Weekend Mirror 6-7 May 2023

PPP/C gov’t approach to governance demonstrably participatory, responsive – Teixeira

The track record of the PPP/C government on engagement with Guyanese, in order to effectively respond to issues affecting them is being bolstered continuously, according to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance,

Gail Teixeira. She, recently, said, “Our track record in this area is good…we have made it clear that this will be our approach to governance – inclusive, participatory and responsive… the issue of a responsive

government is important… it doesn’t mean a government is able to respond to everything the people need or want at that time, but the fact that they are willing to engage is key.

“…our approach is to do community oriented

meetings, bottom house meetings, town hall meetings, as well as meeting organised civil society, whether it is the regional business community or religious bodies, as well as the national bodies. This way we ensure that we are

tuned into the issues they are concerned about and, also, to hear what their suggestions are.”

The Minister charged that the dialogue is quintessential to not only good governance, but effective governance. “This is a participatory democracy and we have to build that… sometimes we may not always agree, but we have to find common ground and we do that through dialogue,” she said.

She highlighted that in the first two national budgets the PPP/C government commitment to Guyanese was proven with the effort to not only rebalance the economy, but also make efforts at enormous cost to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and improving social support networks. “A lot has been done from August 2nd (2020) to now,” Teixeira.

In comparison, she noted that in contrast, the track record of the APNU+AFC

Coalition is dismal, given that communities did not see any official for years.

The Minister said, “The outreaches are important. I don’t think anyone can say that Ministers are not visible and out there… Ministers have been going out to communities dealing with farming issues, drainage and irrigation issues, mining issues, etc. That is an important component of government. An important aspect of democracy is that the people you elect to represent you in government are accessible and visible and the other concept of course is responsive.”

Teixeira’s comments follow the Region Two Cabinet Outreach, which was led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The activity saw a number of issues being addressed, from new infrastructure to improve the delivery of goods and services in the health sector to support for vulnerable groups.

PPP/C will ‘stand by our message, promises’ – General Secretary

Guyanese have been called on to compare track records of the PPP/C and the embattled PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition and made decisions on facts, not the whisper campaign of the latter.

This is according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, who added, “We have a message that we will stand by. And all of our promises will be delivered on…our credibility backs that.”

The PPP/C has remained faithful to the promises, on which it campaigned, and this has been true under the current PPP/C administration, as well as past PPP/C governments, according to Jagdeo.

“We are very proud of our track record, and our dedication to the manifesto

promises made to the people of the country, historically, and in the last elections… you can understand my sense of pride when I say we have remained faithful to the promises we campaigned on,” he said during a recent news conference. Jagdeo said, “We have a track record. When we are in office, all of the people benefit from the PPP/C stewardship. The whole country makes progress, and we work for all of our people. That’s the philosophy of this party.”

According to him, this track record is what the PPP/C will campaign on as it heads into future election cycles, including the upcoming 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE), at which the Party is targeting increased support for the PPP/C in traditional

strongholds of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). “We have never won these areas. We are hoping politically that the people will give us an opportunity in these areas to prove that we can put together a stronger development plan and implement it,” Jagdeo said.

To date, he charged that the Party Manifesto on which the PPP/C was elected to office, has been delivered on. “There is demonstrated progress in every single area,” Jagdeo said, adding that there were major challenges to overcome.

On assuming office in 2020, the PPP/C Government was met with a broken procurement system, featuring regular abuse of Guyana’s procurement laws, and no plan for development in sectors such as health

and infrastructure. Moreover, the pressure was on

with the subsequent cost of living increases, battling

the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as having to right the wrongs of the previous government.

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

“The People’s Progressive Party, and the government headed by Dr Irfaan Ali have remained faithful to what we promised the electorate. We have worked very hard in the past two and a half years to reorient this country on a track to prosperity, away from the doom and gloom period,” Jagdeo stressed.

Coalition’s track record always shows priority given to power not people

Power, not people, has always been the proven focus of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition. And this endeavour has been plagued by racist rhetoric, bullyism and intimidation.

With Local Government Elections expected to be held soon, the focus of this power play has been to target the Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh.

As such, it is worth underscoring the pattern of behaviour that the PNCR-led Coalition has, and continues to, exhibits when it makes its frantic grasps for power.

In April 2020, the GECOM Chair had her life threatened. These were reported to the Guyana Police Force and the Cyber Crime Unit. One APNU supporter was charged under the Cybercrime Act.

In July 2020, an unofficial petition calling for Singh to resign first surfaced on Facebook and was signed by supporters of the APNU+AFC.

Also in July 2020, the GECOM Chair was the target of private criminal charges filed by APNU+AFC supporters over her decision to support a national recount of votes from the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

By September 2020, the former Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon, added fuel to the call for her resignation.

In December 2021, APNU+AFC Coalition aligned Rickford Burke called for resignation of all the members of GECOM. Peppering his call with race baiting, Burke had said: “I think the members of the Guyana Elections Commission from the Coalition should resign because of the shenanigans going on there. They are doing their level best to get a racist East Indian from the PPP to be installed as Chief Elections Officer. That’s what they’re doing and Claudette Singh is in bed with them. I think we should break up the Elections Commission.”

Also in December 2021, the former Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon suggested that the incumbent GECOM Chairman could not be trusted. “

Incumbent Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton, has more recently, joined the chorus, also with race baiting rhetoric. In December 2021, he said: “The infamous Claudette Singh voted to make Vishnu Persaud Chief Election Officer. We do not believe that the best person got the job. We believe that the appointment was collusion between the Chairman of the Election Commission and the PPP Commissioners to put a PPP hack as Chief Election Officer.” He reiterated this comment, adding, recently that: “She (Justice Singh) must go to ensure that we have elections that are free and fair. Her presence will not facilitate that. It is our intention to ensure a united Guyana. We do not want elections to divide us again.” By August 2022, he had moved to threaten ‘pressure’. Norton had said: “….there are many things we can do to put the pressure on the elections commission and Claudette Singh. But we had first given her the opportunity to tender her resignation as a decent judge who would have served and to recognise that you cannot claim to be independent and, on every issue, you are voting with the People’s Progressive Party and you seem to have no interest in finding consensus on these issues. And so, we have left the door open. We hope we don’t have to close it and Claudette Singh will do the decent thing and resign.”

This list does not account for all the number of calls made by the agents of PNCR/APNU/AFC on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, nor on private shows hosted on television or via online platforms such a YouTube, Facebook Live, etc.

What is clear is that the PNCR-led Coalition has to be called for its actions. Democratic, right-minded Guyanese are not interested in being drawn backwards, but are focused on the progressive, prosperous future ahead. And self-interested leaders in the Coalition must not be allowed to endanger our collective prosperity.

Guyanese have grown accustomed to the chicanery of the APNU

Dear Editor,

The APNU’s allegations to the effect that in the course of the submission of lists of candidates and nominators, acts of forgery, impersonation, intimidation, and threatening behavior were committed, are reminiscent of similar allegations made in the aftermath of the 2020 elections.

The APNU must know that such acts, once proven, are criminal offences and the right thing to do is to take those allegations to the appropriate law enforcement body along with the evidence they may have, should they be desirous of having their allegations addressed.

Note should however be taken of the advice offered in the Report of the COI into the 2020 elections which states inter alia;

‘The role of the police is to preserve law and order and detect crime. There should be some prohibition against police officers openly showing partisanship in elections and more importantly so, they should play no part in the election process on polling day save for such functions that are delegated to them by the commissioner of police.’

GECOM is not a criminal law enforcement body, it is not staffed with a crew of investigators to pry into alleged criminal behavior; and even if it were to do so, the fundamental question to be asked before any investigation is launched would be to what end?

The APNU’s call on GECOM to investigate its allegations is an attempt to push GECOM to act unlawfully, as

though it is a court of law to adjudicate the spurious claims that the party has been bellyaching about. It is precisely for this reason that the chairman of GECOM has advised the APNU to either appeal to a magistrate or file an election petition after LGE 2023.

GECOM’s constitutional role is very clear and unambiguous; to give general direction and supervision of the conduct of General and Regional elections as well as Local Government elections. To call on that body to investigate the APNU’s allegations about “tons of names of persons who are not living” in certain areas… “but their signatures are there.” is to trample on the Criminal Investigation Department, the only legal body vested with the authority to act on such matters.

For Commissioner Alexander to now claim ‘he is seeking legal advise’ on the matter going forward, is not only duplicitous, but it is also disingenuous on his part since at the statutory meeting of GECOM held last Thursday he pretended to be an Attorney at Law when he proffered legal advice and interpreted the law to suit his party’s political agenda as regards the role and place of a Returning Officer in accepting lists of candidates from parties, community groups and independent candidates. In so doing, Commissioner Alexander openly challenged and rejected the learned Judge’s and GECOM Legal Officer’s legal opinion on the matter.

The APNU’s threats to stop the LGE if their allegations are not re -

solved, resonates perfectly with the persistent shenanigans and filibustering tactics used from the outset by APNU Commissioners at GECOM’s statutory meetings under the pretext that they are doing so to ensure a ‘free, fair, credible local government election.’

This posture is unbelievable if not mind-boggling considering their attempts to steal the results of the 2020 General and Regional elections.

