Weekend Mirror 18-19 February 2023

Guyana continues to advocate for the rights of developed world

Developing countries have the right to explore and develop their oil and gas resources, according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

This position pushes against a global doctrine

which is being promoted by some parts of the world. For example, the Secretary General of the United Nations and several developed countries, who believe that all oil and gas development should be re-

stricted to existing producers only. The reasoning touted is that new development of these resources would be stranded and that investing in them would not achieve net zero carbon emissions.

However, Jagdeo contends that the situational nuances of the developing world cannot be ignored. He said, “Countries like Guyana and Suriname and many countries in Africa they have the

right now to develop these resources.”

He said Guyana is at the forefront of this advocacy with credibility, as it has consistently supported a 1.5-degree target above pre-industrial levels ─ a global carbon pricing policy, and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies. This is despite being a carbon-negative country, even with 10 FPSOs operating in Guyana, the nation would still remain carbon-negative, Dr Jagdeo explained.

He said the country has recently passed local content legislation, which the oil and gas company, among others, were not pleased with, but it has not resulted in shutting down operations, and the industry still thrived, along with more local businesses. In fact, Guyana has faced challenges in renewing environmental permits and implementing a carbon tax for flaring, but it has been successful in making these changes with the support of the companies operating in the country.

The PPP/C Government is focused on developing its gas-to-energy project and ensuring that the highest standards of regulation are in place for the safety and benefit

of the people.

The country’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. Moreover, the stable undertaking forms part of Guyana’s efforts to tap into its significant offshore natural gas reserves and maximise the benefits for the country and its people. “We [government] want more explorations, we want us to move from proving reserves to developing those reserves, and we are working to facilitate that, not compromising in terms of safety and due diligence, but acting in a manner that is not excessively bureaucratic,” the vice president stated.

The energy policy is focused on promoting the rapid development of the local oil and gas sector, more exploration, and transforming these resources into financial resources for the country’s development, even if it means diversifying the economy.

Dr Jagdeo said it is important to see progression in a stable government with clear goals, and Guyana is determined to make changes that effectively serve its purpose.

GECOM reopens process for application for approval of symbol ahead of anticipated LGE

TheGuyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has reopened the process to provide a further opportunity for the submission of applications for approval of symbols for Local Government Elections.

Section 48(1) of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, provides that all Political Parties, Voluntary Groups, and Individuals who are desirous of contesting Local Government Elections are required to submit a symbol for approval by the Guyana Elections no later than the 21st Day before Nomination Day. In this regard, 1st March, 2023 has been set as the date by which a printed and electronic version of the symbol must be submitted to the Commission.

Submissions can be made directly to the Office of the Chairman at 41High and Cowan Streets, Kingston, Georgetown in sealed envelopes clearly

marked, “Application for Symbol – Local Government Elections – 2023”. Alternatively, applications can be submitted via email at chairman@gecom.org. gy or, in the case of outlying Local Authority Areas (LAAs), to the GECOM Registration Offices.

Political Parties, Voluntary Groups, and Individuals who have already applied for symbols for the upcoming Local Government Elections, and who would have received notification that their symbols were approved are NOT required to reapply.

Political Parties, Voluntary Groups, and Individual Candidates are required to submit, on Nomination Day, their respective lists of candidates accompanied by the relevant pre-approved symbol. In this regard, Political Parties, Voluntary Groups and, Individual Candidates are advised that their lists would NOT be accepted without a pre-approved symbol.

Elections CoI report to be presented in ‘shortest time’ – Chair

After24 days of hearings, the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections ended on Friday, February 10, 2023.

The elections inquiry began hearings on November 4, 2022. The members of the Commission are Justice Stanley John, Retired Justice of Appeal in Turks and Caicos (Chairman); Justice Godfrey P. Smith, SC, former Attorney General, High Court Judge and Acting Justice of Appeal, Eastern Caribbean Court; and Justice Carl Singh, former Chancellor, Guyana. Evidence during inquiry was led by Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Sophia Chote. The other legal personnel included Natasha Veira and Keoma Griffith. The Secretary to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) was Javed Shadick.

The Chairman said, “In thanking everyone for the role

they played…what we have seen and heard over the past several weeks we will distill and in the shortest of time present a report to His Excellency the President.”

According to the Terms of Reference, the commissioners will make recommendations as deemed fit and necessary to permit GECOM to discharge its statutory functions as prescribed by the Representation of the People Act. Upon completion of the CoI, the commission will present “its report, findings and recommendations” to the President, in writing, within seven months.

RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN KNOWN

Meanwhile, Chote, in comments, explained that based on the evidence provided to the Commission, the major political parties, the PPP/C and

the APNU+AFC Coalition, would have known the results of the Elections based on the Statements of Poll. “I don’t think it is unreasonable for this commission to infer that after the close of polls on the second perhaps by the next day, the two juggernauts would have had the totals,” she said.

According to her, this could explain why “things then went” left after the election results were known. “There is really no reasonable and lawful explanation for what took place,” she said.

According to the lawyer, Guyanese expected the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to “do the right thing” given the Commission’s mandate. The question before the Commission, she added, is “Did these people do the right thing?” She added, “The actions of those who wanted to pervert the court of law, turn-

ing GECOM into a dark and opaque place…could have led to very serious consequences for this country…I hope those who decided to take such actions as they did have by now recognised how dangerous what they did was to the legal and social and moral fabric of Guyana.”

Chote added that while the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in addressing a related case referred to the former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, as a “lone ranger, “All of what occurred could not have happened had he been a lone ranger.” She added that Guyanese were held at ransom because of the “activity of these people from the fourth of March onwards.”

NO POLITICAL AGENDA

Chote also addressed concerns about a “political agenda” influencing the work of

the Commission of Inquiry, specifically since representatives from six political parties testified at the Inquiry.

She said, “These people were adversaries for the 2020 election but yet when they come to give you the evidence, there is a remarkable coincidence in the account of what they have presented….I think we can safely put aside any question about political affinity in the conduct of this commission in its inquiry, and certainly in its analysis of the evidence, and its report.”

Notably, Former Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence; APNU+AFC activist Carol Smith-Joseph; APNU+AFC-appointed commissioner on the Local Government Commission (LGC), Nicola Denise Trotman; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings; former Chief Elections Officer

(CEO), Keith Lowenfield; his Deputy Roxanne Myers, former GECOM District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo; and GECOM staff members Sheffern February, Denise Babb-Cummings, Carolyn Duncan, Enrique Livan and Michelle Miller, along with Senior Superintendent, Phillip Azore, all opted to remain silent and not testify before the CoI.

COURT ACTION

Notably, several high-level officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the APNU+AFC are facing charges before the courts for issues relating to the elections.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced an International Commission of Inquiry into the debacle that was Guyana’s March

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Amerindian and hinterland communities will see accelerated development as government will be investing $35 billion in 2023, for infrastructural improvements as well as programmes that will improve their well-being.

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo made the disclosure while engaging with Amerindian leaders on Wednesday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

This is in addition to the $4.6 billion (US$22 million) earned from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credit to Hess Corporation for 30 per cent of the country’s forest. This money will be disbursed to these communities by next week.

“If you look at our budget expenditure on health, on education, on roads in the hinterland, it’s going to be about $35 billion,” he relayed to over 200 Amerindian leaders who were present at the engagement.

Dr Jagdeo said a total of $8 billion will be expended to upgrade hinterland roadways. Some $5 billion under the Ministry of Public Works and $3 billion through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Also, 32 bridges are being constructed from Kurupukari to Lethem, which will improve accessibility for residents plying that route. “We’re putting in concrete bridges so that trucks can run in any season,” he explained.

Over 30,000 solar panels are expected to be delivered by the end of the year, benefitting all communities. “That would be an important task, a promise that we made, but because of the delivery schedule, it’s coming from India, it’s taking some time to get here,” the Vice President stated. Discussions were also held with leaders to identify priority projects that were catered for in the $3 billion supplementary budget that was passed in 2022.

