difficulties…I will not say what those issues are, we are dealing with it at the GECOM level and we will await the outcome of GECOM.”

Theuninformed comments of leader of the PNCR and APNU+AFC Coalition, Aubrey Norton, on the legislative efforts to address a National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), further expose his failings as a leader.

This is according to General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a news conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, on Thursday (April 27, 2023), where he quipped that “junior league” Norton, with his comments, expose that he was unaware that NISA was operational for several years now.

and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, explained that the government intends to bring to light legislation that clearly outlines the functions and responsibilities of the entity.

“We (APNU have submitted (Lists of Candidates) across the country we have submitted in virtually all the NDCs, all the constituencies and all the towns, except I think for Lethem, where there is a problem… we might be shortened like three or four if so many.”

Jagdeo on the afternoon of April 20, 2023, had called out Norton for not being able to field Candidates in all 610 constituencies in the 80 Local Authority Areas.

An upset Norton, on April 22, 2023, told a local media outlet that: “We are contesting all constituencies in Georgetown, all constituencies in New Amsterdam, all constituencies in Linden, all constituencies in Anna Regina, Rose Hall, in Corriverton, I think one might be out. We are contesting. The only place we are not contesting in which we said, we had a problem with is Lethem, which means more than 90 per cent of the local authorities of the town council by us.”

Norton’s misinformation was reiterated at an

FRONT GROUPS

Notably, Holder, seemingly inadvertently, admitted that the APNU was working through ‘front groups’. He said, “The PNC is not interested in total domination. We are working with groups in several areas, we are working with individuals. We believe in people being in charge of their own affairs.”

Aware of such efforts, last week, Jagdeo said, “I hope that GECOM will pay careful attention to all of these groups now outside of the PNC, because I believe the PNC/APNU could not contest in some areas. So, they have front groups, they're supporting a few front groups who are aligned to them because they can go into some areas. APNU Name is in the mud in those areas. So, they have gone through or are supportive of some other groups.”

The political parties contesting the Local Government Elections include the PPP/C and PNCR-led APNU, as well as independent groups and candidates.

Marriott sale on hold – PPP GS

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday (April 27, 2023) disclosed that the Government of Guyana is no longer selling the Marriott Hotel because the six bids received were below the hotel's worth.

At a news conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street, Jagdeo stated, "We will not proceed with any of the bids because we believe that they are too low, because of the value of that asset and its capacity to

The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) requested proposals from people or businesses interested in the hotel and issued a prequalification notification after receiving six offers.

The proposal that was made by American businessman Ramy El-Batrawi was the biggest of those six, coming in at US$65 million.

According to Jagdeo, the administration requested

Jagdeo stressed that the National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill 2023, which was tabled in the National Assembly on Monday (April 24, 2023), represented an effort by the PPP/C government to improve accountability and oversight of NISA’s operations.

He added that Norton is clearly being “led by the nose” by media reporting on issues of national importance, as opposed to approaching matters more effectively.

EFFORT TO INSTITUTIONALISE INTELLIGENCE GATHERING

Meanwhile, recognising the obscurity that has surrounded the National Intelligence and Security Agency for years, Attorney General

He stressed that the National Intelligence and Security Bill that was tabled in the National Assembly on Monday brings into statutory recognition an agency that has already existed for some 13 years. “What this bill seeks to do is establish the agency by law to clearly set out what the agency’s powers are, who will constitute the agency, by what mechanism they will be appointed, and how the agency will be funded,” he said on Tuesday (April 25, 2023).

Highlighting that the agency is not a law enforcement body, the AG clarified that it will work in tandem with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in intelligence gathering. The agency had been performing the very functions outlined in the bill, but there was no governance structure or statutory framework.

Minister Nandlall said given the fact that the agency deals with issues of national security, as expected, there is some degree of confidentiality included in its processes.

“This bill seeks to bring a transparent legal structure into being and to establish an accountable framework in

respect of the agency itself and those who will man and comprise the agency, and to say clearly how the agency will be funded,” he noted. The agency will also now be made subject to parliamentary oversight, as annual reports of its work will be laid in the National Assembly. The National Intelligence and Security Bill establishes the National Intelligence and Security Agency as the body responsible for enhancing the state’s defence and security policy. Outlining the functions of the agency, the bill provides that it will collect information ‘of national intelligence and security that will provide a basis for decision-making and preventive action and conducting analysis of the information’. The functions also include providing intelligence and security advice to the president, cabinet members and other entities in the security sector. “This country requires an agency of this type on a firm legal footing. The direction in which we are going economically as a country, the growth of our economy, and the expansion of our fiscal sector, require an agency like this. As the economy grows, national security and the capability of the state to protect its citizens and assets within the state must proportionally improve,” the Attorney General said.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo has highlighted the transformation taking place in Region Ten under the diligent stewardship of the PPP/C, a fact the APNU is trying to hide.

Jagdeo during his weekly press conference hosted at Freedom House on Thursday (April 27, 2023) dispelled the opposition claims of discrimination against Lindeners.

ing now, the fact that they try to sabotage at least 1,200 of them through the part time programme and several others through other initiatives. The number of roads done in Linden has not just tripled, maybe quadrupled, over the period in office and in just a short time, a whole range of other plans for job creation,” Jagdeo pointed out.

took office, they disappeared, in the five years and left people, all the young people and everyone, leave them high and dry, nothing, in fact they lost jobs and there was very little money circulating in the area, that’s their track record of misleading the people of Region 10 particularly Linden,” he added.

bids to gauge the market.

The hotel will continue to be owned by the public because none of the bids match the requirements of the government.

The Vice President, who had a key role in the facility's construction, endorsed the choice to sell the hotel at a news conference held by a different political party a few weeks ago, making clear that the government will weigh its final decision against what is best.

“We established an incubator for small business, we did the road to West Watooka, we established a small loan scheme, the PNC people who took over the management of the scheme they ran it down, that was our track record, we built the hospital there, several secondary schools, almost all the roads,” the general secretary reminded.

He also noted the opportunities that have been created for the people of Linden.

“Since this government has taken office more people in Linden are employed, work-

As it relates to housing development, the PPP General Secretary called out the Parliamentary Opposition for its poor track record. “A thousand houses. How many did they build? Not one. How many house lots did they give out? Maybe to a few people only APNU big wigs,” he said.

The attacks from the opposition, Jagdeo said is due to its failure to fulfill promises made to the region. “They mobilised young people in Linden, lied to them that they are going to get jobs and things are going to change in Linden when the coalition

Just a few days ago, some 55 landowners of Linden benefitted from the government’s cement and steel subsidy to fast track the construction of their homes.

Another 60 also got the opportunity to identify their houselots at Amelia’s Ward.

Further, the General Secretary noted that another area has already been identified for the building of 1,000 homes in the region, following the discovery of significant bauxite reserve in the previously identified area, Millie’s Hideout.

Development is also taking place in sports, infrastructure, education, among other sectors in Region Ten.

PPP/C created more opportunities, development in than coalition every managed – Jagdeo

ELECTION

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

APNU’s claims of electoral fraud by PPP have ‘no basis in fact’ – General Secretary

There was no attempt at fraud by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), as being claimed by the PNCR-led Coalition.

The declaration made by the PPP General Secretary said, “There is no basis in fact…99 per cent of the allegations are just that, allegations…they are trying to create a campaign, like they have always done, of misinformation.”

During a news conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, on Thursday (April 27, 2023), Jagdeo added, the PNCR-led grouping has a history of making false allegations, while, simultaneously, failing to substantiate them.

Further, Jagdeo noted that as it relates to claims of signature forged for 13 backers supporting a PPP/C candidate in Union/Naarstigheid, Region 5, there was a clear case of intimidation, where one template of a letter was printed and persons pressured to sign. However, he charged that the PPP/C has the support of numerous persons in the area and the withdrawal of the 13 persons was easily resolved. Further

he noted that the PPP/C Candidate for Union\Naarstigheid LAA, Region 5, Ms. Rosaline Carmichael, issued a statement testifying that the signatures were obtained voluntarily and lawfully. The Party, last week, addressed the issue in a statement and said, “We believe that these actions are being done to divert attention from the fact that the PNC/APNU is unable to compete in 55% of the Constituencies and twenty-four (24) Local Authority Areas (LAA) across the country and to mask the glaring shortcomings of its lists, which include among others, a lack of diversity in age and ethnicity.”

On the APNU claim that the name of a deceased person was included as a backer on another List of Candidates in another NDC, Jagdeo stressed that the woman passed away a week before Nomination Day and an oversight led to her name not being removed. He stressed that the woman’s husband remains an active campaigner for the PPP/C and is fully supportive of the Party.

Notably, the PNCR-led

Coalition’s resort to false, unsubstantiated, allegations is not a new tactic. At the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

In May 2020, the Coalition's Aubrey Norton alleged that the APNU+AFC Coalition had no intention of substantiating the majority of its accusations of electoral anomalies, particularly those involving individuals for whom it alleges ballots were cast fraudulently while they were abroad of the country on electoral Day.

Norton said that 1,261 (or 65 percent) of the 1,937 charges of anomalies made by the Coalition are attributable to a group of "foreign voters." Two days later, Ganesh Mahipaul, the APNU+AFC Coalition's counting agent, acknowledged that his party had relied on unverified sources to support its claims that certain voters had cast ballots on March 2, 2020, despite being outside the jurisdiction.

The PPP General Secretary made clear that Guyanese are “wise” to the PNC/ APNU tactics and will continue to challenge the falsehoods being peddled.

APNU signals move to try to ‘block’ LGE 2023

Despite being called out for peddling falsehoods, the leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC Coalition, Aubrey Norton, has signaled a move to try to block the holding of Local Government Elections, which are scheduled for June 12, 2023.

On Tuesday (April 25, 2023), Norton said, “If you have before you a number of people who have forged signatures and up until now GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission) cannot say ‘these are qualified, these are disqualified’, it means that the entire system is compromised and so we will have to relook the situation and do everything to ensure there are no local government

– GECOM Chair

Continuedclaims by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on allegations about persons’ signatures being forged as backers for candidates contesting the Local Government Elections (LGE) on the PPP/C slate have been shut down by the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh.

