Weekend Mirror 25-26 February 2023

Jagdeo exposes lies, biases and lack of credibility in certain reports

Jagdeo exposes lies, biases and lack of credibility in certain reports

Transparency International

Guyana (TIGI) was the subject of much criticism by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo for its lack of credibility and bias nature, particularly in the generation of its corruption reports.

The Vice President, who was speaking during an inter-

view aired on Friday (February 10, 2023) last questioned, “Does it [the report] go to their board, not just the head of the agency sends it off. Does it go to their board for discussion and if so, did that report go to their board and then shouldn’t the citizens of the country see the report

that they send up secretly to Transparency International to falsely influence them.

“So, these local organisations that are bias can influence an international body that believes that they have credibility to put you to either score you higher or lower on an index. So, the indices

themselves become suspect.”

The report in question is the 2019 report published by TIGI during the period of the APNU+AFC government.

Dr Jagdeo said, “If TIGI has any credibility because they may want to distance, they would first of all, distance themselves from that

[2019] report.”

For context, TIGI is an affiliate of the Transparency International organisation, which is dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability in government and business practices and fighting corruption.

According to research, the organisation generates its reports through a combination of research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The organisation may use various methods to gather information, including surveys, interviews with experts and stakeholders, and the examination of publicly available data and documents. The information is then analysed to identify trends, patterns, and potential instances of corruption or lack of transparency.

Once the analysis is complete, TIGI may publish its findings in the form of reports, which outline the key issues and recommendations for improvement. The reports are meant to provide an independent and objective assessment of the situation and to inform public debate and decision-making. Bottom of Form

However, Dr Jagdeo, who shared his belief that the organisation is anti-PPP, pointed to instances where TIGI seems to have overlooked major corruption under the previous APNU+AFC government. “So, we [Guyana] got scored higher on track in the APNU period on the Transparency Corruption Perception Index, because the report said they did a survey, that’s where citizens in the APNU period said there is less corruption in the government… In that period, you had at the tender board, procedures were violated, that was the norm. That was not the exception, every tender procedure, we have tons of the sale of land. We now have people charged for the sale of land without any evaluation, without collecting the money that was transferred, like what Jordan did. We had the Patterson scandal with the bridge, we had a ton of. I can go along and list, I can list 30 issues where ministers were involved in giving contracts to themselves in the ministry. $600 million missing from that, the D’Urban Park fiasco, you know, that stadium or whatever they built there. It was the norm, more citizens felt there was greater corruption in that period, yet the local TIGI office sent up a report saying that people felt the new government, the PNC government, was not corrupt, less corrupt,” VP Jagdeo highlighted.

TIGI had noted that the APNU+AFC administration had released the oil and gas contract, but on the contrary, the vice president noted that neither the contract or environmental permit were made

public.

In fact, the PPP/C government, since assuming office in August 2020 has publicly made available all the environmental permits it has issued, as well as those issued under the coalition government. In addition, the licensing of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels have now been made public.

“But Troy Thomas [former TIGI president] and the local TIGI report said APNU should be lauded because they released oil and gas contracts. A lie, it’s a big lie that he told in that report. Secondly, he said about a parking metre, that they reversed the parking metre. Now they were the ones you will remember, [Ronald] Bulkan approved the process moving forward. It was a PNC cabal in the City Council that organised this parking metre fiasco and it was approved by the minister… So just imagine they’re taking credit for a corrupt transaction, taking credit for transparency on a corrupt transaction and this is aided and abetted by TIGI,” Dr Jagdeo stated.

He also noted that under the previous administration the secretariat of the Integrity Commission was dismantled, thereby removing the process of public officials presenting financial statements.

“Every year we have had to submit our statements to the Integrity Commission, every year, I became president in 1999 from 2000, we started, the law was passed and we pushed it in place. Guess which years we have the gaps in, under the five years of APNU, their three years where nobody had to submit because APNU refuse to submit… The worst period in terms of non-submission to the Integrity Commission was under the five years of APNU and the shameful Troy Thomas and the TIGI, they said they give them credit.”

Other instances of corruption were highlighted by the vice president during the five-year period under the APNU+AFC, which TIGI has failed to include in its report, but continue to target current government officials, exposing its biased nature.

“You’ll recall when Harmon was seen in a plane somewhere in China, right, flying around and people were raised, would you put that in your report with TIGI, they wanted to meet Harmon to get his explanation. You have one issue with a PPP minister now, and you want to bet it’s in our report. I’ve never seen Cathy Hughes who was giving contracts to herself or the housing minister [under APNU] was giving her husband contracts any part of our report. It’s selective, transparency,” Dr Jagdeo asserted.

Guyana cannot wait for climate funds from global mechanism

‒ Jagdeo says country pushing ahead on parallel tracks to advance development

Guyana needs funding to put in place climate resilient infrastructure – an undertaking that would take some US$2 billion, according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

And he contends that waiting for climate or adaptation funds to come through global mechanisms is not an option for a country that is below sea-level, particularly given the sloth in the movement at the global level to ensure support is provided by the developed world, which contribute the most to climate change, to developing countries, the most affected.

He said, “The significant amount of funds required for adaptation is over maybe US$2 billion dollars just for flood control and water management, in Guyana’s case, which is our biggest

vulnerability.

“…we can’t wait for climate funds or adaptations funds to come through the global mechanism. I think most country in the regions are waiting for that and it will be a long wait a hundred years. We don’t have time for that.

“…some of the climate funds will be used for that purpose, some will come from the oil and gas industry. …the proceeds will be used to do some of the things we’ve identified in our expanded LCDS. The initial LCDS focused on mainly the forests, the new one on biodiversity, on integrated water management, on adaptation, the marine economy, and so the significant amount of funds required for adaptation, over maybe US$2 billion in Guyana’s case, just for flood

control and water management. That’s our biggest vulnerability.

LOBBYING UNFCCC

Further, with 70 per cent of its carbon credits still to be sold, Guyana is pushing negotiations with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to create room for a compliance market for carbon credits, as the country continues to levy the benefits of its vast forested area.

Jagdeo explained that after gaining US$220 million from its 2009 agreement with Norway to avoid deforestation, and selling 30 per cent of the country’s jurisdictional carbon credits last year to Hess Corporation for at least US$750 million, Jagdeo said the next step is a robust compliance market.

He said, “Globally we’re pushing the UNFCCC negotiations, to create that room. Because if we can have a compliance market there, the prices would escalate. We got really good prices at $15 per tonne of carbon for the 2016 to 2020 period, it will be $20 for 2021 to 2025 and $25 per tonne between 2026 and 2030. So those are good prices, compared to what is in the voluntary markets now. But it has the potential to go to $80, $90 per tonne. So potentially, this could become a $4, $5 billion deal, depending on if its traded upwards.

“If we can have a compliance market then the price [for carbon credits] would escalate. We got really good prices at US$15 per tonne of carbon credits for the 2016 to 2020. It would be US$20 for 2021 to 2025, and $25 be-

tween 2026 and 2030. Those are good prices compared to what is in the voluntary markets now. But it has the potential to go to as much as US$80 to US$90 per tonne.”

The Vice President added, “…we are the only jurisdictional scale country certification in the world. Our forest carbon is the highest quality forest carbon in the world, because we’ve had 10 years of robust monitoring reporting, verification systems in place.

“…and that is why it has such a great value. We managed to sell 30 per cent of that to Hess for a minimum of US$750 million. Because if the prices move as is traded for the secondary markets, we would be able to share the upside. So, this is potentially at US$2 billion dollars deal….[The remaining] 70 per cent of our credit. We have a number

of people who are trying to buy those credits. We are a bit cautious now but soon we will enter the markets further. These credits are CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) certified, and CORSIA is a compliance market.”

Guyana has more than 18 million hectares of forests, storing an estimated 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Last year, the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) issued REDD+ Environmental Excellence Standard (TREES) credits to Guyana, marking the first time a country has been issued carbon credits specifically designed for the voluntary and compliant carbon markets for successfully preventing forest loss and degradation – a process known as jurisdictional REDD+.

Onthe 53rd anniversary of Guyana becoming a Republic, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, charged that, despite challenges that threatened to take the country backward, there have been improvements and our nation is on a forward, transformational, trajectory.

However, at the same time, he stressed that this would not have been possible had democracy not prevail. The Head of State said: “This is why we must continuously safeguard our democratic gains.”

Seizure of power by fraud, not election; this is how one politician described fraudulent electoral processes of the 1960’s.

It is without a doubt that the controversial undertakings since polls closed on March 2, 2020 took place with the complicity of some staffers of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the APNU+AFC Coalition. However, dealing with a compromised electoral machinery is not new for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). This was seen prior to 1992. In his book, the West on Trial, Dr Cheddi Jagan, noted that the elections machinery was compromised, given that some elements were under the control of the PNC, in the 1960’s. As early as the 1960’s the use of Returning Officers by the PNC – the majority partner in what is now the APNU+AFC Coalition – was a tactic employed to subvert the will of the people. Dr. Jagan recorded that Returning Officers refused to allow stakeholders in the electoral process to view the list of applications for proxy votes – the reason being that proxy voting was one method used by the PNC to rig elections. In 2020, the Region 4 Returning Officer, before his March 13th declaration, refused to allow stakeholders in the electoral process to see the Statements of Poll he was using to tabulate results – documents that had different numbers from the GECOM-issued Statements of Polls in the possession of PPP representatives and other electoral process stakeholders. The process of verification and tabulating the results from an election is quiet simple. The Returning Officer reads out the the stakeholders (members from each party and observers), it is then agreed or disagreed on. If there is a difference in the recorded vote, then the Presiding Officer is called in to make any clarifications and/or even corrections. If this clarification is not clear a request for a recount can be made.

According to Dr. Jagan, the Elections Commission in the 1966 period merely served as an “instrument to rubber –stamp” the PNC’s decision and to “condone many irregularities” in the electoral process. What is clear is that, in 2020, with the present electoral legal and constitutional architecture, this cannot be allowed. The GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, has a responsibility, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana, to maintain the independence and credibility of GECOM and to act in a manner that inspires public confidence and trust.

Elections rigging was brazen prior to 1992, when Guyana had its first free and fair elections, and the attempt in 2020 was the same. It was resisted then and will continue to be resisted now. As Dr. Jagan once put it, engaged in actions to taste the “seductive and politically rewarding adventure” of flirting with half-truths. Dr. Jagan once wrote: “The intention is to perpetuate the status quo (electoral fraud) by confusion and to transfer blame for failure from the PNC government to others.” The days of the PNC being the “paramount party” are over. No Guyanese, young or old, wants a return to the past.

All said, democracy is the pillar stone for a civilized society. The fight to protect our democratic gains will be one that continues, undoubtedly. After all, we keep what we fight for. It is said that if, we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. We as Guyanese must condemn this behaviour and take a stand for what is right – take a stand to defend our democracy. We must remain vigilant in these uncertain times.

Guyana’s prospects are looking good and will only get better

Dear Editor,

The potential for Guyana to become a regional leader has been acknowledged by several world leaders, due in large measure to our oil and gas reserves.

The change in the country’s economic fortunes was recognised by several speakers at the recent oil and gas summit held in Guyana.

Yet there are those in our midst who continue to see, as it were, the glass as being half empty rather than half-filled. They continue to harp on the lopsided nature of the oil contracts without taking notice of the fact that the country stands to benefit

enormously from the billions of dollars from oil revenues which otherwise would not have been possible.

Only recently at a meeting with Amerindian leaders, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo spoke of the billions of dollars that will be allocated to Amerindian development as a direct result of the sale of carbon credits. These are substantial developments that will impact positively on the lives of our Indigenous Peoples and the Guyanese people as a whole.

This is not to suggest that we should not seek to get a better deal from our carbon resources. My own view is that the current contract is much too skewed in favour of the oil

companies operating, but there is not much to be gained from finding faults and engaging in the blame game.

The important thing now is to look ahead and learn from past mistakes, something which the current PPP/C administration is already doing.

