Weekend Mirror 8-9 June 2019 by Weekend Mirror

Continued ramblings of SARA officials expose political nature of oil block investigation 8-9 June, 2019 / Vol. 10 No. 76 / Price: $100

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Gov’t nominated GECOM Commissioner gives contradictory timelines for House-to-House Registration PAGE 18

‘Sweetheart deal’ to sell off Rose Hall Estate will not succeed - Jagdeo

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Unemployment recorded in productive, public sectors

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SEE INSIDE Linden/Lethem road described as a ‘death trap’ by bus operators

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David Hinds' true nature has been exposed PAGE 9

New Minister fires personnel, accounting department staffers PAGE 2

New Minister fires personnel, accounting department staffers E

ven as outrage grows over the mass firings by recently appointed Public Service Minister, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, key leaders in the APNU+AFC Coalition Government remains silent on the issue. Last Friday (May 31, 2019), Halley reportedly sent the entire personnel department and the account packing. According to information received, the Minister claimed that the

department is moving in a different direction and that the services of the old staff will no longer be required. Personnel were escorted from their offices by security. A junior staffer of the Ministry of the Presidency’s Press Affairs Unit claimed that there were no dismissals. However, the next day, the termination letter sent to the staffers who were fired was leaked to the local press

corps. The leaked letter, dated May 31, 2019, titled ‘Termination of Contract of Employment, said, in part, “Pursuant to aforesaid contract of employment, your services are hereby terminated with immediate effect. One month’s salary will be paid to you, in lieu of notice…any and all property belonging to the Government of Guyana that currently resides in your

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

possession must, as a matter of course, be forthwith returned to support continuity and efficiently of the work of the Ministry.” The letter was copied to the Ministry of the Presidency’s Permanent Secretary, Abena Moore. Some of the fired staffers have served in the public service for over a decade. Minister Halley has also declined invitations to comment on the matter.

Nagamootoo re-instates AFC member as Chairman of GNNL Board despite involvement in financial irregularities T

hree board members, including Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspaper Limited (GNNL) – publishers of the Guyana Chronicle – resigned on Tuesday (June 4, 2019) after Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, reinstated Sherrod Duncan as General Manager for the company. Duncan was fingered in several financial irregularities and fired in April 2019 – months after being sent on Administrative leave – following a majority vote from the Board of Directors. However, Nagamootoo ignored the issue of financial irregularities, bypassed the Board of Directors and reinstated Duncan, who is also an Alliance For Change (AFC) member. In a letter to Board’s Chairperson, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, dated May 31, 2019, Nagamootoo accused her of unilaterally deciding to terminate Duncan’s services and misleading his office by claiming the termination was a decision of the Board. The two other Board Members who resigned after Nagamootoo’s action pointed out that there was indeed a Board decision to have Duncan fired. Chandan-Edmond’s resignation letter, dated June 4, 2019, includes a response to Nagamootoo’s “insults” and she reminded him that Duncan was accused of financial impropriety and mismanage-

ment, which warranted the involvement of the Auditor General. She pointed out too that Duncan was afforded all tenets of natural justice, including a Board hearing during which he was allowed to be accompanied by his lawyer. This is the second time in 15 months that there has been multiple resignations from the GNNL Board of Directors. AUDIT FINDINGS The audit into the management of resources at the Guyana National Newspaper Limited revealed several breaches in the disbursement of monies for services and employment procedures. Chateram Ramdihal Chartered Accountants Professional Services Firm was contracted by the Auditor General to conduct a special audit on the overall management and governance of the Guyana Chronicle for the period of June 1, 2018 to September 10, 2018. The objective was to determine whether the spending of funds was in accordance with principles and regulations of the company. A document containing the findings was leaked to the media. It indicated that the General Manager, Sherod Duncan, spent over $5M was spent on 21 transactions which did not adhere to the Tender Board Rules and procedures which govern the

corporation. According to the document, Duncan took an overseas trip with the marketing coordinator for the resuscitation of the publication’s New York edition. This trip cost an excess of $736,028, but there was no approval from the Minister for such an event and to date, no relevant documents were brought forward to support these expenditures. Duncan, a member of the Alliance for Change (AFC),

had travelled again in June to Lethem and was given an allowance of $200,000. In that instance, the Management Tender Committee did not give approval for his travel, and documents are also still pending. According to the audit, Duncan also expended another $721,000 to repair one of the company’s vehicles which he used, but there were no contract to validate such and these payments were made without the es-

tablished approval process. Apart from financial errors, the audit found that an editor by the name of Godfrey Wray was terminated upon instruction from the General Manager. But Wray’s personnel file did not indicate that his performance was poor. The services of a finance controller were also terminated by Duncan in September without notice, which is not in compliance with the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual.

According to the audit, Duncan also proceeded to hire one Adrian Persaud as the company’s social media coordinator, but a look at his recruitment indicated that the vacancy was not advertised internally or externally and no evidence of his qualification was provided at that time. GNNL also has a Management Tender Committee, which approves transactions ranging from $100,000 to (Turn to page 3)

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

Granger’s comments about being in touch with Integrity Commission over his non-declaration called into question L

ast month, President David Granger admitted that he had not submitted his declarations to the Integrity Commission. On May 21, 2019, when pressed on the issue, Granger had said, “I have not submitted all of my declarations. It is taking some time but I am in touch with them and the Commission has heard from me…I’m in touch with the Integrity Commission. I have written to them.” However, new revelations by the Chairman of the Integrity Commission, Kumar Doraisami, bring into question Granger’s comments about being in touch with the Commission. Doraisami made clear that he is unsure if President David Granger is non-compliant. “Right now, I don’t know. I haven’t had a meeting recently. As of today, I can’t tell you…I wouldn’t be able to shed any light in respect of the president. Not at all,” the Integrity Commission Chairman said. Notably, Granger’s admission came less than a week after Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, highlighted the non-compliance of APNU+AFC Coalition Government officials with the laws of Guyana – via their non-declarations to the In-

tegrity Commission. Jagdeo noted that since APNU+AFC Coalition Government took office, submissions have not been regular. “For four years, they submit statements once,” he had said. The declaration of assets by public officials to the Integrity Commission has been a routine action since the laws were enacted. Under the law, passed in 2000, certain categories of public officials are required to declare their assets to the Integrity Commission or face criminal charges for not doing so. Under the law, any public officer who fails to comply with the Commission is liable upon summary conviction, to a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for a period of not less than six months or more than one year. The stipulated deadline for this year’s declarations to the Integrity Commission was May 20, 2019. DISMANTLED The Secretariat of the Integrity Commission was dismantled under the current Coalition government after May 2015. None other than the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Abena Moore, admitted this during a meeting of the Parliamentary Public Ac-

counts Committee (PAC). According to her, there was only one staffer remaining at the Integrity Commission Secretariat after it was dismantled. Last year, President Granger finally swore in the Commissioners of the Integrity Commission. However, the new Chairman, a self-proclaimed ‘friend’ of the Government, has said that he will not ask for declarations to be made for 2015, 2016 and 2017 – rather he will only deal with 2018. This is despite the fact that the Chairman has to power to call for back-dated declarations to be made to the Integrity Commission. At a prior news conference, Jagdeo pointed to the fact that it was the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) that made a move to in the National Assembly address the issue of greater accountability for persons in public life, via a motion. The motion by the PPP/C called for all MPs make their tax returns, as well as their asset declarations, public. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government voted against this. REQUESTS IGNORED Meanwhile, it has been months since the People’s

Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) moved forward on expressed intentions to file private criminal charges against People’s National Congress Reform (PNRC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Parliamentarians, who have breached the laws of Guyana by not submitting declarations to the Integrity Commission. To date the request for information has been ignored. A letter written to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Abeena Moore, dated June 21, 2017, requested the names of the delinquent PNCR Parliamentarians, of the 8th and 9th Parliament, who failed to submit declaration for the years 20012006 and 2006-2011. The same is requested for APNU Parliamentarians who served in the 10th Parliament for the years 2011-2015. The letter was submitted by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, on behalf of the Party. The request was made under provisions of the Access to Information Act of 2011. The letter states that, “The above requested information

is intended to be used in the pursuit of private criminal charges against the identified delinquents in accordance with section 22 of the Integrity Commission Act 1997.” The APNU+AFC Coalition campaigned on transparency and accountability before taking office in May 2015. OFFICIALS NAMED Meanwhile, the Integrity Commission had flagged a number of public officials earlier this year for failing to make their declarations. The agency recently informed that all public officials were required to make these submissions, in compliance with the Integrity Commission Act. Just a few days ago, the Integrity Commission issued a notice which requested persons to make their declarations. Some 716 officials were called out for failing to make declarations, as mandated by Section 19 of the Integrity Commission Act. Among the defaulters on the list were General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, Rawlston Adams; Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), George Lewis; Director General

of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Egbert Field; CEO of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Trevor Benn; Chairman of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority, Leslie Sobers; General Manager of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Sherod Duncan; CEO of the Guyana Office for Investment, Owen Verwey; and CEO of Guyana Power and Light, Albert Gordon among others. A breakdown of the list includes officials from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport; the Cyril Potter College of Education; the Bureau of Statistics; the Dependent Pension Fund; the Environmental Protection Agency; the GPHC; the Guyana Gold Board; the Guyana Oil Company; and the Guyana Power and Light Inc, among others. The Integrity Commission notice stated that, “The Integrity Commission hereby notifies all specified public officers of its inventory update. This updating process relates to the updates of the 2019 Inventory. The inventory concerns specific public officers required to submit declarations. This is in accordance to Schedule 1 of the Integrity Commission Act, No 20 of 1997.”

Adequate education services Granger pardons two not being delivered at Great convicted of simple larceny P Falls Village – residents R

esidents of Great Falls, upper Demerara River (Region 10), are accusing the Government of neglecting the education system in their village. The community has a population of about 300 but there are no facilities for children to complete their secondary education as the secondary schools in closest proximity to the area are in Linden. Reports are that community efforts to approach the APNU+AFC Coalition Government with a solution have been ignored. One of community’s effort revolved around plans to build a school, with support from Government to place teachers

in the area. This notion was not entertained. Residents said due to their interest for their children to access secondary education, they made yet another proposal to the Administration and submitted a list of names of potential teachers from those villages that could have been trained to teach but they are yet to receive a response. The residents also noted that an Information and Communication Technology Hub which was built and powered by solar energy to serve the community in the area of computer training is still awaiting furnishings after five months. The building is empty and every time inqui-

ries are made by the residents they are told that they are waiting for the Government to supply the computers. The frustrated residents are calling on the relevant authorities to intervene in the situation and to put mechanisms in place so that residents can access better facilities. Great Falls Village is a small Indigenous community located on the bank of the Demerara River with a population of about 300 persons. The community has two nursery and primary schools, a health centre and a village office. Its main economic activities are logging, traditional hunting and fishing.

ardons were granted by President David Granger to two students of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) by virtue of the powers vested in him under Article 188 (1) (a) and 188 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana. The two students were serving sentences for simple larceny.

The Ministry of the Presidency, in a statement, said Article 188 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Guyana states that the President has the power to grant any person concerned in, or convicted of, any offence under the laws of Guyana, a pardon, either free or subject to lawful condition.

As such, with effect from May 26, 2019, the President ordered the release of the two students. Disclosure about the two pardons being offered came over a week after the disclosure of other pardons granted to coincide with Guyana’s independence celebrations.

Nagamootoo re-instates AFC member as... (From page 2)

$300,000 before payments are made. However, during period under review, no approval was given for nine such transactions valued at $1.6M. Another, five transactions valued at a total of $2.1M were never approved

by the Corporation Tender Committee. Meanwhile, for the four months examined, some $2.3M was spent to increase the entity’s social media presence in the areas of live streaming, social boosts and the social media department,

but the company’s budget for 2018 did not make any provisions for this. Furniture was also acquired for over $2.5M without any budgetary allocation. The probe was ordered after the Coalition Government came under pressure.

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EDITORIAL

Another misstep that downgraded The Guyana’s standing on the global stage “I A

Granger-Nagamootoo drive

Dear Editor,

Melbourne-based think tank: Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration produced a paper on climate change recently. The paper was presented by the former chief of the Australian Defence Force and retired Royal Australian Navy Admiral Chris Barrie. The paper spoke about climate change can now threatening our day to day life and called on governments to recalibrate their responses before things get worst. It also argues that the detrimental impacts of climate breakdown, such as increasing scarcity of food and water will act as a catalyst on the extent socio-political instabilities to accelerate disorder and conflict over the next three decades. Admiral Barrie added: “A doomsday future is not inevitable! But without immediate drastic action, our prospects are poor. We must act collectively. We need strong, determined leadership in government, in business and in our communities to ensure a sustainable future for humankind.” Guyana’s own Opposition Leader and Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo is a global advocate for international action to avoid the worst of climate change. Recognizing the need for change to combat global warming, Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy was born. The Low Carbon Development Strategy is a model to protect Guyana eighteen-million-hectare forest that will address seventeen per cent of the global greenhouse gas emissions. The Opposition Leader as President partnered with Norway where Norway provided Guyana with US$250 million (ended 2015, to be renewed). These monies were to be used as payments and domestic resources to attract private investments in clean energy and new low carbon economic sectors and make public investments in other social and economic priorities. Now, with the APNU+AFC Coalition in Government, Guyana cannot say it commands the position it held pre-2015 on the global stage. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government decided that the Low Carbon Development Strategy was a poor plan and replaced it with the Green State Development Strategy – one that not only took four years to complete, with a launch ceremony set for September 2019, but one that is chocked full of declaratory positions – not actual policies, plans and projects. The Green State Development Strategy includes no mention of a way to generate income, which means this new plan of theirs instead of earning monies for the country they will now encumbered the treasury to fund their substitution. When speaking about the differences between the Low Carbon Development Strategy and the Green State Development Strategy; the Opposition Leader said: “The fundamental thing that is that one is an economic strategy that sought to move Guyana to prosperity and move out people in the path of greater wealth using cleaner energy and greener pathway… with the GSDS, it is an environmental strategy that will be super-imposed on country and will cost money and could even see us losing jobs….the GSDS, in reality, will mean little to our people in terms of jobs, healthcare and welfare...in this GSDS it is all declaratory statements…it is typical APNU style…a lot of lofty ideals, but the specifics are absent.” The Low Carbon Development Strategy provided ways for many Guyanese to benefit. It was a sound strategy, the Green State Development Strategy lacks a clear goal with a pathway, policies and projects and no clear source of funding, other than the treasury. It should be noted the final payment from the Low Carbon Development Strategy wasn’t not released yet. With the impacts of climate change already being felt and most global leaders taking positions and pledging to make changes, we have a Government that lacks any leadership to make any decisions of this sort. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government needs to explain why the Green State Development Strategy is seen as a successful replacement because, needless to say, most Guyanese do not share the same point of view.

t’s déjà vu all over again.” Baseball legend Yogi Berra’s creative mangled quote applies perfectly to President Granger’s speech commemorating Independence Day 2019, which promised the future to “youth” and that of the leader of the AFC, Moses Nagamootoo’s recent promise to “think” about the possibility of free tertiary education if re-elected. A politician making an empty promise is certainly not new, however, the sheer audacity of this pair boggles the mind! We have seen this before, in 2015 David Granger, then leader of the opposition, addressed youth organisations and promised “that under an APNU Administration, all graduates of the University of Guyana would be assured employment within twelve months of graduating” (Kaieteur

News, 2015-01-29) but once elected Granger arrogantly suggested in 2018 “You must be ashamed if you do not have work” and “Government services could not employ an unlimited number of persons” Granger and his Administration never addressed job creation policies, instead Granger suggested self-help and cook-up and plantain frying as avenues of upward mobility. Unfortunately, Moses Nagamootoo has made no statements of note either way and his only contribution has been to diminish the prestige of the Office he holds. Editor, I do not need to point out that jobs were not created for every University graduate, the thousands who have graduated since 2015 know all about that. What angers me is the thought that “youths” are somehow ignorant of the facts and can be easily duped.