The APNU is upside down in its claim that given ‘the totality of powers that GECOM has it can investigate fraud in respect to forgeries, impersonation, and intimidation.’ This is a feeble attempt by that party to divert the public’s attention away from the infighting within its ranks whether it should or should not contest the LGE and to camouflage the fear of losing dramatically what they now desperately hang on to.

In the circumstances, it would come as no surprise were the APNU to continue playing the guessing game with its supporters and at the same time signaling the threat that; ‘all of it is on the table; none of it is off the table.”

While Guyanese have grown accustomed to the chicanery of the APNU, they are tired of their pretense of calling for free and fair elections and their unashamed attempts at pressuring GECOM to adopt bad decisions in law that can prove disastrous!

Yours faithfully,

Clement J. Rohee, GECOM Commissioner

Swift execution of justice needed to confirm no tolerance for cheating, stealing elections

Dear Editor,

Our country will soon have Local Government Elections, the first elections hosted by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) since the debacle following the March 2020 polling processes.

Accordingly, it is time to re-look at some of the core influencing factors to the problems that threatened the core fabric of democratic existence and took the country to the precipice of national incivility.

No loophole should prevent imposition of the most substantial penalties on those guilty of flagrant violations of the applicable laws, because of the need to eradicate Election rigging absolutely and to assure national confidence and credible election results. As a collective, our citizens are aware of the massive degree of caution undertaken by the newly-appointed administrators to lift the beleaguered credibility of the organization caused by the dirty works of former employees. One therefore anticipates the delivery of a more flu-

ent results-driven agenda that will be instructive to commencing a necessary resuscitation of national confidence, required for an enhanced GECOM image.

Historically, there is much justification for condemnation of the roles officials of the GECOM played and were able to escape with as they flagrantly abused the related laws and approved procedures. For decades, the key orchestrators were protected and rewarded for cheating the nation through clandestine manoeuvres, supported by the muscled manipulation of decision-making and controls of the Elections Commission.

Recorded history documents the unpleasant experiences of the PPP, who were kept in opposition due to the damning condemnatory controls of GECOM Commissioners.

Comparatively, one only has to take a cursory look at the decisions of President Granger’s imposed James Patterson as GECOM Chairman. Thankfully, the abuses of this power were wrenched away by the decisions of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) when the PPPC

challenges were addressed.

Rational observation of the scenario points to the systemic cheating agenda and their seeming immunity to rigging. These influences stem from the core character of the PNC operatives, which informs the more challenging problem to dispel for long-term focus and address. What is certain is that the PNC’s deliberate attempts to steal the Government by the senior functionary within GECOM must not be condoned.

Consequently, former top employees must face the courts immediately, and stand the consequences for their deliberate and blatant attempts to ‘rig’ the National and Regional Elections in 2020. The swift execution of justice in this respect is required to unequivocally confirm that it is not at all okay to cheat and steal, in particular the rights and destiny of our people.

Since 1968, the PNC operatives have taken pride in rolling out an indoctrination agenda that achieving and maintaining power by any means necessary is a nationalistic ideal. Sadly, and

Swift execution of justice...

duplicitously, those persons more strongly involved in the rigging elections in Guyana were naturally idolised in the PNC’s ranks. In this context, the PNC needed more than the complete control of GECOM to support their rigging support platform, but a mandatory component of their more expansive focused manipulation areas for strategic manipulation.

In 1973, the PNC used the army to rig the National Elections blatantly, and they murdered and killed in the process. We must never forget the Ballot Box Martyrs, who paid with their lives for standing up against the PNC-directed murderous assaults. The 1980 and 1985 Elections were massively rigged, and it was this massive rigging that caused the people of this country to unite in the formation of the Political Committee for Democracy (PCD); eventually leading to the dawn of a new era in 1992, when the PPP/C won the National and Regional Elections.

Again, the APNU/AFC attempts to steal the Government in 2020 forced the united Opposition to resist strongly. With the steadfast support of the International Community, the newly-formed ‘Guardians of Democracy’ emerged from the Guyanese Electorate. They fought for five long months, eventually winning their truthful, people-elected democratic right to govern this country. However, during the process, it became clear that employees of the GECOM Secretariat had deliberately engineered and allowed the usage of the false spreadsheet of fictitious results.

Further, the more diligent our guardians were, the more he demonstrated his ulterior

motives and denied using the legal statements of poll for the tabulation process. ‘As the CEO of the GECOM Secretariat,’ his conduct dealt a deep body blow to the integrity of Guyana’s electoral system and cherished democratic values. Such occurrences justly and forcefully must be condemned as the ultimate betrayal of trust in the highest election official in the land by the people of Guyana.

As for one particular former employee, her attitude and role in the rigging were most distasteful. She insulted the imminent foreign observers, and was certainly a stranger to the truth. Her remarks to the party agents and international observers were condescending, insulting, and distasteful as she attempted to force them out of the tabulation room, saying, “Take your rubbish with you and leave.”

Several persons continue in the employ of GECOM who were summoned to appear before the Commission of Inquiry, but did not appear. Our citizens note that GECOM will still have to further cleanse itself from the remnant rogue elements, and ensure adequate internal counter-checking mechanisms.

The commissioners of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry must be complimented for an excellent job. However, those the Police have placed to face charges before the court must be given a speedy trial, and when found guilty, they must be prosecuted to send a clear message: ‘Down with Rigged Elections!”

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

No submissions from APNU+AFC on Data Protection Bill, despite ‘talk’ – Nandlall

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, has expressed his frustration with the APNU+AFC Coalition Opposition, which he said is constantly stymieing the government’s aggressive legislative agenda.

The Attorney General relayed that the government’s Data Protection Bill was out for consultation since April 15, 2023. He charged that not a single submission was received from the opposition on the bill, although the deadline is May 6, and three weeks have passed.

The Data Protection Bill 2023 is aimed at safeguard-

ing the privacy and personal data of individuals, including their right to control the use of their personal information. The proposed legislation is expected to bring Guyana in line with international best practices on data protection and privacy as well as regulate the implementation of the electronic identification cards (e-ID) system in Guyana.

“The bill is online, an email address is there to which submissions are to be sent and I check it regularly and as of this afternoon, we did not receive any submissions. The opposition in the Parliament who are paid by taxpayers’ monies have

not yet read the bill…it’s their general approach; they don’t read anything; they piggyback upon criticisms made by civil society and they adopt [them] as their own. No original thought, no intellectual effort upon their part,” the Attorney General stated.

Minister Nandlall described the opposition’s actions as a gross dereliction of its duty and an abuse and misuse of public funds. “They are paid a salary; they are granted all types of facilities to do the work of the people. I don’t want them to agree with the bill, but they have a role, unfortunately, to play,” he stated.

The AG noted that as Guyana experiences rapid development, it requires an aggressive legislative framework to support and advance economic, infrastructural, and social ventures. “Many of these ventures cannot be accomplished unless we have a robust and legal and regulatory framework to govern the implementation and operationalisation of these projects. So, naturally to accompany our aggressive central government agenda is an aggressive legislative agenda, but our legislative agenda is constantly being slowed down and stymied because of our incompetent

and inefficient opposition.”

Interested parties can access the draft Data Protection Bill on the Ministry of Legal Affairs website www. mola.gov.gy. Submissions and recommendations are invited within 21 days from the date of the announcement via email at agchambersmola@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, the AG reminded that it was the same opposition with its one-seat majority during the period 2014-2015, refused to support amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act 2009, which was needed for Guyana to meet its international obli -

gations and resulted in the nation being blacklisted.

“They nearly caused a collapse of this economy. We are now in a good place and we have to pass these bills to meet the deadline for our mutual assessment for September. So, two bills are out there for public consultation,” he relayed.

The Attorney General’s Chambers is also currently inviting submissions and recommendations from important stakeholders on the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Guyana Compliance Commission Bill 2023.

Norton unable to respond to questions on mismanagement of tax dollars – throws former PNCR

Theaudit report into the operations of the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) under the APNU+AFC government exposed damning findings of mismanagement and possible illegal use of taxpayers’ money.

The SLED programme is designed to give grants to cooperatives and friendly societies to equip them to engage in sustainable, entrepreneurial ventures. Specifically, it was also used uplift disadvantaged youths.

However, the audit found, among other things,

GS under the bus

that three APNU+AFC Coalition Members of Parliament (MPs), Christopher Jones, Jermaine Figueira, and Vincent Henry, benefited from millions. The latter had charge of some $165M that was to be distributed to so called Co-op societies, but the audit found that this was not so.

The audit report noted that several allocations that were done for the period 2018 to 2020 amounted to approximately $371M.

Leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC Coalition, threw the former PNCR Gen-

eral Secretary, Amna Ally, under the bus, when asked about the lack of transparency and accountability.

When pressed on the matter, during a news conference on Thursday (May 4, 2023) morning, said, “I can direct you to engage Minister Amna Ally who had responsibility at the time (reference to SLED monies and Congress Place involvement)…(on mismanagement of SLED under APNU) I don’t know what you are taking about. I have already said to you that you should direct the question

to the former Minister. I do not want to get involved in speculation. I have not even seen the report… I don’t know about mismanagement of the fund…I am not in a position to comment on the mismanagement of the SLED programme.”

Norton was pressed further on the fact that APNU+AFC MPs benefited from a programme that was intended to support disadvantaged persons. He said, “Any Guyanese has a right to benefit from financial assistance….once no rules were broken that said as

MPs they could not, I see no problem…the SLED programme, as I understand it, was to help people get into business, etc.

