Weekend Mirror 11-12 February 2023

Modernization of Army will improve ability to protect

Guyana’s territorial integrity – Commander-in-Chief

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be undergoing a modernisation and readiness enhancement programme to better protect the country’s territorial integrity, safeguarding its natural and national assets.

“The Guyana Defence

Force could look forward to continued capital investment to help better police our territorial waters, and exclusive economic zone, our borders and our territory,”

President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali stated Wednesday (February 8, 2023).

The Commander- inChief of the Armed Forces was at the time delivering the keynote address at the opening of the GDF annual Officers’ Conference, Base Camp Ayanganna. He said there is over US $30 billion of oil and gas investments

in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) – an investment that must be safeguarded, since it is responsible for generating significant revenues for the economic and social transformation of the country.

As part of the long-term

modernisation undertaking, the government is looking to develop a modern air corps and coast guard, which are critical to the country’s national security architecture.

According to him, the administration is also rethinking the way it approaches its challenges, including the type of aircraft needed and the length of runways that are required.

Since August 2, 2020, the PPP/C Government has invested heavily in the men and women of the GDF, as well as provided equipment and training. Such a noble investment, the head of state emphasised, is aimed at creating an ardent defence force to match the 21st century. Moreover, the administration intends to pay special attention to equipping the GDF officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to allow for the emergence of a modern and efficient force.

However, the President acknowledged that training is only effective if the attitude of the personnel is positive. “You can have exposure to all the trainings but if your attitude is not right, then the training will never be right for you,” the president asserted.

There are currently deliberate attempts to reposition the attitudes of individuals and the collective to the development of the GDF and the country, but there are still some areas where there is inefficiency that needs to be addressed, Dr Ali posited.

MOVE TO COURT

Guyana is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy case.

Under the United Nations Charter and the Court’s own rules, final judgments from the ICJ both on jurisdiction and the merits will be legally binding on Guyana and Venezuela, whether or not Venezuela participates in the proceedings.

Efforts over more than half-a-century, including a four-year Mixed Commission (1966-1970), a twelveyear moratorium (19701982), a seven-year process of consultations on a means of settlement (1983-1990), and a twenty-seven-year Good Offices Process under the UN Secretary-General’s authority (1990-2017), all failed to end the border controversy.

The move to the ICJ was

advanced there was no success with a further attempt, using the United Nations’ Good Offices process, to resolve the matter of Venezuela’s renewed claim to Guyana’s territory, the Essequibo County. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in 2015, charged that the signing of the 1966 Geneva Agreement rendered the 1899 Arbitral Award null and void.

On 30 January 2018, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, acting under the authority bestowed upon him by the Geneva Agreement, chose adjudication by the Court as the means for resolving the controversy with finality. Guyana commenced proceedings before the Court on 29 March 2018 in accordance with the Secretary-General’s decision.

ICJ CASE

The Hague-based International Court of Justice last held public hearings on the question of the Court’s jurisdiction in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) on June 30, 2020. The ICJ had postponed the long-anticipated hearing of the Guyana/Venezuela border dispute case that was scheduled to begin on March 23, 2020, citing the coronavirus pandemic.

Guyana is seeking to obtain from the Court a final and binding judgment that confirms that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then-British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and binding, and that Guyana’s Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela.

Guyana took its case to the Court following the decision by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in January 2018, that the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela should be decided by the International Court of Justice. In taking his decision, the Secretary-General was exercising the power vested in him in the 1966 Geneva Agreement between Guyana, Venezuela and the United Kingdom to decide how the controversy should be settled.

In a shift in position, Venezuela has since opted to advance oral pleadings before the ICJ, with the first pleadings presented to

Coalition’s penchant for manipulating information to suit ‘race-baiting’ agenda exposed

Called out repeatedly for playing the ‘race card’, the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition has been exposed by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, for manipulating information to suit a divisive agenda.

Nandlall, in public comments responding to claims of extra-judicial killings under the PPP/C Government, explained that 41 persons died in police custody or at the hands of the Police between 2015 and 2020 –during the tenure of the former APNU+AFC Coalition Government. “I consulted with the Guyana Police Force and I got the statistics. I will share it with the Parliament. Between 2015 to 2020, be-

fore August, 41 persons died in Police custody or at the hands of the Police,” he said. According to him, this shows that almost eight persons died per year while the APNU+AFC Coalition held office.

Making clear the difference between the PPP/C and the PNCR-led Coalition, Nandlall stated that when Lall Bachan died at Suddie Police Station lock-ups on June 31, 2019, and Kalicharan Saywack died at Sparendaam Police Station lockups on January 28, 2019,

Nandlall noted that the PPP/C “never alleged extrajudicial killing” nor did it encourage people to beat, burn and rob. Instead of alleging extrajudicial killing and playing

politics with the death and tragedies of these people, he said “we (the PPP/C) instituted legal proceedings on behalf of their families, and we won millions of dollars of compensation for them. That is the difference in leadership.”

Nandlall accused the APNU+AFC Coalition of perpetuating a subtle racial message that the PPP/C Government is unleashing a Police Force against it and ignoring facts.

He explained that when the Coalition’s Coretta McDonald talked about the ‘Henry boys’, she omitted to admit to the facts. Nandlall said, “Two persons have been charged and committed for murder for the Henry boys. A

Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was held, and they were committed to the High Court. Four persons were charged for the death of Harish Singh and a (PI) was done and they have been committed to stand trial.

“Three officers have already been charged after an independent investigation was done by the Police Complaints Authority in relation to the death of Quinton Bacchus. The cases are going on in the court.

“A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Constable was charged with manslaughter in relation to Orin Boston.”

Nandlall, in his speech, condemned the Opposition for spewing racism and for

promoting violence. “The violence on the roadways of West Coast Berbice, the robbery, the vandalism, the arson, and the destruction of properties. On the East Coast of Demerara, the robbery of hundreds and the destruction of properties going into the millions is a result of some of these deaths,” he noted.

The past several months have 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.

The PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition’s expressed intentions to “undermine” the Dr. Irfaan Aliled PPP/C Administration, according to PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, in prior comments, has not gone unnoticed. Jagdeo, in prior comments, had said, “People like David Hinds, who for decades misled people into thinking they represent Afro-Guyanese, had no interest in development for Guyana, much less development in

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Governments have a responsibility to advance programmes, initiatives and policies that protect lives, jobs, incomes and delivers key goods and services.

However, equally important is the need for political leaders to be accessible, which makes them more effective in their role.

It is worth noting that political leadership has historically been exemplified by individuals whose claim to authority rests on their inferiority to the rest of humanity. Superhuman beings—those who approached the divine or were chosen by the gods—were traits shared by kings, emperors, and chiefs alike. The structure of power is a reflection of the separation between the ruler and his people. It had a vertical, incredibly individualized power.

Over time, that style of leadership came under scrutiny, and people started looking for one that was more logical and, in some places, more democratic and inclusive.

On that note, the success of President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s ‘OP Direct’ Initiative attests to the fact that accessibility and efficiency are correlated. The fact that the Office of the President (OP) will have a two-day presence in each of our 10 Regions during the year is undoubtedly a welcomed move because it bolsters the delivery of services to Guyanese – it enhances the work already being done by government Ministries and Agencies.

The benefits of President’s decision to move his entire office to East Berbice– Corentyne (Region Six) last Thursday and Friday are numerous and far-reaching. In fact, bringing the government closer to the people, residents are able to have direct access to the president and his office, and receive the assistance they need in a timely and efficient manner. And this was evident in the recently concluded two-day exercise in the ancient county by Dr Ali, where over 2,200 persons benefitted in just 48 hours.

By relocating his office to different regions, the head of state will be able to gain a better understanding of the unique challenges and needs of each community.

The strategy will allow him to tailor his policies and programmes to meet the specific needs of each region, which in turn will help to improve the lives of residents and boost the economy. Furthermore, the novel initiative will help to build trust and confidence in the government.

President Ali is sending a clear message that he cares about the wellbeing of Guyanese, and is willing to go above and beyond, by making himself accessible to them.

Importantly, the PPP’s founding principle, when it was formed some 70 years ago, was to work towards improving the lives of all Guyanese. Since then to now, the Party has never waivered in its commitment, whether in or out of office. During the PPP’s tenure in Government, the PPP/C was the most successful at building our country by providing jobs, healthcare, education, housing, access to potable water, improving roads, bridges, and airports and creating the environment for businesses in all sectors to grow and expand.

The PPP/C in its 2020-2025 manifesto promised: “We all want a society which is free, prosperous, socially just, globally competitive and which serves every Guyanese equitably. Every Guyanese must have a chance for a good education, access good paying jobs, be able to start their own businesses, raise and provide for a family, own their own homes, live in a safe and secure environment and retire with dignity. Every Guyanese must have full access to quality healthcare, safe water, be able to participate in sports and recreation and freely practice their religion and culture. We believe our hard work and sacrifice, bolstered by an economy strengthened by an oil and gas sector, must guarantee the next generation of Guyanese a brighter and better future.

“…as Guyana becomes an economic powerhouse, and the lives of our people are improved, our country must, with renewed vigour, pursue priorities to strengthen freedom, establish a rm commitment to democratic traditions whilst framing our priorities to be more inclusive, transparent, accountable and more equitable.”

Leaders of the PPP/C have demonstrated repeatedly that their functioning is made more effective because they are accessible to the Guyanese people.

PNCR-led cabal persist with ‘obtuse’ talk of an installed government

Dear Editor,

The PNC, having lost Election 2020 to the PPP/C Party, have resorted to the outdated and washed-out statement that the PPP/C is an installed regime. To this day, the verification of that statement they cannot explain, yet they keep rehashing it over and over again like a mantra; so, let us examine the genesis of that nonsensical trilogy.

Let’s follow the story from the very beginning: After a string of rigged elections, starting from 1968 up until 1992, the PNC installed themselves into Government. It is a practice they are well versed in, and are very proud of. There is well-documented proof of this atrocity, so there is no reason to doubt my statement.

After the elections of 2015, that party came back into power, but was that “win” a verified and above-board exercise? So, let us examine the circumstances of that election carefully. In the first place, Election 2015 could not be verified because Lowenfield ensured that this exercise was not done. The reason being he did not want to suffer the embarrassment of being exposed by an election that was riddled with fake SoPs.

This fact was highlighted by the sitting President, Donald Ramotar, who stated emphatically that the election was flawed by way of the imposition of false statements of poll. His exact words were, “I can show you all that I won the election, let us examine the

SoPs,” something Lowenfield vehemently denied, and did not assent to a verification. Further, he bluntly refused to recount the votes, having knowledge of the fact that there were fake SoPs in the system; and not wanting to be shamefully exposed, he held out that there should not be a recount.

