Weekend Mirror 13-14 May 2023

Norton’s ‘disgusting’ attack on a woman condemned – PPP General Secretary

The attacks on a former supporter of the APNU+AFC Coalition, Barbara Pilgrim, was condemned by General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, who also called out the “conve-

nient rights organisations” who have remained silent on the matter.

Leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC Coalition, Aubrey Norton, on Tuesday (May 9, 2023) launched an attack on Pilgrim, a former

APNU+AFC Parliamentarian, who crossed over to the PPP/C. Referring to Pilgrim as “political prostitute,” Norton said, “When you prostitute yourself, you will always be used. And what we're seeing is most of the persons

who politically prostitute themselves.”

Jagdeo made clear that the attack is disgusting and must be widely condemned.

“It is disgusting. It is disparaging…because she decided to support the PPP, which

is her constitutional right to do so, as a free person in this country….I don’t see all the women’s group coming out to bring Norton to task,” he said, during a news conference on Thursday (May 11, 2023).

The PPP General Secretary charged too that Norton must apologize to Pilgrim for his comments.

A number of APNU+AFC supporters have crossed over to the PPP/C,

more so in a public way, before and after April 17, 2023, Nomination Day, ahead of the 2023 Local Government Elections.

The PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition has suffered major blows with the crossover of several of its members. Aside from Trichria Richards, longstanding PNC/R supporter, and former Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, has also joined the PPP/C camp.

Police Force investigating ‘threats’ against GECOM Chair by PNCR’s McDonald

Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired Justice Claudette Singh, has filed a report with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) over threatening remarks made by the PNCR-led Coalition’s Coretta McDonald.

The comments were reportedly made by McDonald on Tuesday (May 9, 2023) outside the GECOM headquarters in Georgetown.

Notably, the leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC Coalition, Aubrey Norton, has been vocal in his criticism of Singh. On Sunday (May 7, 2023), he said, “Claudette Singh turned out to be the worst election Commission Chairman ever in the history of this country. And, you know. Desmond Hoyte would have described her as a succubus....and so, we are saying she is not fit for the office. She cannot continue to be chairman of the Elections Commission.”

As recent as Thursday morning (May 11, 2023) during a news conference, the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Ganesh Mahipaul referred to the GECOM Chairperson as a “poodle” of the PPP/C. He said, “Claudette Singh must stop being a poodle of the PPP/C.” At the same activity, PNCR Chairman and APNU+AFC Parliamentarians, Shurwayne Holder, also attached the GECOM Chair and said, “The current

Chairman is constantly voting with the PPP practically every time there is an issue and that is exacerbating the problem.”

Meanwhile, addressing the issue during his news conference on Thursday (May 11, 2023), General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Bharrat Jagdeo, noted that Mc Donald allegedly said “a few days ago that the death is announced of Claudette Singh, funeral to be announced later” and condemned it.”

He stressed that the GECOM Chair is within her right to make a police report about the “death threat” against her.

Jagdeo charged that the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition has been convenient in their position on Singh, given that it was the same individual, who as a judge, ruled in a manner that resulted in the PPP/C government losing two years of their five-year term after the 1997 General and Regional Elections. “Claudette Singh wasn’t a PPP stooge then or poodle,” he remarked.

He also rapped the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which maintain their silence on this matter, “conveniently”, but have been vocal on other issues.

The threats against a “respected” official, the PPP General Secretary stressed, has no place in society.

PNCR-led cabal’s only offer to Guyanese is old, unsubstantiated rhetoric – Jagdeo

The fact that the PNCRled APNU “underserved” Guyanese was evident in the low turnout at the launch of the APNU Local Government Elections campaign in Georgetown on Sunday (May 7, 2023), according to PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“We’ve had the launch of the APNU Local Government Elections campaign in Georgetown…the persons there were made up of the candidates, the leadership of the PNCR…the people in the community did not really show up and I would not blame them,” Jagdeo said during a news conference on Thursday (May 11, 2023), at Freedom House, Robb Street.

He charged that the entire rally did not reflect anything of substance. “They didn’t tell the people of Georgetown about how they

will change their lives… they didn’t give account to the people of their track record…they did not lay out any plans for the City…90 per cent of the speeches were focused on cussing the PPP…it was a big disappointment,” he said.

According to the PPP General Secretary, the PPP/C, in stark contrast, has made clear what the PPP/C’s manifesto promises are for the 2023 Local Government Elections. “We are focused on the work we can do,” he said.

Jagdeo and the PPP/C, to date, have taken the 2023 Local Government Elections to Matthews Ridge, Port Kaituma and Mabaruma, Region 1; New Amsterdam, Region 6; Bartica, Region 7.

OLD LINES REPEATED

The PPP General Secretary underscored the fact

that the APNU Local Government Elections campaign launch in Georgetown was dominated by old lies – all of which have been disproved.

The APNU+AFC Coalition’s Christopher Jones, used the rally to repeat the already rubbished narrative about young Afro-Guyanese being killed. He said, “It’s to reminder the young men who may not know or who might have been small at the time of the operation of Jagdeo's Phantom Death Squad.” Notably, in November 2019, the 32-page findings of an investigate report by the independently–run Stabroek News, exposed the falsehoods peddled by the APNU+AFC Coalition about the crime wave and dismantled the notion that young Afro-Guyanese men were killed indiscriminately. While, the PNCR-led

APNU+AFC Coalition had claimed that -some 400 young Afro-Guyanese died as a result of extra-judicial killings during the crime wave. However, the Stabroek News investigative report pointed out that some 420 persons were killed between February 2002 and September 2006 – 151 murdered by bandits, 30 security officers were killed and 239 were killed during confrontations with the police and in unexplained circumstances. It added that the drug trade was a major part of the period in question. After the report was published, comments along this line subsidised, but has returned and are now greatly exaggerated with the claim being almost 2,000 young Afro-Guyanese died under the former PPP/C government.

Norton, for his part, used the campaign launch to en-

gage in scare tactics that targeted vendors. He said, “I want to warn the vendors they are out of power in Georgetown, and every day APNU so that you could continue to vend. To not vote for us is to give the PPP the opportunity to take away your livelihood. I want to warn the vendors they are out of power in Georgetown, and every day APNU so that you could continue to vend. To not vote for us is to give the PPP the opportunity to take away your livelihood.” Last month, Jagdeo exposed a ‘whisper campaign’ being utilised by the APNU, attempting to incite fear in Georgetown vendors. Speaking at his press conference at Freedom House, Georgetown on April 20, 2023, the General Secretary reassured that vendors plying their trade in the city have nothing to fear from

the PPP/C. Jagdeo had said, “They’ve gone through the market and told the vendors that if the PPP wins the election in Georgetown, they’re going to be thrown off the road and they’re not going to have a place to vend. Here, in the city too, the vendors have nothing to worry about, but the whisper campaign has started. This is how they work in Afro-Guyanese communities. They can’t campaign openly and spread their racist message, because they know they will be called out on it.”

The PPP General Secretary at his May 11th news conference made clear that the PNCR-led cabal clearly has nothing to offer, other than old, unsubstantiated rhetoric. “This is what they launched as a Local Government Elections campaign… there was nothing for the people,” Jagdeo declared.

Parag schools Norton over his objections to investment in GOAL

The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which has provided thousands of scholarships for young Guyanese at various levels – from Certificate Level to Masters’ Degrees – has become the target of the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC Coalition, Aubrey Norton, on Tuesday

(May 8, 2023), railed against the programme, saying the millions invested should be redirected to other pursuits.

At a news conference on May 8, 2023, he said, “GOAL doesn’t come over to me as satisfying the needs of the people of Guyana. And if it does, it is minimal. We need an assessment of what GOAL has achieved and also

what was not achieved.”

Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag, in a comment to the Weekend Mirror, dismissed Norton’s rambling and charged that the response to the programme from Guyanese tells a clear story. “The application rate and the increase in the applications this year, compared to when we started in 2021, says people

are interested in the GOAL programme…how then could we not be responding to the needs of our young people across the country?”

GOAL was originally introduced in 2021. The PPP/C

Government aims to award 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese during their first five years in office. To date, over 16,000 scholarships have been awarded since the programme’s inception in

2021. This is a collaborative effort between the Education and Public Service Ministries to prepare Guyanese for opportunities that are available, as Guyana undergoes a massive transformation.

Norton-led cabal trying for cheap political points

On occasion after occasion, the actions of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition have made clear to the Guyanese public that the increasingly embattled Parliamentary Opposition is committed to manipulation of information, as well as a campaign of misinformation.

The latest manifestation of this was evidence at the 64th Sitting of the 12th Parliament on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

First, the manipulations of facts by the PNCR-led Coalition were so obvious that it stirred House Speaker, Manzoor Nadir, to point out the “omissions” in comments by their representatives in the House.

Secondly, the Coalition’s Ganesh Mahipaul repeated a claim touted by leader of the PNCR, Aubrey Norton, claiming that the name of a deceased person was included as a backer on a PPP/C List of Candidates. Notably, the fact of the matter is that the woman’s whose name was in question, was indeed recorded, but she passed away a week before Nomination Day, on April 17, 2023, and because of an oversight her name was not removed. The PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, has publicly disclosed that the woman’s husband remains an active campaigner for the PPP/C and is fully supportive of the Party. Yet, the facts are ignored, and the issue is manipulated for cheap political points.

Thirdly, the Coalition’s Annette Ferguson, to the viewing public’s amazement, feigned ignorance about the December 29, 2021 debacle in the House when she questioned at the May 10th sitting, “Which Parliament staff was assaulted?” Ferguson, shockingly, doubled down on the Coalition’s innocence on claims of damaging the mace and assaulting Parliamentary staff – despite the video evidence of the same. Ferguson was one of the eight APNU+AFC Coalition Members of Parliament (MPs) suspended from sittings of the House. The others included: Christopher Jones, the Opposition Chief Whip; Ganesh Mahipaul; Sherod Duncan; Natasha Singh- Lewis; Vinceroy Jordan; Tabitha Saraboo-Halley; and Maureen Philadelphia. In an effort derail the debating and passing of the Natural Resources Fund Bill, the Parliamentary Opposition hijacked the sitting – blowing whistles and chanting – while its MPs, Ferguson and Jordan, attempted to seize this ceremonial symbol. Other Opposition MPs attempted to do the same too, in the presence of the entire National Assembly. Also, Opposition MPs ambushed the control room of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) and wildly unplugged the connections in the electrical systems room, which led to an internet disconnection and audio failures. Members of Parliament who had joined processions virtually were even disconnected from the feed as a consequence of this. The Coalition’s Saraboo-Halley was named as responsible for this. Further, a parliament staffer, Ean McPherson, was assaulted and he moved to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) with a complaint. Yet, the facts are ignored, and the issue is manipulated for cheap political points.

As the PPP/C Parliamentarian, Chief Whip and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, said on May 10, 2023 – it is clear that the PNCR-led Coalition Parliamentarians are “talking through two sides of their mouth” to suit whatever is their agenda of the time.

The priorities of the APNU/AFC/PNC cabal are no secret to the Guyanese people – power has been and, will seemingly remain, their primary priority.