The PPP, led by General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, has been working long hours crafting plans and policies for presentation to the electorate. There will be promises to tertiary students, the difference will be the meticulous and detailed plan including prudent fiscal budgetary allocation to back the promise. Jagdeo has indeed made the claim that the AFC leader has “stolen” the ideas. Jagdeo need not worry, stealing or parroting a good intention is not enough, you have to be able to plan and execute the intention into a reality and in this, the Granger Administration has proven to be woefully inept. The road to hell is paved with good intentions and empty promises. I am now sure that it is called Granger-Nagamootoo Drive. Respectfully, R. Singh

Too many persons are busily trying to revise history Dear Editor,

hat is this debate all about, whether Cheddi Jagan was a practising Hindu or whether Hinduism impacted the PPP? Does it really matter? I refer specifically to Ramesh Gampat’s ‘I am at a loss to know how ‘the Hindu religion’ impacted the PPP.’ (S/N 21/5/19). It is not my intention to join in what I consider a puerile polemic, however, if Gampat’s claim is not rebuffed, it will stand unchallenged and accepted by the gullible to be truthful. At the risk of inviting criticism onto myself, which I do not mind, I shall endeavour to put to rest what I consider as fabrications about Cheddi Jagan raised in Gampat’s letter. In his letter, Gampat claimed that ‘sometime in the early 1960’s ‘Cheddi Jagan at a public meeting on the West Coast of Demerara told his audience; “Gita, Gita. Throw it away. Rubbish. Hinduism is garbage.” While every letter writer is free to comment and/or introduce any issue of interest to them, (having it published is another matter), the fundamental question is, whether the issue raised is factual, will it in anyway excite public interest, give impetus to the people’s struggle for free and fair elections or make suggestions that will help lift the living standards of the people from the degenerate level it is at today? Gampat’s letter failed to accomplish any of these expectations, rather, his letter should be viewed as an attempt to stir controversy and to distract attention away from the much anticipated CCJ’s ruling. In this instance, Gampat uses Jagan’s ideological and philosophical beliefs as the means to an end, that end being, to evince damnation of Jagan’s beliefs. Gampat should know that his ex-

cursion into the realm of damnation is in clear contradiction to Sanskrit, the precise spiritual language of the Bhagavad Gita which has no word for damnation. Gampat failed to recognize that Jagan’s approach to religion was not cast along rigid lines. Jagan was able to recognize the historical and revolutionary roles each individual and social forces can play in Guyana’s national liberation struggle. Jagan saw his role as one in which he should strive to influence the Guyanese people’s political consciousness, and to persuade and mobilize them to bring about national unity and ultimately, national independence. Gampat is entitled to his beliefs but so was Jagan, however, once those beliefs are placed in the public domain they are subject to scrutiny and critical examination. In the circumstances, Gampat’s letter should be no exception. I have read and heard many a bizarre commentary about Cheddi Jagan. I have no doubt that this trend will continue into the future. But one thing is clear, I have never in my fifty plus years in politics, heard nor read such utter nonsense about Jagan as described by Gampat in his letter. Gampat tried to gloss over his disrespect for a national hero by admitting that ‘though the words (Jagan’s) might not have been the exact words, they do capture the essence of what Jagan was getting at: ‘discard Hinduism and adopt my “scientific” and materialist philosophy.’ The claim by Gampat is anecdotal and will remain anecdotal like so many others that preceded his about Dr. Jagan’s lifestyle and beliefs. In his book the ‘West On Trial,’ Jagan wrote: ‘Hinduism is of course not such a formalized religion as many

others. One could say it’s a way of life. If you are born of Hindu parentage, you do not have to take part in institutional practices to maintain your status as a Hindu.’ Since Hinduism is a way of life and because ‘religion’ is not an isolated concept in Indian culture that is, it is all inclusive and permeates all life, for Jagan to have called on his listeners to ‘discard Hinduism’ would have meant discarding himself and what he had confessed was a way of life. From an ethical and moral standpoint but more so, by plain common sense, this was not the Jagan this nation knew. In his book, ‘My Pilgrimage from Jail to Glory,’ Pandit Ramlall, a well respected, educated Pandit belonging to the Arya Samaj who was incarcerated between 1964 and 1966 at Sibley Hall at the Mazaruni prisons, had this to say about Dr Jagan after his return from the USA; ‘He was a dedicated member of the Hindu religion and would often come to the temple to worship. He was more than a leader … he was also the people’s friend. Everyone admired his charismatic, uncorrupted passion for the people.’ Those who never had the good fortune of listening to one of Jagan’s many speeches nor had the opportunity to meet him in person can easily fall prey to the wiles of his adversaries or pretenders to be. Regrettably, new generations have emerged since Cheddi Jagan passed away 22 years ago and the lack of knowledge about his life’s work is obvious. The painful part is that persons of Gampat’s ilk are busily engaged in either revising history or carving out a niche for themselves in a distorted version of Jagan’s role our country’s political history. Yours faithfully, Clement J.Rohee

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

GECOM should be audited Dear Editor,

Another indicator of Ramjattan’s failure Dear Editor,

he US State Department Travel Advisory for Guyana was short but impressive. As at May 30, 2019, Guyana remains at Level 2 because in the words of the United States Government, based on their intelligence “violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common”. To compound the social-economic disaster happening in Guyana, the United States Government made it clear that the “local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents”. To clarify how poor the personal safety systems are in Guyana, the United States Government recommended that travelers in Guyana should “avoid traveling at nights”. In light of such a resounding vote of no confidence in the public security system of Guyana, up comes Mr. Joseph Harmon, the newly invented Director General (of I do not know what), spouting some serious doses of public claptrap by declaring that “the country is safe”. For whom Mr. Harmon? Crime is rampant in Guyana and Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan has failed with an “F” Grade at his job and should be fired forthwith for gross dereliction of duty and gross incompetence at serving and protecting the people. Mr. Ramjattan has failed to make sense of the problems and because of this, he has failed to invent the solutions. Thus he cannot relate to the future of public security for the people; he must go. What true leaders do is enable others to create new processes and new structures to solve the issue. All that has happened since Mr. David Granger came into office was that he has populated the top echelons of the Guyana Police Force with people. But that cannot be an exclusive crime-fighting strategy because if you appoint misfits who cannot conceive a crime fighting strategy, then the outcome will be worse than it was before they were appointed. Mind you I did not think at the time of his appointment that the Commissioner was a misfit since I was one of the

first persons to welcome Mr. Leslie James to the post and called on my fellow Guyanese to give the man a chance to prove himself when he was appointed in August 2018. My expectation was that he was going to review, within six months, all the processes and structures of the Force with a mission of evaluating if they were functioning effectively and in compliance with best practices. Now Rome was not built in a day, so I was not expecting magic from Mr. James. But at a minimum every divisional headquarters and their sub-divisional headquarters should have had one functioning vehicles (with a backup vehicle just in case) manned by a five-man well-trained squad for 24 hours from Charity to Crabwood Creek, Georgetown to Linden. That is 46 vehicles and 920 personnel to man this system for 7 days a week. I was expecting the GDF being asked to provide short-term training for these 920 persons. This is not magic. Plus I was expecting an aggressive recruitment drive using no-cash incentives like free house lots, tax free salaries for the first two years in the force and free scholarships for their children to UG for two years only (complete a Diploma). But clearly, the Commissioner was asleep at the wheel and has launched into more of the same old tactics. Well guess what, we have a demotivated Force that is failing to recruit enough able bodied persons and the same old continues. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. My point is made. So to the United States Government, thank you for supporting the long-suffering law-abiding people of Guyana and for speaking the truth. This is not the time to pander to the fake news out of the Ministry of the Presidency in Guyana. This is the time to call a spade a spade because too many people have been traumatized in Guyana because of this crime wave and worse yet, lost their lives. Yours faithfully, Sasenarine Singh

he “fertilisation of suffocating poisonous weeds” is perhaps the mildest description that should be rationally associated with the behaviour and performance of the failed David Granger-led APNU/AFC Government. Central to their devious approach has been the challenging creation of a deliberate political and biased imbalance of Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This quartet has been deceptive rather than impartial in nature, promoting deliberate unconstitutional breaches, which they hope, will aid in providing them with a back door access to power at the imminent elections. Their actions have influenced a disappointing fraudulent silence from key administrative actors at the secretariat level of the Commission. The trade-off is that on the Government’s side, it benefits because the GECOM quartet has been covertly extending the time for their fraudulent endeavours. On the other side, the Government rewards its agents in GECOM by being conveniently accommodative and muffed while encouraging certain main players to have a bubble in the manipulated framework, to which they have consistently taken advantage. Towards the foregoing, the consistent following of PNC/R politically guided decisions by President Granger’s unilaterally appointed Chairman proves his political bias. He now leads the masqueraders at GECOM into spending millions of unauthorised dollars to prepare for the obviously unnecessary house-to-house registration as a mechanism of updating the Official List of Electors that runs contrary to the legally specified Continuous Registration Process. Chairman Patterson ought to be aware that the matter is before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for a decision since GECOM is a party to the case. It is clear and, therefore, gives no rational position for the spending of the millions of taxpayers’ dollars at their ‘whims and fancies’ in the absence of the decision and the clearly unnecessary procedure. The persons responsible for these spendings should have to answer since the situation brings into question the obvious abuse of the autonomy granted and the created disrepute of the Institution by the biased Commissioners advancing and directing a self-defeating constitutional mandate. Further, it must now go viral in Guyana that the GECOM Secretariat was not audited following the last two elections. The masqueraders are getting away with murder as the 2014-2015 accounts remain in limbo, given the hundreds of millions of dollars unaccounted for in the outrageous corruption at GECOM Secretariat. Inside sources at the organisation have informed that GECOM stores is a commercial outlet. A wide variety

of items including pliers, Inks, all types of stationary, hardware items such as “black tanks” and other building materials are going cheap. The question for the principals of GECOM to answer is when was the last time the Secretariat closed the bonds and stores for thorough stocktaking and balance checks. It is clear that the GECOM Secretariat has no authority to hire staff since the task of selecting and approving the hiring of any staff at GECOM is solely the responsibility of the Commission. Yet, information received indicates that the GECOM payrolls for the years 2016, 2017, and 2018 were riddled with “phantom” names who received fat cat salaries. Our citizens demand that the spending spree and squandermania at GECOM be halted forthwith. This column was appropriately notified that during the training activities carried out under the auspices of the GECOM Secretariat in preparation for the illegal ‘house to house’ registration, millions of hard-earned taxpayer monies were lavishly spent. Areas of expenditure include travelling and the purchasing of special meals for GECOM and as a contribution to some highly questionable “wine dine” sport. It was a revelation to know that the special trainers went around the country with their spouses and touring team and they all enjoyed the luxury of hotel rooms, meals, and travelling. Reliable information received by this column indicates that the GECOM Secretariat has embarked on yet another spending spree. GECOM is proposing to spend a further 75 million dollars to upgrade and distribute ID cards. This is indeed a farcical exercise since GECOM, for several years now, has had a day-to-day system with well-established offices all over the country to replace lost or damaged ID cards. An inside source informed this writer that the 75 million dollars is for the boys at GECOM to get before the Regional and National Elections to do their dirty work. Oh! “God help us,” was the response from a technical person in respect to the $25 million allocated for the purchasing of fingerprinting kits. It is significant to note that a fingerprinting kit is 2.5 by 5 inches in size and is reusable. The highest quotes of costs for one of these kits is no more than one thousand dollars. This is a blatant rip-off and has been going on over the past few years and must be halted. The allocations for spending must and will be carefully looked at, and be exposed in the future. Guyanese must rally against this massive fraud by demanding forensic audits of the transactions undertaken by the GECOM Secretariat, which also advances the clandestine ulterior motive of the APNU/AFC cabal. Respectfully, Neil Kumar

Millions being paid for consultancies that hardly produce anything useful Dear Editor,

recall a statement made some years ago by an African leader who lamented the fact that in Africa there is underdevelopment with consultancies whereas in Europe there is development without consultancies. It is time, he quipped, for there to be ‘a consultancy on consultancies.’ There is I believe a considerable amount of truth in this observation. Millions of dollars are being spent every year on consultancies from

which hardly anything useful emanates. There are scores of consultancy reports that are gathering dust in almost every government ministry or department. Several of these have only archival value with very few of the numerous recommendations acted upon. One major problematic is the lack of implementation capacity. It might be useful to have a study done on how many of the recommendations contained in several of the consultancy reports were actually acted upon. The findings of such a study could

be revealing. Guyana over the years has had several consultancies done at both at the national and sectoral levels. Among these were the National Development Strategy and the Low Carbon Development Strategy. We now have the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040 which was recently presented to President David Granger by the UN Environment Programme Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. One hopes that this Report will not suffer the same fate as the other Reports due to poor implementation capacity. Further, it is unclear whether the Strategy has benefitted sufficiently from stakeholders inputs

across the full spectrum of the Guyanese society to allow for long term sustainability and continuity given the current unpredictable political environment. The emergence of oil and gas will change the development trajectory of the country which will require not only a new development framework but a new vision as well. Such a framework, for it to be effective, must draw on the inputs of all stakeholders including the political opposition, the private sector, organized labour and the rest of civil society. Yours faithfully, Hydar Ally

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

Gov’t failing to implement the law Dear Editor,

T Trinidad and Tobago bans import of meat from Guyana and Gov’t MIA as usual Dear Editor,

or more than four years, APNU+AFC as a government has persistently been missing in action, MIA, whenever Guyana and the Guyanese people face threats. This week, many more examples of APNU+AFC Missing In Action (MIA) were evident. Trinidad and Tobago on May 31, 2019 announced a total ban on cooked and raw poultry products from Guyana because of the presence of Duck Viral Hepatitis (DVH) in the duck population of Guyana. It is an understatement that the Guyanese people were shocked on Friday when Trinidad and Tobago publicly announced the ban on Guyanese poultry products - raw and cooked - entering through the ports of that country. Even more shocking is that the APNU+AFC Government was equally surprised, confused and unaware that we had a problem. They were caught off-guards again. At the time of the announcement, Guyana's Minister of Agriculture was, as usual, out of the jurisdiction - he was out of the country this time. He always seems to be somewhere else when agriculture faces a threat. He posited to the media it was too costly to talk on the phone while he is out of the country and, since he was unaware of the ban, there was nothing to say. There is no indication that either the Minister of Public Health or the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Guyana was aware of the ban. In fact, there is no indication that anyone in the David-Granger-led APNU+AFC Cabinet knew anything about the ban. It appears they were as shocked as ordinary Guyanese citizens that Trinidad and Tobago announced the ban. Did Trinidad and Tobago take arbitrary action in banning poultry products from Guyana? Usually, the Government of one country, through relevant officers, would inform the other country when an adverse action is taken because of the reporting of an adverse event. Was this protocol followed? Trinidad and Tobago banned poultry products from Guyana because of reports of DVH in Guyana. On May 19th, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) announced closure of their hatchery because of problems encountered; they never stated what the problems were. But DVH is a reportable animal disease and, I suspect, under the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations (IHR) rules, Guyana had to notify the international authorities of the presence of DVH. Trinidad and Tobago might have become aware through that reporting. But why were the people of Guyana not informed? Why was it that no one in authority in the government knew? Was it that they were not told by the GLDA? Was it that they paid no attention? I can only say that if such a disease was found when I was Minister, the relevant GLDA staff would have been in my

office, I would have notified the President and the Cabinet urgently and advised of action the GLDA and the Ministry of Agriculture planned in our response to end the problem. If Guyana did inform international authorities, in accordance with the IHR's rules, that it identified incidences of DVH, an infection with a high mortality rate in poultry animals, Guyana did the right thing. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Government of Guyana must be commended for adhering to the rules, as dictated in the IHR, if they did it. At the very least, PAHO and CAREC should have been informed. There is no room for not following such minimum standards. I suspect, It was this notification by Guyana that caused Trinidad and Tobago to act in banning poultry products from Guyana to enter Trinidad. Trinidad and Tobago was not acting arbitrarily and without cause. Why then, the surprise by our government? Why then, no one seems to know about the problem? Did the Minister of Agriculture paid no attention and did he fail to inform his Cabinet colleagues? The shock expressed by government ministers demonstrate a government that is aloof and not in control. The Guyanese people should not be finding out about this matter only after Trinidad and Tobago banned poultry products from Guyana. But more importantly, the surprise by the Government exposes their proclivity of never knowing where problems exist or their posture of not caring. If Guyana did inform the international bodies about the presence of this deadly virus in Guyana's duck population, the Government should have similarly made a public pronouncement in Guyana. Public Health Advisory should have been prepared for the population and, specifically for farmers. While, the human population may not have been under severe threat, there was an economic consequence for farmers. The presence of DVH in ducks had the potential to wipe out the total poultry industry. In making its pronouncement, the Government should have stated what actions it had taken and continue to take to make Guyana free of the DVH. The story of the T&T ban, the story of the non-awareness of the relevant Government ministers, add to the overall perception that APNU+AFC is always many steps behind, always caught by surprise, always aloof. It is highly irresponsible that not a single Minister was aware of the presence of DVH and of the consequences. It is an abrogation of duty and an example of total neglect that the Minister of Agriculture was not leading the response, much less aware of the problem. This government always is MIA. This is why the December 21st No-Confidence Motion happened. Sincerely, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

he Guyana Police force have in the short space of two weeks been engaged in shoot-outs with bandits with similar results, two dead bandits in Black Bush Polder and three in Norton Street. Given our history of unchecked police action and the allegations made to international human rights bodies of the extra-judicial killing of “400 mainly black youth” that has dogged our international reputation for over a decade, I would like to suggest the enforcement of The Coroners Act (Laws of Guyana Cap 4.03) into every instance of use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer. The law says: “Duty of Coroner: 6 Where an unnatural death is reported or comes to the knowledge of the Coroner, he shall, subject to other provisions of this Act, forthwith cause due investigation to be made as to the cause of that death and, if necessary, hold an inquest, or, if the circumstances so require, shall hold an inquiry.” Editor, I have made previous calls for a comprehensive ‘truth and reconciliation’ type commission to put past actions under scrutiny and bring closure to families of persons killed (justified or not) and to promote healing caused by intellectually authored political mischief, accusations and outright propaganda. As a result, I would like to

urge the Attorney General and indeed, the Coalition Government to appoint the much needed Coroners under the Coroners Act, which I must point out was rushed through the National Assembly. In fact, the Attorney General regaled the National Assembly about the need to appoint Coroners immediately. However, 2 years hence, not a single Coroner has been appointed. Coroner’s Inquests are becoming mandatory in many countries around the world and typically and allows a lawyer for the family of the deceased to participate in any law enforcement involved death. This law has been on our books for many years now, with minimal use of the inquest by coroner to date. An extrajudicial killing is the killing of a person by governmental authorities or individuals without the sanction of any judicial proceeding or legal process, a Coroner’s inquest will establish a much needed check to unbridled power of law enforcement that presently exists and provide much needed clarity to the people on the issue of justified use of lethal force by law enforcement, regardless of which political party administers our government. The citizens deserve no less. Respectfully, Robin Singh