While all of this was going on, the PNC were doing what they know best: that is, they were busy marshalling their forces for a violent showdown. At this juncture, US Ambassador Brent Hardt intervened. He went up to Freedom House and corralled Ramotar into an agreement that “for peace sake, let it slide, concede defeat then seek redress in an election petition. This was exactly what Lowenfield wanted, because soon after Ramotar conceded, he filed an injunction blocking any election petition and a recount. In true PNC bullying style, Lowenfield was the sole arbiter in that election, he decided who should win that election.

This CEO tried the very same strategy in March 2020, when he acted in the capacity of Lone Ranger and determinator of who should be the winner of that election; only, this time the plan was very clumsy and barefaced. Lowenfield hid the SoPs for Region 4, and made his own declaration. But that was fraught with danger, in that the GECOM Chairwoman did not affix her signature to that declaration, so he resorted to a concoction of signatures of his party’s comrades in arms.

The point is: they were already at

Norton struggles for support

Dear Editor,

odds with Claudette Singh for initiating a recount, and for Granger to agree with it, in their scheme of things, the two should never have assented to a recount. Their intent was to just rig the election and que sera sera. As a consequence, they call Granger and Claudette Singh all the vilest names in the book. Those “high-sounding derogatory terms” attributed to these individuals all attest to their frustrations with the two for giving the go-ahead for a recount. Lowenfield and company knew that, with a recount, the handwriting was on the wall for his party.

Norton, in his diatribe with Vice President Jagdeo, gave full meaning to the foolishness; meaning that once Mingo and Lowenfield made that fraudulent declaration, we were obliged to accept it without question. Talk about legitimising a bullying fraud, and the March 2020 declaration was a sure manifestation of this. That asininity was quickly dealt with, in that all the guilty parties are being brought before a court. We anxiously await their trial and subsequent punishment.

So, while we wait for the outcome of their trial, the PNC continue to be annoyingly obtuse with their talk of the PPP/C being an installed Government. But if anyone is equipped with even half a brain, they would readily discern these miscreants for who they really are.

Respectfully, Neil

Adams

Ali in popular appeal and voter support.

National

political attitudes have not been kind or favourable towards Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton in this politically and culturally polarised society. President Ali, on the other hand, is very likeable and popular.

The PNC leader has been struggling to win people’s confidence, and for support or traction within his own party’s political base, as well as nationally. This is one conspicuous finding of an opinion poll conducted by Dr. Vishnu Bisram for the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) over the last few weeks.

NACTA has been monitoring political attitudes (favourability, or positive views, and unfavourability, or negative views) towards leading politicians. While the public has a huge net positive favourable rating of President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, among others, there is a net negative favourability rating for Norton, unlike several others (like Amanza Walton-Desir, Ganesh Mahipaul, Roysdale Forde, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Volda Lawrence, Christopher Jones, among others) within his party, who have a positive net rating.

Norton was elected Leader of the Opposition PNC in December 2021, but has

ever since been struggling to attain traction within the party, and win national appeal to solidify his place as a leader and to lead his party to victory in elections. Surveys conducted in December 2021 and in February 2022 found favourable support for Norton becoming Opposition Leader. It was felt that since he won the leadership contest, he had the right to serve as Opposition Leader.

He became the Opposition Leader in April 2021, and has since been losing popular appeal within the party’s base. He trails others in popularity ratings within the party base. Support for him as leader of the PNC has whittled away and plateaued. Only 13% of traditional PNC supporters back him, whereas his political opponent, President Irfaan Ali, has soaring approval ratings (80s) in his party’s base and in the sixtieth percentile nationally.

Norton has no crossover ethnic support, and he is not attracting support from floating or middle-of-the-ground voters, who are critical to winning an election. Discontented traditional supporters of the PPP reject him. He is not viewed, not even among PNC supporters, as an alternative President in the making to replace incumbent Irfaan Ali.

Ali comes across as a populist likable leader, whereas Norton is viewed as the opposite; and, not surprisingly, he lags behind

The general view among the national public is that the PNC will not rebound under Norton’s leadership, and will lose the upcoming LGE. Respondents are of the view that Norton should make way for younger, more likeable leadership of the PNC to stem the tide against support loss. However, within the party, almost half its supporters feel Norton should be allowed to complete his tenure as Leader of the PNC, and be given the opportunity to lead the party into Local Government Elections likely later this year.

When asked who should replace Norton should he demit office, Roysdale Forde is the leading choice, followed by Volda Lawrence and Amanza Walton-Desir, with others trailing way behind. The latter two exhibit challenges winning trust and confidence and crossover support from Indians because of ill-advised remarks uttered years ago. Although Volda has strong grassroots support as a party organizer, Indian voters seemingly don’t forget their remarks, whereas Forde does not carry similar baggage. Forde is also viewed as having good crossover appeal. Respondents describe Forde as a professional with an amicable persona, one who engages and listens to people, and one having apt leadership credentials. The duo trail Forde by double digits as potential successors to Norton.

Yours truly, V. Bisram

PPP/C gov’t leaders are made more effective by being accessible

GECOM must ensure free, fair LGE 2023 is delivered

Dear Editor,

Our citizens’ patience has been stretched and tested in anticipation of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) hosting of the outstanding LGE. One should not expect that such tolerance would be indeterminately elastic. By now it is recognized that the delaying strategies from Opposition forces will not stop, and every excuse would lead to another frustrating suppression.

The PPP/C Government has since provided critical resources to complement each year of hopeful promise, and GECOM is now expected to deliver and remove the stymieing of benefits to our citizens. The Government’s recent 2023 Budget generously recommends financial allocations of G$5.2 billion for the use of GECOM. Notably, these provisions come into play following significant allocations since 2021, when G$1.8 billion was provided, followed by a revised G$2.9 billion in 2022.

Understandably, the March 2020 debacle concerning the abusive attempt to steal power by Opposition forces at the General and Regional Elections informed necessary adjustments to the abused controls. They are not to the extent that the necessary remedial position cannot be put in place to deliver the

LGEs promised in 2021, 2022, and now 2023.

The LGE was last held in 2018, highlighting the way overdue timeline on the legal schedule. While these elections cannot supersede priority over any General and Regional Election call, the overwhelming flimsy excuses from the Opposition lack the potency of any significant reasons for further delay. Of note, GECOM has followed the legal framework for the preparation of the List of Voters, and we must have these elections now.

The Chairperson, Justice Claudette Singh, must assert herself, and not allow any Commissioner to frustrate the work of the Commission. It is indeed heartening to read and hear that the Commission adopted the report from the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), confirming changes to some constituency boundaries.

There is now a more representative position in many Local Authority Areas, which takes into consideration population shifts influenced by the PPP/C’s massive housing drive, and corrects previous deliberate gerrymandering designed at providing the Opposition with specific advantages. Consequently, the Commission, through its Secretariat, would be in an enabled position to prepare an updated Register of Voters in the respective Local Authority Areas.

The ongoing continuous registration process comes after a previously announced and again delayed LGEs date set for March this year. The process, however, would allow GECOM to have all the relevant information that would be up-to-date to a determined cutoff point. It follows that, with a short period of Claims and Objections, the preparation of the Register of Voters will be completed. Once achieved, the CEO is required to present the updated Voters List to the Commission for ratification, enabling the Chairperson of the Commission to write the Minister of Local Government, expressing GECOM’s readiness for the holding of the LGEs.

Further, it is applaudable that, over the past months, GECOM utilised provided taxpayers’ resources to train identified persons who are expected to work at the LGEs. The utilised expenditures cannot be allowed to be defused uselessly at the expense of necessitating a full set of training. In this respect, there are national expectations that the CEO would now move swiftly to prepare his work plan in preparation for the holding of LGEs at the earliest date.

Editor, there is no doubt that the upcoming Local Government Elections would serve as a reminder of the PPPC Government’s commitment to good governance and transparency across every community, and would provide

much-needed renewal to the Local Government System. With the massive allocation for the holding of LGEs, GECOM must uphold its mandate and hold the elections in order to strengthen local democracy.

The present process of continuous registration seems to be going smoothly. Both the category ‘A’ and the category ‘B’ citizens are making full use of the opportunity to get registered. The Government recognizes and delivered on its commitments, and the budget would certainly help to establish a realistic platform to guarantee a better life for our people.

It cannot be denied that the PPP/C Government has moved with expedient speed in advancing its committed development agenda, while synchronizing the benefits for citizens across a “One Guyana” platform. There is also genuine awareness that the Opposition cabal would stop at nothing to derail this upward trajectory. Consequently, GECOM must not find itself influenced by the naysayers who are trying desperately to make our people collateral damage.

The Commission led by (retired) Justice Madam Claudette Singh must ensure the delivery of the entity’s mandate freely and fairly.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Appeal Court called on to dismiss appeal in Coalition’s Elections Petition case

The case of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition’s elections petition, Petition 88, was heard before Guyana’s Appeal Court on Wednesday (February 8, 2023).

The matter is being heard by Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal, Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

The petitioners in the case maintain that Recount Order was illegal and constitutional.

Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, in his submission called on the Court to dismiss the appeal of the High

Court’s decision to throw out the Coalition’s Election Petition 88. “The appellants’ submissions are quite narrow in their compass when compared to those which they canvassed in the court below.

They seem to have abandoned their frontal challenge to Order 60, redirecting their focus to challenging Parliament’s delegated power expressed in Section 22 of the Election Laws (Amendment) Act. No doubt, their implicit reasoning is, if the delegation is improper, then everything which flows therefrom would fall away,” Nandlall said.

GECOM’s lawyer, Anthony Astaphan, argued that there was nothing illegal or unconstitutional about the Order. “Only God would have been able to tell us when the declaration (of the results) would have been made,” he said, referring to what would have happened if there was no Recount Order. According to him, the Guyana Elections Commission acted in the public interest and ensured that such a final declaration of election results was made.

Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, representing Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo,

concurred and argued that that Order 60 was properly and lawfully issued by GECOM using the power of Article 162 (1) of the Constitution and Section 22 of the Elections Law Amendment Act 2000.

After almost two hours of arguments, the Appeal Court named March 22, 2023 for further testimony.

PETITION 88

Petition 88 was dismissed in the High Court by the Acting Chief Justice. Delivering her almost two-hour long virtual ruling, she underscored the fact that the petitioners had presented not a single piece of evidence to substantiate purported irregularities they sought to advance.