The prospects for Guyana are looking good and will only get better in the coming years. But it requires all Guyanese to exercise patience while remaining vigilant that we do not get the raw end of the stick in future negotiations with the oil companies.

Yours respectfully, Hydar Ally

All of Guyana must adjust to a vigilant elections mode

Dear Editor,

The Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, has written to Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), appointing Monday, June 12, 2023, as the date for Local Government Elections.

This significant undertaking follows a notification from the Chairperson of the institution’s readiness to host the Local Government Elections by May 22, this year. It will be a major step and point of measure for GECOM since the organisation’s image had, perhaps, denigrated to its lowest ebb following the epoch of approximately 28 years of oppressive PNC manipulation, which was significantly reduced when they lost power in 1992.

Associated in this respect is the flagrant involvement of GECOM staff in the abhorrent and scandalous attempts to falsify the true results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. These have been drivers for sweeping remedial changes, some of which have been undertaken, but which still leave key stakeholders and observers poised to maintain purposeful diligence and almost unrestrictive caution.

After much uncertainty linked to frequent delays and the shifting of commitments to complete these overdue elections resulting largely, from opposition tactics, the situation realizes a sense of relief. For some Guyanese citizens, there is some level of apprehension, given an expectation that the PNC may come up with some other suppressive strategy or problem. Consequently, the entire country must

adjust and get into the elections mood, and be objective to the realities of what is required, while being aware of the deception opposition forces are attempting to camouflage.

There is no doubt that the PPP/C government has moved with appropriate speed to significantly bolster the development benefits to all Guyanese through meaningful and accelerated initiatives, and strengthen our democracy at the national level. The fact is that local governance and the local government systems are essential parts of Guyana’s governance. Our local democracy must be strengthened to ensure that at the community and village levels, the necessary cycles of the democratic movement are in synchrony and parallels these advancements.

GECOM moved in the right direction and has since undertaken several necessary and complementary activities. The ongoing continuous registration along with the Claims and Objections process will give rise to a proper Register of Voters. The Preliminary List of Electors (PLE) is fully accessible to all the stakeholders in the country and timely public notices and information guidelines were provided to advance public awareness of the adjusted timelines for the facilitation of amendments to the register as required.

Hence, anyone who will be 18 years or over by May 22, 2023, and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, or naturalisation or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more, is eligible for inclusion in the registers, providing he/ she is living in a Local Authority Area. Every citizen now has an opportunity to make sure that their name is on the PLE

where they are living, so that they can be part of local democracy.

GECOM must be commended for putting Assistant Electoral Registers (AERs) in each LAA. This proactive mechanism will allow every citizen to make the relevant changes that they may need to make to facilitate their full participation in the process. Further, This Claims and Objections process will allow every citizen to peruse the PLE and make their observations to the AER so that the necessary adjustments can be made, so that GECOM can produce the best possible Register of Voters.

I wish to applaud and congratulate the efforts of the Chief Elections Officer Mr Vishnu Persaud, who has certainly demonstrated that he is knowledgeable of the operational work of the elections commission. Hence, the commission must put all systems in place to hold Local Government Elections following the approved work plan.

Our people are deserving of increased benefits from the PPP/C government’s tremendous transformation and development that is taking place in Guyana. Local democracy must be strengthened through the LGEs to facilitate a smoother transition of gains at the local authority levels.

Many persons are looking out for the known ‘naysays’ who will be making their usual objections to frustrate and delay the holding of LGEs. The Guyanese people should no longer condone these naysayers and join to reject their burdensome attempts to slow the path of progress.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Our democracy must be protected

Lincoln Lewis is mischievously misleading Guyanese on Prime Minister’s portfolio

Dear Editor,

Allow me from the onset to state emphatically that the assertions surrounding my portfolio as Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, made by Mr. Lincoln Lewis in his recent ‘Eye on Guyana’ column, are blatantly false, and are meant to mislead Guyanese.

Similarly false are his claims that the Government of Guyana is somehow not demonstrating respect for the Constitution and laws of Guyana. This edict that is masqueraded as an opinion piece on Government’s constitutional performance confirms the widely held view that the author is content to faithfully clutch at straws floated by his political masters in the Opposition, without first seeking the facts.

The irresponsible suggestion that I am not allowed to function within the constitutional powers afforded to the post of Prime Minister is irrational, even by Lewis’s standards.

Nonetheless, the deliberate attempt to distort the facts about the Office of the Prime Minister warrants a reminder, which I am happy to provide, that Lewis’s narrative best

fits my immediate predecessor, since the post of Prime Minister was denuded under the previous APNU+AFC administration.

Veteran regional journalist Rickey Singh, in his Guyana Chronicle column of November 2015, succinctly pointed to the traditionally enormous powers of an Executive President as Head of State, as well as the constitutional responsibilities allotted to the Prime Minister – normally the number two person in the Guyana Cabinet. Singh wrote, “The President seems busily engaged in the further constitutional empowerment of his former Army colleague, ex-Guyana Defence Force Colonel Joseph Harmon.

According to Singh, “This leaves no doubt about the reality of a twosome power status quo – he and ‘Comrade’ Joe.”

Following his analysis, Singh was forced to depart the newspaper by the vindictive APNU+AFC regime, for stating the facts on the sidelining of the then Prime Minister, whose duties were reduced to mere ceremonial appearances to deliver pep talks, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and photo ops which were gleefully accepted because there was no meaningful portfolio offered.

Was the violence the work of PPP infiltrators or PNC thugs?

Dear Editor,

The morning of June 28, 2022 marked another dark day of racial violence in Guyana. Responding to a mischievously inaccurate Facebook posting that stated that a Police officer who allegedly shot and killed Quinton Bacchus was released from Police custody, the residents of Golden Grove took to the streets in protest.

Bacchus was killed in an alleged shootout, after reportedly trying to sell a firearm to an undercover Policeman in the Haslington New Scheme on June 10, 2022. The protest ended up at the Mon Repos Market, where it quickly turned violent. Vendors of Indian descent were beaten and robbed, and their stalls and transportation were destroyed and set on fire. Motorists and commuters were stranded for the entire day, as the protestors blocked the roadway with burning debris. No one was arrested.

Later, Dr David Hinds went on Facebook and gave his account of the mayhem, blaming the PPP/C for planting infiltrators in the midst of the “innocent” protestors to create havoc and to let it appear as though Afro-Guyanese were behind the beating, burning and looting at the Mon Repos Market. He proclaimed the innocence of those who participated in the “peaceful” protest and said the PPP chickens were coming home to roost. He soon had his racist partner parroting the same rhetoric on Kams TV.

Well, if there were really “PPP infiltrators” who created the terror at the Mon Repos Market on June 28 of last year, one would expect the likes of David Hinds to be happy if they were caught and severely punished for trying to blame it all on the innocent protestors from Golden Grove.

Then earlier this month, on February 1, unrest again erupted in another PNC stronghold, this time in Buxton, after members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) arrested a drug trafficker who tried to get away with over 52lbs of cannabis in his car.

Demanding his release, the Buxton protestors blocked the road with burning debris, terrorising commuters and setting afire the truck of a businessman who has nothing to do with their demands.

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken issued a warning that this behaviour would not be tolerated, and shortly thereafter, issued arrest warrants for 12 persons accused of terrorism in the Mon Repos Market on June 28 of last year. I expect more to follow.

Now, if David Hinds was right, those twelve wanted for terrorism should all be PPP supporters who were paid handsomely to infiltrate the “peaceful” protestors in Golden Grove, to give Afro-Guyanese a bad name. He should be happy that, finally, justice has been served on these PPP “house slaves”.

But not so, his rhetoric has been changed. He’s now claiming that the wanted twelve were all innocent “peaceful” protestors, and are being hunted by the Police because they’re Black men.

Come on, David; you can’t have it both ways. Before they were wanted, they were PPP infiltrators. Now that they’re being rounded up for terrorism, they’re innocent altar boys. To me, they’re plain ole PNC thugs that need to be put away with all those who are inciting violence and spewing racism every day on social media.

Sincerely, Harry Gill

As upholders of the Constitution, the PPP/C has always embraced the traditional posture to the Prime Minister’s portfolio, where, for instance, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had been in charge of energy, and served as the head of Government business in the National Assembly. This approach has not changed.

Upon return to Government in 2020, one of the first things President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali did was to ensure the independence of the Prime Minister’s Office by relocating the office from the same building as the Office of the President.

The President then assigned meaningful duties to my office. Apart from my role as the Leader of Government’s business in the National Assembly, I also have responsibility for the telecommunications sector, which includes the Telecommunications Agency, National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC).

Additionally, I have been assigned the Civil Defence Commission and disaster preparedness activities in Guyana. My office also has responsibility for the energy sector, exercising oversight of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc, (HECI), as well as the Guyana Nation-

al Broadcast Authority (GNBA). Further, my office is also tasked with oversight of the Government Information Sector, which includes the Department of Public Information (DPI), the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), and the National Communications Network (NCN).

The baseless and reckless nature of the claims from Mr. Lincoln Lewis and his handlers in the Opposition follow a now-familiar pattern of maligning state institutions, officials and public servants, and attempting to shake public confidence in the fundamental pillars of our democracy and governance.

We are at an unprecedented moment of our cherished history. Our democratic principles and rights have been solidly restored, the economy is strong to the point that we are once again able to attract foreign investors in significant numbers; which is evidence of the vast potential that Guyana wields as a ‘head cornerstone’, leading the conversations on global issues, as described by Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at the recent opening of the International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023.

Sincerely, Prime Minister, Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips

Lincoln Lewis fails in his attempt to rewrite history

Dear Editor,

Being myself on old employee of our bauxite industry, having 25 years of service, spanning from 1967 to 1992; and having been Minister responsible for Mines and Minerals (including our bauxite sector) from 1992 to 2011, I am (as someone who knows) obliged to respond to the allegations being made by Mr. Lincoln Lewis in his recent letter in Kaieteur News of Monday, February 13, 2023 under the title “Under Jagdeo’s Presidency the bauxite industry self-contributing Pension Fund worth more than $2.5 Billion was destroyed”. As he says, this was “the single largest pool of money owned by African workers”.

The Bauxite Industry contributing Pension Fund was not destroyed, but distributed to its members. President Jagdeo saved it from destruction by refusing to hand it over to Mr. Lincoln Lewis, as Head of the Union, and his associates.

Our PPP/C Government’s position was that we had a legal and moral responsibility to hand the full benefit (employer and em-

ployee contribution, as provided for in the pension fund rules) to every member of the pension fund. We said to Mr. Lewis and his colleagues, “We can give each worker his cheque at one table, and you can have a table nearby so that each worker could deposit it into your Fund, as he or she may choose”. It was for you, Mr. Lewis, to so persuade and commit to the workers.

Yes, “all bauxite workers, at a certain time, both at Linden and Berbice, were terminated (some twice)” but no worker at that time went on the breadline. Those workers ended one day working for the Government-owned company, receiving their termination of employment and all benefits; and the very next day went back to work for the new private bauxite company.

Mr. Lewis is remembering only those parts of various stories which paint his false picture of former President Jagdeo and the PPP/C as he advances his false charges that we have been bent on discriminating against and affronting the dignity of our fellow black Afro-Guyanese citizens. We were not without blemish, but we worked for the eq-

uitable development of all our people.

Yes, there were lots of job losses in the bauxite sector: the first, the biggest and most traumatic, was in 1983. For a full story, allow me to recall the history. Like Lincoln, I put a lot of my early working life into the bauxite industry. I was devastated at many levels by the obvious steady decline after 1975 – even though I knew about the new, more advantageous bauxite deposits that were developed in Jamaica, Guinea and Australia; and I knew that nothing is forever; everything goes through the life cycle of being born/started, maturing, glory days, peaking, declining and disappearing. This is particularly so with “wasting resources” – minerals and oil and gas resources which do not “grow back” in our lifetime. The challenge is to use the benefits derived to soundly build new places in the future.