APNU+AFC gov’t incompetence clearly evident with works at CJIA Dear Editor,

he Kaieteur newspaper is taking readers for fools with its reporting on the issues with the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. All reports seek to place blame for issues with the construction contract in equal portions on the APNU/AFC and PPP/C. This is disingenuous reporting and should not be practised by a news outfit that touts itself as unbiased. The PPP/C negotiated a fixed price contract on the airport expansion project. For the enlightenment of all concerned, here is the definition of a ‘fixed price contract’: A contract that provides for a price which normally is not subject to any adjustment unless certain provisions (such as contract change, economic pricing, or defective pricing) are included in the agreement. These contracts are negotiated usually where reasonably definite specifications are available, and costs can be estimated with reasonable accuracy. A fixed price contract places a minimum administrative burden on the contracting parties but subjects the contractor to the maximum risk with CJIA’s contract arising from full responsibility for all cost escalations. These facts seem missed on the reporters at Kaieteur News. Therefore, the ‘claims’ by Kaieteur News that they ‘found’ overpriced items in the contract list are of no real value once the

contractor delivered the original project at the agreed price. Now we have the situation where the APNU/AFC have renegotiated the contract for a smaller sized expansion; from six air-bridges to four and at the same time have increased the ‘fixed price’ by US$30 million and counting. To simplify, I would like to offer an analogy; A contractor and I sign a $500 ‘fixed price’ contract to build a six-piece living room suite. My brother then takes over dealing with the contractor and ‘negotiates’ with the contractor to build a four-piece suite instead and takes an extra $300 out of my bank account to pay the contractor a total of $800 for a smaller set of chairs than I originally got a fixed price on. I would say it is quite clear my brother is demonstrably incompetent or possibly engaged in corruption to my detriment. The side issues of when the contractor is paid and what he delivered at what time is wholly irrelevant to the issue at hand and are nothing but distractions and smoke screens for puny minds. Guyana got a smaller, shabby renovated airport instead of a larger, newer expansion that was negotiated by the PPP/C and for that, the blame must fall squarely on the incompetent and possibly corrupt renegotiation done by the APNU/AFC. Regards, Nalinie Singh

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

No amount of misrepresentation for political and other reasons can contradict the facts Dear Editor,

or over a week now the politically tainted officials of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) have been engaged in what is undoubtedly an attempt to divert attention from the inept management of Guyana’s oil and gas sector by APNU+AFC Coalition Government. Matters of fact, as it relates to, primarily, two exploration agreements I signed before the 2015 General and Regional Elections, have been distorted by SARA’s embattled top two officials into material for their campaign of misinformation. As the then President of Guyana with responsibility for Petroleum, I wish to make the following facts absolutely clear: • The applications by companies for exploration in the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks date back to 2012 and 2013, respectively. • Both applications were processed and approved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations around late 2013. All fees paid were fixed by law and were paid to the GGMC, not to any private accounts. • Dates of signing and sequence of subsequent discoveries are all in the public domain and were published in the Official Gazette for the public’s information. There was full transparency on this. • Delays in the signing of the agreements were due to matters surrounding Venezuela's navy seizure of Anandarko contracted seismic vessel Technic Pardana in late 2013. • At the time of application, processing,

approval and signing of the Petroleum Prospecting Licenses for the Kaieteur and Canje blocks in Guyana's offshore there was NO confirmed commercial petroleum discovery in the area by ExxonMobil or any other company. I wish to point out that the PPP/C advertisement, which was reproduced in the Kaieteur News publication on May 31, 2019, substantiates this position. For ease of reference, I quote the first point of the advertisement, in part: “An Exxon oil exploration well …offshore Guyana has discovered hydrocarbons, a strong indicator of the evidence of oil.” The advertisement, which was published on May 8, 2018 – after the agreements were signed – confirmed that no oil was found. The GGMC, as a matter of government policy, was for many years, encouraging exploration interest in our offshore given the United States Geological Survey's estimate of Guyana's hydrocarbon potentials and also to have a presence to reassert our territorial rights over the area. This was one of the reasons for what some term generous fiscal concessions. There were simply very few other ways to stimulate interest in exploration. Prior the confirmed oil find in 2015, our basin was considered very high risk. In fact, in 2014, Shell voluntarily gave away its rights to half of the entire Stabroek block for a mere $1. It is a transparent political ploy that the agreements I signed before the change in government is now the subject of a SARA investigation. Professor Thomas in the May 22, 2019 Bloomberg report stated that aside from the

Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje which Exxon has control over, Orinduik block which Tullow Oil Plc signed up to explore in 2016 will also be investigated. However, a contradictory position was proffered by SARA’s Aubrey Retemeyer, who said only the circumstances around ONLY the two agreements I signed would be investigated. Mr. Retemeyer made this admission in a May 29, 2019 report published by the Associated Press, where he was quoted as saying: “Our focus is on Canje and Kaieteur Blocks and how those blocks were awarded.” How could this not be political? Additionally, why is Professor Thomas silent on the new agreements signed by Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, under the current Administration, after the confirmed oil find, which included provisions not dissimilar to the ones I signed, as President, when there was no confirmed oil find? Would it not have been better for Guyana if new provisions were included in the contracts signed by Minister Trotman, since there was a confirmed oil find of an estimated three billion barrels? Why were stronger agreements not signed? And why is this failure something that SARA is not looking into? Is it that SARA is convinced that the APNU+AFC cannot stand scrutiny? Mr. Retemeyer was also quoted in the May 29, 2019 Associated Press report as saying: “They were handed the blocks without any public auction.” Is this not duplicitous? The agreements signed by Minister Trotman were also not subject to auction. Further, until today, there is no policy decision on whether the remaining oil blocks will be auctioned or not. Another APNU+AFC operative, Eric Phillips, is reported to have told the Kaieteur News that he wants to ascertain why no signing bonus was negotiated. I am appalled that after four years in government that a person in such a senior position would raise such an issue which displays a total lack of understanding of the issue. We could not negotiate a signing bonus when we were signing an exploration agreement and not a production agreement? I wish to also point out that last year, when the APNU+AFC Coalition Government came in for severe criticisms of its failures to properly manage our emerging oil and gas sector, talk of an investigation was peddled by Professor Thomas. It would

seem that with similar criticisms currently dominating the news cycle, it is not unexpected that Professor Thomas’ mutterings about an investigation would return. I wish to make it clear that I welcome any investigation that is done by an independent and impartial international firm. No Guyanese can expect a non-partisan investigation by SARA. Any unbiased, professional independent review will once more confirm all due legal processes were followed and during the PPP/C time in office the country's best interest was served, given the realities of the day. That said, no amount of maneuverings by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, and its puppets at SARA, to divert attention from its inept management of the developing oil and gas sector will be successful. Guyanese are clear that since the confirmed oil find, the Coalition Government had failed to represent their interest – from the renegotiation of the ExxonMobil contract in 2016 to the failure to complete a basic Local Content Policy, after four years in office. Instead, Guyanese are made to contend with an Administration that, among other costly missteps, failed to disclose the receipt of an $18M signing bonus and attempted to steal those monies. Had it not been for the exposure in December 2018, those monies would have remained off of Guyana’s books – as it has for over three years. Currently, responsibility of the oil and gas sector falls under President David Granger – having been moved from one minister to another over the past four years – and the state of affairs remains the same. There is no clear direction to ensure that developments in the oil and gas sector are guided along a trajectory that would benefit Guyana and all Guyanese. Finally, I note the screaming headline on page one of the May 31, 2019 edition of the Kaieteur News with a sense of recognition – it was the same trend that the PPP/C had to contend with for 23 years; misleading, unsubstantiated and sensational publications geared to promote ‘certain’ interests. No amount of misrepresentation for political and other reasons can contradict the facts. I repeat, we in the PPP/C have nothing to fear from an independent and impartial investigation. Sincerely, Donald Ramotar, Former President

Justice delayed is justice denied Dear Editor,

s we await the presentation/release of the CCJ’s decisions, I am optimistic, based on views from the side of the fence where I sit, that the Court will live up to expectations and deliver fair/impartial decisions in keeping with facts and the provisions of our constitution. My optimistic view stems from the CCJ’s satisfactory/pragmatic decisions delivered in several important/high powered cases over the last 14 years. That is, it would not uphold the unsupported 34 votes as indicative of majority, the President’s unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chairman, nor negate Charrandass’s vote. The CCJ’s delay in making its decisions public, however, rais-

es concerns as to its true reason(s) or game plans. Could this be the Court’s silent support for the APNU+AFC government to proceed with its plans, which may even conflict with the awaited decisions? It has been argued time and again that justice delayed is justice denied. The time taken for resolution of the issue is critical to the justice experience of those involved and can render the treatment wholly ‘unjust’ in circumstances where closure takes ‘too long’. That is, if the legal redress is not forthcoming in a timely manner, then it may not amount to any redress, as other circumstances may intervene and render the redress useless or of no effect. The current belief of many commentators and political activists is that the delay is calculated to allow the APNU + AFC

to pursue activities that would thwart the PPP/C’s march to regain political control of Guyana any time soon. If the arguments hold true, then the critics of the CCJ, especially those who have expressed concerns about the APNU’s ‘incestuous’ connection with the CCJ, may indeed be correct. In light thereof, I take the informed view that should the concerns raised about the objectivity of the CCJ hold true, the growth of the CCJ would be negatively impacted. In essence, should the delay allow the APNU to proceed with acts which would have been stalled/nullified by timely publication of the decisions, the CCJ would have made good strides in torpedoing its future. In a nutshell, the current CCJ-delay seems pregnant with deception, perhaps to facilitate

the APNU+AFC ongoing acts. I therefore, believe it would be fitting to end with the late Eric Williams’ mathematical formula, ‘one from 10 leaves zero’, which he used to rationalise the potential demise of the regional grouping had Trinidad & Tobago withdrawn. In the same vein, one from four would leave zero should Guyana pull out from the CCJ, as the remaining three small economies cannot sustain it. In essence, should the Court compromise its ability to function impartially, in the eyes of the region, it would have undermined its efforts to become the Final Court of the Region. Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

Senseless action By Minister Tabitha Sarboo Halley Dear Editor,

am emotionally touched to read an article about Minister Tabitha Sarboo Halley sending home workers without cause. Editor, in a country where unemployment is over 40 % and is rampant in all administrative regions, it is shocking to know that our honorable minister takes such a drastic step without thinking by removing the daily bread from the tables of those fired employees. Some of them dedicated over 15 years of their lives serving the Government and people of Guyana in the different positions that they were occupying. As much, as I admire the minister for her good deeds and approachable lifestyle, such an action will cause the fall of her Government in the next General Elections. Editor, over 7000 sugar workers were fired and tossed to a life of poverty by this Government without no proper systems in place for future employment and another 2000 Amerindian community support officers were fired and now this Minister is sending her staff packing without no valid and proper reasons for her actions. And to crown it all, she had the employees escorted by police out of the building as if they were criminals, I could feel the emotion and sorrow from that fiasco. This is victimization to its fullest and should never be tolerated in this country.

Editor, this Government should be highly focusing on providing employment and seeking ways of how the unemployed population of Guyana can be able to gain useful skills and knowledge in order to acquire employment but instead they are contributing to the high level of unemployment that is sweeping the entire country like a wildfire. Editor, the entire country are already feeling the hardships of life, increase in criminal activities, the high level of domestic violence and a decreasing economy are just a few elements that is bleeding our country to its death. Our honorable Minister needs to reconsider the impact of the actions that she has taken and make it right. Reinstate the fired employees and much less apologies for her drastic and senseless action that she has taken. You cannot make a quick judgment and solution from information that you have gathered from files, it take steps and there is a process or procedure in getting things done. I am hereby calling on our commander in chief of the Armed forces of Guyana and or our president of this beautiful country to intervene and reinstate the workers, provide a thorough guidance and council to your ministers so they won’t be making very stupid and senseless acts just because of their high positions that they are designated. Yours Respectfully, R. Joseph

Cathy Hughes cannot escape the fact that she is spreading corrupt values Dear Editor,

ecently, Cathy Hughes, the Honorable Minister revealed an irrational stance on corruption when she insulted members of the public that they are corrupt just like her Government and that corruption is a culture in Guyana. In effect, Minister Hughes aims to deter members of the public from calling out corruption within her Government because she is also allegedly involved in it. Minister Hughes must know that corruption becomes culture because corrupt practices are copied, especially from role models or from those in powerful positions. To this end, Minister Hughes cannot escape the fact that she is spreading corrupt values. Specifically, it has been widely reported that Minister Hughes is being handed government contracts to her personal business for selfish gains. And this is evidence of corruption by a powerful government minister who has no other option but to defend this scourge because of her alleged involvement. She has no moral grounds to stand and fight it.

he issue of corruption is now finding its way on the national agenda. The watchdog committee Transparency International and the Integrity Commission are both deserving of credit for highlighting breaches in accountability and transparency norms and calling out senior Government officials who fail to submit their statutory declarations on a timely manner. This is good for the health of our body politic. The example has to be set from the top. This will have a cascading effect on those at the lower echelons of the public service. I have always maintained the view that when it comes to corruption there can be no sacred cows. Every allegation of corruption must be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken to deal with those found guilty regardless of status or rank. It must not be perceived to be politically driven as is currently the case. In this regard, the decision taken by the Integrity Commission to publish the names of those officials who failed to submit their declarations within the prescribed timeframe

is a step in the right direction. It is not enough however, to publish names but to move to the next level by taking the appropriate legal action to ensure compliance. Taking a tough stance against corruption will help to set the right moral tone for the society. Corruption is multifaceted and takes a variety of forms such as bribery, nepotism, cronyism, influence peddling, tax evasion, money laundering among others. Regardless of what form it takes, we are all poorer for every act of corruption. The United Nations estimated that roughly 3.6 trillion dollars (US) or 5 percent of global GDP are lost annually due to corruption. The cost of corruption is enormous and is a major impediment to national development and poverty reduction. This is why the fight against corruption must be inter-agency involving strong institutions such as the Office of the Auditor General, the Judiciary and other watchdog bodies such as Transparency International, the Integrity Commission and by no means least the wider citizenry. Sincerely, H. Ally

Sincerely, A. Baliram

Too little too late, our youths will not be fooled Dear Editor,

T Corruption is a major impediment to national development Dear Editor,

Further, Minister Hughes needs to be reminded that corruption robs human beings of basic needs like food, water, health care and shelter. This is exactly the tragedy in Guyana where the majority of Guyanese, including members of my own family fall into hopelessness, suicide and emigration. Life is unbearable in Guyana because of corruption primarily in government. And most would agree that Guyana is ruled by thieves. Editor, without a doubt, Minister Hughes is unfit to effectively serve in her capacity because of her alleged involvement in corruption. How can a minister not see that her behaviors embolden corrupt practices which destroy lives? Further, Minister Hughes and others with similar values in government have caused Guyana to remain poor in spite of our vast natural resources. And the Government of Guyana must understand that corruption is a brainless and destructive act which is ever supported or defended by decent human beings.

here are so many instances of incompetence and outright corruption in this PNC-led Coalition that I do not know where to start. They are in such an advanced and entrenched form of being corrupt that corruption has enveloped their souls, and in that lost state, they are now bringing down the entire nation with them. To this end, they have become so appallingly brazen with that message exported in a hidden series of promises. We are in the season of promises, promises galore; so here we go. Again, I do not know where to start, but let me be fair and cast lots, and the lot automatically falls on the Prime Minister, so I shall begin at Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. Now, the Prime Minister is on the campaign trail to regain his position, and to do this, he is going about it in a roundabout manner, playing the “good guy, charismatic figure role.” He is targeting the youths in our midst, one of the groups he thinks he can exploit with his subtleties. He speaks of free education at our university for our youths, and of all sorts of niceties. At face value, these promises seem well meaning and good for the youths, who, according to the President, are the future of our nation. Nice and fitting words for a campaigner, sweet and darling ideas.

But wait, Mr Prime Minister; let us pause a moment. These are not new and exciting promises; these are old, worn-out phrases used four years ago in the last election. The only addition is the free education clause; free education is just an addition to the youth phrase chant. Since the last election, when the youths were his target group, nothing has been done to help their cause, and the Government did come up wanting. Now that another election is looming, our youths have suddenly seen prominence in the eyes of this Government. After four long years, the youths are again being targeted to shore up Nagamootoo’s, as well as this Government’s, image. But I can tell them this: it is too little, too late; the youths are not fooled by your latest offer, they have seen your hypocrisy and double talk. They have seen you raise your salaries by 50 per cent, and having a good life while the jobs that were promised them became an elusive dream. These are struggling youths, some of whom have families to take care of and no jobs. This is the reality the youths face day after day. So, Mr Nagamootoo, please take your promises and hide them where…you know where. Respectfully, Neil Adams

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

From the desk of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo...

Guyana Under Review Several issues were addressed a weekly news conference held by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday (June 6, 2019), ranging from the increasing incidents of corruption under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government to the illegal mass firings of public servants by a Government Minister.

Broomes silent on transfer of monies to her children

t is now two week since information about the transfer of taxpayers’ money to two children of Minister Simona Broomes has been made public. And Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his Thursday (June 6, 2019) news conference, questioned the Minister’s silence on the matter. “We have asked for clarity, but there has been nothing but silence,” he said. The information from the whistleblower states that there were, in 2018, two transfers of US$25,000 each to the daughter of Minister Broomes, the Department

of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency. In 2019, there was another transfer to Broomes’ daughter worth US$36,450 – again by the Department of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency. Broomes’ son, in 2019, benefited from a fourth transfer of GYD$2.51M from the same Department. The total sum transferred amounted to over $20M. Last week, Jagdeo stressed that Broomes has to come clean on this matter. He said, “If this information is wrong I will apologize… the Minister and the Minis-

try of the Presidency need to answer.” The Opposition Leader made clear too that the issue is about transparency and accountability, not about the children of a government minister. “We have a duty to expose forms of corruption…we don’t have an issue with people’s children in politics…people’s children must be kept out of the cut and thrust of politics… we have nothing against the children of politicians…but we have a duty to expose misconduct,” he said. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government also remains silent on this matter.

