Weekend Mirror 18-19 March 2023

Draft Model Petroleum Agreements to be subject to 14-day consultation period

The Ministry of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, on Tuesday (March 14, 2023) announced the release of the draft Model Petroleum Agreements for both the

deepwater and shallow-water area, and the commencement of a fourteen-day consultation period before finalisation.

The draft Model Petroleum Agreements embod -

ies rigorous research and analysis by the ministry’s internal team, and external consultants on all topics relevant to a modern petroleum agreement for Guyana. The process involved a compre-

hensive assessment of the current petroleum agreement and the identification of best practices relevant to every contractual aspect of a modern agreement grounded in the Guyana context.

To ensure new investments are governed by a comprehensive framework of international best practices, the Model Petroleum Agreements will be followed by an overhaul of the 1986 Petroleum Act and Regulations. Feedback on the draft model agreements should be addressed to the Minister of Natural Resources and sent to licensinground2022@ petroleum.gov.gy with the Permanent Secretary copied, jmckenzie@nre.gov.gy.

The indicative Guyana 2022 Licensing Round Schedule will be updated at www.petroleum.gov.gy/ guyana-offshore-licensing-round-2022 and www. nre.gov.gy which will reflect the new timeline for the publication of the finalised Terms and Guidelines, Model Petroleum Agreement and process of bidding — all adjusted to facilitate maximum participation from global interest. Official Expressions of Interest

(EOI) have been received for all fourteen blocks for tender of the Guyana 2022 Licensing Round, demonstrating global interest in Guyana’s shallow and deepwater offshore acreage.

The Model Petroleum Agreements represent the PPP/C Government’s commitment to its manifesto promise of establishing a model production sharing agreement (PSA), guided by industry standards and best practices. At the core, these are aimed at maximising the socio-economic benefits for our nation without disincentivising foreign investors in the sector. The Government of Guyana remains committed to a new era of oil and gas development, characterised by a competitive and favourable investment climate.

The relevant documents can be accessed at the following link: https://petroleum. gov.gy/guyana-offshore-licensing-round-2022.

Committee on the Influx of Migrants from Venezuela meets to discuss govt’s continued coordination and response

Meeting of the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee to address the Influx of Migrants from Venezuela into Guyana

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on March 8, 2023, convened a meeting of the Multi-Agency Coordinating Committee (MACC) to address the influx of Migrants from Venezuela into Guyana.

The meeting was chaired by Minister of Foreign

Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and attended by Committee members from Government Agencies and International Organisations resident in Guyana.

Discussions centered on the initiatives currently underway to ensure the coordinated and appropriate response of the Government of Guyana to the needs of the migrants from Venezuela in Guyana.

Ali takes aim at WPA for ‘divisive, terrorist’ remarks

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has condemned the abhorrent, divisive and terrorist remarks made against the State by Working People’s Alliance (WPA) member Tacuma Ogunseye.

He was referring to comments Ogunseye made during a community meeting in Buxton on March 9, 2023. Ogunseye claimed ‘confusion’ as the reason why some Afro-Guyanese have expressed feeling of oppression, despite having “all the guns in their hands”. He also seemed to encourage the use of violence to achieve the goals of his colleagues, stating that, “any time we turn those guns in the right direction, it is over”.

President Ali pointed out that the remarks sought to influence persons in a direction that would cause havoc and disharmony—repercussions which could destroy any modern society. He also denounced the ‘racist, opportunistic dismantlers’ on the opposition side, stating that unity appears to be a foreign concept for the opposition. “They don’t understand what building is. They have never been associated with building anything that is good,” he expressed.

Under Coalition gov’t…

“Your president will stand up every single day for what is right’ will stand up every single day in support of democracy, in support of unity, in support of development. So, all the guns that he’s talking about, let him turn them to me. Because no gun or bullet would stop us on this path of unifying our people, on this path of developing our country, and on this path of uplifting the lives of our people, the people of this country.” – President, Dr. Irfaan Ali

The President urged Guyanese, especially the private sector, religious leaders and civil society groups, to listen objectively to the remarks that were made by Ogunseye— statements supported by members of the opposition— and asked them to consider whether the opposition deserves the platform they continuous demand. “Are these leaders?

Are these the type of people we want to lead our country?

Are these the type of people we want even to be associated with leadership in any political system, or any political party?

Can these people who shared that stage have the best interest of Guyana at heart?” President Ali questioned.

He also encouraged residents of Buxton not to allow themselves to be used by the ‘power-hungry’ opposition that frequently uses the com-

munity as a breeding ground for its propaganda.

The Head of State also committed to standing against similar terrorist remarks and actions by members of opposition parties and organisations. “Your president will stand up every single day for what is right’ will stand up every single day in support of democracy, in support of unity, in support of development. So, all the guns that he’s talking about, let him turn them to me. Because no gun or bullet would stop us on this path of unifying our people, on this path of developing our country, and on this path of uplifting the lives of our people, the people of this country,” he said.

Ali reiterated that the government will not tolerate these remarks or this behaviour, and noted that Guyanese should be vocal in their disapproval of

$40M taken from Co-Op days after Elections for land

Awhopping $40M was taken from the Amalgamated Transport & General Cooperative Credit Union (AT&GC) for 50 acres of land for housing, in an allegedly ‘suspect’ agreement that was signed by on March 25, 2020 by former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Trevor Benn.

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, noting that the agreement was inked after March 2020 General and Regional Elections, explained that the land that was supposedly leased cannot be found. Notably, the Lands and Surveys Commission had issued a “holding lease” and the $40 million was paid in full.

He said, “The long and

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such statements. He also expressed pride and confidence in the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), and reinforced its commitment to democracy, freedom, justice, and fairness. “And as long as it takes, and as many guns as it may take pointed in my direction and in the People’s

Progressive Party Civic’s direction, we have to make that sacrifice in the interest of Guyana, in the interest of the unity of our people, the interest of the development of our people, in the interest of the upliftment of our people, and in the interest of Guyana.”

He reminded Guyanese to be mindful and consider-

ate of the words and actions displayed by those who call themselves leaders but exhibit destructive tendencies, questioning, “Is this their presentation of leadership? If it is, then my dear brothers and sisters, you see what a bad decision can result in.” [SEE RELATED REPORTING ON PAGE 23]

that still cannot be identified

The lease signed by Trevor Benn after the March 2020 Elections on March 25, 2020

Guyanese will not risk our collective prosperity, the future of our country and children

Allright-thinking Guyanese must condemn the move by the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Tacuma Ogunseye, to call for a return to a state of affairs, which under Forbes Burnham’s People’s National Congress (PNC), saw the targeting – killing and harassment – of, among others, his own WPA members.

It was not so long ago, that the details of Burnham’s regime were recounted in shocking detailed.

For example, one line - “All attacks on WPA activists must be fatal” – according to the International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the killing of Dr Walter Rodney, was included in PNC documents that were circulated during the 1980’s. Notably, the Commission’s report concluded Rodney’s assassination was a “State organised” act that was executed with the knowledge of the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, who had “large and detailed” knowledge of what was being done by the State and its agencies during his tenure. Relative to the comment, the report details its link to the principle of party paramountcy and the use of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Defence Force (GDF), as well as the judiciary, to go after persons who were seen as opposition elements.

Page 51 of the report noted that Guyana was a “totally controlled society” and Burnham was “well informed and anyone who stepped out of line had to feel his ire.” The report, on page 41, also noted that Burnham in 1974, at a PNC Conference, said, “It was decided that the Party should assume unapologetically its paramountcy over the Government, which is merely one of its executive arms.” Prior to that, according to page 42 of the report, Burnham reasoned that “God says that before you were, I was. The party says to the Government before you were, we were. The government has got to be in our system as a subordinate agency to the party.” In that context, the report notes that the judiciary, the GPF and, particularly, the GDF was used to enforce the wishes of Burnham and his PNC. Page 45 of the report stated that Burnham called for the armed forces to “be fully acquainted with the policies of the PNC party.” As such, page 46 adds that the judiciary and ranks “committed themselves to being servants of the Prime Minister (Burnham), rather than official in service of the State.”

Against this backdrop – the fact that the PNC, under Burnham’s leadership, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Defence Force (GDF), as well as the judiciary, were involved in political acts – it is bewildering that an Executive Member of the WPA, Tacuma Ogunseye, would deign to utter the words he did on March 9, 2023.

The increasingly embattled Ogunseye, at a public meeting in Buxton on March 9, 2023, said: the WPA’s objectives were clear and the first is “to get the African team in a state of battle readiness… the Afro-Guyanese police and soldiers… would stand with Afro-Guyanese in resisting mainly Indo-Guyanese supporting the PPP/C…no government could survive if they don’t have the support of the military and those who carry weapons for the state…once we organise our people and once we begin to fight we will ensure that our brothers and sisters in uniform will do the right thing…a white diplomat pulled me in a corner and he said I don’t understand how people complain that they are oppressed and they are holding guns in their hands. They are the majority in the army, in the police, and they say they are oppressed. What he was saying is our problem is our own making. Our problem is our own making. Anytime we turn those guns in the right direction it is over.”

Ogunseye’s utterances, undeniably, reek of hatred, racist and terrorist rhetoric.

It is a fact that Dr. Walter Rodney, himself, on December 13, 1979, according to declassified documents published by the National Security Archives, rejected such behaviour as “repugnant” and charged that: “The victims of terrorism are always the ones with the least stake in government: low-level police officers, who were assassinated at random; clerks in government offices, who were killed or wounded by exploding bombs; and innocent bystanders who just happened to be in the vicinity of terrorist act.” Access to the National Security Archives and the many declassified document about

No place for race-baiting

Dear Editor

There can be no place in Guyana for race-baiting. Anyone who seeks to exploit race as a means of achieving political ends is doing a great disservice to the people of Guyana.

I have always maintained the view that Guyana is evolving to higher levels of multiculturalism and ethnic tolerance. We only have to look at the

recent Mashramani and Phagwah festivals to get a sense of how much we have embraced each other as a people, regardless of our ethnicity or politics. These manifestations of cultural assimilation must be encouraged. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, an individual must be judged not by the colour of his skin but by the strength of his character. This is indeed a powerful statement which should be

embraced by all Guyanese.

Guyana is an ethnically diverse society. Our strength lies in our diversity. Any individual or group that seeks to divide us on the grounds of our diversity must be called out. It diminishes us as a people and as a society.

Regards, Hydar Ally

Dear Editor,

The necessary and timely reminder is that we Guyanese must ‘never forget our struggles to preserve democracy.’

