Weekend Mirror 10-11 June 2023

Mahipaul exposes APNU ‘fronts’ contesting 2023 LGE

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, urged Guyanese not to be misled into voting for “fronts” of the PNCR-led APNU.

During his news conference on Thursday (June 8, 2023) at Freedom House, Robb Street, he highlighted that the APNU+AFC Coali-

tion’s Ganesh Mahipaul exposed several groups, which are contesting the 2023 Local Government Elections, as front groups for the APNU. Mahipaul, during a press briefing on Thursday (June 8, 2023) morning, referred to the: Hague/Blankenburg Development Association, with the symbol is the lightbulb that is contesting; a group

contesting in the Mora/Parika NDC with the sucker tree as their symbol; another in the Malgre Tout/ Meer Zorgen NDC with the symbol of an eagle; and a group in the Toevlugt/ Patentia with the sugar cane with a cutlass across it as their symbol.

Jagdeo said, “Don’t be misled if you’re in these communities. The PNC is coming

in disguise, APNU is coming in disguise. And it is extremely stupid for him to say that three days before the elections because all this subterfuge and the disguise that they were creating – the façade that some of these groups are independent groups – now we see that it is APNU groups there. And they are ashamed to go as APNU in these com-

munities so they are trying to mislead the residents in those areas….it is a shameful, shameful thing.”

Notably, GECOM has confirmed that there will be no contest in 291 of the 610 constituencies being contested for the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE). According to the Commission, 98 of the constituencies where there is no contest – meaning only one political party submitted list of candidates – are found in 13 Local Authority Areas in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9. GECOM explained that the other 193 of the constituencies are from other Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

The PPP/C is contesting all 610 constituencies in the 80 Local Authority Areas, as it did successfully in 2016 and 2018, while out of government.

Nationally, results for the 2018 LGE showed the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has almost doubled the margin of votes between the Party and APNU and AFC combined – moving from about 24,000 at the 2016 Local Government Elections to over 45,000 at this year’s

Local Government Elections. The difference of votes between the PPP/C and the AFC was a whopping 113,000 votes. Between the PPP/C and the APNU, the difference of votes was over 50,000. The results showed that the PPP/C won in 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) and tied five others at the 2018 Local Government Elections. The PPP/C increased its win from 48 LAAs in 2016 to 52 LAAs in 2018 Local Government Elections. In the 10 towns the PPP/C, secured big wins in five of Guyana’s 10 towns: winning all the seats in Anna Regina, Rose Hall (12 of 16 seats), Corriverton (14 of the 16 seats), Lethem (6 of the 10 seats) and Mabaruma (eight of the 12 seats). The Party was successful in taking control of the Town Councils in Lethem and Mabaruma. Meanwhile, in the 70 NDCs, the Party was successful in not only holding on to its support base, but also saw an increase in votes in areas that were seen as the traditional support bases of parties like the APNU. The PPP/C won the Buxton/ Foulis NDC, Region 4.

The Hydrometeorological Service, Ministry of Agriculture is forecasting that below-normal amounts of rainfall are expected across Guyana from July 2023.

Typically, continuous wetness (often accompanied by localised flooding) persists until the end of July in many Regions. However, these conditions, in general, are not expected to persist beyond the end of June. The country is expected to begin transitioning into dry conditions by mid-July due to the influence of El Niño. At this stage, it is expected that El Niño will be the main driver of local weather for the remainder of the year.

Water supply in conservancies, reservoirs, and inland rivers across all regions is expected to remain adequate until the end of June and decrease thereafter. Additionally, the potential for flash floods due to heavy rainfall remains high for June, with the highest amounts of rainfall expected in Regions 7 and Northern 8.

All of Guyana can expect warmer than usual (above-normal) day and night-time temperatures over the coming months. Temperatures are expected to be warmer when compared to

the same period of previous years (and recent months). Dry days will be significantly warmer than wet days.

The Hydrometeorological Service recommends that rain-fed agriculture and large-scale water users harvest rainwater during the latter part of June to compensate for deficiencies in the coming months. As heat and dust will be of concern from late July, it is recommended that shelter be provided for animals, while citizens should stay hydrated, and where possible, outdoor activities should be limited during the mid-day hours.

The Hydrometeorological Service will provide updates to its seasonal outlook as new information becomes available and recommends that special attention be paid to short-range forecasts emanating from the National Weather Watch Centre to plan daily activities.

For short-range forecasts and weather analyses, stakeholders are advised to follow the daily weather briefs, outlooks, and advisories produced by the National Weather Watch Centre or visit www.hydromet.gov.gy. The forecast desk could also be reached at 261-2284 or 261-2216.

El Nino conditions likely to result in below-normal rainfall from July

PPP/C only political party with ‘demonstrated commitment to Guyanese’ – Jagdeo

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is the only political party that has demonstrated its commitment to working to earn the confidence of Guyanese.

“We believe that every Guyanese must make progress. That is our approach… if any party belongs to a democratic society, it is the PPP,” he stressed, during a news conference on Thursday (June 8, 2023) at Freedom House, Robb Street.

The PPP General Secretary pointed out the stark contrast between the PPP/C and the PNCR-led APNU, as he rubbished several comments made during a press briefing by Office of the Opposition Leader on Thursday morning (June 8, 2023).

WILD TALK

RUBBISHED

Taking APNU’s Kibwe Copeland, an APNU candidate in Constituency 14 in Georgetown to task over his comments that the PPP/C PPP “has no place in a democratic society,” Jagdeo said, “Either he doesn’t know or he is being dishonest.” The PPP General Secretary stressed that the PPP/C has always been front and center in the fight for democracy in Guyana – a fact that the March 2020 General and Regional Elections debacle concertized a mere three years ago. “Guyanese do not have such short memories, I think,” he said.

He also rubbished the

comments by the Coalition’s Elson Low, who attempted to categorise the ‘Because We Care Cash Grant’ as a pittance. “Can you imagine, a party that took away the $10,000 cash grant from people claiming that $40,000 is a pittance? It is unbelievable that you would hear this of thing from a party that was so callous that would steal, I use the word steal, from our children…they stole from them billions of dollars every year...they should be commending this,” he said.

Further, on wild claims of Guyanese being bribed by the PPP/C, Jagdeo said, “They have no proof of bribery….. if anyone has been involved in coercion it is the APNU… honestly and decency is not something that is associated with APNU…APNU is a damaged brand. They are a brand associated with stealing elections. They are a brand associated with breaking their promises. They are a brand associated with the most egregious forms of corruption in our history. They are a brand associated with arrogance; when they are in office nobody could meet them. People know this and that’s why nobody wants to be associated with the brand.”

The APNU continues to prove itself an abysmal failure in the political arena. Noting comments from the Coalition’s Ganesh Mahipaul about “decent and honest” candidates being fielded by APNU for the 2023 Local

Government Elections, the PPP General Secretary noted that this claim cannot be reconciled with the fielding of a candidate who in confrontation with the law for sexual assault of a minor. “This candidate has been tainted in the past…the same thing happened in Bartica, a person charged for rape…the thing is that you can’t go and claim that you have candidates that are of the highest moral standing, while in fact, when you look at what is on offer, it is clear,” he said, noting that while people deserve second chances, child molestation and rape are not trivial issues. Jagdeo also railed into the selective non-governmental organisations, Red Thread and the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), which has been silent on this.

Jagdeo added, “In the APNU’s desperation, the fact that they have nothing to offer is clear.”

COMMITTED TO PEOPLE

On assuming office in 2020, the PPP/C Government was met with a broken procurement system, featuring regular abuse of Guyana’s procurement laws, and no plan for development in sectors such as health and infrastructure. Moreover, the pressure was on with the subsequent cost of living increases, battling the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as having to right the wrongs of the previous government. In spite of

these challenges, the PPP/C Government has championed a gamut of initiatives to improve the lives of Guyanese, delivering on many of its manifesto promises in just three years in office.

“Our team is a competent team…we have demonstrated a clear commitment to Guya-

nese…we have a clear plan and we have delivered on our promises,” Jagdeo stressed.

Notably, several other longstanding members of the PNC/R have recently thrown their support behind the PPP/C and openly endorsed the party. Ronald Backer, a veteran member of the

People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNCR) and former political assistant to Joseph Harmon, has endorsed the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), highlighting the outstanding work the party has been doing across the country. Audwin Rutherford,

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EDITORIAL

Vote PPP/C come June 12th

Voting is democracy’s signature right and as thousands of Guyanese head to the polls on Monday, June 12, 2023, the importance of local democratic organs cannot be stressed enough.

Looking ahead to polling day, facts about track record –whether or not the political party in power delivered on their promises made in its manifesto – matter. Facts about performance – how well the political party served the Guyanese people – matter. Facts related to whether the Guyanese people can trust the political party in power matters.

On all three of these counts the APNU+AFC Coalition has proven that it is complete and abysmal failure.

On its track record, the Coalition, almost all the promises made in its 2015 manifesto have been broken.

On performance, the reality of average Guyanese make it clear that the ‘good life’ promised by the APNU+AFC Coalition was nothing, but a ‘good lie’. At the national level, after taking office in May 2015, cost of living has skyrocketed and this has been confirmed by the Bank of Guyana in assessing the costs of basic goods. A whopping 30,000 jobs have been lost, with youth unemployment at double digit numbers. The United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) 2019 Human Development Report stated that unemployment among youths, ages 15 to 24, stands at almost 23 per cent. The report added that youths not in school or employment, ages 15-24, stands at a massive 35.2 per cent. Corruption has skyrocketed under the APNU+AFC Coalition with the US State Department citing Guyana for "government corruption" being a "primary sources of laundered funds" in 2017. The Inter-American Development Bank has now placed Guyana at the top spot in the Caribbean as the country with the highest bribery rate. If Guyanese tried to assess competence of the APNU+AFC Coalition, the atrocious nature of how badly was under-served in the ExxonMobil negotiations is the first thing that comes to mind. Imagine the Coalition’s Raphael Trotman has an ExxonMobil official draft Guyana’s position – the same position Guyana went to ExxonMobil with to renegotiate the oil deal in 2016. At the local level, one only has to look at the state of Georgetown, in addition to the issues of lack of accountability and transparency, tells a grim tale.

What all of this demonstrates is that the APNU+AFC Coalition cannot be trusted. APNU+AFC cannot be trusted to protect the interests of Guyanese. APNU+AFC cannot be trusted to protect our national patrimony. APNU+AFC cannot be trusted to stand by its promises. Further, in recent months, 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 – sending a clear signal that the interests of our people are not front and center for the PNCR-led Coalition.

Consequently, the APNU+AFC Coalition cannot be trusted with our future; it cannot be trusted with the future of our children. Its actions in almost five years of being in office, as well as over the past two and a glad years, have done nothing, but imperil our futures.

Guyanese must also remember that extreme actions by the APNU+AFC Coalition – from its defiance of the rulings of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) regarding its diminished authority as a caretaker government, to its contempt for the Constitution of Guyana – placed the bastions of our democracy under assault. The democratic gains Guyana has made since the first free and fair General and Regional Elections in 1992 cannot be put at risk. Guyanese cannot afford a reversal. One only has to look at last week’s court rulings, where the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Chief Scrutineer, Carol Smith-Joseph, two cases filed in her name, aimed at blocking the holding of the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE), thrown out of the high court.