Reenergised PPP/C continues to

towards

Dear Editor,

ThePeople’s Progressive Party Civic (PPPC) have put into motion their thorough preparation for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs), which is certain to lead to a massive victory at the June 12 polls.

Significantly, the all-inclusiveness of the proposed candidates creates a win-win for communities in all Local Authority Areas nationwide, and will serve to strengthen democracy at the grassroots level.

The due diligence and vigilance of the PPPC at these LGEs will be without boundaries, as the Party and supporters go into full elections mode. General Secretary of the PPP, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, is mobilising all his forces and putting all systems in place for a robust but free and fair contest. Without contradiction, the Party will be moving to augment their revealed all-inclusive list of nominated candidates, expressing the unrestricted diversity and quality of persons approved and recommended by the PPP/C as a symbol of the unreserved pursuit of unity.

The PPPC’s campaign approach demonstrates an emboldened sense of ground-breaking patriotism, targeting the most significant dividing obstacles to our people’s advancement. They do so aware of the need to break the longknown falsity of ethnic division that Opposition forces have used for decades as a pillar of indoctrination, for continuing the suppression to development as a trade-off for power grabbing. They do so in recognition that a balanced injection of experience and initiatives at the Local Authority Area (LAAs) levels s would catalyze an overwhelming parallel promotion of appealing and motivating communities to the population.

Consequently, the fact that PPP/C

are enjoying a significant percentage of ‘walk-overs’, based on the ‘Nominations Day’ proposal of candidates to contest the LGEs, is not surprising. Notwithstanding, the PPP/C’s activists are taking nothing for granted, nor sparing any chance to root with the masses, as they reach out to the communities with their messages to all the voters.

Accordingly, the general population should anticipate outreaches and engagements in various forms of appropriate communication, comprising party members and supporters distributing pamphlets and handbills, and being involved in bottom-house meetings as well as one-and-one speaking to the people in all communities.

Further, the continuance of Ministers of Government working in communities to address the issues of all citizens is most heartening and demonstrative of the total commitment of the leaders of the PPP/C, who are now proven to be unwavering in the spirit of a One Guyana Agenda as they walk the walk.

The re-energised PPPC is continuing to work towards achieving an improved and deserving future for all citizens.

These LGEs will be most interesting, given the encouraging demonstration of the spirit of enthusiasm and togetherness that now characterise a resuscitation of will among our people. For all these good reasons, people from all walks of life proudly accompany the PPP/C candidates in their campaigns around the country. Indeed, opportunities are emerging for all as the Government moves to address people’s personal issues and community problems positively. The PPP leaders and Ministers are showing keen interest in, and are willing to listen to, the masses to resolve matters, bringing them in direct contact with the people on the ground.

Editor, for too long, the blind obligation to oppose for the sake of being in Opposition was allowed to thrive in support of a few self-aggrandizing henchmen and women. In recent times, most of the current Opposition frontline administrators, while trying to steal the people’s democratic rights, also supported policies imposing increased tax burdens and other sufferings on our citizens. These they referred to as collateral damage, which the PPPC had to remove swiftly or set policies to treat over time, on assuming Government in August of 2020.

It is rational that, working at grassroots level with our citizens regardless of perceived ethnic divide, and supporting the constitutional foundational framework yield the conditions for proposal and feedback that are conducive to accelerating community empowerment and development.

Moreover, faking the approach will have consequences, given that fictitious propagandists will no longer deceive our citizens, as improvements to one’s position must not be only perceived, but felt. For these tangibles and other reasons, the PPPC’s genuine outreaching and solution-oriented engagements, as opposed to the PNC’s unconstructive opposing, have proved to be more and more complementary and meaningful to our people.

The Guyana 2023 LGEs are expected to significantly encourage the dream and reality of President Irfaan Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ undertakings. As this nation prepares for voting on the 12th of June, the electorate seems to be more pumped-up and ready to vote with great determination to strengthen local democracy.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

APNU’s weaknesses ahead of LGE exposed

Dear Editor,

The PNC/PNCR/APNU or whatever the terminology you may wish to call that party is clutching at straws, in their recent nit-picking exercise to derail the soon-to-be-held Local Government Elections. They contend that the list is flawed and riddled with errors; ghosts are on the list.

This is not the first attempt at this strategy, because you will recall that they tried this very same plan of action in the March 2020 Election. In that attempt when cornered with sure defeat, they resorted to the narrative that it was a bloated or ghost election list that brought the PPP/C to power. But this propaganda theory did not last long because, it was on that very list The PNC’s Victory was calculated on.

So, in real terms what they were saying is that the list worked well

for them, but not for the PPP/C. That base reasoning strategy could not hold much weight so they are now reverting back to the original plan of calling on GECOM to either “cleanse the list” or postpone the elections. Here again, their reasoning clause lacks merit, as the cleansing of the list was already done in the claims and objection period which saw the PNC not producing single evidence of fraudulent names on the list. The GECOM Chairwoman attested to the fact that no evidence was presented to the commission.

The PNC is now engaging a court of law to somehow stop The June 12th LGE. They will not succeed because all avenues to vent their allegations have already passed and we should be on our way to the elections. But what Norton is not telling us is the fact that in this LGE, his party is just about to suffer the most crushing defeat ever,

and this is going to come in the municipal areas.

For over five decades, they have held sway in these constituencies and now, all of that is about to change, they are about to suffer an embarrassing defeat!

Last Nomination Day the leader of the opposition got the shock of his life when he witnessed hardcore members of his party cross the floor to join the PPP/C’s Team. That shocker was enough to cause him to now mourn on the side-lines.

The huge problem for Mr Norton and his party is whether to accept defeat gracefully and bow out or, suffer the ignominy of resorting to lies and deceit. Mr Norton has chosen the latter, in that case, his fall will be great!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

work

achieving improved, deserving future for all

CoI report exposed the cabal’s efforts to crank-up rigging engine to thwart will of Guyanese

Dear Editor,

The Commission of Inquiry into the 2020 elections presented recently its Report to President Ali.

The Report dealt a devastating blow to the career of three senior GECOM officials who became effigies or mascots at the beginning and at the end of the botched attempts by a cabal to fiddle with the election results. The objective was to hold on to power at all costs.

While the Report exposed the cabal’s efforts to crank-up the rigging engine to thwart the will of the electorate, at the same time, it revealed ‘How Professions Die.’

Before proceeding further, the sojourn and role of the THREE needs to be contextualized in the light of disclosures about them in the Report.

It is to be recalled that the NUMBER

TWO official was the preferred candidate of the APNU+AFC commissioners at GECOM at a time when the search was on for a suitably qualified candidate to fill the post of Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO).

Contrary to long established employment practices at GECOM, the preferred candidate was recruited and promoted to the position of DCEO with the blessings of the NUMBER ONE official.

During those perilous days following the elections, the nation saw the NUMBER THREE official being wheeled out on a stretcher from the Ashmin’s building with news reports claiming he had ‘suffered a heart attack.’

In the aftermath of the failed attempt to steal the results of the election and in the wake of a change in government, major changes took place at the top level of GECOM. NUM-

BERS ONE, TWO and THREE have since been removed from their respective posts within the organization and replaced by three others.

Thanks to the widely disseminated Report or better said ‘expose’, the despicable role of the three officials was laid bare before the Nation. But more is yet to come in view of the charges brought against the three in the much anticipated the pending Court hearings. Here are six specific references in the Report highlighting the handiwork of two of the three officials:

1. ‘The DCEO knew or ought to have known that at the time of the RO’s declaration, the statutorily prescribed procedure and requirements of ascertainment and tabulation for electoral district No. 4 had not been completed and that therefore the RO’s declaration was a clear violation of the law. But the DCEO merely looked on. She said nothing and did nothing.’ And as though that indictment was not harsh enough the Report continued;

2. ‘In the absence of RO Mingo, DCEO Myers arrogated unto herself the authority to continue the ascertainment and tabulation exercise.’

3. ‘Even though it was DCEO Myers who set the tabulation process in motion in the absence of the RO, she appeared to have receded into the background with respect to the source material they were to use in the ascertainment and tabulation exercise.’

4. ‘The DCEO, in most of her interactions with party agents, appeared unhelpful and carried a hostile and abrasive bearing, evident in the video footage placed in evidence before

us. This was evident when she asked party agents and observers to leave the tabulation room saying, “Take your rubbish with you and leave”

5. ‘On the occasion of a report of a bomb being placed in Ashmin’s building, she told party agents, observers and diplomats, “Y’all get out the room. There’s a bomb in the building.” She never left the building.’

6. According to the distinguished Jurists who presiding over the COI: ‘We saw video evidence of a minister of the then APNU/AFC government visiting the Ashmin’s Building to have a meeting with diplomats and observers. The minister was chaperoned into the room where the meeting was to be held by the DCEO. At one point, the DCEO received a call on her phone which was apparently intended for the APNU/AFC minister, and so she passed her phone to the minister. The difference in her demeanour with the minister sharply contrasted with her demeanour with party agents and observers who had a legitimate interest in being at the Ashmin’s Building.’

At his press conference held on April 27, 2023, PPP General Secretary Bharat Jagdeo likened the Report to a ‘thriller story.’

The public now awaits the next episode of this thriller story depicting ‘How Professions Die.’ This time, we are likely to witness moments that may astonish viewers before judgements are handed down.

Sincerely,

Clement Rohee, GECOM Commissioner

The CoI Report has set the record straight without doubt

Dear Editor,

For 24 years after Independence, the PNC, through massive systemic fraud, had vehemently and in a most brazen display of lies, deceit and hooliganism, denied the Guyanese people their inalienable right to freely elect their Government.

This democratic right was trampled upon election after election from 1968 to 1985 by an oppressive regime, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of Guyanese fleeing to all parts of the globe.

Each election was rigged to give the PNC dictatorship an increasingly bigger majority, while the Guyanese people became increasingly impoverished, barely eking out a meagre livelihood, punctuated by harsh sufferings.

Everyone knew that the PNC massively rigged the elections. In 1968, when Burnham rigged that election, the UF leader Peter D’Aguiar, who was in the Coalition Government with the PNC from 1964 to 1968, made a profound statement; he said, “To call it an election is to give it a name it does not deserve -it was a seizure of power by fraud, and not an election”.

This honest conclusion had been echoed far and wide, not only in 1968, but in 1973, 1980, and 1985. As the PNC used its rigging machinery to keep itself in power by padding voters’ lists, PPP supporters were deleted from the voters’ lists, and several were told they had already voted; the dead voted; votes were not placed in the regular ballot boxes; ballot boxes were stolen or hijacked by the military, and tampered and stuffed with fake PNC votes; ballot boxes of PPP areas went missing, and were found floating in the rivers; PPP supporters who dared to safeguard the ballot boxes were killed; violence was directed at Indians to drive fear in them to go out and vote. The list was unending, and the PNC knew no shame, even in 2020.

Then came the first free and fair election in 1992 and onwards until 2015, when the Coalition formed by the AFC and the PNC came to power. It was the PNC’s ‘Total Re-

call’, as its leaders went on a quest to invoke Burnhamism, and, in just about 5 years, they brought back poverty and deprivations to its ‘glory’ days, while they reminisced of the ‘good old PNC days’.