By the early 1980s, many authorities were calling for a great downsizing and transforming of our bauxite sector, and wondering whether it could be profitable again. President Burnham, in 1982, looking to a return of the World Bank/IMF, gave a go ahead for shrinking, which saw the drawing up of retrenchment lists to reduce employment by one-third at every level. He back-tracked in 1982, but the retrenchment went ahead in 1983. About 1800 employees were retrenched then, receiving their full retrenchment and all other benefits.

Declining fortunes continued in the bauxite sector, requiring regularly that millions of dollars of subsistence support be received from our Treasury. In addition, there were two multilateral interventions – 1985 and 1990 – and “voluntary” retrenchment (without replacement) was extended.

Mr. Lewis should see the “beleaguered GuySuCo” as being these days in much the same position as the bauxite sector was in through the 1970s and 80s — receiving proportionately similar billions of dollars of tax-payers money, and finding similarly that the new and different approaches recommended by engineers and consultants have not been rewarded.

Our experience in the way our bauxite sector has evolved can provide us with valuable insights on how our sugar sector might yet evolve.

When we, the PPP/C, entered Office in October 1992, we met in place an agreement entered into between the outgoing PNC administration and the multilaterals and bilaterals, which saw a foreign manager, MINPROC of Australia, installed since 1990. MINPROC was to pronounce, by the end of 1994, whether or not they saw the sector being able to be restored to profitability. If profitable, the company was to be divested; if not, it was to be shut down forthwith. After more than a dozen years, more good money from taxes was not to be thrown to the bauxite sector to keep it going.

When, in 1994, MINPROC announced that it saw no way that bauxite could be returned to profitability, we PPP/C, according to the PNC-entered covenant, were supposed to shut down the sector forthwith. But we did no such thing: we violated that covenant. We argued with the World Bank/ IMF other multilaterals and bilaterals and found a number of creative ways, off and on budget, to keep the sector going while we continued shrinking by retirement and “voluntary retrenchment” and “unbundling.”

We hoped for eventual privatisation of the bauxite cores, as eventually happened, and that some unbundled departments would become privatised businesses on their own.

We were conscious that the days of the old paternalistic company town and socialist state of state-owned enterprises were at an end, but they left in the minds of our peo-

ple of the bauxite communities a mindset which would be a great drag. Accordingly, we embarked on changing the mindset from “company employees in a company town” to that of “self-responsible, enterprising entrepreneurs in an open town.”

Then President Jadgeo announced special incentives to encourage business ventures in the bauxite communities, whether initiated by persons from within the communities, from elsewhere in Guyana, or from “foreign.”

Mr. Lewis charges again that the Jagdeo regime did not acknowledge an offer from the Union in partnership with a foreign investor to purchase Bermine. That offer was considered and found, though desirable, to be not credible; and further, many workers did not support it.

Mr. Lewis’s reference to the troubles at BCGI in 2009 points to an area for his reconsideration, and perhaps for all of us. Our righteous anger in the 1950s and 60s, our indignation about slavery and indentureship and the historical European colonial exploitation by imperialist capitalists, put us at war with the developed countries and their trans-national corporations. In DEMBA in the late 1960s, in the run up to nationalisation, much crude, unruly worker behaviour was defended, even instigated, which otherwise would not have been acceptable. No wonder that, after nationalisation, workers were in some confusion, and there was much talk about “functional superiority.”

Industrial relations after nationalisation in 1971 were the worst they had ever been.

I was Minister for the bauxite sector in 2009 when certain incidents occurred at Aroiama, and it was clear that Mr. Lewis was leading, rather misleading, himself and those workers following him along the 1960s pre-nationalisation of DEMBA playbook. But we are no longer at war with the Developed World. These days, we aim to be “Workers for the World” and “Partners with the World.”

The attacks on President Jagdeo must be particularly hurtful, since, as a young economist, Mr. Jagdeo led a study of the Linden community with other then young economists of Linden, including then young De Clou and young (woman) Cole. He has known of, and has been concerned about, the challenges of the bauxite communities second to no other. Thus it was that, from budget time to budget time, he would put to the table that our subsidy of electricity in Linden (to the extent of G$3 billion, 90% of the costs) was an important vehicle for putting money into Linden and the other bauxite communities. The problem was that it was greatly inefficient, wasteful to the extent of 50% and more when compared with the electricity consumption of a similar cohort of customers on our electricity grid on the coast.

The responsible thing to do was to seek more efficient and effective ways of injecting that money into the bauxite communities.

And, sensitive to the dignity of our fellow citizens in Linden, we talked little about this subsidy, a very large allocation at that time, until we were braced with charges like those from Mr. Lewis: that we were not doing anything for the people of Linden and the bauxite communities.

Again, please allow me to recall that when the Cambior/OGML group to which the Linden bauxite core was initially privatised, after an initial period of success, found themselves with little sales and announced that they had to shut down the operations for a month or two, President Jagdeo, without a moment’s hesitation, announced that his Government would provide basic, 40 hrs./

Workers were stabbed in the back, betrayed by the APNU+AFC cabal

Dear Editor,

TheAPNU+AFC cabal continues to operate in an alternate universe, completely insensitive to the anguish, pain, and suffering Guyanese endured during their tenure, which was marred by inhumane economic policies that ultimately ended with a failed attempt to influence the outcome of democratic elections in 2020.

This notion was cemented as I read with great horror and utter disgust a statement issued by the APNU+ AFC’s Coretta McDonald, in which she attempted to criticise the recent announcement by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, of an eight per cent retroactive salary increase across-the-board for public servants, teachers, members of the disciplined services, constitutional office holders and government pensioners as well as his intention to announce an adjustment to the salaries of lower categories of public sector workers in the coming week.

McDonald’s willingness to sacrifice truth at the altar of political expediency to fulfil the APNU+AFC’s misleading narratives is extremely disheartening.

She deliberately inflated the inflation rate to 50 per cent, which is another spurious claim used to buttress her argument against the salary

increase announced by the President.

The inescapable truth is that McDonald knows all too well the unjust and harsh treatment teachers endured at the hands of David Granger and the APNU+AFC regime.

McDonald and her party believe that all of Guyana was asleep between May 2015 and August 1, 2020.

They believe that Guyanese have forgotten that it was McDonald herself who proclaimed in 2018 that life for teachers was better under the PPP/C Government.

In fact, so good and attractive are the PPP/C policies towards workers that McDonald advanced her desire, through discussions, to become the PPP/C’s 2020 elections, prime ministerial candidate, up until a different approach was taken.

Therefore, the slap in the face McDonald refers to in her statement should really be directed inwards to her colleagues in the APNU+AFC because the most dehumanising treatment workers have ever faced in this country was during the tenure of the Granger-led regime.

Teachers were forced to take strike action in 2018 following three years of delay in renewing the five-year salaries and benefits agreement first signed under the PPP/C and

which had expired in 2015. Their suffering, like every other Guyanese except for the coalition elites, was further compounded by the imposition of, an increase of over 200 taxes and fees.

And for daring to stand up for their rights they were called “selfish” and “uncaring” by a sitting Minister in the former APNU+AFC government.

Instead of focusing on the overall well-being of public sector workers, officials of Coretta McDonald’s party rewarded themselves with a 50 per cent salary increase three months after taking office. They spent billions of dollars on food, fancy vehicles, and upgrading offices for themselves.

Had the APNU+AFC remained in office during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian/Ukraine conflict, Guyanese would have been eating from garbage bins by now because of how poor and incompetent the coalition’s leadership was.

On the other hand, since returning to office, the PPP/C government is implementing holistic economic policies to lower prices for goods and services which have increased globally.

At the same time, we have reversed the punitive taxes that had been imposed by APNU+AFC on electricity, water, medical services and educational supplies, basic household

necessities, and basic construction materials.

The salary increase announced by the President should not be viewed in isolation, but in unison, with the several other measures we have implemented since assuming office, all with the aim of improving disposable incomes for public sector employees and Guyanese at large.

As announced by the President, the increase, which is retroactive from January 2022, is part of the government’s wider efforts and also includes adjusted salary scales for various categories of workers to be announced next week.

The APNU+AFC willfully omits to mention this information in their haste to be critical. The APNU+AFC plunged the economy into freefall. They governed in a way that brought hopelessness and despair to people.

The unabated theft of state resources and the trauma of the five-month period APNU+AFC spent trying to interfere in the 2020 Regional and General Elections were not just a slap in the face, but a stab in the back of Guyanese.

Yours respectfully, Hon. Joseph Hamilton Minister of Labour

Economy to experience sustained growth of over 25 per cent in 2023 − Senior Finance Minister

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh says the country’s economy is expected to experience sustained growth of 25.1 per cent this year.

Minister Singh also predicted that the growth rate will continue to exceed 25 per cent in the medium term, over the next three to four years.

Dr Singh made the disclosure recently and added that, “The achievement of real economic growth of 25 per cent over a sustained period is an achievement that is rare, in the historical economic context…

Mind you, that projection of 25 per cent is based on current proven oil reserves and a production trajectory consistent with current proven reserves.”

Highlighting the macroeconomic landscape in which Guyana is functioning, Dr Singh said the government’s top priority is to ensure that the country achieves strong, sustainable, and tangible economic growth.

Last year, Guyana was ranked as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with over 62 per cent real growth.

Singh said, “To put things

in context, over the last three years, the Guyanese economy has tripled in size. We broke our nominal GDP, and the size of the economy broke the $1 trillion mark in 2019 for the first time… in fact, we ended the year [2019] with nominal GDP of GY$1.078 trillion. We ended 2022 with nominal GDP in excess of GY$3 trillion.”

While the country’s economic growth was driven by the oil and gas sector, the minister emphasised that the government is prioritising the attainment of robust non-oil economic growth.

Last year, the non-oil econ-

omy expanded by 11.5 per cent and Minister Singh is projecting real economic growth in the non-oil economy of 7.9 per cent this year. “We are projecting real economic growth in the non-oil sectors solidly in excess of 5 per cent through the medium term as well,” Dr Singh stated.

With this in mind, the senior finance minister said investors looking to do business in Guyana will be coming to an economic jurisdiction that has established a robust track record of economic growth in recent years, and a strong outlook in the medium term.

He underscored that all of this is being done within the context of the government’s recognition of the importance of maintaining a disciplined fiscal stance. “We endeavour our best to maintain that fiscal deficit and we finance that deficit with extremely prudent borrowing,” he stressed.

On the subject of fiscal solvency, Minister Singh stated that Guyana has made remarkable progress in strengthening its public finances over the years. Just over 30 years ago, Guyana’s public debt to GDP ratio exceeded 600 per cent however, today, the public

debt to GDP ratio stands at 24.6 per cent.

This, the senior minister said, places Guyana ahead of almost every economy in this hemisphere, and it puts the country in a position where it has significant headroom to borrow.

The minister noted that Guyana has a strong portfolio with multilateral and regional development institutions and a robust pipeline of official borrowing. This enables the country to finance its fiscal programme without having to resort to expensive or uncompetitive borrowing options.

PPP/C gov’t will not allow electoral fraud charges to ‘fall away’ – Nandlall

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC has taken note of concerns raised by citizens about the slow pace at which the electoral fraud cases are being processed.

To this end, government will be writing to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to seek an update on the matters, which have been before the courts since late 2020 and early 2021.

“Government will request from the DPP soon, a status update on these charges, where they are and why they have not been

prosecuted and progressed with the alacrity and seriousness with which they should,” the Attorney General revealed on Tuesday (February 21, 2023).

Some 32 electoral fraud cases have been filed in the Magistrates Court against several former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officials and political activists who are accused of being involved in the attempt to manipulate the results of the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

These include former Chief Elections Officer,

Keith Lowenfield, former Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxane Myers, Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, APNU+AFC activist Carol Smith-Joseph among others.

Once the government has received the report from the DPP, the information would be made public, the Attorney General relayed. “You are entitled to that information, and it will come from the DPP because the DPP is responsible for the prosecution of these offences, the AG expressed.