Since August 2, 2020, the principles of: governing for the people; transparency and accountability; and respect for the rule of law have been returned to its rightful place. It is only successive People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) governments that Guyanese have seen these principles being the order of the day. And it is only the incumbent PPP/C Administration that can continue to advance the transformational developmental agenda that benefits all of our people – regardless of class, religion, ethnicity or any other differentiating factor.

The renowned Nelson Mandela once said: “An enlightened and informed population is the surest way of promoting the health of a democracy.” Guyanese, as a people, must ensure that the decision they make on June 12, 2023 is an informed choice. It is only us, as a people, who can ensure that we progress together.

We are stronger together.

APNU in a desperate attempt to hide from the electorate

Dear Editor,

The PNC/APNU’s desperation to hide from the electorate has been relentless and unlimited. As a result, their last-resort effort in engaging the Courts was hopeless, without foundation, and as expected, the High Court Judge threw out their flimsy contextual issues about Constituency boundaries surrounding the compilation of the Voters’ List.

The PNC/APNU cabal’s wicked pursuit has been widely condemned and woefully exposed, so much so that it is no longer surprising to most of our electorate. No other political party in Guyana or the wider Commonwealth has brought forward such outrageous challenges and irrational queries aimed at defying longstanding electoral principles and precedence.

From the December 2018 No-Confidence Motion challenge to the recent cases, the PNC/APNU Oppressors have used every opportunity to suppress our democratic ideals.

The PNC/APNU plot has much to fear regarding the reactions from our citizens, which they hope time would help to provide a sufficiently strong gap to allow the swaying of the people’s focus. Unfortunately, it is not only their miserable failure to use or demonstrate rational reasoning, but the outright imposition of the most burdensome governance measures on the Guyanese nation while in office, and their propensity to cheat that has come full circle.

Compared to the PPPC’s speedy turnaround and massive, all-inclusive development success, these have intensified their fears. Hence, they continue the time-wasting challenges before the Judiciary, stretching our legal system’s tolerance and hoping for some emerging legal brilliance from the lawyers or oversight on the part of the defense.

At the Guyana Elections Commission, the APNU Commissioners led by Vincent Alexander remain highly objectionable to agenda areas of objectivity at the Commission’s Meetings.

The Opposition’s desperate efforts to avoid facing the electorate at Local Government Elections were thrown out by the High Court. One would recall that agents of APNU recently filed court action contesting the method used by GECOM to compile the Voters List. Further, the Court also threw out the application challenging the boundaries of Constituencies and Local Authority Areas, making it two rejections in less than 24 hours.

The High Court Judge said that, contrary to the contention by APNU, the Minister of Local Authority is responsible for the demarcation of boundaries, and not GECOM. APNU’s Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith-Joseph contended that the Elections could not be held as the changed boundaries and reformulated constituencies were unlawful. The Court awarded costs of $250,000.00, but there are now solid public calls for higher penalties to defer wasting the court’s time as an unfounded futile practice.

Whenever Vincent Alexander fails to realize tractions for the PNC’s delaying strategy at the Commission level, he attacks the GECOM Chairwoman in the media. Then he steps out of the closet to join court actions advancing the PNC’s strategies, rather than observing the legal positions. It is widely reported in various media that he supported Joseph’s challenge in petitioning the Court in the two recent cases.

However, in presenting her ruling, the Judge clearly explained that the Minister determines the number of Local Authority Areas and the Councillors by increasing or decreasing their numbers.

Notably, the cabal’s hypocrites did

not object when the APNU Minister of Communities conveniently ‘Gerrymandered’ the boundaries of specific Constituencies in 2016 and 2018. In addition, concerning the Voters List, the Court ruled that it is from the Official List of Electors (OLE) that the Voters List for the LGE has to be compiled.

The nation will recall that the 2020 elections fiasco was undoubtedly created by the PNC-led clan. This was strongly refuted by united forces in support of democracy. A united Guyana supported by the firm stand taken by the international community, who fought unflinchingly against the unapologetic tyrants. We therefore cannot allow any infiltrations that are likely to diminish the required fairness and transparency when election matters are addressed.

The PNC+APNU/AFC was fully prepared to take Guyana and make it a pariah state. The Granger Administration carefully went against the Constitution and appointed James Patterson as the Chairman of GECOM. He then employed Roxane Myers as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and GECOM catapulted Region #5 Election Officer Clairmont Mingo to be Returning Officer of Region #4. More than thirty fraud cases were made against the GECOM staff, political activists, and leaders of the PNC, whose actions must now be fully judged.

The disciplined services have already voted, and other Guyanese citizens in general are now raring to vote on Monday, 12th June. Therefore, GECOM must be commended for thoroughly preparing for the holding of free and fair Elections. This LGE is significant, since it will bring a more inclusive democracy at the grassroots level.

Sincerely, Neil

Kumar

The PNCR-led APNU is in a quandary

Dear Editor,

the Claims and Objections period.

R

ecently, Chief Justice Roxanne George threw out two matters brought before her by PNCR-led APNU Chief Scrutineer Carol Joseph. Acting on behalf of her party, Joseph contended that the list was so flawed that it necessitates the postponement of the 2023 LGE.

Well, I am not so sure where this “oil and gas comedian” got her legal advice, but the point is, that which she is asking the court to do should have been dealt with a long time ago, during

Here Joseph and her representatives should have presented their evidence, whatever that is, and something they deliberately shirked away from. In this regard, the PNCR do not have a legal leg to stand on.

What the PNCR is not telling us is that they are unprepared for the upcoming LGE, and seeing there is nothing positive that the party can offer the electorate, they were all the more flat-footed and totally out of sorts. Even more revealing is the massive show of support for the governing party.

The PNCR has become mortally afraid of the elections. They see a shocking defeat steering them in the face, and as such they are trying every known shenanigan to avert the disaster.

In addition to their predicament is the fact that there is going to be a grand leadership crisis within that party. With defeat comes a call for Norton’s head; he will have to go! So, the PNCR is in a quandary, out of which they cannot get themselves.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Coalition-nominated GECOM

Dear Editor,

Commissioner Vincent Alexander’s claim that GECOM disenfranchised some 900 or 10 per cent of Disciplined Services’ members who were qualified to vote on June 2, ‘because their names were not on the list’ is mystifying to say the least.

Commissioner Alexander’s claim was probably meant to; 1) denigrate the hard work put in by senior technical managers and supporting staff at the Secretariat in readiness for June 2; 2)discredit months of careful planning and preparation at the level of the Commission; and 3)generate discontent and sow distrust amongst the ranks of the Disciplined Services as regards the electoral process in Guyana under the PPP/C and the current leadership at GECOM.

Commissioner Alexander’s false flag is not only highly irresponsible it is fraught with consequential implications considering the

potential political and legal ramifications, and the effect it can have at a time like this, when the nation is still making efforts to avoid any backsliding reminiscent of the difficult period the country experienced during the March to August 2020 period.

Fortunately for the good of the country and the populace in general, such claims do not gain traction. The APNU has such a discredited track record when it comes to elections that, notwithstanding its attempts to be a ‘born again champion’ of free and fair elections, those who take them seriously would not be large in number and can be seated comfortably in a 45 seater minibus.

But that being said, it is the attempt to instill a sense of distrust in the electoral system within the Disciplined Services and to undermine the efforts of the current management at GECOM that should be considered as dangerous and a disingenuous piece of subterfuge.

Long before a date for the holding of

LGE ‘23 was announced, it became a favorite pastime of Commissioner Alexander to accuse GECOM of everything under the sun so much so that he openly expressed his opposition in various ways time and again, to the holding of local government elections. Take for example, the following unfounded accusations that made headlines in sections of the media from time to time: Alexander accuses GECOM of contriving to appoint a PPP/C preferred candidate (S/N 5.9.’23); Alexander accuses GECOM of spreading propaganda ( S/N 30.9.’22); Alexander accuses GECOM of being laid back in cross-matching for LGE ( S/N 22.6.’22).

Without providing any evidence whatsoever, the long-serving Commissioner came up with the number of 900 ranks belonging to the GDF, GPF and GPS who he wrongly claimed were ‘disenfranchised because their names were not on the list.’

What list was Commissioner Alexander talking about? Isn’t he aware that a list containing the details of army, police and prison service ranks who would vote on June 2, was generated by GECOM in collaboration with the GDF, GOF and GFS while those who would vote on June 12 will remain on the final voters’ list enabling them to vote on E day?

Commissioner Alexander apparently forgot to remember that first of all, a list of electors registered as ranks belonging to the GDF, GPF and GPS, who are qualified to vote must be extracted from the National Register of Registrants ( NRR) and that those electors must be registered in specific LAAs ie; constituencies or municipalities where they reside.

Following that ‘joint table top exercise’,

GECOM would then prepare sealed envelopes containing a ballot for each rank who would vote at balloting stations on June 2, 2023. The sealed envelopes would have the names of each rank as per electoral district, as well as the constituency/ municipality where the rank was registered. If as Commissioner Alexander claims, GECOM disenfranchised of 10% or 900 ranks belonging to the Joint Services, then it follows that GECOM, under the APNU+AFC, disenfranchised 791.7 or ten per cent of the 7,917 ranks who were qualified to vote in the advanced voting for the 2018 LGE.

But Alexander’s claim makes no sense because we know that for both the 2018 and 2023 LGE respectively, a substantial number of ranks belonging to the GDF, GPF and GPS, did not turn out to vote for advanced voting because they are listed to vote in their respective LAAs on June 12.

If ten per cent of a total of 7,917 ranks on the 2018 Disciplined Services list was 791.7, and if ten per cent of a total of 5,979 ranks on the 2023 Disciplined Services list is 579.9, the big question is; where did Commissioner Alexander’s 900 come from? Could this be another case of a flawed mathematical calculation reminiscent of the Appeal Court’s of March 22, 2019?

Lastly, there cannot be any question about ‘what if the person is at an interior location’ on June 12 since all the agencies concerned had worked together and reached understandings as to where each rank would be on June 2 and June 12 so that they can enjoy their constitutional right to cast their vote.

Yours faithfully,

Clement J. Rohee

GECOM did NOT Disenfranchise any Member of the Disciplined Forces

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has noted the contents of an article published in the Monday, 5th June 2023 edition of the Stabroek News with the headline, “Alexander accuses GECOM of disenfranchising 10% of joint services voters.” In this regard, it is the responsibility of this election body to dismiss such a level of disinformation and confounded allegations; especially since the sentiments in the article are attributed to a GECOM Commissioner.

Consequently, it must therefore be emphasized that GECOM did NOT Disenfranchise any Member of the Disciplined Forces i.e., the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, and the Guyana Prison Service. In fact, all the Ranks from the respective

Forces were given an equal opportunity to cast their ballots in the Local Government Elections on Friday, 2nd June 2023, as provided for in the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Cap 28:03, and which is also the usual practice in an effort to ensure adequate national security at all times, especially on Elections Day.

In view of the foregoing, it is of crucial importance to outline the methodology used by GECOM to prepare the ‘Register of Ranks’ who are eligible to vote in the elections. In keeping with the usual practice, the preparation for the conduct of Disciplined Forces Balloting commenced months in advance and involved constant communication between senior officials of the respective Forces and the Ballot Officers, Mr. Nardeo Persaud, for the Guyana Police Force, Ms.

