Weekend Mirror 25-26 May 2019

25-26 May, 2019 / Vol. 10 No. 74 / Price: $100

Internet: http: //www.mirrornewsgy.com / e-mail: weekendmirror@gmail.com

Declaration of assets to Integrity Commission…

President Granger admits that he has not complied with Guyana’s laws PAGE 3

GECOM Chairman knew since April 2019 about legal advice warning against house-to-house registration PAGE 23

Despite no-confidence motion, upcoming CCJ ruling…

Granger says completion of five-year term depends on GECOM PAGE 27

Work on the manifesto includes efforts to ensure faster implementation – Jagdeo PAGE 10

SEE INSIDE

Independence Day an PAGE 10 opportunity to assess how far Guyana has to go

– Opposition Leader

Auditor General to investigate US$9,000 paid into Minister’s personal PAGE 12 bank account PNCR-controlled GECOM ignores legal officer's opinion PAGE 11

2

‘All Skin Teeth

Nah Laugh’ ‘DG’ re-writing the dictionary

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he word ‘represent’ get new meaning when the ‘DG’ at the ‘Green Building’ on Vlissingen Road try to explain why a whole six ministers fly to Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean Court of Justice hearings.

According to the ‘DG’ the six ministers tek taxpayers money for the T&T trip because they were representing the APNU+AFC Government – he trying to say they spend a millions of the Guyanese people money for a good reason.

Well, if sitting down and doing nothing is ‘representing’ Government, then the rest of we Guyanese can understand why things getting so hard and nothing improving – this APNU+AFC Government really committed to ‘representing’ the people.

One dual citizen enjoying the resignation parade silently

A

t least one of the dual citizens in Parliament still sitting pretty – and by pretty we mean the suits that taxpayers’ dollars pay for – but the Big Man at the Green Building’ on Vlissingen road look like he running scared because ain’t nothing but silence on the issue.

Now the four other APNU+AFC Coalition, lef out Charandass Persaud, done gone and resign. All the while, the one dual citizens that still left sit down silently and watching the show.

In the meantime, the dual citizen processing the renunciation documents, hoping the four others don’t catch on that they are the only ones who the ‘Big Man’ tell to resign.

So what’s the reason that this one dual citizen left? Is the Big Man really a Small Man in the PNC? Is that why he running too scared to act?

Seems like the ‘Big Man’ can only pass instructions to some people.

Basil get catch with he pants down

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he ‘DG’ at the ‘Green Building’ on Vlissingen Road admit that Basil get catch with he pants down – or rather, he drop he pants and then get expose with the letter that making its rounds all over the place – and the ‘DG’ promise a Cabinet investigation.

This is after Basil claim is the PPP mek up the letter.

Look like even Basil own people don’t believe that lie because the investigation happening.

With Basil done fighting for higher position in the PNC, let’s see if the letter put a spoke in his wheel, or if, like everything else, he will be the latest big man to get

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Power woes worsen, Coalition’s inaction continues ‒ Jagdeo T

he APNU+AFC Coalition has said nothing about its plans for the energy sector, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo during his Thursday (May 23, 2019) news conference. And in the meantime, he said, there is costly deterioration.

He pointed out that Ministry of the Presidency, only this week, received a massive $4.3M for a new phone system that was damaged by power surges on the weekend of May 9 and 10, 2019. As such, he questioned what happens to ordinary Guyanese whose appliances are damaged by similar power surges.

Jagdeo stressed that the Coalition’s inaction is worsening the current state of affairs.

He reiterated that the current installed capacity to generate power is close to what is the peak demand, and, with no new capacity being added to the power grid, the unreliable power supply situation will worsen. “Right now there is no plan to fix it…there is no new capacity being added… no plan for new power generation….this can only get worse,” the Opposition Leader said.

He stressed that in the 21st century, Guyana should have already reached the stage there the capacity to supply power, surpassed the peak demand for power. Jagdeo said, “This Government has failed on ev-

ery plan it touted….we heard about solar…we heard about wind…nothing so far…they went to tender for a massive dual system, fuel and hydro, and nothing….the situation does great harm to business.”

Over the past few week, power outages have been frequent in the Demerara and Essequibo counties.