The famous No Confidence Motion passed in December 2018 signalled the end of a brief episode of the corruption-invigorated PNC, and they knew that, after many legal outings, they were ripe for banishment. But they did make one last stand, which lasted for 5 long and arduous months and saw the Guardians of Democracy, Guyana’s legal Colossus Anil Nandlall, and Guyana’s premier statesman Dr Jagdeo, along with his indefatigable team of patriots, fighting to preserve and protect our fragile democracy; and at the end they did. This time, the PNC, supported by the AFC, was willing to just do a Mandrake the Magician act and present a conjured spreadsheet, which was presented by the Chief Elections Officer. They had simplified their rigging modus operandi.

Why go through all the shenanigans which Burnham and Hoyte practised? After all, they did try a Patterson, they did try a few constitutional violations which were rejected at the CCJ, and they did try to spin the law to their benefit; but they failed miserably.

Therefore, should this barefaced attempt to rig the 2020 Elections be allowed to be swept away with time? Should this shameless act of villainy and treason not be properly documented for posterity? Especially when the PNC and the AFC are trying to convince themselves that it was the PPP that actually rigged the Elections?

The PNC simply hates CoIs. Remember the Rodney CoI? In 2014, the PNC refused to take part in the Dr Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, and in this 2020 Elections CoI, it refused once again to participate. It must be recalled that the WPA gave the justification for Rodney’s murder by stating that the WPA was stockpiling arms at that time. The million-dollar question is: If the PNC and the AFC are so sure that they won the Election, and that the PPP rigged this

Election, then why not be a part of the CoI and present their witnesses and evidence to support their audacious claims? They could have merely presented their ‘winning’ SoPs. Perhaps Mandrake’s magic wand has failed to make these SoPs materialise.

Those who felt that the CoI commissioned by His Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali did not satisfy their expectations, but only served to

invoke their lust for controversy, should read the Terms of Reference on page 17, which specified the areas which would highlight the focus of the CoI.

The Executive Summary stated as follows: The TOR was stated thus in the Executive Summary: ‘It mandated us to, among other things, inquire into and report on attempts, and by

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Forensic audit of SLED projects financed by APNU+AFC unearths multiple discrepancies

– projects abandoned, inoperable or non-functional

Four co-operative societies awarded funding by the APNU+AFC government under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme were never operationalised despite being allocated millions of dollars.

This was revealed in the audit report of the forensic investigation of the programme for the years 2018 to 2020, under APNU+AFC’s tenure.

According to the report, which was conducted by ECLISAR Financial and Professional Services, the Kwebanna Farming Co-operative Society Limited’s

Greenhouse Farming Project, which was supposed to be executed in Region One, and the Ykinipa Humming Bird Rainforest Co-operative Society, the Grand Victoria, Pomeroon Jam Factory and the Martindale/ Hackney Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited in Region Two, were never operationalised. Not only were multiple co-operative societies out of operation, but more than 30 projects awarded funding under the SLED programme are currently ‘abandoned’, ‘inoperable’, or ‘non-functional’.

The report also highlights that as many as 16

Audit team evicted by Norton during effort to investigate SLED project at Congress Place

groups benefitted from SLED grants while not being registered under the Department of Co-operatives of the Ministry of Labour, which is the oversight body for co-ops in Guyana.

Additionally, some 20 SLED grant recipients were non-compliant with either the Co-operative Societies Act or Friendly Society Act; a number of groups could not provide documents for registration or payment information; and in a number of co-ops, the objective of the project for which funding was allocated was not met.

In other instances, the report highlighted that individuals, rather than

Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Aubrey Norton, had refused to co-operate with a forensic investigation into Sunflower Development Group project – an undertaking funded by the Sustainable Livelihood & Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) initiative.

According to the audit report, the project is located at Congress Place, Sophia— the PNCR’s headquarters – and the audit team along with two persons from the Regional Executive Officer’s (REO) office visited on November 29, 2022. The two employees engaged an individual at the offices located in the PNC/R’s compound and notified them about the purpose of the visit. The team was given the green light to

inspect the facility and conduct the investigation as per the norm. The report said, after inspecting the facility, the team was then attempting to approach an individual who is aligned with the project to partake in an interview that is conducted with the beneficiaries from the various projects.

The report said, “Upon entering the building, Mr. Aubrey Norton and a few other individuals approached the team and stopped them. They then inquired about the reason for the team’s presence and the purpose. Personnel from the team of auditors then identify themselves and Mr. Norton stated that they were never informed of this prior and no written request was ever sent to them. Mr. Norton further stated that

if there is no letter from the minister then they will not partake in any form of conversation or interaction with the team.”

The team of auditors were then asked to vacate the premises at a moment’s notice to which the team adhered to.

Based on the investigation conducted, it was found that the Sunflower Development Group is not registered with the Department of Co-operatives. Additionally, regarding a generator that was allocated for this project, the encasement was removed and it was left open. From the physical observation of the said generator, the audit team said that it looked inoperable.

The audit report into

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Coalition’s Annette Ferguson caught on video harassing PPP/C reps

Vividlyexposing untruths and in direct contrast with claims made by leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC Coalition, Aubrey Norton, the Coalition’s Annet Ferguson was caught on video harassing representatives from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) engaged in Local Government Elections campaigning activities.

Ferguson was seen on video blocking efforts of a PPP/C rep from engaging with residents in a section of Georgetown. Walking beside the PPP/C rep, she screamed, “Don’t worry with them… this is PNC; this is APNU turf. This is APNU turf. Get out! Get out! Get out!…this is my turf, this is my turf.

The PPP/C rep stood his ground and responded, “You have nothing to of -

fer them. You didn’t offer them anything in 2015 and you have nothing now…you have a transport for here?

Y’all have a turf? The people have chosen the PPP/C at the Executive level (as their government) and they will choose the PPP/C at the local level (as Local Government representatives).

Speaking to residents, the PPP/C rep added, “You choose.”

Notably, when pressed on the APNU’s actions at a news conference on Tuesday (May 9, 2023), Norton denied that any such action took place or is taking place.

He had said, “I don't know of us harassing anyone…the People’s Progressive Party lives a life of harassment…The People's Progressive Party is an authoritarian regime that harasses

our people in every sense… APNU members aren't harassing anybody….when we speak to our comrades we speak to our comrades and say to them, you campaign you campaign for party, the PPP is a government that has given us all the ammunition to campaign, you don't have to harass anybody. All you have to do is campaign on the facts.

“…all I will say to you here is that we have an organized structured campaign, in which we will deal With the issues, identify the shortcomings of this government…we don't have any need to harass anyone. We just need to put the facts out there. Why do you need to harass anybody?”

OTHER CASES OF HARASSMENT

Asked about an earli -

er case of harassment that was reported to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), involving former APNU+AFC Councillor at City Hall, Trichria Richards, Norton said, “I wouldn't comment on Trichria Richards. The people in that area when they vote will deal with her and deal with her condignly.”

Richards, in a statement in April 2023, 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.

COVID-19 no longer a global health emergency – WHO

TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) has said the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed millions of people and wreaked economic havoc for over three years, no longer constitutes a global health emergency, but has not been eradicated.

This announcement was made by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the WHO during a media briefing on COVID-19 and global health issues. “It is with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global

health emergency,” the WHO chief told reporters, estimating that the pandemic had killed “at least 20 million” people — nearly three times the official estimate.

Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, in comments, said he welcomes the announcement made by the WHO but reminded that the fight against COVID-19 is not over as the disease has not been eradicated. He noted that over the last few months, Guyana has seen a significant decline

in its COVID-19 cases and COVID-19-related deaths.

The health ministry’s Surveillance Unit has reported that Guyana currently has eight (8) active cases. To date, the country has recorded 73, 191 positive cases and 1,298 deaths.

According to Dr. Anthony, the public needs to still be mindful of the symptoms of COVID-19 and the impact this disease can have on one’s health, especially for those suffering from long COVID syndrome. The

minister emphasised that COVID-19 vaccination is important in staying protected and preventing the severe form of the disease. He said the Ministry of Health will continue to administer vaccines across the ten (10) administrative regions to children, adolescents, and adults.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or were in close contact with someone who tested positive, visit any of the sites in your region and get tested.

President Ali continues community engagements

Residents from Leopold Street, Georgetown, to Beterverwagting/Triumph, East Coast Demerara, had the opportunity to engage with President Dr. Irfaan Ali to raise their concerns directly.

The PPP/C government, led by Ali, has been engaged in continuous outreaches to Guyanese communities since taking office in August 2020.

The PPP/C’s legislative agenda, more

PAC finds more employment breaches under former APNU+ AFC gov’t –

Theformer APNU+ AFC Administration has once again come under the microscope for allegations of misconduct related to the hiring of some 89 temporary staff to work at the then Ministry of Social Protection, who were instead deployed to perform political duties.

The 53rd meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday (May 8, 2023) uncovered that these persons were employed in several positions, such as probationary officers, drivers, cleaners, and receptionists, among others.

Committee member and

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill disclosed that, “These persons were employed circumventing having to get an engagement that would allow them to become contracted employees or to be under fixed establishment. Both the personnel officer at the time and the permanent secretary at the time said that it was a policy decision to employ these 89 persons.

Outlining the procedure as it relates to the hiring of temporary employees, the public works minister said, “If you have, authorised for your ministry, about 15 driv-

ers, and for some reason, two of them are on vacation, and you need to keep your vehicles moving, you don’t permanently hire two additional drivers, you hire two people on a month-to-month basis, so that when the substantive officer returns, you will no longer need these temporary people.”

The Minister of Social Protection at the time, Amna Ally, also served as the general secretary of the People’s National Congress, and a senior functionary of the A Partnership for National Unity.

The timing of the em -

National Assembly passes bill to regulate use of electric bikes

TheMotor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill of 2023 was successfully passed in the National Assembly on Wednesday (May 10, 2023) to enforce safety on the roadways related to electric cycles.

Presenting the bill, Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn said the usage of electric cycles needed to be regulated. “We have had to take into account the fact that we should not leave gaps in the way our laws are written, so that the question of whether a motor as stated in the law, refers only to a gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle. We wanted to have it clearly defined that it includes electric motors. It is to provide clarity and safety in terms of the language of the law, in case the use of the word ‘motor’ is challenged,” the home affairs minister explained.

He stressed that persons, including children, are often seen riding these bikes without protective gear. “We have been giving out free helmets on the road. We go out, have the police stop them, and we give them free helmets. Again, we are going to go out and give free helmets, but given the current culture on the roads, and the fact that we have a fair amount of disrespect amongst ourselves when we drive on the road,

much stronger action has to be taken. This speaks volumes about our engagement in relation to our service to the people of Guyana,” the minister stated.

The bill seeks to amend section two of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Cap 51:02 to regulate the use of electric cycles and it inserts a definition for “electric cycle.”

An electric cycle is defined to be any motorcycle that has an electric motor and is fitted with an effective stopping system controlled by the use of brakes, gears, or motor control.

This means that electric bikes will be subject to the same regulations as motorcycles when it comes to registration and use.

The definition of a motor vehicle is amended by expanding this definition to include an “electric cycle.”