Areana Britton, for the Guyana Defence Force, and Ms. Sharon Jethu, for the Guyana Prison Service, the Chief Election Officer, Mr. Vishnu Persaud and the Deputy Chief Election Officer, Mr. Aneal Giddings to ensure that in the first instance GECOM receive lists of all the officers employed by the Guy-

ana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, and the Guyana Prison Service respectively. When those lists were received, they were verified against the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) to determine the eligibility of each officer to vote in the LGE

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Commissioner’s false flag is highly irresponsible

AFC exposed for trying to get voters to stay home

In a transparent effort to play its ‘role’, as exposed by David Hinds, the Alliance For Change (AFC), this week, in an appeal to voters in Region 6 – an area that has traditionally been a stronghold of support for the PPP/C – urged them not to vote on Monday, June 12, 2023 at the Local Government Elections.

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, said, “Strike on them; stay home [on elections day] and let the PPP know that you have a mind of your own.”

Unable to muster a crowd for a public meeting, the AFC was restricted

to a live programme of Facebook, where Ramjattan and the AFC’s General Secretary, Sherod Duncan; Deputy General Secretary Juretha Fernandes; and Vice Chairman Ricky Ramsaroop, failed to back up their call with any substantive facts.

Notably, David Hinds, March 2023, at a meeting in Atlanta, United States of America, exposed the fact that the AFC’s only use to the PNCR-led APNU was to “get Indian votes” for the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Hinds had said, “What we were in was an electoral arrangement with the AFC, Nagamootoo and Ramjat -

Norton silent on return of candidate who faced child molestation allegations

tan, and so on. And it was strictly for elections. When the elections are over, the Coalition is really over… we make electoral arrangements to win the elections.”

The AFC’s Indo-Guyanese “who were Ministers in the last government,” according to Hinds were needed because “we needed some Indian votes and they brought some Indian votes.”

The AFC, which was forced to go to the 2018 Local Government Elections alone and suffered major loses, failed and unable to field candidates to contest the 2023 Local Government Elections.

APartnership for National Unity’s (APNU), Winston Harding, has returned to local politics, despite having to publicly withdraw from the 2016 Local Government Elections after reports surfaced about the child molestation allegations and charges that were levelled against him.

Faced with backlash in 2016, Harding had at the time refused to resign, with the backing of his constituents. The former Social Protection Minister, under the PNCR-led Coalition government, Volda Lawrence, facing intense criticisms after she was quoted

referring to the accusations as a “family matter.”

Afterwards, the APNU made attempts to distance themselves from Harding. They had issued a statement in which they noted that the accusations of child molestation levelled against their candidate were a grave matter. “In light of the alleged behaviour of Mr Winston Harding and the pattern of accusations over the years, his candidature cannot be supported at this time. APNU is cognisant of the fact that Mr Harding has not been convicted of any offence, but the gravity and nature of the accusations

cannot be ignored or condoned,” APNU had said in their 2016 statement.

Despite this, Harding was unveiled a few days ago by the APNU themselves as a candidate for Constituency #13 (West and East Ruimveldt) in the municipality of Georgetown for the June 12, 2023 Local Government Elections.

Notably, leader of the PNCR and Parliamentary Opposition, and Chairman of the APNU, Aubrey Norton, has not commented on Harding’s return or addressed the concerns about his past actions.

More damage to PPP/C campaign material exposed

Aman, reportedly a councillor attached to the Rosignol/Zeelust Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), was photographed damaging PPP/C campaign materials.

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday (June 4, 2023) at Rosignol and the perpetrator was caught in the act by Police.

Notably, the PPP/C has since asked the Police to warm persons that it is an offence punishable by law for unlawfully removing displayed official electoral campaign materials. PPP/C Parliamentarian, Fizal Jaf -

farally, in comments on the issue noted that reports of damage to campaign materials have been reported to the police, adding that senior activists have been exposed as being involved. “We are asking persons not to destroy the things that we have put up as part of our electoral campaign,” he said.

Last week, APNU+AFC Coalition’s Sharon Smith was arrested for pulling down the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) party flags from electricity poles along the Manchester Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six. Smith, the Chairwoman of the Lancaster/ Hogstye

Caught in the act

Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), was detained for the night and released the following morning on $20,000 bail.

In Guyana, political parties mount flags across the country as part of their campaigning effort.

Norton facing increasing show of no-confidence from his fellow party members

Theincreasingly embattled leader of the PNCR and the Parliamentary Opposition, Aubrey Norton, is facing an increasing show of no-confidence and nofaith by his comrade party members.

The fact was highlighted by General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, who underscored that Norton’s leadership ability is being more publicly called into question.

Referencing viral video of Opposition Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson, who while engaging a businessman of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, made clear that Norton will not

be the Opposition Leader for much longer, he noted that Norton’s own party is “turning against” him.

According to Dr Jagdeo, Ferguson’s statement makes it clear that there is a major internal problem in the party. “I think he (Norton) has bigger concerns now… last week we saw one of the Members of Parliament, who said that Norton will not be there much longer…this is a feeling among many of the others…many of them are not much better than Norton, but they’re also vying for leadership in that party,” Jagdeo said.

On recording, which has already been widely circulated on social media,

Ferguson said, "Let me tell you something, I am PNC. I am APNU. I will remain just there because I know Norton will not be the leader all the time...Norton not gonna be the leader, so we got to look forward...we have to get a new leader before Congress, before the Elections.”

Ferguson was speaking to a businessman from Plaisance, Region 4, at the time the recording was made.

This year alone Norton has been made to respond to a blank cheque scandal. PNCR treasurer, Fiaaz Mursaline, had made damning revelations about being made to sign blank cheques must be looked into. He had said, “I am the treasurer and I

was elected but all I was used for is to sign cheques and that was merely my duties there with Norton’s leadership… from the time I took office as the elected treasurer of this great party, I was signing blank cheques with no supporting documents. I am always called to sign cheques and whenever I share an opinion of dislike towards this, I am met with hostility. In the month of November it got worst…in that month I signed about 20 blank cheques…I do not

know what are the amounts of money written on any of those cheques and I don’t know for what reasons the money, if any were spent on…I requested of the Leader for us to do a financial audit of the finances of Congress Place for our own benefit and for us to ensure proper accountability and transparency. I even suggested that because Cde. Volda Lawrence has the skills in that area we use her to be our guidance. The intention was solely to do what is right for

our party and to build trust among our membership. The Leader told me that is a conflict of interest and that he will take care of it. To date nothing has been done.”

Further, citing “weak and ineffective” leadership, United States Chapter PNCR member, Egland Gomes, has threatened that an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety must be done, or “recorded information” about PNCR leader, Aubrey Norton, might be

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Jones cannot hide from the PNCR-led Coalition’s heist of state lands

The PNCR-led Coalition’s Christopher Jones was taken to task by Minister Kwame McKoy, who stressed that the Coalition’s “heist” of state lands is a record that it cannot hide from.

In a statement, the PPP/C government official said, “The PNC cabal continues to operate in an alternate universe where they believe Guyanese have forgotten their corrupt, evil and abhorrent policies and actions that inflicted severe pain and suffering on ordinary Guyanese whom they, in

opposition, now pretend to embrace. Christopher Jones and other PNC executives should be ashamed to speak publicly on land matters in light of the party’s horrendous land-ownership policies that catered for their rich friends and families, while the hopes and dreams of countless Guyanese, who wanted simply to own their own homes, were shattered. The PNC sought to profit from the opportunity presented by the self-inflicted turmoil that followed the party’s attempts to rig the

2020 elections. Thousands of acres of state lands were hurriedly transferred into the hands of families, friends and cronies of the PNC, most of it done during the final seven-month period while the party operated a caretaker government. Land as much as three times the size of Barbados was secretly and illegally given to one crony. The acreage of land shared among the PNC boys surpasses the total amount of land transferred by the PPP to ordinary Guyanese in 23 years.”

McKoy added that the “land-grabbing crusade by the PNC” is indicative of their general approach to policy-making in government and which earned them the exclusive distinction of being the most corrupt government in the history of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He said, “Instead of spewing ridiculous and unfounded claims, Jones should instead, take the lead in addressing the heist of state lands under the PNC. Thousands of Guyanese were cheated out of

an opportunity at landownership by an uncaring and unfit PNC-led government. The PNC apologists and sycophants will always seek to shift the focus away from their corrupt heist of state lands by changing the narrative with lies and distortions that seek to make government the bogey man.”

Despite the misinformation, the PPP/C Government official underscored that the PPP/C Government’s record of accomplishments on land distribution and home ownership had been lauded

by thousands of Guyanese across the country who are benefitting significantly from the transformational policies in the housing sector. He said, “The PNC plundered land and other national assets while in government and this is replicated at the municipal level. Despite subventions from the government, rates, taxes and other financial inflows, several of our towns, particularly Georgetown, have remained stagnated for close to 60 years.”

TURN TO PAGE 21 →

PNCR activist’s claims that Indian nationals are being favoured over Haitians rubbished

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has rubbished the contention that the government is giving favourable treatment to Indian nationals when compared to Haitians and persons coming from African countries to Guyana.

The comments came during a recent news conference, where he was responding to a claim made by PNC activist Darren Wade, who at the United Nations Forum for the People of African Descent alleged that the government is involved in discrimination against these foreign nationals.

Jagdeo has made it categorically clear that this is not the case, rather it is the intention of the administration to end the issue of trafficking in persons from Guyana to other countries. “Anybody who has been trafficked through the country; we’re going to stop it, any person. It wasn’t out of favouring any people but APNU and the others lost a lot of income because I heard many of them in those five

years were collecting $1000 each for meeting the people airside,” he said.

He reminded that under the previous APNU+AFC administration, some 40,000 Haitian nationals arrived in the country and were never accounted for by the then government. “We still need to find out who they are and you remember Winston Felix when you asked about the numbers, he didn’t know where the people are. He knew they came into the country, imagine a minister responsible for immigration didn’t know that the people left the country,” the PPP General Secretary reminded.

Additionally, it was recently discovered that a certain individual who was involved in bringing Haitian nationals was also involved in bringing some 260 Bangladeshis into the country. Jagdeo said, “They had gotten permission to fly a plane from UAE through Lisbon directly to Guyana, all the requisite permission and we discovered this by chance one evening. They were supposed to

come this Saturday, but when we checked the individual who was bringing in the Haitians, the same individuals,” the general secretary informed media operatives.

In 2021, the administration made the decision to implement a visa requirement for Haitian and Cuban na -

tionals travelling to the country. It was made clear that it was being implemented in an effort to tackle and prevent Guyana from being used as a transshipment destination for human trafficking.

According to immigration data provided to the Guyana Chronicle, from 2015

to June 17, 2021, there was an unusually large influx of Haitian nationals who entered Guyana but failed to leave, at least through the requisite legal channels.

The statistics highlight that of the 42,100 arrivals of Haitian nationals for the stated period, some 38,187

of them cannot be accounted for. Only 3,913 have been registered to have legally departed the shores of Guyana. The data shows that from 2015 to 2020, there was a steep and continuous annual increase in Haitian nationals arriving in the country.