The Coalition, on June 3, 2020, filed an appeal in the case of Petition 88, arguing that the ruling judge erred in the decision that was handed down. The matter is still before the Guyana’s Court of Appeal. November 1, 2022 has been set as the date for a report on the status of the records including the full judgment by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire.

Petition 88 argues that the Recount Order was illegal and unconstitutional and therefore the declaration of results based on the recount is illegal and unconstitutional.

The petitioners, Ms. Claudette Throne and Mr. Heston Bostwick were asking the Court to declare the elec -

tion results null and void. In further seeking to do so, the petitioners are challenging the national vote recount process, Section 22 of the Elections Laws Act and Order 60 of 2020, which governed the recount.

Thorne and Bostwick are represented by Attorney-at-law and Coalition Parliamentarian, Roysdale Forde.

PETITION 99 DISMISSED AT CCJ

Notably, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on October 19, 2022, ruled that the Court of Appeal (CoA) in Guyana does not have the jurisdiction to hear and determine the appeal filed to challenge the dismissal of the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Election Petition 99 of 2020.

Justices Jacob Wit, Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Denys Barrow, Winston Anderson and Peter Jamadar presided over the case at the CCJ, which is Guyana’s final court of appeal.

Petition No.99, which challenged the final election results, was nullified by the Acting Chief Justice on the grounds of non-compliance of service on the second named respondent, former President Mr. David Granger.

Petition 99, argued that fraud was committed in the March 2020 Elections and over 115,000 votes were affected, benefiting the PPP/C. So far, Petition 99 has been

thrown out and the other will move forward.

Petition 99 of 2020 was filed on September 15, 2020, by APNU+AFC Coalition agents Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse. Thomas and Nurse named Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; David Granger – APNU+AFC Coalition; Horatio Edmonson – Federal United Party; Bharrat Jagdeo – People’s Progressive Party/ Civic; John Flores – Liberty and Justice Party; Asha Kissoon – The New Movement; Vishnu Bandhu – United Republican Party; Adebin Kindi Ali – Change Guyana; Patrick Bourne – People’s Republic Party, Jonathan Yearwood –A New and United Guyana; Shazam Ally – The Citizenship Initiative; and Gerald Perreira of Organisation for the Victory of the People as respondents. The Attorney General Chambers also joined the proceedings.

In Guyana’s High Court, Acting Chief Justice dismissed Petition 99 on June 14, 2021. The Appeal Court on December 21, 2021, ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the appeal of Elections Petition 99, which was dismissed by the High Court. While the matter was at the Appeal Court, Jagdeo’s lawyers argued that there can only be an appeal after a determination is made in manner and this was not done in the case of Election Petition 99.

Modernization of Army will improve ability...

the court on November 17, 2022.

The ICJ on December 18, 2020 delivered its Judgment in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) – relative to the question of the Court’s jurisdiction. The court ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear Guyana’s case seeking the validation of the 1899 arbitral award establishing the boundary with Venezuela. Venezuela did not take part in the proceedings. The judgment found that both Guyana and Venezuela had conferred authority on

the UN Secretary General under Article 4, paragraph two of the February 17th 1966 Geneva Agreement. That agreement allowed the Secretary General to choose a means of settlement under Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations which included judicial settlement.

Guyana is represented in the case before the Court by: Sir Shridath Ramphal, OE, OCC, KC, Co-Agent and Counsel; Mr. Paul S. Reichler, Attorney-at-Law, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bars of the United States Supreme Court and the District of Columbia;

Mr. Alain Pellet, Professor Emeritus of the University Paris Nanterre, former Chairman of the International Law Commission, member of the Institut de droit international; Professor Philippe Sands KC, Professor of International Law at University College London, 11 King’s Bench Walk, London; Mr. Payam Akhavan, LLM, SJD (Harvard University), Professor of International Law, Senior Fellow, Massey College, University, of Toronto, member of the Bar of New York and the Law Society of Ontario, member of the

Permanent Court of Arbitration; Professor Pierre d’Argent, Professor ordinaire, Université Catholique de Louvain, member of the Institut de Droit International, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of Brussels; Ms.

Christina L. Beharry, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bars of the District of Columbia, the State of New York, England and Wales, and the Law Society of Ontario; Mr. Edward Craven, Barrister, Matrix Chambers,

London; Mr. Juan Pablo Hugues Arthur, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of the State of New York; and Ms. Isabella F. Uria, Attorney –at-Law, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of the District of Columbia.

Coalition’s penchant for manipulating information to suit...

the interest of Afro-Guyanese…they are parasitic… when they came into office, they had no intention of supporting Afro-Guyanese…he is smarting from the person loss of privileges that he and his family enjoyed…the bitterness stems from there.”

Moving forward, Jagdeo noted that the APNU+AFC Coalition must drop racism as a tool and get on board with a national development agenda – all in the interest of all Guyanese across the entire country. “It is a dead end if they don’t drop the racism…

there is room for inclusion, providing that you work for the people…you can’t bully people and you can’t lie to people….currently, we have an ineffective Opposition Leader…more often than not, he has a shallow understanding of crucial sectors,”

he stressed. Meanwhile, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Government, Gail Teixeira, who took aim at the APNU+AFC Coalition, recently. She said, “At a time when we are taking the trajectory of our country forward; when we are seeing transformation; when the government has given COVID relief; help in the hampers; flood relief; the removal of taxes; the purchase of vaccines for our people; the PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment)… drugs that were not there; the opening up of housing; and the fixing of roads and bridges. All of this is taking place and all you can do is

drag it down to race. That is the only flag you have. The only flag you wave is race… you have stuck loyally to your history from 1954 and onwards - of divide and rule in Guyana. That is unfortunate. I don’t accept that the youth don’t know about these things. They are not obtuse…whether the PNC/ RIG/ APNU/ AFC comes to term with past and steps on the road to national unity, you will be found, if you don’t join, left alone….you have a choice.” Teixeira charged that the PPP/C will push forward with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announced One Guyana initiative, despite the naysayers in the

Coalition camp. She said, “The attempt to weaken any embryonic efforts at building a One Guyana will not succeed…efforts at building a ‘One Guyana’- a ‘One Guyana’ for all of us as a people where we will work towards equitable distribution of goods and services; where we will work for the development of the regions of our country…that is our goal and if you don’t agree with it, I’m sorry. You’re lost.”

In February 2021, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the establishment of a ‘One Guyana Commission’, which will be spearheaded by Prime Ministerr Mark Phillips.

ELECTION WATCH: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Order published to facilitate extraction of Voters’ List for LGE

An order, the Local Authorities (Elections) (Preparation of Registers), was published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday (February 8, 2023).

And it addresses the preparation of Registers of Voters for each Local Authority Area (LAA), ahead of the Local Government Elections, expected later this year. Each of those lists shall be certified in the pre-

scribed form and published no later Sunday, February 12, 2023.

The qualifying date, with respect to which the registers of voters referenced is listed as May 22, 2023.

In an invited comment, GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, explained that the List extracted will be subject to a period of Claims and Objections.

After the process detailed in the Order is completed, an Official Voters’ List by March 12, 2023.

“Not later than 8th March 2023, each electoral registrar shall correct the supplementary lists by way of rectification of clerical errors, removal of duplicate entries, insertion of names accidentally omitted, amendment of particulars of entries or otherwise,” the order said.

GECOM approves Local Government Elections Workplan

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), at its statutory meeting held on Tuesday (February 7, 2023), approved the work plan for the conduct of Local Government Elections (LGE).

While there was a majority vote to move forward, the APNU+AFC Coalition-nominated GECOM Commissioners withheld their support.

GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, in comments on the matter said, “We’ve had issues in relation to the support of the commissioners, even after the work plan was interrogated by opposition commissioners, and, even after what I believe to

be all the queries raised by them in relation to the work plan, they opted not to vote, either in favour of or against the work plan.”

The GECOM Secretariat is expected now to proceed with the full implementation of the relevant statutory and administrative activities to ensure the successful conduct of the elections in the eighty (80) Local Authority Areas (LAAs) countrywide.

According to the Commission, going forward the GECOM Secretariat will immediately move to:

(i) Roll out a robust civic and voter education programme;

(ii) Appoint Electoral Reg-

istrars and Assistant Electoral Registrars, and

(iii) Extract the Preliminary List of Voters (PLV). These activities are directly linked to the preparation of Registers of Voters for each of the 80 Local Authority Areas. Preparation for the conduct of Local Government Elections commenced in 2022. GECOM Secretariat had already completed the training of management and polling day staff for all of the Local Authority Areas, and the receipt of applications for and approval of symbols submitted by political parties, voluntary groups and individuals who intend to contest in the elections.

Police to investigate duplicate registration transactions

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) took a decision at its Statutory Meeting of Tuesday (February 7, 2023) to request the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to investigate three cases of duplicate registrations which were committed during the ongoing Cycle of Continuous Registration.

According to GECOM, this decision was taken consequent upon deliberations on a Report on internal investigations that were conducted in relation to the duplicate registration transactions. These investigations revealed that three persons who were already registered, applied again for registration using different source documents with different dates of issue, names, and dates of birth.

“In view of the case on point, it must be highlighted that the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 as amended by Act No. 26 of 2022 stipulates legal provisions for registration offences and the associated penalties. In this regard, it is of crucial

importance to note that the registration laws have outlined penalties for registration offences, with provision for fines of up to five million dollars ($5,000,000) and imprisonment of five (5) years,” GECOM said.

The Agency added, “The Commission takes this opportunity to formally notify all concerned that henceforth, all cases of duplicate registrations will be reported to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for investigation, and consequent action in keeping with the relevant legal provisions.”

The registration offences that are included in the National Registration Act:

• Deliberately provide false information;

• Fraudulently obtain an identification card;

• Fraudulently use an identification card;

• Falsely allege the loss or destruction of their identification card and apply for a new card while in the possession of an identification card;

• Present false information or documents containing false

TheGuyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is moving ahead with its continuous registration exercise, which started earlier this month.

The registration, as at Tuesday (February 7, 2023), has seen:

• 3,714 first-time applicants (Category A) between the ages of 14-years-old to 17-years-old

• 1,625 applicants (Category B) who are 18-years-old and older;

• 843 applicants sought changes and corrections;

• 720 requested transfers, and

• Others who sought replacements for identification cards, along with 94 photograph retakes.

During this registration exercise, any person who will be 14 years and older by the 30th June, 2023, and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, naturalization, or is a citizen from a Commonwealth

country living in Guyana for one year or more, can apply for registration, providing he/ she was never registered.