“…in my party one of the things we ensure is accountability. I have, throughout my life, made sure that I avoid corruption so that I can always ensure accountability. I don’t know what you’re talking about holding our members accountable for. I did say to you that in the case of SLED, these members have a right as Guyanese citizens to access loans, grants, whatever. If

you are suggesting that by virtue of being MPs, that they don’t have a right then that is another issue.”

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton, has since said, “I plan to consult the AG on some of the identified issues of illegal use of Government funds by some named individuals….I want the people of Guyana to know where these funds went. These are monies that were intended to develop various communities and projects but based on the report you will see how millions of dollars were mismanaged.”

Public sector employees benefit from public procurement training

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) collaborated once again with the Ministry of Public Service (MOPS) to train public servants from various ministries and government entities on public procurement procedures.

The training was held over a period of two (2)

days which commenced on April 27, 2023, at the Ministry of Public Service’s training facility located on the corner of Vlissengen Road and Durban Street, Georgetown.

One of the functions of the PPC under the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana

is to promote awareness of the rules, procedures and special requirements of the procurement process among suppliers, contractors and public bodies.

And, pursuant to S. 17(2) (c) of the Procurement Act, Cap. 75:03, the PPC is responsible for organising training seminars regarding

procurements.

Presentations were delivered by officials from the PPC’s Legal and Operations Departments. A total of 46 participants benefited from this training which covered the following topics:

• Introduction to the PPC and its functions;

• Legislative Framework;

• Procurement Process;

• Administrative Review; and

• Debarment.

The training empowered participants with information to improve the procurement system within their organizations. Each participant was issued with

a certificate of completion. Procuring entities have since been invited to contact the PPC on telephone numbers (592) 226-3729, (592) 231-7306, and (592) 226-2364 or via email publicprocurement@ppc.org. gy for more information or to make a request for training.

Positions from PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo

PNCR-led Coalition only ‘offending party’ that seeks to cheat at elections – Jagdeo

Thecourt action by the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition to stop the 2023 Local Government Elections is a transparent effort to perpetuate untruths about claims of fraud in the compilation of the List of Candidates, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo.

“We have moved on. Now we are in campaign mode, but APNU’s lies keep following them all over the place,” he said, during a news conference on Thursday (May 4, 2023).

The application in the High Court was made by Carol Smith-Joseph, the chief scrutineer of APNU, and a supporting affidavit was filed by Vincent Alexander, the APNU+AFC Coalition-nominated Commissioner of the Guyana

Elections Commission (GECOM). Smith-Joseph contends that Article 72 of the Constitution and Section 3 (1) (a) and (b) of the Local Authorities Act Chapter 28:03 were violated. She has asked the Court for an order directing GECOM to comply with the legal provisions cited before attempting to change the boundaries of any constituency in Guyana and before the holding of Local Government Elections. Notably, on January 31, 2023, GECOM decided to change the boundaries of 37 constituencies in 19 local authority areas by a majority vote. It later gave this directive in an order.

On February 8, 2023, the modifications were made and published in the official gazette. Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire

APNU+AFC philosophy ‘no good’ for Guyana – PPP General Secretary

has set May 30, 2023 as the date to address the matter.

The PPP General Secretary stressed that the PNCRled Coalition’s track record is that of electoral fraud.

“The PNC/APNU shouts the loudest about electoral fraud, but they have been and are the only offending party that has sought consistently to cheat at elections…a staff from GECOM has just written a letter that APNU forged his name and placed him as a candidate in Region 8 and when he spoke to the Mayor of Mahdia, the person said this is normal (for APNU)….I don’t doubt that the Mayor was being honest, because this kind of thing is the norm for APNU,” he said.

The 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE) is scheduled to be held on June 12, 2023.

sham separation from APNU cannot mislead Guyanese – Jagdeo

Ano-holds barred General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, took leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan to task.

During a news conference on Thursday (May 4, 2023) at Freedom House, Robb Street, he said, “Ramjattan is a pathetic shadow of a leader….the AFC is more venal and corrupt that APNU.”

Jagdeo charged that Ramjattan’s farce “about not being part of the Coalition” continues to be exposed, given the fact that its active campaign for APNU ahead of LGE.

He said, “The perceived separation is a tactic – a public divorce, but privately sleeping together. It is transparent.”

The Cummingsburg Accord, which tied the APNU and the AFC together, expired at the end of 2022 and the latter has confirmed

that, on paper, the two political groups are not tied to each other. In public comments, AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan said, “We did a withdrawal as part of the [Cummingsburg] Accord…in June, we made a decision, it was not a talk, it was a decision at the [National] Conference in accordance with the Accord that on December 31 we are going to withdraw out of the Accord and independently do things, just like prior to the Accord being signed and we were two independent parties.” The leader of the PNCR and APNU, Aubrey Norton, was engaged by Ramjattan on December 28, 2022, where the split was confirmed.

Notably, the AFC Leader was unable to distinguish the so called ‘divorce’ since APNU and AFC remained tied as a collective in the National Assembly. Ramjattan in public comments said, “We will consult and

The approach of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition, detailed by its increasingly embattled leader, Aubrey Norton, is “no good” for Guyana, according to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a news conference on Thursday (May 4, 2023) at Freedom House, Robb Street.

Referring to Norton’s position that there was “nothing wrong” about current Members of Parliament, and former APNU+AFC Coalition government officials benefiting from millions under a programme that was set up to support disadvantaged Guyanese, Jagdeo said, “Norton sees nothing wrong with creaming benefits for themselves in programmes intended to benefit ordinary Guyanese…their philosophy is no good for this country.”

An audit report into the operations of the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) under the APNU+AFC government exposed damning findings of mismanagement and possible illegal use of taxpayers’ money. The audit found, among other things, that three AP-

NU+AFC Coalition Members of Parliament (MPs), Christopher Jones, Jermaine Figueira, and Vincent Henry, benefited from millions. The latter had charge of some $165M that was to be distributed to so called Co-op societies, but the audit found that this was not so. The audit report noted that several allocations that were done for the period 2018 to 2020 amounted to approximately $371M.

Norton was pressed on the fact that APNU+AFC MPs benefited from a programme that was intended to support disadvantaged persons. He said, “Any Guyanese has a right to benefit from financial assistance…. once no rules were broken that said as MPs they could not, I see no problem…the SLED programme, as I understand it, was to help people get into business, etc.

According to Jagdeo, Guyanese have seen this trend before and pointed to the Coalition’s first major act within its first six weeks in office, which was to give itself large salary increases.

In the September 25th edition of the Official Ga -

zette, it was revealed that the former Prime Minister and all former Government Ministers received a salary increase, way above what was offered to public servants in the 2015 Budget.

Former prime minister Moses Nagamootoo, was at the top of the earning bracket, earning $20.6M, a massive increased compared to his predecessor, Samuel Hinds. Further, the former Coalition government’s Senior Ministers had their pay packets doubled from $6.9M to $10.5m. Junior Minister also benefited and were paid $8.3M.

According to Jagdeo, the Coalition’s approach to policy making has also centered on consumption. “After 28 years in office the result was that Guyana was one of the poorest countries in the world. And then in five years that they resumed office, they started the downward trend again – borrowing, spending on the capital side, spending less in each of the 5 years than the 2014 period, so no building for the future. Nothing about future. Consuming,” Jagdeo said.

collaborate at the parliamentary level. We are a partnership that’s called APNU-AFC and we certainly would want to collaborate.” Last year, when asked about the AFC retaining its parliamentary seats, the Party Leader said, “Nothing will happen to our nine seats…nobody could knock us out once duly elected.”

Further, the APNU and AFC have been at loggerheads about the sharing of seats and picking of key appointments in their majority RDCs since 2020 when the APNU members of the Region Four failed to support an AFC candidate for the Vice-Chairman post of that region. The AFC lost to the APNU on almost all the issues on which they clashed.

The PPP General Secretary maintains that the two increasingly embattled groups remain tied to each other and the ‘paper’ separation will not mislead right-thinking Guyanese.

PPP/C gov’t working ‘actively’ to address teachers’ salary issues – PPP GS

The salary anomalies that exist in the teaching profession will be addressed by the PPP/C government, according to General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Speaking on the issue during a news conference on Thursday (May 4, 2023), he said, “What we are thinking about is we want our teachers to be trained and there should be a salary

gradation based on years of service and qualifications.”

According to him, the PPP/C government’s agenda is “heavy” and the concerns of teachers is “actively engaging the agenda of the government.”

Notably, Jagdeo also took at the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Coretta McDonald for trying to politicise the Guyana Teachers’

Union.

“…if you look at the welfare of teachers it has always been addressed by successive PPP/C governments…the teachers of this country have to understand that they will have a relationship with the government that is respectful and have a government that will respond to our concerns,” he declared.

AFC’s

PPP/C maintains engagement with communities across Guyana

President Dr Irfaan Ali, on Tuesday (May 2, 2023), engaged residents of Bath on the West Coast of Berbice, where he held discussions with residents to address their concerns. The President committed to addressing all of the issues raised, especially the Fort Wellington Hospital. He indicated that a complete analysis will be done into the affairs of the hospital. The PPP/C government, led by Ali, has been engaged in continuous outreaches to Guyanese communities since taking office in August 2020.