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, said the bill represents the government’s commitment to the protection of Guyanese, pointing out that the steadily increasing use of electric vehicles has begun to pose a danger to the public. “We have had, on our roadways for a number of years now, these electric cycles, and they have begun to pose a problem, because our legis-

lative architecture does not, in its current form, cater for them. There was no way to regulate them or bring them into any form of regulatory framework, other than by this amendment. We will continue to bring bills of different sizes and different magnitudes as we proceed with the transformation of this country. We will dedicate our time and energy to the service of the people of this nation,” Nandlall said.

Opposition Member of Parliament Geeta Chandan-Edmond also supported the bill, noting that the inclusion of electric cycles in the amendment brings clarity to the legislation. “I cannot see any syllable in this proposed amendment that warrants critique or opposition,” she said.

In February, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) clarified that it was not registering or licensing electric bikes, as there was no legislation to regulate such.

The agency said it was working along with sister agencies, including the Guyana Police Force, regarding the requirements for importation, registration, licensing, and related liability insurance for electric bikes.

The implementation of the legislation will facilitate the registration and licensing of electric bikes.

89 staff hired under then Social Protection ministry to perform political duties

ployment was also deemed questionable, as this followed the passage of the no-confidence motion in the run-up to March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections.

“The big question that has to be answered is, were these people hired to aid the APNU+AFC in their election campaign to work as election officials, to work out of Congress Place or to work in the fields?” Minister Edghill questioned.

Former Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Lorene Baird explained that the action was prompted by the ministry’s policy.

But when questioned as to whether the policy decision was given in writing, or verbally, the former Permanent Secretary said she ‘could not recall’ the format of the policy.

“They are saying clearly that it was a policy decision. So, the professional staff was actually saying that temporary workers ought not to have been hired in the manner in which they were, but they were told to do it. This is exactly why the PPP/C has said that we want to examine 2019 and 2020 separately, because these were special years, and we need

to go through these audited statements with a fine-teeth comb. So, this smokescreen of the continual crying of the APNU+AFC that they want more public accounts meetings to rush these things through to behave as if what happened in 2019 never existed…is not going to work,” the minister stated.

The Public Service rules dictate that requests for permission to employ temporary staff should be confined to instances where the work is of a temporary or seasonal nature or so urgent that it is necessary to employ additional staff temporarily.

Harsh penalties for offenders in new Trafficking in Persons law

The government has taken an aggressive approach towards ending the scourge of human trafficking, with the passing of the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill 2023 in the National Assembly, Wednesday (May 10, 2023).

The robust and comprehensive legislation strengthens Guyana’s response to human trafficking, as it is constituted with key measures that are aligned with global best practices and evolving socio-political requirements.

It seeks to replace the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Bill of 2005, thereby protecting the rights of individuals and inserting punitive measures that are geared towards addressing the social issue and deterring possible offenders.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud informed the house that the bill received extensive work from local and international bodies, as well as wide consultations. “The objective of this bill is to provide measures to combat trafficking in persons including children and it sets out a litany of criminal offences with extraterritorial effect and this extraterritorial effect facilitates partnership and cooperation between Guyana and other states to prevent and suppress trafficking in persons and of course, it gives a wider scope to punish offenders,” she stated.

With the new legislation,

anyone who commits the offence is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for five years. Conviction on indictment carries a penalty of life imprisonment.

Minister Persaud added that there will also be significant fines, charges, and convictions relative to attempts of conspiracy or complacent acts of trafficking. “The bill speaks to the establishment of the ministerial task force. The ministerial task force in accordance with this legislation must be appointed by the president. This task force is to comprise members of various sectors including immigration, law enforcement, legal affairs, foreign affairs, public health and Amerindian affairs, human services, and social security.

It is to be chaired by the Ministers of Home Affairs and Human Services and this task force is to develop a plan of action…that focuses on many important components that deal with specifically, trafficking in person and also includes the compilation of a report coming out of data collection to be presented to cabinet,” Dr Persaud underscored.

Endorsing the bill, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, indicated that restitution is an approach that must be pursued to hurt perpetrators of human trafficking.

“If you hit the criminal in the pockets if you hit them financially and you hurt them economically, you’ll eventually

hurt them. So, in anti-money laundering offences, terrorism, in the trafficking of firearms, in the trafficking in narcotics, and human trafficking, you find that concept has been embraced fully in this bill,” he said.

Restitution is a legal method for victims to receive compensation for profits that traffickers withheld from them, additional losses they might suffer, and future costs they incur because of being trafficked.

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn revealed that his ministry’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit has made several successful strides in combating human trafficking.

“In 2022, we had 22 cases where people who [were] actively apprehended and interrogated with some arrest, we had 22 operations with 247 victims screened and interviewed and one conviction archived.

In 2023, to date five cases were put before the courts, 12 operations were conducted, 190 suspected victims interviewed and screened, and two convictions,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, the human service ministry’s Counter-TIP Unit has trained 2,003 people to better recognise those who are victims of human trafficking.

Initiatives like these reflect the government’s determination to safeguard vulnerable people from exploitation and its dedication to ending the social scourge.

The PPP/C’s legislative agenda, more

PPP/C MPs call out Coalition for duplicity

–

Ferguson feigns ignorance of disruptive actions of colleague MPs

Government

Parliamen -

tarians, on Wednesday (May 10, 2023), wasted no time in exposing the duplicity of the APNU+AFC Coalition in attempting to move a motion to change the Standing Orders that guide the operations of the National Assembly.

The Coalition’s Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul at the May 10th sitting moved a motion to change Standing Order Number 20 (2), calling for “questions and motions submitted to the Clerk of the National Assembly” to be submitted within four days of receipt. The motion also calls for changes in Standing Order Numbers 20 (3) and 27 (2).

Mahipaul argued that matters of public interest must be treated with alacrity.

SELECTIVE RULE CHANGE

However, PPP/C Parliamentarian and Attorney-at-Law, Sanjeev Datadin, charged that the call for alacrity is: in stark contrast with the 19 months that Guyanese had to wait for the former APNU+AFC Coalition to respect the rules regarding the holding of elections within three months of the passage of a no-confidence motion; in stark contrast with the five-months of machinations by the Coalition for the declaration of election results; and in stark contrast with the continued wait Guyanese are enduring for the production of the Statements of Poll

(SoPs) by the APNU+AFC Coalition to substantiate its persistent claim that it won the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Datadin charged that the Coalition has proven itself willing to aggressively pursue rule changes when it suit itself, as opposed to acting for the common good. “You treat laws as not binding…you treat rules as guidelines… one cannot help but believe that what is being sought is control,” Datadin said.

OBSTRUCTIONIST BEHAVIOUR

Meanwhile, PPP/C MP, Alistair Charlie, underscored that the existing timeline reflects a holistic consideration of a range of issues that must be addressed in bringing matters to the National Assembly via questions and motions.

This fact ignored by the Coalition’s Annette Ferguson, who argued that the APNU+AFC Coalition is working in a constructive manner. She added that this shows that the Parliamentary Opposition is not obstructionist, as is claimed by the PPP/C Government.

Ferguson also doubled down on the Coalition’s innocence on claims of damaging the mace and assaulting Parliamentary staff – despite the video evidence of the same.

Ferguson was one of the eight APNU+AFC Coalition Members of Parliament (MPs) suspended from sittings of the House. The others included: Christopher

Jones, the Opposition Chief Whip; Ganesh Mahipaul; Sherod Duncan; Natasha Singh- Lewis; Vinceroy Jordan; Tabitha Saraboo-Halley; and Maureen Philadelphia.

On July 21, 2022, during the 48th Sitting of the National Assembly, the House officially approved the report of the Committee of Privileges, which recommended that the eight parliamentarians be suspended for their involvement in desecrating the Speaker’s Mace on December 29, 2021. The 78-page report of the Parliamentary Privileges Committee found that eight APNU+AFC Coalition’s Members of Parliament “were in violation of the Standing Orders, established Customs and Practices regarding acceptable behaviour” of Members in the Assembly.

In an effort derail the debating and passing of the Natural Resources Fund Bill, the Parliamentary Opposition hijacked the sitting – blowing whistles and chanting – while its MPs, Ferguson and Jordan, attempted to seize this ceremonial symbol. Other Opposition MPs attempted to do the same too, in the presence of the entire National Assembly. Also, Opposition MPs ambushed the control room of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) and wildly unplugged the connections in the electrical systems room, which led to an internet disconnection and audio failures. Members of Parliament who had joined

processions virtually were even disconnected from the feed as a consequence of this. The Coalition’s Saraboo-Halley was named as responsible for this. Further, a parliament staffer, Ean McPherson, was assaulted. He has since moved to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) with a complaint. McPherson, in prior interview, explained that in his attempts to protect the mace, not only was he verbally abused by members of the Opposition, but he was also physically assaulted. “I held on to the mace and it was fling to the floor… and I overheard people screaming. “Kick he! Lash He! Drag He! Let’s Throw he over the rail. All I said, was throw me over the rails because I know when I’m going over the rail, I am going with the mace,” he said. “They throw me on the ground, they kicked me, they dragged me outside and then Ms. Philadelphia, Member of Parliament start to abuse me with a series of words like ‘House Salve’, but the one that caught me and I don’t know how I become a ‘House Negro’. So, I prepared a letter and I dropped it upstairs and I showed my concern about how I was treated,” McPherson added. In addition to Philadelphia, the Coalition’s Singh-Lewis was also named as being responsible.

Ferguson, feigning ignorance, questioned at the May 10th sitting, “Which Parliament staff was assaulted?”

NO MORAL AUTHORITY

Meanwhile, the Coali -

tion’s Khemraj Ramjattan, railed about the need to strengthen transparency and accountability in government business.

PPP/C MP and Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, was no holds barred in bring Ramjattan and his colleagues to task for “talking through two sides of their mouth” to suit whatever is their agenda of the time.

She charged that the members of the Parliamentary Opposition waxes lyrical on issues of transparency, accountability and democracy, but is nothing but opportunist. “If that is not opportunism, tell me what is?” Teixeira charged.

Notably, in August 2015, the then APNU+AFC Coalition government moved to take over control of the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committees, when the norm was that the Government and Opposition rotate the chairmanship of those committees every two years. The four Parliamentary Sectorial Committees are the Committees: on Economic Services, Social Services, Foreign Relations and Natural Resources.

The PPP/C Chief Whip, “Arguments made in 2012 about the Parliamentary Sectoral Committees were suddenly reversed in 2015… what was laughable was how the members who spoke in 2015 suffered from convenient amnesia when called on to remember what they argued for in 2012.

“These people are not to be trusted…they will shaft you in the end,” Teixeira

Teixeira rubbishes Cathy Hughes’ misinformation

Opposition Member of Parliament, Catherine Hughes was on Wednesday (May 10, 2023) called out in the National Assembly, for falsely asserting that government failed to provide timely information about the Gas-to-Energy project.

While defending an opposition motion to alter the Standing Orders to insert a four-day timeline for the

Speaker of the National Assembly to object to questions and motions, Hughes claimed that information related to the project was delayed by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips.

She stated that “12 questions are asked on January 20, on this very important $1.8 billion US project and Mr. Speaker, a response was

given 27 days later…on the 3rd of March I received a written response.”

However, contrary to what MP Hughes indicated, information was accessible within the public domain that addressed concerns and questions.