Existing registrants who are desirous of updating their records such as a request to correct or change their names, date of birth, occupation and update their addresses are advised that those transactions would also be facilitated during this exercise.

Persons desirous of conducting any registration transaction whether new registration or changes/corrections to their particulars are required to visit the GECOM Registration Office responsible for their area of residence with the relevant source documents which are:

• Original Birth Certificate, valid Passport, Adoption Certificate, Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Registration, and Deed Poll along with original Birth Certificate (if applicable) in the case of

making applications for new registration.

• Original Marriage Certificate, Marriage Certificate with Decree Absolute for divorced women, Deed Poll with Birth Certificate, or a new original Birth Certificate reflecting the new name in the case of an application for change/correction of name and other particulars. Registration transactions can be done during the official working hours outlined below:

• Mondays to Thursdays 08:00hrs – 12:00hrs and 13:00hrs – 16:30hrs

• Fridays 08:00hrs – 12:00hrs and 13:00hrs – 15:30hrs

For further information, persons are advised to visit GECOM’s website at www. gecom.org.gy follow us on Facebook at Guyana Elections Commission, or call 225-0277-9, 223-9653, or 223-1300.

The registration exercise will conclude on May 31, 2023.

information for registration, or withholding information about an existing registration;

• Knowingly applies to be registered more than once;

• Permit or induce another person to use an identification card in order to impersonate a registered person;

• Destroy or deface identification cards or documents;

• Make false objections or statements in relation to any entry on a list;

• Impersonate GECOM registration officials;

• Forge or counterfeit identification cards, and lend or otherwise furnish any identification card for impersonation; and

• Sell or attempt to sell, or purchase or attempt to purchase an identification card.

The Commission is encouraging all applicants for registration, change of name(s) and corrections to existing registration particulars to ensure that they abide by the legal registration provisions, and to be aware of the registration offences and consequences.

GECOM records almost 7,000 transactions recorded to date

Applications Open from January 31, 2023 – February

The 20,000 online scholarship initiative is a hallmark project of the Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali led Government which was developed to invest in the human capacity of Guyana by delivering quality and readily accessible tertiary education to Guyanese aged 18 and above. In keeping with its agenda, the GoG, through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), has partnered with local and international institutions to offer the following 128 Graduate programmes.

In 2021 and 2022, the Ministry of Public Service awarded over 3,000 graduate scholarships to citizens from every region of Guyana. For 2023 GOAL has added two new institutions, the University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, UPES, India and Michael University, Bahamas, t o expand our pool of institutions.

GOAL…. Securing a Better Future with Online Learning

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, OPEN CAMPUS

1. PGD Instructional Design and Technology – requires a bachelor’s of min. 2.7 GPA in any academic discipline

2. PGD Literacy Instruction - requires a bachelor’s of min. 2.7 GPA in any academic discipline & CPCE TTC

3. PGD Secondary Mathematics – requires a bachelor’s of min. 2.7 GPA in the field & must be a Mathematics teacher

4. PGD Secondary English – requires a bachelor’s of min. 2.7 GPA in the field & must be an English teacher

5. PGD Management and Educational Leadership – requires a bachelor’s of min. 2.7 GPA in any academic discipline & CPCE TTC

6. PGD Early Childhood Education - requires a bachelor’s of min. 2.7 GPA in Early Ch ildhood or related field

7. Masters Instructional Design and Technology - requires a bachelor’s of min. 2.7 GPA in any academic discipline

8. Masters Literacy Instruction - requires a bachelor’s of min. 2.7 GPA in any academic discipline & CPCE TTC

9. Masters Early Childhood Education - requires a bachelor’s of min. 2.7 GPA in Early Childhood or related field

PGD – Post Graduate Diploma: 1 Year

Masters: 2 Years or 1 Year for holders of the relevant PGD

JAAIN DEEMED-TO-BE UNIVERSITY, IND

1. Master of Arts in English

2. Master of Arts in Economics

3. MBA Digital Marketing

4. MBA Aviation Management

5. MBA Health Management

6. Master of Arts in Journalism

7. MBA Logistics & Supply Chain Management

8. Master of Commerce in Accounting & Finance

All Jain University Master’s Programmes require a bachelor’s degree in a related academic field of min. 2.2 GPA

TEXILA AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, GUYANA

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA) - requires a bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline

2. MSc Information Technology - requires a bachelor’s degree in any related discipline

3. MSc Public Health - A Bachelor's Degree in Public Health/Health Sciences/ Paramedical Science/ Life Science/ Social Work

Masters: 2 Years; Persons without a bachelor’s degree may gain admission for Texila Master’s if they possess a 2year Diploma from a recognised institution PLUS 10 years of work experience with a minimum of 3 years of experience in the relevant industry/sector OR ABE (level 5 and above) with 5 years of work experience.

February 22, 2023 via our website at www .goal.edu.gy

INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, INDIA

1. PGC Gender, Agriculture and Sustainable Development - requires a bachelor’s in any academic discipline

2. PGC Industrial Safety - requires a bachelor’s in any academic discipline

3. PGD Disaster Management - requires a bachelor’s in a related field

4. PGD Environment and Sustainable Development - requires a bachelor’s in a related field

5. PGD Rural Development - requires a bachelor’s in a related field

6. PGD Women's and Gender Studies - requires a bachelor’s in a related field

7. PGD in Environmental and Occupational Health - requires a bachelor’s in a related field

8. BA + Master's in Library and Information Science (MLIS) – requires a bachelor’s with a min. GPA of 2.0 OR Bachelor’s degree with a Diploma (one year) in Library Science OR Bachelor's Degree with two years of working experience in a Library & Information Centre

PGC – Post Graduate Certifi cate: 6 Months PGD – Post Graduate Diploma: 1 Year BA + Masters: 2 Years

UNICAF: EAST LONDON UNIVERSITY , UNITED KINGDOM

1. MA in Education

2. Master of Law (LLM)

3. MA in Mass Communication

4. MSc in International Public Health

5. MSc in Criminology & Social Policy

6. MSc Big Data Technologies

7. MSc Business Psychology

8. MSc Information Security and Digital Forensics

9. Master of Business Administration

10. MSc Computer Science

11. MSc Construction Engineering Management

12. MSc Information Security and Digital Forensics

13. MSc International Business Management

14. MSc International Relations

15. MSc Oil and Gas with Energy Management

All Master’s Programmes from East London University require a bachelor’s degree of at least lower SecondClass honours or min. 2.7 GPA from a recognised University in a related academic field AND at least five years related work experience.

UNICAF: LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY, UNITED KINGDOM

1. MA Mass Communication

2. LLM - Master of Laws

3. MA International Relations

4. MA Education

5. MSc Criminology & Social Policy

6. MSc International Public Health

7. MSc in Construction Engineering Management

8. MSc in Information Security and Digital Forensics

9. MSc in International Business Management

10. MSc in Oil & Gas Energy Management

11. MS in Business Administration

12. MA in Nursing

13. MA in Human Resource Management

14. MA in Leadership and Education

15. MSc in Civil Engineering

16. MSc in Computing and Information System

17. MSc in Digital Marketing

18. MSc in International Transport, Trade and Logistics

19. MSc in Project Management

20. MSc in Psychology

All Master’s Programmes from Liverpool John Moores University require a bachelor’s degree of at least lower Second-Class honours or min. 2.7 GPA from a recognised University in a related academic field AND at least five years related work experience.

MICHAEL UNIVERSITY, BAHAMAS

1. Master's in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering – requires a bachelor’s in Green Technology, Oil and Gas, Environmental studies, Business, Engineering or related area

Applications Open from January 31, 2023 – February

UNICAF UNIVERSITY, ZAMBIA

1. MBA Oil, Gas and Energy Management

2. MBA Management Information Systems

3. MPA Public Administration

4. MSc Healthcare Management

5. MSc Web Design and Development

6. LLM – Master of Laws

7. MA Educational Leadership and Management

8. MA English Language and Literature

9. MBA Finance

10. MBA Health Management

All Master’s Programmes from UNICAF University, Zambia require a bachelor’s degree of at least lower SecondClass honours or min. 2.7 GPA from a recognised University in a related academic field AND at least five years related work experience.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

1. MSc in Occupational Therapy - requires a bachelor’s from a recognised University with a GPA of 3.0 and above.

2. MSc in National Security and Intelligence Studies – requires a bachelor’s from a recognied University with a GPA of 2.7 and above. OR a bachelor’s with a GPA lower 2.7 but with compensating experience in the field of national security, intelligence, and crimi nal justice (3 – 5 years) and/or additional qualifications like diploma or certificate in National Security and Intelligence Studies OR Working professionals in the field of national security, intelligence, and criminal justice (mid and senior level indi viduals) who do not have an advanced degree but have at least 5 –10 years of experience.

3. MA in Educational Administration & Leadership - requires a bachelor’s from a recognised University with a GPA of 2.7 and above.

4. MA in Educational Psychology - requires a bachelor’s from a recognised University with a GPA of 2.7 and above.

5. MSc in Counseling Psychology - requires a bachelor’s from a recognised University with a GPA of 2.7 and above.

STRUCTURALIA - UNIVERSIDAD ISABEL I, SPAIN

1. Master’s Degree in Agile Methodologies and Digital Transformation

2. Master's Degree in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Governance

Programmes 1&2 require a bachelor’s from a recognised University in either Engineering, Architecture, Economic Science, Social Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, Soc iology, Biology, Hydrology, Education, Geography and other professionals) and are 1 Year in duration

3. Master's Degree in Geotechnical Engineering and Foundations – requires a bachelor’s in either Geology or Civil Engineering from a recognised University.

February 22, 2023 via our website at www .goal.edu.gy

UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM & ENERGY STUDIES, INDIA

1. PGD in Power Management

2. PGD in Renewable Energy

3. PGD in Green Technology

4. PGD in Industrial Safety

5. PGD in Airline Buisness/Air Transport

6. PGD in Solid Waste Management

7. MBA in Power Management

8. MBA in Infrastructure Management

9. MBA in Retail Management

10. MBA in Hospital and Heathcare Mgt

11. MBA in Oil and Gas

All Graduate Programmes from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies require a bachelor’s degree from a recognised University in the related field with at least a GPA of 2.2 GPA and above.