It is a little over three years now, and the memory is quite fresh. However, in the future, this reminder must be invoked, as distant generations must be apprised of what took place in the aftermath of the March 2020 Guyana Elections.

So, I am with President Ali as he conjured up the struggles to have the electorate’s voice heard and respected after the said March 2, 2020 unfolding, when A Partnership For National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) sought to steal legitimate elections victory from the now ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic incumbent. What a five-month episode that was!

Editor, it will remain vivid in my mind, and I guess in the minds of those who witnessed it. Initially, things went quite well pre-voting and actual voting, and even the initial stages of the counting were in order. However, ‘all hell broke loose’ when the Region Four tally was being compiled. That started the unfolding of what was described as “attempts by the then APNU+AFC Administration to rip the democratic

fabric of the nation”, with “delay tactics” which were openly criticised by a wide section of society…(as President Irfaan Ali has put it).

And what a society that was! That observing society included independent and international elites such as former British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn; former Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, Fernando Ponz-Canto; US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, and former Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee.

Added to this, there were the Members of the Caricom Election Observation Mission, the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth, the Carter Center, and the European Union, as well as ambassadors accredited to Caricom residents in Guyana and other members of the diplomatic community in Guyana.

This alone should have negated any untoward happenings, yet Guyana was thrown, by the APNU/AFC, into unprecedented waters in a most barefaced manner.

I remember the optimism expressed by the Chief of Mission, Ms Cynthia Combie Martyr, who boasted that “… the people of Guyana should be proud of themselves,” even as the Mission

Guyana can be had via the following link: https://nsarchive. gwu.edu/

What is clear is that Ogunseye’s comments are a betrayal of what the Working People’s Alliance fought and stood for.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has led the charge in rallying condemnation for Ogunseye’s comments. To date, the business community - the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI), among others; the religious community - the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), the Pandits Council, the Guyana Central Arya Samaj, and the Guyana Inter Religious Organization (IRO); and the trade union movement, via the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), have all come out in condemnation.

Even the Chairman of the Joint Services of Guyana and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess, charged that: “…irrespective of the its ethnic composition, the Joint Services of Guyana is an apolitical institution and will continue to uphold the novel position of service to the people of Guyana….social and political activists and commentators (must) refrain from these and other misleading and mischievous remarks which incite racial tensions, deviating from the promotion of the peace and security which

salutes the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the citizens of the country “for the peaceful conduct of the Poll.” Alas! Alas! Alas!

Optimism vanished, and instead of a seamless declaration of results and the swearing-in of the new President, “Guyanese, after casting their votes, had to endure a five-month wait for the results of the General and Regional Elections, as they witnessed alleged unlawful acts and a slew of legal challenges.” All of this was engineered by APNU/AFC, with their chief stars in former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and former District Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo.

I mean, their dalliance back then was nothing but brazen illegality, and “It was only after the legal challenges and international intervention that a national recount of all votes cast was convened, and the figures, as expected, and in corroboration with all the statements of poll, showed that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) received 233,336 votes, while the APNU+AFC Coalition got 217,920 votes.”

In the end, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) sealed the issue, and the PPP/C are in the rightful seat of governance (still to the denial and disgust of

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the [Joint] Services are mandated to mandate.” Further, it was noted that the Joint Services – which comprises of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service along with the GDF – is guided by the Constitution which mandates it to stand firm in the protection of the law and in the execution of its duties, in keeping with its constitutional responsibilities, and not by any partisan values and interests.

Unsurprisingly, leader of the PNCR, Aubrey Norton, who stood on the same stage as Ogunseye on March 9, 2023 at the Buxton public meeting, and several of the usual critics of the PPP/C government, including the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) Head, Mike McCormack, have remained silent on the matter.

Looking ahead, Guyana is on a transformational development trajectory and our people have no interest in returning to the oppressive and repressive past. Collectively we must signal our rejection of not only Ogunseye’s sentiments, but the racist rhetoric that continues to be peddled by Norton’s PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition.

Our people will not risk our collective property, the future our of nation, or the future of our children. This is the message that the detractors of progress and prosperity must come to terms with.

Recent happenings underscore need to always remember struggles to protect our democracy

APNU+AFC’s demand for unrealistic carbon credit payment for Amerindians is

sarcastic in nature

Illegally occupying State assets for lengthy time makes it right?

Dear Editor,

The PNC’s logic thus far is that you illegally occupy a spot of ground or property and automatically it makes you the owner of that property. This is the foolishness this party is peddling and hope that it gains traction in a modern and civilised society.

The idea that one can illegally occupy state property for political purposes and be made a legitimate occupant has been an erroneously held view by the PNC Party for far too long, and it’s high time for this nonsense to stop.

So, if we are to follow that same logic, then it behooves us to accept the lie that, based on the number of years the PNC have fraudulently occupied the national seat of Government makes them legally entitled to Government? Then it forces me, as an

individual, to sheepishly make them the real owners of this country and give them the right to rule. We know that to be the most ludicrous point to hold on to, even in the best of times.

So, this is what we are faced with in Guyana: a party that believe they can flagrantly disregard the law and get away with it. This is unacceptable behaviour even in the best of times. How can a party justify their lawlessness so shamelessly? It shocks me to the core that an Opposition can so boldly defend a lawless act, the base reasoning power of the PNC knows no bounds.

So, here you have it: a party that is prepared to go the lengths to prostitute the law, thinking civilised society should accept it.

Respectfully, N. Adams

Indigenous communities support LCDS, Carbon Credit Payment

Dear Editor,

Recently our Vice President announced that all Amerindian villages and communities will start receiving funds earned from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credit. Villages were set to get amounts ranging from $ 10 million to $35 million through a dedicated bank account setup by the village.

I have not seen one dissenting voice to the contrary other than the APA. The APA and a few voices purporting to speak on behalf of Amerindian people leaders are trying to discredit the LCDS and carbon credit scheme and hence trying to mislead the public and the ART Secretariat.

If the APA and the few voices are contending that the villages don’t support the LCDS and the carbon credit scheme nor were they consulted, let the villages speak for themselves. Let the village council come

out and make that declaration, lets don’t have any peeping Thom.

It begs the question of who really is the APA and the few voices speaking on behalf of, don’t try to muzzle the village council. Let the village council of the dissenting communities come out and speak for themselves.

I rather suspect that the APA is trying to get villages to use their LCDS funds to finance some of its PR campaigns, under the purported notion of speaking on behalf of communities.

Villages were allegedly approached to earmark a portion of the funds for communication activities to be executed by the APA.

I am thus calling on all villages to be vigilant.

Dear Editor,

Iread a Demerara Waves report on the APNU+AFC’s call for Amerindians to receive a payout of between 25 per cent and 85 per cent from the sale of carbon credit and concluded it was sarcasm. Why so?

Readers would recall that it was the APNU+AFC government which fired just under 2000 Amerindian CSOs and stopped the Amerindian land titling project as soon as it entered office.

It was a minister of this very government who said Amerindians were being greedy with their demands for the resumption of the land titling project, during a debate in Parliament on a motion brought by the then PPP/C opposition to withdraw President Granger land rights COI, which many, including the National Toshao’s Council, felt would’ve dispossessed Amerindians of lands they were entitled to.

This very minister during his presentation said that if the APNU+AFC governed

acceded to calls for Amerindian communities to enjoy subsurface rights for titled lands it would mean that only coastlanders should benefit from the oil and gas sector.

The actions of the APNU+AFC while in government as outlined above, and others which I did not mention, show a pattern of disdain towards Amerindians and actions that are inimical to their interests. Therefore, this feigned show of concern by way of their unrealistic calls for between 25 per cent and 85 per cent from the sale of carbon credits is purely sarcastic in nature.

The APNU+AFC did the exact thing in relation to the decriminalisation of possession of small amounts of marijuana. For five years while in government they refused to pass legislation towards this end then they sought to score political points with unrealistic demands of the new PPP/C government.

Yours truly, Annalise Humphrey Kwakwani, Region 10

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APNU/AFC). So, as clearly iterated by the President, “We must never forget the struggles we went through to preserve our democracy.”

Let me close by invoking what Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, intoned, which lends support to President Ali’s statement. According to the Legal Head, “…the people of Guyana must pledge to do everything in their power to ensure that those events never happen again here -something which he assured the current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government was committed to.”

He detailed the determination to preserve democracy by assuring all that “…your gov-

Yours Sincerely, Peter

Persaud, TAAMOG

ernment is very much alive to those realities that we experienced, and we will work to ensure that the democratic credentials of this country are maintained and that we continue to work to deliver a better tomorrow for every single Guyanese”.

So far so good. We have Regional and General Elections in another two years, and very soon there will be Local Government Elections. I doubt APNU/AFC will try anything like what they attempted between March and August 2020.

Yours truly, H Singh

Recent happenings underscore need to always...

PNCR linked to alleged acts of terrorism at Mon Repos

Robin Nadata Simon, a 44-year-old housewife of Haslington, East Coast Demerara, is the tenth person to face terrorism-related charges stemming from the June 2022 unrest along the ECD corridor.

The woman identified as a PNCR activist is the first person charged, who has direct links to the PNCR-led Parliamentary Opposition, the APNU+AFC Coalition.

On the day in question, in June 2022, a misleading media report by an online outlet, was identified as the reason for the protest. The

protestors marched Golden Grove – passing through the villages of Haslington, Enmore, Paradise, Enterprise, Melanie, Coldingen, Bladen Hall, Strathspey, Vigilance, Friendship, Buxton, Annandale, Lusignan, Good Hope – to Mon Repos, where persons were beaten and robbed, vehicles were damaged and the stalls of vendors were looted and burned down. Also, during protest, roads were blocked with debris and tyres were burned.

Notably, Leader of the PNCR and Parliamentary Opposition, Aubrey Norton,

after the unrest at Mon Repos, claimed that the persons who committed the wrongdoings were “planted” by the incumbent PPP/C Administration. On June 30, 2022, Norton, during a social media broadcast, said, “Many of these marauders or looters are directed by the PPP and their political agents.”

Subsequently, on February 15, 2023, he claimed that the PNCR-led Coalition will defend the persons who participated in the protests and were named in arrest warrants issued by the Police Force. Norton said,

“They issued arrest warrants under some terrorism act for innocent people on the East Coast who participated in the protests. They now describing them as terrorists. We will support them. We will do everything to deal with it. But let me say this cannot continue.”