MoTP staffers were unfairly, illegally fired by Minister T

he firing of personnel and accounts staffers from the Department of Public Service, within the Ministry of the Presidency, was condemned by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday (June 6, 2019), during his weekly news conference. He pointed out that the dismissal letter was signed by the newly appointed Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and was clearly an illegal act. “The letter was signed by a minister…imagine a minister signing a letter to fire people….a minister cannot do this, her action is illegal…. the people were unfairly dismissed….a lot of these people have over a decade of service,” he said. Jagdeo surmised that the move to ‘clean house’ and appoint new persons is

a likely effort by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government to “cover their tracks” and attempt to hide misdeeds in office. “They will put Party hacks in those positions and all the files will disappear…they are worries… they are coving their tracks,” he said. According to him, the action by Minister Halley must be condemned by all. Last Friday (May 31, 2019), Minister Halley reportedly sent the entire personnel department and the account packing. According to information received, the Minister claimed that the department is moving in a different direction and that the services of the old staff will no longer be required. Personnel were escorted from their offices by security. The Ministry attempted

to deny that the staffers were fired, however, a leaked letter exposed this as another lie peddled by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. The leaked letter, dated May 31, 2019, titled ‘Termination of Contract of Employment, said, in part, “Pursuant to aforesaid contract of employment, your services are hereby terminated with immediate effect. One month’s salary will be paid to you, in lieu of notice…any and all property belonging to the Government of Guyana that currently resides in your possession must, as a matter of course, be forthwith returned to support continuity and efficiently of the work of the Ministry.” The letter was copied to the Ministry of the Presidency’s Permanent Secretary, Abena Moore.

David Hinds' true nature Details about vehicle-racket at GRA exposed has been exposed

hen the question is about protecting perks and turf, personalities like David Hinds are exposed for what they truly are, declared Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, who was no-holds barred in rapping Hinds for his recent comments. On Wednesday (June 5, 2019), Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), David Hinds, called for action by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government to flush the public service of People’s Progressive Party moles. His comment was in response to the recent disclosures about corruption in the APNU+AFC Coalition Government camp. Hinds went as far as calling for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the public service with the aim of flushing out the PPP moles. This latter comment drew the ire of the Opposition Leader who charged that Hind’s ‘Hitler-like’ posture to get rid of persons

who are not in conformity with the order of the day as dictated by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has no place in modern society. Jagdeo said, “He says the government needs to flush out PPP moles….he wants a purge of the public service…like Hitler had… these are not PPP moles. These are good decent Guyanese who are offended by the wanton corruption taking place at the top levels of government circles. These are good decent Guyanese people….they should not be subject to a test of which political party they support.” The Opposition Leader noted that Hinds is takes offense at the fact that corruption has been exposed, but is silent on the acts of corruption itself; he takes offense that the firing of public servants by his WPA colleague, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley has been exposed, but is silent on the fact that all of the persons fired are

Afro-Guyanese – the very group he has claimed to represent in the past. Jagdeo said, “David Hinds is supposed to be a black rights activists, all the people fired were Afro-Guyanese, where is his outrage? He is not concerned about ordinary Afro-Guyanese… when it comes to defending his perks, his turf, all of the rights issues go through the window. “…any modicum of respect I had for him is gone…he wants to a CoI to hunt down PPP supporters in government ministries…. now the people of Guyana see who David Hinds really is.” The Opposition Leader made it clear that the Protected Disclosures (Whistleblowers) Act protects the rights of whistleblower. This is not the first time that Hinds has been called out for his “hypocrisy” by the Opposition Leader. The last time was in July 2018.

wo vehicles, bearing Venezuelan registration plates, seized by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Lethem, Region 9, have ended up in the possession of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) “bigwigs.” This was disclosed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his Thursday (June 6, 2019) news conference, where he added that

the vehicles were seized in May 2018, but then had a backdated registration, dated March 14, 2019, before they were handed over to the PNCR officials. “There is a big racket here…luxury vehicles seized and not registered in the want of entry logs…they are kept off books and given out…this racket runs into millions,” he said. The Opposition Leader

The two vehicles that were seized

called on the GRA Commissioner General, Geoffrey Statia, to investigate the matter. “If the Commissioner General is as concerned as I am, then call the Auditor General in….or call a private audit firm to investigate it….if he does that I can say he is doing something about it,” he said. Additional information on this matter, according to him, will be released soon.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

From the desk of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo...

SPU still silent on fundamental questions T

he economic rationale used by the Special Purposed Unit (SPU), under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), to secure a $30B bond is still in question, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. During his Thursday (June 6, 2019) news conference, he charged that SPU officials have finally addressed the issue of the bond, during a press conference earlier in the week, but failed to give explanations on key issues. “We have seen in the media, finally, the SPU coming out to speak about the $30B bond….although they sought to give some explanations, they did not address the fundamental issue…why borrow $30B, draw $17B and have most of it sitting in the account…up to recently, the information we have is

that the money is not in an interest bearing account and you have to pay 4.75 per cent interest on it…interest that will run us into millions…. there has been no answer on questions about the economic rationale to borrow,” he said. He added, “…the only logical explanations is that they rush to borrow because of the fee structure involved…it made a lot of people a lot of money by putting the bond together.” In the latter part of June 2018, a leaked document - ‘The Private Placement Memorandum’ – details the arrangements of the $30B fixed rate bond. The document shows that NICIL plans to sell off assets of GuySuCo, including land, to help pay off the $30B, plus interest, that it has borrowed. The document shows that NICIL expects to start

selling of GuySuCo lands in 2018 and expects to collect $14B in 2018 and another $22B in 2019. “The cash generated from operations appears sufficient to service the coupon and repayment of the principal for the bond facility,” the document said on page 14. The document also explains that the move to issue the Bonds, at a 4.75 per cent interest rate, is a five-year agreement. Interest is payable semi-annually, starting October 2018. The Bonds will mature in April 2023. Also, the bonds have been issued “free and clear” of all corporate taxes. It has also been issued 355 basis points above one-year Bank of Guyana Treasury Bills. Additionally, the bonds have been secured by a government guarantee. The 17-page document said the $30B bond facility is being

‘Sweetheart deal’ to sell off Rose Hall Estate will not succeed

ews that an Indian-Ghanaian-Guyanese consortium is likely to buy out the Rose Hall sugar estate – the first of three that is on the selling block – was questioned by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. “It cannot happen transparently because they refuse to make public the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report on valuation of assets now being put up privatization,” he said, during his Thursday (June 6, 2019) news conference. He added, “This is not a state secret. This valuation report does belong to (Finance Minister) Winston Jordan….these are taxpayers assets…the report that was commissioned to be done by PricewaterhouseCoopers was paid for by taxpayers…the report must be made public…if they this this sweetheart deal will succeed it will not.” PricewaterhouseCoo-

pers complied documents and submitted a report and recommendation on the three bids that were made on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) estates, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited’s (NICIL) had said earlier this year. And the Opposition Leader, in response had said, “We are worried about this….what has not been released is the valuation of the estates…. government has still not released the figures.” Jagdeo made it clear that any move to privatize the three sugar estates that were closed by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government will not be recognized, more so in this period – after the passage of a no-confidence motion and months out from the expected March 2019 General and Regional Elections. Notably, despite being handed a two-year ban for allegedly overstating the

earnings and assets of Indian software company Satyam Computer Services, the international audit firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) was engaged by the APNU+AFC Coali tion Government and commenced the process of valuing the assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in January 2018. In 2017, under the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the APNU+AFC Coalition Government set up a Special Purposes Unit (SPU) to oversee the divestment of assets owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). The divestment (selloff) of GuySuCo assets was intended to be guided by the Pricewaterhouse Coopers valuation report. It is unclear if and when a completed Pricewaterhouse Coopers valuation report was submitted and considered by Cabinet.

arranged by Republic Bank, raising questions as to the amount of fees that are being paid to the bank. Jagdeo noted that the continued fight between SPU and the Guyana Sugar Corporation does not bode well for the sector. “These are two agencies involved in the same sector and they are at war with each other – who suffers, the industry,” he said. NO OVERSIGHT The Opposition Leader also questioned the lack of oversight, relative to the actions of the SPU. He pointed out that the head of SPU and NICIL is the same person, Colvin Heath-London. He reasoned that the reason for Heath-London’s dual appointment by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government is to ensure that due process is bypassed. “We

have to recognize that what has happened here is that all privatization decisions are being made by SPU and NICIL. There is no oversight…they dismantled the oversight mechanism…so every day we hear about who is selling out what….all without clarity,” The Opposition Leader said. Under the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, Jagdeo reminded that everything that was privatized was made public and detailed in a published document. He said, “They have practically dismantled the structure for privatization that we put in place through the White Paper that we took to Parliament.” He added, “…they’ve just set that aside, the entire privatization process, so they can make a decision about

which entity to privatize and how the privatize and even accept a bid without any oversight.” The process Jagdeo referred to related to the Privatization Unit. It’s Board was made up of three government Ministers, a representative from Private Sector, another from Labour (Union) and another from the consumer bodies. According to Jagdeo, it is this group of persons which would ultimately make recommendations to the Cabinet – chaired by the President. All privatization projects were subject to a process involving these parties and also had to be transparently done. The Opposition Leader noted that the Guyanese deserve greater transparency, not secrecy that could see the ‘give away’ of Guyana’s assets.

More details surface to expose ‘rape’ of Guyana resources T

he “wholesale rape” of Guyana’s resources will not go unchallenged, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. During his Thursday (June 6, 2019) news conference, he disclosed that information reaching the office have sent worrying signals about happenings involved in the move to sell off assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Decisions are being made about the future of three sugar estates – Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore estates – that were closed by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. And, according to Jagdeo, with Rose Hall Estate being the first up for sale, the information indicates that assets are being siphoned off.

He explained that PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) did a valuation that included a list of assets – operable and unserviceable assets. However, he noted that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government appointed manager at Rose Hall Estate has been involved in moving operable assets to the unserviceable assets list and selling these off for a fraction of what it is valued. “So a TM-740 tractor, worth about $15M, was sold off to friends and family of APNU officials for less than $500,000,” he said. The Opposition Leader added, “PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is an international firm has to be seeing this…if they are not complicit, they should speak up, because if you privatize

you will do so at peppercorn rates.” To date, he noted that key questions remain unanswered. These include: What assets are being sold? When were the sales advertised? Who were the assets sold to? “We must have answers to these questions,” he said. Further, Jagdeo disclosed that the Rose Hall Estate manager also has a harvesting contract at the Albion Sugar Estate and has been using resources from the Rose Hall Estate to execute his contract. Currently, while the other Estates are up for sale, only three GuySuCo estates have been kept open – Uitvlugt, Albion and the Blairmont estates. “There is a wholesale rape of our resources,” he declared.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

From the desk of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo...

will be asked to probe use of millions Eric Phillips challenged PPC from DHB Asphalt Plant accounts to publish evidence to T back up his claims

tate Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) Special Assistant, Eric Phillips, earlier this week, claimed that properties belonging to the State were willed to the children of officials of the past former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) administration.

However, he declined to provide names. During his Thursday (June 6, 2019) news conference, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, challenged Phillips to release the details. “They have not been ashamed to publish out

names in the past…let them publish the names now. It would be great to do this. If they believe in transparency, let them publish. We are urging them to do this,” he said. Phillips also said that this was found in several instances in almost all the regions.

Continued ramblings of SARA officials expose political nature of oil block investigation

he indications that there will be a move to investigate the award of oil blocks by the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was described as nothing more than a “shakedown” by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. “This is a shakedown… already one of the SARA members have asked for meeting abroad with one of the oil companies,” he said, during his Thursday (June 6, 2019) news conference. Last week, Jagdeo made it clear that the PPP/C welcomes any investigation that is done by an independent and impartial international firm – not the politically tainted SARA. The Opposition Leader stated that there is clear evidence that the move to investigate the award of the oil blocks is political. SARA Head, Professor Clive Thomas, in a May 22, 2019 Bloomberg report stated that aside from the Stabroek, Kaieteur and Canje which Exxon has control over, Orinduik block which

Tullow Oil Plc signed up to explore in 2016 will also be investigated. However, a contradictory position was proffered by SARA’s Deputy Head, Aubrey Retemeyer, said only the circumstances around the two agreements signed under the former PPP/C government would be investigated. Retemeyer made this admission in a May 29, 2019 report pub-

lished by the Associated Press, where he was quoted as saying: “Our focus is on Canje and Kaieteur Blocks and how those blocks were awarded.” Jagdeo also called out Retemeyer for his unfounded claims about oil blocks not being auctioned off. Retemeyer was also quoted in the May 29, 2019 Associated Press report as say-

he Parliamentary Opposition will be writing to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) to investigate recently disclosed details surrounding the use of taxpayers’ monies on a consultancy services for the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River bridge. The disclosure came from Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his Thursday (June 6, 2019) news conference. “We want explanations,” he declared. The 2018 Public Procurement Commission report, following its investigation into the procurement of consultancy services for the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River bridge made clear that there

was breach of Guyana’s procurement laws. The PPC report noted that Cabinet approved some $161.5M for the contract, while the actual contract price was $148M. The $13.5M remains unaccounted for. Jagdeo, last week, noted that the $13.5M is not the only sum in question. He pointed out that PPC report, on page 7, also disclosed that the monies for the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River bridge were taken from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (Asphalt Plant Accounts). And according to him, information reaching the Parliamentary Opposition indicated that the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation

(Asphalt Plant Accounts) was used as to source millions more than was previously known - in 2017 a total of $215.37M was paid for work on the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River bridge; and in 2018, another $74M was paid. Additionally, the Opposition Leader disclosed that information indicated that the full $148M was not the sum received from the company providing the consultancy services – rather it was millions less. “The foreign company needs to be brought in and everyone must be questioned,” he said. The foreign company involved was a Dutch Company, LivenseCSO.

ing: “They were handed the blocks without any public auction.” The Opposition Leader stressed that till today there is no policy by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government on whether the remaining oil blocks would be auctioned off or not – at a time when interest is high. “The basin has been derisked now...before the oil find we did not have a lot of takers. When you have

more blocks than interested parties you have to be a bit more generous…when you have more interested parties than available blocks, you auction competitively…that is how I see it,” he said. He added, “Shell in 2014 gave up their stake for $1… we and limited expertise at GGMC should have known better that a major company with substantial technical expertise? It shows how

tenuous the situation was…. you have to understand the mindset at the time the blocks were offered to the companies….there was high risk and not much interest.” The Opposition Leader stressed that an unbiased, professional independent review will once more confirm all due legal processes were followed by the PPP/C time during its time in office.

SEE LIST OF OIL BLOCKS AND CONTRACT DATES:

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

Positions from Freedom House this week (A look at the latest statements made by the People’s Progressive Party)

Religious observances in Guyana have universal lessons for mankind

id-ul-Fitr marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims across the globe made tremendous sacrifices for spiritual advancement. The dedication and self-discipline they continue to demonstrate, especially during Ramadan, are exemplary lessons of humility, contentment, restraint and love for mankind. The Zakat, or charity, associated with Eid-ul-Fitr is another example of Muslims here in Guyana and across the world contributing to

the upliftment of all and for the removal of societal barriers. These selfless acts of giving continue to be vital in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood in a world in which humanity face many challenges. On this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) joins with all Guyanese in extending greetings to our brothers and sisters in the Muslim community, both at home and overseas. All of our religious observances in our country

have universal lessons for mankind. As customary on these occasions, our Party would like to urge that we all reflect on the pertinent messages this occasion brings and which have positive influences for humanity. Our Party would also like to take this opportunity to commend all those who made the sacrifice of observing fast during the month of Ramadan and extend best wishes for their success in the future. Eid Mubarak! (June 4, 2019)

Firing of staff a disgrace and sellout of fundamental WPA positions Dear Editor,

he Chairperson of the Working People’s Alliance, now Minister of Public Service, unilaterally fired members of staff in the Ministry of the Public Service last Friday, May 31, 2019, in violation of the Public Service Rules and Guyana’s Labour laws. This is a disgrace and sellout of the fundamental positions of the WPA,

executed by no less than its Chairperson. But other WPA leaders have gone a similar route- Clive Thomas, Desmond Trotman to name a few – who have capitulated to the PNC and sold out their souls for “filthy lucre”. Dr. Walter Rodney must be turning over in his grave; the political party he created has now gone full circle from pro-democracy to anti-fundamental workers’

rights. The WPA just lost Andaiye, on the same day, a stalwart, who unrelentingly fought for workers’ rights. I wait with bated breath for the spin that Dr. Hinds and Lincoln Lewis will put on this most recent anti-workers’ action by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. Sincerely, Ryan Newton

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

Ali engages with members of Diplomatic Corps, others on occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

Scores of Region 6 residents be

Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, led a team to several Region 6 communities, including C

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

enefit from hamper distribution

Canjie and Cumberland, where scores of residents affected by the increasing cost of living benefited from the distribution of hampers.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

German reps meet with Opposition Leader Leader of the Opposition, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo was, on Tuesday (June 4, 2019), paid a farewell courtesy call by His Excellency Holger Michael, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, who was accompanied by Dr Ingo Winkelmann, Head of the Division for Latin America and the Caribbean at the German Federal Foreign Office.