The monies were set aside by government after Amerindian leaders compiled a list of needs for their communities at the 2022 National Toshaos’ Council Conference. “We want to make sure every community get something from the $3 billion that’s there. That is separate from this money we are talking about today,” the Vice President highlighted.

Dr Jagdeo said the interests and affairs of Amerindians were neglected by the past APNU+AFC administration as 2,000 Community Service Officers (CSOs) were left unemployed and work on the Amerindian Land Titling (ATL) project was stagnant. Upon assumption to office, the PPP/C Government reinstated the CSO programme and rehired 2,500 persons and immediately began work on the land titling project. “Even things that we did not put in our manifesto, we have been working on since we got into office,” he underscored.

$35B to spur development in Amerindian, hinterland communities in 2023 – Vice President

EDITORIAL

Much anticipated report from Elections CoI

TheCommission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections ended on February 10, 2023 and concluding comments by Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Sophia Chote, reflected long-asked questions.

Chote, who led the evidence during the Commission of Inquiry, noted that, as per the evidenced provided, both the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) and the PNCR-led Coalition would have known the results of the March 2020 Elections. Chote said: “I don’t think it is unreasonable for this commission to infer that after the close of polls on the second perhaps by the next day, the two juggernauts would have had the totals.” Notably, the Trinidadian Senior Counsel observed that this fact could offer an explanation as to why the five-moth debacle over the declaration of the election results ensued.

Based on the national recount, which ended on June 9, 2020, there were a total of 460,352 valid votes.

The national recount results, at the General Elections, based on the Certificates of Recount for all 10 Regions, show that:

• The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) won the March 2 General Election with 233,336 votes.

• The APNU+AFC Coalition secured 217,920 votes.

• A New and United Guyana secured 2.313 votes

• Change Guyana secured 1,953 votes;

• The Liberty and Justice Party secured 2,657;

• The People’s Republic Party secured 889 votes;

• The Citizen’s Initiative secured 680 votes;

• The New Movement secured 244 votes; and

• The United Republican Party secured 360 votes.

The national recount results, at the Regional Elections, based on the Certificates of Recount for all 10 Regions, show that:

• The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) won the March 2 Regional Election with 233,661 votes.

• The APNU+AFC Coalition secured 217,055 votes.

• Change Guyana secured 2,607 votes;

• The Liberty and Justice Party secured 2,935;

• The People’s Republic Party secured 927 votes;

• The United Republican Party secured 1,369 votes;

• The FUP secured 153 votes; and

• The OVP secured 448 votes.

These results, but for minor adjustments, reflected the results contained in the original Statements of Poll and conclusively established the extent to which the figures for Region 4 were altered to give the APNU+AFC Coalition an overall majority.

In fact, the national recount proved that the embattled former Region 4 Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, manipulated thousands of votes in Region 4 to give the PNCRled Coalition an advantage – results that the former Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, attempted to foist on the Guyanese people.

Elections are held to determine the will of the people and once the people’s wishes are clearly stated they must be upheld. A litmus test of any democracy is the peaceful and orderly transfer of power if that is so ordained by the expressed will of the people. Guyanese expressed their will in a commendably peaceful and orderly manner on March 2 but the pernicious actions of a few have wreaked considerable damage to Guyana’s image and reputation. This was referenced by Chote, who stated that Guyanese expected the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to “do the right thing” given the Commission’s mandate. The question before the Commission, she added, is “Did these people do the right thing?” She added, “The actions of those who wanted to pervert the court of law, turning GECOM into a dark and opaque place…could have led to very serious consequences for this country…I hope those who decided to take such actions as they did have by now recognised how dangerous what they did was to the legal and social and moral fabric of Guyana.”

Undoubtedly, the report of the Commission of Inquiry would validate what right-thinking Guyanese have concluded from the widely publicized March 2020 election debacle, as well as provide recommendations that would strengthen our electoral system.

Elections CoI provided platform for timely reminder of legal battles at 2020 elections

Dear Editor,

It is good that at the Commission of Inquiry (into the attempted rigging of the 2020 Guyana Elections), Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall, SC, recapped some recent history, so that we can reinforce the records if, by any chance, there will still be deniers of what actually took place in the aftermath of the said 2020 Guyana Elections. As we all know, the delayed elections were actualised in March 02, 2020, and this was really after some 15 months of tricky dalliance from the fallen Coalition Government.

I think we remember quite well that the then Government was derailed legally too, via the successful December 21, 2018 People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) No Confidence Motion, redounding in the said falling “…after APNU+AFC MP Charrandas Persaud voted ‘yes’.”

However, this simple matter was not resolved until July 2019, some six months after the fact.

Editor, let me revisit the end of this No-Confidence Motion, as it serves to highlight the evil gamesmanship of the then Government (running on pure illegality). The apex court, the CCJ, stated that “…upon the passage of a vote of no confidence, (there must be) the resignation of the Cabinet, including the President (even though) among other things, notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office, and that an election shall be held within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution, supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly, determine”.

What I really want readers to grasp is that the attempted rigging of the 2020 Guyana Elections was well presaged in these exercises of evil otiosity. Let me illustrate.

On December 22, almost immediately after the ‘fall’, grounded in the passage of the No-confidence Motion

filed by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Opposition against the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition, (then) Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo emphatically said that the “Government will uphold the law.” He elaborated that “This means, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana, the Coalition Administration will have to resign and call national elections within the next three months.” So, he and his colleagues knew from the onset what should have ensued. He himself quoted that “Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution states respectively: “The Cabinet, including the President, shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” And “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.” Yet, in evil defiance, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Coalition frustrated Guyanese, and waited until The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that the motion of no confidence of December 21, 2018 was validly passed. Worse followed, as the country had to wait until another nine months for the elections to be run off, and knowing full well that they lost, APNU-AFC refused to demit office, and instead meandered into futile court battles for another five months.

Thus I am glad that Anil Nandlall touched on the eighty legal battles that marred the holding and the subsequent final results of the 2020 Regional and General Elections. He also reminded all about the iniquitous “…unilateral appointment made by former President David Granger of Chairman of the Guy-

ana Elections Commission Ret’d Justice James Patterson. That too was rebuffed by the CCJ, and must be added to the records for progeny.

Now, since there is no need for me to rehash what we all know, and what are being confirmed in the ongoing inquiry, let me close with two comments. First, I really hope that after the misbehaviour of the now Opposition members and their allies are yet again established, and the final report of the findings are submitted, the ruling PPP/C Government would ensure that the occurrence of what took place would be placed in the annals of our political history and be placed in every possible place of access. This ‘attempted rigging’ is too seminal to be left to chance. In fact, a specialised documentary should be produced. It may be costly and time consuming, but it will be worth it all.

Secondly, let me remind readers that this commission of inquiry is a tool to take note of. It is enabling this necessary investigation of a matter of great public concern and in a public forum other than in an ordinary court. Commissions, after all, are aimed at encouraging transparency through fact-finding, and providing input for future investigation or criminal proceedings, if necessary. Commissions of inquiry are normally empowered to gather evidence through investigations, including entering and searching premises, requesting written statements under oath, as well as oral evidence given in a public hearing.

And so far, the proceedings have been fair and balanced, as it is essential that the public have as much information about the proceedings as possible, commensurate with the proper conduct of the hearings and the interests of the parties involved. The role of the media is important too, as, in matters of this sort, there must be transparency and accountability.

Yours truly, H. Singh

Caribbean will remain a zone of peace, tranquillity, free and fair elections

Dear Editor,

The CoI set up by President Irfaan Ali has just concluded its hearings, and will soon write up a report. That report will bear evidence that the PNC-led Coalition was on a brazen and unashamed course to rig the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. That document would bear multiple instances when the PNC took every available platform at their disposal to forge an illegitimate

win for the party. They even petitioned the courts on numerous occasions to validate that fraud, all to no avail.