The position of the Parliamentary Opposition is that at least four “highly probable” outcomes that would have resulted if the Amaila Falls Hydropower project had been pursued. These include: 1. Price Stability of Local Fuel: The current global oil price volatility would have had less impact or effect on domestic fuel price; 2. Increased Production: Cheaper electricity would translate into lower production cost. Hence, less cost would mean increased competitiveness of local manufacturers which would increase export in the long run; 3. Reduce Cost of Import: Increased foreign exchange due to savings would mean appreciation of domestic currency, thus, reduced cost of import; and 4. Increased Purchasing Power.

In 2015, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, having dubbed any move forward

away this this kind of thing.

with the Amaila Falls project as “a downright criminal” act. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on October 2, 2017, said the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was canned and charged that the financing the project was a problem. Last month, however, Minister Raphael Trotman, confirmed that the Coalition Government has “never taken it” off the table and disclosed that a two-year hydrologist study is currently ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

As the confusion, in the Coalition Government’s camp, continues about the project continues, the Opposition Leader noted that one is clear – the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was killed for political reasons.

The Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project was initially expected to deliver a steady source of clean, affordable, reliable renewable energy to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs and remove the country’s dependency on fossil fuels.

As at 2014, approximately US$70M of this had been deposited by Norway in the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) which is channeling investment into seven LCDS projects. The Norwegian Government also announced that it plans to transfer US$80M to the Inter-American Devel-

opment Bank, to be used as Guyana's equity contribution to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.

The independent, factsbased assessment of the Amaila Falls Hydropower project in Guyana, which was done by an independent Norway-based engineering and design consultancy firm, Norconsult AS, found that the project is the only realistic path for Guyana to achieve greater levels of renewable energy. “The fastest way forward is to maintain AFHP as the first major step for substituting its current oil fired generation. AFHP was prioritized as the first hydropower plant because it was the only project with a full feasibility study completed, it has a higher plant load factor than the alternatives, a smaller reservoir and a levelised unit cost in the same range as the most attractive alternatives,” the summary of the 49-page report said. The report also highlighted that Hydro power is the only way in which we can achieve the 2025 renewable energy target; that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is the fastest way to get to renewable energy by 2025; that the BOOT model is the most appropriate way of structuring the project and should be maintained; and that the project should be re-tendered since the last tender was in 2008.

around in an effort to get some answers.

Up to now, the boatmen still waiting.

Moses join Trotty in Bartica vendors want the PNC change Moses want to stay in charge so he like he left the AFC and decide to join Trotty, who look like he gone back to the PNC. Moses don’t mind the trade off to get Trotty backing. He left the last Party he was with because he want be President, so this is nothing new. In the meantime, Rumjattan vex because he get lef out.

Patto collecting big bucks A whole $2M reach to Patto personal bank account after he went foreign and come back. But he staying quiet because its only so many times he can say people telling lies when the rest of Guyana see the pattern of he behaviour.

Georgie and his boat The dozens of boatmen working the Parika/Bartica route all wondering why they got to pay more for licence and more, when one government Minister running a boat without registration or licence.

Georgie name get call and the photo of the boat get sent

If it isn’t one things, it’s another with the man in charge at Bartica. This time it’s to do with the vendors.

The Council went and broke down a vendor’s stall in Mongrippa Hill Arcade, without any prior notice – when at least three-days’ notice is required. Of course, the vendor’s goods in the staff disappeared.

The Bartica vendors say they want a change.

Cathie says it’s not just her that corrupt After getting exposed, Cathie still don’t want to answer clearly about what is clearly corruption.

Instead she insisting that corruption is a culture at the government level, as well as down across society and that the corruption at the bottom is the stories that have to get attention because corruption has to stop from the bottom.

After all this, Cathie still ain’t say nothing about the questions about herself.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Declaration of assets to Integrity Commission…

President Granger admits that he has not complied with Guyana’s laws L

ess 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 Integrity Commission – President David Granger has admitted that he too is among those who have failed to follow the law.

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.

Last Thursday (May 16, 2019), 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.

On Wednesday (May 21, 2019), when pressed on the issue, Granger said, “I have not submitted all of my dec-

larations. 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.”

When asked about his Cabinet Ministers and their non-compliance with the law, he said, “As far as the Cabinet is concerned, the general rule is that we should all comply. It is just a matter of time. Some of the details may have taken some member’s time. I cannot say if all of them are compliant but that is the policy of Cabinet that every Minister should comply….my own declaration is being prepared and I do not have a reason why others have not been prepared.”