“They have not brought their evidence. When they bring the evidence to us, we’ll take it from there. But I have not seen anything. They’re making allegations, allegations are not evidence. I use to be a criminal judge, and I know evidence. I was a Police Legal Adviser.”

can’t speak for the Commission, but (the Secretariat) would not be in a position to engage the Police, simply because we do not have the facts. I would expect that the persons who are directly affected by that alleged forgery would be the ones to go and engage the Police.”

INTIMIDATION WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STAND

The PPP/C has made clear that the allegation of the APNU will be called out at every turn for the fallacies they are and the acts of intimidation that representatives of APNU are engaged with at the community level will not be allowed to stand.

same matter reasoned that, “They (APNU) are hurting so bad that they have lost support in Linden and people have openly and I mean that openly pledged their support for the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) by showing up with their candidates, backing them on Nomination Day. But not just showing up but doing so in large numbers which sent shockwaves across this very platform. The opposition forces have now resorted to lies, fabrications, misinformation and misdirection.”

elections.”

Further, at an APNU news conference on Thursday (April 27, 2023) morning where Norton was notably absent, the grouping’s Shurwayne Holder, declared that, “Without an investigation into the acts of electoral fraud by the PPP, the LGE cannot proceed.” Holder added, “Let it be known that the APNU will not allow this matter to wane with time. We will not allow our focus to be distracted. Our outrage will not be calmed. We will not allow the PPP, in cahoots with its agents in GECOM, to rig and steal the 2023 LGE elections. We will not allow the will of the Guyanese people to be perverted by the PPP.”

Holder also attacked the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh. He said, “It must be noted here that Justice Claudette Singh has removed all pretensions of being independent and interested in free and fair elections. It should be evident to all that she is a pawn of the People’s Progressive Party and can never deliver free, fair and credible elections.”

Notably, the reiteration of APNU’s position comes after the GECOM Chair made clear that the APNU has presented no evidence to substantiate its claims of electoral fraud by the PPP.

Further, GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Vishnu Persaud, when pressed on the matter said, “The whole issue about forged signatures is not something that has been put to us at GECOM. These are things that we have been hearing from the media. Nobody has come forward to say somebody has forged my signature. And even if they did, we do not have the wherewithal to investigate those things. We have no authority to go and investigate that. What may be the case is that those things would have to be reported to the Police. It’s a fraud or a forgery. I

The PPP’s Sonia Parag, in comments on the tactics being employed by APNU said, “It has been brought to my attention that members of the PNC are moving swiftly around in Mocha Arcadia with a generic letter demanding and threatening residents of that community who of their own free will supported the potential PPP/C candidates for the upcoming LGE, for their signatures saying otherwise. We are closely observing this unlawful action by the PNC and will take necessary lawful action!”

Further, the PPP/C’s Juan Edghill, in comments on the

He noted that the APNU’s “lies, deceptive statements and misinformation” will not go unanswered. “I want to assure the comrades in the PPP that you’re standing on solid ground, you did your political work, we have our candidates, we have our backers and the bullyism that the PNC is accustomed to, they are unable to carry it out effectively because people are rebuffing them at this time. It’s the same PNC of old seeking to intimidate, bully, lie and threaten people into conformation of their thwarted agenda. The pendulum has swung, we will continue to reject their attacks. Onwards to victory,” Edghill charged.

Local Government Elections are scheduled for June 12, 2023.

REPORT PNC/APNU BULLYISM

I urge any individual who is supportive of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (particularly those of Afro-Guyanese ancestry), who has been threatened or faced acts of bullyism by operatives of the PNC/APNU on any matter related to local government election, to make contact via Tel: 592-700-8117

will PERSONALLY ensure that every case is fully investigated by the relevant law enforcement agency and strong action is taken against those found culpable.

General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party Bharrat Jagdeo

APNU presented no evidence of forged signatures to back up allegations

I

Elections CoI report handed over, to be tabled in National Assembly

Thereport from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the General Elections of March 2, 2020, was handed over the report to President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Wednesday (April 26, 2023) by Chairman of the CoI, Retired Justice of Appeal, Stanley John

The report found that ‘shockingly brazen attempts’ were made by Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers; and Returning Officer (RO), Clairmont Mingo, to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining, and tabulation of votes for the election. The report also found the trio guilty of attempting to stymie the declaration of the election results for the purpose of ‘stealing’ the elections.

Ali in comments during the handover said, “Free and fair elections, as the lifeblood of democracy… must be zealously guarded and protected. As such, any circumstance or event which could have led, or led and affected the declaration of the results of

the election, had implications for democracy, and for the welfare of the citizens. It was thus imperative that there be [an] inquiry into the events that followed the holding of the elections on March 2, 2020.”

He reminded that the COI was also mandated to make recommendations fit and necessary to permit the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to discharge its statutory functions in an impartial, fair, and compliant manner with the constitution, as well as relevant legislation.

The president commended the commissioners for their hard work by efficiently accepting and executing their responsibilities. “To all those who championed this cause in Guyana, throughout the region… to all the professionals who stood tall, remained impartial, and executed the responsibility that is expected of them in holding public office, I say to you, thank you for all the work you have done. To those who sidestep, sidetrack, in an open way, did not comply with what is expected of them in public office, you not only do yourself

harm, and this is looking into the future also. This is something we must all learn from, but you do your country, and our region harm,” President Ali stressed.

He reminded holders of public office to contemplate their actions while in office, as their actions reflect them, as well as the country and the people they serve.

The head of state reiterated his gratitude to those who stood up for democracy and the rule of law.

The COI’s Chairman also thanked those who cooperated with the inquiry, as well as those who worked tirelessly to ensure the completion of

agencies and foreign countries, and an inordinate delay in the declaration of the results. After three months, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was declared to be the winner of the elections and sworn in on August 2, 2020.

In his inauguration address, President Ali indicated that there would be a review of the events to determine ex-

November 2022 and received the cooperation of several persons and agencies.

President Ali has since committed to acting upon the recommendations made by the COI.

The official report has since been released to the public and will be laid in the National Assembly.

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Prime Minister Brig-

Free and fair elections, as the lifeblood of democracy… must be zealously guarded and protected. As such, any circumstance or event which could have led, or led and affected the declaration of the results of the election, had implications for democracy, and for the welfare of the citizens. It was thus imperative that there be [an] inquiry into the events that followed the holding of the elections on March 2, 2020.” – President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

the report.

The tabulation of the results of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections was marred by controversy and allegations of attempts to frustrate the democratic will of the electorate. This led to several legal challenges, both in the local and regional judiciaries, condemnation by international

actly what transpired, and to hold accountable those who sought to pervert and corrupt the system. In pursuance of that objective, he appointed the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the events of March 2, 2020, on September 13, 2022. The commission began its public sittings in

adier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira; and Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, were among those present at the handing over ceremony.

True DNA of PNCR exposed in ‘black and white’ for all to see – Jagdeo

An international Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections has demonstrated “in black and white” what was widely known and stands as a record of the “true nature” on the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), which is the leading partner in the APNU+AF Coalition.

This is according to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a news conference on Thursday (April 27, 2023), which was held at Freedom House, Robb Street, who addressed

the findings of the CoI report that was handed over on Wednesday (April 25, 2023).

“Now we have documentary evidence, through an international inquiry, that they did this once again. This is why when we say that rigging in the PNC DNA, this is what we mean,” he said, adding that it has not gone unnoticed that the major players were absent during the hearings of the international inquiry or opted to remain silent since their testimony would clearly incriminate them.

Notably, Former Minister of Health, Volda Law -

rence; APNU+AFC activist Carol Smith-Joseph; APNU+AFC-appointed commissioner on the Local Government Commission (LGC), Nicola Denise Trotman; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings; former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; his Deputy Roxanne Myers, former GECOM District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; and GECOM staff members Sheffern February, Denise Babb-Cummings, Carolyn Duncan, Enrique Livan and Michelle Miller, along with

Senior Superintendent, Phillip Azore, all opted to remain silent and not testify before the CoI.

He stressed that the PNCR playbook throughout its rigging attempts, documented each time it has been in office, features a recurring number of claims, including that one, the voters’ list is problematic; and two, that the PPP is involved in election rigging. “This is the pattern of behaviour we will see,” Jagdeo said. The PPP General Secretary noted that ahead of the Local Government Elections, scheduled for June 12, 2023, with the

actions of APNU exposed for all Guyana, the ‘usual suspects’ have fallen back to their routine claims. “This is not new, what you’re hearing now,” he said.

Jagdeo added, “They are extremely brazen and shameless…to accuse others of electoral fraud, when they are the perpetrators of electoral fraud.”

The elections inquiry began hearings on November 4, 2022. After 24 days of hearings, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections ended on Friday, February 10, 2023. The

members of the Commission are Justice Stanley John, Retired Justice of Appeal in Turks and Caicos (Chairman); Justice Godfrey P. Smith, SC, former Attorney General, High Court Judge and Acting Justice of Appeal, Eastern Caribbean Court; and Justice Carl Singh, former Chancellor, Guyana. Evidence during inquiry was led by Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Sophia Chote. The other legal personnel included Natasha Veira and Keoma Griffith.

The Secretary to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) was Javed Shadick.

Elections CoI to inform other legislative changes to strengthen electoral system – Jagdeo

The damning report from the international Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections debacle could be used to inform further legislative changes, which will be aimed to strengthen Guyana’s electoral system, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo, speaking at a news press conference on Thursday (April 27, 20223), he explained that the recommendations will be examined to help strengthen

the local electoral system. “We need to look at the other laws, for example, the Local Government Act [and the Municipal and District Councils Act], these need to be revised too to ensure that we don’t have a similar situation repeating itself,” he said.

Notably, in December 2022, the Government voted in majority to approve the long-awaited amendments to the Representation of the People Act (RoPA), after impassioned debates on both sides of the House and arguments

for and against the electoral reforms.

Further, the Elections CoI report made some key recommendations, including introducing campaign financing laws and depoliticising the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The report said, “As it stands, the structure of GECOM is, at its core, politicised, making it difficult for it to operate with any efficiency or effectiveness. Consideration should be given to amending this to allow for more balanced

participation from other organisations or professionals with technical expertise thereby reducing the politicisation of the electoral process.” Jagdeo noted that the problems at GECOM were less about the composition of the Commission – three Commissioners each representing the PPP/C and the Parliamentary Opposition and a Chairperson chosen through a constitutionally mandated process. He charged that Commission, in fact, helped to prevent further challenges in the 2020 elections. Notably, it was

explicitly stated in early portions of the report that attempts to rig and sabotage the 2020 elections were made by former Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, his deputy, Roxanne Myers, and former District Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo.