Minister Oneidge Walrond summed it up in her 2023 Budget Debate speech: that when we thought that rigging was a thing of the past, we were sadly mistaken, because the sordid events surrounding March 2020 and beyond had proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that the plan to rig was alive and well.

But, like I said, those plans were

defeated by a determined PPP/C and the International Community, which saw to it that such a bold attack on democracy could not take a foothold here in Guyana. That affront that was brought on the people of Guyana had to be put in its place immediately, so that democracy could have a breath of fresh air again.

The same principle was applied when the people of Grenada were violently assaulted by persons who were keen on obtaining

Another failed attempt to mislead

Dear Editor,

The publisher of Kaieteur News is overwhelmingly focused on exploiting every opportunity to find newsworthy headlines to boost the entity’s readership and sales–without any regard for accurate and factual reporting.

The newspaper’s front-page headline of Sunday, February 5, 2023, read “VP Jagdeo exposed.” The news article quoted the Vice-President in a radio interview when he was the Opposition Leader back in 2019, when he said: “We are going [to] renegotiate those contracts because that’s not what we had in mind…”

The publisher inadvertently interpreted this to mean that the Vice-President had committed to renegotiating the Stabroek Block Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

However, the Vice-President is nowhere on record at any point in time when he ever said that once in gov’t that the Stabroek Block PSA will be renegotiated.

The manner in which the news article was written, and the narrative derived therefrom by the newspaper’s publisher suggests the following:

a) The publisher exposed his deep ignorance of the industry, and /or,

b) The newspaper is deliberately misrepresenting facts to mislead.

When the Vice-President said (in 2019) that they will renegotiate “those contracts,” it is worth noting that there are nine other active exploration licences other than the Stabroek Block production licence that have the same fiscal terms as the Stabroek Block PSA (as shown in the table).

Important to note is that whenever the hereunder mentioned operators will be moving into the production phase following any successful discovery in commercial quantities in the Kaieteur, Canje, Orinduik, Roraima, and Kanuku blocks, the new fiscal terms and the new PSA altogether will be applied.

These are in addition to the new oil blocks that are currently being auctioned.

Consequently, the government is doing precisely what the Vice-President said as

Opposition Leader in 2019–that is, “renegotiating those contracts.”

In so doing, by applying the new fiscal terms and new PSA to these existing exploration licences as they move to production, the new fiscal terms are effectively the “renegotiated terms” that will apply.

The Vice-President stated categorically on many occasions, even in opposition, that the Stabroek Block PSA will remain unchanged.

This notwithstanding, through better contract administration, the government will seek to maximize the in-country benefits from the oil-production activities. This was done through implementation of the Local Content Act and the gas-to-energy project, among others.

The Stabroek Block PSA was the only block that moved into production at the end of 2019. As such, by the time the government assumed office in 2020, renegotiating those terms would not have bode well for the country for a number of reasons.

The government has acknowledged this and provided its reasons for doing so on several occasions. The primary reasons for this surround the stability clause (investment security) for the investor (s) for an investment that is more than 10 times the size of Guyana’s pre-oil GDP and sanctity of contract. Furthermore, any attempt at renegotiation would also disrupt the momentum in the economy – that is, disrupting the entire value chain which would have an adverse impact on the economy. This is something that the government is keen to maintain — the “momentum.”

Apart from the foregoing, it was previously contended by this author that the sanctity of an investment contract and stability of investment goes hand in hand. This is especially important when a country that is historically underdeveloped has been starved of investments, foreign direct investment (FDI) in particular, and is seeking to stimulate investors’ confidence and to attract investments in the economy. Investment security and stability, especially in the context of the Stabroek Block PSA, are particularly important for Guyana to minimize the political and market risks of

Caribbean will remain a zone...

power, not through the ballot box, but through the barrel of a gun. Some spectators – and we have a few around here in Guyana – who are of the belief that they can take power violently, were shocked to the reality that it would not be allowed here. What they thought was a “harmless” exercise to wrest power from an old voodoo dictator, they were rudely awakened to the reality that it would not be tolerated here.

Whether in their mind they thought this was justifiable reason to take power by force, it did not matter; what does matter is power is acquired through the ballot box, and nowhere else! End of discussion! After all, we here in Guyana could have reasoned the same way as did the “revolutionary” crew in Grenada, having been burdened for decades by a voodoo dictator holding on to illegal power. But

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we didn’t, because that is not the esteemed way to go.

We, on the other hand, toughed it out the right way; that is, the legal way. We fought for free and fair elections through the courts, and with great help from the International Community, and we won. We were not intimidated by Burnham’s Voodoo, or by his rigging pandemic. All through those long years, we became more and more strengthened in our resolve to free ourselves from those shackles of backwardness. Quite thankfully, we were successful all over again in 2020. So Guyana, yes; all of the Caribbean will remain a zone of peace, and one of free and fair elections.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

the country which in turn would lend to an attractive investment climate for global and domestic investments.

In so doing, it is crucial for the government to stimulate a broad framework of political, economic, social, and geopolitical stability, which are the prerequisite conditions that will enable the government to pursue its transformative economic and development agenda in a sustainable manner, while building a prosperous nation.

Noteworthily, the government has managed to obtain greater in-country value from the Stabroek Block PSA through improved contract administration. In 2015, for example, local content-spend accounted for less than one per cent of cost oil, which is capped at 75 per cent, which has increased markedly to over 10 per cent of cost oil. As the country continues to build capacity, the in-country value is expected to increase significantly and consistently.

Another major achievement in this regard is the gas-to-shore project (as previously stated), for which the government managed to secure an agreement from ExxonMobil to finance the gas pipeline infrastructure. This is a major component

of the development from cost oil with an estimated cost of around US$900 million –US$1.3 billion. This is a transformational energy project aimed at reducing energy cost by at least 50 per cent which, in turn, will create a more competitive business environment, especially for the manufacturing sector and industrial activities, and translate to more disposable income at the household level. To this end, a conservative cost-benefit analysis of this investment shows that the net positive benefits or impact of the project on the economy over the next two decades is about US$20 billion, representing 2.4 times (2021) GDP, and 10 times the total estimated cost of the project.

The government has effectively set the framework to renegotiate all of the other nine existing oil- and-gas exploration licences with the new fiscal terms and PSA following any successful discoveries before moving into production.

This is in keeping with the Vice-President’s commitment to do so as Opposition Leader in 2019.

Yours sincerely, J.

Bhagwandin

PPP/C focused on ‘diversified energy mix’, Amaila will be delivered – Jagdeo

Assuring that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) will be built, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has revealed that Brazilian investors are among the bidders who have been submitting unsolicited bids for the project.

Speaking at the International Energy Conference, on Tuesday (February 15, 2023), he explained that the project will be retendered. “We’re looking at whether we’ll make a decision to go with one of them or we’ll go out back to public tender. Most

likely we’ll go back out to public tender. But the hydro will be built,” Jagdeo said.

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

The Government was in negotiations with China Railway Group Limited for the completion of the Amaila Falls Hydropow -

er Plant based on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to develop the AFHP, either on the basis of a 20-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) concession or on a Design-Build-Finance (DBF) basis were invited in 2021. However, the China Railway Group Limited indicated that the BOOT model was not feasible, so negotiations ended, with the company advocating for a different financing model – an EPC (Engineering, Procurement

and Construction) model.

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

In November 2021, Jagdeo had said, “Amaila still remains the best option for meeting baseload renewable energy for Guyana. That is the only way you can decar-

bonise, so the only way to achieve renewable energy is through the construction of the hydropower.”

A total of four companies had submitted proposals.