He reminded that the charges are being instituted

by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) upon the advice of the DPP and government is insulated from the process. “But it doesn’t mean that the government will sit idly by and allow these charges to just fall away. We are equally as an important stakeholder in this society, as you are members of the public, you are equally interested in the outcome of these charges,” Nandlall stated.

Similar concerns were raised by the Attorney General in August 2022, however, the cases are still not being processed in the manner in which they should.

Jagdeo and India’s Vice President discuss strengthening partnership in petroleum, agriculture, other sectors

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo and India’s Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar during a meeting this week, have agreed to continue to work on strengthening bilateral partnership in various sectors including petroleum and natural gas, agriculture, agro-processing, education, healthcare, capacity building, ICT, renewable energy and climate change.

Jagdeo, is in India on an official visit from February 20-25, 2023, at the invitation of the Vice President of India. He is accompanied by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh.

According to an official press release from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders acknowledged the close and cordial relations shared by their two nations, which are based on strong people- to- people ties, economic linkages and commonalities of approach on multilateral issues.

VP Jagdeo also met with External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.

He is expected to meet with President of India, Her Excellency, Droupadi Murmu tomorrow, as well as the Ministers of Health and Fam-

ily Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilisers, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and, Housing and Urban Affairs.

He is also attending the World Sustainable Development Summit being organised by The Energy Research Institute (TERI) in New Delhi from February 22-24, 2023.

The visit by Dr. Jagdeo follows that of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali back in January as the Chief Guest of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

The release added that high-level exchanges between India and Guyana reflect new energy and momentum in bilateral relations.

Vice President, Hon. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo met with Vice President of India, Hon. Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar

POSITIONS FROM FREEDOM HOUSE

A message from The People's Progressive Party on the occasion of Guyana's 53rd Republic Anniversary

On the occasion of Guyana’s 53rd Republic anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) expresses best wishes to all Guyanese, both at home and in the Diaspora. Fifty-three years ago, the attainment of Republican status heralded self-rule. As we reflect, let’s renew our commitment to collectively work towards building a Guyana we all desire and to strengthen the bonds of broth-

erhood and sisterhood. Let us work towards removing the barriers of division, recognizing that we are stronger together, as we work to the collective aim of ‘One Guyana’.

Ours is a nation at a pivotal crossroads, one of growing pride and collective optimism ushering palpable manifestations of the dreams of our forefathers, through the visionary and transformational manifesto of

your elected government, steadily charting a course for greatness.

Mashramani celebrates that which is achieved after hard work. There is indeed much to celebrate, as there is much hard work remaining.

We encourage all Guyanese to let Mashramani 2023 reflect an extraordinary degree of camaraderie and oneness, and let the spirit

and vibes of the celebrations in every region permeate the society infinitely.

We are optimistic that the radiance of the colours in the costumes, the energy in the stage performances and parades, and the overwhelming display of Guyaneseness will carry through tomorrow, the day after, and beyond.

Happy Mashramani to all Guyanese!

Scenes from the 53rd Republic Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony at Parliament Buildings, Georgetown

Factsheet: Gas-to-Energy Project set to power economic growth, energy security

Guyana’s gas-to-energy project involves the development and utilisation of natural gas resources for domestic power generation as well as other industrial and commercial uses. The project is part of Guyana’s efforts to tap into its significant offshore natural gas reserves and maximise the benefits for the country and its people.

It is expected to provide a reliable and cost-effective source of energy for Guyana, reducing the country’s dependence on imported fuels and contributing to economic growth.

The energy project also has the potential to create new jobs and opportunities for the people of Guyana, particularly in the energy sector. Additionally, the use of natural gas for power generation is expected to help reduce Guyana’s carbon footprint, contributing to a cleaner environment and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Overall, the gas-to-energy project has the potential to bring significant benefits to the country and its people, helping to drive economic growth, improve energy security, and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Guyana.

PARTNERSHIP WITH EXXONMOBIL

For this transformational venture, the government has partnered with ExxonMobil, which has extensive experience in the exploration, production, and development of natural gas resources.

ExxonMobil is working with the government to develop the necessary infrastructure and facilities to transport and process the gas for use in power generation and other applications.

Government will finance the development of the plant while

ExxonMobil will develop the pipeline, which is expected to carry an estimated cost of US$1.3 billion.

Already, the government has awarded a US$759 million contract to LINDSAYCA/CH4 for the construction of the integrated Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant and the 300-megawatt (MW) combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant located in Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The government has decided to construct the two plants together, as it was determined there will be substantial savings from combining the two facilities.

The partnership is expected to bring significant investment and expertise to the project, helping to ensure its success and the realisation of its full potential benefits for Guyana.

HOW DOES THE GAS-TO-ENERGY PROJECT WORK?

This will see a 300-megawatt (MW) power plant being constructed at the old Wales Sugar Estate on the West Bank Demerara (WBD), which will generate 250 megawatts (MW) of power to approximately 220,000 households that are connected to the grid.

A 200km pipeline will transport gas from the Liza Phase One and Liza Phase Two Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the Natural Gas power plant that is being constructed at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The first step in the project is the extraction of natural gas from offshore fields using drilling and production facilities. The natural gas will then be processed to remove impurities and prepare it for transportation to shore.

The processed natural gas will

be transported to shore through pipelines or other transportation systems, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers.

Natural gas will be used to generate electricity at onshore power plants. The electricity generated will be distributed to the national grid and used to power homes, businesses, and other consumers.

In addition to power generation, natural gas can also be used for other purposes, such as industrial and commercial applications, transportation, and as a feedstock for the production of chemicals and other products.

The sale of natural gas and the production of electricity will generate significant revenue for Guyana, contributing to the country’s economic growth and helping to support social and infrastructure development programmes.

Importantly, the project requires the investment of sig -

nificant capital, as well as the development of specialised infrastructure and facilities, such as drilling and production platforms, pipelines, and power plants.

The project will also require the participation of a range of stakeholders, including government agencies, energy companies, and communities, to ensure its success.

BENEFITS TO THE PEOPLE OF GUYANA

The gas-to-energy project has several potential benefits for the people of Guyana:

Economic Growth: The project is expected to generate significant revenue for the country through the sale of natural gas, which will help drive economic growth and create new jobs.

Energy Security: Guyana is currently dependent on imported fuels for its energy needs, but the Gas to Energy project will

increase the country’s energy independence and reduce its dependence on imports.

Improved Electricity Access: The production of natural gas for power generation can help improve access to electricity for the people of Guyana, particularly in rural areas where access to electricity is limited.

Environmental Benefits: Natural gas is a cleaner source of energy compared to other fossil fuels, and the gas-to-energy project will help reduce Guyana’s carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Increased Foreign Investment: The project is expected to attract significant foreign investment in Guyana, which will help drive economic growth and create new opportunities for all Guyanese. Some $43.4 billion has been allocated in this year’s budget for the advancement of the gas-to-energy project.

Naysayers put on blast for attempting to discredit gas-to-energy project

Asection of the media continues to dodge the truth, with the ultimate goal seeming to create division and outrage among Guyanese.

This was expressed by Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jadgeo who was at the time responding to questions related to the Kaieteur News article titled ‘Exxon’s boss contradicts Jagdeo on free gas claim— official says Guyana must pay for the supply of natural gas for energy plant’.

The article detailed comments from the Country Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, which indicated that Exxon would be ‘selling’ gas to the Government of Guyana.

The article sought to imply that Dr Jagdeo has misled the public on whether Guyana will be paying for its share of natural gas from the American oil company.

However, Dr Jagdeo clarified

the government’s position, noting that the notion is misleading to the public. “We explained, many times, about the gas-to-energy project, that we are going to own one hundred per cent of it. The power plant, and the NGL facility will process the gas. The government and people of Guyana will own it,” he stated.

The Vice President reminded that the finalised plans for the gas-to-energy project went through a rigorous process to be approved, with all steps of that process being disclosed to the public by both himself and President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. “We, said we’re developing this jointly, with Exxon. We are financing it out of cost oil. So, we have our share of paying back, because it’s not free. They are putting in some money, and we have to put in some money. So, we decided that over 20 years say the pipeline is $1

billion. We don’t know the exact cost as yet. It could be lower. But we’ll put that notion out there, $1 billion,“ Dr Jagdeo posited.

He stated that while Exxon will be covering 52 per cent of the power plant and NGL facility, that still leaves 48 per cent of the cost to be covered by the government.

Through discussions with Exxon, an agreement was made for the government to repay the remaining 48 per cent value to amortise [gradually write off the cost] the project over 20 years. “So, it’s not like we’re paying for the gas. We’re just, as a convenience, taking the figure to amortise. That’s why [Routledge] said there is no profit. But it’s reflected almost like a gas payment. But we’re paying zero for the gas. We’re paying to amortise the pipeline. That’s it. It’s easier, commercially, for us to do that, to reflect it commercially,” Dr Jagdeo further explained.

That leaves the question, how will the government source the funds to pay for their share of the project?

Through the operation of an NGL facility, Guyana will be able to produce large quantities of ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, and natural gasoline.

The sale of these to industrial and residential consumers, including as fuel, cooking gas, feedstock for the petrochemical industry, and in the production of motor gasoline by refineries, will generate revenue that will be allotted towards amortising the gas-to-energy project. “We are financing this whole project from the sale of our liquids, which we’re getting for free. So, we’re practically getting electricity—not just gas— electricity for free. And then we’re selling it at half the current price for 15 cents per kilowatt hour. Publicly, we’ve said this, but they

want to complicate it. They want to complicate it because they want to kill it. That’s what APNU is all about because they’re worried that it will have a big political impact,” Dr Jagdeo said.

He also urged Guyanese to reject naysayers who claim that gas will make Guyana ‘impotent’, that the gas-to-energy project will explode, and other ridiculous notions to cause Guyanese to fear developing and utilising the country’s oil. “We can’t be bothered about them. It’s not arrogance. It’s just that we are fed up with people who try to destroy the future well-being of this country. And many of them have lived their lives. They don’t think about the young people that live their lives. And we are not going to tolerate that. That is not what the PPP, and the Irfaan Ali government, are about. We are going to fight them every single day,” Dr Jagdeo assured.

Factsheet: Gas-to-Energy Project to provide reliable, sustainable, clean source of energy

The Gas-to-Energy Project is a joint venture between the Government of Guyana and the private sector aimed at converting the country’s natural gas resources into electricity. The project includes the construction of a natural gas pipeline and processing plant that will convert the natural gas into electricity through a process known as gas-to-power.

As part of the project, a natural gas liquid (NGL) plant will be built. The NGL plant will be designed to separate the natural gas liquids, such as propane and butane, from the natural gas stream, and then refine them into high-value products such as cooking gas, gasoline, and other petrochemicals.

The construction of the NGL plant is a critical component of the overall gas-to-energy project as it will help to maximise the value of the natural gas resources and generate additional revenue for the country.

A natural gas liquid (NGL) plant processes raw natural gas and separates the natural gas liquids (NGLs) from the methane, the primary component of natural gas. NGLs are valuable feedstocks for

the petrochemical industry and can be further processed into products such as propane, butane, ethane, and natural gasoline.

The process of an NGL plant typically involves the following steps:

Inlet separation: The raw natural gas is first separated from any water, sand, or other impurities that may be present in the gas stream.

Compression and refrigeration: The natural gas is then compressed and cooled to a temperature of around -120°C, which causes the NGLs to condense into a liquid.

Fractionation: The liquid stream is then separated into individual NGL components using a process called fractionation. This involves heating the liquid stream and separating it into its various components based on their boiling points.

Treating and dehydration: The individual NGL components are then treated to remove any impurities and dried to remove any water.

Storage and distribution: The final NGL products are then stored in tanks and shipped to various customers who use the NGLs as feedstocks in their production

processes.