Further, the report said, “There is a strong need for such legislation as there is a perception that persons and/or corporations who give large donations stand to gain political favours.” On this point, Jagdeo reminded that this is a manifes-

to promise of the PPP/C and it will be addressed.

Guyanese were subject to a five-month wait for the final results from the March 2020 General and Regional Elections because of the actions of several persons involved in the process at the GECOM Secretariat and other elements. The elections inquiry began hearings on November 4, 2022. After 24 days of hearings, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections ended on Friday, February 10, 2023.

‘Ultimate goal’ of election riggers was declaration of falsified results – Election CoI report

Theultimate goal of former officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers and Clairmont Mingo, was the unlawful declaration of falsified results for Region 4, according to the report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 Elections.

“From the totality of the evidence surrounding the RO’s declaration, there appears to be such collusion and collaboration between senior GECOM officials as to likely amount to a conspiracy to make what was undoubtedly a premature and unlawful declaration of falsified results which showed the APNU/ AFC party as the winner of electoral district No. 4. This was the ultimate goal of the CEO, the DCEO and the RO,” the report said on page 102.

Report found that Lowenfield, Myers and Mingo were principally responsible for clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainment of votes in electoral district No. 4.

KEITH LOWENFIELD

The report made clear that Lowenfield’s actions must be condemned as the “ultimate betrayal of trust reposed in the highest election official in the land by the people” of Guyana.

On the role of Lowenfield, the report, at pages 99-100, said, “Notwithstanding that GECOM had specifically decided that the approved method for the ascertaining and tabulation of votes cast for the respective competing political parties was to be by the comparative examination of SOPs, the CEO nevertheless approved the use of a spreadsheet which turned out to be a document, the information on which was substantially inconsistent with that on the SOPs in the possession of party agents… indeed, the use of the spreadsheet created turmoil, caused major disruptions and slowed the tabulation process. The CEO knew or ought to have known that the methodology approved by GECOM for the ascertainment and tabulation of votes was through the use of SOPs. He knew or ought to

have known that section 84(1) of ROPA specifically provided that the ascertainment of votes cast for each political party was to be “in accordance with the Statements of Poll” and that by promoting and insisting on the use of a spreadsheet, he was acting contrary to law.”

Page 106 of the report added that, “The conduct and actions of CEO Lowenfield, in relation to the discharge of his statutory duties prescribed by sections 96 and 97 of the ROPA, were a brazen attempt to prevent GECOM declaring the true results of the elections of 2nd March, 2020. His conduct was – to borrow the words of former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Head of the OAS Observer Mission to Guyana – a transparent attempt to alter the results of an election.”

ROXANNE MYERS

Myers, according to the report, arrogated powers to herself to undermine the declaration of valid results in Region 4.

The report, at pages 100102, said, “On March 4, 2020, the DCEO took a decision to

limit the number of political party agents and observers for the ascertainment and tabulation process at the Ashmin’s Building. This was a unilateral decision by the DCEO taken as an administrative measure, for no justifiable reason but intended to limit the number of witnesses to GECOM’s ascertainment and tabulation procedures. In the absence of RO Mingo, DCEO Myers arrogated unto herself the authority to continue the ascertainment and tabulation exercise. The DCEO appears to have selected GECOM staff to conduct that process and, apparently, unilaterally decided to continue the process for sub-district East Bank Demerara when at the close of tabulation on the 3rd March, 2020, the Georgetown district was being examined.

“On a report of a bomb being placed in Ashmin’s building, she told party agents, observers and diplomats, “Y’all get out the room. There’s a bomb in the building.” She herself never left the building. It is difficult to accept that when DCEO Myers went into the tabulation room, minutes before the RO

gave notice of his intention to make a declaration of results, to herself announce that the tabulation process would soon resume, that she was unaware of the RO’s intention.”

CLAIRMONT MINGO

Mingo, according to the CoI report, resisted all efforts to have the correct course of action followed.

The report, at pages 102103, said, “The RO knew or ought to have known that, pursuant to the provisions of section 84(1) of the ROPA, he was required to ascertain and tabulate the total votes cast for each competing political party in electoral district No. 4. Further, he knew or ought to have known that the total votes cast in that district had not been ascertained and tabulated by him and that he was therefore acting in violation of the law by making a declaration at the time he did…. the RO and his staff defiantly resisted all efforts by party agents and observers to scrutinize GECOM’s SOPs.”

CAROL JOSEPH

At page 105 of the report, the APNU+AFC Coa-

PNC-led cabal bleeding support, externalising...

getting the restoration of the grant. The pensioners, all the pensioners are getting back their free water, etc.”

He reasoned that the PNCR-led cabal will persist with their untruths, but made clear that the PPP/C will not allow these to go unchallenged.

FALLACY EXPOSED

The PPP General Secretary explained that the PPP/C has been actively engaged in working to overcome the historic divisions that have plagued Guyanese society, unlike the PNCR-led Coalition. He said, “This is a Party (APNU+AFC Coalition) that has been claiming that it is fighting racism. It used to peddle the fallacy that they are the multi-ethnic Coalition. Well, this Coalition, APNU if you look at their Lists of Candidates (for the 2023 Local Government Elections) in almost every area, it's probably over 98% Afro-Guyanese alone. No diversity whatsoever. And these are areas, in areas even where the overwhelming population in those areas that they are contesting are Indo-Guyanese or Amerindians.

“So we can put this fallacy to rest that this is a dying party that has always promoted racism but has shouted the

loudest about racism in Guyana. It always does that; it has promoted for too long that it is this multi-ethnic party.”

The PPP/C on the other hand, Jagdeo charged, has been clear on its positions. He said, “We – and I said that in Opposition – we are the party that said openly that we are strong on the Indo-Guyanese support, we have grown strong with Amerindian support overwhelmingly and that our party is deficient with in terms of representation of Afro-Guyanese and we are going to work to correct that.

“And as General Secretary and in the government and you've seen a progression of this happening. We have worked consistently to a point where in, for example, in Linden, our List of Candidates (for the 2023 Local Government Elections) in Linden had among the maybe 98% of both lists in Linden and Kwakwani were Afro-Guyanese and Amerindians. In Georgetown the bulk of the lists is Afro-Guyanese. In New Amsterdam our list is balanced. In Rose Hall right across the country, as you've seen from the number of candidates. We have been able to fill, candidates from around the country, people of different races.

“…the People's Progressive Party is a party a national

party, as we have demonstrated over and over and over again. And progressively it will grow in this regard. People have been calling.”

ENTHUSIASM CANNOT BE BOUGHT

While the APNU+AFC Coalition would claim that support of Afro-Guyanese was “bought” by the PPP/C, Jagdeo stressed that the visible enthusiasm on Nomination Day, April 17, 2023, is not something that one can buy. He said, “You can't buy enthusiasm, or a crowd was enthusiastic. You can buy enthusiasm. You go and see the group taking in the List in Linden or in Georgetown and interview the people and you would see that all come voluntarily to the People's Progressive Party.”

The PPP/C has been and remains committed to the development and progress of all Guyanese. “We are developing this entire country. We have been fair in allocation of contracts, but if you vote PPP, that doesn't mean automatically you are excluding yourself from getting contracts or working for the government. It's a free society and you have a right to do that…. people being called names about soup drinkers and all sorts of things sellout as though they own people

in this country. This has always been the behaviour of the PNC. They are not enlightened. It's a different age. People are making choices.,” he said.

Jagdeo added, “They (APNU+AFC Coalition) were a disaster in government, and they are being an even bigger disaster in opposition. Why should people be hung on to them? They have no future and people are making that assessment in their families, in their homes, and they are seeing our track record and that is why they are supporting the PPP. These are not sell- outs, these are smart, conscious people who want to change their lives for the for the better.

“You have offered nothing so far. You had 28 years in government and the country became one of the poorest in the hemisphere. And in the five years was another assault on people's livelihoods and their well-being, including young people had no opportunity in that period and they're seeing it back now, the vibrancy that is restored to the economy.”

WORK FOR YOUR SUPPORT

The PPP/C, according to the PPP General Secretary, wants wide support across all segments of Guyanese

lition Scrutineer, Carol Joseph-Smith, was referred to. The report stressed that her signature of the unlawful declaration of false results for Region 4 on March 13, 2020 was as an “endorsement” of the illegal act by the Coalition.

“Permitting the signature of the APNU/AFC agent, Ms. Carol Joseph, on a statutorily prescribed form bearing the result of the RO’s ascertainment and tabulation of the results of electoral district No. 4, was an effort by the RO to legitimize his highly unlawful conduct in the ascertainment and tabulation of the results of the elections in electoral district No. 4 and as an endorsement by the APNU/AFC party of the RO’s unjustified and wrongful declaration of their victory in electoral district No. 4,” the report said.

The international Commission of Inquiry made recommendations for changes in five years, including reform of GECOM’s structure, the legislative framework, the role of the private sector, campaign financing, and the role of the Guyana Police Force.

← FROM BACK PAGE

society and is prepared to work for it – by delivering on the 2020-2025 manifesto.

He said, “We want everybody to support Indo-Guyanese, Amerindians, mixed, Afro- Guyanese. And so, we will work to change their lives because we want them to support us. We are a political party, but we are not going to say support us because we're an Indian Party or African party or anything else. We want you to support us based on how we manage the country and the opportunities we create and solving your problems. That's normal.

“They (APNU+AFC Coalition) make it look like it's strange - ‘oh the PPP is fixing the grounds in Linden’ – because they want your support. Of course, we want the support. We're doing it, you didn't do anything in Linden. You didn't do housing in Linden. You want them people to support you because you are PNC, because of race, but you don't want them to support us when we go and work for their support.

“Why should we be apologetic about working for people support in this country? And why should people when do they see their work? And they come to us. Why should they be disparaged? This is an utter

set of nonsense they have carried on in Guyana. The PPP is the only party that has had a multi-ethnic approach to these elections and that APNU have gone back in a very fossilised way.