On January 22, the prime minister in an article in OilNow addressed details surrounding the gas-to-energy

project.

The project’s cost was broken down by PM Phillips in the National Assembly. He stated that the pipeline costs US$1 billion.

That information was provided, following questions submitted by opposition MP, Volda Lawrence.

Denouncing these assertions, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance

charged.

Responding to arguments about best practice in England, regarding timelines for motions and questions, the PPP/C Chief Whip schooled the Parliamentary Opposition. “This is a Parliament that is not full time, and its members are not full time… the situation is different,” she said, referring to guidance from the writings of Erskine May, often referred to as the ‘Bible’ of parliamentary procedure is both an iconic and practical publication and adding that the Standing Orders were compiled based on collaboration with English experts.

She added, “The mischief afoot here is the refusal of members on the other side to recognise that the issue of motions and questions is not perfunctory…the office of the Clerk and the Speaker are not post boxes…the crux of this issue has to do with authority….you are treating the two offices as post boxes.”

According to her, the motion brought by Mahipaul, is not well thought out. Referring to the suggestion from the Coalition’s David Patterson that if more time is needed, then that can be addressed. “We cannot treat the Standing Orders anyway we want…you can’t say four days and say ‘well if you can’t make it’ then you can have it. That is not what your amendment says…you have to look at this in its entirety,” Teixeira charged.

When the vote was called, it was voted down in the National Assembly by a majority of 34 to 31.

in National Assembly

and Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira detailed; “According to the minutes of proceedings of this house, the 16th of January, 2023, Mrs. Volda Lawrence asked the prime minister on the gas to shore pipeline project. Her question was published on December the 12th and it was answered on January the 16th, in less than a month or about a month. She said, “It

was answered by the prime minister and the minutes of the proceedings show the prime minister’s answers to the questions, so I don’t know what Mrs. Hughes is talking about, because a minister doesn’t need to answer the same question twice.”

Government continues to perform its duties in a transparent and accountable manner.

PPP/C LGE 2023 campaign

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.

The PPP/C Kitty team visited homes on the community as work ahead of LGE 2023 continues

The PPP/C team in Bartica

As the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic forges ahead with its preparations for Local Government Elections, General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo met today with candidates and activists at New Amsterdam, Region Six. Several party officials, including ministers of the government, were also in attendance

A PPP/C team on May 11, 2023 engaged stakeholders in Bartica, Region 7 as the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic forges ahead with its preparations for Local Government Elections.

PPP General Secretary engaged Party activists, supporters and residents of Region 1 during a visit on Wednesday (May 10, 2023)

campaign outreach ongoing

No contest in 291 constituencies – GECOM confirms

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has confirmed that there will be no contest in 291 of the 610 constituencies being contested for the 2023 Local Government Elections (LGE).

According to the Commission, 98 of the constituencies where there is no contest – meaning only one political party submitted list of candidates – are found in 13 Local Authority Areas in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9. GECOM explained that the other 193 of the constituencies are from other Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

GECOM said, “The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) takes this opportunity to inform all Stakeholders, that there are thirteen (13) LAAs with a combined total of ninety-eight (98) Constituencies, and one hundred and ninety-three (193) additional Constituencies from among other LAAs in which there will be no

need for eligible persons to vote due to the existence of unopposed Lists.

“The existence of an unopposed List of Candidates for a LAA/Constituency effectively means that there is no need for the electors to vote. Accordingly, there is no need for the establishment of Polling Stations in such LAAs/Constituencies.”

Notably, Section 54 of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act provides that if only one List of Candidates for any Local Authority Area (LAA) has been approved, the persons whose names appear on the List shall be deemed to have been elected as Councillors due to the approved List being unopposed and therefore, the Candidates in the unopposed List shall be declared the winner of the election.

GECOM said, “Recognizing that voters may not be aware of whether the LAA/Constituency in which they are registered

to vote would have been affected by an unopposed List, GECOM has posted the separate lists of the affected LAAs and Constituencies on its website i.e. www.gecom.org.gy so that eligible persons can check to ascertain whether elections would be held in their areas of residence.

“Alternatively, person may visit the Office of the Returning Officer for the Municipality or Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), in which they reside, to find out whether voting will take place therein. Moreover, GECOM, as a component of its Civic and Voter Education strategy, will make public announcement and distribute appropriate literature in all of the affected LAAs/Constituencies towards ensuring that the relevant voters are made aware of why they are not required to vote.”

Monday, June 12, 2023 is set at the date for the 2023 Local Government Elections.

The 13 Local Authority Areas, which consist of 98 constituencies, where there will be a no-contest and the political parties will be declared winners for the 2023 LGE. An additional 193 other constituencies in in other LAAs are also no-contest areas

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Pay adjustment, housing to be included in ‘comprehensive’ package for teachers – Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday (May 10, 2023) announced that the government is working to deliver “comprehensive packages” for teachers across the country.

“We are working towards a comprehensive package towards the im -

provement of your lives,” the President said, during a visit to the Beterverwagting Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara.

According to him, the package would involve teacher pay adjustments and sustainable housing solutions.

Acknowledging the hard work of teachers across the country, the president reiterated the government’s commitment to improving their lives. President Ali said, “I want to thank all the teachers for their tremendous work that they do every day.”

EU partnership seen as avenue for sustainable, resilient development – President

Guyana’s longstanding relationship with the European Union (EU) is only expected to grow stronger over the years, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has affirmed.

He made the statement as the European Union in Guyana celebrated its annual Europe Day celebrations at the Georgetown Club on Tuesday (May 9, 2023).

President Ali assured that Guyana tremendously values its relationship with its allies, especially those like the EU, that share common values, such as democracy, freedom, and the upliftment of people.

More importantly, he noted that government is cognisant of those who supported the country’s development during difficult circumstances. “The European Union, as the ambassador said, has invested tremendously in Guyana; building our infrastructure, securing our sea defences,” the President recalled.

He noted that the EU’s support on sea defence projects was particularly important not only for securing the land from the ocean, but for the agricultural sector in sustaining food production by ensuring the protection of farmers and their crops.

The EU was also a key part of Guyana’s budget support programme. The President noted that Guyana was able to develop into a country that is sustainable and resilient, one that is ‘leapfrogging’ into the future with great pride, and a great degree of global presence. “At the [recent] Commonwealth leaders’ summit, many leaders… engaged me on our LCDS, and asked key questions on how we were able, in such a short time, to relaunch this strategy and get the level of success that we got out of

the strategy. And the key question was, how can we help? And this is important for us as a people. The question was not [about] how they can help, but how can Guyana help to fashion a global strategy to put forests at the centre of COP28 so that everyone can understand the true value and importance of the forest in this fight on climate change,” Dr Ali expressed.

This, the President noted, is testament to the strong relationship that exists between the EU and Guyana, as well as the other development partners.

He further explained that the EU is working closely with Guyana on multiple initiatives to mitigate climate change and boost sustainable development. “I am very confident that the relationship that will develop will continue to advance. It will get stronger, but more importantly, it is moving beyond government-to-government partnership. We are seeing more people-to-people partnership. We are seeing the private sector in the EU being more active here in Guyana, and we want the local private sector to become more active in the EU, because there are tremendous opportunities in the UK and in the European Union for Guyanese and Guyanese products in our local private sector. I will say to our local private sector that there is enormous opportunity for you, to look beyond the borders and find strategic partnership. To look at strategic partnership not only in the oil and gas sector,” Dr Ali emphasised.

EU states and Guyana continue to collaborate on issues of food security, agricultural investment, climate and environmental services, health, education, and technology.

“Our relationship is an expanding one, and… we need to think beyond the normal…. We must ensure that we are preparing ourselves to be sustainable, resilient, and competitive in the new world 2030 and beyond. And we see the European Union as an important partner in bridging this technology,” President Ali underscored.

He noted that Guyana will work with the EU ambassador to Guyana to ensure that all requirements are met to guarantee the ease of conducting trade. “We must work on tangible things, tangible targets; things that are measurable… As we continue, Guyana values its relations with the EU. These relations have definitely supported Guyana’s national development, and the EU has provided tangible support to Guyana…. Let us now move this relationship forward as we expand the relationship between the two private sectors, and the people-to-people contact relationships. That is most critical. It is when people become integrated with each other that the fullness of the relationship can be felt and understood,” Dr Ali said.

Europe Day is an annual celebration held on May 9 to mark the anniversary of the signing of the Schuman Declaration on May 9, 1950. The Schuman Declaration allowed for the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) to pool resources from multiple countries under a common authority. The aim of the declaration was to promote economic cooperation among European countries and prevent another war in Europe. This was the first step towards the creation of the European Union.

Efforts continue to upskill

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Tuesday (May 9, 2023) encouraged participants of the Central Housing and Planning Authority’s (CHPA) Community-based Employment Stimulation Project (CESP) to continue striving to be their best, as their success can be an inspiration to others.

“You have to work together as young people, build a company… We want you to be a critical part of this changing environment, also. But remember that your stories have to be an inspiration for other young people. We want young Guyana to emerge better and stronger, so your stories have to be an inspiration to others, in every community,” the president encouraged.

CESP, which is a commitment of President Ali, was conceptualised in 2021 to boost economic activity and job creation for persons living in vulnerable areas, or who are part of vulnerable groups.

During a visit to the block-making programme in Leopold Street, Georgetown,

of

Guyanese across several sectors – Ali

where the programme is being taught, Dr Ali told youths who were constructively engaged to use the experience to better themselves by embarking on business ventures.

He urged them to inspire others to join training workshops to help develop themselves and their communities. “You have this opportunity of not only doing something for yourselves, your family, and your community but an opportunity to be an inspiration for other communities, other young people to take young people out of their situations. From day one that is what I told you we want. A new beginning. We want to demonstrate that all of us have the ability to be positive developers for our country. I just want you guys to remember that,” he said.

The Head of State implored younger persons to attend school, and appealed to those who want to become actively involved in the workforce to ‘get on board’. “Part of what you’re doing is to give back to the community. I want you guys

who made the effort to come forward, to help others. Talk to them, reason with them to come on board…Because [the] more people on board, more families are better, [and] more lives are improved. And then your story will be a very, very inspirational story for everyone.”

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who accompanied the president expressed admiration for the youths’ work ethic, noting, “These young fellows are very willing, very hardworking. And that gives you encouragement to work with them. They are very willing.”

The project scope includes start-up support, tools, materials, transportation, market sourcing for blocks, and project management.

It is one of the many ventures which the government has embarked on to ensure the upskilling of Guyanese across several sectors, to fill gaps that exist in the labour force, as well as help Guyanese to learn valuable skills and improve their financial situations.

Improved healthcare services for Region Five residents with new $6.6B hospital

– President Ali emphasises commitment to developing comprehensive healthcare infrastructure ecosystem

Themore than 30,000 persons residing in Region Five are expected to benefit from improved healthcare services with the construction of a modern $6.6 billion hospital at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.

During his feature address at the recent sod-turning ceremony on, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali said the hospital, which is the first of six regional facilities, is part

of a national health revolution aimed at improving the country’s healthcare system.

The other state-of-the-art facilities, which will cost over $40 billion, are set to be built in Skeldon, Region Six, Enmore, and Diamond, Region Four, Tuschen, Region Three, and Anna Regina, Region Two.