PPP/C only political party...

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a former Parliamentarian representing the APNU+AFC Coalition, has come out in support of the PPP/C, citing disappointment with the APNU+AFC Coalition. Also, former APNU Councillor, Shirley Allen, who represented the party at the La Grange Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), West Bank Demerara, Region 3, is the latest member to cross over to the PPP/C. The former Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Greene, along with a former A Partnership

for National Unity (APNU) member, Trichria Richards, are among those who have crossed over. Some of the others to join the PPP/C are popular radio announcer and former Georgetown councillor, Malcolm Ferreira, and former The Citizen’s Initiative (TCI) member, and businessman, Alfonso De Armas. The PPP/C’s list also include former Alliance For Change (AFC) candidate, Jewula Ceasar, and former independent candidate, Jainarine Singh.

ELECTION WATCH: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

All systems in place for June 12th – GECOM Commissioner

From an operations and policy level, all systems are in place for the holding of Local Government Elections on Monday, June 12, 2023, across Guyana at 1,574 polling stations, according to Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioner, Sase Gunraj. “From a policy level at the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) we have set everything in place. We’ve given the requisite guidance and we’ve made

the resources available to the (GECOM) Secretariat to have the work done. I expect everything to flow smoothy and properly,” he said, in an invited comment.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Aneal Giddings, expressed similar sentiments. He said, “We have concretized all of the polling stations at this point, 1, 574 to be exact.”

The 2023 Local Government Elections cover

610 constituencies in 80 Local Authority Areas – 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and 10 Municipalities.

Notably, GECOM has confirmed that there will be no contest in 291 of the 610 constituencies being contested for the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE). According to the Commission, 98 of the constituencies where there is no contest – meaning only one political party submitted list

of candidates – are found in 13 Local Authority Areas in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9. GECOM explained that the other 193 of the constituencies are from other Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

GECOM said, “The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) takes this opportunity to inform all Stakeholders, that there are thirteen (13) LAAs with a combined total of ninety-eight (98) Constituencies, and one hundred and ninety-three

(193) additional Constituencies from among other LAAs in which there will be no need for eligible persons to vote due to the existence of unopposed Lists. The existence of an unopposed List of Candidates for a LAA/Constituency effectively means that there is no need for the electors to vote. Accordingly, there is no need for the establishment of Polling Stations in such LAAs/Constituencies.” Further, Section 54 of the Local

Authorities (Elections) Act provides that if only one List of Candidates for any Local Authority Area (LAA) has been approved, the persons whose names appear on the List shall be deemed to have been elected as Councillors due to the approved List being unopposed and therefore, the Candidates in the unopposed List shall be declared the winner of the election.

The PPP/C is contesting in all 610 constituencies in the 80 LAAs.

Joint Services cast ballots for 2023 LGE in smooth process – GECOM Chair

Atotal of 9,093 members of the Joint Services on Friday (June 2, 2023) cast their votes for the candidate/party of their choice for the Local Government Elections (LGEs) at 84 polling stations across the country.

After visiting polling stations on Friday (June 2, 2023), Deputy Chief Elections Office Aneal Giddings, said, “The Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Prison Service have a total of 9,093 persons across various locations in Guyana. It seems to be smooth, in so far as it goes, what we have observed. It is a smooth process. One station, for example, that I visited, it was a bit slow….in so far as what is reported to me and what I have seen here, it is a smooth process.”

In initial comments on Friday (June 2, 2023) morning, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, said, “I think the process is going smoothly….I am satisfied with what is going on right now and how they are moving, very quickly – well it takes time, but they are getting through the process.”

Further, when asked about GECOM’s preparedness for June 12, 2023, when Guyanese are scheduled to cast their ballots in the 2023 Local Government Elections, Singh said, “All systems are in place now. Commissioners have

a way of raising issues (ahead of June 12) and those will be dealt with in due course.”

In February, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, wrote to GECOM Chairperson appointing June 12, 2023, as the date for the conduct of the polls.

LGEs are necessary for the appointment of persons in charge of local democratic organs. Local democratic organs which include NDCs and municipalities

provide a link between the central government and communities; they are responsible for assessing the needs of residents and ensuring development at the community level. The last LGE was held in 2018.

Nationally, results for the 2018 LGE showed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has almost doubled the margin of votes between the Party and APNU and AFC combined – moving from about 24,000 at the 2016 Local Government Elections to over 45,000 at this year’s Local Government Elections. The difference of votes between the PPP/C and the AFC was a whopping 113,000 votes. Between the PPP/C and the APNU, the difference of votes was over 50,000. The results showed that the PPP/C won in 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) and tied five others at the 2018 Local Government Elections. The

PPP/C increased its win from 48 LAAs in 2016 to 52 LAAs in 2018 Local Government Elections.

In the 10 towns the PPP/C, secured big wins in five of Guyana’s 10 towns: winning all the seats in Anna Regina, Rose Hall (12 of 16 seats), Corriverton (14 of the 16 seats), Lethem (6 of the 10 seats) and Mabaruma (eight of the 12 seats). The Party was successful in taking control of the Town Councils in Lethem and Mabaruma.

Meanwhile, in the 70 NDCs, the Party was successful in not only holding on to its support base, but also saw an increase in votes in areas that were seen as the traditional support bases of parties like the APNU. The PPP/C won the Buxton/ Foulis NDC, Region 4. The political parties contesting the Local Government Elections include the PPP/C and PNCR-led APNU, as well as independent groups and candidates.

Op-Ed: LGE - its importance, origin in Guyana

Local Government Elections

(LGEs) allow Guyanese to vote for local government officials within their communities, who represent their interests and improve their quality of life.

These local officials are responsible for assessing the needs of residents and ensuring development at the community level.

For context, municipalities, and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) have revenue-raising powers, and they receive transfers from the central government.

The local government organs are responsible for waste collection and sanitation, roads, dams and market maintenance, drainage, and irrigation, among others.

LGEs are therefore important, as they allow citizens to have a direct say in who will represent them and make decisions on their behalf at the local level.

It also gives citizens a voice in shaping the policies and priorities of their communities and ensures that local government officials are held responsible by their constituents.

Local government in Guyana had its genesis after the abolition of slavery in 1834. It emerged as a mechanism of freedom from colonialism, whereby the ex-slaves purchased the abandoned coffee and sugar estates from plantation owners.

A system of self-governance was set up through the establishment of a management committee in each communal village. This system was later adopted in the proprietary village and formed the basis for the emergence of a form of local government.

The period between 1845-1930 saw the enactment of several pieces of legislation that was geared to-

wards improvement in the general conditions of the village councils.

In 1932, a decentralised system of administration through a District Commission was introduced and three years later in 1935, an ordinance was passed which provided improved methods of village elections.

In 1945, the Local Government Act Cap. 150. (Now Cap. 28:02) was consolidated and later, in 1969, the Municipal District Council’s Act Cap. 28:01, the Local Authority (Elections) Act Cap 28:03 and the Valuation for Rating Purposes Act Cap 28:04 were introduced.

The Ministerial Regional System in 1973 replaced the District Commissioner System of 1932, where the country was divided into six (6) administrative regions which functioned as intermediaries between the citizens and the state.

Given the limitations and inadequacies of this system, there was a radical move to enhance regionalism in Guyana.

The Local Democratic Act No. 12 of 1980 was introduced, which identified the local government system as the foundation of the democratic organisation of the state. It was perceived as a means of fast-tracking development in the communities by the communities.

To achieve this development, the entire country was divided into ten (10) administration regions, which were further divided into sub-Regions, districts, communities, neighbourhoods and people’s cooperative units, each being charged with varying responsibilities.

The Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2009 changed the system of elections for the local authority areas, providing

for Local Government Elections to be held in the now ten municipalities and seventy Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) (to use a hybrid system of Proportional Representation and First-Past-thePost.

Fifty per cent of the number of councillors of each local authority area will be elected through the proportional representation component, and the other fifty per cent through the First-Past-the-Post or constituency component. This system provides three opportunities for voluntary groups, political parties, and individuals to contest for seats in the municipalities and NDCs.

On June 12, 2023, eligible voters across Guyana will exercise their constitutional right to cast their ballot for representatives in the various local government organs.

FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

New NTC secretariat complete, office equipment, furnishing to be procured

The recently constructed National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) secretariat, at the National Exhibition Centre in Sophia, Georgetown, will soon be occupied, pending the procurement of office equipment and furnishing.

This was confirmed on Tuesday (June 6, 2023) when NTC executive members including Chairman, Derick John inspected the $100 million facility, financed through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

The new office will be commissioned shortly and

consists of an administrative section and a dome that will be used to host meetings with Indigenous leaders and other events.

It will also accommodate Toshaos who are travelling to Georgetown for meetings, as the admin building has four self-contained rooms.

According to the NTC, electricity to the building will be provided by Guyana Power and Light Inc, as well as solar power. “The executive members expressed deep satisfaction with the $100 million structure. The

$20M invested for rehabilitation of Region Seven educational facilities

– Another $61M earmarked to rehabilitate health facilities

NTC, as the representative body of all Indigenous leaders in Guyana, remains committed to continue working closely with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and all our partners to promote the rights and interests of Indigenous communities,” a statement from the council expressed.

In the dome of the newly constructed secretariat

The government in this year’s national budget, allocated some $20 million for the furnishing of the new facility.

20 telemedicine sites to be established in June

As the government works to improve the delivery of healthcare services in the country and increase access to primary healthcare for those living in remote communities, some 20 telemedicine sites will be established in hinterland communities by the end of June.

This was announced by Minister, Dr Frank Anthony at the launch of the National Expansion of the HEARTS Initiative for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases, Friday at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston. “We have just established four sites in Region One, just over the last two days, we have put in three sites in Region Eight,” the health minister disclosed.

This is in keeping with the administration’s commitment to improving access to

primary healthcare for residents living in remote hinterland communities. The electronic system will allow doctors in the capital city to easily contact community health workers (CHWs) in rural communities.

Minister Anthony also revealed that in the new week, four additional telemedicine sites will be established in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni.)

The sites will be equipped with technological devices that include a digital stethoscope, pulse oximeter, infrared thermometer, blood pressure monitor, mobile ultrasound, exam cameras and others.

“We’re building out this telehealth infrastructure and what that will allow us to do, that with the help of the Community Health Worker

in a very remote community, we would be able to monitor our patients in a more effective way,” Dr Anthony stated.

The first four telemedicine sites were established in Gunns Village, Nappi, Yupukari and Parikawarinau in 2022.

To further expand the programme, the government allocated $1.8 billion in budget 2023 to implement the telemedicine system in Region One (Barima – Waini), Region Seven (Cuyuni –Mazaruni), Region Eight (Potaro – Siparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo).

Meanwhile, the health ministry has developed an electronic health record and legislation which will protect patients’ privacy and confidentiality.

As government remains committed to improving access to education by ensuring that schools are available to accommodate learners, several educational facilities in Region Seven are set to be rehabilitated.

To achieve this, the government has invited bids from eligible persons to conduct maintenance works at D.C Caesar Fox Secondary School in the Upper Mazaruni for $5 million, and at Phillipai Nursery to the tune of $4 million.

Another $3 million will be expended to maintain Imbaimadai Primary, and $2 million was also set aside to execute works at Little Achievers Nursery School.