“We've had lots of discussions with people. We meet a lot of people. We talk to them. We try to convince them about our vision, where we're trying to take the country. We're not an aloof party of government. Every day you'll see us in the field. We have kept access to people, those who campaign with us and others…. there is no single event. It is an ongoing process. And this is happening right across the country. And I must say, I'm extremely proud that we've been able to be in all these the areas.”

The past several months has seen incidents where persons have spewed unfounded claims of racism by the current Administration. Unsubstantiated and wildly irresponsible claims – all worded along lines to stir tensions among Guyanese continue to be peddled by leaders of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition. The issue of racist rhetoric by the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition to stir tensions has been condemned repeatedly over the past several months by PPP/C leaders.

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Gov’t prioritises peace, unity, diversity for Guyana’s advancement – Ali

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has described his administration as a unique body that will continue to prioritise diversity and unity.

The Guyanese leader said his government believes in bringing people from all walks of life together, towards the common goal of progress and integration. The approach is aimed at propelling the nation towards advancement and inclusive development, he stressed.

President Ali made the statement while addressing a gathering during an Eidal-Fitr dinner and cultural presentation hosted at State House, recently. “We believe strongly in the religious values and those values do not allow us to hate each other. That is why our message is very singular. We do not have different messages for different times or different

messages for different communities. We are implementing programmes and policies that address the concerns and needs of every Guyanese. It is only in this way we can build trust,” the president emphasised.

The Head of State underscored that the greatest gift that his administration wants to leave for future generations is a country that is strong, united, and prosperous. He said, “One in which all the people value each other as neighbours, value each other as part of the family of humanity, value each other in the development process.”

According to him, everyone wants to achieve peace, but it is essential that everyone acts in a way that promotes peace. “A positive life would never allow you to demonstrate attributes of hate, racism, or ill feeling. A positive attribute of human-

kind, as prescribed by God Almighty is to be a promoter of justice, unity, peace and one who is a positive asset to society,” Dr Ali stressed.

Further, President Ali affirmed his unwavering commitment to combatting misinformation and promoting the truth, expressing his satisfaction with leading a government that shares these values. “We will not stand up and allow falsehood to take root. We will not stand up and allow false narratives to take root. We have a responsibility for the truth. We have the responsibility to promote the truth,” he added.

Despite the activism of a small group of individuals promoting hatred, the president believes that the promotion of love and unity in communities, mosques, temples, and churches, will only grow stronger.

ThePPP/C Government is moving with full speed to modernise the country’s maritime sector, given the important role it plays in the economic development of the country, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces made the statement during the commissioning ceremony of the new pilot boat, Arapaima, at the Coast Guard Wharf in Georgetown on April 19, 2023.

SEVEN-PRONGED APPROACH TO MODERNISING THE SECTOR

To modernise the sector, the President described the seven-pronged approach that his Government has already embarked on.

the resources that are being made available to MARAD, I am confident in its ability to effectively and efficiently serve the shipping industry.”

President, Dr Mohamed Ir-

faan Ali on Tuesday (April 25, 2023) reminded graduates of the Get Ready for Opportunities to Work (GROW) programme that they are one step closer to achieving their dreams, and more importantly, to becoming better individuals.

The graduation ceremony for the 2021/2022 batch was hosted at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown.

President Ali, who delivered the feature address expressed, “A few days ago, I said that the greatest gift you can give to yourself and to others is your time…Time moves rapidly. But the mark we leave, and the time that we spend here on earth is what determines how successfully we utilise that time. Today, you have utilised that time to make yourselves better and make your families proud, but more importantly, to give yourselves a chance for a better future.”

He assured the graduates that the government is committed to giving every Guyanese the opportunity to improve their lives. “Education is that tool that can unlock for you a future that would be able to deliver for you greater prospects. But more importantly, one that will

deliver to our communities… and our country, better, more responsible citizens, who are better equipped to serve our country… and fulfill the responsibilities to our nation. Education is an uplifting tool,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the areas of teaching, hospitality and nursing, President Ali announced that over 1,400 persons will benefit from immediate jobs. Specifically, for those who want to pursue nursing, the president said they can be registered by the end of this month.

He further disclosed that the government, through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) is drawing closer to its 20,000 scholarships objective. So far, more than 16,000 scholarships have been granted, with some 11,000 women benefitting.

“This is good for our country. The days in our country when we had idle human capacity are fast coming to an end, and that is because of the opportunities that we are able to create,” Dr Ali expressed.

Dr. Ali also encouraged the graduating batch to consider careers in technical areas, noting that there is dignity in every job. He said, “In the developed world, you see persons with Master’s degrees,

operating heavy-duty equipment. There is dignity in every form of work… With the six months of experience you have, and another six months of technical training, you can be a technically skilled person operating heavy-duty equipment, or a crane, earning three and four times that which you would have earned pursuing a job in a bank.”

Government continues to invest heavily in education and the upskilling of Guyanese.

The graduation saw some 1,450 participants attain level six Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) diplomas offered by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) in collaboration with Jain University, India.

The GROW programme offered through GOAL provides Guyanese 18 years and older, who never had the opportunity to complete their secondary education, or obtained less than five passes in CSEC/GCE subjects, the opportunity to become better qualified to pursue degree programmes.

Students from the 10 administrative regions qualified in areas such as Communications, Business, Mathematics with Excel, Behavioural Management, Marketing, Introductory Economics, and International Relations.

President Ali noted that the maritime sector is the backbone of global trade and according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), ships transport 80% of the volume of traded goods globally, while in Guyana, shipping accounts for 90%. He said, “The economic transformation of Guyana cannot be realised without the modernisation of its maritime sector. Guyana is a low-lying coastal state and highly dependent on shipping for trade. It is bordered by the Atlantic and its sea routes serve as highways for the export of goods to other countries and for most of the country’s imports. Guyana, therefore, needs a modern maritime sector to support its economic ambitions.”

He said the transformation of the sector is moving “full speed ahead” with the collaboration of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).

The modernisation of the sector will support the country’s economic expansion and promote greater trade and commerce, while also ensuring greater maritime safety.

The pilot boat, the President explained, comes with one-year free maintenance and warranty. The boat will use 30% less fuel and will also take less time to reach its destination. The boat was constructed using specifications from MARAD and has a modern navigation system that meets international standards. Ali said, “The acquisition of the ARAPAIMA is the continuation of our efforts to give MARAD a fleet of modern, reliable, fuel-efficient vessels that are capable of serving the needs of the shipping community and facilitating a modern marine sector.”

This includes updating the country’s hydrographical charts and improving marine and navigation aids. To this effect, over $1b has been invested over the last two years in marine navigation aids that are used to mark all of the navigable channels in Guyana. Along with the construction of 15 concrete beacons in the upper reaches of the Essequibo River to facilitate safe and 24-hour navigation, particularly for passenger vessels, and vessels transporting sand and stone. More beacons are currently being constructed in the Essequibo and Demerara rivers at a cost of over $600m.

Thirdly, the Government is strengthening the capacity of MARAD to manage the sector. Ali said, “The Government has also allocated the sum of $1b for the acquisition of a new tug for MARAD; $200m has been allocated for a new crane and hydrographic surveying equipment and an additional $400m is budgeted for the reconstruction of the Vreeden-Hoop Buoys and Beacons facility. And more pilot boats will be added to the current fleet in order to meet the demands of the sector.”

The President also explained that the Government is improving port management. He said that Port Georgetown has undergone significant upgrades and improvements with new technology and infrastructure to improve efficiency and safety. In addition to the port management, the President said that there has also been a focus on improving maritime security in Guyana with the implementation of new standards and protocols to ensure that vessels entering and leaving Guyana are properly vetted and monitored. Ali said, “The vast number of port development projects that are currently underway and those that are in the pipeline will undoubtedly make further demands upon MARAD. But given

Fifthly, the President noted, Guyana is adopting a strategic perspective as opposed to a reactive approach to the development of the maritime sector. He explained that the country is paving the way for the creation and implementation of the National Maritime Strategy, as well as the organising and implementation of various elements of the Commonwealth Marine Economy Plan. He said, “Sixth, we are mindful of the adverse effects of marine pollution. We, therefore, are taking steps to protect our waters from pollution and harmful activities. As such, we are implementing regulations concerning the disposal of waste and the use of chemicals, as well as monitoring water quality and marine life.”

Lastly, the President said, the Government is investing in human resources to effectively manage and modernise the maritime sector. Ali said, “We will continue to invest in training to effectively manage and modernise the maritime sector. We will continue to invest in training our personnel so that they can effectively discharge their responsibilities, including ensuring greater safety.”

UTILISING THE RIVERS MORE

President Ali also stated that the Government is working on utilising the riverways as “express highways” for emergency responses. He said, “As you know that Demerara River gives us the opportunity to run the entire coast from Georgetown here all the way to Timehri and beyond. So the Guyana Police Force and the National Security Architecture, are looking at utilising the river as our fast-lane highway in responding to crime and security threats. So that’s just an addition or an added value that the maritime sector as a whole will be bringing to the modernisation of Guyana.”

Minister of Public Works, Juan Eghill; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and other Government officials were also at the event.

“The greatest gift you can give to yourself and to others is your time”

– President Ali tells GROW graduating batch

Modernisation of maritime sector “moving full speed ahead” – President Ali

FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

Investing in Indigenous Peoples essential to achieving SDGs – Sukhai tells UN forum

Investing in the Indigenous Peoples is essential to achieving sustainable development goals and creating a more inclusive, and equitable world.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai expressed these sentiments while delivering remarks at the 22nd Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The session is themed, Indigenous Peoples, human health, planetary and territorial health, and climate change: a rights-based approach.

“The full implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indig-

enous People is important in addressing the systemic inequalities and discrimination they face,” she asserted.

Minister Sukhai said the theme for this year’s forum underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the complex and interconnected challenges experienced by the Indigenous Peoples. It was highlighted that they face severe vulnerability to climate change and environmental degradation, which pose a potential threat to their existence. “Despite their invaluable knowledge and practices that can contribute to the development of effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, Indigenous Peoples are among the

least heard in global climate discussions. This forum plays a critical role in elevating Indigenous Peoples’ voices in climate change and sustainable development discussions, as their contributions go beyond their knowledge and practices, encompassing unique perspectives on social, economic, and cultural issues,” the minister emphasised.