PGD – Post Graduate Diploma: 1 Year Masters: 2 Years or 1 Year for holders of the relevant PGD

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLI ED SCIENCE, GERMANY

1. MA in Marketing Management – requires a bachelor’s in Economics with a min. GPA of 2.7

2. MA in Human Resource Management - requires a bachelor’s in Economics with a min. GPA of 2.7.

3. MA in Digital Innovation and Intrapreneurship - requires a bachelor’s in any field with a min. GPA of 2.7 AND 24 months of professional work experience.

4. MA in Digital Marketing - requires a bachelor’s in Economics with a min. GPA of 2.7.

5. MA in Innovation and Entrepreneurs - requires a bachelor’s in Business Administration, Marketing or Economics with a min. GPA of 2.7.

6. MA in Project Management - requires a bachelor’s in Economics or Engineering with a min. GPA of 2.7.

7. MBA in Big Data Management - requires a bachelor’s in business administration with a min. GPA of 2.7 AND 24 months of professional work experience after graduating .

8. MBA in Engineering Management - requires a bachelor’s in business administration or engineering management with a min. GPA of 2.7 AND 24 months of professional work experience after graduating.

9. MBA in Finance & Accounting - requires a bachelor’s in business administration , economics, or finance with a min. GPA of 2.7 AND 24 months of professional work experience after graduating.

10. MBA in International Marketing - requires a bachelor’s in business administration or marketing with a min. GPA of 2.7 AND 24 months of professional work experience after graduating.

11. MBA in IT Management - requires a bachelor’s in business administration , IT, or IT related field with a min. GPA of 2.7 AND 24 months of professional work experience after graduating.

12. M Eng. in Engineering Management - requires a bachelor’s in Engineering with a min. GPA of 2.7.

13. MSc. Artificial Intelligence - requires a bachelor’s in any field with a min. GPA of 2.7 AND 12 months of professional work experience in a related field.

14. MSc. Business Intelligence - requires a bachelor’s in a business/ Science/IT related field with a min. GPA of 2.7

15. MSc. Computer Science - requires a bachelor’s in Computer Science or related fiel d with a min. GPA of 2.7.

16. MSc. Cyber Security - requires a bachelor’s in a computer related field with a min. GPA of 2.7.

17. MSc. Data Management - requires a bachelor’s in a computer related field with a min. GPA of 2.7.

18. MSc. Data Science - requires a bache lor’s in any field with a min. GPA of 2.7 AND 12 months of work experience .

19. MSc in Finance, Accounting and Taxation - requires a bachelor’s in Economics with a min. GPA of 2.7.

20. MSc in Industrial and Organisational Psychology - requires a bachelor’s in Economics with a min. GPA of 2.7.

21. MSc in Information Technology Management

22. MSc in International Healthcare Management

23. MSc in Marketing Management requires a bachelor’s in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance or Economics with a min. GPA of 2.7.

NOTE: Please note that GOAL reserves the right to award successful applicants scholarships based on the following:

• Any ONE of the options you selected on the Application Form

• Any other programme that matches your qualifications if the required number of eligible applicants for a particular programme fails to meet the minimum enrollment of a university.

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

National Medical Scientific Council to be established − President Ali

Plans by the PPP/C administration to establish a National Medical Scientific Council were announced by President Dr. Irfan Ali, during the launch of STEM Cell Therapy and Immunotherapy services at the Woodlands Hospital, on February 4, 2023.

President Ali said he is pleased with this development because of how it integrates with where the country is headed. He noted the importance of medical science and its relation to medical care, facilities and technology. “Because it evolves as a science, it is tested, it [involves] things that change continuously, that help to give you better care, that help to develop better technology, so if the science is dead then care is dead, if the science is dead the technology is dead, that is why we now must move to this new level. That brings our best talent to investigate, not old technology, the best-in-class medical science development that can be applied to Guyana to help us here,” he pointed out.

The President noted that the new developments would not have been possible without the legal regulatory platform through which the science can evolve. “Nothing here could have been discussed if we didn’t take the

steps forward, so modernising the legal environment in which urban and regional planning, medical science and all that we are doing will evolve are exciting things but requires time and effort, it requires a lot of reading, it requires application of theory,” the head of state posited.

He disclosed that elaborate discussions were held with the Indian Minister of Health and other senior medical personnel, highlighting that Guyana’s medical corps can match medical talent anywhere in the world. “I’m of the very strong view that with the type of human resources we have in the health sector here, and I have interacted with many of our doctors, the combined ability of our medical corps, the core group of our medical talent in Guyana can match any medical talent anywhere across this world, I’m convinced of that and I want Guyana to know that the fundamental core of our medical system can stand up for itself and can represent itself, I’m very convinced about that,” the President asserted.

The head of state also noted several breakthroughs in medical science and some of the local developments in the health sector. “The state and the government has a responsibility to create this

Over 2,200 benefit from inaugural ‘OP Direct’

– Almost 200 land titles and dozens of house lots and low-income homes allocated – Birth certificates fast-tracked, more than 150 sign up for GOAL scholarships

enabling environment to support this new architecture that we are building from an infrastructure perspective, from a legislative perspective, but more importantly from a primary healthcare perspective, when a public healthcare system is operating efficiently and reliably, it allows enough information to change the health information set and the health care set, before a health crisis occurs what that means is that stem cells is highly effective where there is early diagnostics, this is important, so the public healthcare system must be able to support diagnostics at a very early stage. Once that occurs the science now must be implemented at that early stage,” he stated.

President Ali also expressed that he is pleased with the direction in which both private and public healthcare are headed, but noted that there is still a lot to be done. “In the next seven years, we are not trying to, by the grace and help of God, in the next seven years we are building in Guyana, a first world healthcare system for our citizens and a healthcare system that is fit for purpose and one that will provide global healthcare services for the rest of the world mark this night,” Ali reiterated.

Skeldon ‘Green Space’ project moving apace

Residents of Skeldon and surrounding areas can expect to benefit from a conducive space where they can relax, enjoy nature and bond with their families, friends and other members of the community, with the completion of the ‘Green Space’ later this year.

The initiative will offer persons the opportunity to connect with each other through increased quality time.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a recent visit to the location, said, “As you can see, there is a more modern-looking style overlooking the water, there’s a utility building, there’s a huge fountain area, there’s a play area for kids, and the entire lawns will be manicured. We have seating accom -

modations for children and families out on the water.

So, if you know what is happening in Windsor Forest, it’s a very simple project, but thousands of families, hundreds of children every single day go out there. And this is important in building communities, building stronger families, bringing people together and creating that environment and that atmosphere in which cohesion, wellness, mental health—all can be addressed through these initiatives.”

He reminded that previously, the Skeldon waterfront site had been filled with unwanted waste, but through the beautification project, that waste has been removed, and the space was enhanced to improve the landscape. “So, this is one. I just wanted

Thedecision by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, to take his office to the people resulted in over 2200 persons benefitting from the inaugural Office of the President Direct, which concluded in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne) the afternoon of February 3, 2023.

The two-day event in New Amsterdam, according to the President, was geared to bring essential services directly to Berbicians.

Ali said, “Over the last two days, we have listened to, we have helped and supported and counselled to some extent, more than 2200 persons who came to meet with us.”

At the event, almost 200 persons also received their land titles, with nearly 50 house lots and over 50 low-income homes allocations.

The Head of State said that the objective was to ease the hassle and fast-track the process. He said, “We had almost 200 titles and transports processed and brought for distribution. We advertised overnight for 150 plus persons to uplift their transports. We fast-tracked the regularisation and distribution of titles for one area, one squatter settlement in John. That area is now fully regularised with all the titles completed within 24 hours.”

sea defences, and structures, and as a result of this, we already have engineers on the ground working. Engineers are already designing and preparing tender documents to fix some of the important problems that will bring great relief for the agricultural sector, residential, and commercial sectors.”

Scores of persons also interacted with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, with 70 per cent of their issues being addressed.

More than 70 applications for birth, death and marriage certificates were processed by the Guyana Register Office (GRO), while the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) signed up over 150 new applicants for scholarship opportunities.

The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) dealt with approximately 200 cases, with 70 per cent being promptly resolved and the remainder in the process of being resolved.

Additionally, the President explained that the initiative also resulted in citizens consulting the Government on health issues, medication and medical supply requirements.

The President noted that during the two-day event, more than 75 per cent of persons who presented issues were women, and 90% of them were single parents. “Many of them have between three to five children, six children. They’re single mums, single women-led households. So, we can understand the type of challenges and difficulties and additional pressure on the women-led households here in the region. This is something I think we need to take in the planning framework and in the work that we’re doing.”

He added that he has seen the tremendous impact that the Government’s job creation programme has had on many families. Many of them, he said, spoke of how transformative it is. Ali said, “I’ve heard stories of improvements in many of the sectors, but also some of the challenges that still exist and how we can confront those challenges. We met a number of young persons too, and I think the youth participation in the development of the region is something that is remarkable because there is great activism among the young people.”

to give an update. It will be well-lit, it will have adequate security, and this will no doubt enhance the entire area, and create another public space for children and families, and the community to enjoy,” Dr Ali stated.

He expressed his pleasure with the work being done at Skeldon, and noted that this and multiple other beautification projects are being completed through the involvement of the Men on Mission (MOM).

In October, First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali officially launched the Skeldon beautification project, and a second in New Amsterdam, Region Six. The two projects cost $100 million each. The overall aim is to establish family-friendly recreational spaces in every region.

Outside of housing, Berbicians had their issues and concerns addressed either with immediate solutions or via time-bound resolutions. Ali said, “We have been able to deal with more than 100 complaints in relation to roads, drains in various areas across the region, bridges,

Residents were also able to raise their issues with representatives of other agencies, including the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and the Ministries of Agriculture, Health, Education and Natural Resources among others.

The President added that he feels a great sense of pride, “a sense of things happening and a sense of optimism that exists in the region”.

The Office of the President (OP) Direct initiative will see the Office of the President and Government ministries and agencies working centrally in a different region two days per month.

50 resort-style, luxurious wooden homes to be constructed soon – Ali

Exclusive access to eco-friendly, luxurious living is now just months away from becoming a reality for young professionals in Guyana.

The new lifestyle, which will see an exotic blend of natural landscaping and modern architecture, is being facilitated by the Government of Guyana.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, made the announcement on Wednesday (February 8, 2023). “In order to celebrate the luxury of wood, we will be embarking on our first luxurious wooden homes settlement in Guyana, where only those who want luxury will reside,

focusing on young professionals,” Ali said.

He was at the time speaking at the launch of the DuraVilla ‘1,000 homes’ project at Durable Wood Products Incorporated in Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. “We intend to work on a project of 50 homes, all wooden, going back to our colonial-style heritage, mixed with modern architecture. It is the first completely green, eco-friendly, resort-style luxury housing,” Ali added.