Simon was not required to plead to the indictable charge when she appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts on March 9, 2023, Police Headquarters said in a statement. The charge was laid contrary to Section 109 (A) (1) (b) (ii) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. As per the condition of her bail, which was granted in the sum of $250,000, Simon, who was arrested on Monday, March 6, is required to lodge her passport with the Clerk of Court, and report every fortnight to the Cove and John Police

Station, ECD. Her case has been adjourned until March 28, 2023.

Last month, nine men were arraigned before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts to answer similar charges. Those charged are: Phillip Burke, Mark Hercules, Dave Berkshire, Terrence Adolphus Nedd, Anthony English, Keyon Glasgow, Jullian Peters, Tony McLennon, and Carlos Kingston.

Particulars of the charges allege that on June 28, 2022, between Golden Grove and Mon Repos, ECD, while being in the company of others, with the intent to strike terror, they used wood and other materials to block, burn and damage the public road.

They, too, were not required to plead to the indictable charges that were laid contrary to Section 309 (A)

(1) (b) (ii) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued wanted bulletins for 14 persons, including Simon who, several months ago, had allegedly attacked several vendors at the Mon Repos Market while reportedly ‘protesting’ the Police shooting death of Quindon Bacchus, a father of one and resident of Haslington, ECD. In the following days, several of them turned themselves over to the Police in the company of lawyers.

Four of the suspects are still on the run.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the suspects still at large is being asked to contact the Police at: 2292557, 229-2700, 229-2750, 225-6978, 225-8196, 2292019, or at the nearest Police station. All information would be treated with strict confidence.

PNCR-controlled City Council gives away prime property in Agricola to Coalition

For a mere $20,000 per year, for the first five years, the PNCR-controlled Georgetown City Council, gave away primer property at Agricola to the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition.

Documents that have come to light showed that in 2021 granted, almost 4000 square feet of land was given away to the PNCR through a representative of the party.

The lease, which was signed and took effect on January 28, 2021, was signed between acting Town Clerk Julian Orgista and PNCR Chairperson (Agricola) Elizabeth Williams-Niles as the lessee, for 3877 square feet of land at Plantation Rome (East Bank of Demerara).

According to the terms and conditions of the lease, PNCR would hold the lease

for 99 years from January 2021 until December 31, 2119, with an option to renew it for another 99 years upon giving notice to City Council. They would pay an annual sum of $20,000 to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), for the first five years.

The document said, “If the lessee fails to pay on the specified date aforementioned the lessee will be sub-

ject to a late fee of 5 per cent of the annual fee, due and payable for a period of one calendar month from the due date. Such annual rental, however, is subject to the

right of the lessor to review same every 10 years.

USE OF PROPERTY

Further, while the lease stipulated that the land must

be used for commercial purposes only, a PNCR Office was set up at the location. The fact that the property is being used for Party-relat-

Patterson is deliberately misleading the public on GPL − Prime Minister Phillips

Opposition Member of Parliament David Patterson has ascribed to himself the power to create problems where there are none, on account for his recent malicious claims against the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. according to Prime Minister, Mark Phillips.

Rejecting Patterson’s

latest claims, Phillips said, “Unbelievably, Mr. Patterson, the former Minister of Infrastructure with ministerial oversight of GPL, asserts that power outages resulting from accidents are a key indicator that GPL’s network is failing. Mr. Patterson should be aware that GPL’s primary distribution network corridor

is largely positioned on the earthen shoulder of main roads and transfers large amounts of power at 13,800 volts into the low voltage/ secondary network to serve customers.

“When vehicles collide with these structures, the power flow is disturbed above the prescribed limit

thus activating the protection systems on the grid to prevent further damage to the network and generating assets. In some instances, this can result in widespread outages.

“We have noted the alarmingly increased number of vehicular collisions with primary structures and will shortly commence the installation of bollards around identified critical structures. Bollards are already installed around 69kV transmission structures along the East

Coast of Demerara Public Road for this very reason.”

According to the Prime Minister, the Opposition MP persists with his inaccurate and misrepresented assertions on GPL’s procurement process during his term as Minister as compared with GPL’s current procurement process. “It is important to put this inaccurate assertion into context. GPL procures significant quantities of network components (transformers, conductors, fuses, switches, insulators

etc.) to ensure that planned and emergency maintenance are efficiently executed. The company procures these items at significant costs, second only to fuel purchases,” he said.

Phillips added, “During 2017, the company having a database of network components supplied by reputable industry standard manufacturers, approached these manufacturers to explore possibilities of acquiring materials at manufactures’ pric-

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REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DR. CHEDDI JAGAN

(Born on March 22, 1918, the founder of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Cheddi Jagan died on March 6, 1997. This speech was first made public on June 1, 1961. Its re-printing is among several activities being undertaken during 2023 to mark the 105th birth anniversary –March 22nd – of the founder of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Cheddi Jagan.)

Discrimination and Corruption

By Dr. Cheddi Jagan

In any discussion on discrimination and corruption, it is necessary to take a comprehensive view including consideration of cause and cure.

As regards cause, it is not enough merely to point out kinds of discrimination and corruption and to cite examples. To do so would be to take a partial, superficial view in the same way as one can speak about crime and prostitution without relating their relevance and incidence to the social milieu, to factors such as unemployment and poverty. One must try to get to the root cause so as to find an effective remedy.

That there are corruption and discrimination, no one can deny. It has reached such an alarming stage that the government has been forced to take some action, inadequate though it is.

There is discrimination in employment practices on political grounds. In the Guyanese context, this assumes a racial form.

Documenting this is a memorandum compiled by the People's Progressive Party concerning the upper echelons of the Public Service. In it are cited cases confirming that the Public Service and Police Service Commissions have become instruments of the Executive will, a rubber-stamp of the Prime Minister’s office. As long ago as 1967, the Civil Service Commission expressed grave dissatisfaction with several appointments made by the PSC, some of which were "most questionable and seriously disrupted the Association's confidence in the integrity of the PSC.”

In a letter, it appealed to the Trades Union Council to "intercede before it’s too late."

The then president of the Police Federation, Sergeant Joe Braz, giving evidence before the Collins Commission on July 27, 1968, charged - that favouritism was rampant in the promotion system in the Police Force. He declared: "The merit principle is seldom applied. Many men have belittled and degraded themselves in order to find favour with an officer in the hope that they would be recommended for promotion…there have been cases where men who have ben fore the court on charges touching on their integrity and honesty have been favoured when neither characteristic could recommend then.”

The treatment meted out to students who graduated in socialist countries illustrates the

who previously secured direct employment with the Ministry of Works and Hydraulics now have to pay $2 per ton load to Greenland, which has been given the government trucking contracts. The Guyana Marketing Corporation, which is subsidized by the public and which has a 25-cents per bag distribution contract with the local flour mill, sub-contracts to Greenland Cooperative Society for, it is understood, 20 cents per bag. Greenland also got the $1.5M contract for the erection of the NIS building.

conviction, but opportunism.

CHANGE

Disputes Bill;

subservience of the PSC. There is, for instance; the case of Dr. Motilal, a Guyanese Tuberculosis Specialist. He was refused employment even though there is need for such a Specialist. The Prime Minister had made it clear that persons who had gone on PPP scholarships to the socialist countries would not be given employment and the PSC subserviently toed that line.

In the lower echelons of the government service, recruitment for employment is done, not at the Employment Exchange, but at Congress Place, the PNC headquarters. In the rural areas, those given employment by the Employment Exchange must first be screened and cleared by PNC activists.

CORRUPTION

Corruption takes various forms. There is the misuse of public funds. We have been told of un-vouched for expenditure for the Independence Celebrations which increased to $1.5M. Later, the Director of Audit disclosed that $19.5M of expenditure in 1967 was not vouched for.

In 1967, Peter D'Aguiar as Minister for Finance, questioned the illegal and un-vouched for expenditure on the East Coast Demerara road. He called for the dismissal of the UF Minister of Works and Hydraulics, who however, was accommodated by the Prime Minister immediately as Chairman of the Telecommunications Board and later as Minister of Communications.

In the circumstances, the Director of Audit had to go in the same way as the United Force was forced out of the government from the strategic Ministry of Finance. Within this same context must be seen the non-functioning of the Public Accounts Committee.

Strict Tender Board procedures set out during the PPP government are also observed in the breach. This explains why Greenland Cooperative Society can get so many government contracts. Small truck owners

There is not only the misuse of public funds. Also prevalent is the misappropriation of public property and misuse of government personnel.

Bribery has become a national industry. The Archbishop Dr. Alan KAght rightly said in December 1969 that with 5,000 and less, one can get almost anything done in Guyana including the disappearance of files and the reduction of income tax, etc.

At the lower levels, the bribe is the means for obtaining a job, a piece of land, a passport, a driver’s licence and a motor vehicle fitness certificate. So corrupt has become the national moral fibre that the credo of the small man has become: "if them big boys can tief, wha wrong wit me.”

Existing side by side with discrimination and corruption in the public sector are discrimination and corruption in the private sector. The securing of employment and the holding of the job often depends on the employees being paid less than prescribed by law or he bargained for. In the case of female employees, in many instances there must be acquiescence in the selling of their bodies.

POLITICAL CORRUPTION

But above all, there is political corruption. Guyana's electoral system was changed by imperialism, not because of principle, but expediency - to get rid of the anti-imperialist PPP government. The electoral process is so rigged with a padded voters lists, proxy-voting, overseas voting and tampering of ballot boxes, that even the imperialists threw up their hands in horror with their half-hour of watching the Granada World in Action TV films, ‘The Trail of the Vanishing Voters’ and ‘"The Making of a Prime Minister’.

Political activists and even members of the National Assembly are persuaded through harassment and corrupt practices to cross sides, not on the basis of ideological persuasion and

Discrimination and corruption must therefore be seen as part and parcel of the political process in the defense of an outmoded social system. The political system, neo-colonialism, which maintains an archaic and anti-human economic system, capitalism-imperialism, is "corrupt", not merely because the individuals who wield political power line their pockets, but because it sustains and maintains a system, which has outlived its usefullness and which acts as a brake on further progress and the best interest of the masses of the people.

Capitalism-imperialism has become irrelevant in our era just as slavery and feudalism became outmoded in previous eras and had to be replaced for the sake of human progress.

Clearly, tinkering with the system and asking the Ombudsman to investigate will not suffice. The malaise in much more deep-seated. If the curse of corruption and discrimination is to be eradicated, a concentrated drive must be made to bring an end to the system of capitalism-imperialism and neocolonialist rule which sustains and props it.