She noted that world leaders must continue to ensure Indigenous Peoples’ meaningful involvement in decision-making processes to guarantee that their needs, priorities, and rights are accounted for and respected.

The minister highlighted that CARICOM is home to a number of indigenous

Parishara to get new well for potable water access

All residents of Parishara, Region Nine, will soon have access to potable water when a new well is drilled in the village.

The decision to construct an additional well followed a request from the village Toshao, during the National Toshaos’ Council Conference last September.

Government recognised the importance of the well after the village council placed it as a top priority.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, on Saturday, visited the commu-

nity to get a first-hand view of the proposed site for the new underground water system. The minister also visited the current water supply network.

About two dozen residents of Parishara are currently without ready access to water.

Minister Sukhai said the administration is on a mission to ensure every citizen has access to potable water, to ensure the gap between the coast and the hinterland is diminished.

The aim is to achieve 100 per cent access to water

services in the hinterland and riverine communities by 2025.

Completing this will mean Guyana has achieved the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number six.

Additionally, the government has set aside $1.4 billion towards upgrading and extending water distribution systems across Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight, and Nine. Access to potable water in the hinterland has increased from 46 per cent to 75 per cent.

Bids open for construction of hinterland secondary schools

The Ministry of Education has opened bids for the construction of several schools across the hinterland, signaling government’s commitment to achieving universal secondary education and providing a quality learning environment for all students.

The construction of secondary schools in Kwebanna and Hosororo in Region One (Barima – Waini)will include dormitories and teachers’ quarters to complement the two schools.

Additionally, the education ministry is inviting bids from suitable contractors for the construction of the Jawalla Secondary School in Region Seven. Other works include the construction of a dormitory and teachers’ quarters. This new school in Jawal-

la is significant as it will address the overcrowding that is currently being experienced at the DC Caesar Fox Secondary School in Waramadong, Upper Mazaruni.

It would provide students from Kamarang and Phillipai with the opportunity to receive a sound education, as they are either not receiving a secondary education or being educated in ‘primary tops’. With the establishment of the secondary school, the ministry would be able to close the primary tops in Phillipai, Wax Creek, Chinoweng, Imbaimadai, Jawalla, Quebanang, Kako, and Kamarang.

Also, Kopinang in Region Eight is set to benefit from a new secondary school which will also include a dormitory and teachers’ quar-

communities and continues to play a vital role in the region’s social and economic development.

Minister Sukhai noted that the region had benefitted greatly from their knowledge of agriculture, medicine, and natural resource management. She said, “They also

play an important role in one of the region’s most important economic sectors, tourism, by offering cultural experiences that not only support the local economy but also create employment opportunities for their communities and promote cultural awareness and under -

standing.”

To this end, she noted that CARICOM recognises these invaluable contributions and will continue to develop with Indigenous Peoples, policies and practices that promote sustainable development, environmental justice, and respect for human rights.

ters.

Meanwhile, bids are being invited for contractors to build a modern school to house 800 students at Tuschen, West Bank Demerara, Region Three.A dormitory and a teachers’ quarter will also be built to complement the new school infrastructure.

All tenders must be submitted on or before 09:00 am on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the Ministry of Education, Lot 21 Brickdam, Stabroek.

A whopping $94.4 billion was allocated to the education sector in 2023; an increase from $72.8 billion in 2022. Of the $94.4 billion, $12.4 billion has been dedicated towards the construction, rehabilitation, extension, and maintenance of educational facilities.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Milk parlours to be established in Regions Four, Five and Six

Thegovernment through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has opened invitations for bids for the construction of milk parlours in Regions Four, Five and Six.

These facilities will be constructed at GLDA’s farm at Mon Repos, 50 acres at the Mahaica, Mahaicony Abary – Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) scheme, Region Five, and at Tarlogie, Region Six.

Bidding will be facilitated through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) guidelines which are specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

Bids for the execution of these projects are to be submitted no later than 9:00 am on May 4, 2023, at the Ministerial Tender Board, which is located at the ministry’s

office on Vlissengen Road and Regent Street.

A pre-bid meeting will be hosted at 2:00 pm on April 26, 2023, at GLDA, Agriculture Road, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

During his 2023 budget presentation, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh reemphasised that government will continue to provide the necessary investments to further expand the livestock industry this year.

“To improve the quality of milk and milk products through better sanitation and hygiene practices, improve mutton variety and production, establish a bio-secured small ruminant breeding facility and invest in a broiler breeder facility which will reduce the dependency

1400 graduate from WIIN training

The largest group of graduates, totaling 1,400, under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) training recently received their certificates.

ment and Administrative Assistance.

Child Care and Care for the Elderly, both recorded over 300 graduates while Patient Care and Graphic Design had over 200 graduates each.

on importation of hatching eggs,” Dr Singh added.

The livestock sector remains vital to the government’s strategies, which will help to boost its food security agenda and sustainable economic growth, as well as provide greater farm revenues.

Government is also encouraging private investment in milk processing capabilities to provide ready markets for local dairy farmers.

There is a high demand for animal-sourced food products locally and internationally.

This initiative will add to the slew of measures being undertaken by the government for Guyana to be a food-secure nation and its aggressive drive towards CARICOM’s 25 by 2025 food security agenda.

Corn, Soya bean processing facilities to be completed within three months – Mustapha

Thedrying and storage facilities for corn and soya bean which are currently being constructed at Tacama Landing along the Berbice River are expected to be completed within the next two to three months.

This was disclosed by Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, recently, during an outreach to Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara.

The new facilities will provide employment opportunities and primarily boost the nation’s food sector.

Minister Mustapha explained that the government spends almost $60 million to import the two products. However, they are now cultivating the commodities locally with intention of exporting. “We [government] have started the production of corn and soya in the intermediate savannah, we started to build

facilities there, and in another two-three months, we’ll have those facilities complete. We want to produce more…that is why we are expanding… those food we have been importing, we want to start producing them locally and that is why we ventured into new crops,” the agriculture minister stated.

Meanwhile, another $150 million was set aside in this year’s budget for the construction of a wharf in the area. It will provide easy river access to the land under cultivation, making it more accessible for farmers to transport their produce. “Just under three years we have seen budgetary allocation to the agriculture sector move from $13 billion to $32 billion. Why have we invested in it? Why have we doubled it? Because

Over a two-day period, the women from Regions Three and Four were formally accredited, most of whom had no formal qualifications before starting the programme and are on the path of gaining employment or starting their own businesses.

These ladies and a handful of men completed training in nine courses including Child Care, Care for the Elderly, Graphic Design, Patient Care, Garment Construction, Television and Video Production, Microsoft Office Suite, Home Manage-

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Honorable Dr. Vindhya Persaud highlighted, “We have started the initiative of the Day and Night Care and Early Childhood centres. We are encouraging you to complete the levels three and four which will equip you with the knowledge and training on special needs children and early childhood. I am also encouraging you to start consortiums and groups and you can register that group to open your centres. All these centres need to be registered and licensed

with the Childcare and Protection Agency. It is a good initiative, many parents are looking for safe environments to leave their children so we are encouraging solid training, good environments, safety and security for children, and compliance.”

Minister Persaud reminded the prospective business owners that the WIIN in business clinics are available to do start-ups, sustainability, and business plans.

This year, WIIN is expected to train over 6,000 persons with its objective of providing vulnerable persons who did not have any formal qualifications or means of achieving academic success through vocational training, the opportunity to get on the right path to earning.

Mass HPV testing programme to be introduced soon – Dr Ramsammy

─ Targets women 30 years and above

Chronic diseases have accounted for 74 per cent of deaths in Guyana and the Ministry of Health is working to lessen this percentage and ensure the population remains healthy.

will be rolled out shortly.

we see the need to improve the infrastructure in our country. We see the need to ensure that we prepare the agriculture area in a way that farmers can have it easier to produce,” the minister explained.

He confidently projected that Guyana will be self-sufficient in food production in the next two years.

Meanwhile, the trial of 125 acres of corn and soya bean was started by the government in 2021 which eventually reaped major success.

Members of the private sector are also key stakeholders in the monumental cultivation and production of corn and soya bean.

This is in line with the President’s initiative of helping to reduce the food import bill in Guyana and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Chronic diseases are defined broadly as conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention or limited daily activities or both. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide.

Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy during a recent online programme, ‘The Guyana Dialogue,’ disclosed that a Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing programme for women ages 30 and above

He said the programme will be used as one of the frontline interventions to identify people at risk and immediate medical attention will be provided. “More than 85 per cent of all cervical cancer are due to HPV 16 and 18 in Guyana and therefore, if we could identify people who are HPV positive, we identify people at risk for cervical cancer and maybe other cancers too,” he stated.

This measure would be complemented by frequent monitoring and the introduction of pap smears and cryotherapy among other medical interventions for persons with cervical cancer.

Additionally, the ministry is currently implementing HbA1c measurements in all

primary healthcare centres to detect diabetes at an early stage. “We do foot screening across the country. This year we expect to screen a child for vision and hearing. Just broadly introducing screening earlier and wider, so it reaches people wherever they live,” the health advisor relayed.

Meanwhile, a massive breast cancer screening programme will also be launched.“We already have a cervical screening programme that is reaching people nationally…We are educating men about prostate. It is a lot of work that is going on,” he further disclosed.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony also spoke about launching a wellness initiative that is geared towards promoting a healthier lifestyle among the Guyanese population.

More than 600 Region One, Two residents certified through BIT

Five hundred and three residents of Region Two are now fully equipped with technical skills after being certified by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) on April 17, 2023.

BIT provides free training programmes countrywide in its drive to strengthen and upskill Guyanese with the requisite skillsets and knowledge to capitalise on opportunities in all sectors.

The graduates were trained in several areas in-

cluding block making, motor vehicle servicing and repairs, heavy-duty equipment operation, general office administration, cosmetology, solar installation and repairs, joinery, information technology, small engine repairs, and carpentry.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton reemphasised the importance of providing relevant training programmes for Guyanese to develop new skills, which he believes will improve their livelihoods and com -

munities. “That is the reason why the Board of Industrial Training exists, to ensure that persons can do a programme without all of the fancy requirements of life… All of us have to develop support mechanisms to ensure that we can do better in our lives and our families’ lives,” the labour minister said.