FACTSHEET: Know your Local Authority Areas ELECTION WATCH: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Eligible voters in Guyana’s 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) will be heading to the polls for the 20203 Local Government Elections. Unlike, the General and Regional Elections, only voters in these 80 areas will be participating in the 2023 LGE.

REGION 1

1. Port Kaituma Matthews Ridge/Arakaka (Region 1)

2. Municipality Of Mabaruma (Region 1)

REGION 2

3. Moruka/Providence (Region 2)

4. The Nile/Cozier (Region 2)

5. Charity/Urasara (Region 2)

6. Evergreen/Paradise (Region 2) 7. Municipality Of Anna Regina (Region 2) 8. Aberdeen/Zorgen-Vlygt (Region 2) 9. Annadale/Riverstown (Region 2) 10. Good Hope/Pomona (Region 2)

REGION 3

11. Canals Polder (Region 3)

12. La Grange/Nismes (Region 3)

13. Toevlugt/Free & Easy (Region 3)

14. Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgen (Region 3)

15. Wakenaam (Region 3)

16. Leguan (Region 3) 17. Mora/Parika (Region 3) 18. Hydronie/Good Hope (Region 3) 19. Greenwich Park/Vergenoegen (Region 3)

APNU moves to court to stop 2023 LGE

REGION 5

43. Joe Hook / Farm (Region 5)

44. Hamlet/Chance (Region 5)

45. Mahaicony / Abary (Region 5)

46. Profit/Rising Sun (Region 5)

47. Seafield/Tempe (Region 5)

48. Union/Naarstigheid (Region 5)

49. Bath/Woodley Park (Region 5)

50. Woodlands/Bel Air (Region 5)

51. Zeelust-Rosignol (Region 5)

52. Blairmont/Gelderland (Region 5)

REGION 6

53. Plegt Anker/Kortberaad (Region 6)

54. Wyburg/Caracas (Region 6)

55. Enfield/New Doe Park (Region 6)

56. Municipality Of New Amsterdam (Region 6)

57. Gibraltar/Fyrish (Region 6)

58. Ordnance Fort Lands/No. 38 (Region 6)

59. Canefield/Enterprise (Region 6)

60. Kintyre/Borlam (Region 6)

61. Kilcoy/Hampshire (Region 6)

62. Municipality Of Rose Hall (Region 6)

63. Port Mourant/Johns (Region 6)

64. Bloomfield/Whim (Region 6)

65. Lancaster/Hogstye (Region 6)

66. Adventure/No. 28 (Bush Lot) (Region 6)

67. Maida/Tarlogie (Region 6)

68. Black Bush Polder (Region 6)

69. Macedonia/Joppa (Region 6)

70. Good Hope/No. 51 (Region 6)

71. No. 52/No. 63 (Region 6)

72. No. 64/No. 74 (Region 6)

73. Crabwood Creek/Moleson Creek (Region

6)

74. Municipality Of Corriverton (Region 6)

REGION 7

75. Municipality of Bartica (Region 7)

REGION 8

76. Municipality of Mahdia

REGION 9

77. Municipality Of Lethem (Region 9)

78. Aranaputa/Upper Burro Burro (Region 9)

REGION 10

79. Municipality of Linden

80. Kwakwani

TheA Partnership for National Unity (APNU), made up largely of the PNCR, has filed an application to stop the 2023 Local Government Elections from being held.

The application in the High Court was made by Carol Smith-Joseph, the chief scrutineer of APNU, and a supporting affidavit was filed by Vincent Alexander, the APNU+AFC Coalition-nominated Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Smith-Joseph contends that Article 72 of the Constitution and Section 3 (1) (a) and (b) of the Local Authorities Act Chapter 28:03 were violated. She has asked the Court for an order directing GECOM to comply with the legal provisions cited before attempting to change the boundaries of any constituency in Guyana and before the holding of Local Government Elections.

Notably, on January 31, 2023, GECOM decided to change the boundaries of 37 constituencies in 19 local authority areas by a majority vote. It later gave this direc-

tive in an order. On February 8, 2023, the modifications were made and published in the official gazette.

Alexander contends that the APNU will suffer if the June 12, 2023 elections go place with the established boundary changes. He further asserts that Vishnu Persaud, the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), was given the responsibility of conducting a field exercise and presenting recommendations to the Commissioners about the redrawing and/or setting of constituency boundaries for the purpose of holding local government elections. He said that the Commissioners made the decision that the precedents set by earlier field exercises should serve as the field exercise's guidelines. Since the law allowed for such demarcation to be done by combining and/or subdividing electoral divisions, Alexander argued that the CEO's field officers had found no issues with the demarcation suggested by the Minister of Local Government in the report he later presented. Alexander said that he could not think of

any precedence, and given the urgency, he, the CEO, requested that the borders be drawn in accordance with his advice, which was in line with the Minister of Local Government's earlier recommendation. However, according to Alexander's affidavit, Commissioners rejected this at a meeting on January 10 and told the CEO to proceed with the exercise in accordance with prior practice. Alexander asserted that the CEO once more stated that he could not locate a precedent. Alexander claimed to have given reports detailing conversations about how the exercise should be done as well as papers that demonstrate how the exercise has been carried out in the past. However, the Commission determined that the CEO should move forward with his exercise, and after he presents his report, the Commission will decide and take into account the issues raised by him, Alexander. In his affidavit, he stated that he plans to argue that the CEO only took account of the population of the ar-

TURN TO PAGE 22 →

Police report made over APNU intimidation of their former supporters

ThePeople’s Progressive Party has condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the recent acts of bullyism and intimidation by the PNCR-led Coalition’s Dexter Forte, Sharma Solomon and Vanessa Kissoon, which were perpetrated against Trichria Richards and Rawle Powers of the PPP/C.

“These matters are currently engaging the attention of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and we urge that condign action be taken against the perpetrators,” the Party said in a brief statement.

Meanwhile, Richards, in a statement charged that it is “shocking to see the lengths to which some individuals would go to humiliate and intimidate persons” who have exercised their constitutional rights to associate and to belong to any party, group or organization of their choice.

She said, “On Nomination Day I publicly indicted that I will be contesting the Local Government Elections as a candidate for the PPP/C. Since that time, I have been subjected to the most vicious

and vile threats from the members of PNC and APNU, a party I once supported.

“In particular, Mr. Dexter Forte, a City Councillor has harassed and verbally abused me because I chose to exercise my democratic right to associate with the PPP/C. At the last statutory meeting, held Monday, 25th April 2023, Mr. Forte used derogatory remarks against me. As a woman, I did not retaliate. Last evening, while talking with a comrade, at the

front of the East Ruimveldt Police Station, Mr. Forte, publicly hurled nasty and profane words at me. I again did not reply to his abuses. I have since filed a report of the incident to the East Ruimveldt Police Station.”

According to her, at this period of our nation's history, associates of the PNC are attempting to dictate to Afro-Guyanese like myself who we should support politically and this cannot be the order of the day. “I will continue to stand up and represent my constituency. As Bob Marley said, ‘You a-go tired fe see me face. Can't get me out of the race’,” Richards declared.

Richards, a former APNU+AFC Councillor at City Hall, crossed over to the PPP/C last month. The PNC/R has suffered major blows with the crossover of at least two of its members. Aside from Richards, longstanding PNC/R supporter, and former Georgetown Mayor, Patricia ChaseGreen, has also joined the PPP/C camp.

The former APNU+AFC Councillor at City Hall who crossed over to the PPP/C

ELECTION WATCH: LOCAL PPP/C continues with preparations for LGE 2023

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday (May 3, 2023) engaged candidates and activists from Georgetown, as the party gears up for Local Government Elections.

GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS PPP/C LGE 2023 campaign outreach ongoing

As Guyana heads closer to June 12, 2023, the date for the 2023 Local Government Elections, teams from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) are engaged with Guyanese on the ground as part of the campaign outreach.

continue

Andre Jackman, a PPP/C local government candidate for Georgetown's Constituency 5, walked a team of government ministers through his community on Friday after constituents raised a number of issues with him. A technical team from the public works ministry was also part of the engagement. Bridges and walkways leading to important community spaces were assessed. Constituency 5 includes Sophia/ Liliendaal North & South/Pattensen/Turkeyen North & South/Turkeyen Central & Sophia/Pattensen (Central)

As our preparations for local government elections

the PPP/C Anna Regina LGE team conducting house to house visits at Sparta

The PPP/C team at Soesdyke conducting house to house visits at Coverden East Bank Demerara

The PPP/C team at Mahdia conducting house to house visits

PPP/C Local Government candidate, Trichria Richards guided Minister Edghill through part of her constituency, West Ruimveldt, as they inspected areas for upgrade including streets between Soldier Scheme, West Ruimveldt Ground, Cool Square and Alexander Village Nursery School. The team included engineers and technical staff from the public works ministry. Designs and estimates will now be prepared to commence procurement for an early start to the works

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

President calls for a united labour movement to further advance workers’ rights

As Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing Labour Day, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in his Labour Day Message, said there is a need for greater cooperation among the government, the labour movement, and the private sector to further advance workers’ rights.

To make his point, Dr Ali highlighted the plethora of opportunities that are available in each sector which will provide better job opportunities for Guyanese, but will be best secured by a united labour movement.