China Railway Group Limited was identified as the most ‘capable partner’ by the Evaluation Committee after a rigorous evaluation process, following which the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) submitted the relevant recommendation to Cabinet for ‘no-objection.’ Under the BOOT model the

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

IMPORTANT PROJECT

The revival of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was one of the promises made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its manifesto. The project was initiated under the previous PPP/C Administration but was scrapped by the coa-

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PNCR leader signals support for men wanted for ‘terrorists acts’

While speaking to a handful of supporters at a public meeting in North Ruimveldt on Wednesday (February 15, 2023), Leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC Coalition, Au -

brey Norton, said that his party will support 12 persons whom the police issued wanted bulletins for over their role in the June 28, 2022 attack on vendors at Lusignan Market.

Vendors were beaten, robbed, and had their valuables, including their stalls, destroyed during the attack.

On Wednesday (February 15, 2023) the GPF issued wanted bulletins for the men

under the Acts of Terrorism, Contrary to Section 309 (A) (1) (b) (ii) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01 which occurred on the East Coast Demerara on the 28th of June 2022.

On Thursday (February 16, 2023), five of the 12 men wanted in connection to the 2022 unrest at the Mon Repos market, East Coast Demerara (ECD), presented themselves to the police on Thursday, in the company of

their attorney, Dexter Todd. The five men are Tony MacKinnon, Carlos Kingston, Terrence Adolphus Nedd, Antony English and Keon Glasgow all residents of the East Coast Demerara.

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Scenes of the damage caused during the attack

Guyanese called on to reject Opposition's divisive tactics

Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is sending a strong message to the Opposition that the PPP/C Government will not sway in its vision of creating equal opportunities for all Guyanese regardless of their race, class, religion or socio-economic situation.

The Vice President who was speaking on a live programme on Friday (February 10, 2023), pointed to the Opposition’s daily tactic of discouraging Guyanese from

taking advantage of the opportunities that the government continues to provide, through its false narrative of discrimination.

He said, “We’ve made it clear, we are working for all of our people, regardless of their race or their religion but we are not going to do it in a manner that is insincere, we’re not trying to prove a point… If we’re every going to prove a point is that we are working for all of our people. We believe that

a young Afro Guyanese kid should get the same opportunities as a young Indo Guyanese kid or a young Amerindian or mix kid or a Portuguese. They are Guyanese children. We want to make sure they all get that.”

He noted that the greatest acts of discrimination were committed by the APNU+AFC government when it fired over 7,000 sugar workers, and some 2,000 Amerindian Community Support Officers

(CSOs), placing them on the breadline. “You’re never going to find that under the PPP, because we are builders, we are going to find jobs, whether it is through part-time jobs or whatever, we are builders, we are not people who destroy things or use up everything that passes in front of us – the resources of the country, we’ve always accumulated,” Jagdeo said.

He made reference to the country’s economic status in 2015, when the APNU+AFC took office, as opposed to when the PPP/C returned to office in 2020, as an example of this government’s astute leadership and prudent finan-

cial management. A healthy reserve, several development projects and a high growth rate characterised the country’s economic position before the coalition government took office in 2015, the vice president posited.

He echoed the call for Guyanese to ignore the negativity being forced on them by the opposition MPs, noting that they are the same individuals who are capitalising on the opportunities they are telling Guyanese to disregard.

“Don’t fool yourself, that they go in Parliament, and they jest and behave like that and talk about discrimination. They’re busy calling govern-

ment to get help, a lot of them, but they would go out in your communities and tell you, oh, you just squat there, don’t get a house lot there…like Mocha, they would tell the people, leave them in a problem, when you get into problem, just walk off. Don’t believe those people, I’ve dealt with them for a long time,” Dr Jagdeo urged.

The Vice President, on many occasions has called out the opposition for spreading lies and misleading the public in an effort to further its own political interests. He has also called on the opposition to stop the divisive tactics and to work with the government to build a better future for all Guyanese.

ELECTION WATCH: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Claims and Objections Exercise ongoing

TheGuyana Elections Commission (GECOM) commenced the preparation of Registers of Voters, for the conduct of Local Government Elections, on Monday (February 13, 2023). In this regard, Offices of Assistant Electoral Registrars (AERs) have been established in each of the eighty (80) Local Authority Area (LAA).

During this exercise, any person who will be 18 years and older by the 22nd May, 2023, and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, or naturalization, or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more, can make a Claim to entry on the Register of Voters (RoV)on or before 19th February, 2023 providing that he/she is not

listed in the Preliminary List of Voters (PLV), which have been posted in every Constituency in the respective Local Authority Areas.

Persons desirous of making a Claim to be included in the RoV are required to visit the Office of the Assistant Electoral Registrar (AER) responsible for the Local Authority Area where they reside with the required source document(s) such as original Birth Certificate, valid Passport, Adoption Certificate, or Naturalization Certificate / Certificate of Registration, to be registered for inclusion.

Existing registrants are also advised to check the PLV posted at two (2) prominent locations in each constituency in the respective Local Authority Area, at the

Offices of the Electoral Registrars and Assistant Electoral Registrars, or on GECOM’s website at www.gecom.org. gy to verify the existence/ accuracy of their registration information in the PLV.

Persons who need to update their registration records e.g. change or correction to their names and occupation, or to apply for a transfer if they have changed their addresses since they were registered, are advised that they can apply for such transactions during this exercise.

The relevant source documents such as an original Marriage Certificate, Deed Poll with Birth Certificate, or a new Birth Certificate reflecting the changes must be presented in the case of an application for a change or

correction.

Objections against the inclusion of names in the PLV can be tendered to the Assistant Electoral Registrar (AER) of the LAA from 13th February, 2023 to 22nd February, 2023. Objections can be made by a Voter who is listed in the same constituency list in which the person being objected to is listed. Objections can also be made by accredited Scrutineers of Political Parties provided that any such Scrutineer must be accredited to the LAA in which the person being objected to is listed. The relevant original document(s) such as an original Death Certificate must be presented at the time of the hearing of objections to support the basis upon which the objection

is made.

In view of the foregoing, it must be emphasized that while the Continuous Registration Exercise and the Claims and Objections Exercise are being conducted simultaneously, persons who are now registering for the first time and would be eligible to vote at the upcoming Local Government Elections must visit the Office of the AER in the LAA where they reside in order for their names to be included on the RoV for this election. Similarly, persons who are required to have changes or corrections done to their particulars as stated on the PLV and make objections to the inclusion of names on the list must also visit the Office of the AER in the LAA where

they reside in order for the corrections to reflected on the official ROV.

The Commission is urging all eligible persons who would be eligible to vote at the upcoming Local Government Elections, but are not listed in the PLV, to use this opportunity to get registered for inclusion in the RoV to qualify to vote at the elections.

Persons are also encouraged to object to the inclusion of the name of any person who they believe do not meet the eligibility criteria to be in the list.

For more information and for details on the location of the respective offices, persons can visit GECOM’s website at www.gecom.org.gy or call 225-0277-9 / 223-9653.

GECOM records over 7,500 transactions recorded to date

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

The registration, as at Tuesday (February 15, 2023), has seen:

• 4,019 first-time applicants (Category A) between the ages of 14-years-old to 17-years-old

• 1,908 applicants (Category B) who are 18-years-old and older;

• 930 applicants sought changes and corrections;

• 801 requested transfers, and

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

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

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

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

Persons desirous of conducting any registra -

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

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

tions for new registration.

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

• Mondays to Thursdays

08:00hrs – 12:00hrs and 13:00hrs – 16:30hrs

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

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

The registration exercise will conclude on May 31, 2023.