He stated that every village must have an adequate amount of people trained with the requisite skills to

‘PLAN

Vendors to continue plying trade in structured, clean manner – Min. Dharamlall

Vendors will continue to ply their trade along Regent Street, Georgetown in a clean and structured manner as it is a policy of the People’s Progressive Party / Civic government that all Guyanese have the opportunity to make a living.

This was on Tuesday (April 25, 2023) reaffirmed by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall who took to the streets to ensure that vendors were complying with the requisite standards. He said the exercise was in keeping with President,

Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s directive and to dispel rumors that were causing public discomfort and worry. “We had received reports that the opposition has been spreading rumors that stalls on Regent Street are being broken on the instruction of the government. And as you are aware, based on this visit… no stalls have been broken.”

The minister reemphasised the government’s intent for vendors to operate in an organised manner. “We would like people to ply their trade but do so in a

PROSPERITY’

Infrastructural works to start in several Region Four communities soon

more structural and organised way… President Ali’s position is that everybody has to come and make a living,” Minister Dharamlall stressed.

He also highlighted the importance of cleaning the drains to mitigate flooding during the upcoming rainy season.

Meanwhile, Minister Dharamlall noted that the government remains accessible and, in service to the people. In keeping with this objective, a clean-up campaign will be conducted on Sunday, April 30.

Pump stations to be constructed in Regions Three, Four to mitigate flooding

Several pump stations and sluices will be constructed in communities across Regions Three and Four, as the government continues to make heavy investments in the country’s flood mitigation system.

Meten-Meer-Zorg, Bell Vue, and Pouderoyen along the West Coast Demerara, Region Three are slated to benefit from pumping stations, as well as Jimbo and Grove on the East Bank Demerara, Region Four.

The undertaking is critical since these regions are prone to flooding, which can result in livelihoods being affected.

The Ministry of Agri -

culture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), is currently inviting bids from suitable contractors to undertake these projects.

In addition, farmlands will be empoldered in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon River, Region Two.

This project is also essential as the government pushes the agriculture sector nationwide, to meet CARICOM’s goal to lessen the almost $5 billion food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

Interested eligible bidders may inspect the bidding documents and obtain further information from the

Procurement Office, during normal working hours. All bids must be deposited in the tender box at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown no later than 9:00 am on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.

A whopping $19.7 billion was set aside in budget 2023 for critical drainage and irrigation interventions countrywide.

The government also intends to build out the drainage and irrigation infrastructure utilising funds earned through the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS2030).

Kumu, Moco Moco hydropower projects progressing

Prime Minister

Works on the US$12.8 million Kumu and Moco Moco hydropower projects in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are progressing smoothly as the government continues its efforts of supplying clean and efficient energy to the national grid.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips was given an update on the progress during a visit to the areas on April 19, 2023.

The two projects will see the construction of a new 1.5-megawatt (MW) hydropower project at Kumu and upgrades to the defunct Moco Moco hydropower plant to some 0.7MW capacity. They are set to increase access to electricity for the population in Lethem and nearby communities.

At Moco Moco, the prime minister noted that these projects are set to transform Region Nine’s energy landscape in accordance with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

He also stressed that the project will open avenues for advancement in the tourism and business sectors, as the government continues to invest in the vision of Region Nine becoming a hub for economic activity. “You’re going to harness the energy, and you’re going to become producers and sell your goods. Market this place. Tourists will come, and you will earn money. That is what I want, and that is why we are here. Work with us…the people, the government at all levels…can work handin-hand and we’re going to

Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, Wednesday (April 26, 20223) visited several communities in various parts of the city, to inspect drainage, roads and walk paths, following appeals by several councillors.

However, before these visits, the Minister met with residents of Industry (close to the Arch) who vend along the path where roadworks and concrete drains are to be done. The residents were given an opportunity to have their say, following which Minister Edghill briefly explained Government’s plans for road and drainage development in the community.

The vendors, who were already illegally vending on the road shoulders, with both wooden and concrete structures, have been urged to remove these stalls by the weekend, and not to further delay the construction.

“How long we know this project going on? Six months. We walked and we told everyone what we were doing, and everybody wanted the road. We have to get this road and the drainage done. Colleagues, you’ll know what we normally do, serve notice, give a timeline, and if you don’t move by then, we would move, but I don’t

want to have to do that here. But at the same time I cannot have a contractor stalling and parking and work can’t continue, it’s money involved.

So that is why I came myself to ask you all to please pack up, and to move by weekend so we can get this piece of road done,” Minister Edghill appealed to the vendors.

Following this meeting, Minister Edghill visited Pentia Street where the canal separates Cummings Lodge Village from the Squatting area. This area is often used by students attending Cummings Lodge Secondary and other schools in the area.

Representation for a footpath was made by the Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, earlier this year.

He then visited Constituency Nine, Lodge, where representation was made by Ms. Faye Andrea Matthews, for two footpaths to connect Durban and Hadfield Streets. Matthews is now running for Councillor of that Constituency.

“We are here in Lodge, and I understand that there are two alleyways which connect Durban and Hadfield Streets, so we are looking at these. The community has been asking for this and they

have made representation through Ms. Faye Matthews, so we are out here to see what can be done,” Minister Edghill stated.

The Minister then conducted a walkabout in West Ruimveldt with Constituency Councillor Trichria Richards. Among the areas earmarked for upgrade are: the streets between Soldier Scheme, the West Ruimveldt Ground, Cool Square and Alexander Village Nursery School.

“It’s a good thing I am here now in the rain, because I am seeing firsthand what is happening, as you know, we are not a sunshine government, we are an all-weather government, so representation has been made concerning the roads and the drainage, and the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Agriculture will address these issues, and try to see how we can bring improvements.”

The Final stop was made at the East Ruimveldt Market, which the minister noted was in desperate need of repairs and rehabilitation.

Accompanying Minister Edghill was a team of engineers and technical staff, to be able to prepare designs and estimates to commence procurement for an early start of the work.

Linden landowners get cement, steel subsidies

The first batch of 55 residents of Linden, Region Ten, will now be able to fast-track their journey to construct their new homes after receiving cement and steel subsidies from the government.

Croal told the beneficiaries.

improve how we do things in Guyana,” the prime minister emphasised.

PM Phillips stated that the government will continue to provide projects and programmes to train people how to utilise all the resources to improve their lives.

He also visited the 1.0-megawatt mega-scale solar farm facility at the Lethem Power Company, where he was assured that it has adequate capacity to provide a reliable power supply for the residents there, using the solar farm in addition to its present output.

These projects form part of the government’s commitment to fostering energy security and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The beneficiaries were handed their vouchers, each valued at $225,000 during a simple ceremony held at the Watooka Guest House on Wednesday (April 26, 2023).

During brief remarks, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, explained that 50 persons received vouchers for two slings of cement, while five received vouchers for cement and steel for their foundation. He noted that the initiative alone will see over $8 million going back into Linden’s economy.

“We expect that immediately upon receiving your vouchers, that you reach out to one of the suppliers to get your materials to commence the process of constructing your homes,” Minister

A total of 93 individuals in Region Ten applied for the programme. However, only 55 qualified after the application process was completed. The minister explained that the remaining applicants did not meet the criteria due to issues related to their house plans.

The vouchers, which are redeemable at three suppliers in the mining town, are valid for six months. Minister Croal also took the opportunity to address the issue of supplier selection for the programme, explaining that a tendering process was conducted, and three suppliers were selected within the region. The suppliers signed an agreement stating that they would supply the materials at the same price. “That is not the close-off. If there is anyone else, once you go through the necessary process because we will have to send it to the board [CHPA], we can add suppliers as times go by,” he said.

The minister urged more persons to take advantage of the programme, noting that applications are extended to persons residing in other parts of the region, including Kwakwani and Ituni.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Sherwyn Greaves provided an overview of the programme, stating that it aims to expedite the home construction process for the recipients, making it easier and more affordable for them to build their dream homes. Greaves reported that to date, just over 500 persons have been issued vouchers across Regions, Two, Three, Four and Nine.

The initiative was announced by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in July last year. This year, the government allocated some $800 million to implement the programme which targets close to 3,000 prospective homeowners in the initial phase.

–

Gov’t remains committed to honouring objectives of IDPAD-G

TheGovernment of Guyana wishes to state that it remains committed to honouring the objectives of the International Decade for People of African Descent, which spans the period, from 1st January

2015 to 31st December 2024. This Decade was proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in accordance with UN Resolution 68/237 of 2013 and was fully supported by the

Government of Guyana on 23rd December 2013.

As a demonstration of its commitment, the Government has allocated monies for the advancement of the objectives of the Decade since it

assumed office in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 and will continue to so do until the end of the Decade in 2024.

While a part of the budgeted sum for the year 2022 is, unfortunately, the sub -

ject of legal proceedings, the monies budgeted and appropriated for the year 2023 are not.

Government plans to disburse the 2023 subvention to 55 organisations representing

Afro-Guyanese across the country, who are the founding members of the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana to pursue the objectives of the Decade.

Farmers urged to plan for unusual weather in

May, June – Hydromet Office

Farmers and other largescale farming companies were advised to plan ahead as an unusual weather forecast was predicted for the May-June period.

This was disclosed on Tuesday during the 14th National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) by Climatologist of the Hydrometeorological Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Komal Dhiram.

According to Dhiram, the May-June season will be much wetter than usual, but will quickly change to the opposite. “This wet season is slightly different from those that we forecasted over the

recent years. So, the first part of the season is likely to be wetter than usual or above average rainfall, but towards the end, we are going to have a drastic change into a dry period. This dry period will eventually lead to a drought,” he pointed out.

He explained that the seasonal outlook aims to provide information on the predicted forecast which will help people, particularly farmers to improve their decision-making. Dhiram encouraged persons to find innovative ways to cultivate and care for their crops. “So, it will mean that farmers or

those large-scale water users will have to harvest this water properly because going into July and August…you will have dryness. “Cash crop farmers, you may want to focus on what is happening in the ground, keep the focus on the daily weather forecast…so you make plans on the shorter crops,” Dhiram said.

The Hydromet office has urged that farmers adopt alternative measures such as collecting water from trenches and conservancies as well as cultivating drought-tolerant crops be considered.