Overall, NGL plants are critical to the natural gas industry as they help to maximise the value of natural gas by converting it into high-value products such as propane and butane, which have a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.

Further, one of the benefits of the gas-to-energy project is the reduction in the cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will be achieved− Guyanese use this type of gas daily to feed their families.

LPG is a flammable hydrocarbon gas that is commonly used as fuel in heating appliances, cooking equipment, and vehicles. LPG is a by-product of natural gas processing and crude oil refining, and it is stored and transported in its liquid form under pressure.

It is a mixture of propane and butane, which are both odourless and colourless gases. LPG is typically stored in pressurised cylinders and is often used as a substitute for natural gas in areas where natural gas pipelines are not available.

LPG is a versatile and clean-burning fuel that produces

fewer greenhouse gas emissions than other fossil fuels such as coal and oil −this also aligns with government’s plan to transit to renewable forms of energy.

It is also a convenient and portable fuel source that can be used in a wide range of applications, including home heating, cooking, and transportation.

Overall, LPG is an important source of energy that provides many benefits, including its high energy content, clean-burning properties, and portability.

Currently, LPG is imported into

Guyana and is subject to global market prices and transportation costs.

However, with the gas-to-energy project producing LPG from local natural gas resources, it will result in lower production and transportation costs, which would ultimately lead to a reduction in the cost of LPG for consumers in Guyana.

The gas-to energy project is expected to significantly boost Guyana’s economic growth and provide a reliable and sustainable source of energy for the country.

Op-Ed: The Gas-to-Shore Project: Naysayers’ innuendos and misinformation cannot stop it

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

The gas-to-shore project is of critical importance to the development trajectory that has established Guyana as a tsunami of development and that is set to keep Guyana at the top of the global GDP growth for several years to come.

It is also a project that will keep Guyana at the top of countries responding in a meaningful way to stop climate change. Besides the gas-to-shore project being among the biggest investment projects in Guyana’s and CARICOM’s history, the gas-to-shore project will lead to cheaper, cleaner energy for our country. Prices for household and business energy needs will drop dramatically, among the lowest electricity costs in CARICOM, and Guyana will keep its carbon footprint on the positive credit side. Indeed, energy cost in Guyana will almost instantly be cut to half of the present cost and will eventually drop far below the 50% mark. For ordinary households, this will increase their spending power, since the savings will help them to spend on other items. For businesses,

cost of production and doing business will be reduced, creating an opportunity for greater profits. The positive economic consequences will be enormous.

The naysayers and anti-PPP critics cannot stop this milestone project. The project has two components. First, there is the gas line from the drilling sites to the shore. In this case, the gas line will be from the oil production sources to Wales. This part of the project is being financed entirely by EXXON, and Guyana will payback this cost over a twenty-year period.

The estimated cost is about $US1B. Second, the power plant that will use the gas to produce energy and even for export will be constructed at government’s cost. The power plant is being financed through government. The estimated cost is about $US759M. Regardless of where the finances come from, the entire gas-to-shore project, including the pipeline, the power plant and the gas that flows through the pipeline, is owned by Guyana and all the profits belong to Guyana. All of this appears

None of this information has been secret and President Irfaan Ali and VP Bharat Jagdeo have many times reiterated the information. Yet the facts have been misrepresented over and over again by the opposition and by charlatans who are determined to derail the development.

Budget 2023 made clear that the government is funding the design and construction of the power plant at Wales. In fact, Government through an international bidding process, has given a contract to an American conglomerate to design and construct the plant at Wales at an estimated cost of greater than $US750M. The evaluation of the international bids came down to a short list with a Chinese company at a lower cost. However, the American firm was assessed as having more experience. The evaluation of the bids and the recommendation for who to award the contract to were done through a European firm together with a Canadian company that the government hired, given that government itself has limited experience.

Throughout the process, the Guyanese people have been kept informed. Yet, the

opposition and their sycophants, like Glenn Lall, insist on misrepresenting the facts and misinforming the nation. EXXON has no ownership and will not be benefiting from the power plant. What in all of this is difficult to understand is beyond reasonable people to fathom. We cannot accept that the opposition and their sycophants are so dumb that they cannot understand any of this. Their misrepresentation, therefore, can only be seen from the perspective of a reckless disinformation campaign.

As for the gas-to-shore pipeline, this part of the project is being completed by EXXON itself, with their responsibility to source financing. This, will, therefore, not be a loan on the books of the government of Guyana. This does not mean that the pipeline will be owned by EXXON. It will be owned by Guyana. However, Guyana has been able to brilliantly avoid taking a direct loan. The government has agreed that EXXON will build the pipeline, similar to a BOOT arrangement, whereby Guyana will repay the cost of the $US1B over a period of about 20 years through paying an

amount equivalent to the gas piped through the pipeline.

This will be approximately $US55M annually for 50 million cubic feet of gas per day or about 20B cubic feet of gas annually. Even if we look at it as buying the gas, it comes to about $US3M for one billion cubic feet of gas, which is about ten times lower than what we can buy gas for. Make no mistake, Guyana owns the pipeline and it is Guyana’s gas. There is no “sale” of gas by EXXON to Guyana. EXXON makes no profit since Guyana is only paying back the cost of the pipeline design and construction. In twenty-years, Guyana will have no more payment and this monetary obligation becomes an income for Guyana. All profits from funding cheaper electricity, from benefiting from carbon assets and from exporting gas come to Guyana and none to EXXON.

These facts seem so simple to understand that ordinary citizens cannot fathom why the charlatans are so confused.

There are two distinct components in this project, but the charlatans insist on conflating the two compo -

nents and speak of them interchangeably. The PNC sycophants have accused Vice President Bharat Jagdeo of lying when he said that EXXON is financing the pipeline construction and their evidence is that Budget 2023 speaks of the allocation of funds to pay for the $US759 M contract awarded to the American company. The American company, however, is being paid $US759M for design and construction of the power plant, not the design and construction of the pipeline. They further accused the VP of lying when he said that it is EXXON which is sourcing the fund for the construction of the pipeline. The government is not placing any loan in its books for the pipeline; EXXON is putting that loan in its books.

Government is never going to borrow a cent for the pipeline. Payments will be made once gas comes through the line, based on the amount of gas produced for a period of twenty years. The payment will essentially be savings on fossil fuel that would be reduced.

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

President unveils plans for post-2030 modern Guyana on occasion of 53rd Republic Anniversary

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Wednesday evening (February 22, 2023) declared that Guyana is advancing rapidly towards modernity, with his government laying the groundwork for a post2030 era.

During his address to the nation on the occasion of Guyana’s 53rd Republic Anniversary, President Ali outlined plans for a future Guyana that will be at the forefront of innovation and development.

With the country on the cusp of transformation, President Ali said the intention is to build a Guyana in which every child will be able to have access to and benefit from a quality education in classrooms that are safe, non-intimidating and enable them to realise their full potential.

The president mentioned the government’s plans of establishing a healthcare system that provides swift and effective care to all citizens, and create a space where every senior citizen will be

able to live with dignity.

He stated that his administration will prioritise providing young people with the necessary opportunities to pursue productive careers. The government will also work towards creating a public service that is efficient, customer-friendly, and responsive to the needs of the people.

Furthermore, he affirmed his government’s commitment to ensure women have equal opportunities and are treated with respect. “Where every family will be afforded the opportunity to own their own home. Where there is an efficient, customer-friendly and responsive public service. Where growth is tempered with equality and where no person is denied opportunities because of where they live; and where our people and communities enjoy a harmonious and inclusive future under the One Guyana banner,” he said.

President Ali reflected on the remarkable resilience of the Republic of Guyana, fol-

lowing an epic struggle that lasted almost 25 years, and which saw the restoration of democracy.

He noted that the democratic dividend has been maximised with the restoration of international credit worthiness, the pursuit and securing of debt relief, the rebuilding of infrastructure, and the expansion of social services. Resources for development were also sought and the stigma of being a pariah state removed. “Things had improved. Life had gotten better, and our country’s international reputation boosted. Guyana became a global leader for the protection and preservation of the environment through the launch of its model Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS),” he underscored.

The most ambitious housing drive was launched, providing tens of thousands of Guyanese with dignity and a roof over their heads, President Ali highlighted. The country’s sport and

cultural infrastructure was also expanded with the establishment of the National Stadium and athletic track.

The standard of living has improved, he said, with the economy prudently managed to constrain inflation, and to keep exchange and interest rates stable. “Things have gotten better in the Republic. But that would not have been possible had democracy not been maintained and devious attempts to dislodge democratic elections repelled. This is why we must continuously safeguard our democratic gains” the President reiterated.

Guyana is making significant strides in education, healthcare, national security, housing, and economic development. The country’s students are excelling at the CSEC and CAPE exams, with top-performing students emerging from across the country. More schools are being built, teachers’ training is being improved, and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning is providing world-class technical train-

ing. Healthcare is also being revolutionised with six new regional hospitals being constructed, he stated. A new maternity and pediatric hospital is also being established, and partnerships with external institutions are being forged.

The head of state said national security is being enhanced, with the security services being recapitalised to preserve internal law and order and deter external threats. Additionally, by the end of 2025, 50,000 house lots will be allocated to Guyanese, and a smart city is under planning and devel -

opment. Local democracy is also being renewed with the holding of Local Government Elections this year.

Guyana is also making strides in economic development, with major investments in energy infrastructure that will make it the energy capital of the region, while protecting and preserving the environment and the services which the country’s varied ecosystems provide.

President Ali said that the sale of carbon credits is a historic achievement that will earn the country billions of dollars in the future, benefitting all Guyanese.

Ali reaffirms commitment to transparency in extractive industries

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promote transparency and accountability in every aspect of governance, particularly in the extractive industries.

Pointing specifically to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) report Wednesday afternoon, Dr Ali expressed disappointment with the delay in its submission, describing it as “unacceptable.”

“In examining the cost and effect of this delay, I found out a number of things, the Government of Guyana in keeping with its mandate and in keeping with its commitment to transparency and accountability, hired an independent administrator to complete the report,” the head of state explained, during a live broadcast on Wednesday (February 22, 2023).

He said the Terms of Reference (ToRs) were with the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) for four months, despite the government’s efforts to ensure the completion of the report.

“This begs the question whether they are persons in that group with ulterior motive[s]. It is not after four months, that we were able to have ToRs agreed upon with two persons abstaining. This is unacceptable, to put a country’s reporting framework at stake, to try to damage the government’s credibility is not being a good citizen,” the president stressed.

He said the ToRs are now approved and assured Guyanese that the work on completing the report would be done expeditiously, long before the extended deadline granted by the EITI Secretariat.

President Ali made it

clear that the actions of individuals should not stain the reputation of an entire nation, and he would not tolerate such irresponsibility in the future.

Additionally, he registered commitment to strengthening the MSG and ensuring that the credibility of Guyana in the natural resources sector is not affected by ulterior motives or desires.

He stated that the only desire of his government is to have a strong monitoring framework, as the development of the natural resources sector is dependent on such mechanisms.

Dr Ali also reminded Guyanese that the government had already put in place mandatory jail time for non-disclosure of information in the oil sector, which clearly illustrates its commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Things have gotten better in the Republic. But that would not have been possible had democracy not been maintained and devious attempts to dislodge democratic elections repelled. This is why we must continuously safeguard our democratic gains.”

– President Dr. Irfan Ali

FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

Banakari, Circuitville women’s groups to receive black giant chicks

As part of the PPP/C Government’s efforts to expand poultry rearing in Region Ten, the Banakari and Circuitville women’s groups will soon receive 100 black giant chickens each.

Banakari women’s group consists of 29 persons, while Circuitville has 33 persons.

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on February 17, 2023 reaffirmed that every Guyanese will benefit from the country’s vast resources. “We will work with every single group and resident in this community to develop the agriculture sector… We

are not only developing the crop sector. We are trying to develop all of the sectors within the agriculture sector,” he noted.