President Ali also emphasised the government’s commitment to developing a state-of-the-art health infra-

structure ecosystem that keeps pace with the advancements in modern medicine. “One that is comprehensive, one that looks at the challenges of the future and position Guyana as being part of the solution of those challenges. This is why we are speaking about creating the legislative framework, allowing for modern medicine to evolve. Whether its stem cell, research and development, we

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Plaisance, Sparendaam residents to benefit from immediate interventions

– following visit by President Ali, government ministers

Therehabilitation of a community centre, and multiple roads in Plaisance and Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara have been prioritised to be addressed promptly by the government.

During a walkabout in the area with Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday (May 10, 2023), President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali interacted with a number of residents

from the villages, who were able to voice their concerns.

Chief among these concerns was the need for the Sparendaam Housing Scheme road, and the Sparendaam squatting area road, to be rehabilitated. Residents also called for the rehabilitation of the community centre.

President Ali committed to having Minister Indar return to the area soon to conduct evaluations, develop plans, and award contracts for the necessary upgrades.

Students and teachers of the Plaisance Secondary School also highlighted the need for computers, furniture, fans, repairs to air conditioning units, science laboratory equipment, and an extension to the school, among others.

The president committed to having these matters addressed in the shortest possible time.

Several roads which are in need of rehabilitation and areas in need of drainage interventions were also identified to the team.

FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

Tractor distribution in Amerindian villages to recommence this year

– part of ongoing efforts to achieve

The final batch of 20 tractors for distribution to Amerindian communities is expected to arrive this year, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai confirmed, during a press conference at the ministry Thursday last.

Last year, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said some 137 Amerindian communities received tractors and trailers in 2022, as part of the advancement of the government’s hinterland food security agenda.

The move to procure

food security

tractors and trailers is one aimed at supporting hinterland communities in agriculture development, as they have a comparative advantage in the agriculture sector.

The tractors would not only benefit the agriculture sector, but would also assist with the transport of goods and services, and aid the development of the villages dependent on logging activities.

Since equipment was a need for persons there to carry out agriculture activities more efficiently, several tractors and trailers, and tools were procured for

Guyana leading on world stage in development of Amerindians – Sukhai

the various communities through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

Minister Singh told Amerindian leaders at the conclusion of a leadership training programme that ‘malnutrition’ must be a thing of the past, and every village must enjoy food security by producing food to meet their domestic and export needs.

The government is working continuously to up the quantity and quality of food production, in order to advance its food security agenda across Guyana. It is also working together with other Caribbean countries to reduce the food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Mahdia residents begin garment construction training – as garment construction centre commissioned

Persons in and around the mining town of Mahdia, Region Eight, now have to opportunity to learn a new life skill with the launch of a garment construction centre in the town.

The centre is equipped with 30 sewing machines that can work both electronically and manually.

The first batch of 30 persons commence training today and will undergo a strategically crafted programme, for the next two weeks.

One immediate beneficiary of the centre and crash course, Eslyn Hussein expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to learn another skill, one which is much needed in Mahdia.

“This programme is not about which political party you belong or support. It is about learning a new skill, so you can be financially independent. It is another way you can fight against poverty. You can even start your own small business with the new skills you learn. So don’t let anyone discourage

you from this opportunity that the government is offering you,” she urged.

Similarly, Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Shawn Britton, noted that government continues to fund transformative projects. “Again, this government is not just about the big things but it also caters for the development of all of us individually, which together and collectively creates the big picture of development of this nation. While gold mining, logging and other economic activities form parts of the economy, or the economics in this sub-region, imparting skills to young people and women is also important because we find that this is not one of the traditional areas that people focus on in these mining communities.”

With the certificate training, residents from Mahdia and other surrounding communities will be able to purchase school uniforms right in their villages.

This will complement the ‘Because We Care’ cash

Guyana has once again shown its leadership potential as a nation protecting and preserving the rights of its Indigenous people, and partnering with them to continue their development.

The country had the opportunity to demonstrate its statesmanship at the 22nd session of the United Nations (UN) Permanent Forum on Indigenous People’s Issues, which was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from April 17 to 28 this year.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, along with representatives of the ministry and the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) represented Guyana at the forum, which was held under the theme “Indigenous Peoples, human health, planetary and territorial health and climate change: a rights-based approach.”

the world. And in doing so, they have discovered that Guyana is way ahead of most of what is being discussed in terms of finding solutions, engaging with the Indigenous people, and actually having in place programmes that have allowed the protection of their rights, having legislation, and also addressing the development of their village economies,” she said.

The minister pointed out that Guyana is among the first countries that produced legislation for Amerindian rights, the first to have a rights commission in the scenario, where they feel they are being discriminated against, the first to have a ministry responsible exclusively for the affairs of Indigenous people, and the first country to have 99 per cent primary healthcare in hinterland regions.

ant, as many other countries do not have the provisions which Guyana does for its Indigenous people. “So, there are so many firsts for us, when we are able to speak at the UN. And sometimes, people feel that we are beating our chest. But the facts that we can present, and the programmes that we can report on, and the results that we are having… it is difficult to have that,” she expressed.

Since entering office in 2020, government has implemented measures to ensure the development of the Amerindians in Guyana continues.

grant, which ensures each school child, from nursery to secondary, receives $35,000 annually. Together with the $5,000 school uniform grant, every child will receive $40,000 per year.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, who commissioned the facility charged the participants to make use of the training. “Our programme will be of benefit to you if you’re willing to use your training to extend it to build your lives and the lives and activities in your community. Our government continues to work to build a One Guyana with the purposeful slogan no one is left behind.”

In the past year and a half, 129 persons received certificates, having completed the garment construction programme.

Apart from this training, in the past 18 months, 200 drivers have been certified and licensed and 165 solar panel installation operators were certified across the hinterland.

At a press conference hosted in the boardroom at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Thomas and Quamina Streets on Thursday afternoon, Minister Sukhai outlined that Guyana is currently championing the rights of Indigenous people through numerous legislation, programmes, and initiatives.

“This year, we took a really fresh team, and they were exposed to the issues challenging Indigenous people across

She also pointed out that Guyana is the first to have Indigenous people staffing and managing these healthcare facilities.

Guyana is also the first to have a National Toshaos’ Council, which is a legally-appointed body that provides representation for Amerindian villages, and the first to have legislation that covers land titling for Amerindians, among others.

Minister Sukhai underscored that these are import-

To this end, a number of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs have been established in Amerindian villages, the Community Service Officers programme has been reimplemented to bring employment to Amerindian residents, and multiple forms of funding are presented to Amerindian communities, in the form of cash grants and community enhancement activities.

Amerindian communities are also direct beneficiaries of the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits.

Programmes are currently underway to revive some Amerindian languages and integrate the various dialects into the education system.

32 ICT hubs operationalised in hinterland communities so far for 2023

Residents of the hinterland communities can now easily access the internet, as 32 Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hubs have been operationalised thus far for the year 2023.

They contain both desktop and laptop computers, along with free Wi-Fi connection. This was confirmed by the Industry and Innovation Unit of the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday.

The free hubs will benefit students, teachers, and other persons.

Specifically, it will be convenient for persons who are pursuing studies through the Guyana Online Acade -

my Learning (GOAL).

Additionally, persons can now undergo further online training provided by the government and other stakeholders.

The hubs will also help other villagers to become technologically savvy, by allowing them to surf the internet freely, gaining additional knowledge, and even help them to become aware of employment opportunities.

This will significantly transform hinterland communities, bringing them up to speed with technology.

Some residents of the 32 these communities will also benefit from the hub managers’ training. The training

is scheduled to commence in June and will last for two weeks.

During this year’s budget presentation, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, had said 100 ICT hubs will be operationalised this year to benefit a number of hinterland communities. “This is a benefit that the people should have had before 2020. This is a benefit we’re committed to ensuring that the people will start enjoying in this year 2023,” he stated.

The establishment of the ICT hubs is a collaborative initiative between the Industry and Innovation Unit and the National Data Management Authority.

Sums withdrawn from NRF to finance developmental projects

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, recently confirmed government’s second withdrawal of $41.6 billion from the National Resource Fund (NRF), for the year 2023.

So far, $83.2 billion has been withdrawn from the NRF, to advance the country’s development. The funds withdrawn have been transferred to the Consolidated Fund, in keeping with the NRF Act of 2021.

The Minister indicated that pursuant to Section 16 of the NRF Act 2021, a further US$200 million equivalent to G$41.6 billion has been transferred from the Natural Resource Fund to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities. It would be recalled that in February of this year, Government made its first withdrawal for the year, amounting to US$200 million equivalent to G$41.6 billion. This brings the accumulated withdrawals to date in 2023 from the NRF to US$400 million, equivalent to G$83.2 billion.

In keeping with the NRF Act 2021, as part of the Budget 2023 process, Parliamentary approval was granted for a total of US$1.002

‘Mid-town highway’ eyed for August completion

billion to be transferred during the fiscal year 2023.

Minister Singh confirmed that the sum will aid in financing current developmental projects, to improve the lives of all Guyanese. Citizens are already experiencing the effects of development across various sectors.

The Ministry of Public Works has constructed a number of new roads, upgraded dilapidated streets, and improved the drainage systems.

In the education sector, schools have been built and upgraded, resources have been allocated for teachers to be trained, and access to learning has been increased.

Government has prioritised the health of citizens, by providing better access to primary healthcare. Funds will be used to train more healthcare professionals and improve the availability of essential medical supplies and equipment.

The administration has also been partnering with the private sector, to ensure more hospitals, clinics, and health centres are constructed across the country.

Investments from the NRF will aid in financing renewable energy initiatives, such as the expansion of

solar farms. This is in keeping with the government’s vision of promoting sustainable development and reducing Guyana’s reliance on traditional energy sources.

The renewable energy programme will contribute to a greener, cleaner environment while providing a reliable source of electricity for commercial and domestic use.

The government is committed to diversifying the economy and the plans and projects implemented are all geared towards expanding the economic base, utilising proceeds from the lucrative oil and gas industry, to ensure there is no dependency on one sector.

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

The PPP/C Government will continue to work aggressively through sound and transformative investments of oil resources from the NRF, utilising these resources in a clear and transparent manner, to the benefit of present and future generations.

Gov’t earmarks land for relocation of flood-prone Kwakwani residents – Croal

The government has set aside approximately 25 acres of prime land to facilitate the relocation of residents living in the floodprone waterfront area in Kwakwani, Region Ten.

This was announced by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, who said the area which was identified by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is located on high ground, making it a suitable place for the relocation. “It’s nice prime land, high land.

Work on the relocation process has not yet begun, but we are aware of what needs to be done,” he stated at a recent event in Linden.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal engaging residents in the community

Flooding in Kwakwani is a recurring issue that typically arises during the rainy season.

However, in May 2021, the prolonged rainy season resulted in water levels rising above 15 feet, leading to

Government has urged the contractors executing the $1.8 billion Georgetown to East Coast Demerara (ECD) mid-town highway connecting the East Coast highway to Dennis Street and Dennis Street to Sherriff Street, to put more effort into completing the project by August.