Revolution, not reform, is urgently necessary. To this end, I propose:

1. The struggle for the democratization of our society and the real involvement and participation of the people at all levels of government and administration. Only with the full exercise of civil liberties and truly representative government and institutions and participatory democracy can there begin the process for eradication of discrimination and corruption. In the Guyanese context, this must mean:

(a) free and fair elections which must involve the impartial conduct of elections, the compilation of new voters lists the ending of proxy and overseas votes and the counting of ballot papers at the poll where the ballots were cast;

(b) the repeal of the National Security Act providing for arrest and detention without trial;

(c)- the repeal of the Order empowering the government to prevent Guyanese from leaving the country; (d) the fight to couple union recognition with the freedom of trade union association;

(e) the defeat of the proposed anti-strike measure, the Trades

(f) the removal of restrictions against peaceful demonstrations and picketing.

2. Fair Employment Practices legislation with penalties for abuse and greater statutory powers to the Ombudsman;

3. A national anti-corruption committee and regional sub-committee with statutory powers to serve, as watchdogs of the national interest.

Some cynics and liberals are wont to quote Lord Action's famous aphorism that "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts - absolutely". While this is true in one respect, it is a dangerous halftruth. We make a distinction between people's power or working-class power, which we support, and capitalist-imperialist and neocolonialist power, which we reject. For the latter, absolute power is synonymous with bureaucratic dictatorial rule, fraud, racism and corruption and their twin "brother", inefficiency. People's power on the other hand eradicates these evils through the expropriation of the expropriators and by the building of a now society free from the exploitation of man by man.

Op-Ed: LGE will strengthen, deliver our democratic rights

By Neil Kumar (PPP Executive Committee Member)

It is extremely heartening to see the genuine efforts of the community leaders across various Local Authority Areas (LAAs) to present the best list of representative teams to contest the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs).

In this regard, it is noteworthy that the PPP/C has advanced, and is utilising, a set of strengthened, inclusive-driven criteria designed to involve the broadest possible cross-section of persons. The wide-ranging spectrum encourages and draws from among the residents within the various constituencies to be on the respective constituency candidate lists.

With this new approach, there have been, and are likely to have, further wider consultations at the various levels of communities. It is not surprising, but most

interesting, that the response confirms a clear signal of desire and need for empowerment by some young persons who are now nominated as candidates. Of course, this category of younger residents now makes up approximately 40 percent of our voting population.

As a parallel for purpose of balance, consideration of persons who bring responsible experience, other and qualitative selections is taking place, so that the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) will be more inclusive and dynamic in their approach to function, and effectively respond to the needs of communities at the grassroots levels.

In most cases, considering the hybrid framework of our Electoral System, the constituency candidates have been selected from among the most seasoned and reputable persons in the community. On the other hand, Proportional Representatives Candidates are drawn from

persons who, on most occasions, are relatively new to the function of the NDCs.

The preparation for these LGEs is very significant as the best team to realise the requisite response to the tremendous development at the national level, and will likely catalyse and propel development at the local level.

Many ongoing strong developmental national projects are emerging from the approved appropriations commitments in the National Budget. With these projects impacting some LAAs now and in the medium term, a ‘laid-back’ or slothful response from community residents will only serve to delay advantages and benefits in the fast-changing global framework. Consequently, transformative plans at the community and village levels must be put in place to hasten the capacities of residents in advancing collective greater synergies that are complementary to the national initiatives.

Evidencing the foregoing is the tremendous development on the East Bank of Demerara, which will certainly demand more mature and professional leadership in the local communities. The Eccles/ Rambsurg Neighbourhood Democratic Council now has enhanced responsibilities for ensuring functional preparedness and responses to the hundreds of thousands of commuters: from residents, businesses, and new investments that have begun to transit its carriageways from the connecting interior Regions 9, 8 & 7, and the Town of Linden, West Demerara, Upper East Bank, and East Coast Demerara.

The magnitude of complimentary attitudinal transformation required at this level to fast-track the required urbanisation changes in the short and medium terms cannot be understated. We must also be fully cognisant of the fact that the main thoroughfare to and from the

airport and the interior also passes through the Eccles community. Coupled is the massive development on the “Waterfront”, along with the activities at the Industrial Site, which call for more high-profile efficiency in administration.

These new dynamics, which are likely to be delivered, given available access to the required funding by the PPPC Government, necessitate and demand that our communities must have set goals around the ‘right’ to vote, the right to administer, and the right to see and shape our community plans. This transformational development that is unfolding in front of our eyes informs us of the need for our people to get more inclusive, and are drivers for fully-energised participation in all aspects of development.

The rights of our residents in this respect are better addressed and advanced at the Local Government level through the LGEs to

determine members of a council that will administrate these matters in the various LAA communities. Those who are supported to administrate based on a functional democratic framework as enshrined in the Guyana Constitution MUST focus on the development at the community levels, and in providing improved service to our people.

Consequently, the various manifesto agendas should commit to improving platforms for facilitative delivery of services for health, education, sport, recreation, youths, and pensioners, reducing crime/violence, improving drainage & irrigation, ROADS/STREETS, health centres, along with garbage collection and other services to maintain cleanliness and beautification of where and how we live.

Editor, the LGE, in its reality, must advance those who will strengthen and deliver our democratic rights in Guyana.

AFC reaffirms no-participation in 2023 LGE

Witha massive loss at the 2018 Local Government Elections, some 113,000 votes less that the PPP/C, the Alliance For Change (AFC) Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, has reaffirmed that the Party will not participate at the upcoming Local Government Elections, scheduled for June 12, 2023.

On March 10, 2023,

Ramjattan said, “We are certainly not participating, and we have stated our reasons why.”

The AFC Leader went a step further to call for Guyanese to not participate in the elections. He said, “We are going to ask, I personally will ask that people not turn up. Boycott the thing. We are not supporting the arrangement

here… that might be for other parties. We are boycotting on very good grounds.”

Under the former APNU+AFC Coalition Government, Local Government Elections were held twice. Voter turnout during that period was low. At the 2016 Local Government Elections, 47.1% or 239,070 of the 507,584 persons eligible to

vote cast their ballots turned up to cast their ballots. Even in government, the Coalition could not rally support. Further, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on November 16, 2018, confirmed that 36.3% or 208,534 of the 573,923 registered electors turned up to cast their ballots at the 2018 Local Government Elections.

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

The results showed that the PPP/C won in 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) and tied five others at the 2018 Local Government Elections. The PPP/C increased its win from 48 LAAs in 2016 to 52 LAAs in 2018 Local Government Elections.

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

In Georgetown, the PPP/C made significant inroads, securing a total of seven seats on the Town Council – up from two seats. At the 2016 LGE, the Party secured two seats based on the PR votes. This year, the Party, not only doubled its PR votes, coping four seats, but also won three of the 15 Constituencies in Georgetown – bringing the total to seven.

In Bartica, the PPP/C increased its votes by over 60 per cent, when compared to 2016 numbers. At the 2016 LGE the vote totals showed: PPP – 699; APNU+AFC –1,954. This year, the vote totals show: PPP/C – 1,144; APNU – 1,443; and AFC –470. The Party was successful in moving its vote totals closer to the numbers secured by APNU.

In Linden and New Am-

sterdam, the Party secured more seats than it did at the 2016 Local Government Elections.

In Mahdia, the newly created town, the Party secured over 20 per cent of the PR votes cast on Monday (November 12, 2018) and secured one seat on the Town Council.

Meanwhile, in the 70 NDCs, the Party was successful in not only holding on to its support base, but also saw an increase in votes in areas that were seen as the traditional support bases of parties like the APNU. The PPP/C won the Buxton/ Foulis NDC, Region 4. Also, the Whim/Bloomfield NDC, Region 6, was another notable win. It was none other than AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo who declared that “there is a straight contest” between the PPP/C and the AFC in this NDC. The PPP/C secured almost 90 per cent of the votes and 13 out of 14 seats in the Whim/Bloomfield NDC. The AFC had less votes in the NDC than the number of candidates and individuals on the Nominators’ List (backers’ list) that they submitted to GECOM, proving our point that they had to compile fraudulent lists.

ELECTION WATCH: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

GECOM on track for LGE 2023 – Gunraj

The efforts of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to date, are “on track” to ensuring the roll out of Local Government Elections (LGE), according to GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj.

In invited comments on Tuesday (March 14, 2023), after GECOM’s weekly statutory meeting, he said, “So far, everything seems on track for the holding of elections as scheduled…no major issues were raised during the meeting.”

Additionally, GECOM continues to work on the preparation of the Voters’ List to be used for the conduct of Local Government Elections 2023. Following the certification of the Preliminary List of Voters, persons 18 years and older by May 22, 2022 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 were allowed to make a Claim for entry on the Register of

Nominations Day set, March 24th the deadline for submission of symbols

Voters up to February 19, 2023 at Offices of Assistant Electoral Registrars located in each of the 80 Local Authority Areas.

Last month, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall wrote the Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh appointing June 12, 2023, as the date for the conduct of the elections. That date was chosen on the basis of the work plan that was submitted by GECOM to the minister.

Query the Preliminary Voters’ List

Registered voters who are eligible to cast their ballot at the upcoming June 12, 2023 are encouraged to verify their registration by checking the Preliminary Voters List (PVL).

Guyanese can check the PVL by reviewing the document posted at key locations, including GECOM’s Registration Offices across the country or by visiting GECOM’s website at

https://gecom.org.gy/home/ plv2023. Via the website, Guyanese can enter their name and date of birth to verify their registration or do by entering their national identification card number.

GECOM has said, “Provide your 9-digit ID number or Particulars to query the Preliminary List of Voters used for Claims and Objections 2023 in preparation

for Local Government Elections 2023.”

The Commission, in a notice posted on its website, said, “Please note that this tool will only return results if the registrant is qualified to vote for Local Government Elections 2023. It will not return a result for any registrant who may be under 18 years of age by May 22, 2023 or registered in a Non-Local Authority Area.”

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has appointed April 17 as Nominations Day in preparation for the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE), which are scheduled for June 12, 2023.

The published notice, signed by Chief Elections Officer, Vishnu Persaud, stated that: “A list of candidates submitted by any Political Party, Voluntary Group or Individual Nomination Day must be accompanied by the precandidate on approved symbol, as this is required for the publication of the list in accordance with section 51 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, without which the Political Party, Voluntary Group or In dividual Candidate would be unable to contest the Local Government Elections.”