President Ali, however, pointed out that the labour movement remains divided and a fractured labour movement undermines workers’ solidarity, which is far from desirable in protecting their

rights and consolidating their gains.

To this end, the head of state said he is prepared to be part of fashioning a new era of partnership. “I remain open through a tripartite dialogue between labour, the private sector and the government. May Day reminds us of the legacies of workers, the legacy can only be preserved through greater collaboration and cooperation,” he said.

Dr Ali also called on the relevant stakeholders to work together to address exploitation, eradicate child labour, improve workers’ safety and tackle labour shortages, among other challenges.

All of the above, he said, are vital to long-term sustainable growth and devel-

Ali calls for a new standard of performance,

professionalism – commends GPF for remarkable performance in past year

opment.

“Let us, therefore, urge a new era of relations bereft of risks and disgorge. Let us establish platforms of cooperation, predicated on respect and civility and characterised by cooperation,” the head of state urged.

Meanwhile, he is reminding workers that economic and social transformation will not be successful without their contributions.

“I assure all the workers of Guyana, that not only will they benefit significantly from the country’s economic and social transformation, but that they will be one of the principal forces driving this process,” he highlighted.

Labour Day is observed annually on May 1 and is intended to celebrate the achievements of workers.

Acall for a new standard of performance and professionalism was issued by Commander-in-Chief, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, as he commended the remarkable performance of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in the past year, praising the leadership for achieving this success.

offers a higher standard of living,” he told the senior ranks.

POLICING AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

professionalism.’

WE MUST END ROAD CARNAGE

AsGuyana hurdles towards massive expansion and development, President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has assured that Region Three will also benefit tremendously from the advancements.

To this end, he said that the $11.8 billion Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway will be completed before the end of the year. The four-lane road project, which had an expected completion date of June 2024, will feature an emergency lane, medians, roundabouts, reinforced concrete culverts, and pre-stressed bridges to alleviate traffic congestion along the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara.

A new roundabout will also connect the West Coast Demerara Highway to the new Schoonord to Crane Highway.

Further, the project is expected to open avenues for improvement in economic activities.

The Head of State said, “We will deliver, long before the end of this year, the new four-lane highway from Schoonord to Crane in record-breaking time. While all of that is going on, more than $25 billion is being expended on the housing sector. Housing, health and education are integrated in such a way that there must be a seamless development if we are to have sustainable development in these three areas.”

He added that, from the government and the private sector, more than US$1 billion has been invested in Region Three.

Highlighting the gamut of investments being made in the region, the head of state noted that some $200 billion in ongoing works are being conducted in the region, as the government continues to mould the region, and by extension, the country, to become a hub for investment. “This government is delivering better education, better housing, better infrastructure, better health, a better country, not for People’s Progressive Party Civic supporters, not for any particular group, but for all the people of Guyana,” he reassured.

Moreover, in improving infrastructure, the government has also endeavoured to enhance human capacity.

President Ali reminded that the government’s partnership with Cuba has seen doctors across the country receiving specialised medical training at first-class international entities, such as the Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins, Harvard, York University and Mount Sinai. “Our aim is to train as much as possible. We collectively are aware of the scale of investment that is necessary. Every community is being transformed at an unimaginable

pace,” the head of state noted.

President Ali also assured that the region will see the government honing in on enhancing security. “This region will see massive investment in technology-aided security systems that will help the law enforcement officers in their work. A lot of focus will be placed on community and intelligence-laid security systems, supported by the most tested of technology so that in the path of development, we can build a safe and secure society and community.”

He added that the government’s message and agenda are enshrined in a collective desire to improve the lives of all the people in Guyana. “People-centred development is crucial for this country. That is what the PPP/C is about, putting people at the centre and working from behind to advance those in centre and in front,”Dr. Ali reiterated.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, as well as other government officials and members of the diplomatic corps were in attendance at the opening ceremony.

Addressing the Annual Police Officers’ Conference at the Police Officers Mess Annexe, Georgetown, on April 27, 2023, Ali acknowledged the significant role the police force has played in addressing social issues in various communities. “I must accord credit where credit is due. The Guyana Police Force has been working with my administration to fashion a modern, diversified, and accountable organisation. It has made significant strides over the past year. To see officers and their ranks cleaning medians, painting roadways, building houses, delivering hampers, cleaning drains, walking in the community, talking to every section of the Guyanese people is most admirable,” the president underscored.

He noted that policing involves much more than simply ‘walking around with guns’, and patrolling the streets. “You are not just officers representing the Guyana Police Force. You are officers leading other ranks to deliver an environment that is secure, comfortable, and…importantly, one that

Speaking on the dynamics of policing, President Ali noted the importance of understanding the level of duty that policing calls for in national development.

He explained that the complexity of the global, regional, and national architecture has drastically changed due to advancements in technology, and therefore, the dynamics of policing have also changed. “Policing is not isolated from development and development is not isolated from policing… The security architecture of a country is a bedrock through which development, sustainability, resilience, and progress can be achieved,” the head of state pointed out.

With over 2000 officers already trained or in training, President Ali has challenged the GPF to overcome the many challenges in building a stronger and safer future for the country.

To confront those challenges, President Ali emphasised the need for a proactive thinking organisation that can anticipate and address security issues, rather than a reactive and passive one.

He also called for a new standard of performance and professionalism within the force, emphasising the need for a force that is, ‘driven by performance and fuelled by

Meanwhile, the head of state expressed his distress regarding the current situation on Guyana’s roadways. He said the issues stemmed from the country’s infrastructure capacity and an increasing number of vehicles as well as ‘recklessness and stupidity’ on the part of some drivers, who endanger their own lives and families and put other persons at risk.

President Ali said the issue must receive special attention at the conference and suggested a large-scale educational campaign to address these matters. “This must stop… We passed legislation to make bar owners and bartenders accountable also, not just the drivers…we must implement this legislation, this guideline.”

Attending the opening ceremony were Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, and other senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Acting Chief Justice, Justice Roxane George and members of the diplomatic corps. The conference is being held under the theme ‘Improve Partnership, Human Development and Accountability to Enhance Service Delivery.’

Opening of new hospital demonstrates investor confidence in economy – Ali

Residents of Region Three are witnessing and will benefit from an exciting new development with the official opening of the region’s first private hospital, Sheriff General Hospital at Leonora on Saturday (April 29, 2023).

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said this investment and many others are demonstrative of the government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for investment. “Rest assured that, as time progresses, this government remains committed, in the exercise of our oath, to ensuring that all is done in the interest of all our people,” the head of state reiterated.

He welcomed the investment by the Sheriff Group of Companies, stating that it is a sign of confidence by

the private sector in the way Guyana is rapidly moving forward. The president noted that the service delivery by the facility must match the massive advancements already taking place in the region. “We are building and investing in a health infrastructure and architecture that will be cutting-edge and leading. We are going to do all it takes to build our capacity for this region, and Guyanese people. We are not playing to be second best; we are playing for once in Guyana to be the best at what we want to do,” Dr Ali added.

Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony expressed that the opening of the hospital represents a level of trust in the health sector, which is undergoing major transfor -

mation through modernisation. “President Ali has given us a mandate that we should develop a world-class health sector in Guyana, and that is a very big task. We cannot do that by ourselves in the public sector. We have to do it in combination with partners in the private sector. And what you see here today is a representation of that belief that this world-class health sector can be achieved,” he posited.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, while highlighting the journey to this stage of development in the region, said it speaks to the impact that private investment has on advancing transformation. “For years, it was

Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway to be ready by year-end – President Ali

Health ministry, other partners launch vaccination campaign

– HPV, MMR, COVID vaccines being offered

Thegovernment continues to deliver accessible, quality healthcare to all citizens of Guyana.

This is again being demonstrated as the Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Maternal and Child Health Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the private sector on an evening and weekend vaccination outreach for the month of May.

The vaccination campaign will target, most notably, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), yellow fever, Hepatitis B, COVID-19, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and tetanus, among others.

Since entering office in 2020, the government has been Progressive in the fight against a number of diseases in Guyana. HPV is among the many being targeted in an effort to reduce the number of preventable deaths across the country.

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause a range of health issues, including genital warts and cancer. As cervical cancer remains a leading cause

of death in women across Guyana, the government continues to expand the vaccination campaign to reduce the number of infections, as well as the number of deaths. In October last year, HPV vaccines were made available for women up to 45 years of age. The move was a monumental step in the fight against the virus, as previously, only males and females between the ages of 9 and 15 were offered the vaccine.

Notably, last month, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony said as government strengthens its immunisation programme across the country, citizens also need to work with healthcare providers to bring their children to the respective facilities to be vaccinated. “We don’t want any child that is eligible for a vaccine that can help them to fight whatever disease it is, that they don’t get the vaccine. We want to make sure that all of them get all of the vaccines,” he stated.

The minister noted that often when women visit clinics or hospitals, it is too late for them, as the virus has already progressed to cervical cancer, which is much

harder to treat. “But this type of cancer is preventable…. If you get a vaccine early in life, we can prevent it from happening. We have [expended] a lot of money to acquire these vaccines, so that we can prevent cervical cancer in Guyana. And if we are spending this money to prevent cancers, we want everybody to become partners in helping us to prevent cancer,” Dr. Anthony said.