During an impromptu inspection of the project on Tuesday, President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, urged that the project be expedited, so that travel time could be reduced and commute easier.

However, the president said quality must not be compromised. “The idea here is the holistic solution to the traffic and the efficiency of the transport system…. So, this four-lane was started, and it will be [constructed] horizontally across Georgetown, so it becomes a mid-town kind of highway that connects all the traffic from Sherriff Street to the Demerara River, and from the left side going all the way back to Conversation Tree, and linking onto the East Coast,” President Ali explained at the site.

He noted that the construction of the highway

will also be incorporated into the US$106.3 million Ogle-to-Eccles Road link, which will also be a fourlane highway. The linkage of these highways, he added, will provide for a number of modern, four-lane entry points into Georgetown.

“I know some people are facing tremendous difficulties…. I just want you to understand the magnitude of work that is going on to transform the urban centres, to improve the traffic flow and the efficiency, and to enhance the value of these areas. The level of use of these internal roads has increased tremendously too because people are trying to avoid traffic, and it’s a danger. So, this also improves the safety. So, it’s not just social impact, it’s not just economic impact… it’s the valuation and infrastructure of the area,” Dr Ali said.

Minister Indar noted that the construction of the fourlane highway was an effort to direct some of the traffic from the East Coast into the city to reduce traffic buildup. He highlighted that enhancements are ongoing to connect Campbell Avenue, to Owen Street and a few others, which will assist in dispersing traffic throughout communities in Georgetown.

He also stated that significant progress has been made in the construction of multiple highways in the country.

Works on the mid-town highway will entail the construction of a four-lane carriageway from the East Coast Highway to Delhi Street. A double-lane carriageway will also be constructed on the reserve west of Delhi Street, to form the two lanes for northbound traffic.

Additionally, concrete revetments are being implemented between the East Coast Demerara Highway and Railway Embankment, along with concrete drains on both sides of the proposed roadway between railway embankment and Delhi Street. Construction of two large concrete bridges to establish connection to Dennis Street is also part of the project.

Further, culverts will be constructed in the area to mitigate flooding.

The project was split into two lots; Lot 8 A of the project is being executed by S. Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc., to the tune of $$1,066, 358,738, while Lot 8 B was awarded to Trinidad company, Kallco Guyana Inc., to the tune of $830,293,458.

Black water shrimp production up by 44.6% – Agri. Minister reports

–

first-quarter earnings at over $274M

As the government continues with its plans to further develop Guyana’s aquaculture sector, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha disclosed that black water shrimp (Peneaus schmitti) production has increased significantly when compared to 2022.

nually by the year 2025,” the minister noted.

kilogrammes annually. We announced that this was the direction we wanted to take and that farmers would be given the support to expand.

significant damage in floodprone areas, such as Lamp Island and the waterfront.

In light of this, a number of residents approached President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo expressing their willingness to relocate.

In response, the government made a commitment to work with the residents. The housing and water minister subsequently visited and engaged the residents on the matter.

“For this year, our farmers were able to produce 182.89 metric tons (182,890 kilograms) of black water shrimp in the first quarter, earning over $274 million. When we look at the production figures for the first quarter of 2022, we are seeing an increase of almost 50%. This is in keeping with our goals for the industry and a testament to the government’s commitment to increasing local production, lowering the food import bill, and increasing both our production and export capacities. We are working towards producing 1.5 million kilogrammes an-

The minister explained that with the successes seen thus far, the ministry is now working to have the programme replicated in other regions, the next being Region Five. “So far, we’ve assisted farmers with constructing ponds in Region Six and we’ve started preliminary works in Region Five. We’re also looking at other places like Region Two and so on. In the first few months of the project, we were able to increase production by 203% and those levels have continued to increase over the years,” the minister noted.

Minister Mustapha further stated that some 37 farms in Region Six have been developed comprising a total of 133 ponds. “Before we started this project in July 2021, farmers were producing just about 10,000 kilogrammes monthly, just about 120,000

To date, we’ve been able to construct 133 ponds, and this has contributed to us exceeding initial production figures,” he added.

In an effort to boost productivity, the Government of Guyana partnered with United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to conduct a study and gather information for the piloting and implementation on a strategy to enhance shrimp production in Guyana and several other Caribbean states. Recently the ministry received three manuals that were developed collaboratively by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Wildlife Fund –Guianas (WWF-Guianas), and the ministry’s Fisheries Department; one of which will be used to guide brackish water shrimp production in Guyana.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Agri. Ministry commences ‘new dispensation’ training for extension officers

The Ministry of Agriculture, on Tuesday (May 9, 2023), held the first session for its new extension system programme at the Zara Computer Training Centre under the theme: Delivering Extension Services in the New Dispensation.

It was developed in an effort to deliver improved extension services to farmers across the country.

Approximately 250 agriculture extension officers from the ten administrative regions will, over the next few weeks, be exposed to various techniques aimed at revamping the way services are delivered to farmers. This is as the government works to facilitate an increase in the production of both traditional and non-traditional commodities.

Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha while offering remarks said extension officers serve as

the primary link between policymakers and farmers, therefore extension services should be delivered in a way so that the government’s policies and vision for the sector can be achieved.

He stated that following his engagements with farmers across the country and extension staff, it became evident that the ministry’s extension arm needed revamping as part of the regional food security agenda.

“The policies of the Ministry of Agriculture, which are guided by the government will help us to ensure this sector is developed into a robust sector. As critical players in this sector, we are obligated to ensure we achieve and maintain food security in Guyana, while playing a leading role in the regional food security efforts. As a government, one of our main objectives is to improve and increase

Construction of 50 more houses to commence soon in Hampshire, Region Six

Thevillage of Hampshire

in Region Six is set to receive a boost in affordable housing as construction for 50 more houses is scheduled to begin soon.

This was disclosed by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal during the steel and cement subsidy distribution in the region recently. “In another month or so, we will prepare the area for the construction of another 50 houses in the Hampshire area. But we will be doing another model, not the current model. We will be upping the type of design and the other one will be more like the middle-income,” the minister explained.

He noted that the houses in Hampshire will cost about $7 million each.

Minister Croal highlighted that the government is making heavy investments in the housing sector, as it recognises the importance of making homeownership easier for Guyanese. “We also

outputs in the agriculture sector. Therefore, we need our extension officers to be more aggressive, responsive, reorganised, and result-orientated,” he noted.

Minister Mustapha further noted that given Guyana’s potential to become a lead exporter of both fresh and processed agricultural products, investments are being made to improve transportation, logistics, food standards, and traceability within the agriculture sector. “Being cognisant of accelerating agriculture production and boosting intra-regional trade, the Government of Guyana is creating an enabling environment that will strengthen the agri-food system. As such, there has been an increase in both public and private investment in the agriculture sector. In light of the policy direction, it is necessary that the agricultural extension

system be restructured to accommodate the expansion of agriculture production,” he added.

To ensure sustainable growth in the sector, the minister said certain systems need to be implemented. While underscoring the importance of integrating technology and updated agricultural techniques into daily agricultural operations, Minister Mustapha stated that having regional leaders with the ability to drive innovation and productivity in the sector was critical. He said, “For continued growth in the agriculture sector, we need a robust and coordinated extension and advisory services system that is accessible to all farmers and rural families. This system should be equipped with the latest technologies and knowledge to ensure that farmers are aware of the best practices and methods to en-

hance their productivity and profitability. There should be a focus on educating farmers and rural families on the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices and the most cost-effective techniques. Most importantly, however, we need to create regional leaders in agriculture who will drive innovation, efficiency, and productivity in the sector.”

Over the last few months, the ministry has developed a Regional Plan for Agriculture Transformation in each Region, which will guide the efforts to support the development of the sector.

Further, boundaries for the 31 Extension Districts within the ten regions have since been established as well as a standardised reporting format for all regions to improve data management and analysis capabilities.

The new system which is expected to take effect

as early as June, will see extension officers being multi-functional and equipped with the skillset to address issues relating to every aspect of the sector.

Earlier this year, Minister Mustapha met with the regional agriculture coordinators to discuss the government’s plan to revamp and restructure the extension arm of the ministry.

Officers from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, Guyana Rice Development Board, National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute, New Guyana Marketing Corporation, the Fisheries Department, and other agencies under the ministry’s umbrella will, during the course of the day and in the coming weeks, be given extensive training in keeping with the government’s goal of delivering better services to farmers across the country.

Multipurpose halls to be constructed in several regions

Residents of Regions

want to play a role in helping you to live a better quality of life. As Guyana develops and more resources become available through the patrimony from our royalty… so will be more injection to you, for your personal upliftment and development,” the housing and water minister added.

The construction of the first 100 single-flat, low-income two-bedroom houses was completed in Hampshire/Williamsburg in December 2022, each measuring 20 x 30 ft.

These houses are intended for young professionals and vulnerable populations with disposable income to commence building, as well as house lots for private housing developers.

The ministry received a $71 billion budgetary allocation, which it will use to build housing units, the requisite road networks, and other infrastructure to support these expansions.

One, Three, Seven, Eight, and Nine are set to benefit from multipurpose halls that will be constructed this year, signaling the government’s commitment to developing sports in the hinterland regions.

Communities that will benefit from the projects are Mabaruma, Region One with an engineer’s estimated cost of $89.7 million; Leonora, Region Three with an estimated cost of $94.7 million and Mongrippa Hill, Bartica, Region Seven with an

approximated cost of $87.8 million.

Mahdia, Region Eight is also slated to benefit at a cost of $89.7 million, and Lethem, Region Nine at a cost of $87.8 million.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will be undertaking these projects in various regions. It is currently inviting bids from suitable contractors to undertake the multi-million-dollar infrastructural works.

Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the Procurement

Unit at the ministry’s Lot 71-72 Main and Quamina Streets location or call 2263668 for more information.

All bids must be accompanied by a valid business registration, NIS, and GRA Compliance Certificates and tenders must be submitted on or before 9:00 am on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Bids will be opened in the presence of the service provider (s) or their representative (s) who choose to attend.

The government allocated some $4.3 billion to the

Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport in its 2023 national budget to further advance development. This year’s allocation will cover major infrastructural works, including the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium at Palmyra, new facilities in the hinterland regions, and the rehabilitation of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The government, since its assumption to office, has been investing heavily in the sports sector to position Guyana on the international stage.

Several water treatment plants to be upgraded in Region Five

Thousands of residents from communities across Region Five are set to benefit from an improved level of treated water, as several treatment plants will be upgraded there soon.

This was disclosed by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal during the recent distribution of cement and steel subsidy vouchers in New Amsterdam, Region Six. “We know the quality of the water on the coastland. We know the iron content in

the water and Region Five is no exception, but the way to address it, is with the injection of resources for treatment plants and your government is doing such,” Minister Croal assured.

Some $424 million will be invested within 18 months to upgrade the water treatment plant at Cotton Tree, which will benefit 15,000 residents between Number Six Village to Ithaca.

Another treatment plant will be constructed at Bath

Settlement and the water distribution network will be upgraded. “We will spend about US$15.6 million. This, we are expecting to complete in another two years. That treatment plant when it is constructed will service from Number Seven to Kingelly, benefitting another 22,000 customers,” the minister noted.