Fifth notification made to Parliament of petroleum revenues paid into the NRF

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira on behalf of Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh on Monday (April 24, 2023) tabled Notification of Receipts to the National Assembly of all petroleum revenues paid into the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) during the period January 1 to March 31, 2023, pursuant to Section 33 (2) of the NRF Act 2021.

This notification was published in the Official Gazette on March 31, 2023 and reaffirms the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s continued commitment to the accountability and transparency in the management of Guyana’s oil resources.

At the end of March, 2023, the balance in the NRF stood at US$1.465 Billion.

The NRF Act was strengthened in 2021 by the PPP/C replacing the old and illegitimate NRF 2019 Act passed by the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Caretaker administra -

tion. In 2022, a total of US$607.6 Million was withdrawn from the Fund to finance national development priorities, and a further US$1,002.1 Million is projected to be withdrawn this year.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its 2022 Article IV mission to Guyana in May-June of 2022, commended the PPP/C Government on the amendments made to the NRF Act and pointed out that: “The NRF Act was strengthened recent -

ly. After a thorough review, and while restraining the spending of the oil receipts, the authorities amended the NRF Act in December 2021. The recent amendments set clear ceilings on withdrawals from the Fund for budgetary spending,’

The PPP/C Government has committed to the continuous management of Guyana’s oil resources in a clear and transparent manner, to the benefit of present and future generations.

New oil discovery at Lancetfish-1

TheMinistry of Natural Resources, in compliance with the Government of Guyana’s principles of transparency, announce a new oil discovery offshore –Lancetfish-1 – in the prolific Stabroek Block.

In a statement, the Ministry stated that the Government of Guyana welcomes the continued success of exploration and discovery work conducted by the Stabroek Block consortium – Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Hess Corporation, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC).

Drilled by the Noble Don Taylor, the Lancetfish-1 well encountered approximately 92 feet (28 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone. The well was drilled in 5,843 feet (1,780 meters) of water and is located approximately four miles (seven kilometres) southeast of the Fangtooth discovery. This new discovery takes the Stabroek Block oil finds to 39, with total offshore discoveries advancing to 44.

Noting that this new discovery adds to Guyana’s growing legacy as an oil-producing and exporting nation, Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that the hydrocarbons sector is sustainably and judiciously managed. The revenue earned from this sector, he reminded, will be prudently invested to transform the nation’s so-

cial and economic landscape.

“The Guyana government is devoted to ensuring that the benefits of Guyana’s petroleum resources benefit all Guyanese, paving the way for a thriving future. With the nation’s third and largest floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel – Prosperity– joining the current fleet, our pledge to guarantee that this sector is managed against industry standards remains unmoved,” Minister Bharrat assured.

Prosperity’s startup is anticipated for later this year. It will join the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSOs which are currently producing 380,000 barrels of oil daily.

OIL FINDS TO DATE

Since 2015, 44 discoveries have been made offshore Guyana:

Thirty-four (39) of those discoveries were made at the Stabroek block;

• 1 at the Kaieteur Block –Tanager-1 (November 16, 2020);

• 2 at the Orinduik block –Jethro-1 (August 28, 2019) and Joe-1 (September 23, 2019);

• 1 at the Kanuku block

– Carapa-1 (January 1, 2020); and

• 1 at the Corentyne block

- Kawa-1 (March 16, 2022).

The discoveries to date include at the Stabroek Block by Exxon Mobil, include:

1. Liza-1 (May 9, 2015)

2. Liza Deep (January 9, 2017)

3. Payara-1 (January 9, 2017)

4. Snoek-1 (March 30, 2017)

5. Turbot-1 (October 11, 2017)

6. Ranger-1 (January 5, 2018)

7. Pacora (March 5, 2018)

8. Longtail-1 (June 20, 2018)

9. Hammerhead-1 (August 30, 2018)

10. Pluma -1 (December

3, 2018)

11. Tilapia-1 (February 4, 2019)

12. Haimara-1 (February

4, 2019)

13. Yellowtail-1 (April 16, 2019)

14. Tripletail-1 (September

16, 2019)

15. Mako-1 (December 20, 2019)

16. Uaru-1 (January 23, 2020)

17. Yellowtail-2 (July 29, 2020)

18. Redtail-1 (September

7, 2020)

19. Hassa-1 (March 23, 2021)

20. Uaru-2 (April 28, 2021)

21. Longtail-3 (June 8, 2021)

22. Whiptail-1 (July 26, 2021)

23. Whiptail-2 (July 26, 2021)

24. Turbot-2 (September

9, 2021)

25. Pinktail-1 (September

9, 2021)

26. Cataback-1 (October

6, 2021)

27. Fangtooth-1 (January

5, 2022)

28. Lau Lau-1 (January 5, 2022)

29. Barreleye-1 (April 25, 2022)

30. Lukanani-1 (April 25, 2022)

31. Patwa-1 (April 25, 2022)

32. Seabob-1 (July 26, 2022)

33. Kiru Kiru-1 (July 26, 2022)

34. Yarrow-1 (September 21, 2022)

35. Sailfin-1 (October 25, 2022)

36. Banjo- 1 (November 15, 2022)

37. Fangtooth Se- 1 (December 22, 2022)

38. Tarpoon 1A (December 19, 2022)

39. Lancetfish-1 (April 26, 2023)

National Assembly greenlights amendments...

ten transcript being produced, and saved time, as judges were no longer required to take notes using ‘longhand’.

Similar measures included the introduction of new civil procedure rules and an increase in the complement of High Court judges from 12 to 20.

Further, the government

is also building out the infrastructural framework to foster greater efficiency in the court proceedings, as millions have been expended for the expansion and renovation of the Court of Appeal building, located at Kingston, Georgetown. These improvements will also see the construction of

a new courtroom and larger facilities to allow for simultaneous sittings of the court of appeal.

“It would be reasonable for the public to expect that once more judges are appointed, there will be greater alacrity in the hearing and determination of cases,” the AG said, adding that it’s the

government’s hope for systems to be put in place to allow the Appeal Court Justices to sit in different counties to hear matters.

Adding his voice in support of the bill, Member of Parliament, Sanjeev Datadin said the heavy backlog of cases puts strain on the appeal court judges, and the amend-

ment will play a key role in fostering efficient administration of justice. “So, what we need to do is make sure that those obstacles are removed. We need to make sure that we put it on a little even footing, so that when we have appeals, and we have a larger complement of judges, hopefully, the administration of justice over-

all will improve. We will get quicker rulings, more written decisions, and the people of Guyana will get their issues resolved in a more timely manner,”Datadin stated. Also supporting the bill were Opposition Members of Parliament, Khemraj Ramjattan, and Geeta Chandan-Edmond.

More than 600 Region One, Two...

execute any work. “So that the money can be paid to the villagers and the money can be utilised in the village,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, 123 residents from several communities in Region One also graduated from several technical

and vocational programmes. This will help the beneficiaries on their path to becoming entrepreneurs or gaining employment.

For the first time, training was provided to Waikrebi Village, a community in the Barama River.

Kumu, Moco Moco hydropower...

Prime Minister Phillips was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA),

Dr Mahender Sharma, Mayor of Lethem, Mr John Macedo; Regional Chairman, Bryan Allicock; Toshao of Moco

← FROM PAGE 16

In both regions, trainees were provided with the relevant safety gear and tools.

BIT’s CEO (ag), Saskia Eastman-Onwuzirike, Toshao of Mainstay/Whyaka, Yvonne Pearson, and other officials were present at the ceremonies.

← FROM PAGE 17

Moco, Thomas George and Chairman of the Lethem Power Company Board, Rodger King, among others.

Comprehensive bill to combat...

an international border for the purpose of prostitution is criminalised under this part. A further protection that this part offers the victim, is immunity from prosecution for immigration offences.

A Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit to protect, and assist victims of trafficking is catered for in Part Three of the bill. The unit will work closely with the Guyana Police Force, and engage with the Ministerial Task Force to carry out its duties effectively.

The Child Care and Protection Agency will be responsible for, and collaborate with the Unit on matters related to child victims of trafficking. Notably, this section mandates the court to conduct case management procedures to ensure that cases are heard expeditiously.

In addition, this section dictates that all possible measures must be taken to

identify individuals who have fallen victim to human trafficking, and the authorities are required to offer protection to both the victims and their families.

Part Four sets out provisions relating to investigation and court procedure.

Importantly, Part Six of the bill addresses the prevention of human trafficking by mandating the President to set up a Ministerial Task Force.

The Task Force will comprise members from various sectors, including immigration and law enforcement, legal affairs, foreign affairs, public health, Amerindian Affairs, and human services and social security. The responsibilities and activities of the Task Force in preventing trafficking are also defined under this Part.

A secretariat will also be established and will be responsible for carrying out the administrative func-

Single window system for...

These include obtaining driver’s licences, passports, national insurance benefits, and government pensions, among others.

“Access to all of these services would be enabled for qualified applicants simply by tendering one’s electronic ID and this includes services offered through the Electronic Single Windows,” she said.

To support this new development, the government will be presenting the Data Protection Bill to the National Assembly shortly. The bill will provide a framework to secure sensitive information relating to citizens. Also imminent is the tabling of an Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill.

Minister Walrond stated that the bill is an omnibus one, covering a number of areas including making provisions for digital signatures, electronic records, electronic contracts, and

← FROM PAGE 9

tions of the Task Force.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud reported that the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit (C-TIP) has successfully trained 2,003 individuals to identify potential victims of human trafficking. According to the minister, the C-TIP Unit has recorded three cases of Trafficking in Persons so far this year. Of the three cases, two of the individuals have benefitted from restitution. “We’re hoping more of these perpetrators will have to not only face the law but those persons will have to pay restitution to those who would have suffered at their hands,” Minister Persaud stated.

These measures demonstrate the PPP/C government’s commitment to tackling human trafficking and its determination to protect vulnerable persons from exploitation.

← FROM PAGE 9

electronic payments. “This bill will provide a comprehensive framework for all manner of transactions to be effected via electronic means and will provide for online commerce to feature the same legal protections and recourse that obtain in the offline environment,” she further explained.

With the implementa -

tion of these key pieces of legislation, and the government’s efforts to facilitate universal affordable access to the internet, Minister Walrond said the aim is to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem that will enable citizens to fully benefit from all the advantages the 21st-century technology has to offer.