Meanwhile, some $4 million will be expended

to maintain teachers’ living quarters at the Bartica Secondary School Complex and a total of $3 million for the living quarters at 4th Avenue, Bartica.

The completion of these projects would enhance the delivery of high-quality education for the students in the region and improve the living conditions of teachers.

This year, $94.4 billion has been set aside by the government to significantly expand access to education.

Meanwhile, residents from various communities in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region will also benefit from the rehabilitation of several health posts.

The works include $12 million to extend the health

post at Chinoweing in the Upper Mazaruni, $13 million to rehabilitate and extend the Karrau Health Post, $10 million for the Issano Health Post, and $9.8 million to rehabilitate and extend Agatash Health Post.

Maintenance works will be executed at the Kurupung Health Post to the tune of $3 million, $6 million to transform Bartica Hospital, $4 million for the nurses’ hostel at Bartica, and $4 million will be expended for works on the doctor’s living quarters at Phillipai, Upper Mazaruni.

All bids must be addressed to the Chairman, Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Regional Administration Office, First Avenue, Bartica, no later than June 20, 2023, at 9:00 am.

Construction of hinterland houses in Smith Creek set to Commence

Theconstruction of houses under the Hinterland Housing Programme in Smith Creek, Region One is set to commence, as empoldering of the identified lands is completed and materials are on the ground.

Ten of the most vulnerable families in the community were selected to benefit from the 20×25 ft elevated timber homes, based on community consultations.

The Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, in a recent meeting with residents stated that the programme is in keeping with a promise of His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali while on

Child Advocacy Centre to be established in Lethem

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud has announced that Lethem, Region Nine will soon have its own Child Advocacy Centre (CAC).

The significant step towards protecting the rights and well-being of children is being brought to fruition, through the collaborative effort of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) ─ ChildLink and Blossom Inc.

“We have given both [NGOs] substantial subventions towards the establishment of child advocacy centres and they work in partnership with this ministry to provide support services. So,

with ChildLink, there will be the establishment of a child advocacy centre in Region Nine, Lethem,” Minister Persaud said during a recent interview.

The development signifies a proactive approach towards safeguarding children’s rights and creating a safe and nurturing environment for them to grow and thrive.

As the centre will offer specialised services designed to respond to cases of child sexual abuse efficiently, by ensuring that children have access to a child-safe and child-friendly space to share their stories and get the support needed to overcome the

trauma they have suffered.

CACs play a pivotal role in coordinating and streamlining services, including medical care, counselling, legal assistance, and social support. The centre will be open to all communities, including migrants.

The undertaking is all part of the PPP/C Administration’s efforts of expanding childcare programmes and centres countrywide while enhancing the capacity of the Child Care and Protection Agency.

Additionally, the ministry’s domestic violence tollfree 914-hotline is sharing the role of providing aid to persons, especially women

and girls, who are exposed to domestic abuse, providing them with a safe space to seek help.

The service was launched in December 2020, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and several telecommunications networks including Digicel Guyana, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), and the Telecommunications Agency.

Since the launch, the ministry has taken steps to improve the hotline by ensuring all 914 operators are trained in foreign languages, to assist every victim who makes a report.

the 2020 campaign trail.

The initiative is being executed through the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority. The Minister said it will promote healthier and more sustainable living conditions in the area. Minister Croal also committed to the development of a new well to serve the community in the 2024 budgetary allocations.

Some $20 million in contracts were inked for supply of labour and materials for the construction of the homes. The labour and timber for the houses will be sourced from the sub-district.

Regional Chairman, Mr.

Brentnol Ashley and Parliamentary Secretary, Ms. Sarah Brown also addressed residents at the meeting.

The Regional Chairman in his remarks stated that the government has continuously fulfilled its commitments to provide a better life for the residents of Region One in housing, education and other sectors.

Following the meeting, the Minister and team also visited the site where a number of the homes are to be constructed.

The Hinterland Housing Programme will also see the construction of homes in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine.

Gov’t to build teachers’ living quarters at Eteringbang

ThePPP/C Administration continues to provide the necessary investments to ensure teachers are provided with the requisite accommodation and amenities regardless of geographic location.

As part of this commitment, the government is inviting bids to construct and furnish teachers’ living quarters at Eteringbang and Bartica, Region Seven.

This will improve the living standards of teachers as well as help to advance the delivery of quality education in the region.

Bids are also invited to construct schools at Jawalla, Region Seven; Kopinang, Region Eight; Kwebanna and Hosororo, Region One, and Tuschen, Region Three.

All qualified contractors can submit a bid, and it will be evaluated using the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) processes outlined in the Procurement Act of 2003 and Regulations of 2004.

Bidders who are eligible and interested can get more details from the Ministry of Education’s Procurement Unit, at 21 Brickdam, Georgetown.

Tenders must be delivered on or before 9:00 am on June 8, 2023, to the Chairman, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance Compound, Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown. The government has allocated $94.4 billion this year to further improve access to education for all.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Contracts signed for roadworks in Yarrowkabra, Parfaite Harmonie

Eighteen contracts totalling over $1.3 billion were on Tuesday (June 6, 2023) signed for roadworks in the Lamaha/Yarrowkabra and Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra

Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), on the Soesdyke-Linden highway.

The contract signing was spearheaded by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy.

These contracts signal another promise delivered, as President Dr Irfaan Ali

had committed to facilitating infrastructural interventions during an outreach to the communities earlier this year. This also follows an engagement in January led by the ministers, which saw a commitment to construct a number of concrete roads within the community. The engagement also saw residents complaining of water contamination in the area, to which the ministers committed to having 60 black tanks given to the affected families. True to their word, sixty black tanks were delivered to the community in

February.

Minister McCoy said that these developments in the community are indicators of visionary leadership by the PPP/C government. “This government is a visionary government, a government that has planned and has set out to work with the people to set our country on a footing that will match any other country in the world, and to lift the standards of its people…and this is the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government,” the minister said.

Further, Minister Indar urged contractors to cooperate and communicate

Construction of new Ogle Fire Station in final stage

Construction works at the new Ogle Fire Station at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport are in the final stage and the facility will become operable soon.

The remaining works include the installation of the electrical network by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

The over $76 million fire station was executed in two phases. Phase one was completed in the last quarter of 2022, while phase two is being finalised.

The new state-of-the-art fire station will be equipped with modern amenities, including a control room, office space for senior officers and administrative staff, a gym, a kitchen, a dining area, and a conference room.

Two fire tenders and one ambulance will be accommodated and the facility will include a fire suppression

system with sprinklers, detectors, and a hose reel.

Additionally, a tarmac for training, driveways, and underground electrical and plumbing connections to buildings from the main road will be implemented.

Importantly, the fire station will be equipped in accordance with the standards and recommendations for practice contained in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 14 Aerodromes and ICAO Doc 9137 Airport Service Manual, to provide rescue and firefighting services at the Eugene. F. Correia International Airport.

Singh and Sons Construction is executing the works.

Meanwhile, the $614.5 million state-of-the-art Guyana Fire Service headquarters on Homestretch Avenue is expected to be

commissioned shortly. The project is being undertaken by Mohamed’s Enterprise. Its relocation from the ‘congested’ Stabroek Market Square will improve the operations of the fire service in terms of efficient response to fires. The modern facility will accommodate eight fire tenders and six Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ambulances. It will also have male and female barracks, a kitchen, a laundry area, officers’ living quarters, a gym, a day room, offices, and living quarters, as well as EMT rooms. This new headquarters is designed to function with 70 plus ranks of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS).

These improvements form part of the government’s commitment to modernising the Fire Service to better respond to emergencies.

with the residents during the execution of the project, as well as to employ residents from within the community. “What we have today is a contract being fulfilled by a government that is working for you. These projects are intended for good. The way communities and contractors communicate with each other is very important,” he said. Additionally, he pointed out that the majority of the contractors for these projects are new contractors, and this diversity indicates that new persons are being awarded opportunities to contribute to their commu-

nities as well as to gain employment. “This country is building at an explosive rate, and a lot of contractors are required to build out this country. This is the opportunity for new people to come onboard—many of them bid, and many of them got work,” Minister Indar noted.

The rigid-pavement concrete roads will be designed to last for decades and will benefit residents in the communities of Swan, Kuru Kururu, and Yarrowkabra.

Meanwhile, 58 contracts totalling over $2.8 billion were signed for roadworks across Region Three, includ-

ing in the Parfaite Harmonie housing scheme, bringing to fruition another commitment made by President Ali. The contracts provide for the rehabilitation of some 29 kilometres of road, in communities such as Cornelia Ida, De Kindren, MeteenMeer- Zorg, Zeelugt, De Willem, Ruby, Leonora, Anna Catherina, Den Amstel, Wakenaam, and Zeelandia, among others. The contractors, many of whom are relatively new to the industry, lauded the bidding process and are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their communities.

Works progressing smoothly on Corriverton recreational park

Corriverton, Region Six (East-Berbice Corentyne) will soon feature a family-oriented space, as works on the recreational park are progressing smoothly.

With this new park, residents will have a safe space to meet and enjoy quality relaxation time with family and friends. It will improve property value for the region while conserving green spaces and providing significant

landmarks.

Currently, residents are also benefitting from employment, since works are being carried out by persons from the village.

The undertaking is a collaboration among the Ministries of Public Works and Local Government and Regional Development, private sector, and communities.

The initiative falls under the Office of the First Lady’s

countrywide beautification project.

Just last month, the New Amsterdam recreational park was commissioned by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and First Lady, Arya Ali. The residents who utilise the new recreational area are currently benefitting from a heavily lit park with police presence for safety and free Wi-Fi.

The $1.4 billion Urban Enhancement Project at Independence Boulevard often referred to as ‘Punt Trench Dam’ is nearing completion with finishing touches remaining.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill and a team of engineers on Monday visited the project area, to ensure all specifications were met.

The 1.8 kilometres (km) project, which stretches from Saffon Street to Cemetery Road, boasts a double-lane carriageway on the northern side and a single-lane carriageway on the southern side.

Nestled between these two thoroughfares lies

a charming promenade, where visitors will find a well-lit area, comfortable benches, and strategically placed garbage bins, contributing to a clean and environmentally friendly ambience.

Concrete drains have been meticulously installed, ensuring efficient water management and minimising the risk of flooding in surrounding areas.

The design of the boulevard also seeks to create a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing space for residents and visitors alike, serving as a catalyst for community engagement.

The Independence Boulevard project is a testa -

ment to the government’s commitment to urban development and infrastructure enhancement ensuring the lives of all Guyanese are improved and aligned with the ‘One Guyana’ vision.

When the project was inaugurated last year, Minister Edghill emphasised that the boulevard constituted an integral part of broader plans to modernise and transform the capital city, Georgetown.

The project is divided into three lots being executed by three contractors, RIM Construction, IB Contracting and Machinery Rental, and C&L Construction Inc.

The Government of Guyana, through its National Pathway for Food Systems Transformation, is strategically poised to bolster rural livelihoods, diversify the economy, and advance the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s regional food security agenda via the implementation of the ‘Twenty-Five by 2025 Initiative’.

In alignment with this national endeavour, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have extended their support through the Joint SDG Fund, facilitating the government’s mission to expand social protection in Guyana.