The water distribution network will be extended from Ithaca to Britannia to deliver first time access and approximately $7.2 million will be spent on the expan -

sion which will be completed in another month.

“The construction of these treatment plants will improve the level of service, quality of water, and also will bring a reliable supply of water on a 24-hour basis to your homes. The quality of life that you live is very important,” the minister underlined.

By 2025, the level of treated water on the coastland will increase to 90 per cent in keeping with the government’s 2021-2025 strategic plan.

Audit team evicted by Norton during effort to investigate...

the operations of the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development, as administered under the APNU+AFC government, exposed damning findings of mismanagement and possible illegal use of taxpayers’ money.

NORTON DODGES QUESTIONS

Last week, Norton threw the former PNCR General Secretary, Amna Ally, under the bus, when asked about the lack of transparency and accountability in the administration of the SLED programme under the former Coalition gov -

ernment. When pressed on the matter, during a news conference on May 4, 2023, 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.”

MILLIONS IN QUESTION

A total of $760 million was disbursed under the

SLED programme from 2015 to 2020, in increments of $115 million, $40 million, $100 million, $150 million, $250 million and $105 million, respectively.

The capital programme was first catered for under the then Ministry of Communities but was later transferred to the then Ministry of Social Protection. In 2020, it was transferred to the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. In that same year, after the PPP/C assumed office in August, the Ministry of Labour began assessing the

disbursed funds and how the projects from previous years have impacted community development. From the physical assessments conducted by the ministry of the 2019 projects in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), several alleged instances of “fraud and criminality” are said to have been detected.

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.

Improved healthcare services for...

are creating the entire architecture for evolution of medicine in Guyana,” the president underscored.

President Ali noted the importance of human resource infrastructure in addition to physical infrastructure, highlighting that having beautiful facilities alone is not enough to provide quality service. “The final product here is not the hospital, the final product here is improved health service for the people and that is very important for us to understand,” he stated.

The regional hospital will be built by the China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation, Sinopharm.

Once completed, the hospital will be equipped with three operating theatres of

international standards, a neonatal unit, 24-hour accident and emergency department, a modern laboratory equipped to conduct various types of testing, as well as ultrasound, CT scan, and digital X-ray services.

Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said the facility will be classified as a Level Four hospital, eliminating the need for individuals to be referred to the hospitals in Georgetown or New Amsterdam. The minister underscored the significance of the activity for both the Ministry of Health and the country as a whole, noting, “I don’t think that there was any time in the history of our country that we have embarked on building so many hospitals.” Minister

Forensic audit of SLED projects...

Anthony noted that as the new hospitals are being constructed, an electronic health record system is also being developed. This system will eliminate the need for individuals to wait for hours to obtain a physical copy of their health chart before seeing a doctor.

Also present were, Minister of Human Services, Dr Vindhya Persaud, Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, Regional Chairman, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal, Chief Engineer of China Sinopharm International Corp., Mr. Fu Qiang, Vice President, CAMCE, Mr. Yan Hailu and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Guo Haiyan.

societies, were operating facilities described in the proposed projects.

The report further details situations where it was difficult to verify the existence of several projects, as their locations could not be found, and discoveries of funds being allocated directly through the then Ministry of Social Protection, rather than the Department of Co-operatives.

Some co-operative societies had dissolved entire -

ly, with funds either being distributed among members or purchased assets remaining unused within the project facilities.

Further, there was no effective monitoring in place to ensure the smooth functioning of these societies.

Between 2018 and 2020, the APNU+AFC disbursed some $371 million under SLED for the execution of development projects across the 10 adminis -

trative regions of Guyana. After assuming office in 2020, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, authorised the ‘Integrity Audit’ after numerous questions and complaints were raised about the questionable disbursement of taxpayers’ dollars to individuals and groups under the guise of being co-operative societies.

The report was finalised and handed over on April 17, 2023.

The CoI Report has set the record straight... ←

whom, to undermine and frustrate the legally prescribed process for the counting, ascertaining, and tabulation of votes in the General and Regional Elections of March 2, 2020, and on attempts to prevent a true declaration of the results of that Election’.

The mandate of this CoI was carried out by the ‘tireless and unwavering work’ of the entire CoI Team, including the witnesses

whose veracity of the accounts of the events is beyond reproach and doubt.

In conclusion, the summary of the findings reflected accurately what transpired during that period of another PNC infamous strategy.

It stated that: “our inquiry reveals that there were, in fact, shockingly brazen attempts by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO)

Roxanne Myers, and Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo to derail and corrupt the statutorily prescribed procedure for the counting, ascertaining, and tabulation of the votes of the March 2nd election, as well as the true declaration of the results of that election, and what they did so – to put it in the unvarnished language of the ordinary man for the purpose of stealing the election”.

The words of Dr. Jagdeo come to mind: They attempted to steal a whole country. I must congratulate the President to ensure that that period of infamy is well-documented and preserved for posterity. The PNC had done it too long with impunity.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

FACTSHEET: Know your Local Authority Areas

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 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

General Secretary

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) campaign for the 2023 Local Government Elections is being rolled out, according to PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“It is happening already across the country…Guyanese are very discerning… they can separate the nonsense and the gaffe from real plans and real commitment to their progress… people have started working. Our strategy and the advice to our activists is take our message to every home,” he said.

He explained that the Party activists are armed with flyers, specifical to the Local Authority Areas – the municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) – which detail the PPP/C promises that the Party will deliver on when elected.

The PPP/C is contesting all 610 constituencies in the 80 Local Authority Areas, as it did successfully in 2016 and 2018, while out of government office, according to the Party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Nationally, results for the 2018 LGE showed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has almost doubled the margin of

votes between the Party and APNU and AFC combined – moving from about 24,000 at the 2016 Local Government Elections to over 45,000 at this year’s Local Government Elections. The difference of votes between the PPP/C and the AFC was a whopping 113,000 votes. Between the PPP/C and the APNU, the difference of votes was over 50,000. The results showed that the PPP/C won in 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) and tied five others at the 2018 Local Government Elections. The PPP/C increased its win from 48 LAAs in 2016 to 52 LAAs in 2018 Local Government Elections.

In the 10 towns the PPP/C, secured big wins in five of Guyana’s 10 towns:

winning all the seats in Anna Regina, Rose Hall (12 of 16 seats), Corriverton (14 of the 16 seats), Lethem (6 of the 10 seats) and Mabaruma (eight of the 12 seats). The Party was successful in taking control of the Town Councils in Lethem and Mabaruma.

Meanwhile, in the 70 NDCs, the Party was successful in not only holding on to its support base, but also saw an increase in votes in areas that were seen as the traditional support bases of parties like the APNU.

The PPP/C won the Buxton/ Foulis NDC, Region 4.

The political parties contesting the Local Government Elections include the PPP/C and PNCR-led APNU, as well as independent groups and candidates.

PPP/C’s LGE messages will be taken to ‘every home’ –

PNCR-led Coalition’s race-baiting will not be allowed to stand – Jagdeo

The People’s Progressive Party will continue to respond and call out the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition for its race-baiting, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

“The moment people come over to us and start working with us, they see the difference…they feel part of a family….the PNC told a lot of lies and their racism pushed a lot of Af-

ro-Guyanese away from us, so we are working to counter those lies….the people of this country can judge on the competency of the political parties,” he said, during a news conference on Thursday (May 11, 2023) at Freedom House, Robb Street.

According to him, the matter of racial division is significant, given the dangers it poses to the social fabric of Guyanese society.

“We attach great importance

to national unity and we believe we have to fight racism head on,” he said.

Acknowledging the danger that the Coalition’s play of the race card poses to the fabric of Guyanese society, Jagdeo made clear that as a society such actions must be called out. “We need to confront this matter frontally. We are prepared to defend our track record of working for all people…under every successive PPP/C

government, all our of our people have made progress,” he said.

PLAYING RACE CARD

Unsubstantiated and wildly irresponsible claims – all worded along lines to stir tensions among Guyanese continue to be peddled by leaders of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition.

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

June 4, 2022, made irresponsible allegations. “I wouldn’t rule out that they (the PPP/C) gave the instruction to kill this young man so they get something to distract people with…

I’ve been in politics long enough to know that when they bring these things to side-track us, we will stay focused…this struggle has to continue,” Norton said, without any evidence, referring to the matter where three Guyana Police Officers were charged over the death of Quindon Bacchus on June 5, 2022. Norton also mounted comments about not trusting the PPP. “We do not trust them…we will continue the political pressure,” he charged.

The controversial David Hinds claimed that the PPP/C government “wants to use East Indian people, in order to put their knees on the rest of Guyana and we must not allow them” among other reckless statements. Hinds used this claim to call for “action” from Afro-Guyanese. Hinds said, “We have to organise ourselves into a big movement…a movement to clean this country….it is our time and we are beginning to push back….the fight has begun.”

This is not the first time Hinds has made such comments. On November 22, 2021, Hinds had said: “I think the time has come to defend ourselves…it is time for action…I am also repeating my call to undermine the government. I said that in August and I am saying it again. A leader does not have to tell you how to undermine the government. There are many ways…undermine the government and continue to do so.” At the same forum, Hinds went further to call for Indian-owned businesses to be boycotted. He said, “They were enablers and they are enablers….it is your money that is spending on Regent Street that they does take and give to the PPP as contributions for elections so they can get into government…undermine the economic partners of the PPP.” Prior to that, while addressing a small group of protestors at Victoria, East Coast Demerara in August 2021, Hinds said: “In whatever way you can undermine this (PPP/C) government. Undermine this government in whatever way you can. I can’t tell you how to do it, but ‘hint to Baniba mek

Quashiba tek notice’ (Old African-Guyanese proverb meaning actions to hint something will result in awareness). Undermine this government!”

On June 4, 2022, Coalition Parliamentarian, Christopher Jones, speaking to a handful of protestors at Buxton, said, “Black youngsters go to a commercial bank for a loan and they are denied. An East Indian person, the same age, got the same thing like the young black man, go to the same commercial bank, but he getting the loan….that is the reality of this country….you go to predominantly East Indian villages in this country and you would see rapid development, nice roads, nice street lights…but you go predominantly the African villages – bad roads, poor drainage, no street lights, no recreational facilities for them… that is the reality of this country.”

Jones on May 7, 2023 said, “It’s to reminder the young men who may not know or who might have been small at the time of the operation of Jagdeo's Phantom Death Squad.”

Notably, in November 2019, the 32-page findings of an investigate report by the independently–run Stabroek News, exposed the falsehoods peddled by the APNU+AFC Coalition about the crime wave and dismantled the notion that young Afro-Guyanese men were killed indiscriminately. While, the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition had claimed that -some 400 young Afro-Guyanese died as a result of extra-judicial killings during the crime wave. However, the Stabroek News investigative report pointed out that some 420 persons were killed between February 2002 and September 2006 – 151 murdered by bandits, 30 security officers were killed and 239 were killed during confrontations with the police and in unexplained circumstances. It added that the drug trade was a major part of the period in question. After the report was published, comments along this line subsidised, but has returned and are now greatly exaggerated with the claim being almost 2,000 young Afro-Guyanese died under the former PPP/C government.

The past several months have seen incidents where persons have spewed unfounded claims of racism by the current Administration.