The fully green, resort-style houses will give young professionals a rustic living experience

Not only will the set -

tlement be constructed using 100 per cent Guyanese timber and labour, it will feature trees sourced from Guyana’s forests to give its residents a fully rustic living experience.

“This is another initiative in which we will promote in the niche market of luxury. Wood is not cheap. Sometimes we have an illusion that wood is for the poor. We make wood affordable in Guyana,” the President reminded.

Through collaboration between the government and local companies, construction of the new settlement is slated to begin in the next three months.

FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

ICT hub for Isseneru

Agrant agreement for civil works to retrofit the ICT Hub at Isseneru, Region 7, was signed on Monday (February 7, 2023).

Supervised by the Office of the Prime Minister, the Village Council will undertake all civil and electrical works. The Prime Minister’s Office will facilitate the photovoltaic and ICT installations in a few weeks.

Last week, the Village Council of Region 7’s Tasserene, in the Middle Mazaruni, signed a similar agreement.

Commencing in 2021, the reintroduction of the Government’s Information Communication Technology (ICT) programme is expected to see some 200 hinterland and riverine communities benefiting from fully equipped ICT hubs.

The ICT programme will be executed by the Office of the Prime Minister Project Management Unit under the ICT Access and eServices for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities project.

Funds will be provided for villages with existing hubs to refurbish and

equip those facilities. Village Councils will be tasked with identifying areas or buildings to establish hubs in villages that do not have those facilities.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, has said 20 internet-ready computers would be installed in the hubs and be accessible to all residents. “We are training the CSOs (Community Support Officers) so that they can be able to come back and teach persons in the village how to use the computers,” she added. The Minister said the overall aim of the programme is to accelerate economic and social development across

the hinterland.

Before 2015, the PPP/C Government had started a programme aimed at modernising Guyana through ICT which saw ICT labs being constructed and equipped in several communities and schools in the hinterland. This programme was altered under the APNU+AFC Administration.

The PPP/C in its manifesto said that ICTs must be used in Guyana as an engine for economic and social empowerment. A commitment was also made to develop the infrastructure and provide an enabling environment to promote the use of ICTs across Guyana.

11 benefit from Community Mines Rangers training

F our youths from Karaudamau and seven from Aishalton were selected for training by the Toshao as Community Mines Rangers.

This was in response to a commitment made by the PPP/C Government, via Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, to provide training to Indigenous Communities.

Training included map reading and navigation

$38M water supply system commissioned in Kato

Some450 residents of Kato, Region Eight, now have improved access to potable water following the commissioning of a new water supply system.

The well was commissioned by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, Regional Chairman, Mr. Headley Pio, GWI’s Hinterland Service Director, Mr. Ramchand Jailal, other regional representatives and residents.

Minister Rodrigues, noted her pleasure of being able to deliver on a promise made by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. “I’m pleased to be here to commission this well. From 2020 I’ve been coming and I learned about the struggles, especially

with access to water and we devised a five-year plan to ensure delivery to the hinterland.” She added that the target for Region Eight by the end of this year is to ensure 90% water coverage. The new system at Kato will now see 95% coverage in the community. “We are about honouring our commitment of bringing development.”

Prior to the implementation of this project, the existing shallow well system was insufficient to supply water to the entire community. As such, only households and public buildings close to the old system received access. The scope of works for the Kato project included: the drilling of a new potable water well to a depth of 120 meters, installation of

5500 meters of 50mm (2″) PVC pipes & 2500 meters of 19mm (3/4″) pipes with 80 service connections, the construction of 2 reinforced concrete slab storage base, the installation of the photovoltaic pumping system including submersible pump, controller, solar panels and accessories, and the construction of a fence around the photovoltaic system.

On Monday (February 6, 2023) , the Minister also commissioned a $26.5 million well at Taruka, to the benefit of more than 200 persons. Meanwhile at Paramakatoi, two new wells will be drilled in 2023. This will bring relief to an estimated 1100 residents, who receive water from a spring.

(GPS), occupational safety and health in mining, and mining regulations. A combination of both practical and theoretical training was provided to residents as part of the compressive training program. As a result of this training, local residents will be able to perform to a high standard the role of Community Mines Rangers. This will be a means of reducing conflicts between indigenous communities and miners.

Participants who met the criteria for the training were awarded certificates upon completion by Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Inc. (GMSTCI). Additionally, participants received materials to create signage for practical application within the community following the occupation, safety, and health segment, enabling them to extend their learning beyond the classroom.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Over 8,000 persons registered for ‘WIIN’ initiative so far

Over8,000 people have registered for the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Women Innovative and Investment Network (WIIN) programme, since registration restarted in January 2023.

This year, interested persons will be trained in new areas such as food tourism, social media marketing, design, décor and events management, entrepreneurship, project management, and leadership advocacy.

They will also be trained in recurring courses such as child care, care for the elderly, graphics design, home management, television and video production, and garment construction.

The programme aims to

support and empower women in society.

WIIN, therefore, provides a range of opportunities for women, such as access to employment in the public and private sectors, as well as encouraging economic independence, particularly for single mothers and those from low-income backgrounds.

It has introduced measures to help raise their incomes, such as providing free vocational training, grants, and access to business loans.

Further, the programme is particularly dedicated to ensuring women in rural regions have access to the same opportunities available in urban areas through a hybrid model that facilitates in-person and online training.

As such, female entrepreneurs are provided with mentorship, financial advice, and networking opportunities to help them succeed in their businesses.

In addition, WIIN offers training programmes to help women gain essential skills, such as computer literacy, basic business management, and English. This is crucial in facilitating the participation of women in the job market.

The number of courses offered continue to increase annually.

In 2021, 2,170 persons were trained. There were some 588 graduates from Region Four, 409 from Region Two, 320 from Region Three, 345 from Region Five, and 307 from Region Six.

Last year, the programme saw a 62 per cent increase in participants with over 10,000 registrants.

Region Four had the highest number of persons trained with 937 women, while Regions Three and Five each had over 500 persons trained.

In the hinterland, over 350 persons were trained. Region Nine saw an increase of 532 per cent, while Region Seven

saw a 396 per cent increase, and Region Ten had an increase of 335 per cent.

Last year, 758 persons were trained in child care, while 563 were trained in graphic design and 523 in care for the elderly.

Persons desirous of signing up can do so online using the link http://www.facebook. com/humanservicesgy.

The only requirements

for the programme are a valid telephone number and a form of identification (passport or identification card). For those doing classes online, a computer is required with a camera and stable internet connection.

Registration closes on February 28, 2023. For more information, persons can contact the ministry at 229-2751 or 229-2842.

Berbice residents receive house lots, homes

Morethan forty (40) residents hailing from Region Five and Region Six were allocated land and housing units on Monday.

This came as the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Mr. Sherwyn Greaves led an outreach at the Regional Housing Office in New Amsterdam, Region Six. The outreach was a follow-up to a visit to the region last week by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

At the end of the outreach, the CEO stated that some twenty-four (24) Berbicians were allocated house lots at Shieldstown, Region Five and Number 76 Village, Region Six. Twenty-two (22) residents were also allocated housing units constructed by CHPA at Fort Ordnance and Hampshire, Region Six.

Meanwhile, forty-two (42) persons, who were allocated homes at Hampshire, signed up for their Agreement of Sale. The CEO stated

that this is aimed at ensuring the allottees occupy their homes as soon as possible.

Close to twenty-five (25) residents were also able to register for their Certificate of Title.

Scores of other persons also took the opportunity to meet with the CEO, apply for house lots, and make queries. Following several queries from informal settlers, a team from the agency is expected to conduct field visits this week.

Development of electronic medical records to begin later this month

In keeping with the Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Administration’s vision of developing a world-class healthcare system, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Mount Sinai will begin work on the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony made the announcement while delivering his address at a recent event.

Dr Anthony highlighted that government will continue to incorporate innovative technologies to improve Guyana’s healthcare system.

“Later this month, we’ll start working with Mount Sinai to develop our electronic health records,” Minister Anthony stated.

The EMR system is an electronic record of health-related information of a patient. It can facilitate workflow and improve the quality of patient care and patient safety.

Dr Anthony said, “EMR will be integrated records and this would help us so that across the system, any patient going to any part of the system would be able to access those records.” The

health minister had previously revealed that the ministry is working on legislation so that patients’ privacy can be protected.

This legislation is expected to be passed in the National Assembly later this year.

Once this law is given parliamentary approval, the first phase of the EMR system will be rolled out.

“This is something that we are also working on to make sure that our records over the next three to four years would be totally electronic,” Anthony posited.

Information is verified before persons receive Guyanese birth certificates – Registrar General

The General Registrar’s Office (GRO) has observed a significant increase in overseas applications for Guyanese birth certificates and this has raised concern among the Guyanese population.

However, Registrar General Raymon Cummings, in a recent interview explained that a person who is born overseas to Guyanese parents can apply for the certificate. “These are children who are born to parents who

were born in Guyana. So, if one of your parents is born in Guyana, our constitution allows you to be registered as an overseas-born Guyanese. So, you can literally apply and get a Guyanese

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Transformative projects underway in Region Six

Amajor transformation is underway for East Berbice – Corentyne (Region Six) with a slew of infrastructural and developmental projects in the pipeline, which will see the Ancient County of Berbice becoming a massive economic zone.

With a robust approach already taken to make the region more economically

viable, works are already ongoing in the village of Palmrya that could soon see the area becoming the region’s premier business hub.

A new call centre along with a special space for persons living with disabilities are under construction and will soon be completed.

A massive sporting facility with an expected 10,000

seating capacity will also be constructed in the area, with a large parking lot. The project is estimated to be completed by 2025. The sports stadium is expected to serve residents in both Regions Five and Six, as the one at Providence is serving Regions Three and Four.

As part of the village be-

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Construction of 100 eco-friendly, modern low, moderate-income units underway in Great Diamond

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, on Monday (February 6, 2023), visited the construction site of 100 low and moderate-income homes being built in Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Fifty (50) low-income units are being constructed by Surinamese Company, Visionary Builders and Services Inc., and are being built using modern materials. Each unit measures 600 square feet and features two bedrooms, a washroom, and a living room. The estimated cost for each unit is $5.5 million.

“This type of house is different. As you can see the type of wall that is being used in fact, they are using the metal sheet and then plastering it with concrete. “So, we expect the first 26 houses to come will be completed by the end of this month” Minister Croal said following the inspection.