SUBMISSION OF SYMBOLS

The Chief Elections Officer also issued a notice to inform all political parties, voluntary groups and individuals who are desirous

of contesting the upcoming local government polls that the process to submit their applications for approval of their symbols has been further extended to Friday, March 24, 2023.

This exercise was schedule to be wrapped up on March 1, 2023.

“Political Parties, Voluntary Groups and Individuals who have already applied for symbols for the upcoming Local Government Elections, and who would have already submitted applications for the approval of symbols, need not reapply,” the notice explained.

Section 48(1) of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, provides that those contesting the elections be required to submit a symbol for approval by the Elections Commission no later than 21 days before Nomination Day.

Persons are asked to submit their applications via mail or email to the Chairman. Those in outlying Local Authority Areas (LAAs) may submit their symbols to the

GECOM Registration Office in their area. “Political Parties, Voluntary Groups and Individuals in outlying Local Authority Areas (LAAs) may submit their symbol to GECOM’s Registration Office in their area,” GECOM said.

In February, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall set Monday, June 12, 2023 as the date for the holding of the much-anticipated and long-overdue LGE in Guyana. Section 35 (1) of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, empowers the Local Government Minister to appoint a day for the elections. LGE, which are constitutionally due every two years, was last held in 2018. At the November 2018 local government polls, the then PPP/C Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). This had followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, during which the PPP/C also claimed the majority of the LAAs.

MEN ON MISSION

COUNTRYWIDE LUNCHEON IN OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2023

On Sunday, March 13, 2023 Men on Mission (MoM) hosted luncheons for women in communities across the country in observance of International Women’s Day.

The Men on Mission is a national movement by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, aimed at impressing upon men the importance of responsibility, being role models and demonstrating a collective will to shoulder a progressive system to support Guyana’s developing society.

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Guyana’s new ‘one card’ system will be one of the most technologically advanced – President Ali

– Contract signed for new ISO certified and ICAO accepted card

The Single Electronic Identification System being developed for Guyana, will not only enhance the ease of transactions but will be one of the most technologically advanced, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

He said that the cards will be compliant with 18013-5 of the ISO standards and will be accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for international travel.

On March 10, 2023, the official contract signing between the Government of Guyana and German-based company, Veridos Identity

Solutions, took place virtually from State House. Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Derrick Cummings signed on behalf of the government

The collaboration was facilitated by UAE’s His Royal Highness, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The new electronic identification system, the President explained, would revolutionise how business is done in Guyana and with its advanced security system it will eliminate the need for certain documents.

Ali said, “Through this card, the banking sector now

can have fingerprint verification and validation of the person who’s before them. So, the need for proof of address and all the audit documentation is eliminated. The cost of doing business, the effectiveness, the competitiveness, the efficiency all improve as a result of this technology.”

The President said that the card’s capabilities are also in keeping with his Government’s commitment to promote eGovernance to improve the productivity of businesses and the delivery of Government services through the introduction of eHealth, eEducation, eSecu-

rity, eAgriculture, electronic permit, and license processing among other areas.

He noted that the enhancement is necessary because there is an immediate need to implement a robust national identity management system that focuses on the integration of identification services across government agencies, security, ease of use, and acquisition of IDs.

Ali said, “This ID system would improve access to all citizen-centric Government services and benefit the citizens, private sector and Government alike. This will bring us in line with solutions used by the most developed economies, and position Guyana to be a competitive sphere in a world that is advancing drastically along a technological landscape.”

The system, and the cards by extension, according to the President, will also allow for the issuance of work permits and resident identification.

The Head of State added, “E-ID systems promote the idea of one citizen, one identity by assigning a unique national registration number to each citizen for use by all Government agencies.”

The Head of State also noted that in addition to improving Government services, the system will also benefit the private sector.

“So, the cost of doing business, the effectiveness, the competitiveness, the efficiency all improved as a result of this technology,” Ali said.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS

Dr Ali also said that the system will adhere to the highest level of international standards.

He said, “The system allows the capture of individuals’ biographical and biometric information based on international standards and stores it to provide identity-based services to individuals and other Government

offices. The ID and resident cards are laser engraved, black and white technology with secure, pre-printed designs and devices for a stateof-the-art polycarbonate document, which includes a chip that can integrate a variety of services to the individual.”

The President said the system and software will be tailored for Guyana and will include implementation services, training of administrators and operators, local help desk support and 60 months of support and maintenance.

The project is expected to have a 12-month implementation period.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips; Senior Minister within the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, the Honourable Dr Ashni Singh and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, the Honourable Deodat Indar were also at the signing ceremony.

Guyana gets over $1B grant from EU for forest sustainability to drive community development

Guyana has received an over $1.1 billion (€5 million) grant from the European Union to maintain its forest and natural resources, as well as strengthen sustainable development specifically in Amerindian communities.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Deputy Secretary General of European Union Action Service, Helena Konig signed the billion-dollar pact to further drive the project on Wednesday (March 15, 2023), at State House.

The newly inked agreement stemmed from high level discussions at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 27 in Egypt last November. The implemented partners are the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement – AFD) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Guianas.

With the $1.1 billion

funding, Amerindian communities will create sustainable business ventures that will reduce the pressure on its natural resources, and overall, preserve the forest and its biodiversity.

President Ali said the partnership is essential to addressing global challenges, noting that it matches his administration’s efforts of creating a low carbon economy and supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Guyana, he stressed, is working to be at the forefront of sustainable forest management, specifically on the utilisation of the forest for transformation of countries by creating a social, economic and sustainable model. “Guyana’s forest is not just standing trees but an important asset that provides global services, and in the provision of this global service, it is only fair that the forest earns for the

country and its people who ensure that it stays intact, in support of those global services,” the president stated. Guyana and the EU have been partners working together to advance the vision of enhancing the role of Guyana’s forest in sustainable and inclusive national development. “I am very pleased that we are advancing the process to implementation so quickly after the initialing of the country’s agreement…This partnership with AFD and WWF is underpinned by focus on what works, moving to create practical solutions, development challenges and addressing the vital role that forests play in overcoming these challenges. Sustainable livelihood sits at the heart of this endeavour as when we create the opportunities for people for economic advancement and

FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

First batch of hinterland women graduate from maritime training

Approximately 20 women from various communities in Region One, on Saturday (March 4, 2023) received their certificates of completion from the Atlantic Alliance Maritime and Onshore Training Institute.

This is credited to a joint scholarship programme piloted by the Office of the First Lady, which positions women in indigenous communities to benefit from the oil and gas sector through technical training in the maritime sector and offshore industry.

Last year, the First Lady secured 100 scholarships for Indigenous women in the hinterland to be trained through the Atlantic Alliance Maritime and Onshore Training Institute. The school’s courses are accredited by Guyana’s Maritime Administration

Department (MARAD) and the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ).

The young women were instructed in areas of Ship Security Awareness.

Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, outlined that this programme and the resulting benefits are representations of the PPP/C Government championing the cause of gender equality. She said, “The First Lady is here giving the opportunity not just to women, but bridging a gap in Guyana where accessibility and availability of opportunities are being made to our hinterland people.” The minister noted that this improved access to education and the facilitation of integration of women into previously male-dominated fields are mere facets of Guyana’s transformational

trajectory.

Last year, the World Economic Forum reported an 18-place hike for Guyana on the Global Gender Gap Index, moving from 53rd in 2021 to 35th among 146 countries. In the area of economic participation and opportunity, Guyana moved from the 105th rank to 53rd

in the space of one year. In the same period, the country moved from 91st to

57th in educational attainment. This is just another tenet of the PPP/C Admin -

istration’s commitment to the economic empowerment of women.

First

48 homes under construction as part of Lethem Housing Programme

Construction of the first 48 homes is currently underway at New Culvert City Housing Scheme and Tabatinga Housing Scheme, Region Nine as part of the Lethem Housing Support Programme.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Water, the initiative was launched by the government to promote sustainable housing development in hinterland communities and meet the growing demand for move-in ready homes.

Each housing unit spans an area of approximately 550 square feet and comprises two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and sanitary facilities.

The Lethem Housing Support Programme is a significant commitment of His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The initiative, valued at $600 million, will see the government contributing $1 million each to 600 low-income homeowners to mitigate the cost of their

home construction.

The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), the New Building Society (NBS) and Republic Bank Limited (RBL) are financing the remaining $2 million for the prospective homeowners at a rate of 3.5 per cent.

The collateral-free gesture from the two financial institutions would see the allottees repaying just about $14,000 per month.

To support the local economy, the construction materials such as bricks and

timber used for building the homes are being sourced from nearby communities, including St. Ignatius, Shulinab, Kwatamang, Shea, and Surama.

Overall, the Lethem Housing Support Programme is a significant initiative by the government to promote sustainable housing development in the hinterland communities, providing residents with decent and affordable homes while also supporting the local economy.

GEA installs Solar PV System at Siriki Primary School

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), recently, installed a 6kWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system along with a 28.8kWh Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid (VRLA) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Siriki Primary School in Region Two. The Siriki Nursery School was also connected to the electricity supply from the solar system.

The items installed at the Siriki Primary School were provided by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) in keeping with the Govern -

ment’s sustainable energy interventions for communities and public buildings in the Hinterland.

Siriki Primary School is located along the Pomeroon River approximately 10 km from Charity, Essequibo in Region Two. In exercising its mandate, the Guyana Energy Agency, provided support for the transportation and installation of the solar PV and battery energy storage systems.

This initiative will provide a renewable, stable, and reliable electricity supply to the schools and the school’s

‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Gov’t to harvest 1,200 tonnes of soya beans soon – Mustapha

The government remains keen on its food security agenda and to lower CARICOM’s high food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

kitchen for its daily activities, benefiting approximately forty-four (44) students nine (9) teachers and eleven (11) ancillary staff.

The teachers present at the time of the solar PV system’s installation expressed their gratitude for the initiative, stating that it will allow them to better utilise the school’s services and provide better learning opportunities for the students.

GEA’s Engineer provided training to six female personnel at the facility on the operation and maintenance of the system.

As a result, the government continues to encourage the cultivation of new crops and varieties, value-added production, and climate-smart agriculture to achieve this goal.

Intending to be self-sufficient by 2025, the PPP/C Administration remains committed to the cultivation of corn and soya bean in the intermediate savannahs.

Over $1.2 billion was allocated in this year’s budget for infrastructural development in Tacama, where soya is being widely grown.