As part of this initiative, farm input supplies and a one-time cash grant were offered to smallholder farmers and participants of ongoing socio-economic empowerment programmes throughout the country. The project was coordinated by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator to foster coherence and collaboration between the two UN agencies, support efforts to enhance intergovernmental coordination, and amplify the impact

of national initiatives.

CASH TRANSFERS

In a concerted effort with the World Food Programme (WFP), the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) dispensed a one-off cash grant to participants engaged in the Women Innovation and Investment Programme (WIIN), or the ‘WIIN in Business’ initiative. This initiative is designed to empower women and girls by equipping them with the requisite knowledge and skills to augment their economic engagement within their respective communities. As a crucial component of the programme, the Ministry conducted a workshop focused on business skills development, imparting practical competencies such as drafting business plans, networking, and finance procurement. Encouraged to conceive proposals for income-generating activities, the participants subsequently received a cash grant from the Ministry, supported by the WFP, to address their immediate needs and foster their proposed ventures. Approximately USD79,000 was distributed among 225

participants nationwide, intending to generate economic opportunities that enhance community livelihoods and resilience.

Besides providing cash assistance, the WFP sustained its collaboration with the Ministry, offering technical assistance and support in programme lifecycle management, specifically in areas such as vulnerability assessment and mapping, beneficiary targeting, reconciliation and reporting, and post-distribution monitoring of the activity.

The programme also probed potential avenues for sustained engagement with the Ministry and other stakeholders, focusing on the crucial long-term capacity-building needs of small-scale farmers, farming groups, and associations with women participants from the Ministry’s innovation and entrepreneurial skills development programme.

AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENTS

The FAO, with the backing of the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guy-

$1.4B Independence Boulevard project nearing completion

Gov’t advancing efforts to empower small-scale farmers, farming collectives, vulnerable women

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Guyana’s economic advancement attracts global investment – Dr Singh

With the rapid pace of development under President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s visionary leadership, Guyana’s economic growth has tripled over the last three years.

One of the top oil-producing nations, Guyana has attracted the attention of investors and world leaders.

Guyana is on an unmatched upward trajectory that will ensure prosperity, expansion, and investments in all sectors.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh was at the time speaking at the private sector engagement between Guyana and the Dominican Republic at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on June 1, 2023.

Over the last two years, Guyana’s economy has grown more than 40 per cent on average per annum.

“Given the extraordinary

rate of growth, what we have observed is the emergence of new opportunities in literally every sector of the economy…There is no sector, at all, in Guyana without opportunities for expansion and investment currently,”

Dr Singh said.

The mining, agriculture, and tourism industries are just a few of the areas where Dr Singh highlighted similarities between the economies of Guyana and the Dominican Republic. There are many prospects for partnerships as a result of these similarities.

Dr Singh stated that the fiscal incentives regime in all sectors makes Guyana attractive to global investors.

“We have, in each sector, an attractive fiscal incentive regime that makes it attractive for international investors to come to Guyana. That regime is administered by Dr Ramsaroop’s office, Go-Invest.

$54M primary school for Hogg Island, Region Three

They have literature not only opportunities but also the incentives regime that obtain in all of the key sectors,” he related.

Further, the local content legislation has provided the incentive for investors to partner with Guyanese companies. Dr Singh explained that, “It creates also an incentive for partnerships between international and Guyanese companies. And what we are seeing already is a number of international companies wanting to take advantage of the growth and business opportunities in Guyana, entering into strategic partnerships with their Guyanese counterparts…and indeed be able to optimise the incentive structure that is created by the local content legislation.” Over the next three to four years, Guyana is projected to grow at a rate in excess of 25 per cent per annum in real terms.

Preparation works begin for new health centres in Berbice

Residents of Berbice will soon be able to access additional health services, as preparatory works have commenced for the construction of two health centres in Region Six.

The centres will be built at Chesney and New Area Cane-field Settlement.

With these health centres, residents of the two villages and neighbouring communities will be able to easily access primary healthcare, which will reduce barriers such as distance and cost.

The centres will also bring great ease to the New Amsterdam, Skeldon and Port Mourant Hospitals since some of the clinics will move to the centres.

This will add to the easy monitoring of diseases countrywide, thus, generally improving the country’s health system.

Additionally, the centres will bring about major employment opportunities for the residents, since there will be a need for health workers.

The health centre at Chesney is being constructed at the cost of over $39.3 million, while more than $50.2 million will be injected at the New Area Cane-Field Settlement facility. The time frame for both projects is May 22 to September 30, 2023.

The two centres will consist of an outpatient area, an observation and

Gov’t advancing efforts to...

ana Rice Development Board (GRDB), and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), conducted a two-day workshop. This event was tailored to equip farmers with knowledge on new and cost-effective feed and fertilizer alternatives, thereby boosting production and productivity. The workshop was attended by approximately 19 farmers from 17 communities and 23 extension officers from five coastal regions supporting

consulting room, a small storage bond, along with a washroom area. The construction of these new health centres will form part of the government’s commitment to ensuring equal healthcare countrywide.

Recently, a tobacco concession clinic was opened at the Industry Health Centre, East Coast of Demerara (ECD), while a brand-new infectious disease centre was commissioned in Region Nine.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has also announced that several health centres in Region Nine will be upgraded to smart facilities soon.

← FROM PAGE 16

livestock, rice, cash crops, and roots and tubers farmers.

FAO remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations, including youth and women. The majority of participants at the workshop were female farmers and extension officers, followed by young farmers.

Moving forward, farmers are also set to benefit from input supplies provided by the FAO. The government, on its part, persists in its commitment to expand social pro-

Students of Hogg Island, Region Three will benefit from the construction of a primary school to the tune of $54 million, as the government continues to ensure equal access to education countrywide.

The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three is inviting bids from eligible persons to execute the work.

Bids are also invited for extension works to be executed on Bagotville Primary School at a cost of $54 million and the Leonora Secondary School to the tune of $28

million.

Interested bidders may inspect the bidding document/s and obtain further information from the regional engineer.

Bids must be addressed to the Chairman, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance, Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, no later than 9:00 am on June 15, 2023, Some $12.4 billion was allocated in 2023 to improve education infrastructure across the country.

By ensuring that there

are adequate schools to accommodate all students, the administration, led by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, remains committed to improving access to education.

The government has embarked on a slew of initiatives to improve the sector since taking office in August 2020, including the introduction of smart classrooms, cash grants, the breakfast programme, construction of educational facilities, the distribution of textbooks, and the incorporation of information and communication technology into the curriculum.

Major infrastructural development outlined for Craig, Friendship

Craig and Friendship, East Bank Demerara are set to undergo significant infrastructural development, according to Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill.

Minister Edghill, along with Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, held a walkthrough in the communities, where they engaged several community members.

Residents expressed their concerns and highlighted several areas that require attention.

In response, the minister assured them of the timely delivery of their requests.

A major focus is the rehabilitation of roads in Second Street Craig and Church Street Friendship, which are in need of repairs.

Drainage works are also scheduled to be carried out in First Street Craig, to improve the community’s drainage system and mitigate flooding.

The Ministry of Agricul-

ture’s National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will be executing drainage and irrigation works in Poncho Street, Friendship.

The project is valued at approximately $10 million and has already been awarded. Work is expected to commence by the weekend.

Additionally, engineers from the sea and river defence department inspected the sea dam and surrounding trenches in the community to identify solutions to eradicate flooding.

Similarly, while addressing residents’ concerns, Minister McCoy emphasised the government’s commitment to immediate intervention.

In addition, to the infrastructural improvements for the communities, the PPP/C Administration envisions a comprehensive transformation of communities across Guyana.

These include the rehabilitation and construction of roads and streets, installation

of streetlights, development of parapets and roadsides, construction of concrete sidewalks and footbridges.

The government also aims to enhance drainage systems, ensuring proper maintenance and weekly garbage pickups, as well as the responsible disposal of waste.

Efforts will be made to remove derelict vehicles and equipment, clear bushes along roadsides, empty spaces, and cemeteries, and rehabilitate all community centres.

The plan also includes the creation of playgrounds, recreational spaces, and green areas in communities.

Recognising the importance of education and support for vulnerable groups, the government intends to increase skills training opportunities for youth and improve access to daycare facilities. Programmes focusing on children and elderly welfare will also be prioritised.

Region Five residents benefitting from more TVET programmes

tection by widening the reach and enhancing the benefits of existing social assistance programs while introducing new labour market strategies.

ABOUT THE JOINT SDG FUND

The Joint SDG Fund supports countries to accelerate their progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to deliver on the commitment of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind.

More Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programmes were rolled out on Tuesday through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in Moraikobai village, Region Five.

The new courses include electrical installation and joinery. Some 15 persons have registered for the electrical installation classes, while another 25 signed up for joinery.

Additionally, a new batch of 17 persons was enrolled in the commercial food preparation programme which was being offered previously.

The programmes will help residents to enhance and develop their technical skills and take up employment at various entities. In some cases, persons will be able to establish or expand their businesses.

The new programmes were agreed upon by the village Toshao and other representatives after carefully assessing the needs of residents there.

Recently, 32 persons from the village graduated from similar programmes which include boat building and garment construction. From that batch , a total of 14

persons received certificates in commercial food preparation and nine graduated in garment construction and boat building collectively. The rolling out of these programmes by the ministry serves as a way of improving the lives of persons in far reached communities.

The Ministry of Labour has disclosed a total of 312 persons from Region Five benefitted from these programmes in 2022. These programmes were implemented by the government to ensure that everyone has access to training opportunities to gain life skills.

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Guyana elected to UN Security Council

Guyana on Tuesday (June 6, 2023) secured a seat on the United Nations (UN) Security Council and will serve as a non-permanent member on the international peace and security body for the 2024 to 2025 term.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in comments on the election

said, “ Guyana was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nation’s Security Council for the period 2024 – 2025. Guyana is honoured and humbled by the confidence that has been expressed by the international community in electing us to this most important position

of responsibility on the global stage.

“Guyana has now been accorded the opportunity to serve on the Security Council, which is charged under the UN Charter with the responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It is a respon-

sibility that we will assume with utmost seriousness and dedication, mindful of the complex and challenging times in which we live.

“The theme of our candidacy ‘Partnering for Peace and Prosperity” serves as a guide to Guyana’s approach to service on the Security Council. We intend to be a constructive and engaged partner with the members of the Council and the wider international community in the search for solutions to the myriad of momentous chal-

lenges that beset our human family.

“I express our nation’s deep gratitude to the Member States of the United Nations for the overwhelming support extended to Guyana’s candidature. I wish to express my thanks in particular to the dedicated staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to our Permanent Representative and her team at the Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York for their tireless efforts in

advancing our candidature and securing the result which we witness with great pride today.

“The Government of Guyana looks forward to continuing our nation’s contribution to the strengthening of multilateralism and the rule of International Law, to the promotion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and respect for international law both for the people of our own country, and for peoples across the globe.”

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POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

President Ali hosts Saudi Fund for Development’s CEO and team

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Sunday (June 4, 2023) hosted a breakfast meeting with visiting Saudi Fund for Development’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) His Excellency Sultan A. AlMarshad and team at State House. The Saudi team arrived in Guyana last evening and will be signing two major loan agreements with

the Government of Guyana, namely the Infrastructure Development Works for the Housing Sector Project and the Construction of the Wismar Bridge Project.