PPP/C reps visit family of young girl killed in tragic accident A group of Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) representatives on Tuesday (June 4, 2019), which included PPP/C Parliamentarian, Priya Manickchand, and Georgetown City Councillor, Dion Younge, visited the parents and other relatives of little Ciara Benjamin who died tragically on Saturday (June 1, 2019) last at Agricola. The group expressed deepest sympathy and accorded support on the party's behalf.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

City Hall in Focus City Hall moves to set up ‘Special’ bank account I

n a shocking move, the APNU+AFC majority on the Georgetown City Council voted at the Statutory meeting held on May 28, 2019 to immediately open a special bank account for the Social Development Committee which is headed by former Mayor Patricia Chase-Green. The PPP/C Councilors voted against the opening of this special bank account for important reasons which will be explained. It should be noted that Councilor Chase-Green is not only the current Chairman of the Social Development Committee but she was also the Chairman of that Committee during the previous two Councils, meaning that she has been at the helm of this committee for more than a decade. This committee is comprised of seven Councilors as members with two of them serving as Chairman and Vice-Chairman. It was Mayor Ubraj Narine himself who introduced the subject of a special bank account for the Social Development Committee at the statutory meeting. He actually pushed for such an account to be opened which seems to indicate that he was probably ill-informed and did not make any inquiries or do any research on the issue. The question of a special bank account for the Social Development Committee has always been a problematic issue for me since there are no provisions in the laws or by-laws sanctioning a special independent bank account for the Social Development Committee to be managed by certain Councilors. I argued against the opening of this bank account and referred to the Keith Burrowes Report which had recommended the closing of this account since 2012. I had also objected to a special bank account for the Social Development Committee at the previous the previous Council where former Town Clerk Royston King seemed to have misinterpreted Section 148 (3) of the Municipal and District Councils Act Cap 28:01 which referred to maintaining separate (ledger) accounts for revenue and expenditures for money deposited into or spent from the authorized bank account for such purposes which was the general rate fund. The Municipal &District Councils Act (M&DC Act) also makes provision for loans taken out by the Council which are not considered as revenue and must be deposited into a separate loan fund. To understand the structure of the Georgetown City Council, one must refer to the Municipal and District Councils Act 28:01 where the City Council consists of the elected Mayor and Councilors as the policy-making & oversight body while the administration of the Council is headed by the Town Clerk where decisions of the Council are executed and standard operating procedures are followed. The Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Act of 2013 outlines the duties of Councilors in Section 8A and it does not include any power to undertake administrative duties which are under the control of the Town Clerk or the City Treasurer. So the activities of the Social Development Committee relating to selling of Mashramani and Carnival spots, issuing loans and bursaries and maintaining a separate bank account appear to be outside of what is permissible by law and also beyond the scaoe of a Councilor's responsibilities. The responsibility for executing all

revenue-garnering activities or executing payment decisions of Council falls under the offices of the Town Clerk and the City Treasurer and not the Social Development Committee which is usurping the responsibilities of the Town Clerk's office. Further, Sections 60-69 of the M&DC Act refers to the formation of Committees and rules governing such committees. No committee has the power to enter into contracts unless such authority is given by the Council. Selling of spots for Carnival and Mashramani can be considered as simple contracts which the Social Development Committee does not have the authority to undertake and is an administrative task which should be performed by the Town Clerk’s office. If there was ever a decision made by the Council to assign such responsibilities to a Committee or to certain Councilors, no evidence was produced to substantiate such claim such as the Minutes of a meeting where such decision was made. In addition, no such responsibility is assigned in the Terms of Reference for the Social Development Committee either. A Commission of inquiry was authorized in 2012 to investigate the operations of City Hall in 2012 due to accusations of corruption and mismanagement. The Commission was headed by Keith Burrowes and it made forty-five (45) recommendations which were to be implemented by the Georgetown City Council. It was reported that one of those recommendations included the closing of a number of bank accounts, including the Social Development Committee’s bank account. The Social Development Committee has never produced any audited financial statements for any monies which were collected, spent, disbursed or loaned over the years even though the Committee had been involved in numerous activities and events. Everyone is aware that the Georgetown City Council has been experiencing financial difficulties for many years

and so it would have been expected that all activities would be geared towards garnering more revenue or reducing expenses for the Council. But according to reports, the Social Development Committee was giving away free spots for Mashramani, offering discounts and also paying certain Councilors including Councilor Chase-Green for working Mashramani and Carnival while Council workers also received extra pay in addition to their regular salaries. It should be noted that the Social Development Committee handles all Mashramani, Carnival and Independence activities for the Georgetown City Council in addition to other social events. Councilor Chase-Green had openly said at a Statutory meeting that all monies from the Carnival celebrations must be deposited in the Social Development Committee account. The stated purpose for this new special bank account for Social Development Committee which will be opened with immediate effect, was to allow staff and other community members to have access to small loans outside the “bureaucracy of the treasurer’s department”. In other words, the APNU+AFC Mayor and Councilors are stating that they intend to bypass the City Treasurer’s office and also violate the laws and existing procedures. At a statutory meeting in September 2011, former Councilor Junior Garrett (deceased) “lamented the fact that the cash-strapped Council had apparently become a loan agency to certain senior members” (Guyana Chronicle 1/7/14). Citizens and former workers have alleged that the Social Development Committee bank account was used as a slush fund with no accountability and that monies were spent at the whims and fancies of those who controlled it. Employees of the Georgetown City Council make contributions to their Credit Union which allows them to take out small loans from time to time from that institution. But the former Town Clerk and City Treasurer have been illegally using those contributions for other purposes instead of remitting it to the Credit Union. As a result, the Council’s workers cannot obtain any loans from the Credit Union. The City Council has not yet brought the credit union accounts up to date so workers continue to deprived of the benefits to which they are entitled from the Credit Union. But the deliberate failure of the Council to remit employees’ contributions to the Credit Union is simply not enough reason to disregard or violate the laws and recommendations of that Commission of Inquiry to open a special bank account which will be controlled by Councilor ChaseGreen and the other members of the Social Development Committee. So even with new Mayor Ubraj Narine and many new Councilors on board, the dysfunctional state of the City Council continues to prevail with yet another unsound and detrimental decision to open a special bank account for the Social Development Committee to “bypass the bureaucracy of the Treasurer’s department”. I call on all citizens to contact Mayor Ubraj Narine and also the Councilors to reverse this decision in the interest of accountability and good governance.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

GECOM’s procurement problems Gov’t nominated GECOM back in the spotlight Commissioner gives contradictory timelines for L House-to-House Registration W ith days passed in the month of June 2019 already, Government-nominated Guyana Elections Commission, (GECOM) Commissioner, Charles Corbin, insists that House-to-House registration can be completed by October 31, 2019 – less than five months away. “The training is complete. I think that the offices’ clearances have been given for all the management areas across the country. Those have already been set up….based on the available timetable, we are now in the same time scheme with respect to the process…our deadline for a qualified list is October 31,” he said on Tuesday (June 4, 2019). Notably, this timeframe was also the one that GECOM’s attorney, Stanley Marcus, presented to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), in early May 2019, during the heading on the cases related to challenge to the vote on the no-confidence motion that was passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. Marcus had said that House-to-House registration will be completed in five months – from June to October – and a new list of electors would be ready on November 1, 2019. However, the timeframe touted by both Marcus and Corbin contradict what was said earlier this year by GECOM’s Deputy Chief

Elections Officer, Roxanne Meyers. Meyers had revealed that the GECOM Secretariat has calculated that Houseto-House Registration would take nine months to be conducted. “The technical analysis, by the secretariat, revealed that House-to-House Registration would take nine months.” Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Opposition has said that the GECOM’s timeframe is much too short and made clear that it is likely to take longer than nine months.

INDECENT Only last week, the push by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to go ahead with a new national house-to-house registration was dubbed as “indecent” by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. He had called attention to the ongoing matters before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), as well as the High Court challenge to the house-to-house registration process – both of which are being ignored by the government-aligned elements at GECOM. Jagdeo said, “I expect that the staff must be coming under presser…I want to say to technical staff, do not be bullied or pressured by the political commissioners and the GECOM Chairman on this matter…at the end of the day they have a long

term presence and career in GECOM and they have a responsibility to act in a manner consistent with the law.” The Opposition Leader noted that for political reasons, persons may be pressured to act in a certain manner and then “left in the lurch” by the very elements pushing them to the action when consequences appear. “Look what happened to the Legal Officer at GECOM, who had the support of the government commissioners and the GECOM Chairman, but lost it and was subject to attacks when she acted in a manner consistent with the law,” he said, referring to a legal opinion that was proffered by the Legal Officer, Excellence Dazzell – an opinion that warned against moving forward with new national house-to-house registration. Additionally, while training of staff for new national house-to-house registration has been completed, a start date for the new national house-to-house registration has not yet been confirmed. Some 4,000 persons are expected to be part of hundreds of teams who will be dispatched across the country. GECOM has also said that 200 cluster offices have been identified country-wide and will serve as meeting bases for the verification of information gathered.

Opinion of GECOM’s legal officer continues to be ignored

he legal opinion provided by Excellence Dazzell, the Legal Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), continues to be ignored by the GECOM Chairman, James Patterson, and other government-aligned elements at GECOM. Dazzell warned against the move forward with a new national house-to-house registration. On May 13, 2019, an opinion expressed by GECOM’s legal Office, Excellence Dazzell, said: “The use of the work ‘revise’ [in the Election Laws (Amendment) Act 15 of 2000] suggest that the process is not one where a ‘new’ List is generated, but one where the most recent list is updated or amended. “....I therefore advise that

procedures be put in place to ensure the revision of the list, otherwise the Commission would be acting in defiance of the law and may prejudice aby by-election that may become necessary.” For months now the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has been vocal in objecting to the push by GECOM to conduct new national house to house registration – more so given indications that thousands of eligible voters risk being de-registered. Meanwhile the PPP in a statement this week said it had “grave reservations about the planned move to de-register thousands of Guyanese voters who will be subject to a registration requirement that is unconstitutional and illegal.”

The Party added that, “Moreover the unnecessary nature of a new national house-to-house registration, at this point, was underscored by none other than GECOM’s Legal Officer, Excellence Dazzell. It must be noted that the November 2018 Local Government Elections was held with the very list without complaints from any of the contesting political parties.” The Parliamentary Opposition insists that GECOM cannot be allowed to perpetrate any delay of General and Regional Elections, once they become due – more so, if they are ordered by the Caribbean Court of Justice. The GECOM Chairman, despite attempts at an invited comment, remains unresponsive on the issue.

ast week, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward, have mid-June 2019 is the start date for new national house-to-house registration. However, on Tuesday (June 4, 2019), government-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Charles Corbin, admitted that there are procurement issues that are still to be addressed – hence the delay in a starting the controversial house-tohouse registration. The nature of the procurement issues have not been addressed in detail. Notably, procurement at GECOM has been a sore issue. Audits were conducted at GECOM following the 2015 General Elections. The Auditor General’s office prepared three reports based on their investiga-

tions into the procurement of radios totaling $100M, the purchase of pliers and the procurement of toners. The GECOM Secretariat had been accused of deliberately overseeing a system of procurement irregularities involving hundreds of millions of dollars in purchases – from radios, to pliers and batteries, to toners. Auditor General Deodat Sharma and his team had descended on the GECOM office to investigate worrisome procurement practices at the entity. One of the activities for the 2015 general elections was the purchase of several communication radios. It was found that less than 90 percent of the radios were used, despite advocacy by GECOM to the administration for the purchases. Some $100M

was spent. The Commission had secured 50 radio sets specifically for use at the 2015 elections. Auditors found that only five of the sets were issued prior to the elections. This means that 45 of the 50 radio sets valued at approximately $89.604 million were not utilized. The report found that on top of that purchase for the radios, which were all outdated, GECOM went ahead and bought 12 satellite phones for use, in case the radios could not be put into operation. When Local Government Elections were held in 2016, the radios were still not used. The Auditor General’s office had recommended disciplinary action” be taken against officers guilty of negligence or wrongdoing. However, no such move was ever made.

Probe into GECOM’s hiring practices…

Benn says Gov’t Commissioners trying to prevent review of ERC report T he Government-nominated Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioners are deliberately working to prevent the review of the report by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), according to Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Robeson Benn. “There is obviously an interest in burying the report and making sure it does not meet the sub-committee for re-examination,” he said on Tuesday (June 4, 2019). The ERC handed its report of its investigation to Guyana Elections since Tuesday, March 19, 2019. The ERC was tasked with probing the hiring practices of GECOM following a complaint lodged by the three Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners. The call for an investigation came after the topranked candidate applying for the post of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) –

Vishnu Persaud – was passed over for the post. The three Opposition-nominated Commissioners, in a joint complaint letter, called for a full investigation on the hiring practices at GECOM last year. The Opposition-nominated Commissioners charged that the state of affairs is “clearly indicative of a larger issue at the Guyana Elections Commission, which has an adverse effect on ethnic relations and harmony in Guyana.” The ERC report detailed non-cooperation by the GECOM Chairman, James Patterson, as well as the Human Resources Manager, Marcia Crawford and the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Roxanne Myers. Page 29 of the report said: “The sub-committee was considerably handicapped by the failure of the following persons to appear: Ms. Roxanne Myers, Deputy Chief Elections Office of GECOM;

Ms. Marcia Crawford, Human Resources Manager, GECOM; and Justice James Patterson (Rtd) (to produce documents…).” The report added, “This failure cannot be described as anything other than deliberate and willful…the failure of these persons to assist the sub-Committee (of the ERC) in this inquiry is nothing but a clear and inexcusable dereliction of their public duty… it can also be seen as putting their own personal interests above their public duty.” The ERC report noted too that “by all objective criteria, Mr. Persaud was, on the available evidence, the most qualified candidate for appointment to the position of DCEO.” During last week’s statutory meeting at GECOM, the Government-nominated GECOM Commissioners also argued against action based on the recommendations included in the ERC’s report.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

The Bottom Line – A look at issues affecting cost of living in Guyana

Hinterland communities call Linden/Lethem road described as a ‘death trap’ for gov’t intervention after main access road washes away by bus operators W T ith the four-month long rainy season having just started in the hinterland region, the main access road for two major indigenous communities has already been cut off. Toshao of Aishalton Michael Thomas disclosed that a location some 12 miles from his village is in a deplorable state and in dire need for emergency works. This location has been washing away over the last two years during the rainy season,

he Linden to Lethem trail has deteriorated, yet again, as the rainy season persists. And minibus operators plying the Lethem and Mahdia routes have complained bitterly of the deteriorating conditions of the trail which they are forced to use to transport passengers and goods as a means of earning their daily bread. Several bus operators have described the trail as a “death trap” and criticized the the Public Infrastructure Ministry for paying zero interest in conducting long-term repairs to that trail which is the only access to those areas. The trail has been in a deteriorated state for years and worsens during the rainy seasons after which minor substandard repairs are done on certain patches and the problem continues to recur. It is unclear what action the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will take. The Linden to Lethem trail required regular maintenance work.

but this time around, the damage is greater. According to the Toshao, the hole in the road is two meters deep and is wider. Additionally, the culverts have broken in half. The damage has cut off all vehicular traffic moving from Lethem to Aishalton, as well as seven other surrounding villages. The alternative route requires an additional 60 miles of driving. As a result of this destruction, the transport of

fuel and other supplies to the cut off communities has been affected. Toshao Thomas explained that in 2017, the village received assistance from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to fix the road, and last year, help was provided from the Brazilian Army which was in Guyana to drill wells in the Rupununi. This time around, the Toshao believes assistance from central government may be required.

Massive increase in trade licence fees

usiness owners this year are faced with a massive increase in their trade licence fees. Persons renewing their trade licence in 2018 paid a $5,000 fee. In 2019, the business owners are being made to pay a whopping $50,000. The increased cost of doing business in Guyana has added to the increased cost of living, with no sign of relief, since the APNU+AFC Coalition took office. The increase in cost of living – expenditures on basics – was confirmed by the 2018 Annual Report released by the Bank of Guyana. The report said, “The domestic basket of food cost increased by 3.0 percent, which reflected higher prices of fruits, meat, fish & eggs,

Drug shortages affect dental, family planning services offered at Lethem Hospital

alcoholic beverages & intoxicants and milk & milk products by 10.9 percent, 8.2 percent, 4.2 percent and 2.3 percent respectively.” It added that there were also increases in the transportation and communications category, which registered an increase of 1.9 percent relative to 1.1 percent decline at

end-Dec 2017. “The sub-category of operation/personal transport (tyres, gas, parts & repairs) increased by 9.8 percent compared to an 8.3 percent decline at end-Dec 2017,” the report said. The APNU+AFC Coalition has been silent on the contents of the Bank of Guyana report.

hortages of drugs and medical supplies continue to plague local health centers, particularly those in the hinterland region. Reports from the Lethem Regional Public Hospital, Region 9, are that tooth extractions, among other dental procedures, have been halted because of a shortage of anesthesia. Health professionals have been unable to say when supplies will reach the Lethem Regional Public Hospital. Additionally, for the past few months, there have been shortages affecting the delivery of family planning services at the Lethem Regional

Public Hospital. Injections available to women to support family planning ran out since March 2019. In January 2019, for the first time, Government has admitted that there is a problem – a problem that has worsened since the APNU+AFC Coalition Government took office. Junior Health Minister, Karen Cummings, addressing the reports of shortages from several health facilities across the country, particularly those on the West Demerara, said, “This is a time where we’ve been hearing more complaints since we’ve come into office.”