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 Accounts 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 2001-2006 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.”

Guyanese interested in volunteering Guyanese urged to use social asked to contact Party media platform to make anonymous he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is now available on WhatsApp number submissions about corruption T 592-611-PPPC (7772) and it encouraging Guyanese, who are interested in political activism and volunteering, to contact the Party.

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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 WhatApp on telephone number (592)-653-6637.

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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WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Guest

EDITORIAL Guyanese suffering the consequences of Executive had the opinion of GECOM’s Legal Officer over a month before it poor management, ill-conceived decisions came to full Commission

By Nalinie Singh

“T

his is the dark time, my love, It is the season of oppression, dark metal, and tears.” These are the words of lauded poet, Martin Carter. With the recent string of blackouts, it would seem that Guyana has truly regressed into some dark days.

Upon assuming office in 1992 the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) entered into an agreement with Wärtsilä Operations, a Finnish company. Guyana at that time was struggling with widespread blackouts owing to the number of ageing engines and equipment.

Wärtsilä established the first Government-owned plant at Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara and since then has installed more than eighteen generators. Wärtsilä also did the engines for The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) at the Skeldon factory and they did some at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast. The arrangement was that GPL provides the fuel for the engines, while Wärtsilä through its local subsidiary, Demerara Power Limited, conducts the maintenance. This has been in place for over two decades.

Then – enter stage right, Minister David Patterson, whose management style and exposed proclivity for being caught up in one scandal after another, as well as in situations tainted by the spectre of corruption, was a recipe for disaster.

Upon taking office, Patterson said: “When we examined the structure of the Wärtsilä Company, we realised three very important things. (1) the staff was 100 per cent Guyanese; (2) they were well trained and have an organised maintenance routine, and (3) there would have been savings that could be derived and passed on to the stakeholders should we consider establishing a company to take over the functions of Wärtsilä.”

With this epiphany, Patterson pushed ahead with the establishment of Power Producer and Distribution Inc (PPDI) and the end of 2016. The agreement with Wärtsilä Operations Guyana Incorporated came to an end and was not renewed.

The Minister’s newly established company was contracted to operate and maintain power plants on behalf of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) at the start of January 2017. PPDI is now housed in the same building that once was home to Wärtsilä in Kingston.

It must be noted that Wärtsilä will remains in Guyana to supply parts and provide other services to GPL. Patterson in the hallowed halls of the National Assembly claimed he will save US$6M per year using this company.

However, PPDI has never declared any such annual profit.

It seems quite clear that the Government of Guyana and GPL fired Wärtsilä and replaced with a set of cronies called Power Producers and Distributors, hence the evident incompetence.

Ramon Gaskin was the former Chairman of Guyana Electricity Corporation (GEC), the company that preceded GPL. It was under his tenure Wärtsilä’s service was first retained in 1994, had warned last year that the decision against retaining Wärtsilä could be detrimental to Guyanese and holds the prospect of taking Guyana back to days plagued by lengthy blackouts.

Guyanese have now spent over four years under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. In that time no new capacity has been added to the grid. Peak demand equals the capacity of supply, not the ideal situation – in simpler terms, if peak demand surpasses capacity for any reason, there could be a trip that could trigger a shutdown.

Additionally, power surges have affect the daily lives of scores of Guyanese, damaging their equipment, which leads to even more inconvenience to the average man.

Yet, the inaction from the APNU+AFC Coalition Government continues.

This inaction has also been evidenced in the Government’s failure to do a simple a thing as appoint a Board of Directors for the Guyana Power Company. In the absence of

Dear Editor,

T

he existence, and the tabling of a legal opinion, done by GECOM’s legal officer, has raised the ire, of some members of the Commission, as expressed both at the 14th May Statutory Meeting of the Commission and by Commissioner Trotman in the media.

Any rational reading of the said legal opinion would identify its clear logic and its accordance with the Constitution.

On this basis, one does not need to hold a brief in support of the legal officer herself, but to support the Constitution’s letter, spirit and intent on the matters referred to.

The complaints being made, by Commissioner Trotman and others, fly in the face of the duty of the legal officer to bring, as a matter of urgency, any issue which, arising out of her professional expertise, must be brought to

the Executive’s and the Commission’s attention which naturally require the pointing out of any legal risks, exposure or jeopardy which the Commission has found itself in, or may find itself in, on a particular course of action taken or intended.