The minister said the ministry has facilities to assist the communities with boosting poultry production. “We will work with the community immediately. You produce the eggs when we give you the birds and we will hatch it back for you with our incubator free of cost,” Minister Mustapha disclosed.

The government continues to invest in the ag -

Capoey to receive new water supply system in 2023

riculture sector by implementing several agricultural measures to expand and develop the sector.

The President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Administration has been leading CARICOM’s food security agenda to reduce the large food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

In addition, free seedlings and acoushi ants’ bait will be distributed to each of the visited communities, as requested.

Single parents and vulnerable groups of Christianburg will also receive black giant chickens.

Theeastern side of Capoey village in Region Two will benefit from a potable water supply system this year.

The Amerindian village is divided into two main sections by the lake: the mission (west) and the sandpit area (east). The mission has a fully operational well with a photovoltaic system.

On the other hand, there is no access to potable water for individuals on the opposite side. In order to ensure that both sides have access to water, a new well will be drilled, Minister of

New wells, other services for Amerindian communities in the Pomeroon

Residents of Wakapoa and Akawini (Baracaro) in the Lower Pomeroon and Karawab and Kabakaburi in the Upper Pomeroon will receive first-time access to potable water with the drilling of new wells in the villages.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal made this announcement during a two-day outreach in the region on February 17-18, 2023.

Regional Vice-chairman, Mr. Humace Oudit; Director of Hinterland Services at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Mr. Ramchand Jailal and other technical officials accompanied the Minister.

Currently, the villagers who are predominantly Amerindians, source water from the river and through rainwater harvesting. Minister Croal stated that the

incoming systems are in keeping with a commitment of H.E. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. He also said the government is heavily investing to ensure that hinterland and riverine communities receive 100% access to potable water by 2025.

The wells will be drilled through GWI with a new PAT Rig acquired by the water company. The rig is expected to arrive in March and drilling of two wells will begin at Wakapoa in April, before moving to Baracaro for the drilling of another well. GWI also aims to connect three nearby islands at Akawini to the system. The rig will then be moved to the other areas.

“That well will provide a better quality of life for our people. It will help you to re-

duce some of your hardships that you may be faced with in the dry season,” Minister Croal told residents

Additionally, two Community Service Officers (CSOs) will trained to assist GWI with the operation and maintenance of the systems upon completion.

With the villages also set to benefit from monies earned from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits, the Minister also urged them to be innovative and embark on projects that will foster sustainable economic growth and job creation.

During the meeting, residents also took the opportunity to highlight issues affecting them in their communities. These issues will be addressed by the relevant subject Ministers and agencies.

Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal told residents during a community meeting on Saturday. “For this end of Capoey you can be rest assured that we will be drilling a well this year to put the distribution lines to your household. That is a commitment that was made by our President and we are working to deliver it as quickly as possible” Minister Croal said.

This community is now among several others that the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be using its new $82 million PAT Rig to drill

wells in Region Two. Access to potable water is critical to health and sanitation and the socio-economic development of Guyanese. Since taking office in 2020, the President-Ali led Government has shifted potable water coverage in riverine and hinterland communities from 46% 75% by the end of 2022.

GWI has a budgetary allocation of $1.4 billion for 2023, which the Minister said will push the government closer to achieving its goal for 100% access to potable water by 2025.

Aishalton District Hospital theatre operationalised –

The Aishalton District Hospital’stheatre in Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo) has been operationalised after being non-functional for several years.

Twenty surgeries have been successfully conducted to date, of which, 14 were major surgeries.

They were conducted by a team from the Georgetown Public Hospital during a four-day medical outreach by the Health Ministry led by Director General, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo.

Dr Mahadeo said Aishalton residents will no longer be required to travel to Lethem or Georgetown to

20 surgeries successfully completed

have their surgeries done. The Director General said, “From 2021, the current PPP/C Government took the decision that we will rebuild the theatre, we will get it back functioning so that persons, citizens living in this sub-region, they can benefit. The hospital has been renovated, is providing more services, a more modern lab with all the services that are necessary for surgeries, have a blood bank, so they have blood available, have more medicines available.” Dr Mahadeo said in 2023, mini theatres are expected to be developed at the Annai, Karasabai and Sand creek health facilities.

Aishalton was not the only community that benefitted from the medical outreach as the team visited Shulinab and Shea among other areas. Services that were taken to the people included obstetrics, gynaecology, internal medicine, ophthalmology, audiology, speech therapy, and dental services.

This is the first major medical outreach by the health ministry for 2023.

Over the past year, similar outreaches were conducted in other regions as part of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s initiative of carrying services to the people.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Numerous opportunities available for small contractors in all sectors

Minister Edghill

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill has reassured that numerous opportunities exist in all sectors for small contractors.

The minister was speaking during a procurement training for members of the Black Entrepreneurs Association, on February 18, 2023, at the Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown. “Small contractors are not only weeding and cleaning, civil works building of a fence, building of guard huts, building of sanitary blocks in our ministry, building of roads because there are some roads that fall under the $15 million margin that could be given to small contracts and then on the maintenance side of the budget, you have maintenance of buildings, plumbing, guttering, electrical ,air conditioning, a whole host of other fields that could be involved…sea defence maintenance,” Minister Edghill noted.

He said the training is the

fulfillment of a commitment made at a previous engagement with the association.

“At that meeting I did make an offer that we will provide an opportunity where we will be able to bring our technical people who are involved in the procurement and management of contracts to interface with you to be able to share with you all of the necessary know how, wherewith all, that you would be able to submit winning bids and when you win a bid, ensuring that you fulfil your obligations in keeping with the terms and conditions of your contract.”

The minister highlighted the importance of meeting the criteria to secure contracts. “It is still in some people’s heads that a minister or some government official could pick up the phone and call a friend and say that I have a job for you to do… maybe that happened a long time ago, our country is governed by laws, the procure-

Whim/Bloomfield NDC receives tractor-trailer to assist with garbage collection, other services

ment act of 2003.”

He added that the act requires that notice must be given before government projects can be executed. “It not who know you and who you know, it’s following the system because when you throw that bid in the tender box and the evaluators are evaluating, your photograph is not on it, nobody knows who you are, they are looking at the documentation that is presented and getting your documentation right is what is important,” Minister Edghill emphasised.

The public works minister said the government also changed certain criteria, like the requirement of three to five years’ experience, to enable new contractors to benefit from these opportunities. “And that was to facilitate and help people to enter into the market and be able to show forth their talent and their skill and get the necessary experience to climb the ladder,” he stated.

Residents from the villages of Whim, Bloomfield, and other surrounding areas along the Corentyne Coast will now benefit from improved services with the addition of a brand-new tractor-trailer to the region’s fleet.

The new addition comes following mounting requests from residents and members of the Whim/Bloomfield Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) for assistance with a tractor to complement garbage collection activities within the villages.

During several meetings last year, residents voiced their concerns over the unhygienic state in several parts of the villages as garbage would be piled up for days in designated and undesignated areas for garbage disposal. When questioned, members of the NDC indicated that they were in need of a tractor-trailer to carry out the necessary services but because of the lack of funds they were unable to procure one. They also said that it was affecting both the health and commercial activities of those residing within the catchment of the NDC.

received from the country’s oil and gas resources. “We are now at a stage in Guyana where all of us are experiencing and being part of accelerated development; development at a faster pace than anyone of us would’ve experienced before in Guyana… When you look around you see streets are being done; hospitals are being repaired or new hospitals are being constructed; you’re seeing water treatment facilities being done; housing schemes in all regions of the country… I’m here to tell you that you have a government that is focused not only on collecting the oil and gas money and putting it into a fund to watch it grow. We are committed to feeding, building, and ensuring all the people are alive today benefit from that money, while at the same time, we’ll put aside an amount so future generations can benefit. That is our approach to government,” the Prime Minister noted.

and taxes cannot carry out all of the necessary infrastructural work needed so we are making these investments,” he noted.

The$413 million Leguan stelling is expected to be completed by the end of June 2023.

The rehabilitation of the stelling is being undertaken by S. Maraj Contracting Services which signed the contract in September 2018.

The project consists of two components geared at achieving the complete rehabilitation of the timber structure, and the expansion of the stelling platform through the construction of the reinforced concrete stelling that will be adjacent and adjoining to the existing structure.

The new reinforced concrete section of the stelling will be constructed on 228 prestressed concrete piles and will measure some 160 ft by 130 ft.

A new link-span bridge will be incorporated into the structure. It will also facilitate the mooring of the ferry, the off-loading of

commodities and the ingress and egress of passengers and vehicles.

Safety elements will be incorporated such as lighting, and safety rails on both the rehabilitated intersection and the reinforced concrete northern extension of the stelling.

The project also caters for the construction of an admin building which will be utilised by the staff of the Transport and Harbours Department to essentially undertake and oversee the operation.

So, this will be a significant improvement in terms of their operation.

All of the rehabilitation works on the existing timber carriageway have been completed and that work involved the replacement of deteriorated foundation piles.

Deteriorated timber members on the carriageway were replaced that include

capping beams, bed planks, running strips and more.

All of the works on the southern existing timber extension of the facility have been completed.

The works that are ongoing focus on the completion of the reinforced concrete deck at the northern section. After which the link-span bridge and unit-float pontoon will be installed.

With the introduction of the link span bridge system, the vehicles going and coming from Leguan will be able to embark and disembark the vessel with greater ease.

Similarly, on the pontoon with the low tide or high tide, the vehicles will embark and disembark with greater ease as well.

The online booking system will also complement the modernisation of the stelling and provide greater transparency with the booking system.

On Sunday (February 19, 2023) Prime Minister, Honourable Mark Phillips and Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, handed over keys of a $5 million tractor-trailer which was procured by the Agriculture Ministry’s Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU) under the Rural Agriculture Infrastructure Development (RAID) project to members of the NDC for use within the villages.

Prime Minister, Hon. Mark Phillips said that Guyana is currently experiencing accelerated growth and that the government was focused on ensuring that both the present and future generations benefit from the funds

While offering remarks, Minister Mustapha said residents have been complaining about garbage collection services within the area which continued to pose health threats to those residing within the NDC catchment. “We committed to assisting the community with a tractor and we are here to deliver on that commitment. I hope that the NDC uses the tractor effectively because many residents have been complaining that their garbage has been piling up and that the NDC is not effective in their garbage collection services. Now that they have a tractor, they will use it for that purpose. The central government has given support in this and every NDC and municipality around this country because we know, in many cases, the monies collected from residents for rates

Meanwhile, Minister Mustapha added that the PPP/C government has been working to strengthen the infrastructure within the villages after they would’ve been neglected prior to August 2020. “I know for a fact that in this community and in a number of other communities, we’ve seen many pieces of infrastructure were neglected. Since we’ve resumed office, we’ve started a transformation in this community. Over 21 streets were either built of are in the process of being completed. Right here in Whim; when you look at the entire Whim/Bloomfield NDC; it is the most floodprone area out of the three villages,” he explained. He disclosed that it is the hope of the government that the village’s agricultural activities are revitalized with the planned infrastructural upgrades that will be executed during the course of the year. “This year, right here in Whim, 14 streets will be built. We’ve already desilted almost all of the internal drains in the community. We’ve started to do excavation works in the cultivation areas so that farmers can go back to the land. We know that this NDC used to produce a lot of agriculture products, especially rice. We are working overtime to ensure we rebuild the infrastructure, desilt the canals, and replace and upgrade the existing infrastructure so that you can go back to the land. When I came here two months ago, I said that within months you’d have a new pump. In less than two months we’ve installed that pump and it is functional today,” he noted.

Sophia development projects ahead of schedule

Residents of Sophia and adjoining communities will soon benefit from a new bridge at ‘B’ Field, Sophia also known as ‘the blacka’, as works are scheduled to wrap up in a month’s time.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame Mc Coy, recently made a site visit to the area to check on the progress of works.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy in conversation with Contractor Fawwaz McRae at the bridge under construction at ‘B’ Field Sophia Minister Walrond said works started in January and a timeline of three months was given for completion.