Persons interested in receiving any of the vaccines offered by the Ministry of Health are encouraged to visit:

• Massy Stores Providence, East Bank Demerara on Saturday, May 6 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

• Ministry of Health Brickdam Tarmac and East La Penitence Health Centre, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm Mondays to Fridays, and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays

• Ministry of Health Vaccination Centre and Sophia Health Centre on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

The vaccination outreach will continue throughout the month of May, and is being held under the theme: “Don’t hesitate, Get vaccinated! #VaccinesSaveLives!”

Collaborating centre on influenza to be housed at national lab

– WHO, Harvard University partnering with Health Ministry

Guyana’s health sector will soon see massive transformation as the ministry moves ahead to collaborate with two influential bodies to modernise the health system and house one of the region’s collaborating centres on global influenza.

During his appreciation speech for Medical Professionals Laboratory Week, last week, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony noted that an alliance will be formed with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Harvard University.

The collaboration will see improved operations at Guyana’s National Public Health Referencing Laboratory (NPHL) and will allow the country to be integrally involved in determining vital disease statistics and how to combat them.

“The National Public Health Referencing Lab will soon be a WHO collaborating centre on influenza which allows Guyana to not only be one of the few countries in the Caribbean with this capacity for detection but also be able to contribute data to global influenza surveillance and respond system as well as to contribute to WHO’s recommendation on the composition of the influenza vaccine each year,” the health minister said.

Even though the laboratory can perform next-generational sequencing for COVID, specifically the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the minister noted that it will soon do the same for the influenza virus.

Influenza is a viral infection that affects mainly the nose, throat, and occasional-

ly, the lungs. The infection usually lasts for about a week and is characterised by sudden onset of high fever, aching muscles, headache, and severe malaise, among other symptoms.

Additionally, efforts are being made to sequence the plasmodium falciparum (malaria).

“We’re collaborating with Harvard University to sequence the plasmodium falciparum. The new sequencing capacity will put Guyana in a better place to respond to current, emerging, and re-emerging diseases,” Dr Anthony stated.

Over the years the health sector has improved its laboratory services by training its staff and expanding in several services, such as PCR testing and point-

Over

7,000 labour inspections conducted to date – Hamilton

The government through the Ministry of Labour remains dedicated to Guyanese workers and has pledged to continue to enforce the laws and regulations through inspections at the workplaces.

Since the government assumed Office on August 2, 2020, the ministry has conducted over 7,000 labour inspections throughout Guyana, with the view of enforcing labour and occupational safety and health laws.

This was disclosed by Minister, Joseph Hamilton, in his message to commemorate Labour Day, which is observed annually on May 1.

Minister Hamilton said the inspections provided technical information to both employers and employees.

They also ensure that the legal provisions relating to conditions of work and the protection of workers are enforced.

He further noted that tackling labour and employment issues is critical for Guyana to achieve the targets set out in the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

and for the country’s economic and social progress.

“Consequently, the tripartite dedication of Government, employers and workers’ organisations is imperative and one that must be encouraged, promoted and sustained for us to realise our goals and prosperity for all the workers and people of our beautiful country. The process of social dialogue is fundamental and at the core of good industrial relations, which is needed for achieving solutions, stability, and good economic outcomes. Importantly, workers must also be active and ensure their rights are not ignored in the workplace,” he stated.

As the oil and gas industry continues to experience accelerated growth and a spike in foreign direct investments, the minister said the government is committed to ensuring that both local and foreign employers comply with the constitutional provision of the “right to equal pay for equal work or work of equal value and to just conditions of work.” “Importantly, this accelerated expansion and increase in economic

activities have increased the demand for skilled workers,” Minister Hamilton pointed out.

To this end, workers are being urged to make use of the many opportunities made available by the government to enhance their skills. “It would be remiss of me not to underscore the importance of trade unions and the role that they have played and continue to play in the struggle for workers’ rights, equity, just conditions of work and justice for workers throughout Guyana. In this regard, the Ministry of Labour will continue to work with the trade unions to ensure that they remain a formidable and major stakeholder in ensuring workers’ rights are protected and contributing to economic growth through involvement in economic and social policy-making, collective bargaining and negotiations at all levels,” the labour minister added. Minister Hamilton also saluted workers for their commitment, effort, dedication and hard work as the nation works towards building a sustainable future.

Construction begins on $1.7B Karasabai Secondary

Construction has commenced on the modern $1.7 billion Karasabai Secondary School in Region Nine, as part of the government’s aim to ensure equitable access to education is provided.

The construction of the school is scheduled to be completed within two years and will benefit 500 students and 250 students in the dormitories.

Students will no longer have to travel through difficult terrain every day to receive education.

The government is

putting a lot of effort into closing the education gap between the coast and the hinterland.

This initiative will significantly improve the quality of life for students in the region by expanding their educational opportunities.

The contemporary school complex will be fitted with ten buildings which include TVET centres, a combined Home Economics and cafeteria area, teachers’ quarters, an outdoor seating plaza, main teaching block and related lecturing facilities, and modern science

laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Construction of the facility is being done by Avinash Contracting. The contract signing ceremony which was held in February was attended by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alfred King, and Assistant Chief Education Officer for Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development, Marti DeSouza.

149 Region Five residents now certified in several areas through BIT

One hundred and forty-nine (149) residents of Region

Five graduated from several technical and vocational training programmes offered by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

The ceremony was held on April 28, 2023 at the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre.

BIT continues to offer the necessary training programmes to help Guyanese across the country advance their skills in chosen fields.

Some 23 persons are skilled in data operation, 24 in electrical installation, 5 in motor vehicle servicing, 13 in fur-

niture making, 11 in plumbing, 12 in commercial food preparation, 12 in garment construction, 10 in agro-processing, 8 in information technology, 10 in office administration, 10 in welding and fabrication, and 15 in heavy-duty equipment operation.

Delivering remarks at the gradation, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton urged the graduates to continually advance their skills by enrolling in complementing courses being provided.

Minister Hamilton said the government is making the necessary resources available to provide the training pro-

grammes. “We are moving from a place where in 2021 when we expended a little over $8 million in Region Five training some 85 persons, to a place where we have expended over $61 million in Region Five training 535 persons.”

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton during remarks at the BIT graduation in Region Five

He added that 345 persons have already been trained in the region by BIT. The training programmes will help to fully equip the beneficiaries with skills to become entrepreneurs or employable.

Third payout for dialysis assistance being rolled out

Overthe next few days, 105 hemodialysis patients will receive cheques valued at $600,000 each, to help subsidise their treatment expenses, as the Government of Guyana rolls out the third dialysis treatment initiative payout for 2023. Of the 105 beneficiaries, 51 are new patients.

The third payout exercise of $63 million, commenced Wednesday (May 3, 2023) at the Ministry of Health on Brickdam, Stabroek. The first payout for this year was executed in February when 84 patients benefitted while the second was done in April when 62 persons benefitted.

The administration has allocated $863 million in Budget 2023 to support those in need of medical treatment.

During Wednesday’s exercise, Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health spent time interacting with some of the beneficiaries and lending words of support to persons suffering from kidney failure, who require dialysis, a much-needed treatment for

the management of their condition. “Today we are giving 105 persons a cheque of $600,000 each to help them with their dialysis session; so for this year already, 297 persons have benefited from this annual subvention,” the minister said.

While appealing to the general public to get registered if they require dialysis support, the Minister indicated that the process is very simple but requires verification and assessment of the patient’s condition at the Nephrology Department at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

“Once the doctor determines you have end-stage renal failure, he issues a letter to that effect which is verified by our physicians at the GPHC. A request is then prepared and the necessary documentation is prepared and presented to the Ministry of Health to get to process started”, Dr Anthony explained.

The Health Minister highlighted that through close collaboration with pri-

Gov’t implementing agenda closely aligned with SDGs

vate sector agencies, dialysis services have been expanded to Regions Two, Three, Four, and Ten compared to previous years where patients requiring dialysis were forced to travel to the city to seek care and treatment.

If a person has Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the kidneys are unable to filter the blood to remove harmful waste products and excess fluids which are turned into urine to be passed out of the body. Dialysis treatment then becomes an alternative procedure to remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. It is a process that involves diverting blood to a machine to be cleaned.

For the year 2022, some 327 patients benefitted from the annual $600,000 payout.

Persons requiring support for dialysis treatment can contact the Ministry’s Medical Treatment Department on 225-0113 for more information on how they can receive financial assistance.

Learning Lab nears completion

With 95 percent of the new Learning Lab complete, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, engaged representatives from various disability organisations as well as Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, to garner input on the soon to be facility.

In an inspection of the facility, which is located at Mahaica, Minister Persaud explained, “This is a facility that involves a lot of stakeholders and as we move to completion and the formal opening of this facility, we invited some of the stakeholders to be fully involved in how we make this facility functional and operational. We want to ensure when the centre is fully set up, we cater for all the varieties of disabilities so that persons will feel comfortable in the environment.”

Programme Coordinator for the Guyana Society for the Blind, Ganesh Singh

shared his thoughts on this move and said, “What we are seeing now is transformative and this building, from what I experienced will have a significant impact on the lives of people living with disabilities, there is now space, not just for training but recreational purposes where persons can develop and learn living skills and I must congratulate the Minister of Human Services and Social Security, the Honorable Dr. Vindhya Persaud for her vision for persons with disabilities. As we have seen since she assumed the portfolio, a lot of what is in the Guyana Persons with disabilities act 2010 as it relates to the social services portfolio would have been implemented. He added, “What we are seeing will definitely lift persons with disabilities out of poverty… this is really making the lives of persons with disabilities a better one, a more meaningful one, and are able

Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , in the midst of a challenging global environment.