The Coalition Government continues to fail to address the months-long problem of shortages of drugs and medical supplies, especially in the hinterland areas. Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, had stated revised drug procurement system which will bring resolution to the ongoing drug shortage throughout the country is expected to be implemented by June 2016. After taking office, the APNU+AFC government scrapped the old method used to procure and deliver drugs and medical supplies across Guyana, despite the fact that it worked.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

‘Significant progress made under successive PPP/C administrations to improve welfare of Amerindians’ LEGISLATION

The Amerindian Act 2006 is an embodiment of policies that cover the protection of the general welfare and rights of Indigenous Peoples. It affirms the declaration of rights of indigenous peoples in specific stipulations that include governance, land rights and preservation, and Amerindian heritage. Passed a year before the UN-DRIP declaration, Guyana’s 2006 Amerindian Act includes key provisions relating to Amerindian people that are not dissimilar, in most instances, from those outlined in the declaration, and has thus been the legal stronghold for Amerindian development. TOURISM SUPPORT

In 2012, the Ministry financed eco-tourism projects for 19 Villages, each receiving utmost $1.5M. In 2013, twenty villages will be receiving grants at $1.5M each to the eco-tourism industry in their respective regions. The initial implementation of the first 27 Community Development Plans (CDPs) funded through the GRIF, 11 % account for projects that are related to ecotourism. HEALTH

The Amerindian Hostel data on inpatients reflect access to medical services at Georgetown Public Hospital thereby reducing further aggravation of health situations of Hinterland patients and providing better access to quality health services; safe and adequate accommodation for patients and welfare cases help ensure the psychological health and general well-being of those that are affected by sickness and other social issues. The fact that all villages have a health hut/health centre makes access to primary health care easier in villages and thus improving health conditions of villagers. Amerindian Residence accommodated a total of 7017 patients with their accompanying relatives up to 2014. The Residence provides a shelter for those patients who have been referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention. Over the years, the purpose of this facility had evolved such that the most significant proportion of persons being accommodated is patients and those accompanying them. The Residence has also expanded its services to encompass persons in difficult situations including Domestic Violence, Trafficking in Persons, labour issues, discharged prisoners or any other similar situation. The Maternity waiting room at the Amerindian Hostel was constructed at a cost of $1.2M. The aim of the new facility is in keeping with Government’s commitment to ensure the safety of mothers and their babies and to ensure that every mother and child have access to adequate health care and provided with the best care and treatment. SOLAR PANEL AND ENERGY ACCESS

A total of 11, 000 solar panels were installed across all the regions. A mini-hydro power plant is about to be constructed in Cheung Mouth River to supply renewable energy to Region 8 villages. An additional 6000 solar panels are being procured for distribution to additional communities including some riverine communities CORE HOMES/HOME SUBSIDIES

A sum of $107.2M was spent on home improvement and 127 Core home were completed in the hinterlands

GOVERNANCE

Every year since the passing of the Amerindian Act, MoAA hosted the Annual National Toshaos Council Meeting (with an average budget of $50 M) to build capacity on: • Best practices in governance that includes transparency and accountability (audits); • Improved leadership for Toshaos and Village Councils in accordance to the Amerindian Act 2006; • Improved Community Management geared towards a holistic approach in Community Development; • Promoting dialog with government officials for the advancement of Amerindian welfare and total development of Amerindian villages; • Providing an opportunity for All Amerindian elected leaders to be able to have dialogue and exchanges on development priorities which challenges them; and • To provide a platform for the Amerindian Leaders have direct access to Government Ministers to dialogue on development challenges in various sectors and finding solutions ADF-GRIF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLANS

A total of 187 Amerindian Villages and Communities were considered for economic projects under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) - Guyana REDD+Investment Fund (GRIF). Some US$6.3M from GRIF is allotted for said projects under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF). Twenty- Seven (27) projects from across all regions have been chosen for the initial implementation of the project which has commenced early part of 2013 with a budget of US$1.8M. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of all the projects are in agriculture with the aim of securing Amerindian livelihoods. ADF Project Management Unit were up and running to facilitate full implementation of 160 CDPs. CULTURE

The preservation and promotion of Amerindian heritage is germane to Amerindian’s identity. The cultural activities have been the media for Amerindian culture to be accepted and understood by other groups in Guyana, at the same time, an avenue for all Amerindians to celebrate their heritage and embrace their indigenous roots and identity. By continuing to protect Amerindian culture, Amerindians are able to understand the significance of their dances, languages, practices, local knowledge, cuisine, crafts, songs, and literature to the total development of their villages. The government is cognizant of the fact that culture is one of the pillars of sustainable development, and without it, and then development is not fully achieved. Some $25M was spent on average annually in for Amerindian Heritage Celebrations to promote traditions, values, literature , dances of Amerindians. Another $6M was spent annually for other cultural activities The Initiatives include: Arawak Revival Language Project launched in Capoey; Support to Cultural Expo (North Pakaraimas) - $5M; and Support to cultural groups of Aisalton ($1.4M) and Santa Rosa ($7M) OTHER INVESTMENTS

• Mining including gold, diamond, various metals, bauxite • Forestry • Agriculture • Information Communication and Technology- 99 hubs were completed by 2014 to accommodate the computers 20 in number to commence the computer literacy training of youths, women and residents including children.

LAND OWNERSHIP

Prior to 1992, 74 communities were titled. Since, then 24 more villages were granted titles, thereby bringing the total of titled villages to 98, seventy-seven of which had been demarcated. Six (6) titles were to be approved prior to May 2015 and seven (7) extension were investigated and in preparation for approval While Indigenous people in many Countries have right of use of the Land only, in Guyana where the Indigenous People account for approximately 9.7% of the population, Amerindians own land, including the forests resources within their Titled Lands. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT/SUPPORT

The MoAA has launched the Youth Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) aimed to train young Amerindians while employing them at the same time and become powerful partners in development. Some $200M was spent on YEAP in 2013. Focus was placed on developing 2,000 Community Support Officers (CSOs) participate productively in Education, Health, and Social Welfare, Community Development, Culture, ICT, Infrastructure and small business. The CSOs received training in various areas, including: • Management of Photovoltaic System • Management of Basic ICT hardware • Governance & Amerindian Act • Youth Voices for Climate Change (Sponsored by the US Embassy/Caribbean Development Bank educate youths on the importance of Climate Change and its impact in the Caribbean) • Business & Sustainable Development • Various aspect of the Community Development Project training The Youth Apprenticeship Programme was aimed at training young Amerindians while employing them at the same time is a medium to empower the young as partners in national development. These youths will be our partners in the implementation of CDPs and other socio-economic activities that are taking place in the villages now. The inclusion of the young in gearing their villages towards progress by letting them participate productively in technical, mechanical, computer, and agricultural activities will definitely enhance the capacity of the villages’ human resources. AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT

Tractors, farm implements, fertilizers, acoushi ant bait, irrigation systems, and other infrastructures provided for villages every year An average of $50M per year was given in agricultural support for various villages through the years COMMUNICATION

Computer Accessibility through 100 computer hubs commenced in 2013. Some $287.7M was allotted for solar systems for ICT hubs; and 57,000 person-beneficiaries. As at 2014: 72 of these hubs are completed;9 hubs near completion and the HUBs were constructed into Regions of 1, 7, 8 and 9. All villages now have radio sets for fast communication, each one costs $500,000 Telecommunication facilities built in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Red Hill, Morucca, Aishalton, Annai, Lethem, Ominaik, and Mahdia, thus improving communication in the hinterlands!

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

PPP/C details priorities to be included in Manifesto ahead of General and Regional Elections The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders is working on a detailed Manifesto, which will elaborate on the Party’s policies for improving the lives of all Guyanese.

Some of the priority actions of the next PPP/C Government will be to: 1. Restore– the $10,000 cash grant to school children. The APNU+AFC took away $1.67B per year, a total of $8.35B from Guyanese children. 2. Reinstate the water subsidies to pensioners. The APNU+AFC removed $500M in subsidies per year amounting to a $2.5B burden that had to be paid by our elderly. 3. Reverse VAT on essential services including water, electricity, and health care. The APNU+AFC imposed this on Citizens which led to billions in tax collection from Guyanese people and escalated the cost of living. 4. Reopen the closed sugar estates. Over 7,000 persons lost their jobs directly and another 4,000 lost their livelihoods indirectly. 5. Restore zero-rated VAT for machinery and equipment for agricultural, mining and forestry industries. For example, a tractor or excavator now attracts in excess of $5M in additional taxes. 6. Reverse cost of license and permits for doing business and accessing Government services. The APNU + AFC increased over 200 fees, e.g. vending licenses increased from $12,500 to a burdensome $65,000. This, added to the cost of living, hampered small business development. 7. Reverse land rents and drainage and irrigation charges. These have moved up in varying degrees, from $2,500 to $293,000 per acre, a policy that is suffocating many sectors including agriculture and tourism. 8. Remove age limits on vehicles. The APNU+AFC added at least $1M to the cost per vehicle, an unnecessary hardship for those aspiring to own a vehicle, especially young people. 9. Remove the restriction on used tyres. The imposition of this restriction increased the cost of tyres by 300%. 10. Reverse VAT on exports. 11. Reverse VAT on building materials. 12. Reinstate the joint services bonus. The APNU+AFC in a Grinch-like move took away the Christmas bonus from the joint services. 13. Remove VAT on data. The APNU+AFC has taxed the internet and your cell phone data. 14. Reverse the 2 A.M curfew. The arrogant implementation of this measure has not helped to address the noise nuisance issue and has affected quality of life and hurt job creation and businesses.

In addition to correcting these draconian impositions, the next PPP/C Government pledges to: 1. Create 50,000 jobs in the first five years. 2. Assist small businesses through the implementation of programmes to help small businesses grow by providing technical advice, small grants, loans, and training for workers. Women entrepreneurship will receive special attention. 3. Deliver 8,000 to 10,000 new house lots per year. 4. Implement a programme for affordable financing for home ownership. 5. Deliver quality health care and end drug shortages. 6. Improve the quality of and access to education at every level including offering 20,000 persons online University education. 7. Implement measures to expand the capability and increase the effectiveness of the security forces so that people can once again feel protected in their homes, on the streets and in workplaces. 8. Create conditions for our young people to prosper, realise their dreams and to involve them in all levels of Government. 9. Ensure better working conditions and remuneration for teachers, healthcare workers and other public servants. 10. Improve infrastructure (roads, wharves, bridges, airstrips, drainage etc) in Georgetown, other Towns and Villages across Guyana. 11. Extend and improve Government services and ICT on the Coast and in the Hinterland. 12. Ensure that revenue from Oil and Gas is not squandered and stolen and leads to the improvement of the lives of ALL GUYANESE. 13. Create the conditions and strengthen the institutions to expand and protect the civil, cultural and human rights of all Guyanese. 14. Improve governance, including expanding and strengthening measures aimed at fighting corruption. 15. Protect our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The PPP/C has said that it is time to restore Guyana to the path of progress and prosperity. Since taking office, the APNU+AFC cabal has put forward five budgets, spent $1.3 trillion, borrowed US $ 900M and increased taxes by approximately $88B per annum. They are spending every year $1.6 B more for food allowances, $1.1B more for rentals, $1.2B more for local travel among other things, as part of their extravagant lifestyle. Meanwhile over 30,000 Guyanese have lost their jobs. The cost of living has skyrocketed and health care, education and quality of life have deteriorated rapidly.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

GuySuCo, NICIL fight escalates….

Use of $30B bond remains mired in controversy S

ince July 13, 2018, the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) has disbursed $7.420 billion to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in nine payments – without receiving evidence of how this money is being used by the entity. This is according to NICIL’s Special Purpose Unit (SPU) Head Colvin Heath-London, who was at the time Four disbursements were made in 2018 and five this year. The last disbursement was also the largest, $1.442 billion on April 5, 2019. But according to London, GuySuCo has not been forthcoming with information on how the money is being used, something that is proving problematic for bondholders. “When the bond was being negotiated with the bondholders, a plan was put forward and the bondholders agreed to a certain path for-

ward on what the proceeds for the bond should be used for. We’ve had challenges where the bondholders and the trustees are not happy with the information coming from NICIL. Because as part of the arrangement, we’re supposed to provide to the bondholders evidence of what the proceeds are being used for. We have not been able to do that to date. GuySuCo is still to provide that detailed information,” Heath-London said. However, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has hit back – saying the SPU is attempting to make it the scapegoat for its own shortcomings. “They are making us the scapegoat for what are their shortcomings… if you are implying that we are misappropriating funds, we take that very seriously,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GuySuCo Harold Davis said. According to Heath-Lon-

don, the disbursements were supposed to meet operational needs like the payment of salaries. He was asked why, if GuySuCo is not accounting for how it is actually using the monies, NICIL continued to disburse billions. Heath-London said the SPU continued paying the money out of good faith and the need to continue financing GuySuCo as a going concern. Davis dismissed the claims that payments are made and GuySuCo did provide the SPU with information. “We are an independent business [but] we still provided all the information they needed,” he said. Notably, GuySuCo’s management has maintained that it has been left in the dark on the terms of the $30 billion bond secured for the corporation. Davis said, “It is unfortunate that we were not involved at the press conference

at the same time and could refute and outline what the truth is but they did not invite us… they never invite us,” Davis said. Davis disclosed too that he, in collaboration with the GuySuCo Public Relations Officer Audreyanna Thomas, are compiling an in-depth response to the allegations levelled against the corporation. NO TRANSPARENCY Last week, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, highlighted the fact that there securing of a $30B bond by National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), under the instructions of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, was done without transparency. He added that the developments since then have continued along the same pattern – no accountability or transparency. Jagdeo noted statements

by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, who, early last week, said the interest is $1.6B, with payments to be made every six months. Jordan said the first interest payment was made on May 24, 2019, while the next one is due in November 2019. Already $132M has been paid in interest. The Opposition Leader, in response said, “They are handling the money as if it is their personal money, when the fact is that taxpayers have to pay back for it.” In the latter part of June 2018, a leaked document - ‘The Private Placement Memorandum’ – details the arrangements of the $30B fixed rate bond. The document shows that NICIL plans to sell off assets of GuySuCo, including land, to help pay off the $30B, plus interest, that it has borrowed. The document shows that NICIL expects to start selling of GuySuCo lands in 2018 and expects

to collect $14B in 2018 and another $22B in 2019. “The cash generated from operations appears sufficient to service the coupon and repayment of the principal for the bond facility,” the document said on page 14. The document also explains that the move to issue the Bonds, at a 4.75 per cent interest rate, is a five-year agreement. Interest is payable semi-annually, starting October 2018. The Bonds will mature in April 2023. Also, the bonds have been issued “free and clear” of all corporate taxes. It has also been issued 355 basis points above one-year Bank of Guyana Treasury Bills. Additionally, the bonds have been secured by a government guarantee. The 17-page document said the $30B bond facility is being arranged by Republic Bank, raising questions as to the amount of fees that are being paid to the bank.

Holding the APNU+AFC Coalition to account – a review of local happenings

SARA: an agency embroiled in its own imbroglio By Anil Nandlall

rom the outset, I want to make it abundantly clear that I support investigations into decisions made and transactions done by public officers, including the Executive President, in respect of assets of the State, once there is a basis for such investigations. I apprehend this to be one of the cornerstones of accountable, transparent and good governance. Both the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, himself a former President, and former President, Donald Ramotar, have publicly declared that they welcome any investigation into the allocation of oil mining blocks to the

recipients under the PPP Administration. Expectedly, they both demanded that the investigations be done by a reputable international agency. Unsurprisingly, they both opined that the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) is not qualified to conduct such investigations. With these sentiments, I fully concur. It is an uncontroverted fact that SARA is deeply politically tainted, entrenched and influenced. This disability is aggravated by an aura of unconstitutionality which envelops its governing legislation and is compounded by a stain of illegality surrounding the appointment of its two most senior functionaries. From its inception, the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU), the precursor to SARA, was conceived in and birthed from, the political womb of the Ministry of the Presidency. There it spent its weaning months where it was nourished from monies out of the budget of that political agency. In that political epicenter, its three main officers were handpicked by the political czars, absolutely devoid of transparency or accountabil-

ity and without resort to a competitive process. Professor Clive Thomas is a known politician and a leader of the Working Peoples’ Alliance (WPA), one of the political parties in the Coalition Government. While in SARU, he was quoted almost weekly in the press, expressing very jaundiced and conclusive views on a number of areas of endeavours which were to become the subject of investigations by SARA, long before these investigations commenced. These premonitions, without more, illustrated an arrival at verdicts, long before the probing begun. His open hostility to the PPP and its supporters made the matter more toxic. Aubrey Retemyer was a leading member of the US chapter of the PNC. Now at home, there is no doubt that he would have transformed into a regularized and locally-domiciled patron of Congress Place. Eric Phillips’ long association with the PNC is well documented and he is also one of the political advisers to President David Granger; his ethno-driven ideology will always be perceived to impair his objectivity in a society like ours.

These are the three leading officers of SARA. Their political groundings, party affiliations and ideologies, ipso facto, disqualify them from being independent, professional and apolitical, all of which are requisites for the holders of offices in any investigative arm of the State. Irrespective of how professional may be their intentions and actions, the political stench which they emit contaminates anything that they do in the eyes of the public. More than half of the society perceive them as political apparatchiks with hatchets in hand. That is the cold, hard reality. Additionally, pending in the High Court is litigation which challenges the constitutionality of almost every provision of the SARA Act. These proceedings will certainly not end in the High Court. They journey all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). This challenge, therefore, will be extant for the next five years, at a minimum. Moreover, the Director and Deputy Director of SARA simply transitioned themselves from SARU into SARA when the SARA Act came into force.

They were never appointed in accordance with the Act neither were their terms and conditions determined in accordance with the Act. The schedule of the SARA Act provides that, “the National Assembly shall, by a simple majority and on the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments, appoint the Director and the Deputy Director of SARA.” Professor Thomas and Mr. Retemyer, who purport to be the Director and Deputy Director, respectively, of SARA, were never appointed by this process. The schedule of the Act also provides that, “the terms and conditions of the appointment of the Director and Deputy Directors, including their terms of office, shall be determined by the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments.” The National Assembly has had nothing to do with either the appointments or fixing the terms and conditions of employment of neither Thomas nor Retemyer. The schedule of the SARA Act further compels the Director to prepare a report at the end of each financial year, detailing how

the agency has discharged its functions, its annual plans for the financial year and costs associated thereto, along with monies credited to the agency. This statement is required to be laid by the subject Minister in the National Assembly. As far as I am aware, no such report was ever laid in the National Assembly and SARA has been in existence since 2017. Additionally, yours truly has filed legal proceedings challenging the legality of the appointments of Professor Thomas and Mr. Retemyer. Those proceedings are pending in the High Court. In the end, we have the constitutionality of the SARA Act being the subject of a legal challenge, the two most senior functionaries of SARA holding office illegally and the agency, itself, contravening its superintendent legislation by not laying its Annual Report in the National Assembly. An agency so embroiled in its own implosive illegalities, must be disqualified by any standard, from being a professional investigative unit. No educated, civilized society will repose public trust and confidence where so many legal issues abound.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

Less than six months into 2019…

Guyana’s growth rate revised downwards

uring his budget 2019 speech in December 2018, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had announced that real economic growth is expected to be 4.6 per cent in 2019. However, figures released recently by the Bank of Guyana show that this growth projection has been revised downwards. According to the central bank in its 2018 Annual Report, Guyana’s economy is actually projected to grow by just over four per cent by the end of 2019. For 2018, several various productive sectors are expected to record only single digit growth rates. “The agriculture sector is expected to increase by 3.2 per cent, due to the increases in other crops

by 4.0 per cent, production of rice by 3.4 per cent and the output of sugar by 3.2 per cent,” the report said. It added, “The mining and quarrying sector is forecasted to expand by 3.4 per cent due to increases in the production of bauxite by 10.0 per cent and gold by 1.7 per cent. The services industry is estimated to grow by 3.7 per cent on account of higher outturns of wholesale and retail trade by 5.0 per cent and transportation and storage activities by 3.5 per cent.” It is also projected that inflation rates would be measured at 2.5 per cent owing to moderate increases in food and fuel prices. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), has

previously warned that with the prevailing uncertainty in Guyana regarding elections (and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling on last year’s no-confidence motion), political uncertainty can have a significant impact on Guyana’s preparations for first oil and the overall economy. This warning was included in the Bank’s country economic review of Guyana for 2018, the year in which a government was toppled after a no-confidence vote was passed for the first time in Guyana’s history. Guyana’s economic growth rate was 4.1 per cent in 2018 and 2.1 per cent growth in 2017.