During an outreach on

Wednesday (March 1, 2023) in Region Five, Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted that some 1,200 tonnes of soya beans will be harvested shortly. “We are seeing new crops that we have started this year. That shows our commitment to diversification in the sector. We are seeing a revolution, a change in the agriculture sector, not only rice and sugar have been dominating our country’s agriculture sector. But we are seeing growth in all of the other sectors,” the minister noted.

By 2025, the intention is to continuously increase production to cover at least 25,000 acres.

This crop will be used for the creation of livestock feed. Guyana imports close

to US$30 million in feed materials annually.

Access to the area was improved in 2022 with the construction of 40 kilometres of road, with the remaining seven kilometres to be completed this year.

The construction of the first storage and drying facility for corn and soya bean is expected to be completed within the first quarter of this year.

Some $150 million will be invested in the construction of a wharf at Tacama foreshore, to provide critical access to the area under cultivation.

Meanwhile, Moco Moco in the North Rupununi, Region 9, is also earmarked for the production of corn and soya bean.

The government through the Ministry of Public Works has launched several road projects to improve the country’s transportation network, providing safe and reliable access to citizens.

As such, there are several ongoing road projects in various regions across the country. These projects are being carried out by various contractors and are at different stages of completion.

Lot 20-2022: Rehab of Barbina Swamp Road, Region One, is being carried out by International Imports

& Supplies to the tune of $130,137,046. The project involves the construction of a revetment, embankment, and bridge to improve the road’s overall condition. The contractor is currently driving piles and revetment, with the project at 70 per cent completion.

Lot 22-2022: Rehab of Internal Roads, Port Kaituma, Region One costs some $95,902,185 and is being carried out by United Contracting Supplies. The project involves the construction of 600 metres of rigid pave -

ment, of which 300 metres of concrete works have been completed. The remaining 300 metres of concrete works are yet to be completed, with the project currently at 60 per cent.

Lot 24-2022: Rehab of Wauna Main Access, Region One is being executed by Supreme Contracting & Supplies. Currently 3 km of laterite roads in the Wauna community are being rehabilitated to the tune $51,193,800. The contractor has progressed to 80 per cent of the project works and is

expected to be completed by the end of March.

Lot 7: Rehabilitation of Orealla to Kwakwani (Phase 3), Region Six is being executed by D&R Construction & Machinery Rental. The company is responsible for constructing 15 km of roadway and repairing a bridge on the Kwakwani side to the tune of $195,243,825. The contractor has completed 14 km of roadway, with the remaining 5 km to be completed.

Lot 11 – 2022: Realignment of Tiger Hill, Mahdia Main Access, Region Eight. O&O General Contracting Services is currently working on the realignment of a dangerous turn on Tiger Hill. The contractor has progressed to 90 per cent , with the final excavation ongoing. Geocells are expected to be placed and infilled.

Lot 30-2022: Rehab of Muruwa Community Roads (Phase 1), Reg Eight. Jemcorp Engineering & Imports is responsible for the bush clearing and base preparation of a 32 km road in the region . The contractor has completed 20 km of bush clearing, with the remaining 12 km to be completed. The project is progressing at 65 per cent.

Lot 13-2022: Rehabilitation of Karasabai to Yurong Paru, South Pakaraimas, Re-

gion 9. Condor Construction Inc. is currently working on phase 2 of the rehabilitation. The project involves repairing 30 km of road, 3 culverts, and 2 bridges. The contractor has completed 1 of 2 bridges, with roadworks expected to commence after the completion of the bridge.

Lot 15-2022: Rehab of Barrack Retreat, Region 9. Alvin Chowramootoo Construction Services is responsible for the second phase of the project, which involves the construction of 2500 metres of concrete sidewalks in Lethem. The contractor has progressed to 50 per cent, with concrete works ongoing, although there were challenges acquiring river sand.

Lot 6: Replacement of Safety Signs and Markers from Mabura to Lethem, Region 9, being conducted by Design Perspectives.

Lot 13-2022 is a phase 2 project that aims to repair 30 km of road from Bush Mouth to Yurong Paru to Monkey Mountain in the South Pakaraimas region. The project is being carried out by Condor Construction Inc., and it is currently at 35 per cent completion. The contractor has completed one of two bridges, and roadworks will commence after the bridge is completed.

Another phase 2 project is Lot 15-2022, which involves the rehabilitation of Barrack Retreat in Region 9. The project is being carried out by Alvin Chowramootoo Construction Services, and it involves the construction of 2500 metres of concrete sidewalks in Lethem. It is currently at 50 per cent completion, but the contractor was unable to acquire river sand for concrete works. Despite this setback, concrete works are ongoing.

In Lot 6, Design Perspectives is carrying out a routine project that involves the replacement of road safety signs from Mabura to Lethem in Region 9. The project is currently at 30 per cent completion, with signs being prepared.

Lot 35-2022 is a new project that aims to rehabilitate internal roads in Kwakwani, Region 10. The project is being carried out by Ideal Engineering Service Inc., and it involves the construction of 750 metres of asphalt road. The project is currently at 35 per cent completion, with the contractor installing slipper drains. Base preparation and paving are yet to be done. The government and the private sector continue to invest in infrastructure projects to enhance the country’s economic growth.

Major infrastructural works ongoing countrywide to improve transportation network

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Persons encouraged to sign up for 150k coders initiative

Registration is ongoing for Guyanese across the country to be equipped and trained as computer programmers, software developers, among other skillsets as part of the 150k Guyana Coders Initiative (GCI).

For the next three years, 150,000 Guyanese 14 years and older will receive free instruction in the fundamentals of computer coding as part of this initiative.

This aligns with government’s transformative plans

to make Guyana a centre for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) which will ultimately transform the nation into a hub for data services, data centres, and data banks.

This initiative was launched by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali in December 2022. It is a partnership between government and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This strengthens the existing commerce and technological advance-

ment ties that exist between the two nations.

Following a number of meetings, workshops, and high-level field visits with leaders of both countries, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in March 2022.

During the launch, President Ali highlighted that this initiative will position Guyana as a key player in the global technology market. “Today is important, it is about what Guyana 2030

Gov’t continues to focus heavily on its apprenticeship programme

Government continues to focus heavily on developing its apprenticeship programme to meet the demands of the expanding oil and gas and other sectors.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton recently noted that government continues to work assiduously to upskill the nation’s human resources to meet these demands.

Last year, approximately 173 apprentices were placed at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

Back in January, BIT granted licenses as master apprenticeship centres to the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation and Guyanese Manganese Incorporated.

Minister Hamilton underlined, “And we are working with more to make apprenticeship masters. We are discussing with many other companies, the oil and gas companies. Welding in oil and gas is more elevated than the ordinary welding, you will train people for them to gain that type of experience and develop themselves. We are already having conversations with them about placing

persons there as apprentices at the facilities.”

This will help the persons to develop the requisite skills to participate in the oil and gas industry. To this end, persons can register on the job bank’s website and upload their certificates.

Many persons already have been able to access jobs via the job board.

Minister Hamilton highlighted that, for the first time in the history of Guyana, BIT will be establishing and constructing training facilities.

Several training centres will be constructed and rehabilitated with all of the technical capabilities this year. A training centre will be constructed in New Amsterdam and Corriverton in Region Six, while a massive facility will be constructed in Bartica.

“We have an idea to utilise a building that we refurbished in Unity. The idea is for people who already have a skill, we will upskill them for them to be certified and accredited,” the labour minister explained.

Technical officers of BIT are assigned to each region to facilitate, coordinate and col-

laborate with various groups that make requests for training programmes to be conducted in their communities. There are three technical officers in Region Nine to service the region due to the size of the region, while two officers are assigned to Region Six.

Labour officers and other officers are available in every region with the exception of Region Eight.

Minister Hamilton added, “We have training being done with Amerindian village councils and municipal councils. We do not go into communities and try to make wheels because they have wheels already exist there. And we utilise them and whatever facility exists.”

The ministry also collaborates with churches across the country for training to be done.

BIT continues to ensure Guyanese in every region are provided with the necessary support to be employed or become entrepreneurs.

The technical and vocational training programmes are tailored to accommodate the demands for skills in various sectors.

$120M Enmore road completed

The completion of the $120 million road at the old Enmore Railway Embankment marks a significant achievement under the Miscellaneous Road Programme.

The road, which was constructed by contractor K.P. Jagdeo, is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and providing better access to transportation for the people of Guyana.

It is also a reflection of the government’s commitment to creating jobs and stimulating economic growth through public projects. The road

project provided employment opportunities for local workers, and the injection of funds into the local economy will provide a boost for local businesses.

The road measures 1.5 kilometres in length and 4.27 metres in width. It is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride for drivers and passengers alike. The road is also expected to reduce travel time for commuters in the area and improve access to markets, schools, and other essential services.

However, the road project was not without its chal-

will be and must be. The next eight years are very important years for Guyana, we are starting way behind the race, and if we are to adjust ourselves in this race in a straight-line manner, we will be way behind for decades to come…This step is about you taking our country forward in 2030 and beyond, ensuring that you are competitive, resilient, functional… ensuring that we as a country have the tools that will take us forward, and our economy is among the strongest,” he had said. In addition, the president declared that Guyana would be prepared to serve as a centre where

members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) could gain from the initiative in the future.

Coding, also referred to as computer programming, is the process of carrying out a certain computation, typically through creating a functional computer programme.

This initiative aims to teach Guyanese the necessary skills to work as IT technicians, systems administrators, cyber security analysts, and other related positions which include animation, website creation, and software engineering.

A certificate will be issued upon completion of

the programme and will be recognised by the UAE.

Upon completion of the programmes, top students can get scholarships for internationally recognised training programmes.

The chance to compete in regional and national coding competitions will be available to students. Top performers will also receive cash awards.

Students can register to study the course of their choosing at no cost and take online classes to earn a professional software development certification.

Persons can visit www. guyanacoders.gov.gy/ to enroll.

lenges. The contractor faced setbacks due to a shipment of geo fabric, which caused a delay in the project’s completion. Despite this setback, the government and contractor worked together to overcome the challenges and ensure the timely completion of the project.

Meanwhile, the government is working to expand the East Coast Demerara (ECD) railway embankment into a new four-lane highway and in just over two years’ time, commuters can expect further relief to the ongoing traffic congestion.

$40M

short of it! No one knows where this land exists. Nobody that was there, no member so far, no officer knows. I have been asking for somebody to take me to the land and that has not happened so there is no land you have $40 million of the

people’s money that was transferred to the Lands and Surveys.”