Applications Open from January 31, 2023 – February

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

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

GOAL…. Securing a Better Future with Online Learning

UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES, OPEN CAMPUS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PGD – Post Graduate Diploma: 1 Year

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

JAAIN DEEMED-TO-BE UNIVERSITY, IND

1. Master of Arts in English

2. Master of Arts in Economics

3. MBA Digital Marketing

4. MBA Aviation Management

5. MBA Health Management

6. Master of Arts in Journalism

7. MBA Logistics & Supply Chain Management

8. Master of Commerce in Accounting & Finance

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

TEXILA AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, GUYANA

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

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

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

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

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

INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, INDIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNICAF: EAST LONDON UNIVERSITY , UNITED KINGDOM

1. MA in Education

2. Master of Law (LLM)

3. MA in Mass Communication

4. MSc in International Public Health

5. MSc in Criminology & Social Policy

6. MSc Big Data Technologies

7. MSc Business Psychology

8. MSc Information Security and Digital Forensics

9. Master of Business Administration

10. MSc Computer Science

11. MSc Construction Engineering Management

12. MSc Information Security and Digital Forensics

13. MSc International Business Management

14. MSc International Relations

15. MSc Oil and Gas with Energy Management

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

UNICAF: LIVERPOOL JOHN MOORES UNIVERSITY, UNITED KINGDOM

1. MA Mass Communication

2. LLM - Master of Laws

3. MA International Relations

4. MA Education

5. MSc Criminology & Social Policy

6. MSc International Public Health

7. MSc in Construction Engineering Management

8. MSc in Information Security and Digital Forensics

9. MSc in International Business Management

10. MSc in Oil & Gas Energy Management

11. MS in Business Administration

12. MA in Nursing

13. MA in Human Resource Management

14. MA in Leadership and Education

15. MSc in Civil Engineering

16. MSc in Computing and Information System

17. MSc in Digital Marketing

18. MSc in International Transport, Trade and Logistics

19. MSc in Project Management

20. MSc in Psychology

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

MICHAEL UNIVERSITY, BAHAMAS

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

Applications Open from January 31, 2023 – February

UNICAF UNIVERSITY, ZAMBIA

1. MBA Oil, Gas and Energy Management

2. MBA Management Information Systems

3. MPA Public Administration

4. MSc Healthcare Management

5. MSc Web Design and Development

6. LLM – Master of Laws

7. MA Educational Leadership and Management

8. MA English Language and Literature

9. MBA Finance

10. MBA Health Management

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

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

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

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

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

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

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

STRUCTURALIA - UNIVERSIDAD ISABEL I, SPAIN

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

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

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

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

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

UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM & ENERGY STUDIES, INDIA

1. PGD in Power Management

2. PGD in Renewable Energy

3. PGD in Green Technology

4. PGD in Industrial Safety

5. PGD in Airline Buisness/Air Transport

6. PGD in Solid Waste Management

7. MBA in Power Management

8. MBA in Infrastructure Management

9. MBA in Retail Management

10. MBA in Hospital and Heathcare Mgt

11. MBA in Oil and Gas

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

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

INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLI ED SCIENCE, GERMANY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21. MSc in Information Technology Management

22. MSc in International Healthcare Management

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

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

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

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

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

‘New World Coalition’ could bring balance on issues affecting developing countries – Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has stressed that now is an opportune time for a “new world coalition” to bring balance to the international debate around the issue of climate change, food security, and energy security.

The Head of State, who delivered the feature address at the opening of the International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023 at the Marriott Hotel Tuesday, spoke of the inequalities that hinder the growth of developing nations and the double standards that exist.

These challenges, the President stressed, should not be confronted in isolation. He said, “How can we lead a new world effort in building a coalition that addresses these three challenges that the world we live in will face, is facing, and will face in a more severe manner?”

He urged the audience to consider the realistic positioning of issues as it relates to global CO2 emissions, based on data which shows

that South America, Central America and the Caribbean combined, account for just 3.6% of emissions. He said, “Why aren’t the headlines about the ten largest economies that account for 62.7% of CO2? Why suddenly the 3.6% bears the brunt of the headline? But we have in our societies, and in our region, people who consider themselves self-righteous, but do not base their argument on the facts and the circumstances, but they appeal to the emotive being of people.”

The Head of State underscored the importance of developing countries putting systems in place to ensure that they can continue to progress under changing circumstances.

As a Region, the President said there should be a collective approach to overall development.

He highlighted the drive of CARICOM and its food security measure, which Guyana is spearheading, while he also spoke of oth-

er regional opportunities, including the longevity of electricity from natural gas in Guyana, Trinidad and Suriname and the energy corridor between Guyana, Roraima (Brazil) and Suriname.

LOW CARBON DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Although the country is an oil-producing nation, President Ali reminded that systems are still in place to decarbonise in the future.

He said Guyana demonstrated global leadership on how natural resources can be sustainably harnessed more than a decade ago. He cited the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, as a main action in its “development platform”, while explaining about how it was enhanced to ensure that Guyana stays “true to morals and principles when it comes to the issue of climate change”. He said, “The LCDS is no longer a Guyana document. We are

embarking on a mission to make the LCDS a global model for sustainable development because we know what LCDS is capable of.”

He also spoke about the country’s drive to protect its forest and to play its part to not only achieve net zero but being carbon negative.

The President reminded that oil and gas is geared to help the country develop its other sectors. Ali said, “We’ve consistently said oil and gas is not the answer. What it does is give

us much-needed revenue to catalyse the other sectors, to incentivise the other sectors to make them competitive globally, to create a framework that will allow these sectors to grow and expand and to contribute to national development. That is what it does for us.”

The focus of the next seven years, he added, will be placed on building a country that has the competitive characteristics and the broadness in scope to be viable, resilient and sustainable

in a world 2030 and beyond. Oil and gas and proper policies have ensured that Guyana has an investment portfolio that spans many partners, including the US, UK, China, India and a number of other countries. Ali said, “All of them are part of financing transformative projects in Guyana. The investors’ confidence in the country is very high, and it’s high because there is the predictability of policy. It is high because there’s a clear

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Govt’s policy direction has revolutionised Guyana’s housing sector – President Ali

ThePPP/C Government has crafted and implemented a “very deliberate, well-structured, well-positioned, well-articulated, well-researched policy” on forestry, housing and construction with the aim of enhancing the lives of Guyanese, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

He said that this policy has seen our forestry “as a true national asset earning carbon credits, earning from the wood product itself, earning from ecotourism,

and now we are moving to more scientific areas of biodiversity and pharmaceutical values”.

The Head of State made this assertion during the recent launch of DuraVilla’s 1000+ modular homes initiative at the company’s Land of Canaan location.

He reminded the gathering that the forestry sector declined significantly from 2015 to 2020 under the previous administration, resulting in the loss of significant export earnings and

employment.

The President noted that as a result of the policy decisions taken by his administration upon its return to Government, the sector was again ignited, re-energised and repositioned. This, he added, has led to an increase in production, an improvement in export and an increase in employment.

The President cited Barama’s success story and the company’s transformation from “a company that was

Turn to page 23 →

Development… FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

ICT Hub Managers Training Programme ongoing

Participants from Lower and Middle Mazaruni Region 7 and Sub-District 2 of Region 8 have been completed training

under the Office of the Prime Minister’s Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Hub Managers Training Programme.

The programme is part of the effort to expand access to Information Communication and Technology to hinterland com-

munities. An additional 175 Managers will be trained by mid-2023.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Region Six farmers to benefit from major infrastructure, other agricultural interventions

Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha recently reaffirmed government’s commitment to addressing the needs of farmers across the region to boost productivity.

During several meetings with farmers of Crabwood Creek, Yakusari, Joanna, Mibikuri, and Lesbeholden, Region Six, Minister Mustapha said they stand to benefit from various initiatives to further enhance the sector.

He explained that two pumping stations will be constructed in Black Bush Polder this year to the tune of $1.1 billion. One will be built for irrigation while the other will be utilised for drainage purposes.

Some $50 million was

approved on Friday for the maintenance of dams in the region. Within a month, farmers of Crabwood Creek will be provided with a pump to alleviate the drainage issue there. A team from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will conduct an assessment of the drainage structure and canals to develop a programme to desilt all of the canals.

All of the cash crop farmers will receive fertilisers by next week from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

Minister Mustapha alluded to the agro-processing facility that will be constructed in the area valued $25 million. “We will find markets for your

produce. Crabwood Creek will never be neglected under the PPP/C government. We will continue to improve Crabwood Creek,” he reassured.