Bank of Guyana report confirms increased cost of living, decreased domestic spending T he increase in cost of living – expenditures on basics – was confirmed by the 2018 Annual Report released by the Bank of Guyana. The report said, “The domestic basket of food cost increased by 3.0 percent, which reflected higher prices of fruits, meat, fish & eggs, alcoholic beverages & intoxicants and milk & milk products by 10.9 percent, 8.2 percent, 4.2 percent and 2.3 percent respectively.” It added that there were also increases in the transportation and communications category, which registered an increase of 1.9 percent relative to 1.1 percent decline at end-Dec 2017. “The sub-category of operation/personal transport (tyres, gas, parts & repairs) increased by 9.8 percent

compared to an 8.3 percent decline at end-Dec 2017,” the report said. The Bank of Guyana report stated too that other price indices that registered increases were medical care and health services, as well as miscellaneous good and services by 2.1 percent and

0.4 percent respectively. Conversely, the report noted that there were declines in the price indices of recreation and culture, clothing and furniture by 1.7 percent, 1.6 percent and 1.3 percent respectively – all attributed to decreased domestic spending.

Public consumption under Granger-led gov’t increases to almost $150B

he 2018 Annual Report released by the Bank of Guyana recorded massive increases in public consumption, under the David Granger-led APNU+AFC Coalition Government. The report said, “Public consumption expenditure increased by 13.9 per cent to

G$143.7 billion from G$126.2 billion in 2017. This was attributed to increased expenditure on employment costs, goods and services and transfer payments.” This increase comes even as Public sector employment declined by 11.1 percent at end-2018.

Guyana’s public external debt, servicing to increase in 2019 - BoG The Bank of Guyana 2018 Annual report projects an increase in Guyana’s external debt stock for 2019. The report said, “The stock of outstanding public external debt is projected to increase by 5.6 percent to US$1,370 million at the end of 2019. This outturn is expected to be on account of higher multilateral and bilateral debt by 8.2 percent and 2.2 percent to US$834 million and US$503 million respectively. “Liabilities to IADB and CDB are forecasted to increase by 5.1 percent and 3.2 percent to US$535 million and US$154 million respec-

tively. “Liabilities to the EximBank of China are also estimated to increase by 2.1 percent to US$204 million while liabilities to Venezuela are likely to decline by 4.2 percent to US$110 million.” The report also noted massive increases in debt servicing. It said, “Total external debt service payments are projected to increase by 3.6 percent to US$80 million during 2019 compared with US$77 million in 2018, resulting primarily from an increase in principal and interest payments to multilateral creditors.

Principal payments are expected to increase by 1.6 percent to US$56 million while interest payments are projected to increase by 8.7 percent to US$24 million. Payments to multilateral creditors are likely to rise by 9.0 percent to US$43 million, while payments to bilateral creditors are expected to decline by 2.9 percent to US$35 million.” The APNU+AFC Coalition government continues to come in for criticism because of its decisions that increase Guyana’s public debt; not only external, but also at the domestic level.

Unemployment recorded in productive, public sectors P ublic sector employment declined by 11.1 percent at end-2018, according to the 2018 Annual Report released by the Bank of Guyana. “There was lower recruitment in the core civil services by 0.5 percent, which represented 63.1 percent of total public sector employment,” it said. The report added, “In the rest of the public sector, employment fell by 29.4 percent. Employment in public corporations contracted on account of lower recruitment by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and financial institutions by 39.2 percent and 0.6 percent respectively.” The decline in public sector employment accords with comments by President David Granger – who, in 2016, had made it clear that government does not owe people employment. Granger, in a May 2016 broadcast of ‘The Public Interest’ noted that the Government does not have jobs to give out. “We need to change from the mindset that government owes people employment and create in the minds of young people the desire to go out there and work and do well…people even while they are in school will be encouraged to go into business rather than to look forward to jobs in

the private sector,” he said. Also, the Bank of Guyana noted that while private sector employment data is unavailable, developments were mixed in the private labour market. “The local gold mining and fishing industries experienced reduced employment,” it said. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government failed to deliver on its promise of job creation, since taking office in May 2015. The promise made by the Coalition during the 2015 General and Regional elections campaign was that it would “create jobs, jobs and more jobs in the shortest time possible.” Four years later, the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, is yet to unveil a national plan to create jobs. Instead, like President Granger, he has talked up the focus on persons creating jobs for themselves. “All good paying jobs, as far as I am concerned, can come from self-generation and that is why we have to focus a lot on small and medium businesses, creating entrepreneurs rather than traders out of people,” Jordan has said. Meanwhile, President Granger had admitted that under his Government, the economy has not been able to produce “sufficient” new

jobs. “On one hand I believe that the young people themselves have to stay in schools so they are better qualified. On the other hand, I think investors must allow what you call microenterprise to flourish, particularly in agro-processing,” he had said, adding that it is his intention to engage the private sector to create funds for microenterprise, which can serve as a lending facility to young people. Notably, the plan for microenterprise funding was not included in the APNU+AFC manifesto. In a message from Granger, the manifesto stated that the APNU+AFC Coalition will provide: “Employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mining, agro-processing and the arts to provide jobs and promote economic growth.” The manifesto also promised that public expenditure measures would be determined by related factors, which include: Stimulating productivity, investment, savings and growth of the economy; and the provision of jobs, among other moves. “The APNU+AFC objective is an integrated employment strategy,” the manifesto added. In the meantime, job creation concerns continue to grow, Guyana’s economic performance worsens.

US ups Guyana’s crime warning categorization T

he United States of America (USA) Department of State has sent a stringent warning to all its citizens, urging them to exercise caution when visiting Guyana due to the evident spike in the country’s crime rate. In a statement on its website, the Department stated there is a frequency of violent crimes, commonly armed robbery and murder. It specifically highlighted that the Police network is hindered to effectively alleviate these incidents due to the lack of resources. “Violent crimes such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Local Police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents,” the notice stated. It further advised all travellers from the United States to be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs and avoid walking or driving in the nights. Persons were also advised not to resist any robbery attempts they might encounter and desist from

displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery. The Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP) was recommended to locate victims during an emergency. In Guyana’s Crime and Safety Report for 2018, which was created by the State Department, Georgetown was assessed as “a critical-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official US Government interests”. It was indicated that the country’s crime statistics is above national average. It categorised local criminals based on their choice of weapons of local criminals and targets, some of whom are American citizens. However, Police Officers are also the victims in some cases. “Criminals regularly use weapons, despite a rigorous licensing requirement to own firearms. Handguns, knives, machetes, or cutlasses tend to be the weapons of choice. Criminals may act brazenly, and Police Officers

have been both victims and perpetrators of assaults and shootings. Criminals are increasingly willing to resort to violence while committing all types of crimes. Criminals are often organised, travel in groups of two or more, and conduct surveillance on their victims. Criminals generally will not hesitate to show multiple weapons as an intimidation tactic during a robbery,” the report stated. The report added, “Foreigners in general are viewed as targets of opportunity, but Americans are not specifically targeted. Foreigners are very visible in public and should take precautions when visiting downtown areas. Most violent crimes against foreigners have occurred in the capital. However, there have been incidents of violent crimes committed in other parts of the country as well.” Guyana’s crime rate is concentrated in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), but there are significant cases in other parts of the coast.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

APNU+AFC plays down increased worries about crime situation

espite the issuance of a travel advisory by the US State Department, due to increased levels of crime in Guyana, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government insists that Guyana is a safe place. Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, last week said: “From the level of Cabinet, I wish to give assurance to locals and people abroad that Guyana is a safe place to live, work, and invest.” He added, “…It (the US advisory) is not something we can say we are happy about because when people read these things they think twice [about] travelling and investing in your country. So we cannot say we are ever happy about such advisories which speak to the security of our state.” Harmon said nothing about his government’s failures, relative to the plan that President David Granger hailed as the one that will ‘end all crime’ in Guyana. On January 18, 2018, Granger accepted the Report of the Security Sector Reform Project (SSRP), which was presented to him by United Kingdom’s Security Reform Programme Senior Advisor, Colonel Russell Combe. He had assured that the plan will be laid in the National Assembly. This assurance of action was supposed to have been realised since October 2018. That was seven months ago – and over a year since Granger received the report. Additionally, the contents of the report remain secret and there has been no official move to operationalise the plan.

This is despite the fact that, in 2018, Granger himself admitted to need to roll out measures to address the crime situation. He had said. “We are deeply concerned about the security situation and the sooner we implement those reforms, I think, the better.” When he received the report, the President had said that the report was the start of security reform in Guyana. He had said, “We are now trying to correct the errors of over two decades of mismanagement of the security sector. There is a lot of work to do.” Notably, in 2018, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government was criticized for the poor handling of the crime situation in Guyana when the United States of America (USA) State Department released its assessment of the crime situation in Guyana. The report states that it has “assessed Georgetown as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime” affecting its own government interests. The “critical threat” description is a first, when compared to the 2017 and 2016 reports. The report added that, “The general crime rate in Guyana is above” the country’s own national average. URGENT ACTION NEEDED Meanwhile,, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, earlier this month stated that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has proven itself incapable of responding to crime and he was no holds barred in rapping President David Granger for the failure. He noted that prior to

May 2015, Granger presented himself to the Guyanese people as the ‘man with a plan’ and the skills of former security personnel on his team to ensure that the “root cause” of crime is addressed. The Opposition Leader noted too that in January 2018, Granger, on receiving the Combe report, claimed that attempts under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration to reform the country’s security sector “all a bluff” and the completion of the report represented an effort to “make Guyana safe” and secure. Jagdeo pointed out too that it has been over a year since Granger received the report and crime is increasingly ravaging communities. “He said that narco-trafficking was the source of crime and this was the disease….he claimed that narco-trafficking eliminated, but how is it that we see this massive escalation in crime?” he asked. The Opposition Leader added that in February 2018, Granger declared that crime was the greatest impediment to human safety and prosperity. “This is what he said. What has he done? There has been no direction, no leadership. He has a Minister [of Public Security] who is more interested in playing politics and imbibing…a minister whose utterances are more often than not seen as comical because of the lack of seriousness. This Minister is failure. Granger takes ultimate responsibility. And he has done nothing,” Jagdeo said. The Opposition Leader stressed the need for urgent action to arrest the increase in crime.

Ramjattan maintains that ‘crime is down’

inister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, says that he is willing to meet with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) regarding their concerns about crime. But he insisted that serious crime is down, while suggesting that stories on the front pages of the media might gave the perception that there is an upsurge. “They constitute an important body of people and I would certainly meet them,’ Ramjattan said yesterday, in response to the PSC’s request for an urgent meeting with him and Commissioner of Police Leslie James. He added, “It seems

that they don’t believe my statistics. Serious crime is down, but if you get it every day on the front pages.” Last week, the Private Sector Commission weighed in on the crime issue, describing the situation as frightening and disturbing. In a statement released on Wednesday (May 29, 2019), the PSC said, “The Governance and Security Committee of the Private Sector Commission met yesterday (Tuesday, May 28, 2019) to address the increasing and wide-spread public concern over the manifestly frightening and disturbing incidents of vio-

lent crime across the country. The Committee decided to request a joint meeting with the Minister of Public Security and Commissioner of Police on the matter. “While the Private Sector Commission acknowledges the most recent success of the police in confronting violent crime in Berbice and recognises the continuing efforts of the police to meet this growing challenge threatening the safety and wellbeing of every citizen, the Commission believes that much more can and should be done to meet this challenge.” The PSC said it was also “deeply concerned” that in-

sufficient progress is being made with regards to the implementation of Security Sector Reform. The PSC said, “The Commission believes that there is considerable room for enhancement in intelligence gathering and analysis than is currently in place. The Commission is convinced of the need for significantly greater human and financial resources being placed at the disposal of the police force.” Earlier this month, Ramjattan insisted that Guyana is not in “really bad state”. “Sometimes this thing is emblazoned across the front pages of newspapers giving

the impression as though we are in a real bad state, [but it’s] not really true,” he was quoted as saying. However, this analysis of the escalating crime situation in Guyana did not go down well with Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Harry Gill; a member of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on the Security Sector, who in no uncertain terms called for the Minister to either be reassigned or fired as Public Security Minister. “Like most Guyanese, I am totally disgusted by all the brutal, senseless killings and barefaced robberies taking place every day throughout the

country, and the apparent lack of any coherent plan by the Minister of Public Security to end this escalating crime spree,” Gill said in a letter to the editor. He posited that since 2015, crime has escalated to dangerous levels, prompting the British Government and the US State Department to issue travel advisories to their citizens to exercise caution when travelling to Guyana due to an increase in crime. Notably, while the Guyana Police Force updated the public on incidents on every three months, the last release of statistics was done on July 13, 2018 – for the period as at June 2018.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

Three bandits killed during Increased crime at Stabroek Market block, another vendor robbed shoot-out with police M A 46-year-old construction worker of Norton Street,Lodge was about 20:30h on Thursday (May 30, 2019), whilst in the lower flat of his premises, pounced upon and robbed of a sum of cash and two laptops by three armed males. As they were interrogating the victim about a person that recently came from overseas, police ranks on patrol in the area were alerted and responded. The suspects all armed with handguns began shooting at the police who returned fire and adopted tactical positions and engaged the bandits in the house by which time the victim and his five-year-old son managed to escape and seek refuge nearby. The exchange of gunfire between the two sides lasted for almost an hour during which a Police Corporal received a gunshot injury to his left leg.

inutes after three vendors were robbed by armed men at the Stabroek Market, police apprehended one of the suspects. The incident occurred today at around 02:10 hours on Wednesday (May 29, 2019). The vendors were relieved of cash and other items by two perpetrators, one of whom was armed

with a handgun. At the time of the incident, police ranks were patrolling the area. They promptly responded to the situation and gave chase to the suspects. One of the perpetrators was apprehended; an unlicensed .38 revolver with four matching rounds was found in his possession. The Guyana Police

Force (GPF) said stringent efforts are being made to apprehend the other suspect who managed to elude the lawmen; he has been identified and goes by the alias ‘Awara’. Police said an increased and concentrated police presence in and around the Stabroek Market block recently has so far resulted in a decrease in reported incidents of crime.

Man, wife attacked by armed bandits minutes from home From left, Shawn Browne and Junior Nurse

Two of the bandits were found motionless. The other who received multiple gunshot injuries surrendered, but succumbed to his injuries on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. His accomplices were also pronounced dead on arrival.

Three 9mm pistols and two cellular phones were found in close proximity of the scene. Two of the bandits have been identified as Shawn Brown and Junior Nurse; the other is yet to be identified. Investigations are progress.

hawn Marks a reporter attached to RCA-TV and his wife were robbed just minutes away from their home in Charity on Tuesday (May 28, 2019). Based on reports received, Marks and his wife were on their way home when they were attacked by two armed

men who took away his wife purse containing his iPhone 7 and an undisclosed sum of cash. Marks related that the matter was reported to the Charity Police Station. Notably, with a ministerial outreach planned for the Essequibo Coast on Wednesday, residents

are hoping to get answers from Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan about Government’s plans to address the rise in criminal activities in Region Two. Residents have complained bitterly about the lack of efficiency by the police ranks on the Essequibo Coast.

Anna Regina’s Chief Constable latest burglary victim B Wanted bulletin issued for murder suspect

he Police have issued a wanted bulletin for 27-year-old Raveshwar Jainarine in connection with the murder of Baramita woman Ruthina Thomas. Thomas was killed in mid-October last year at Central Baramita in the North

West District. A post-mortem had found that she was strangled to death and her common-law husband Ruben Baird was arrested and charged for her murder. Jainarine is suspected to be an accomplice in Thomas’ murder.

Kamarang man beheaded T

he Amerindian village of Kamarang in Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was left in shock on Friday (May 31, 2019) morning after it was discovered that a youth from the village was killed, with his bloodied body left in the open.

The dead man was identified as 30-yearold Godrel Joseph. He was the father of one and worked as a gold miner. According to reports, his body was discovered around 02:00 hours. Investigations are ongoing.

urglars between Monday evening and Tuesday morning (May 27 – 28, 2019) carted off with cash, a quantity of jewelry, several pieces of electrical appliances and other valuables after breaking into the home of Anna Regina Chief Constable. Rasheed Oullah and his family of Anna Regina Housing Scheme, Essequibo reportedly retired to bed late

Monday evening. However, as his wife got up at about 5:30h on Tuesday morning to prepare breakfast, she saw noticed the front access door to the bottom flat of the house opened. It was this time she realized that a 40” television missing and immediately raised an alarm. As the family rushed to her screams, they also discovered a 110/240 Voltage Transformer, a box

containing several piece of gold jewelry, US$250, $90,000 were missing. In addition, a gold hand band and other pieces of jewelry belonging to Oullah that was left on the dining table were also gone. Three mobile phones and other pieces of valuables were also taken by the burglars. Investigations are ongoing. No arrests have been made since.