According to him. The Credit Union’s Interim Management Committee has since requested a refund, but the Committee was advised that such an

PNCR-controlled City...

← FROM PAGE 7 ed business was confirmed in June 2022.

Last year, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday confirmed that it was investigating a break in, between 15:00hours on June 2, 2022 and 16:000hours on June 4, 2022, which that was reported by the PNCR Vice Chairman. The police in a press release said enquiries disclosed that the then Vice Chairman of the PNCR secured the building after a meeting on June 2, 2022 and went home leaving everything intact. When she returned the following day, the police said the Vice Chairman observed a window at the bottom flat of the building was opened. According to the Force, it was discovered that one desktop computer, an electrical fan and a gas bottle were missing. The items which are worth a total of $125,000 were in the kitchen

area of the building.

MAJOR LAND GRAB

Notably, last year, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, had admitted last year that the PPP/C Government is still in the process of coming to grips with all the land that the former APNU+AFC Coalition Government sold to friends and family, while in office. He had made it clear, however, that even as the Government takes stock of the land sold out, it will continue to make an effort to recover these lands. He had said, “You recall the land policy. Up to now we can’t figure (out) how much land they sold, to whom, we’re trying to recover this. After the elections, (they) put out a gazette signed order to transfer (land) to over 100 persons, plots of land in Linden, to cronies. According to him, a lot of the land was dis-

tributed to friends and family of the former APNU/AFC Government, not to ordinary people who were struggling to get a piece of land.

Additionally, days after they came to power in August 2020, the new PPP/C Government had announced that all of the land deals conducted by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) since the December 2018 passage of the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) would be reviewed.

In a statement at the time, Attorney General Anil Nandlall had said that “A review of all leases, licences and permissions to occupy public lands, granted since the 21st day of December 2018, will be conducted.

Leader of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition, Aubrey Norton, has remained silent on this matter, despite questions.

Patterson is deliberately misleading the...

← FROM PAGE 8

es (reduced prices). These Manufacturing companies with the exception of Itron and Hexing (Post and Prepaid Meter Manufacturers) redirected GPL to their authorized Distributors. It is important to note that these authorized suppliers were already established suppliers to GPL.”

Consequently, he stressed that Patterson is woefully misguided and appears to be a calculated attempt to

mislead the public. He made clear that, “GPL’s network materials have always been defined by technical specifications stipulated by industry standard Power Utility Catalogues. GPL’s transparent Tendering Process requires that bidders must provide Manufacturers’ Authorizations and Manufacturers’ Warranties. Bidders must also fully comply with the stipulated industry standard Technical Specifications.”

Phillips added, “Let me remind the Opposition Member that the power company is still recovering from the period of gross misdirection and the absence of a clear policy direction under the APNU/AFC 2015-2020 Government. Therefore, I unequivocally refute the Opposition MP’s misplaced and misguided statement that the company procures ‘cheap plastic products that only last three months.”

Guyana gets over $1B grant...

← FROM PAGE 14 social upliftment, we provide them with resources to make decisions to safeguard the environment and protect the forest,” President Ali stated.

Importantly, the programme will ensure coherence, complementarity and strengthening of government initiatives in the region. For example, the carbon credit sales of which 15 per cent will go to projects in Amerindian communities. “Villages have already outlined their various sustainability plan and we want to complement those plans, we want to augment those plans and this is done with close alignment through the Low Carbon Development Strategy,” the president disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary General of European Union Action Service commended the government’s efforts in its drive to maintain low deforestation rates and pledged the EU’s support in this regard. “The

European Union has made substantial and sustainable forest management the one and only focus in its new bilateral cooperation with Guyana, fully in line with Guyana’s own Low Carbon Development Strategy. We aim to support Guyana’s ambition to preserve and enhance the sustainable

development role of forests as a key asset,” she said. Konig added that the EU will continue to dialogue with government agencies and communities on the ground during the inception phase, which will enable development of economic activities that will benefit the communities.

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

The Ministry of Public Works, Works Services Group invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the following projects: Maintenance of Sea and River Structures within Regions No. 3, 4, 5 and 6:

Lot 1 Boulder face protection maintenance works at Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3 – (Estimated Cost- G$9.00 million)

Lot 2 Incorporation of gabion mattress rock slope to earthen embankment at Mora, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 3 Incorporation of gabion mattress rock slope to earthen embankment at Roden-Rust, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 4 Boulder face protection maintenance works at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.75 million)

Lot 5 Maintenance works to earthen embankment between Hubu and Parika, East Bank Essequibo Region no.3 - (Estimated CostG$7.75 million)

Lot 6 Incorporation of gabion mattress rock slope to earthen embankment at Salem, East Bank Essequibo, Region No.3(Estimated Cost- G$13.80 million)

Lot 7 Boulder face protection maintenance works at Orangestein, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.80 million)

Lot 8 Maintenance works at transition of sluice at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, Region No. 3 - (Estimated Cost- G$6.0 million)

Lot 9 Maintenance works to earthen embankment between La Harmonie to Free and Easy, West Bank Demerara, Region No. 3(Estimated Cost- G$8.00 million)

Lot 10 Boulder face protection maintenance works at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, Region No. 3 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.75 million)

Lot 11 Maintenance works to concrete structures along Georgetown Seawall, Georgetown, Region No. 4 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.25 million)

Lot 12 Incorporation of gabion mattress rock slope to earthen embankment at Hope Canal Outfall Channel, East Coast Demerara, Region No. 4 – (Estimated Cost – G$13.8 million)

Lot 13 Maintenance works to earthen embankment along Abary Riverdam, East Coast Demerara, Region No.5 - (Estimated CostG$12.0 million)

Lot 14 Maintenance works to earthen embankment along Mahaicony Riverdam, East Coast Demerara, Region No. 5 - (Estimated CostG$13.85 million)

Lot 15 Maintenance works to earthen embankment from Fort Ordinance to Seawell, Corentyne, Berbice, Region No. 6 - (Estimated CostG$6.50 million)

Lot 16 Maintenance works to earthen embankment from Joppa to No.51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region No.6 - (Estimated CostG$12.25 million)

Lot 17 Maintenance works to earthen embankment from Portuguese Quarters to Bloomfield, Corentyne, Berbice, Region no.6(Estimated Cost- G$9.00 million)

Lot 18 Maintenance works to earthen embankment from Bloomfield to Hogstyle, Corentyne, Berbice, Region no.6 - (Estimated CostG$9.75 million)

Lot 19 Maintenance of earthen embankment and rip rap structure at Scottsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, Region no.6 - (Estimated CostG$13.75 million)

Lot 20 Incorporation of timber revetment structure along earthen embankment along along No.73 Outfall, Corentyne, Berbice, Region No. 6 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 21 Incorporation of timber revetment structure along earthen embankment along Sheet Anchor, Canje River, Region No. 6(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 22 Incorporation of timber revetment structure along earthen embankment along New Forest, Canje River, Region No. 6(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 23 Incorporation of timber revetment structure along earthen embankment along Betsy Ground, Canje River, Region No. 6(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 24 Incorporation of gabion mattress to earthen embankment at Siparuta, Corentyne River, Region No. 6 - (Estimated CostG$13.85 million)

1. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures, specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

2. Interested Bidders may obtain further information from, inspect the Bidding Document, and purchase a complete set of Bidding Documents at the Ministry of Public Works (address (1) below) from Monday, March 6, 2023. Bids can be purchased from 09:00hrs to 16:30hrs, Mondays to Thursdays, and on Fridays from 09:00 to 15:00 hours.

3. A complete set of the bidding documents, in English, may be purchased by interested Bidders at address (1) below upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of Five Thousand Guyana Dollars (GY$5,000.00). The method of payment will be cash, or by manager’s cheque payable to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works, Guyana.

4. Qualification’s requirements include but are not limited to: Bidders registered in Guyana must submit valid Certificates of Compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS). A margin of preference for national contractors/JVCAs shall not be applied.

5. Bids shall be valid during One Hundred and Twenty (120) days of the date of bid opening.

6. Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders’ representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at the address (2) below on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 09:00hrs.

Address (1) - Purchase and Inspection of Document:

The Accounts Department, Flat Building, Ministry of Public Works Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana.

Tel: (592) 223 1847 (592) 223 6070

E-mail: procurementwsg@gmail.com

Address (2) - Submission and Opening of Bids:

The Chairman, Ministerial Tender Board, Ministry of Public Works Oranapai Towers, Wight’s Lane, Kingston Georgetown, Guyana.

Op-Ed: Ogunseye’s comments cannot be justified under rubric of freedom of expression

By Anil Nandlall (PPP Executive; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs)

In my capacity as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Secretary of the Defence Board and indeed, a citizen of Guyana, I feel compelled to condemn in the strongest possible terms, the exhortations by Tacuma Ogunseye to the

Armed Forces of Guyana to join a mass uprising against the lawful and democratically elected Government of Guyana, referencing the Forces’ “ready access to weapons”, for them to be “battle ready”, and preying to the dominant Afro-Guyanese composition of the said Forces.

This racist incendiary call for public disorder and resistance, positioned as

an alternative to the democratic process of Local Government Elections lawfully due, is capable of amounting to several criminal offences, including but not limited to, sedition, seditious libel, inciting riotous behaviour and exciting racial hostility in order to create a breakdown of law and order within the State of Guyana, if not treason.

Certainly, such inflam -

matory publications cannot be justified under the rubric of freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution, since Article 146 which guarantees such freedom, expressly excepts “…hate speeches or other expressions, in whatever form, capable of exciting hostility or ill-will against any person or class of persons.” [Article 146 (3)].

The unvarnished truth is

that persons such as Tacuma Ogunseye and those of his ilk are of a bygone era, stuck in a time warp long gone, and which have no place in modern Guyana, and indeed, in any modern democratic society. Nevertheless, we cannot become complacent and ignore these dangerous threats intended to strike at the foundation of the freedoms we enjoy and the rule of law, which

protects us as a civilised nation.

All right-thinking citizens must therefore echo their voices against such perilous rhetoric and the law enforcement agencies are obliged to take such action as they deem necessary. History has shown that when such conduct is ignored, it inspires the perpetrators with greater boldness to public detriment.

ThePeople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has led the charge in rallying condemnation for the March 9, 2023 comments made by Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Tacuma Ogunseye.