Joining the President at the breakfast meeting were Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of

Health Dr. Frank Anthony who is currently acting as Foreign Affairs Minister, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal, Minister in the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and Minister in the Ministry of Housing and Water Susan Rodrigues. Also in attendance were

senior representatives from the Ministry of Finance who today also hosted the visiting Saudi team on a tour of the project sites as well as de-

livered presentations along with teams from the respective sector Ministries at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

These agreements signed on Monday (June 5, 2023) are a follow-up to the May 12 last signing of a Mem -

TURN TO PAGE 21 →

Brazilian investor express interest in Amaila project – Jagdeo

Interest in the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project has been expressed by Brazilian investors, according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“Brazil was very interested in the hydro… since we terminated China Railway (Group’s contract)…we’ve now gotten at least two proposals from Brazil to do the hydro… so soon you may see us going back into another process (of bidding),” he said during a recent news

conference.

In the past, Jagdeo made clear that the PPP/C government has not shifted from its position that the engagement on the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project must follow a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) Model, not an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model.

The Government was in negotiations with China Railway Group Limited

for the completion of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant based on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to develop the AFHP, either on the basis of a 20-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) concession or on a Design-Build-Finance (DBF) basis were invited in 2021. However, the China Railway Group Limited indicated that the BOOT

model was not feasible, so negotiations ended, with the company advocating for a different financing model –an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model.

In May 2022, Jagdeo had said, “The last six months we have been struggling to reach an agreement. We will have to give a deadline and cancel if they can’t proceed with the original model… The tender was about Build, Own, Operate, Transfer, not a EPC Plus finance model… so we may have a setback on that.”

Prior to that in November 2021, Jagdeo had said, “Amaila still remains the best option for meeting baseload renewable energy for Guyana. That is the only way you can decarbonise, so the only way to achieve renewable energy is through the construction of the hydropower.”

A total of four companies had submitted proposals. China Railway Group Limited was identified as the most ‘capable partner’ by the Evaluation Committee after a rigorous evaluation process, following which the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) submitted the relevant recommendation to Cabinet for ‘no-ob-

jection.’ Under the BOOT model the company will supply electricity to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. at a cost averaging US$0.07737 per KWH over the 20 year BOOT period.

IMPORTANT PROJECT

The revival of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was one of the promises made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its manifesto. The project was initiated under the previous PPP/C Administration but was scrapped by the coalition Administration which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat Opposition majority.

The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was the flagship of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Amaila was expected to deliver a steady source of clean, renewable energy that would have been affordable and reliable, and was envisioned to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs while removing dependency on fossil fuels.

Additionally, the best option to move Guyana to renewable sources of energy was adjudged in 2016 to be the Amaila Falls hydropower project, according to a study commissioned by the Gov-

ernment of Norway.

It was the David Granger led administration that agreed to this objective and facts-based assessment of AFHP. The report, compiled by Norconsult, on behalf of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), identified AFHP as critical for Guyana’s energy transition.

“The only realistic path for Guyana towards an emission free electricity sector is by developing its hydropower potential. The fastest way forward is to maintain AFHP as the first major step for substituting its current oil-fired generation,” Norconsult stated in its report, Review of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project in Guyana.

This guidance, though unequivocal, was not heeded by the previous administration. Up to now, most of Guyana’s electricity generation is from the severely polluting heavy fuel oil (HFO).

AFHP, projected to deliver 165 MW of new power to the grid by 2027, will supply a significant share of power needed for Guyana’s economic expansion in the decade up to 2030, building on emissions reduction gains from the 250 MW gas-to-energy project, expected by 2024.

GECOM did NOT Disenfranchise...

due to the fact that only persons who were registered in a Local Authority Area (LAA) were required to vote in these elections. Hence, it must be highlighted for emphasis, that the ‘Register of Ranks’ to vote on Disciplined Services Balloting Day is prepared based on the list submitted to GECOM by the respective Forces.

Further, once it was determined who were the officers eligible to vote at LGE, the location where the officers are stationed was requested by GECOM. This information then allowed for GECOM in consultation with the respective Disciplined Force to establish Balloting Stations across the country and for GECOM to logistically prepare to ensure that the officers vote where they are stationed, using a ballot that is applicable to the LAA where they are registered.

Moreover, it must be clarified that GECOM ensured that names of the ranks were placed on a list where they were stationed and it was displayed at all the Balloting Stations countrywide prior to Disciplined Forces Balloting Day. Additionally, the Ballot Officers visited all districts and conducted civic and voter education sessions with the officers of the respective Forces to ensure that they were well informed about checking

← FROM PAGE 5

the lists and the voting process. These mechanisms were further supplemented with the presence of GECOM Information Clerks at all the Balloting Stations to provide guidance to the officers.

It must also be noted that officers who did not vote on Disciplined Forces Balloting Day still have an opportunity to do so on Local Government Elections Day, Monday, 12th June, 2023 when the rest of the country will vote. However, they will have to vote in the Local Authority Area / Constituency where they are registered.

Against this backdrop, for anyone to accuse GECOM of willfully disenfranchising members of the Disciplined Forces is malicious and intended to discredit a transparent and efficient process that was evidently successful. The Guyana Elections Commission takes this opportunity to remind all stakeholders, especially voters that its procedures are guided by the legal provisions and reassures them that they can expect an election that is free, fair, transparent, and credible.

Sincerely, Yolanda Ward Public Relations Officer Guyana Elections Commission

Guyana elected to UN...

Guyana secured 191 votes out of a possible 192 votes; this was the highest number of votes received.

Starting January 1, 2024, Guyana will represent the

← FROM PAGE 18

Latin America and Caribbean bloc on the Council.

The UN Security Council comprises 15 members, including five permanent members namely: China, France,

Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The remaining 10 members are non-permanent members that are elected for two-year terms.

Norton facing increasing...

put into play. Gomes, in a broadcast on social media under the title ‘Voices of the Diaspora’, said, “An investigation should be done about these blank cheques, and I want Aubrey Norton to know I have recorded information that he would not want to go into the public domain.” the PNCR member also accused Norton of “prosecuting his own public policy”, creating a “perception of weak and ineffective leadership”, and having abandoned his constituency as soon as he

became leader. He said, “Aubrey Norton seems to be prosecuting his own public policy. Aubrey Norton is accountable to a party and the CEC of the party. And I hope that the CE now would stand up, do its job and hold the party leader accountable, because he is not above accountability.”

Also, PNCR members have accused Norton of “prosecuting his own public policy”, creating a “perception of weak and ineffective leadership”, and having

← FROM PAGE 7

abandoned his constituency as soon as he became leader. Mursaline, in commenting on this, said, “Aubrey Norton seems to be prosecuting his own public policy. Aubrey Norton is accountable to a party and the CEC of the party. And I hope that the CE now would stand up, do its job and hold the party leader accountable, because he is not above accountability.”

This is the latest of the PNCR infighting that has spilled into the public domain.

Jones cannot hide from the...

According to him, Guyanese must use the opportunity on June 12, 2023 at the polls to “send an unequivocal message” that municipalities are terminating the disastrous policies of the PNCR-led Coalition which has led to dilapidated community infrastructure such as roads, bridges, community centres and grounds.

LAND GRAB

The PNCR-led Coalition’s record show that there were:

• 45 Orders for land transfers (Orders 4 to 49), which including land to the Coalition’s Jermaine Figueira, his brother and others. The orders were signed on February 28, 2020, and published in the Official Gazette on March 23, 2020.

• 18 Orders for land transfers (Orders 50 to 67), which including land to the Coalition’s Amanza Walton-Desir and others. The orders were signed on August 23, 2019, and published in the Official Gazette on August 31, 2019.

• 6 Orders for land transfers (Orders 75 to 80), which including land to the Coalition’s Valerie Patterson-Adams and others. The orders were signed on September 13, 2023, and published in the Official Gazette on October 19, 2019

Further, among the most

prominent giveaways were those that took place in June 2019. These included:

1. Marlon Bristol, Head of the Project Management Office within the Ministry of the Presidency received:

• 1 acre in Mocha, Region

4 - February 2019

• 12 acres in Linden (at Dallawalla, the proposed site for Deep Water Harbour), Region 10 - June 2019

• 80 acres in Bohemia, Region 6 (the proposed site for Deep Water Harbour) – February 2019

2. Great Wall Inc. – of which Saratu Phillips is a Director, received:

• 20 acres at Schoonard Foreshore, Region 3 (in the Demerara River – proposed site for shore-based facility)

– File Number 332242/3

• 20 acres at Good Fortuin, Region 3 (in the Demerara River – proposed site for shore-based facility) – File number 3322421/3

• 50 acres at Best Foreshore, Region 3 – File Number 332231/38

3. Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer, Deputy Head of SARA, which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency received:

• 10 acres on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, Region 4, in 2019 – File number 411412/522b

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• 1 acre Mocha, Region 4, in 2019

4. Eric Phillips, SARA Special Assistant, within the Ministry of the Presidency - received:

• 1000 acres in the Essequibo River - April 2019 – File Number 321132/1604

• 1000 acres in the Demerara River in 2019 – File Number 331231/7

Another official who recently received land was the now sacked former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission, Keith Lowenfield. Lowenfield received: 216 acres at Millie’s Hideout, Region 10 – June 2019; and 2 acres at Mocha, Region 4.

In addition to these transactions, handled by National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Comission (GLSC), lands were also given away in the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) scheme.

Meanwhile, Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, has said that the PPP/C Government has not wavered from its commitment to investigate suspicious land giveaways by the former APNU+AFC Coalition.

President Ali hosts Saudi Fund...

orandum of Understanding

(MOU) between the finance minister on behalf of Government and the Saudi Fund for Development’s CEO regarding the Saudi Fund’s Participation in the Financing of these Development Projects totalling US$150 Million. The MOU was signed on the sidelines of the 2023 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group’s Annual Meetings in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Singh led Guyana’s delegation at those meetings.

The Government of Guyana has been continuing its aggressive drive to transform the country’s landscape and

this transformation is particularly visible in the area of transport infrastructure.

Work has advanced on several key projects including the new US$261 Million High Span Bridge across the Demerara River, the US$190 Million Linden to Mabura Road, and a bridge across the Corentyne River. In Budget 2023, $136.1 Billion was allocated for the enhancement of the roads and bridges network across the country.

As regards to Housing and Urban Development, Government has been working assiduously to fulfill its Manifesto promise of

providing 10,000 house lots to citizens each year and it has been well on the way to achieving its 50,000 target this term, with over 20,000 delivered in its first two years in office. In Budget 2023, $54.5 Billion was allocated for housing development in new and existing areas.

The Saudi Fund for Development finances development projects in developing countries by granting them loans, the technical aids necessary for financing studies and institutional support. The Saudi team is on a threeday visit here.

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COMMENTARY

An open appeal to Georgetown: It is time for a new beginning

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

It is time for a new beginning for Georgetown. It is time we rescue Georgetown. On June 12th, at the

Local Government Elections (LGE) 2023, we the residents of Georgetown can give Georgetown a chance to be once again CARICOM’S iconic city. Let us, together,

do it right and have a mayor and a town council who will work with the Central Government in the interest of Georgetown and those who live and work here and those

who visit.