More lands will be made available for cultivation. Almost 34,000 acres of lands will come under cultivation and more infrastructure projects will commence this year.

The minister noted that several projects have been completed successfully in Crabwood Creek and more will done in the community. Meanwhile, the farmers of Yakusari will benefit from the construction of a bridge within the area.

A school bus will be procured which will bring major

relief to the children there and reduce transportation expense.

Farmers were assured that NAREI will develop a programme to assist them to improve agricultural productivity.

Minister Mustapha said, “Let us decide what the farmers want to plant. We have to plant things to sustain ourselves…We will work with the rice farmers and the millers so that they can have better prices for their paddy.”

All of the cash crop farmers will receive fertilisers by next week. The Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB) will conduct an assessment to test the level of chemicals in the canals.

Two bridges will be con-

structed in Joanna.

Farmers of Mibikuri will benefit from two shade houses in the coming months, which will benefit farmers across the country.

In addition, the minister assured that the pothole issue in Lesbeholden will be addressed.

A team from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will return next week to meet with the livestock farmers to provide solutions to their concerns.

The minister said engagements like these have led to improved performance in the sector.

He noted that the PPP/C Government remains committed to fulfilling its manifesto’s

promises to Guyanese. “We will continue to work with you…We will continue to develop your sector and ensure that we have food security,” Minister Mustapha reaffirmed. Food security remains a high priority on government’s agenda which is seen in the budgetary allocations to build the necessary infrastructure to boost productivity. As Guyana continues to work aggressively to lower CARICOM’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 to ensure food security, the minister said, “We have prioritised a number of commodities and produce that we are producing in the Caribbean. We are already at 57 per cent of the target that we have to achieve by 2025.”

Edghill says reckless damage to public property will not be tolerated

‒ Legislation in place to deal with defaulters

Thegovernment is sending a strong message to those persons who cause damage to public properties and structures, particularly through recklessness, to desist from such practices, as there is legislation in place to deal with defaulters.

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, who was speaking at a function on the East Coast of Demerara, recently, said the practice must end because it is causing damage to roads, bridges and streetlights across the country.

The minister outlined that this not only affects the residents in the respective communities, but the cost

of repairs hinders progress, since the funds can be otherwise utilised to foster development. “It takes millions of dollars to replace them. And these are the kind of things that people loosely drive and damage. So, while we are building out, and we are improving, we have to minimise damage…We have to be careful. We almost have to bring an end to damage through recklessness. Accidents are accidents, but recklessness is something that could be avoided,” the minister asserted.

Nevertheless, the public works minister said government will continue along its

‘PLAN

other forestry stakeholders to benefit from map reading, navigation course

infrastructural development trajectory.

He said it is a priority of the PPP/C Administration to ensure that the roads leading to community grounds, health centres, schools and places of worship are fixed in every community.

This will facilitate ease of access, he noted.

Just recently, Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal extended the call for officers of the Guyana Police Force to start prosecuting citizens who damage public property.

This came following the repeated damage to the barrier along the Mocha to Diamond bypass road, which was erected to prevent truck drivers from using the road.

The Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Inc. (GMSTCI) has launched a comprehensive map reading and navigation short course to equip miners with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate difficult terrain and read maps effectively. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and cost savings, the programme will be held from March 6-17 on the first floor of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) building on Croal Street. The course can also assist in navigation for persons in the forestry sector It will edify miners on the interpretation of topographic maps, Global Positioning System (GPS),

and navigation with a GPS receiver, among others.

The study, which aimed to identify pressing needs in the mining sector, highlighted several skill gaps in the sector, including in the areas of map reading and navigation.

Not only is the course useful for miners and prospective miners, but multiple persons in the forestry sector also benefit from the course.

Map reading is important in the natural resources sector, as it displays a two-dimensional (2D) representation of the earth. As such, the course aims to edify all its participants on the types of coordinates a map can display, how to

record coordinates from presented maps, how to put them into a GPS, and how to use those coordinates to guide their navigation. The course will cater to miners across all regions and will be provided to participants free of cost.

While miners are the target of the initiative, all persons interested in learning map reading and navigation are welcome to apply.

This can be done by calling the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Inc. (GMSTCI) at +592225-2862 or emailing them at mining_school@ggmc. gov.gy.

Classes will be held from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm daily.

Miners,

Elections CoI report to be presented in...

2020 General and Regional Elections on June 16, 2022. He had said, “We, and particularly your President, promised an international CoI, so I say to all those who struggled and sacrificed, all those who worked in protecting the democracy, that we have, in your honour, before dawn on next Tuesday, your President will name the members of that international CoI…those who subverted democracy, those who cannot present their SOPs, and those who struggled against the will

of the people, the CoI will set the truth free from the untruth and the CoI will set those who dwell in the house of democracy and those who dwell in the fire of undemocratic rule and norms…in honour of the these martyrs too and in honour of all the Guyanese who fought for freedom and democracy, who fought relentlessly in those five months to ensure our country never ever was allowed to go down as an undemocratic nation, in honour of your sacrifices, I committed that we will

have an international CoI into the last elections.”

Ali stressed that the Elections CoI is a promise made by the PPP/C Administration and his Administration is pleased to be able to deliver. “I promised a CoI. So that is why there is a lot of work going on now on how that Terms of Reference is developed,” he said.

In October 2020, Ali disclosed that the Government of Guyana was in talks with the international community regarding a Commission of

Inquiry into the events of the March 2020 Elections, which saw a five-month delay in the declaration of final election results. He had said, “We’ve already started conversation with various international stakeholders on the subject matter and the international community is also very much interested…the international community was a key part in ensuring that democracy was protected…so the international community is going to play a key part in this and

they are very keen and they are very interested…in relation to a timeframe in having the CoI, I would say that it is in the, not the medium-term, but the immediate-term plan for the Government as we proceed towards the end of the year.”

The first mention of an investigation into the elections was made by Ali, during his inauguration speech on August 8, 2020. “All of us have an obligation to the nation and to ourselves to ensure that, never

again, should any generation of our people be subjected to such unlawful behaviour. Therefore, a review of events related to the electoral process over the last five months will begin shortly to determine forensically exactly what transpired and to hold accountable any person who sought to pervert and corrupt the system.” The Head of State had said too that all necessary reforms will be pursued to make democracy stronger, and the electoral process more transparent.

‘New World Coalition’ could bring balance on issues...

path that we’re taking to national development. It is high because there’s a clear strategy as to what we’re doing and how we’re doing it and positioning Guyana.”

GUYANA’S POTENTIAL

The President pointed to the agricultural drive of

the country and said that investments in agriculture have enormous potential in Guyana. He said, “The CARICOM market alone is tens of millions of US dollars in a market that is absolutely accessible to you. We are creating the incentives, the investment vehicle.

We’re working on ways in which we can make the cost of capital lower.”

He noted that just two and a half years ago, Guyana’s only option was to import corn and soya for animal feed. Ali said, “We set ourselves a target of becoming self-sufficient in

five years. Not only are we well on our way to becoming self-sufficient, but we might be in a position to export to the region for the first time. We are not talking about food security in an idle manner.”

The President also spoke about the country’s housing

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programme, which “per capita is one of the strongest” in the region.

He said that while demand has increased, the lending rate has decreased by two percentage points in two years. This is in contrast to the global lending rate for housing.

Guyana’s drive to enhance other aspects of its development was also highlighted. He said, “We have to make decisions based on the realities that we’re faced with, ensuring that the people in this country have the best possible social

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PPP/C focused on ‘diversified energy mix’...

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lition Administration which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat Opposition majority.

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

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

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

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

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

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

From page 6

2024.

EXPORTING HYDROPOWER

The Vice President revealed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is exploring the opportunities for exporting green hydropower. He pointed out that this is all part of creating a green economy that will allow Guyana to increase its energy supply, earn money and fulfil its commitments to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 per cent in 2030 through a progressively cleaner energy mix.