To date, the business community - the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI), among others; the religious community - the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), the Pandits Council, the Guyana Central Arya Samaj, and the Guyana Inter Religious Organization (IRO); as well as the trade union movement, via the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), have all come out in condemnation.

The Chairman of the Joint Services of Guyana and Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has also released a statement. Bess charged that: “…irrespective of the its ethnic composition, the Joint Services of Guyana is an apolitical institution and will continue to uphold the novel position of service to the people of Guyana…. social and political activists and commentators (must) refrain from these and other misleading and mischievous remarks which incite racial tensions, deviating from the promotion of the peace and security which the [Joint] Services are mandated to mandate.” Further, it was noted that the Joint Services – which comprises of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service along with the GDF –

is guided by the Constitution which mandates it to stand firm in the protection of the law and in the execution of its duties, in keeping with its constitutional responsibilities, and not by any partisan values and interests.

The leaders of the APNU and AFC, Aubrey Norton, and Khemraj Ramjattan, have, to date, refused to condemn the comments. While Ramjattan has remained silent, Norton, when questioned during a news conference on Thursday (March 16, 2023), said only that Ogunseye’s comments represented a “bad” choice of words. He said, “Yes there might have been a bad choice of language…you would notice that we did not endorse the language that was used….there are many people who agree with what Ogunseye said….when it comes to reflection of reality, indeed (the comments addressed that).” Norton added that the condemnation of Ogunseye’s comments is the PPP/C attempting to “rally” its supporters.

Further, in a prepared speech, at his news conference, Norton said, “The Opposition believes that Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye’s right to free speech must be respected even though we believe that his language could have been better chosen. The choice of his language is his preserve. Any attempt to use the law against Mr. Ogunseye will further erode the guardrails of democracy….Mr. Ogunseye accurately described the situation in Guyana and probably out of frustration he went a little too far.”

Ogunseye, with whom Norton shared a stage on March 9, 2023, during a public meeting in Buxton, East

Coast Demerara, stated that in the “present campaign” the WPA has “clear objectives”. The first of these, according to him, was “to get the African team in a state of battle readiness… the Afro-Guyanese police and soldiers… would stand with Afro-Guyanese in resisting mainly Indo-Guyanese supporting the PPP/C.” He said, “…no government could survive if they don’t have the support of the military and those who carry weapons for the state… once we organise our people and once we begin to fight we will ensure that our brothers and sisters in uniform will do the right thing…a white diplomat pulled me in a corner and he said I don’t understand how people complain that they are oppressed and they are holding guns in their hands. They are the majority in the army, in the police, and they say they are oppressed. What he was saying is our problem is our own making. Our problem is our own making. Anytime we turn those guns in the right direction it is over.”

The WPA has since issued a statement in support of Ogunseye. The statement on March 10, 2023, said, “The WPA stands in solidarity with its longstanding member, Tacuma Ogunseye… Mr Ogunseye did not incite the forces as the statement insinuates. He simply call on the men in uniform to do the right thing and not turn their guns on Guyanese citizens protesting and resisting government overreach.”

Regardless the attempts at justification, Ogunseye’s comments have been described as hateful, racially inflammatory and terrorist in nature, by President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

TheWorking People’s Alliance (WPA) Executive, David Hinds, has clashed with four members of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – Ganesh Mahipaul, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Daniel Seeram and Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine – over their rejection of comments made by the WPA’s Tacuma Ogunseye and Rhonda Layne.

The four in a statement on March 11, 2023, said, “As political leaders and concerned citizens of Guyana, we listened via social media to a public meeting held by the Working People's Alliance (WPA) at Buxton Line Top on March 9th, 2023. During the meeting, one of the speakers made statements that we found to be derogatory, distasteful, and hurtful to the East Indian community of Guyana. Specifically, we wish to condemn the speaker’s remarks where it referred to East Indians coming from the slums of India and living in deplorable places like pipes. These remarks further insinuated that the alleged conditions under which East Indians lived in India made them undeserving of lands in Guyana. We want to make it clear that we condemn and distance ourselves from any attack on any race in Guyana, including our African brothers and sisters. While we understand that the speaker may have made the comments out of hurt for what is happening in some Afro-Guyanese communities, we cannot allow such conduct to pass without being called out.”

Meanwhile, former PNCR General Secretary and APNU+AFC Coalition Parliamentarian, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, in a statement said, “I have noted, with great concern, pronouncements made at a public meeting hosted by the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) on Thursday 09th March at the village of Buxton. Some of the speakers communicated sentiments which must be strongly condemned since

they can lead to public disorder and anarchy in an already ethnically-inflamed environment. As Guyanese, we must move swiftly to initiate mature dialogue aimed at promoting harmony, tolerance and trust. I wish to publicly disassociate myself from the inflammatory statements and call for responsible actions and commentaries, from politicians, civil society and activists alike.”

The WPA’s Layne, at the March 9, 2023 meeting in Buxton said, “All these other people who come here, who suddenly getting land, many of them came from the slums of India… they lived in pipes, they live in all the deplorable places.”

Ogunseye, at the same event stated that in the “present campaign” the WPA has “clear objectives”. The first of these, according to him, was “to get the African team in a state of battle readiness… the Afro-Guyanese police and soldiers… would stand with Afro-Guyanese in resisting mainly Indo-Guyanese supporting the PPP/C.” He said, “…no government could survive if they don’t have the support of the military and those who carry weapons for the state…once we organise our people and once we begin to fight we will ensure that our brothers and sisters in uniform will do the right thing…a white diplomat pulled me in a corner and he said I don’t understand how people complain that they are oppressed and they are holding guns in their hands. They are the majority in the army, in the police, and they say they are oppressed. What he was saying is our problem is our own making. Our problem is our own making. Anytime we turn those guns in the right direction it is over.”

Hinds in his response to the four PNCR members rejected their move. He also named the PNCR leader in a seeming attempt to goad him into a response to the four PNCR members. Hinds

said, “Aubrey has to decide whether he is going to go down in history as the Leader of the Opposition who deliver opposition prisoners to the enemy. That’s what those brothers and sister on the PNC has done.”

Notably, Hinds, himself, has been under fire for his own comments in the past few years. The United Statesbased Hinds has been one of the more vocal personalities aligned to the APNU+AFC Coalition calling for persons to do everything possible to undermine the government. On November 22, 2021, David Hinds, said: “I think the time has come to defend ourselves…it is time for action…I am also repeating my call to undermine the government. I said that in August and I am saying it again. A leader does not have to tell you how to undermine the government. There are many ways…undermine the government and continue to do so.” At the same forum, Hinds went further to call for Indian-owned businesses to be boycotted. He said, “They were enablers and they are enablers….it is your money that is spending on Regent Street that they does take and give to the PPP as contributions for elections so they can get into government…undermine the economic partners of the PPP.” Prior to that, while addressing a small group of protestors at Victoria, East Coast Demerara in August 2021, Hinds said: “In whatever way you can undermine this (PPP/C) government. Undermine this government in whatever way you can. I can’t tell you how to do it, but ‘hint to Baniba mek Quashiba tek notice’ (Old African-Guyanese proverb meaning actions to hint something will result in awareness). Undermine this government!”

The PPP/C government has already signaled that Ogunseye could be cited for exciting racial hostility, terrorism, sedition and seditious libel.

Norton attempts to justify Ogunseye’s comments as ‘bad choice of words’

- Ramjattan silent

WPA, PNCR members clash on Ogunseye’s comments

Negativity, attempt to rile up Afro-Guyanese community for self-serving reasons must end – PM Phillips

The lack of condemnation by “political leaders” of the racist and inciting remarks made by WPA member Tacuma Ogunseye at a public meeting held in Buxton on the East Coast of Demerara last week, is disturbing, according to Prime Minister, Mark Phillips.

In a statement on (Wednesday) March 15, 2023, he said, “As a nation, we are progressing rapidly, not only at the economic level but as a united front. There are however a few bitter persons fighting for power who are willing to use any means necessary— even if it means destroying the very fabric of this great country.

“Not only were these statements inflammatory, but they were also in complete contrast to the principles of what the WPA represented under Walter Rodney. These outdated, obstinate, and devious individuals, who operate under the guise of WPA membership are as unpatriotic as they come. Rodney must be turning in his grave over the degeneration of his party. The reality is that in today's Guyana, the WPA is no longer the 'Walter Rod -

ney' WPA of the 1970s. In fact, the current members are not only duplicitous but delusional.”

Phillips stressed that the WPA's tailored attempts to conduct a series of rallies in Afro-Guyanese communities prove that they are clutching at straws. “These rallies were poorly attended and further demonstrate their lack of relevance to the Guyanese population. Their hope of political redemption has failed at every corner. Mr Ogunseye did not stand alone. The inflammatory statements made by Dr David Hinds and his associates must also be condemned to the highest degree. Hinds' cynical and race-hate commentary on his programme 'Politics 101' is an affront to the collective effort of the government and the wider Guyanese society to promote racial harmony and to focus our people on the ever-expanding developmental path.”

The Prime Minister also called attention to the “deafening silence” of organisations such as the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), the International Decade for People of African Descent

Assembly - Guyana (IDPADA-G), and the recently launched Institute for Action against Discrimination is particularly noteworthy in this instance.

“I condemn the racism and racist statements, as well as calls for terrorism and any intentional actions aimed at fostering violent behaviours in Guyana. We must prioritise Guyana's development and improve the lives and livelihoods of all Guyanese. I would like to take this opportunity to call on all political parties to come forward and strongly condemn this racially divisive commentary, which has the underpinnings of terrorism and hostility. This negativity and this attempt to rile the Afro-Guyanese for self-serving reasons must end. Afro-Guyanese are smart people, they are kind people and as an afro-centric individual, I can tell you that we want to progress in the right way, in a law-abiding way. We thrive on respect, we are protectors and God-fearing individuals,” he said.

He added, “These statements are honestly in contrast to who we are as a people. Guyana is a melting pot of togetherness. Our cultures are all but amalgamated. Show me a Guyanese who does not like cook-up or roti and curry.”

The Prime Minister called on Guyanese to make their rejection clear. “No developed or developing country would allow this insanity, so why should we? Our democratically-elected government is committed to the rule of law in Guyana and the enhancement of the democratic process, which remains fundamental to good governance and a key pillar of the administration, and we will not stand idly by and allow anyone to fuel the flames of hatred, racism, and violence in our society. Let’s move forward together. This Guyana is your Guyana, it is my Guyana—it is for all Guyanese,” he stressed.