The minister was on Monday (May 1, 2023) delivering the opening remarks at the multistakeholder consultation on the presentation of Guyana’s Second Voluntary National Review of the Sustainable Development Goals to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal. The minister said, “This government has articulated a national development agenda that is very closely aligned with the SDGs. This comprehensive agenda is expected to be very substantial in us achieving these SDGs,” the minister said.

He pointed out that initiatives such as the Low Carbon Development Strategy, and the various sectoral policies, such as those related to ed-

ucation or public infrastructure are indicative of these efforts.

However, despite this robust agenda, there have been many challenges to the achievement of these goals, such as the war in Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic- the effects from which the country is still reeling.

The senior minister added that this multistakeholder engagement is not an isolated event. He said the government prides itself on a consultative approach to governance. It presents an opportunity for stakeholders to interact and give feedback based on the presentations made. “Our manifesto itself was prepared out of a consultative process. Our LCDS benefitted from national consultations, our various sector strategies and initiatives benefitted from consultations across the country, our national budgets saw input from several stakeholders, as well as our micro-level interventions undergo a consultative process,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and

Governance, Gail Teixeira, in providing an overview of Guyana’s International Reporting Obligations and Participation in the High-Level Political Forum, said reviews such as these are critical to ratify the various international treaties that the country has signed. She added that the SDGs pose many challenges, but the country is committed, through these international obligations to ensure progress and equality. Minister Teixeira said, “They are not easy goals, and it is not always easy to do all of them simultaneously. Every country is at a different level of development. We want to see our country move forward. So, once we sign these agreements, it allows us to measure what progress we are making.”

The summit will see Heads of State and government officials gathering at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to follow-up and review the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

New Uaru project set to boost oil production to 1.1M bpd

to claim their rightful place in society and I am very pleased with what I would have seen and what I have heard from Minister, we have come a far way…the minister’s approach of inclusivity is one we embrace of…. including people who are the beneficiaries in the process of planning so that everything is as good as it could be for implementation.”

Sabane McIntosh of the Deaf Association of Guyana reasoned, “ It’s a wonderful start, let’s hope it continues. It is a beautiful building, very clean, we were given a guided tour and access for the blind, deaf, and wheelchair users is everywhere. When this building comes to life it is going to be a fantastic social space which is badly needed for persons with disabilities.”

The facility is expected to support training and empowerment centre for persons with disabilities.

Guyana’s oil production is expected to jump from some 380,000 barrels per day to over 1,100,000 barrels by mid-2027, as the government approved ExxonMobil’s Uaru Field Development Plan.

This will push Guyana to become one of only 11 countries in the world producing over one million barrels of oil per day.

The Uaru Petroleum Production Licence was also issued with the approval of the plan.

The Uaru project, valued at some US$12.683 billion is now the fifth approved production operation for offshore Guyana within the Stabroek Block and is expected to produce 812 million barrels of oil within the initial 20-year licence period, through a total of 44 wells, 21 producers and 23 water and gas injectors.

The FPSO for the project, Errea Wittu, will be built by Mitsui Ocean Development & Engineering

Company (MODEC) Inc. and is estimated to produce 250,000 barrels per day at peak production.

President of ExxonMobil Upstream Oil and Gas, Liam Mallon, in a statement issued by the oil company, noted that Exxon’s fifth, multi-billion-dollar investment in Guyana exemplifies ExxonMobil’s long-term commitment to the country’s sustained economic growth.

“Our Guyana investments and unrivalled development success continue to contribute to secure, reliable global energy supplies at this critical time,” he added.

In 2022, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh projected that the revenue inflows to Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund (NRF) over the next few years would amount to twice the size of its $552.9 billion 2022 Budget.

At the time, Guyana expected US$957,874,800

in revenues in 2022, US$1,165,443,900 in 2023, US$1,335,315,100 in 2024, and US$1,781,842,700 in 2025. These figures, accounting for profit oil, royalties and interests, amount to US$5,240,476,500. That amounts to almost GY $1.1 trillion.

Two FPSOs, the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity are currently operating offshore Guyana and produce an average of 375,000 barrels of oil per day in the first quarter of this year.

A third FPSO, the Prosperity, is expected to be operational later this year, adding 220,000 barrels of daily capacity from the Payara development.

ExxonMobil made a final investment decision on the fourth offshore project, Yellowtail, last year. The company is aiming to have six FPSOs online by the end of 2027, bringing Guyana’s production capacity to more than 1.2 million barrels per day.

PARLIAMENT HAPPENINGS UNDER REVIEW

THE PPP/C’S LEGISLATIVE AGENDA, MORE

Government seeking approval for $31 billion in supplementary funding – Next sitting set for May 10th

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira on behalf of Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on April 24, 2023 presented a Supplementary Bill comprising Financial Papers

Number 1 and 2 to the National Assembly relating to programme components of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 to be financed from carbon credit inflows.

Work began in 2009 with

the original Low Carbon Development Strategy– the first such strategy from any developing country in the world. A national consultation from October 2021 to July 2022 saw the original LCDS expanded and en -

hanced, culminating in the endorsement of the National Assembly and then the finalization of LCDS 2030.

In November 2022, Guyana issued the world’s first jurisdiction-scale, sovereign carbon credits as the next

phase in Guyana’s creation of a global model for forest climate services.

This was followed shortly afterwards by the world’s first sale of such credits in global carbon markets.

These carbon credit inflows are being allocated to programme components of the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 and come on the heels of the Government of Guyana’s engagement in further consultation over the last three months to determine the structure of the two disbursement channels outlined in the LCDS 2030:

• Disbursement Channel 1:

Village-Led Investments: After the seven-month national consultation on LCDS 2030, it was agreed that 15 percent of all revenues received from the sale of carbon credits would be paid directly to indigenous and local communities across Guyana. For the year 2023, this totals US$22.5 million or G$4.7 billion and is catered for under Financial Paper No 1 of 2023.

Over January to February 2023, the National Toshaos Council, the national body of elected Village Leaders from across all ten regions of Guyana, led engagements which determined a structure for the allocation of these carbon credits payments. This structure centers on the determination of payments, based on population, and includes villages (both titled and untitled areas), communities, and satellites. Indigenous villages and local communities will define for themselves their priorities of economic development initiatives of social upliftment, on climate adaptation and mitigation and food security that need to be advanced for village sustainability to be fostered. Village level governance structures are empowered through the Amerindian Act 2006, to deliver on village sustainability plans, outlining the short, medium and long-term priorities for each Village.

These plans outline how villages, through a process of self-determination and autonomous management, will identify and implement actions to develop village livelihoods whilst addressing the impacts of climate change. It is intended that long-term carbon credits financing, will see flows of revenues to villages and communities from this year 2023 and onwards into the future.

• Disbursement Channel 2: 85 percent of earnings from the sale of carbon credits, so far to a total value of US$127.5 million or G$26.5 billion for the 2023 allocation. This will meet the most urgent priorities of low carbon development, as well as climate adaptation and mitigation interventions outlined by the LCDS 2030 which is being sought under Financial Paper No 2 of 2023.

Advancing low carbon development while addressing the impacts of climate change is a core focus of this investment, and attention will be aimed at supporting the strong stance that Guyana has maintained nationally and globally on forest governance and management, and forest legality.

Guyana’s exemplary forest management systems, strong codes of practice, and maintained high forest cover and low deforestation rates have been recognized by programmes such as the European Union’s Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade Initiative.

The Government will continue to work with all stakeholders in the implementation of these programmes – implementation that will see this first series of investment made under LCDS 2030, bringing about impactful results on sustainable livelihoods and low carbon development across all spheres of society.

The paper is expected to come up for approval at the next sitting of the House, which is scheduled for May 10, 2023.

Parag rubbishes discrimination claims by GPSU

– says gov’t committed to continued engagement

Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, on Wednesday (May 4, 2023), dismissed the spurious claims made by the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Monday (May 1, 2023) about the PPP/C Government’s response to the concerns of public servants.

On Labour Day, the union described the government’s posture as “deliber -

ate, blatant and discriminatory,” whilst alleging that the administration has “refused” to engage the union.

However, a recent interview, Minister Parag stated that the assertion is entirely untrue. “[The Ministry of Public Service] has constantly engaged the GPSU, with the last meeting being as recent as the 19th of December, [2022] and there

has been no official request to meet since,” the minister disclosed.

Additionally, President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday (May 1, 2023) met with leaders of several trade unions, including the GPSU, and again pledged his government’s support to the unions for the celebration of their 100th Anniversary.

“We are willing to meet and that was reiterated by the president. We are committed

to working with everyone… and despite the fact that they went to court and all of that…we have continued to work with them,” Minister Parag asserted.

Addressing the union’s claim that the administration is ignoring the global cost of living issues, Minister Parag said the body failed to recognise all of the initiatives implemented by the government to cushion the effects of the cost of living due to

global factors.