“As you know, it’s important for the Sophia commu-

nity and the work so far as you can see is progressing smoothly… they are within the timeframe for completion within schedule and it seems to be progressing really well,” she said.

Minister McCoy also expressed satisfaction with the works, highlighting the importance of the bridge to the community. “We are here standing and already I have seen perhaps more than a hundred children using this

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$413M Leguan Stelling to be completed in June

‘PLAN

Government makes first withdrawal this year from NRF

Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh announced on February 9, 2023 that the Government has made its first drawdown this year from the Natural Resource Fund in accordance with the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act 2021, following the passage of Budget 2023 in the National Assembly last week.

The Minister indicated that pursuant to Section 16 of

the NRF Act 2021, US$200 million equivalent to G$41.6 billion has been transferred from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities.

It would be recalled that in keeping with the NRF Act 2021, US$607.6 million was withdrawn in 2022 to finance national development priorities and, as part of the Budget 2023 process, Parliamentary

approval was granted for a total of US$1.002 billion to be transferred during fiscal year 2023.

The NRF Act 2021, which came into operation on January 1, 2022, represents a significant improvement in transparency and accountability and the overall management of Guyana’s natural resource wealth for present and future generations.

Eccles Industrial Road on schedule for March completion – Min Croal

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal has reassured citizens that the Eccles Industrial Access Road project also known as the ‘dumpsite road’ will be completed by March this year.

During a recent interview, the Minister provided an update on the progress of the works being carried out by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on the section of the road between Winsor Estate and the Eccles to Diamond Four-Lane Road. “We had to put in place concrete drains and then we will move to asphaltic concrete… most of the drainage work is complete but we are near the area within the vicinity of

PROSPERITY’

Major infrastructure works set for 21 new housing areas – Croal

The government announced that hundreds of contracts for various infrastructure projects in 21 new housing areas across the country are to be awarded.

These projects include land clearing, the development of roads, bridges, culverts, water distribution systems, and electrical networks.

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal stated that the projects have already gone through the awarding stage and are currently in the process of being tendered. “They [tender board] have already completed the evaluation process so that could tell you how far gone we are

with that aspect of moving the new areas to be done,” he said.

The awarding of the contracts could be expected within the next two weeks, pending approval from the cabinet, the minister stated.

Minister Croal also highlighted that these new housing areas have already been allocated to individuals who are eagerly awaiting the start of construction on their homes.

The minister’s announcement came just one week after the passage of the $54.5 billion allocation for the housing sector.

Of that amount, $50 million was allocated for in -

when you meet the fourlane. About $1.2 billion is being spent in that area. All works are expected to be completed by next month,” the minister explained.

The Industrial Access Road leads to the industrial area, Providence and other housing developments.

It is also part of one of the main connectivity for the Ogle, East Coast Demerara to Eccles, EBD roads being executed through the Public Works Ministry.

“Any work that you’re seeing on the eastern side of the four lane [road], that is part of that [East Coast-East Bank Road] development. ..And so, work has actually started on some drainage works, which is being done

through public works,” Minister Croal further explained.

This year, $54 billion was allocated to the housing sector for major infrastructural works, of which $7.3 billion will go towards the continuation of the highways at Eccles to Diamond, as well as an additional $5.4 billion for the Schoonord to Crane Road.

The Minister informed the public that both projects are expected to be completed by the middle of 2023 and 2024, respectively.

These infrastructure investments will significantly improve the transportation network in Guyana and will play a critical role in driving economic growth and job creation in the country.

Canal Polder farmers assured of better drainage

Farmers from Canal No. 1 and 2 on the West Bank of Demerara (Region Three) were Wednesday afternoon given assurance that they will soon benefit from improved drainage systems in the farming community.

Agriculture Minister, Honourable Zulfikar Mustapha met with farmers from the area to discuss some of the issues faced with the hope of resolving them.

While the farmers acknowledged the government’s efforts to develop the sector, they noted that constant rainfall coupled with the lack of effective drainage continue to pose major challenges to their livelihood. One of the major issues faced was the lack of maintenance to major canals and drains in the area.

Farmers also noted that as a result of flooding, their infrastructure was also affected. One farmer explained that, like many other farmers in the area, sections of his farm were sinking.

While responding to issues raised, Minister Mustapha said a holistic approach is needed to deal with the issues faced in the area and committed to making the resources available to commence the needed work.

“Here in Canal Polder, we have one objective, which is to have maximum production. In order to address these matters, we have to look at them from a holistic view. The middle trench that you spoke about, we will do it. The NDIA will do it but there are people

who don’t want that trench to be done. They are saying that they don’t want the machine to go there. If we have permission tomorrow, we’ll make a machine available before the end of the week to start those works,” the minister noted.

He further stated that funds have been made available for the construction of a multi-million-dollar pump station at Belle Vue that will offer major relief to farmers in the area. “This year, we’ll start construction of a new pump station at Belle Vue that will cost over $500 million to help boost the drainage system here. We are also looking to develop a new drainage structure through the ‘C’ line so that farmers there can get prop-

frastructural works in areas including Meten-Meer-Zorg, Stewartville, Leonora, Non Pareil, Hope, Success, Enterprise, Great Diamond, Burma, Shieldstown, Palmyra, Mabaruma, Wales, Lusignan, Good Hope, Bartica, Silica City, Amelia’s Ward, Buxton/St. Joseph, Wakenaam, Charity, Chateau Margot, Sophia, and Number 75 Village.

Additionally, Charity, Patentia, Uitvlugt, Tuschen, Soesdyke, Chateau Margot, Sophia, Cummings Lodge, Plantation Belvedere and Amelia’s Ward will benefit from works amounting to $10 million each to regularise some 1,218 lots.

1,600 ‘cut roses’ being harvested weekly at NAREI

President,

Dr Mohamed

Irfaan Ali’s One Guyana ‘Cut Rose’ Project continues to make significant progress, with some 1,600 roses being harvested weekly from the shade houses at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

This project is designed to create employment and generate income for single parents.

It is being executed by NAREI in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Research Assistant at NAREI, Melissa Ferreira, in a recent interview, noted that, currently, there are four shade houses with 600 plants in each. She disclosed that approximately 400 roses are harvested weekly from each shade house.

As it relates to the variety of roses within the shade houses, Ferreira emphasised that, “Right now, we have 25 different colours. The types would be the Hybrid Tea (Rose) plants. And then, we also have some miniature

variety. But the main variety would be the Hybrid Tea and we have 25 different colour variation of those.”

The research assistant stated that there is an increase in orders for the roses due to the upcoming Valentine’s Day. “Persons were calling since early last month to place their orders. Based on the amount that we have estimated to harvest, which is 1,600, we have about 1,400 roses ordered in total for Valentine’s Day,” she said.

She added that the institute is also catering for walkin purchases for Valentine’s Day, “We’ll be busy for valentine since we’re catering for 1,600 orders.”

Before the execution of the ‘Cut Rose’ project, she highlighted that extensive research was done pertaining to the necessary requirements to grow the roses in Guyana, which included the soil type and nutrients. The research assistant noted that a myriad of soil mixtures and other materials are utilised to boost the growth of the roses.

Sophia development projects...

bridge in less than 15 minutes of us standing here and you can imagine how dependable the community is on this facility and therefore we are going to work to make sure that it gets completed, that it can open up and so everyone can have the benefit of it,”

he noted.

Residents are also happy about the construction of a new bridge and eagerly await its completion.

Additionally, a community center is being constructed in North Sophia at Block ‘F’, which is also ahead of

“In preparing the soil, we use our own mixture which would include clay, white sand, filter press, chicken manure, and paddy shell. These plants were grafted plants. Grafting is the process of attaching a piece of one plant (bud or scion) to or on top of a stem, root, or branch of another (stock) such that a union forms and the partners continue to grow.

With Guyana being a tropical country and its vast environmental conditions, Guyana have the potential to move from being one of the main importers of fresh roses to an exporter in the future. Since its execution, the project has made significant progress with the number of roses being harvested and sold. In addition, a number of single parents have been benefitting. By the end of 2023, through the project, it is anticipated that rose imports will be reduced by 30 per cent, while also giving single parents in particular, career and training opportunities.

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schedule. The building which is being funded by a $12 million grant from the President and Vice President, will be used for recreational and other developmental purposes. Both projects employ people from the Sophia community.

Agriculture youth innovative programme earns over $10M

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha has announced that the government’s Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) has earned more than $10 million to date.

The initiative was launched by President, Dr

Mohamed Irfaan Ali in January 2022, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

The president said the flagship undertaking will stimulate and promote significant economic growth to the benefit of young agriculturists.

During an outreach at

Black Bush Polder, Corentyne Saturday last, Minister Mustapha stressed the success of the innovative venture, and shared several plans for its expansion. “The project already earned more than $10 million. On a monthly basis and a weekly basis these

crops are being sold to the oil and gas industry, to the hotel chains in our country,” the minister said.

More than 100 young graduates of the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture are engaged in the shade house farming; growing crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and romaine and iceberg lettuce.

Initially, about 25 shade houses were to be established for the cultivation of three high value crops. However, the success of the programme prompted the government to invest further in the initiative.

By the end of 2022, 120 shade houses were construct-

ed to support the production.

The administration aims to engage a further 100 new young agri entrepreneurs and increase the production of the crops by 50 per cent.

The ambitious goal will benefit young people by providing them with employment opportunities, and boost the country’s economy by increasing food security and exports of high-value crops.

The AIEP is a game-changer for Guyana’s agricultural sector, and it is expected to have a significant positive impact on the country in the short and long term.

The government’s commitment to investing in the programme is a clear indi-

cation that it is dedicated to revolutionising the agriculture sector and positioning Guyana as a major player in the global market.

“When you look at the agriculture sector the prospect is very bright, we must not have a tunnel vision and just concentrate on cash crop and rice production and believe that is all. We have to move on, consolidate, expand and diversify,” the agriculture minister told residents of Black Bush Polder during the outreach. Looking to the future, the government has allocated $200 million in its 2023 budget for the expansion of the youth farming programme this year.

Canal Polder farmers assured of...

er drainage. We’ll do the Hope-like canal at the ‘B’ line that the Vice President spoke about. Those structures will help you because we went to make these areas as productive as

they once were. These areas were developed to produce for the country but over the years, the infrastructure has deteriorated. We have to rebuild and rehabilitate these structures. This is why

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we’ve increased budgetary allocations,” he added.

While responding to requests with raising the level of farmlands, Minister Mustapha said engineers from the NDIA will develop a

From page 17

programme to assist in this regard. “I am willing to do those works to help the farmers. The NDIA will do a programme to see how many farmers need this form of assistance. I have

to say that we cannot do all the work at one time or give endless hours because we know many people have very large acreages but we will do those works to avoid flooding,” he explained.

Officers from NAREI will also meet with farmers to address crop issues after several farmers noted that their production levels were low following flooding in 2022.

week pay to every worker to be furloughed – under one condition: that every such employee, from janitorial to managerial level, be engaged in a certain number of hours each week in learning or teaching something appropriate in computing. It was amusing, but indicative of the challenges we face, when one commentator mischievously remarked that while the Jagdeo regime was doing its best to attract and keep mainly Indo-Guyanese workers in the dead-end job of manually cutting cane, it was pointing the mainly Afro-Guyanese bauxite worker to the future – working with computers. This would not have fazed Mr. Jagdeo. True, he is an Indian-Guyanese, but he is, and has been, overarchingly a Guyanese.

Comrade Bharrat has been, and continues to be, a boon (blessing) to all Guyanese and Guyana, and even further afield, where he has been so recognised.