He said, “The hydro, the gas-to-energy project and the solar project we’re pursuing, will cut emissions by 70 per cent, yet triple installed capacity. That is very important for us. Secondly, even if we don’t use the hydro to supply industries or consumer needs, we may be able to use it to do green hydrogen, which would potentially become another export for Guyana, that all the power from hydro will go to doing green hydrogen. We’re exploring that as a possibility.”

DIVERSIFIED ENERGY MIX

Further, the hinterland, according to him, will not be left out.

He said, “We can’t leave the hinterland of Guyana and the people who live there, shut off from accessing power. So right now, we’ve ordered over 30,000 solar units that are completed and will go to each of these 30,000 households in the hinterland. They’re not connected to the grid. These are Indigenous and riverine households… we’re now building a series of mini-grids in the larger Indigenous communities. We’re building larger hydro and mini-hydro in some of them. And these are projects that are already either awarded or to be awarded.”

The Vice President stressed that the PPP/C government is focused on diversifying its energy mix.

PNCR leader signals support...

The men arrived at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Headquarters to assist the police with their investigation. However, the men have all denied their involvement in the crime.

Meanwhile, those still wanted by the police known only by their ‘alias’ are: ‘Carlos’ from Golden

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From page 7

Grove, ECD; ‘Ray Ray/ Lilly’ from Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Nedd’ from Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Blammi’ from Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Dave’ from Nabaclis, ECD; ‘Burke’ from Nabaclis, ECD; ‘Layne’ from Nabaclis, ECD; ‘Kaldin’ from Enmore North, ECD; and ‘Peters’ from Haslington North & Victoria, ECD.

‘New World Coalition’ could bring... ←

services, the social safety nets are there to secure the vulnerable, best worldclass education, world-class health services, world-class infrastructure, an economy that stands on many different footings, positioning Guyana to be a global leader on food security, a global leader on

climate services, a global leader in energy. That is where we’re taking Guyana in an economy 2030 and beyond.”

Several visiting leaders also spoke at the opening ceremony, including the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Toba-

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go, the Honourable Dr Keith Rowley; the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Honourable Dr Ralph Gonsalves; the President of the Republic of Suriname, HE Chandrikapersad Santokhi (virtual) and former President of Colombia, Iván Duque Márquez.

COMMENTARY

Faced with inconvenient truths, Opposition naysayers respond with convenient lies

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Everyday in Guyana, people becoming increasingly aware of some inconvenient truths. For the opposition and the naysayers in Guyana, the phenomenal growth taking place in our country, in every region, in every community, in every sector, among all groups of people is an inconvenient truth that is creating a crisis for the opposition.

Instead of being happy for our country, the opposition and naysayers are trying to figure out what they can do to stop growth and progress. Instead of seeing that the phenomenal growth is in the interest of our people, the opposition see it only from the vantage point that continued growth and progress at the present rate might keep them in the opposition for a very lengthy period.

The fact that Guyana’s GDP growth, it economic growth, was 63% in 2022 and far away at the top of the world is an inconvenient truth that irks the opposition and the naysayers, instead of them celebrating Guyana’s success. The inconvenient truth that Guyana has been in this position since 2021 and is projected to continue leading the world in 2023 with a projected GDP growth of almost 25% is an irritant, not any reason for them to celebrate.

Among the inconvenient truth prevailing in Guyana today is that the opposition leader and the leaders in the opposition parties, such as the PNC, the AFC and the WPA, are increasingly being seen by Guyanese, including their staunchest supporters, as clueless, visionless, far below the quality of leadership from President Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharat Jagdeo and the PPP/C Cabinet Ministers. It is for the opposition an inconvenient truth that their most ardent supporters shake their heads in disgust and pray that leaders in the opposition can somehow find a way to be like the leaders in the PPP. With President Irfaan Ali increasingly being praised as the People’s President, with Vice President Bharat Jagdeo among the most admired politicians in CARICOM, the Commonwealth and globally, with PPP leaders seen among the grassroots and among professionals as a class way above anything the opposition can offer, the opposition and the naysayers are desperate for some effective way to com-

bat the inconvenient truth that they will be decimated in any upcoming election, be it local government or general elections. But the fact that no matter what the opposition do, local government elections will be held in 2023 and the general elections will be held in 2025 are inconvenient truths that the opposition and naysayers fear.

In the face of these inconvenient truths, with an empty arsenal of ideas, the opposition has come up with convenient lies, convenient misrepresentation and a convenient array of misinformation. They have become, however, even more desperate because all their convenient obfuscation, all their convenient misrepresentation, convenient misinformation and convenient outright lies have failed to gain any traction among the Guyanese people.

It must be quiet disheartening for the Leader of the Opposition and some of the naysayers, like Glen Lall, who had to sit through and endure the enthusiasm and the excitement of the 2nd Energy and Investment Conference held this past week at the Marriot International Hotel, while a handful of their supporters stood in the sun holding up placards of protest. They must have wished and must have organized for supporters to flock the entrance of the meeting site to protest. The inconvenient truth is that the vast, vast majority of the Guyanese people have had enough of shenanigans of the opposition and their sycophants. The vast majority of the Guyanese people just want to get on with the development agenda that President Ali and the PPP Government have been pursuing.

The praise that President Lula, Prime Minister Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the former President of Columbia, the continuing enthusiastic support for Prime Minister Motley and other world leaders shower on Guyana and its leaders today is an inconvenient truth. The country that has been the “basket-case” of CARICOM for almost all of CARICOM’s history is today seen as the cornerstone of a CARICOM development trajectory. When PM Gonsalves requested President Ali this week to become an investor and help keep LIAT alive, it was a tangible recognition that Guyana finally is realizing its potential and is becoming CARICOM’s

economic giant. Instead of relishing this fact on behalf of the Guyanese people, the opposition and the naysayers only see this as an inconvenient truth that they must counter with some form of convenient misrepresentation. Whether Guyana invests to keep LIAT alive or not will depend on what economic sense it makes. But the inconvenient truth for the opposition and their sycophants is that the request is a vigorous recognition that Guyana today has become an economic tsunami in CARICOM. Instead of putting Guyanese to sit on the bench of undesirables at their airports, CARICOM now wants Guyana to be the leader of the pack.

Aubrey Norton has not yet acknowledged that the one-sided EXXON deal is an albatross the PNC, the AFC and the WPA carry around their necks and that the Guyanese people know that it was them that signed the deal with EXXON. The Guyanese people know that David Granger’s team led by Raphael Trotman who went to Houston in America to finalize the deal were no match for the EXXON team. The Guyanese people, in fact, are quite suspicious as to what took place in Houston. The majority of the Guyanese people question how the Guyanese team could led by Trotman been so stupid to sign off on such a historical one-sided deal that gave all the advantages to EXXON. These are inconvenient truths that make Norton and his present team appear insincere when they now demand that the deal be re-negotiated. They will seem more sincere if they took responsibility for the bad deal. When President Ali very cogently explained the terrible consequences of renegotiation, particularly as EXXON made it clear that it will exercise its legal right to refuse any renegotiation, a right that the PNC team gave them, the Guyanese people see the wisdom of the PPP government. The Guyanese people understand the consequences and recognize the recklessness of what the opposition is demanding. Having already recklessly foisted a one-sided EXXON deal on the Guyanese people, just as they did with the GT&T deal in 1990, they now want to bring Armageddon on the nation by wanting Guyana to arbitrarily and illegally redo the deal. Have we forgotten what the British, American and European governments

did to Guyana with the nationalization of sugar and bauxite? Essentially, Norton, the PNC and the naysayers want Guyana to nationalize oil, just as we once did to sugar and bauxite, electricity and telephone, among other things.