Similarly, 50 moderate-income homes are also being constructed utilising blocks made only of recy-

cled plastic. The units, being built by South Atlantic, measure 600 square feet and are priced at $5.9 million each. The completion date is set for early April.

Minister Croal explained that all 50 reinforced concrete foundation are laid and the next phase of the construction will commence shortly.

“While the size of the house is similarly 600 square feet, they are different, the type of materials being used and that is why the price is a little more than the regular low-income that we normally have between $5.2 million to $5.5 million,” the minister explained.

Minister Croal expressed his excitement about the project, stating that it aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting an eco-friendly environment. He said the use of recycled plastic in the construction of the homes satisfies that criteria.

Notably, he said persons have already been pre-qualified for the homes and are

New multi-million-dollar Fort Wellington Divisional Headquarters commissioned

eagerly awaiting their completion. “We have a pool of persons who have already pre-qualified for low-income funding houses. And so, we’ll be making this available immediately. And that’s why I came out here to see the progress,” the minister related.

Overall, the construction of these low and moderate-income homes is a significant move towards addressing the housing needs in Guyana. It is also part of the government’s new strategy to prioritise building homes, rather than just allocating land for building homes.

Minister Croal stated that the government has built 1, 500 houses, with 827 units already handed over to recipients and the rest at different stages of completion.

The project aims to address housing needs in Guyana and utilise innovative technologies in the housing sector. Both companies participated in the 2022 International Building Exposition.

$250M La Parfaite Harmonie roadworks progressing smoothly

Residents of La Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) can soon expect smooth traversing of many of the community’s internal roads, as construction works are currently progressing smoothly there.

The government has injected some $250 million to construct and rehabilitate a series of derelict roads to rigid concrete pavement. This is according to a statement from the Public Works Ministry.

The road network’s transformation continues to take shape in heavily traversed areas, such as those near schools and grocery

stores.

These works are underway at the access road from the Independence Arch to Lust-en-Rust, Primary and Nursery School Streets, First Avenue (Phase One), as well as Third and Fifth Streets.

In furthering the ministry’s miscellaneous roads programme, a number of roads are well underway in several communities, to foster development at the community level.

Expected to ease traffic congestion along the Great Diamond-Mocha thoroughfare, paving works are also underway at 6th Avenue Diamond, a project for which some $184 million was ex-

Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Robeson Benn, M.P., commissioned a new multi-million-dollar police station on Monday (February 6, 2023), to provide a favourable environment for officers to effectively serve and protect residents of Region Five.

Construction of the Fort Wellington Divisional Headquarters commenced in October 2019. The $201.7 million multi-purpose policing facil-

The National Assembly’s Committee of Supply has approved the sum of $600 million for the implementation of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) 10th Cycle here in Guyana.

In providing an overview of the projects to be executed this year, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh noted that the BNTF has a reputation for executing excellent work in communities and this year is no different.

Dr Singh explained that

ity was designed to accommodate a fully functional domestic violence room, a juvenile-friendly holding area, a witness protection room, a case management room and system, a child-friendly area, and an integrated crime information system and offices. At the handover ceremony, the minister encouraged the officers to integrate public security with improved accommodations

the approved sums will be used for the construction of educational facilities, including nursery, primary, and special schools, as well as early childhood facilities in vulnerable communities.

In addition, the BNTF will also undertake rehabilitation of community roads, livelihood enhancement projects, and skills training programmes, as well as the construction of water supply systems in Nappi, Warawatta, Kariako, Kurukubaru and Surama.

Highlighting the impact of these initiatives on the identified communities, Dr

and technology. He said that, fundamentally, the Guyana Police Force is the force of the peacekeepers in Guyana. “We need more engagements between the police and the people, where there is communication, where there is less fear, where there is less distrust and mistrust; we need that kind of relationship now if we are to have significant steps moving forward

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Singh said, “Of those there is a process because we have to not only identify these projects in consultation with the communities, but we also have to propose these projects to the CDB and they review them.”

Minister Singh announced that an additional $100 million was approved for special support to vulnerable communities through community development programmes and projects. The minister noted that the programme is not new and a dedicated three-member committee has been estab -

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pended.

Contracts have already been signed for the rehabilitation of over 1,000 roads countrywide. This year’s budget allocates some $31.9 billion for the continuance of the ministry’s miscellaneous roads project.

Some $136 billion has also been allocated to the ministry for the advancement of these works on roads and bridges.

In 2022, $39.8 billion was expended under the miscellaneous, urban and hinterland roads programme for the construction, upgrading and rehabilitation of roads in several of the coastal and hinterland communities.

Health ministry boosting efforts to prevent NCDs

The Ministry of Health will, this year advance its efforts in the fight against cervical cancer, which is part of its wider programme to reduce or end Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).

Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer in Guyana that affects women

and while the ministry continues to spread awareness and provide Human Papilloma Virus− HPV vaccines, more resources have been allocated to help fight the disease in this year’s budget.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, during the recent examination of the

Budget 2023 estimates said $22.6 million has been set aside for this purpose.

This will also cater for Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid −VIA and HPV Screening.

The ministry also distributed 20 cryotherapy ma-

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$600M approved for implementation of BNTF’s 10th cycle

Op-Ed: GOAL is a transformational initiative that can potentially be a national treasure

By Ronald Singh, International Lawyer

According to a recent ILO Report (2022), engineers, specialists in occupational

health and safety, and ship deck crews lead the list of “most in demand” occupations in the oil and gas industry over the next five years, while building workers, engineers

and mobile plant operators highlight the construction needs. The records would reflect that the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) commenced offering

online scholarships in these fields, as well as others since 2021.

On the heels of the applications for certificate/vocational programs, has opened its portal for post graduate programs. GOAL continues to showcase/concretize its transformational character with diverse courses/programs that reflect/fulfil both, current and emerging education/training needs of the economy. In essence, since its establishment in 2021, GOAL has been contributing to Guyana’s socioeconomic development in

numerous ways.

As a starter, GOAL offers a range of Online ‘New Age’ academic programs, not offered at any institution in Guyana, at various levels. The vocational courses/programs, offered in a diversity of national skills-need areas, are of tremendous value; many encourage and promote entrepreneurial development, job creation, and self-employment while the forensic science programs hone and strengthen the investigative prowess of the disciplined forces.

An objective assessment

would reveal that GOAL fulfills the PPP/C 2020 Manifesto promises, as well as budgeted national training and education activities.

For instance:

a) GOAL is on track to surpass the target of 20,000 scholarships in ONLY 3 years, instead of five.

b) GOAL has taken special interest in offering e-learning educational/training opportunities to inhabitants of Amerindian villages and remote parts of Guyana.

c) GOAL ensures the nation's

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chines to various regions to help in the treatment of this type of cancer.

In addition, $6 million was set aside to assist persons with kidney diseases and $82.7 million to provide insulin for diabetic patients.

“We have a number of diabetic patients that require insulin, and therefore we have to supply them with insulin. We have 183 children that would receive insulin because they have type one diabetes,” Dr Anthony said.

Meanwhile, support for patients dealing with the long-term effects of COVID-19 was also catered for.

“We have set aside $12.9 million to do respiratory management. What we are seeing now is some patients with long Covid. They have challenges breathing and they have some long-

term challenges so they will require some special attention. Spirometry on a regular basis ad to have the physiotherapy department work with them so they will have some improvements,” Dr Anthony noted.

Apart from chronic NCDs, persons living with disabilities will also benefit from the allocation of $23 million, which will be used for the purchase of hearing aids which will be distributed free of cost

“As of last year, we started to give these hearing aids free of cost…before that people had to pay 65 thousand dollars so now, they are going to get it for free,” the health minister said.

Wheelchairs, clutches and offloading footwear will also be purchased for diabetic patients.

Information is verified...

birth certificate, a Guyanese by descent you call it,” he explained.

Cummings made it clear that information provided by persons applying for the certificate is carefully examined. “We vet information that persons present to make sure they are presenting authentic information,” the Registrar General assured.

In 2022, GRO processed 2,132 overseas registrations, indicating a significant increase when compared to 2020 and 2021. The majority of applications are coming from the United States of

← From page 16

America, the United Kingdom and countries from around the Caribbean.

“It is obvious that the successes that are being achieved in Guyana is resonating around the world …. People are recognising that there is a benefit to being a Guyanese,” Cummings underscored.

The GRO, an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) is responsible for issuing births, deaths and marriage certificates to all Guyanese, including those who migrate.

Transformative projects...

coming a growth pole, there is also hope to have a layout of businesses; shopping malls, hotels and restaurants, among a host of other activities.

Other transformational projects outlined for the region include the widening and paving of the main access road from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek, Corentyne.

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo announced in April last, that the significant development will capture an investment of some US $100 million that will see the thoroughfare being widened by four feet on each side. Another $4 billion is set aside for community roads, while there are plans to upgrade a number of bridges across the region.

Additionally, plans are in the pipeline to upgrade the Canje/Rose Hall aerodrome to make it into a municipal airport, similar to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

Meanwhile, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali

← From page 16

made a significant announcement recently, stating that his administration has plans to construct an additional 1,200 houses in the region. Dr Ali emphasised the need for skilled labour to ensure the successful completion of the project, and even hinted at the possibility of surpassing the initial target if the required labour is available. The construction of the new homes is expected to provide job opportunities for the local population, particularly in the construction industry, further boosting the region’s economy. The president’s commitment to addressing the housing shortage demonstrates his government’s dedication to improving the living standards of the citizens. With such a macro-vision, the head of state explained that there is a great reason for residents to be optimistic about what is going to take place in Region Six. He added that the impact of the part-time jobs programme has a major impact on the region.

Op-Ed: GOAL is a transformational...

youth has access to training and opportunities that would allow them to become productive citizens. This was further strengthened in 2022 with GOAL managing the Ministry of Education’s GROW initiative which offers the American High School equivalency education (GED) and the Scottish Credit Qualification Framework (SCQF):to Guyanese who were unable to successfully complete their secondary education.

d) GOAL also ensures equitable access to quality education for all Guyana's children, through improvement and enhancement of the quality of teacher education training by offering courses/programs that incorporate modern tech-

nology and ICT platform to improve education delivery and outcomes.

e) Further, GOAL offers programs/training in robotics, oil and gas, climate change, the environment, information technology, and agro-processing.

f) GOAL’s contributions to socioeconomic development, gender balance are phenomenal with over 70% female scholars.

It should be noted too, that GOAL brings to Guyanese a new and enriched experience through its wide geographic spread of Provider Institutions which offer varied pertinent learning/training experience, and exposure and understanding of various cultures through

their programs and lecturers/ facilitators/mentors.