The Chief Constable’s home

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

OBSERVER

Where are our leaders?

s our country lurches along from one scandal to another; one embarrassment to another; and one crisis to another – one is left to wonder who is in charge. It is as if the country is a ship sailing in rough waters without a captain or a competent crew. Our country is currently going through a period of grave uncertainty and we the citizens are desperate for effective leadership from our government officials. Sadly however, this is sadly lacking. The government seem to be operating on a reactive basis and are never proactive. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government’s inaction has left its citizens very disillusioned. Our Health Sector is in serious crisis. It seems that every day we hear about persons having very bad experiences at our public health facilities across the country. There are also multiple reports of severe drug shortages, particularly in the hinterland communities. Too many of these experiences have led to death. Despite these being highlighted regularly in the press, an acknowledgement of this problem has not been forthcoming from the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. The persons responsible for this sector, the Ministry of Health continue to operate as if all is well. It would appear that they believe that by ignoring the problem it will just go away. Quite recently we were all shocked to hear that health officials from Trinidad and Tobago had issued a ban on poultry from Guyana. This ban was as a result of it being suspected that our poultry were infected by a virus. This was a shock to us, as we the citizens of Guyana were never advised of this potential threat to us all. We can only deduce from this is that our leaders are willing to put all of us at risk to keep a potentially negative news secret. This only goes to show that the government has little regard for the wellbeing of their citizens of this country. A situation like this begs for leadership, however the government has once again failed in this area. In the meantime, the crime situation in Guyana is reach-

ing unprecedented levels. The people of Guyana who continue to be negatively affected by this are not swayed by the so called statistics being fed to them by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. We are the ones who are directly affected by the rising crime rate. We do not want to hear anything about statistics saying there is a reduction in crime, when the reality on the ground tells a different story. It must be pointed out that a large percentage of crimes are not reported, as persons are so traumatized that they prefer not to take any action and try to put the experience behind them. So, even the ‘statistics’ being produced by the authorities, does not necessarily tell the true picture. What the population is seeking from the APNU+AFC Coalition Government are solutions to the crime situation – not attempt to deflect. This is the same APNU+AFC Coalition that, before taking office, boasted of their expertise in the security sector. Their performance, to date, however, in this area has been underwhelming and dismal. Such performance has led to people deeming it preferable to taking matters into their own hands than depending on the authorities. One only has to examine what happened in Berbice and Agricola recently. We are looking to the government to implement strategies to arrest this situation, or hoping that they will be magnanimous and seek help. This is too important to leave to chance. This is one area where quality leadership is required. General Dwight Eisenhower when he was president of the United States had a plaque on his desk in the Oval Office that had the phrase ‘The buck stops here’. He basically meant that he took full responsibility for his government’s performance and he would accept the blame for any failures. Contrast that with our current President who seems never willing to accept the responsibility or blame for the failings of his government. Instead, the entire Administration, like a spoilt child, opts to sing one song – ‘it’s

not my fault’ On almost every occasion that the failure of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has claimed that there os someone else is to blame – more often than not, that someone else has been the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). It is an indictment on any leader who continually blames his predecessor for his own failure. This, however, is the constant refrain of President Granger. He is quick to cast blame on the previous government for his own government failures. Previous presidents in the PPP/C government were often accused of micromanaging the affairs of the country. They were accused of wanting to be involved in every aspect of the management of the country. This is not an accusation that will be made against the current president. A perusal of the different management styles to identify the one best suited to describe President Granger is a futile effort. All the management styles call for the head assuming some sort of responsibility, sadly this does not apply to our current President. Since assuming office in 2015 the president has shown a severe lack of quality leadership. He has shown an unwillingness to discipline his Ministers for the many infractions committed by them.

There was no action taken against Minister Broomes for her many disrespectful and unbecoming behaviour. Minister Norton was just moved to another Ministry after the drug bond scandal. Minister Patterson-Yearwood was also just moved to another Ministry after it was revealed that her Ministry was granting contracts to her husband. No action was taken against Minister Hughes even though it was exposed that her Ministry was granting contracts to a firm she owned. No action was taken against Minister Harmon despite his numerous missteps. One would be remiss not to mention the Attorney General. His misdeeds are too numerous

to mention. These are only a few examples of how the president has failed to provide leadership within his own government. It would appear that he has given his Ministers carte blanche to do whatever pleases them. Probably, the most glaring example to Mr. Granger not providing leadership is his actions after the successful passage of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018. Immediately after the vote he accepted the results and promised to take the necessary steps to honour our constitution. Sadly however, his actions thereafter showed that he was just being disingenuous. He has continued to display a lack of respect

Signing bonus finally... ExxonMobil. This account shall not be treated as part of the Bank’s foreign reserves. Instead the proceeds should be held in the currency of the deposit, that is, United States dollars, and invested in secured interest-bearing securities.” The letter was copied to Trotman, who had refused to admit that a signing bonus was paid by ExxonMobil. In addition to Trotman, other Government officials had vehemently denied that a signing bonus was paid. The Department of Pub-

lic Information (DPI) on November 3, 2017 reported that: “Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in response to Attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram’s claim that the Government has signed a new US$20M agreement with Oil company, ExxonMobil, which it has refused to make public, on Friday, endorsed a public statement made by the Minister of Natural Resources that the contract would be made public at a later date to be announced. He stated that he will not speculate about contents of GoG’s contract

for the constitution and the citizens of this country. When the PPP/C held office, press conferences being held by the president were not an uncommon occurrence as it now is under this president. A country looks to its president for information, guidance and encouragement. As we go through these difficult times, now more than ever we want to hear from our leaders. President Granger often appears to be a president in absentia. As citizens we are often unaware of the location of the president. He hardly ever engages with the press, leaving one to speculate on his position with regards to critical issues affecting our nation. Since taking office he has not held more than five press conferences, citing his busy schedule for not doing so. This is a poor excuse as he is obligated to report to his employers, we the citizens of Guyana. It is an indictment on the president that most of our information with regards to what is taking place in our country comes from the weekly press conferences held by the Leader of the Opposition. It should be noted that the Opposition Leader, as President was always willing to engage with the press. It would serve President Granger well to take the example set by former President Bharrat Jagdeo. Sadly however, most all Guyanese can be sure that this will not happen.

(From back page) with ExxonMobil.” Kaieteur News on, November 23, 2017, reported Finance Minister, Winston Jordan as saying that: “Such a claim is ‘a figment of the imagination’ and that there is ‘no agreement for any bonus’. Further, he noted that the Government did not request such a bonus.” The Parliamentary Opposition has made clear that the pattern of moves by the Coalition government in the developing oil and gas sector is one of a lack of transparency.

WEEKEND MIRROR 8-9 JUNE, 2019

Granger called out for attempt to mislead public servants P

resident David Granger came in for blows by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, who took issue with the announced move to establish a High Level Committee on public service. The Committee, formed by June 1, 2019, is expected to meet and address a plethora of issues and formulate a report, which would be taken to Cabinet. Jagdeo, who addressed the issue during a prior news conference, pointed out that millions were spent in 2016 on the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the public service, headed by Professor Harold Lutchman. He questioned whether this Committee was another ploy to mislead public servants into thinking that greater benefits and better conditions of service will be ad-

vanced by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. The report was completed and presented to the National Assembly, but the recommendations were not acted on in a substantial way. In June 2016, Granger said the Public Sector

Commission of Inquiry report does “not recommend” salary increases for public servants.“It is not a report that recommends salary increases. The report is about reform, about improving the way public servants are administered. It involves things

like retirement ages and other non-salary benefits. It is being treated in a holistic way, rather than about negotiations on wages,” Granger said. Notably, Granger’s Government had said no salary increases were given to public servants in 2016 because it was waiting on the Public Service CoI. In 2015, his Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, announced a salary increase that was only effective from July 1, 2015 – half the year, as opposed to in previous years, where it was retroactive for a full 12 months. Additionally, when he received the CoI report, in early May 2016, he made clear that “lazy workers” will get a “lazy person’s remuneration,” adding that the ‘across the board salary increase’ approach does not

foster efficiency. “If they want to be lazy, they will get a lazy person’s remuneration. If they work hard they will be rewarded for their hard work. This is what people in every area of endeavour must learn, that actual output is related to input,” President Granger said on receipt of the report. He added, “…many people expect [that] there is going to be some bonanza. I hope they will discover that the bonanza will come from their own efforts. The bonanza will come when they work hard and do better than the next person.” The President had also spoken of the three criteria on which public servants should be judged. These are: impartiality/social responsibility, education and experience. He particularly emphasised the need for a cadre of public

officers who must, without fail, discharge their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will. Granger has made also clear that his Administration is not bound by any recommendations made in the report from the Public Service CoI.

AFC infighting worsens T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) National Executive Conference (NEC) is expected to be hosted on June 15, 2019. But internal tensions escalating within the Party and the pressure of an injunction to halt the proceedings – this date could be changed. According to reports, AFC member and Director of the Department of Public Information, Imran Khan, is behind the move to have an injunction to halt the NEC and the non-selection of Khan’s wife, Tamara Khan, as a delegate is the reason. Reports indicate that Khan informed executives of his intention to seek an injunction to halt the NEC if his wife was not added on the list of delegates. Khan has remained silent on the issue. However, AFC Executive Member and Head of the WFC, Beverly Alert, said, “I can tell you, the management committee, of which I’m a part, did receive messages from Mr Khan along those lines. But the matter is being handled… I don’t see the management

committee giving in to any threats. But [we’re] examining processes, because we’re a democratic party and at the end of the day the democratic process will be subscribed to.” She explained that before someone is added to the list of representatives, the names must be selected at the regional level. “In this case, Khan’s name was not submitted by Region Four,” Alert said. Reports indicate that the fight about which delegates are invited to the Party’s NEC is due to the fact that the Party is divided between the Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo factions. RAMJATTAN VERSUS NAGAMOOTOO Both men are vying for the prime ministerial nomination – with the APNU side of the APNU+AFC Coalition already making it clear that President David Granger will return as the Coalition’s presidential candidate. In accordance with the 2015 ‘deal’ between APNU and AFC, the latter has the prime ministerial position while the presidential post

goes to APNU. While the APNU has decided to stick with Granger, similar unanimous support for current Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, is non-existent. Ramjattan, the AFC Chairman and Public Security Minister, has declared his intent to challenge Nagamootoo for the prime ministerial nomination. “I have already indicated my interest. There are others I am certain who will indicate their interests…it is good to have instead of political parties, the regular rivalry between leaders that you would have in the democracies,” he said. While the Cummingsburg Accord – the pact that sealed the APNU and AFC partnership – detailed a weighty portfolio for the Prime Minister, once the APNU+AFC Coalition took office, Nagamootoo was only responsible for oversight of state media – Guyana Chronicle, NCN and the Department of Public Information. Nagamootoo is regarded as a ‘diminished’ Prime Minister. Additionally, while

Ramjattan was clear in his declaration, he does not have support of AFC Leader, Raphael Trotman – a former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member who broke ranks with his Party and joined the AFC. According to an AFC press statement, at the January 26, 2019 meeting of the AFC’s National Executive Council, Trotman, in his address, reaffirmed his confi-

dence in the David Granger/ Moses Nagamootoo leadership to guide the Coalition Government in the period ahead. In early February 2019, when Ramjattan hinted that he would welcome consideration as a replacement to Nagamootoo, Trotman said, “Politics and elections are very fluid and it is simply too early to talk about replacing

anyone…prefer not to be too hasty, but to take time to observe and assess before reacting emotively… right now I am not sure if anyone feels that he or she can do a better job by winning more votes nationally, and has national acceptability.” Observers note that the infighting is expected to heighten as the date for the NEC draws closer.

Granger cannot ignore ‘collective responsibility’ when it comes to corrupt actions of his appointees – Edghill I ncreased incidents of corruption under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, several of which have been the subject of investigations by bodies like Public Procurement Commission (PPC), are a cancer eating away at society, according to Opposition Parliamentarian, Juan Edghill. Tackling the claims about corruption under the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government head-on, Edghill, in a recently televised interview, said, “I want to make it clear to all, with a clear conscience, having sat and worked on policy initiatives and overseen implementation, I do not recall any meeting where there was any plan to ‘cook the books’ or to do anything ‘crookish’ or get involved in a corrupt transaction.”

He added, “...the claim was that we were stealing, through procurement, $300B a year, not $300B over the term, but a year – this was more than the size of the budget, where were we getting this money from. If it was true, then when the APNU+AFC Coalition came into office, they should have had an additional $300B to spend…by now they should have had $1.2 trillion outside of the budgets they presented to invest in Guyana.” According to him, projects like D’Urban Park are still shrouded by more questions than answers have been provided. “If there is a Ministry that has been caught with its hand in the cookie jar, it is that of David Patterson – the Ministry of Public Infrastructure…. Minister Patterson had no moral authority to speak

on any issue in Guyana,” Edghill said. He added, “It is Minister David Patterson that took a contract to Cabinet, then got Cabinet to approve it – all of which they have no right to do…then they expended more money that was approved, albeit an illegal approval…the PPC has completed an investigation, the police report has been made with SOCU (Special Organised Crimes Unit) – but even at SOCU there is a current issue with fraud…there is a big fraud investigation ongoing at SOCU…to date nothing has happened.” The PPP/C Parliamentarian noted too that other Ministers like Volda Lawrence are not without fault. Edghill said, “I don’t want to put public servants at risk, but it is a fact that

they are fed up and they have been expressing their frustration, they are getting information to us…what is clear is the Coalition cannot win back the hearts of the Guyanese people, it is lies and the denials that have exposed the nature of the APNU+AFC.” He charged that President David Granger continues in his failure to act on addressing the increasing incidents of exposed corruption in his administration. He said, “If the President is god fearing and upright, as some put him across as, then he should do something about the corrupt people around him….fire them…till now no one has been fired. “Minister Patterson-Yearwood was caught with her hands in the cookie jar, he created a ministry for her; the accusation against

Minister Broomes has been widespread, she was given a new portfolio…Cathy Hughes, she is in charge and her Ministry was giving her company contracts….this is corruption, use of your public office to benefit yourself or people around you financially…if we go through the entire Cabinet, none of the ministers were disciplined, nor was any action taken. “…there is something called collective responsibility and the President cannot separate himself from the corrupt acts of the people he appointed…rather than discipline or replace them, he has shielded them….this is not just bad behaviour we are taking about, this is the public purse.....are we going to continue along with this trend. “…but here we have a President who will not act…

the very President who has not filed declarations with the Integrity Commission… complying with the law of Guyana…this was the political party talking about transparency.” The PPP/C Parliamentarian made clear that the APNU+AFC Coalition has been ‘weighed in the balances and found wanting’. “The APNU+AFC Coalition has invented a new sector in manufacturing, they have been manufacturing excuses…every day they can manufacture a new excuse. And everything they have done wrong they are trying to blame the PPP/C,” Edghill said about the current Administration’s many failures to deliver on its promises to Guyanese people – promises of a ‘good life’, transparency and accountability.

Signing bonus finally transferred into Consolidated Fund S

ince 2016, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government collected a US$18M signing bonus from ExxonMobil, but kept the monies off the books, placed it an ‘outside’ account and kept its receipt a secret from the Guyanese people for over a year. It was only in December 2018 that a leaked letter confirmed the receipt of the US$18M. Still the monies were not transferred to the Consolidated Fund (the treasury) and not reflected in the last three annual budgets. In January 2019, the monies were finally transferred.

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, when pressed on why the money was not transferred to the Consolidated Fund before January 2019, said only that the money was transferred as the “appropriate” time. What determined the ‘appropriateness’ of the timing of the transfer was not expounded on in great detail by Harmon. COURT CASE The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had filed a legal challenge, in

February 2018, seeking to have Government transfer the ExxonMobil US$18 million signing bonus into the Consolidated Fund. PPP/C Parliamentarian, Anil Nandlall, filed the challenge and stated that the deposit of the signing bonus into a private back account is contrary to, and in violation of, the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA). In his application, the MP was seeking, among other things, an order from the court directing that Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Guyanese urged to use social media platform to make anonymous submissions about corruption

ith the four-year mark of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government being in office having passed and with more and more Guyanese forwarding information about increasing levels of corruption in office, a platform has been created to allow for easier communication of such information. Opposition Leader, Bharat Jagdeo, has urged Guyanese to make use of the social media platforms and participate in the effort to continue to expose the misdeeds of the APNU+AFC Coalition. He assured that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will continue its investigations in the push for greater accountability and transparency. Guyanese can make submissions of information anonymously via Facebook on ‘Corruption Watch 592’ and via WhatsApp on telephone number (592)-653-6637.

transfer and deposit the bonus into the Consolidated Fund forthwith. He argued that Government was in breach of Section 38 of the FMAA, which provides that all public moneys raised or received by the Government shall be credited fully and promptly to the Fund. In accordance with Article 216 of the Constitution and Section 38 of the FMAA, Nandlall said the US$18 million bonus and such other sums collected by the Government under the Petroleum Agreement with ExxonMobil are public moneys and must

therefore be paid into and form one consolidated fund. It is unclear how the recent development – relative the transfer of the US$18M to the Consolidated Fund – will impact on the court proceedings. EXPOSED Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, had stated that there was clear intent to misappropriate the US$18M and this is why the money was not put into the Consolidated Fund upon receipt. On December 8, 2017, a leaked letter addressed the

receipt of a signing bonus. The letter, which was leaked to the media, and exposed Government’s denial that a signing bonus was paid was written by Finance Secretary, Hector Butts and sent to Bank of Guyana Governor, Gobin Ganga. The letter, dated, September 20, 2016, read: “I shall be grateful if you would arrange for the under-mentioned Foreign Currency Account to be opened at the Bank of Guyana, in order to receive a deposit in the form of a signing bonus to be given by (Turn to page 26)

Guyanese interested in volunteering asked to contact Party

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is now available on WhatsApp number 592-611-PPPC (7772) and it encouraging Guyanese, who are interested in political activism and volunteering, to contact the Party. WhatsApp allows persons to message from Guyana other countries at no cost. Operators are manning the line on a 24-hour basis and interested Guyanese are asked to communicate this to the Party.

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