Whether the legal opinion expressed accords with the particular views of Commissioners, one way or another, should not be of issue. It is for the Commission to be made aware, with dispatch, of the advice and to make decisions and take actions relating to that advice.

What is important, too, is that the legal officer would have, through diligent, dispassionate work, produced an opinion which would aid GECOM in its deliberations and actions towards according with Guyana’s Constitution and supporting laws in respect of elections, the requirements for a valid list of voters at all times, and for reg-

istration.

To do otherwise, by failing to produce a legal opinion, would have been a gross dereliction of duty on the part of the legal officer of GECOM and a manifest departure from the professional conduct required of any such person, holding the position of the legal officer of GECOM. Any such opinion should not have to be requested or mandated but should simply arise out of the fulfilling of the remit of the office.

It should be made clear for the public that the legal opinion was in the possession of the Executive for over a month before it was made available, to all Commissioners on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

Sincerely, Robeson Benn, Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner

Minister Patterson has much to answer for Dear Editor,

O

ver the past two days there has been a back and forth between the People’s Progressive Party and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson on Facebook, on Thursday the PPP’s official page carried an assertion that China International Contractors had made a deposit of nine thousand United States dollars ($9000 USD) into Minister Patterson’s personal account.

Early on Friday AFC Treasurer Dominic Gaskin Speaking at his party's press conference said he would put his neck on a block that US$9000 was never deposited by China International Contractors into the personal bank account of Minister of Public Infrastructure,

David Patterson on February of 2017.

However on Friday evening, Patterson replied to the PPP via Facebook to confirm that a deposit was made into his account by China International Contractors as asserted, his explanation was that the deposit was reimbursement for his travel expenses to the 7th International Investment and Construction Forum in Macao, China and this arrangement was approved by cabinet.

Quite apart from the loss to Dom’s body, this answer raises many questions as to the ethics and purpose of Patterson’s trip. It is legend that Singapore stamped out corruption at the very top by jailing a Minister who accepted a paid vacation, in contrast, we have our cabinet approving the acceptance of a

a Board, Minister Patterson, is in charge. His ill-conceived decision to remove Wärtsilä has not inspired confidence that there will be any better decisions made with him at the help of Guyana’s power company.

In the current term, the need for action, as well as better management, is clear.

Minister Patterson seems to have no depth for innovation.

He has bandwagon on almost all of the PPP’s former projects – projects that his Party, the Alliance For Change (AFC), voted against since 2011, when approval of financing was being sought in the National Assembly.

It is a wonder that he has not jumped on Amaila Falls Hydropower Project as yet.

The Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project was initially expected to deliver a steady source of clean, affordable, reliable renewable energy to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs and remove the country’s dependency on fossil fuels.

As at 2014, approximately US$70M of this had been deposited by Norway in the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) which is channeling investment into seven LCDS projects. The Norwegian Government had announced that it

‘free’ trip by a Minister who routinely makes decisions vital to our public infrastructure.

Is there any public report or record submitted by Patterson of his activities at this conference? Given that two massive contracts were awarded to Chinese companies for provision of service to GPL, one was more than a billion dollars over the engineers estimate and the other exceeded the nearest bid by a billion also, GPL falls under the Minister’s purview; can we ask if these companies also attended the forum in Macao? Given that there was a massive reduction in the deliverables of the CJIA Expansion project, a ‘fixed price’ contract and a bewildering increase in payment to a (Turn to page 5)

plans to transfer US$80M to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to be used as Guyana's equity contribution to the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.

The independent, facts-based assessment of the Amaila Falls Hydropower project in Guyana, which was done by an independent Norway-based engineering and design consultancy firm, Norconsult AS, found that the project is the only realistic path for Guyana to achieve greater levels of renewable energy. “The fastest way forward is to maintain AFHP as the first major step for substituting its current oil fired generation.