In the 1940s and 1950s, Georgetown was regarded as the Caribbean’s “Garden City”. This was before Mr. Forbes Burnham became

the Mayor of Georgetown in 1959. He continued as Mayor until 1964, and, officially, was mayor of Georgetown between 1964 and 1966, but had also become the Prime Minister after the then Governor of Guyana did not invite the winner of the 1964 General Elections to form a government. Since Independence, Mr. Burnham’s party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), in one form or another, has been in charge of Georgetown. The present form is APNU. Counting the years since independence, it means Georgetown has been under the PNC for 57 years. If we count the years when Forbes Burnham, as leader of the PNC, first became mayor, it has been 64 years that Georgetown has been under the PNC, no matter what disguise the party presents itself to voters.

In the span of the last 64 years, beautiful Georgetown has degenerated, from being the Caribbean’s Garden City to the Caribbean’s “Garbage City”. One senior government official from one of our sister CARICOM countries at lunch the other day remarked how he could feel the excitement and the positive vibes in Guyana, the optimism that our country is transforming rapidly to become the economic, social, cultural and political epicenter of CARICOM. He, however, remarked “but, man, you guys need to do something about Georgetown. Why is it so dirty”? We would be lying if we cannot admit to ourselves that we have heard this said by visitors over and over again, by our visiting relatives, and among ourselves. This is a regurgitating refrain among residents of Georgetown and visitors, both local and international.

This sad state of Georgetown is the legacy of the one political party that has held hegemony in the City of Georgetown for more than 64 years. Yet one of their mayors, Hamilton Green, is always pontificating on how great he was as a mayor. They make promises that they never keep, have no plan or interest to regain the title as the Garden City of the Caribbean, or how to transform our city into a modern metropolis. It is not merely that Georgetown is dirty and full of garbage, it is also that the city looks run-down. The pride of Georgetown and Guyana, a truly global icon in

buildings, the Stabroek Market, is an eye sore. The Bourda and La Penitence Markets are disgraceful. The iconic City Hall Building has been left to ruins. Central Government investments have been misused and unused. The USAID had to take back monies allocated to the City Council to rehabilitate the City Hall. The City and Mayor of Georgetown buildings have been left to fall apart. Had central government not invested massively in the city, Georgetown, this city would be in an even more sorry and desperate state. The streets have been left in utter disrepair. The City Council has essentially abandoned any pretense of doing even basic repairs. It is 2023 and there are still mud dams in Georgetown. Since 2020, not a single street has been redone by the City Council and the Mayor. These streets are being rehabilitated and reconstructed under a massive Central Government investment program in Georgetown. Street lights have to be repaired and new ones being installed under a Central Government program. Playgrounds are overgrown, many are in disuse. The cemeteries in Georgetown are the proverbial “hell”, even the dead are afraid to be taken there.

City drains are almost disappearing. Where they still look like drains, they are overgrown and in desperate need for cleaning. The council has been sending some workers to do minimal amount of work. By the time these workers, clad with sometimes cutlass and basic tools are finish, they make more mess than cleaning up. City sluices to the Demerara River are so silted up, many cannot open when there are heavy downpours. Pumps are often inoperable. The President, since 2021, has started a clean-up campaign that has helped a little. But the same spots where cleaning up occurred, become garbage-infested the next day. Not one day has the mayor or any member of the PNC leadership joined the cleaning-up campaign. We have experienced the frequent suspension of garbage collection because they City of Georgetown fail to pay its bills. These are the reasons why when you “smell” rain coming, you know the city will be flooded.

PPP/C leaders take LGE 2023 message to Guyanese communities

An open appeal to Georgetown...

There are areas that could be beautified and become tourist attractions for both local and international visitors. The Central Government has taken on this role. The seawall areas of Georgetown are being transformed into a beautiful recreation and leisure area. Avenues and boulevards are being transformed by the Central Government, similarly, to allow more walking and relaxation to enjoy this beautiful city and create over 10,000 parking spaces. The old railway embankment, an eye sore for decades is being transformed into a beautiful recreation boulevard. The Cemetery Road is now being made into landscaped fourlane road.

The National Park, Pa -

rade Ground and others can be transformed to present opportunities for the children of the city to engage in sports, such as tennis, badmington, squash, basketball, football. But the Mayor and the present PNC-controlled City Council have no vision. Their vision for a transformed city is the stinking abattoir.

In 2018, the then Central Government hired a Canadian company at a cost of more than $300M to do a reassessment of property value with the intent to raise taxes. Like they did with the parking meter fiasco, the PPP stopped them with a No-Confidence Motion in Parliament and then defeating them in the 2020 elections. Their wicked plan to increase property taxes is

still on the agenda. While the PNC-controlled council has for more than 60 years tried to ensure degradation and regression, turning the Garden City to the Garbage City, using Georgetown and its citizens to wage a war against a PPP government, the PPP itself has been trying to ensure transformation into a modern metropolis.

With each new PNC-controlled council, corruption becomes even more suffocating. Recently, they have been on the campaign trail boasting how they gave a tax amnesty. The truth is not a single ordinary citizen got an amnesty. The amnesty was for people who owed tens of millions of dollars, business people and rich people. But amnesty was

just a vehicle for corruption. While the council waived the tax owed by these persons, the question is who took millions under the table? The council got nothing, but how many of us believe that those in control of the council got nothing? The revenues and expenditures of the council have not been audited and the citizens are unaware where the taxes they pay and the revenues from central government go.

Georgetown needs a new beginning. Our roads must be maintained, lit and parapets landscaped. Old construction and other wastes, such as old vehicles, must be removed from parapets. Our playgrounds, such as Parade Ground, Camptown, Farnum, St. Steven’s, playgrounds

and community centers in Texas/California Streets, the Soldiers’ Scheme in West Ruimveldt and at Shepherd’s Lane must be maintained and lights installed. Our drainage system – drains, sluices and pumps - must be transformed. Our garbage must be picked up regularly. Our cemeteries must be maintained. We need recreation areas and boulevards that are safe space for walking and relaxation and present a pleasing aesthetic.

The Parade Ground, the parliament area, the Cuffy monument and other monuments, the seawall areas, Merriman’s Mall, Punt Dam are potential tourist and community recreation areas.

We need an accountable and transparent City Council

which will live-stream its meeting so that we can all see who is working for us and who is working against us. We need electronic transactions (E-Governance) so that we could pay our bills, apply for permits, etc. on-line. We need to have statutory opportunities to meet with the mayor and the councilors in our constituencies. We need to have consultations on development plans. We need annual audits subjected to public scrutiny.

We need a town council that is people-oriented and people-friendly, one that cares for the residents, those who work and do business in our town, and visitors.

Citizens of Georgetown, let us take back our city.

← FROM PAGE 22

Desperate APNU has fallen back on ‘old arsenal’ of ‘lies, half-truths and excuses’ – Jagdeo

Predictably, in the countdown to the Local Government Elections (LGE), scheduled for Monday, June 12, 2023, the PNCR-led APNU has fallen back on its “old arsenal” – a menu of “lies, half-truths and excuses, according to General Secretary of the People’s Party, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“This party has a demonstrated history of doing this. It was no surprise to us. Many people who may not

be aware of this, may fall prey to the last-minute shenanigans…it is shameful that at this stage, they are still coming back with these lies. We must not allow them to succeed in misleading people this time around,” he charged, during a news conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, on Thursday (June 8, 2023).

According to him, the PPP will continue to expose the Coalition as it attempts

to perpetuate unfounded ramblings on “gerrymandered” boundaries for the 80 Local Authority Areas, which cover 610 constituencies; the efforts to “excite fear” in communities; removal of squatters; lies about plans to grab lands in the municipalities; and the lies about plans by the PPP/C to increase rates and taxes.

Responding to the lies about PPP/C plans to raise

rates and taxes, which were uttered by the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Christopher Jones, Jagdeo said, “We are the only party that contested in 2018, and we are doing so again, to say that we are not going to raise rates…it is a shameless act on the part of APNU…the last person who should be carrying this message is Christopher Jones.” The PPP General Secretary, referring to the fac that the Ministry of

Communities on October 1, 2023, signed a $335 million contract with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) and Axilogic Inc. to update the property inventory and valuation systems across local democratic organs in Guyana, added that, “If any party is going to raise rates and taxes, it is APNU. This is what they planned, but they never got to implement it because we filed the No-Confidence motion immediately after.”

On the land grab claims, Jagdeo stressed that the record of the APNU+AFC Coalition exposes the lie here. “When we put in a road in an area to upgrade the area, the people there will see their property values go up. I have been publicly urged people not to sell their lands because the values will go up in the future and they will determine if they want to sell or not…imagine in narrowmindedness of it, you must keep living in ghetto-like areas and reject the PPP/C development because the PPP wants to take away people’s land….the government cannot take away transported lands….these are all lies….rest assured that people’s transported lands will never be seized by the PPP…our focus is development, to change the face of the city and other municipalities…APNU has an anti-development agenda,” he said.

Assuring that where squatting areas cannot be regularized, accommodations will be provided for Guyanese families, Jagdeo said, “We met with the people there and until we can accommodate them elsewhere, we have made it clear that they have nothing to worry about.”

Guyanese must be wary and vigilant about the fear campaign, according to the PPP General Secretary. “They are trying to excite fear the major towns in Guyana…clearly they are worried about what is happening in the City (Georgetown), New Amsterdam and Linden in particular…they are not getting the reception they were expecting….they are encountering this everywhere, so they are stepping up on the campaign of fear….the fear element is the only way they are hoping to drive voters out. They know it worked well in the

past and they are banking on that…it started off with the vendors and I thought by now they would drop the issue of us getting the vendors off the street, because we have spoken openly about it, but they are still campaigning on it,” he said.

Jagdeo also pointed out that the court has already ruled on the issue of boundaries. “As I said last week, the APNU played its hand too early,” he said, pointing out even when the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Ronald Bulkan changed the boundaries for the 2018 Local Government Elections, the APNU and AFC which contested separately failed to secure major wins. “They are already starting to make excuses for the massive loss they will face…if you don’t contest 291 of the 610 constituencies, how will you win an overwhelming majority?” On May 31, 2023, the Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, rule in the case where the APNU was challenging the boundaries of the Local Authority Areas (LAAs). The APNU claimed that the decision of GECOM to change the boundaries of 37 constituencies in 19 Local Authority Areas, based on the actions of Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, was unlawful and on this basis the 2023 LGE ought not to be held as GECOM had breached Article 72 of the Constitution. The judge, in throwing out the case, ruled that, “It is the minister who must be guided by Article 72(2)….GECOM is not concerned with division into local authority areas, nor is it establishing or changing boundaries.” On the claim that “the prospects of success of the APNU will be severely prejudiced”, the Chief Justice said, “That is asking the court to engage in partisan politics and that cannot be countenanced… there is no evidence to support this ground… it amounted to an opinion.” George-Wiltshire added, “…that is asking the court to engage in partisan politics and that cannot be countenanced… there is no evidence to support this ground… it amounted to an opinion.”

Looking ahead to the polls on Monday, June 12, 2023, the PPP General Secretary urged Guyanese to vote on track record.