At the beginning of 2023, several salary adjustments were brought into effect for two categories of public servants, those in the healthcare sector and members of the joint services. These increases amounted to more than $2 billion in additional income, benefitting some 13,000 public service employees. This was in addition to the eight per cent salary increase given to

all public servants in 2022. The minister also reaffirmed her ministry’s stance on ensuring that suitably qualified persons are employed in the public service without any political interference. “It is rather unfortunate and destructive that every time we are intent on building better relations and acting in good faith, the [GPSU] decides to spin a harmful and divisive narrative,” she added.

abandoned, and overgrown with bushes. We must reflect on what our government endured, and what the people went through at the hands of those who want to stymie development in this country and stagnate progress. But today, Guyana and the people of Region Three stand to benefit

from a world-class, state-ofthe-art medical facility,” he stated.

The Sheriff General Hospital comes equipped with five operating theatres, a hemodialysis unit, and a modern stem cell research lab, with a total of 150 beds, and other state-of-the-art

equipment necessary for the delivery of high-quality healthcare.

Shareef Ahmad, CEO of Sheriff Group of Companies said the hospital will deliver great services at affordable prices, changing the way healthcare is delivered in the country.

Collaborating centre on influenza...

16 of-care testing for diseases including COVID-19 and Monkey Pox.

The government has also invested in a range of diagnostic kits to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis of the viruses.

Meanwhile, during

the last two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry managed to procure several vaccines for the disease from various international entities. The procurement has since lessened the number of cases that were being reported daily.

As the country continues to join with international bodies to celebrate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week from April 23-29, Minister Anthony expressed his appreciation for local personnel, who are dedicated to providing efficient service.

POSITIONS FROM FREEDOM HOUSE

A message from the PPP on the occasion of Arrival Day 2023

Arrival Day reminds us of the rich history of strength, determination, and innovative spirit brought by the Portuguese, East Indians, and Chinese, and others who were brought to these shores as indentured labourers. It reminds us of the sacrifices and immeasurable contributions made by them to develop our individual communities and our country and emphasizes for us the duty we have to build a bet-

ter country for our children. As we commemorate this day, all Guyanese, here and abroad are urged to reflect on the grueling, inhumane journeys undergone to arrive here, the harsh living conditions withstood in the early days, and the successful efforts made, in spite of that, to thrive and develop their families and communities. Their determined efforts have led to the creation of this multi-cultural and

multi-religious society of ours in which there is immense pride in our diversity. We have been imbued with values of perseverance, sacrifice, brotherhood, and respect for one another as we share and participate in the various festivals that have come to identify us as a people.

Inspired by the sacrifices and achievements of our ancestors, the Guyanese people are determined to

build upon the gains that have been made to: ensure our country remains a place for all of its sons and daughters; safeguard our hard-won freedoms; ensure that peace is not compromised; and to ensure that the safety of our people is paramount. Recognizing the value of the gains that we have made, we must reject those views which will dishonour these inherited values and we must contin -

ue to work together as one people to further advance the development of our nation for the betterment of all Guyanese.

The sacrifices made by the Indigenous people, those who were brought to our shores as indentured labourers and those who were brought forcibly as slaves, have brought us to a place in 2023 where our country today is recognized as the country in our region with

APNU

to

eas and geography in the context of divisional and sub-divisional boundaries. Alexander further stated that he would argue that in addition to geography, soil type, hydrology, natural borders, rivers, creeks, and highways, geographical features should also include these. According to him, the divides will have an impact on the PNC since they will make the PNC a minority in places with populations or constituencies that have historically supported it. In several of the reorganized Local Authority Areas, he argued, the PNC had a worse chance of gaining constituency seats.

Notably, the Commission unanimously rejected Alexander's arguments and approved the CEO's

the most robust social and economic development trajectory. As we celebrate the successes and achievements of our people, we honour our foreparents by our united commitment to ensure a country where all families can live and thrive in safety and prosperity.

Happy Arrival Day to All!

People’s Progressive Party May 4th, 2023

← FROM PAGE 11

report after the CEO gave his report on January 31. According to Article 72 of the Constitution, Guyana may be divided into sub-divisions in order to organize local democratic entities. The population, physical size, regional features, and economic resources must all be taken into account while dividing the country. A division shall be made available where it is necessary and where the populace requests it, according to the Constitution.

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire has set May 30, 2023 as the date to address the matter. The respondents are Chief Election Officer, Vishnu Persaud, and GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh.

moves

court...

FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

ICT hubs being completed in more remote communities

The Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Hub initiative continues to be expanded across Guyana, reaching an increasing number of Guyanese youths.

The creation of ICT hubs in the hinterland was rein -

troduced by the PPP/C government, after taking office in August 2020. The ICT Hubs will be established in communities which would not have had facilities before and the hubs will be equipped with a minimum of 25 computers.

Currently, many of the

very remote villages still use the traditional form of communicating via radio sets. These sets are old and have not been repaired or replaced over the years.

Before 2015, the PPP/C Government had started a programme aimed at modernising Guyana through

ICT. This programme saw ICT labs being constructed and equipped in several communities and schools in the hinterland. Moreover, the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) programme was created in aid of ensuring that every Guyanese, throughout the country, has

access to information technology.

The PPP/C Government has committed to prioritizing Information and Communications Technology as a strategic catalyst for accelerating economic and social development across Guyana; particularly in

the hinterland. Reducing many disparities between the hinterland and coastal areas necessitates the use of technology, a critical tool which the new government is looking to afford persons in indigenous communities, through the establishment of the ICT hubs.

Region 7| Karrau: Located in the Lower Mazaruni Sub District Karrau has an operational Hub that currently serves all community members

Region 7| Batavia: Located along the lower Cuyuni River, Batavia has a fully functional ICT Hub complete with photovoltaic power, ICT equipment, internet and telephone equipment

Region 7| Kaburi: Located 72 miles along the Bartica Mahdia trial, the village of Kaburi has its very own ICT Hub. This Hub has played very important role in offering services to the students and residents of the community

Region 2| Wakapoa: The ICT Hub is located within the administrative compound of the village. This compound houses the Solar Farm, Nursery, Primary and Secondary School, Dormitory, Teachers Quarter and Health Center. The Hub will significantly benefit students and community members alike

Region 2| Akawini: Located in the reaches of the Lower Pomeroon River, the ICT Hub serves the various Islands of Akawini Village

Region 9| Moco Moco: Prime Minister Hon. Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips, M.S.S. paid a vist to the Moco Moco ICT Hub while on a recent vist to the community in Region 9

‘Dangerous implication’ in Norton’s assertions – Jagdeo

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Bharrat Jagdeo, has identified a dangerous implication made by Opposition Leader, Aubrey Norton.

During a press conference Thursday (May 4, 2023) morning, the leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC

Coalition, Aubrey Norton, said, “Bharrat Jagdeo by saying we are only contesting only 279 areas, is attempting to get us to say where certain groups are working…this will allow Bharrat Jagdeo to call them APNU front…. and cause people to not dealing with the independent

groups…we have always had a policy to depoliticize local government.”

During his news conference on Thursday (May 4, 2023) afternoon, at Freedom House, Robb Street, the PPP General Secretary said, “He (Norton) was practically implying that all the so-called

‘independent groups’ were part of the APNU’s front, and they didn’t contest as APNU in these areas, but as independent groups.”

According to him should this be true, it would mean that APNU is trying to disguise itself in some local government areas out of

shame of its track record. “If it is not true, then what he has done is, he has branded all of those individuals and groups contesting outside of APNU in these local government areas as APNU fronts. So, it is very dangerous for those people who are contesting now, because he has implied that they are all APNU fronts,” Jagdeo added.

Jagdeo stressed that these individuals and organisations are now obligated to dispel these implications, and publicly disassociate themselves from the APNU.

NO CONTEST IN 292 CONSTITUENCIES

The PPP General Secretary noted that of 610 constituencies, the APNU is only contesting in 260, with independent individuals and organisations contesting in an additional 58 constituencies.

He added, “This means that a total of 318 constituencies of the 610 constituencies see APNU or independent individuals or groups contesting.”

The remaining 292 constituencies are areas where the PPP/C has no competition. “So, you still have 292 constituencies where neither APNU nor individuals or groups are contesting in the country. That means that the PPP has won in those areas already, 292 of the 610, and this can be factually checked.”

NORTON LIES

He noted that the approved List of Candidates standing at the 2023 Local Government Elections, which are scheduled for June 12, 2023, were published in the

Official Gazette on April 29, 2023.

And, despite wide public access to this document, Norton still refuses to backtrack on the “lie” he told to Guyanese. Jagdeo said, “It goes to an issue of credibility. Here is a major political party contesting an election, and the leaders can lie to the people of this country in the face of all these facts, and when exposed, they double down on their lies. They don’t apologise, they don’t explain anything, they just continue to perpetuate their lies.”

Norton on April 20, 2023, when pressed on the matter, said widespread support enabled “us to participate in Local Government Elections (LGE) nationwide.” He said, with the exception of “three or four” LAAs, the APNU submitted candidate lists for all LAAs to the Guyana Elections Commission. Norton had said, “Virtually all (the LAAs)…in Lethem, we had a problem and we have written we wrote the Elections Commission and that ended dealing with that.

But in many other areas we have submitted…across the country we have submitted in virtually all the NDCs, all the constituencies and all the towns, except I think for Lethem, where there is a problem…we might be short by like three or four if so many.”

“People have to believe your promises, because parties run on manifestos and promises. If you have no credibility, how can they believe that you will fulfill any promise if you will lie about something that could be proven as a lie?” Jagdeo declared.