In wrapping up, GOAL ushers a new era of educational opportunities via online/distance modes for all Guyanese, especially for under-represented and those without access to a traditional higher educational institution. It continues to strengthen/build capacity of Guyanese through relevant courses/programs.

While it may be a little early to gauge its impact on the Guyanese economy, given that many of the programs commenced are in progress, GOAL’s transformative character, courses/programs and national geographic reach project it as a potential national treasure.

COMMENTARY

Development with a human face

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

It has been less than three years since President Dr. Irfaan Ali was sworn in as Guyana’s 9th Executive President. None of the presidents before 1992 were elected. Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte served as presidents only because of rigged elections.

In less than three years as Guyana’s President Ali has already consolidated the title the ‘People’s President’. He is already loved by people in PPP-support communities and by people in communities historically hostile to the PPP. In this regard, he has followed in the footsteps of past PPP-presidents, such as Cheddi Jagan and Bharat Jagdeo.

Nothing about President Ali’s people-centered governance model is shocking, given the fact that the People’s Progressive Party has always pursued development with a human face.

Yet, Dr. Ali has already exceeded expectations in every way whatsoever. He is people-focused, friendly and engaging with people everywhere in Guyana, he is possessed of incredible intellectual talents, he is knowledgeable, he is comfortable listening to people and taking advice. The remarkable thing about President Ali is he respects, cherishes and values experience. For example, he values the knowledge and experience of Bharat Jagdeo and makes optimal use of the indispensable value of Bharat Jagdeo. But he has made use of previous senior ministers of government and has engaged them. Using these character qualities, President Ali has consolidated a governance model effectively utilized by Cheddi Jagan and Bharat Jagdeo that places people at the center of the development agenda.

It is, therefore, no accident that in less than three years as President, he has already visited more communities than any president has ever done in the same period of time in Guyana’s history. He has been in every Region of Guyana already, in every sub-region and in the majority of communities in our country. There are many communities that have never or only rarely been visited by a President or even by a minister that President Ali

has already been in. Bharat Jagdeo, as Guyana’s President, visited every region in his first year as President when he began to engage young people and got them involved in their own chosen community projects. Indeed, President Ali has adopted and adapted President Bharat Jagdeo’s governance model, visiting and engaging communities, whether they voted for the PPP or not.

Last week, while he was making one of his many visits to Region 6, President Irfaan Ali announced in New Amsterdam a new government policy – government ministers and senior government officials will be physically and formally present in each region, with a central location serving as a meet-up place, two days per month. In so doing, President Irfaan Ali is showing how serious he is about bringing government to the people. President Ali is pursuing a “government in your face” approach to governance. We have gotten use to the quote “government of the people, by the people, for the people”. Most of the global citizenry living in a democracy do not really know what this means. We have been conditioned to think of democracy as having free and fair elections. But free and fair elections are only part of the equation.

Experiencing what “government of the people, by the people, for the people” means is something most global citizens have rarely experienced. President Irfaan Ali is showing in a tangible way what this means. He is leading from the front by being present almost everyday somewhere in Guyana. He has taken his cabinet and senior government officials directly to the people, not in a one-off show, but as a routine part of his governance.

President Ali has rejected the notion that free and fair elections create a George Orwell-influenced society where “we are all equal, but some of us are more equal than others”. Within the first weeks of a new government in 2015, the PNC-led government made clear to the population that the cabinet was “more equal than others” when they announced preferential pay increase and benefits for the President and cabinet members. This is not the first time

that bringing government to the people in a sustained way has taken place in Guyana. Cheddi Jagan’s PPP government was known for its outreaches. President Jagan was frequently in communities talking to the people. His ministers also were seen in the communities. These informal outreaches depended on the President and his ministers individually.

President Bharat Jagdeo built on the Cheddi Jagan’s legacy of presence in the community. President Jagdeo formalized cabinet outreaches by frequently taking the cabinet and senior officials on two-day outreaches. Cabinet meetings were, in fact, decentralized and held in different regions. During those cabinet meetings, ministers and senior government officials spread across the regions and met people where they live, engaging them in problem-solving. President Jagdeo was the first head-of-state in Guyana, in CARICOM and globally to formalize cabinet outreaches as part of a bringing government to the people governance model.

President Ali is building on these models introduced by Cheddi Jagan and Bharat Jagdeo. From the ad-hoc Cheddi Jagan model to the formalized Bharat Jagdeo model, President Irfaan Ali has added to the formality of the Jagdeo model by instituting a frequency layer, ensuring these outreaches are held every month and not periodically as in the Jagdeo model. President Ali’s model of “bringing government to the people seek to continue Jagan’s ad-hoc model and to further formalize and expand on the Jagdeo model. By now establishing as a government policy that a collective ministers and senior government officials’ presence in a formal setting brings the presidency and the government to each region for two days per month for each region, he has essentially established an office of the president (OP) in every region. This, of course, sets the stage for permanent annexes of OP in every region and sub-region of the country. While President Ali wants the model to have a fixed location in each region for people to bring their problems and have them addressed, the model also

ensures that during this time, ministers and relevant officials also spread out in these regions, meeting people in the communities where they live and work.

President Ali, like his PPP predecessors, has dispensed of the imperial approach of his PNC predecessors. Forbes Burnham carried on as an emperor, riding his horse and lording over his subjects. Desmond Hoyte was aloof and preserved his upper-class status. David Granger tried to combine both the qualities of Burnham and Desmond Hoyte. He wanted to be imperious like Burnham and aloof like Hoyte. Recall how Granger came to some of the communities – he landed in a helicopter, his security kept people far away from the President, he addressed them from a podium and then disappear. Recall the campaign style of Granger – people took picture with

a cardboard image of the president and paid to do so.

PNC-presidents treated people as subjects, with the presidents behaving as emperors.

PPP-presidents behave as servants of the people.

The opposition has deemed President Ali’s “bringing government to the people” policy as a political gimmick that has not improved people’s lives. This is the same outcry we heard when Cheddi Jagan brought government to the people. These same crocodile tears were heard and seen when Bharat Jagdeo brought a new vision to the “bringing government to the people” strategy. Therefore, it is not shocking to hear the opposition and the naysayers parroting the same charges today.

But whether it is the formal collective government outreaches or the individual minister’s outreaches, people are getting

help. Hundreds of persons have had their chronic NIS problems, land leases and house lot problems, streets or streetlights issues have addressed. New schools have been built or have been budgeted to be built because concerns were raised during these outreaches. Easier access has been created for pensioners because of these meetings. Better drainage has been addressed because drainage and irrigation issues have been raised. Farmers and fishermen have raised issues and have had them addressed. Police and security problems have been raised and addressed. Not all problems can be solved on the spot, but a mechanism has been developed for these issues to be tracked. President Irfaan Ali is showing in a real sense what “government of the people, by the people and for the people” means.

Destruction of properties, intimidation of citizens will not be tolerated – Nandlall

Fiery protests erupted on the East Coast of Demerara and on the West Coast of Berbice last week, resulting in the destruction of properties and preventing the free flow of traffic.

In light of this development, government has made it clear that these types of actions are unlawful and will not be tolerated.

Attorney General and

Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, made these statements on Tuesday (February 7, 2023), as he expressed worry that there seems to be a pattern.

“A government will not sit idly by and allow any component of its citizenry to terrorise, to vandalise, to beat, to rob and to execute terror against the general public; if that segment of

the population, for whatever reason, feels aggrieved or feels that they are the victims of wrong” Minister Nandlall underscored.

He expressed that not because they were wronged, that gives them the authority to take the law into their own hands.

“The most condign actions will have to be taken in particular since this seems to

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be a consistent conduct,” the Attorney General highlighted as he alluded to laws that contain extreme consequences for such actions. “We have terrorism offences which carry high penalty. Bail is not grantable unless special reasons can be shown. We have offences which relate to the destruction of public and private properties, that can carry punitive sanctions if

those offences are established to the satisfaction of the court and these regimes in the law will have to be employed and it is for the public good,” he said.

Only recently, acting

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken made an appeal to citizens to desist from these unlawful acts and made it clear that persons involved will receive penalties in accordance with the laws.

New multi-million-dollar Fort Wellington...

←

on the issues of crime and violence,” Minister Benn charged.

While boosting the physical infrastructure is critical, the minister also emphasised the need for adequate building maintenance in order to keep the station a friendly and peaceful environment for the populace.

Minister Benn noted that, “The community policing groups and the station management committees will help to facilitate and be the eyes and ears of policing in the community, beyond the specialist police themselves, because they are a volunteer organisation, and we are getting much, much more information.”

Alluding to the fact that the recently approved budget is the largest ever, the home affairs minister announced that Region Five is earmarked for a command centre to support the work of the police. “It must be used correctly, effectively, and in

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a way that guarantees peace in Region Five. I could only give you encouragement and reassure you of our support at the level of ministry because you have the facilities and equipment necessary to do the task,” the minister reiterated.

Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, while noting that the Guyana Police Force is no longer working in isolation, urged Commander Division Five, Kurleigh Simon, to maintain this posture. The Top Cop noted that if the Guyana Police Force is to improve on its infrastructure, it will create conduciveness and this will garner efficiency in the execution of duties.

Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ (ag), Calvin Brutus, Deputy Commander Superintendent Guy Nurse, Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal, Regional Executive Officer, Genevieve Blackman, senior and junior officers, among others were also present.

$600M approved for...

lished to ensure its proper implementation. “We have in fact, put in place an administrative structure which is in the form of a committee which did not exist previously. They receive these requests, they examine them, they engage with both the sectorial ministries and also in many cases some of these cases are implemented through NGOs or CSOs,” Dr Singh said.

Under contributions to local organisations, the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) received the sum of $50 million to continue its mandate of providing financing to small businesses. Minister Singh confirmed that the government is actively engaged in implementing the board of directors of LEN and that a management structure is already in place to manage the facility.

The CDB, with financing from the Special Development Fund (Unified) and counterpart funding from

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beneficiary Governments, manages BNTF. Using the Bank’s resource allocation formula, funds are granted to countries eligible to participate in BNTF which currently include Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname. Sectors receiving funding include: education and human resources development, including livelihoods enhancement; water and sanitation; and basic community access and drainage.

Other areas supported include project management, institutional development, monitoring and evaluation, and provision of technical services. CDB retains some funds for regional coordination.

Since 1979, the Basic Needs Trust Fund has impacted over three million people in poor communities throughout the Region by investing in community-led development.