Op-Ed: Narratives that ignore facts do a disservice to Guyana, Guyanese people

By Gail Teixeira, PPP Executive and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance

The objectionable narrative from Stabroek News, via its editorial, headlined ‘Regional anti-corruption conference’ on April 23, 2023, serves the single purpose of feeding into the narrative of naysayers in Guyana – the usual suspects whose agenda remains unchanged and visible, conveniently enough, only when the PPP/C Administration is in Office. The assertion by Stabroek News that: “All that Minister Teixeira likely succeeded in doing at the Conference, was persuade the other regional participants that the government here was not fully committed to addressing corruption,” is imprudent.

The facts of the matter of corruption are as follows:

FACT 1: At no time was an insinuation made that corruption is not a problem; rather the objection is that non-empirical, non-scientific, data cannot be the standard by which such a serious issue is measured by Transparency International and the World Justice Project.

For example, the World Justice Project explains that its methodology employs the use of a survey “that highlight perceptions and experiences” and features “perception-based questions” and “experience-based questions” in its questionnaire.

Transparency International’s approach is the same since it “aggregates data from a number of different sources that provide perceptions among business people and country experts” in a country. Minister Teixeira questioned if this unknown minute number of persons was sufficient to castigate an entire country.

Stabroek News’ defence of the work of Transparency International cannot detract from the fact that by its own admission TI and International Financial Institutions accept that the CPI I is based on non-empirical, non-scientific, data. This cannot be an acceptable basis to paint countries in the Global South in a negative light.

This fact is neither new nor unheard of; according to a Centre for Global Development 2013 blog post, “the CPI embeds a powerful and misleading elite bias in popular perceptions of corruption, potentially contributing to a vicious cycle and at the same time incentivising inappropriate policy responses. The index corrupts perceptions to the extent that it’s hard to see a justification for its continuing publication.”

Stabroek News does not seem to find it highly coincidental that the Global South made up mainly of developing countries is also made up of people of colour.

Consequently, the opinion expressed in the Editorial, “…was she really trying to suggest that in terms of corruption Guyana, for example, equated to mature Scandinavian democracies” can only be described as obtuse.

In fact, the Minister re-affirmed the Government’s commitment to prevent, detect,

investigate and enforce the constitutional and statutory framework against corruption and to build resilient institutions.

FACT 2: Efforts are being made to strengthen Guyana’s anti-corruption framework – a fact that the perceptions-based reporting ignores.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, last year, published guided a 26page document, titled ‘Cooperative Republic of Guyana: Anti-Corruption Framework –Fact Sheet and Detailed Framework 2022’, which might prove instructive for some who are intent on conveying the impression that nothing is being done to address the corruption challenge.

At an international level, Guyana’s reporting is done under two major conventions. Firstly, the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (IACAC) under the Organisation of American States (OAS) was the first multilateral anti-corruption treaty instrument negotiated in the world. The Committee of Experts of the Follow-up Mechanism for the Implementation of the Inter- American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC) of the OAS is the Follow-Up Mechanism for the implementation of the IACAC. Secondly, the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on October 31, 2003. The UNCAC entered into force on December 14, 2005. Guyana ratified both conventions on December 11, 2000, and April 16, 2008, respectively.

Guyana has reported to both bodies in keeping with their treaty obligations; Guyana is now in its 6th cycle review of the IACAC and the 2nd assessment at the UNCAC.

At the national level, a National Coordinating Committee (NCC) on Anti-Corruption with regard to Guyana’s treaty obligations which involves a cross-section of government agencies was established. This committee works on not only ensuring that Guyana is compliant with its reporting obligations but also on capacity building and maximizing the synergies that exist among agencies. The NCC meets on a bi-monthly basis and 16 agencies are currently represented on the Committee.

At the community level, the ‘eyes and ears’ concept is an important component in building out the anti-corruption framework, since it encourages members of society to act as vigilant “citizen observers’ and report any suspicious acts of corrupt activities they may observe including quality of work being executed with taxpayers’ monies.

The Stabroek News may need to be reminded that in 2008, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board launched its website with the minutes of the opening of the bids, awards of the tenders, and advertisement for contracts and standard bidding documents. It is the only country where the media is invited to the opening of the tenders and in spite of the CVOIS-19 pandemic, this continued through livestreaming of the process for the media and competing contractors. This was the first country to do

so and remains so today. However, during the 2015-2020 period, this website became defunct; and when forced to be partially restored in 2019 due to the on-site visit of the MESICIC for the 5th cycle of review, the website was a conundrum of confusion for anyone trying to ascertain who received an award of a contract.

One of the ‘I Paid A Bribe’ online platforms which was morphed into a promotion platform.

In 2013, the Minister of Home Affairs launched the online ‘I Paid A Bribe’ initiative, to support efforts aimed at cracking down on bribery in Government agencies and departments and the Guyana Police Force. Under the last Administration, this initiative and its online platforms were morphed into promotion platforms for personalities in the PNCR-led Coalition, before the initiative died.

Further, Guyana is the only country with a constitutionally appointed Public Procurement Commission which is in place and functioning.

Unfortunately, none of these international reporting obligations or national programmes, policies or legislative advances are reflected in perception-based reporting. It is in this context that Stabroek News’ ramblings about the PPP/C Government not being able to move to a “more objective approach” ring hollow.

FACT 3: The reference to the Caribbean Region is relevant if developing nations are to effectively counter a narrative that harms our Region.

The narrative in the developed world is that countries in the Global South are not only underdeveloped but are rife with corruption.

Only recently, Barbadian Prime Minister, Mia Motley, in an interview with a reporter from SVT (Sweden) questioned why “every time we talk about countries from the South, the first allegation is corruption?” The Barbadian leader was clear in saying: “Why is it that every time we talk about countries from the south, the first allegation is corruption?

The USA, UK & Europe are riddled with corruption, but nobody says that they’re not capable of achieving their objectives (…).” Prime Minister Motley clearly articulated that this is a challenge that developing countries face and her comments on the matter are instructive.

Therefore, Stabroek News’ claim that references to the Caribbean Region were “a case of the PPP/C government applying its own distorted norms to the region as a whole” is without basis. There can be no apology for Guyana’s and other nations’ rejection of the use of non-empirical, non-scientific data, to minimize “good faith efforts” by our country and other developing nations to fight corruption.

FACT 4: Partnerships are needed to respond to all forms of corruption.

Contrary to perception, corruption is not a concept that is restricted to the government’s fiscal prudence in managing the provision of goods and services to people – but extends to guarding against the corruption of our electoral process, and the consequent undermining of the will of Guyanese, as well as good stewardship of our national patrimony, and transparency and accountability in the business and civil society.

The 9th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICACB) was held under the theme ‘Resetting the Anti-Corruption Agenda: Assessing Achievements and Challenges in the Commonwealth Caribbean’. It is one of several anti-corruption platforms where experiences on national policies, programmes and legislation, etc. can be shared to strengthen the national and regional efforts in the fight against corruption.

It is unfortunate that the Stabroek News Editorial of April 23, 2023, appeared to have been disinterested in having a “more objective approach” to the Minister’s speech and to Guyana’s genuine “good faith efforts” to fight corruption.

PNC-led cabal bleeding support, externalising false racism rhetoric – Jagdeo

ThePNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition has taken to “externalising” their peddling of false racism rhetoric, given that its agenda has been exposed locally, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“I think their racism has been exposed and more and more people have had them under the microscope now so they're externalising this.

They go abroad to externalise because at some of the fora where we are not, then they talk they spread this the race hate again,” he said during a recent news conference.

One such forum was the National Action Network (NAN), a grouping of international leaders representing Africans globally, which held a meeting in New York earlier this month. The APNU+AFC Coalition’s Amanza Walton-Desir appeared to

speak at that event.

Commenting on her statements that the event, Jagdeo said, “I saw some Amanza Walton speaking at some someplace the US National Action Network and saying that the PPP is totalitarian.

“This comes from a person and a party that actively sought to steal the last elections. I remember Amanza Walton, who left her cushy job at the Civil Aviation Authority, didn't go to work there because she was at the Convention Centre in the recount, trying to thwart the recount, trying to mislead people. She was there a person who tried to steal an election from a party that is known for stealing elections and was true to form in the last one, again tried to steal the last one, telling the people in the US that we are a totalitarian government and including the US that helped to expose the machination

They (APNU+AFC Coalition) were a disaster in government and they are being an even bigger disaster in opposition. Why should people be hung on to them? They have no future and people are making that assessment in their families, in their homes, and they are seeing our track record and that is why they supporting the PPP. These are not sell-out. These are smart, conscious people who want to change their lives for the for the better.” –

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo

because the track record of successive PPP/C Administration and its efforts to work for and deliver to all Guyanese is clear. “They can't speak about that any institutionalised racism. Because when you look at our track record, it's clear. You can't talk about the composition of the Cabinet because the Cabinet reflects Guyana. We have seven ministers in

here and also help threaten sanctions against the APNU and some of them were sanction because they were trying to steal elections. Imagine that. But you know what? She will say this to a group of people who don't know of the APNU's history and do not know about their attempts, their historical proclivity towards stealing elections, you can't change that. So that is she takes that message there, because she can tell a sane Guyanese that in Guyana and not have them laugh at her.

“The next thing she says oh the government is racist because of an incident with a female officer and that a private attorney spat on a female police officer. But the government of Guyana is racist because of that. Now that that has to take its full course in the courts and everywhere else.”

TRACK RECORD OF THE PPP/C

The PPP General Secretary stressed that the PNCRled Coalition cannot speak about institutionalised racism

the government that hold some of the most substantial portfolios who are Afro-Guyanese. But she goes off to an unsuspecting audience in New York to claim that we are racist because somebody spat on another person. That is the how hollow they have become and the only place they have resonance is overseas because people don't know them,” he said.

Jagdeo added, “….at heart of the matter, they cannot speak about anything else. Can talk about the housing policy, because under them they didn't have one, and Guyanese of every race are now realising a dream to own a house. She can’t talk about employment opportunities because maybe 40-50,000 more people now are working than when they (APNU+AFC) left office just recently. She can't talk about that. She cannot talk about their children because they took away the grant for all the children, not Indo-Guyanese children, but children all across Guyana. Now they are