The PPP’s approach to the one-sided deal is to ensure our country maximize our benefits. The government has also ensured that future oil concessions follow a model that creates optimal benefit for Guyana. For example, while preserving the 50/50% share of profit oil, in the new agreements for new oil blocks, Guyana is demanding a minimum of 10% royalty, compared to the measly 2% in the EXXON deal that Trotman and the Granger-led APNU/AFC (PNC) government negotiated and left like an albatross around the necks of the Guyanese people.

But renegotiation will stop the production of oil and gas, will jeopardize the investments happening in Guyana, will create a financial crisis for both local and international banks, will

make Guyana a pariah state, will stop the advancement of the massive infrastructural development occurring in Guyana, will dampen the growth of the housing sector, education and health. The inconvenient truth that Norton and his hapless group face is that the Guyanese people know the wickedness they are up to and will not tolerate the recklessness.

Not gaining any traction among the Guyanese people, they are seeking help from outside.

Earlier this month a group of charlatans singed a letter to Prime Minister Rowley highlighting that Guyana’s oil and gas industry is a threat to Trinidad and Tobago because of possible oil spill. They ignore that Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have been producing oil and gas for almost a hundred years and Suriname has been doing so for decades and Guyana never raised the potential threats of an oil spill. In any case, oil spills have not been experienced in our part of the world, to an extent that have caused major damag -

Govt’s policy direction has...

closing its doors on the first day at work to a company now that is moving to the expansion in a third production line”. He said, “That is the result of good Government and good policymaking. That alone would put to rest a lot of the nonsensical, irresponsible narratives that I heard. “

The expansion of the housing sector, the President continued, has created certain pressures; consequently, one of the issues facing exporters is the local price versus the price on the export market. Ali said, “What that means is that we have to up production, we have to find ways in which we expand production, come up with new markets, and that is why [CEO of DuraVilla Homes Guyana Inc] Mr Rafeek [Khan] and his team is doing exceedingly well…”

DEPLOYING GUYANA’S STRENGTHS

Speaking to the future of the sector, the President said Guyana’s market is no longer just for Guyanese but rather has become key in the region and further afield. Ali said, “Let me be very clear;

es. But the intention of the letter has nothing to do with these charlatans caring about Trinidad and Tobago and the Trinidadians. The letter is merely an expression of the inconvenient truth that these charlatans have not been able to stop development in Guyana and are now hoping that they can get some help from Prime Minister Rowley to promote their wicked agenda. Just as their reckless agenda has gained no traction among the Guyanese people, their agenda will fall flat among the international community they are trying to recruit.

The truth is as plain as day to see. Guyana is today seen as a tsunami of development because of the vision and competence of President Ali, Vice President Bharat Jagdeo and the PPP Government.

The only weapon that the opposition has to combat the inconvenient truth that President Ali is leading Guyana on a trajectory of massive development is to spread a litany of convenient lies and misrepresentation. It is not working.

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we don’t only have wood, we have the best quality wood in the world. We don’t only have a forest; we have the most sustainably managed forests in the world, and it is time we deploy our strengths to the benefit of the country. And that is why this investment is so important, and that is why I’ve personally spent so much time with Rafeek on this.”

On this note, he expressed gratitude to Barbadian Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Mottley and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves and other regional leaders for embracing the DuraVilla’s 1000+ modular homes initiative.

He also acknowledged the high standard and quality of the timber homes, which meet Barbados’s requirements to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes.

A high-level team from Grenada is also in Guyana to engage with the company.

Ali said, “That is no easy accomplishment—and everything is engineered locally. Everything is engineered locally… put your hands to-

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gether for our local talent…”

He reminded that the PPPC party, in its manifesto, committed to promoting partnerships and catalysing private sector participation in housing. The President said, “This is an example of the Government working with the private sector for a vision beyond Guyana…” The prefabricated housing market in Latin America and the Caribbean, he said, is promising. “There are, therefore, opportunities for Guyana to capitalise on this demand for decent housing. But to do so, Guyana must be able to develop competitive housing solutions, and that is what you’re working on. Competitive quality housing solution. The construction of prefabricated housing is, therefore, an emerging market, one which Guyana can and must tap into, in order to boost local manufacturing, and the spinoff effects are enormous,” Ali stressed.

The President congratulated the company for its accomplishment while he lauded the private sector’s exceptional work over the past few years.

Constitutional Reform Committee will follow inclusive model to advance consultations – Nandlall

The constitutional reform process will see suggestions for legislative changes from across the country, according to Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

In comments on the issue he said, “We will ensure that the Committee on Constitutional Reform that will advance the work will pursue nationwide consultation following the

model used in the past, that is, with half of the members from civil society and equal representation from government and the opposition

“…this Constitutional Reform Commission is not a PPP/C organ, but a national, broad-based, multi-stakeholder organisation as is outlined in its creating statute. Every citizen, stakeholder or -

ganisation, civil society groups and political parties will have an opportunity to consult with and make recommendations to the commission including the PPP/C on all matters which they deem fit, including matters relating to governance.”

Nandlall stressed that the PPP/C is committed to inclusion, as evidenced by the 1999-2001 process.

“The extensive changes to our Constitution under the PPP/C followed such a process...the PPP/C has long expressed its commitment to inclusive governance…it will be recalled that this is the principle which inspired the changes that were effected in the 1999 – 2000 constitutional reform process. I do not know that our position has changed. In fact, every day

our government works to make itself and its processes as inclusive and accessible as possible.”

The Attorney General added said, “Moving forward, we are committed to continuous revision of the Constitution. In this regard, we will ensure that the Committee on Constitutional Reform that will advance the work will pursue nationwide consultation following the model used in the past, that is, with half of the members from civil society and equal representation from government and the opposition.”

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM

In its bid to ensure constitutional reform, government moved to the National Assembly with the Constitution Reform Commission Bill 2022, which seeks the establishment of a Constitution Reform Commission to review the country’s supreme laws.

The Bill was presented by Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira.

The explanatory memorandum states that the Act seeks the establishment of the Constitution Reform Commission which will consist of 20 members.

Members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President and will include five members of the PPP/C, four members of the APNU+AFC, one member each from the ANUG, the Guyana Bar Association, the Labour Movement, the National Toshao’s Council, the private sector, representatives of women organisations, youth organisations, Christian, Hindu and Muslim organisations, as well as nominee representing farmers.

Details of the Bill state that the commission will review the constitution to provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities, and obligations of the Guyanese people.

It is mandated for that purpose to receive, consider and evaluate submissions for the alteration of the constitution, and report its recommendations to the standing committee for transmission to the national assembly.

In conducting the review, the commission will consider the full protection of the fundamental rights of and freedom of Guyanese under law, the

rights of indigenous people of Guyana, the rights of children, eliminating discrimination in all forms, improving ethnic relations while promoting ethnic security and equal opportunity.

The commission will also, among other things, implement reforms relating to elections and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), taking into consideration its composition, method of electing its chairman and members and its jurisdiction over national registration and electoral process.

The Bill comes up for debate and approval after the National Assembly comes out of recess on October 10, 2022.

PROMISE KEPT

Government’s model for constitutional reform is laid out in its 20202025 manifesto, and promotes the inclusion of all Guyanese in the review process. “We are aware that issues concerning constitutional reform, particularly in relation to a national, inclusive governance model, management of elections, fiduciary accountability, enhancing rights of Guyanese and ensuring constitutional language is simple have been raised and discussed in the public domain. However, we believe that these, as well as other issues, must be part of a process of widespread consultation with the people of Guyana before being acted upon. The extensive changes to our Constitution under the PPP/C followed such a process,” government said in its party’s manifesto.

The manifesto said too that it is committed to continuous revision of the Constitution and will ensure that the Committee on Constitutional Reform which will advance the work, will pursue nationwide consultation following the model used in the past, with half of the members from civil society and equal representation from Government and the Opposition.”

The Constitution of Guyana is the highest governing document in Guyana. It came into effect on October 6, 1980, replacing the constitution enacted in 1966 upon its independence from the United Kingdom. Guyana’s Constitution was last amended on August 3, 2000.