Mr. Lewis’s first two paragraphs, particularly his allusions to the role of Prime Minister Phillips in the current PPP/C Government, betray judgements, suspicions and questions which emerged in the 1950s and are still hanging around. Much of what these paragraphs say is what is to be read into them between the lines, subliminally. I read between-the-lines questionings about whether Black African Guyanese should be in the PPP and PPP/C, and if in the Leadership, should Black African Guyanese not be pursuing a very Black African Agenda? And would a recognizably true Black Agenda be evident without a combative posture to Indo-Guyanese? I would know what those two paragraphs are intended to say; I have walked them for twenty plus years. Mr. Lewis and his likes are still to accept the idea of themselves or anyone being overarchingly Guyanese.

Mr. Lewis’s grumblings of the Men on a Mission, MOM, programme reveal the orneriness in which he is stuck. He is loath to see anything good in the PPP/C. He cannot see that the threat to the cooperatives is intended to motivate African Guyanese members and leaders “to get up, stand up on their foot” and do a better job.

He and all of us have to get out of falling back on the paralysing mindset of being helpless victims, which sets us up for new exploitation.

Nonetheless, we ought to be understanding and sympathetic to Mr. Lewis, and help him and any others who are stuck with such views. A steadily closer

union wouldn’t happen just so, we have to work at it – and we are not alone as a country. Today, in many countries with peoples of different ethnicities, much effort is put into having a diverse representative team, even though some of it might at first be thought of as contrived and awkward. Diversity is a common expectation today, but Cheddi and the PPP have been at this task of our nation building across race, colour, creed and class from the 1943 days of the PAC (Political Affairs Committee), and they have persisted. After many years of being cheated, Cheddi and the PPP returned in 1990 to putting together a diverse group for the expected 1990 elections, and I was presented as the Prime Ministerial Candidate. Many Afro-Guyanese asked: You believe that the PNC would allow Cheddi and you-all PPP to win the election? And if them people win, do you believe they will make you Prime Minister in truth? We now know the answers to both those question – both came to pass.

It is time for Mr. Lewis and many of us seniors to reconsider and put aside much of our views, insecurities, and fears and attitudes formed in our youthful days in the 1950s and 1960s. We have had some 60 years’ experience since, and much has happened and changed in the world and in Guyana. It is time to accept the PPP and PPP/C and Indo-Guyanese as Guyanese of no less standing and no less caring for Guyana. Cheddi Jagan the leader, and members and supporters of the PPP were put to the test repeatedly, and we paid our dues many times over during the many decades of our history from the 1950s to today.

Black African Guyanese and Indian Guyanese, and indeed Guyanese of all races, with time, with enough give-and-take all around, have been learning to work together in developing Guyana; and in the process, we are all becoming overarchingly Guyanese. We should not leave Mr. Lewis out; should not leave anyone out.

I invite Mr. Lewis, with his evident great abilities, to change his mindset, change his tune, come in from the cold, and join in the realisation of a converging Guyana, steadily growing more prosperous all around.

Yours truly, Samuel A. A. Hinds Ambassador to the United States of America And the Organization of American States

Op-Ed: Poverty reduction: A major goal of PPP/C’s policy

By Dr. Tara Singh

Immersed in the excitement of oil wealth, many Guyanese have been calling not only for direct cash transfer to every household but also asserting that oil wealth offers the best opportunity to produce the good life and for eliminating poverty. While exuberance about impending oil wealth is understandable, direct cash transfer has serious limitations; for example, it would not eliminate nor even reduce poverty; rather it would lead to dependency and entitlement that are unsustainable. It is important, therefore, that Guyanese’s lofty expectations be tamed with a dose of reality.

The Ghanian oil expert George Owusu stated: “I don’t believe in cash transfer; you must work for the money.” (Feb 2022). Mr Owusu’s view synchronises with this position: “any able-body person gains his/ her self-respect and self-esteem through being a productive member of society.” However, the PPP/C is not averse to limited “conditional” cash grants for such projects as home ownership, business startup, education advancement, job creation, and scientific research to improve living conditions and reduce the poverty level. Its focus is on “empowerment” to provide a good life and lift people out of poverty.

Stunned by the 43% poverty rate in 1992, the PPP/C Government moved quickly to invite the Carter Center to develop a plan to reduce poverty. That effort resulted in the development of a National Development Strategy (NDS) and together with a Business Summit held in 1999 there emerged the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). However, the PRS is not the only PPP/C’s Government approach to poverty reduction; others including the NDS, the NCS (National Competitiveness Strategy) and the LCDS 2030 (Low Carbon Development Strategy) are also critical policy instruments. Together, these strategy documents indicate that poverty could be reduced through the implementation of various measures such as providing affordable housing, job creation, and quality education. (Please see chart). The focus here is restricted to housing development, education advancement, quality healthcare, and job creation.

The Government is investing (G$) 54.5 billion in housing development in 2023. About 80% of the 20,500 house lots allocated between 2020-2022 have

been awarded to low-income families. This means that over (G$) 25 billion annual housing subsidy goes to low-income families. The Government has established 44 new housing areas, constructed 827 homes for low and moderate income and professional people (with another 527 in progress), and regularized 6 of the 19 existing squatter settlements. These projects provide jobs for thousands of workers as well as expand household income and consumption and help to lift many households out of poverty.

Delivering quality healthcare to all regions is a top priority of the Government. With a budget allocation of $84.9 billion, the Government has moved swiftly to establish 6 stateof-the-art regional hospitals and one Paediatric and Maternity hospital at Ogle, plus the construction of a Hospital at Bartica. The Georgetown, New Amsterdam, and Linden Hospitals are scheduled for rehabilitation and expansion, while 4 tele-medicine centres will be established in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9. Hundreds of workers, including those previously unemployed and those living in poverty, are being hired to work on these projects.

Buoyed by the distinctive honour conferred upon the Anna Regina Secondary School for being named the 2022 CSEC School of the Year for the Caribbean, the Education Ministry with budget of $94.4 billion is expected to play a significant role in the transformation of Guyana. In 2021-2022 the Government

awarded 13,690 GOAL Scholarships at a combined cost of (G$) 2.3 billion. For 2023 and 2024 the projection for GOAL Scholarships is 6000 annually. By 2024, this GOAL investment alone translates into lifting 4881 households (or 2.1% of total households) out of poverty.

The cash and school uniform grant amounting to $5.8 billion and awarded to 147,000; the national school feeding programme that benefits 85,000 children ($2.1 billion); and $3.4 billion worth of textbooks would also augment the household income of thousands of households that live in poverty and progressively lift many of them out of poverty.

The Government has allocated (G$) 10 billion in budget 2023 for the continuation of the 11,000 regular part-time job programme at a 10-day per monthly rate of $40,000. By contributing an average of (US$) 6.5 per day (based on a 30-day month) to the household, many part-time workers are helping their households to rise above the official poverty line of (US$) 5.50 per day. About 4180 households (1.3% of total households) with supplementary income of $6.50 per day would rise above the ((US) 5.50) poverty line.

Together, the GOAL and job programme alone would result in a poverty reduction of 3.4%. With a budgetary allocation of $220+ billion for other sectoral programmes/projects, like in housing, health, human services, public works, agriculture, hinterland, and tourism, a further drop of at least 3.4% in the poverty

PUBLIC NOTICE

DHB to close for 24 hours to facilitate emergency repairs

Members of the public are hereby given notice of the closure of the Demerara Harbour Bridge for a 24-hour period to facilitate EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS to Span 8.

This closure will take place from Sunday, February 26th 2023, 3 AM to Monday, February 27th 2023, 3 AM.

These works have become critical after the Panama-registered oil tanker, MV Tradewind Passion crashed into the bridge in October last year, and rendered it inoperable for several days.

Citizens are assured that this inconvenience is absolutely necessary at this time to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge, for the safety of everyone crossing.

The Management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation also wishes to express our gratitude for the continued support of both citizens and visitors.

rate would be realised. This rate (3.4%), combined with that of GOAL and job programme (3.4%) would result

in a decline of 6.8% in the poverty rate from 38% (as of 2022) to 31.2% by 2024. And once the Government

continues on this track, the poverty rate is expected to drop progressively to single digit by 2030.

Venezuela called on to respect Geneva Agreement

February 17, 2023 marked the 57th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Agreement and the Government of Guyana charged that it looks forward to Venezuela’s abandonment of its “imperial” goal.

In a statement, the PPP/C Government said, “Under the Geneva Agreement, that controversy is now, with the approval of the international community before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in whose impartial and independent upholding of the rule of international law Guyana has absolute confidence. Venezuela has sought over the years to undermine the Agreement and specifically to frustrate the resolution of the controversy by judicial process even when, as now, it is obliged to participate.

“As Guyana’s lawful development of its resources proceeds, it is pertinent today to emphasise that the Geneva Agreement imposes no obligation on Guyana to refrain from economic development activities in any portion of its territory, or any appurtenant maritime areas.

“Any unilateral attempt by Venezuela to restrict the exercise by Guyana of its sovereignty and sovereign rights will be wholly inconsistent with the Geneva Agreement and the rule of international law.”

Concluded on the eve of our country’s Independence between the United Kingdom, Venezuela and British Guiana, it governs the resolution of the controversy which had arisen as a result of Venezuela’s baseless and ill-chosen contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 is ‘null and void’. It removed the roadblock to Guyana’s independence that Venezuela had, with imperial ambition, sought to erect.

“On this Anniversary Day of that historic Agreement, Guyana considers that no greater homage can be paid to it by our sister Republic than full compliance with its terms, including Article IV paragraph 2, pursuant to which the Secretary General of the United Nations has chosen the International Court of Justice as the means for final and binding settlement of the controversy. Guyana looks forward to Venezuela’s return to the judicial processes of the Geneva Agreement in abandonment of its earlier imperial goal. There could be no greater mark of respect for the Agreement by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” the Government said.

MOVE TO COURT

Under the United Nations Charter and the Court’s own rules, final judgments from

the ICJ both on jurisdiction and the merits will be legally binding on Guyana and Venezuela, whether or not Venezuela participates in the proceedings.

Efforts over more than half-a-century, including a four-year Mixed Commission (1966-1970), a twelve-year moratorium (1970-1982), a seven-year process of consultations on a means of settlement (1983-1990), and a twenty-seven-year Good Offices Process under the UN Secretary-General’s authority (1990-2017), all failed to end the border controversy.

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

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

ICJ CASE

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

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

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

and the United Kingdom to decide how the controversy should be settled.

In a shift in position, Venezuela has since opted to advance oral pleadings before the ICJ, with the first pleadings presented to the court on November 17, 2022.

The ICJ on December 18, 2020 delivered its Judgment in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) – relative to the question of the Court’s jurisdiction. The court ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear Guyana’s case seeking the validation of the 1899 arbitral award establishing the boundary with Venezuela. Venezuela did not take part in the proceedings. The judgment found that both Guyana and Venezuela had conferred authority on the UN Secretary General under Article 4, paragraph two of the February 17th 1966 Geneva Agreement. That agreement allowed the Secretary General to choose a means of settlement under Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations which included judicial settlement.

Guyana is represented in the case before the Court by: Sir Shridath Ramphal, OE, OCC, KC, Co-Agent and Counsel; Mr. Paul S. Reichler, Attorney-at-Law, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bars of the United States Supreme Court and the District of Columbia; Mr. Alain Pellet, Professor Emeritus of the University Paris Nanterre, former Chairman of the International Law Commission, member of the Institut de droit international; Professor Philippe Sands KC, Professor of International Law at University College London, 11 King’s Bench Walk, London; Mr. Payam Akhavan, LLM, SJD (Harvard University), Professor of International Law, Senior Fellow, Massey College, University, of Toronto, member of the Bar of New York and the Law Society of Ontario, member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration; Professor Pierre d’Argent, Professor ordinaire, Université Catholique de Louvain, member of the Institut de Droit International, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of Brussels; Ms. Christina L. Beharry, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bars of the District of Columbia, the State of New York, England and Wales, and the Law Society of Ontario; Mr. Edward Craven, Barrister, Matrix Chambers, London; Mr. Juan Pablo Hugues Arthur, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of the State of New York; and Ms. Isabella F. Uria, Attorney –at-Law, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of the District of Columbia.