AFHP was prioritized as the first hydropower plant because it was the only project with a full feasibility study completed, it has a higher plant load factor than the alternatives, a smaller reservoir and a levelised unit cost in the same range as the most attractive alternatives,” the summary of the 49-page report said. The report also highlighted that Hydro power is the only way in which we can achieve the 2025 renewable energy target; that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project is the fastest way to get to renewable energy by 2025; that the BOOT model is the most appropriate way of structuring the project and should be maintained; and that the project should be re-tendered since the last tender was in 2008.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Gov’t aligned elements at GECOM must desist from Increased levels of corruption, trying to mislead Guyanese cost of living, crime rates are Dear Editor, negative misguided statements that conthe reality of Guyanese under Thesistently emerge from key players in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) have APNU+AFC gov’t created a fed up environment amongst citizens.

It is time President Granger’s quartet recognise Dear Editor,

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hilst the coalition Government is holding on to power for dear life, the coalition-sponsored ‘Outreach Circus’, a political gimmick meant to revitalise or resurrect the Government, has concluded and has failed miserably to meaningfully resolve any social and economic issues affecting the various regions. People came empty-handed and went home the same way as crimes and cost of living continue to spiral out of control.

Can you imagine that on Saturday last while the Public Security Minister was on television making ridiculous claims of the PPP intending to rig election via Facebook, two gunmen were leisurely robbing a Chinese supermarket just a stone’s throw away from the Albion Police Station? The men, armed with one AK 47, waltzed into the supermarket, robbed the business, sent the police patrol scampering for cover as they shot ad lib and then strolled away without even a bullet being fired in return by the police. All of this happened around 9 pm!

It seems we now need a 7 pm curfew! It is a fact that daring and armed banditry is on the increase and quoting statistics will do nothing to erase that.

On the other hand, the lines at all the money transfer places such as MoneyGram and Western Union continue to be overflowing. I have never witnessed such a spectacle before but this is heralding the return of the dark Burnham era. It is a fact that the poor in Guyana are getting poorer daily and are once again mustering their ingenuity and resilience which made them survive during those dark days. However, this time, many have benefitted from the 10-year visitor’s visa, compliments of the PPP/C Government and do not have to take the perilous ‘back track’ route. These are the people who are going and work for a six-month period and sending remittances to their families.

This has greatly buffered the harsh economic realities which have gripped this country since 2015. These people have sacrificed their family ties just to feed them! What a shame on this Government! I could recall the late Dr Walter Rodney’s statement that the PNC has the “Midas touch” meaning

that everything they touched transformed into excrement. Now the issuance of these visas has fallen by 80 per cent, compliments of the coalition Government which has run the economy to the dust and returned Guyana to mendicancy. The issuance of visitors’ visas, other things being equal, are linked to the economic prosperity of a country.

Once again, the PNC-led coalition Government is unleashing a socio-economic onslaught of gigantic proportions.

Over 30,000 persons were dismissed while thousands of youths are without jobs and even those employed by GuySuCo have not received any increase in their wages since 2015. The majority of employees earn a paltry $10,000 (US$50) per week with a minimum wage of $2000 per day. How is a person supposed to survive on this? Once again, Guyanese are engaged in doing all sorts of menial things to supplement their incomes. Fishing is no longer a hobby for many of them and gardening is no longer therapy! Children have once again been forced to resort to the vending of odd items and prostitution is on the rise.

We have heard the coalition Government bragging about ‘skills training’ for sugar workers but there have been no reports of jobs created and so far we have more ‘skilled’ unemployed persons. The four closed estates are still to be privatised whilst they have been completely abandoned. Once again, the nation is losing billions of dollars on the value of canes which were left standing, deteriorating infrastructures and cannibalised factories.

Minister Jordan had said he will not “moth balled” them but will make them operational to increase their sale value. What a joke! The loan of $30 billion is yet to be accounted for.

Minister Trotman had said that “This country as the sun rises in the East is not going to be left behind. Guyana will rise from Berbice”. Well, Minister, since the closing of the estates and your bit of poetry, the only things rising are corruption, cost of living, suicide rates, crime rates and prostitution rates among our females.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Clear abuse of taxpayers’ money Dear Editor,

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as the presence of six Ministers of Government at the CCJ hearings intended to put pressure on the Judges to come up with a ruling favourable to the current administration?

Or is it a case of giving solidarity to the Attorney General and the battery of pro-government attorneys?

Whatever the reason, it is tantamount to an abuse of taxpayers’ money. One would have thought that private funds would have been utilized for such purposes since it is

unfair to utilize public funds for a clearly partisan matter.

Actions such as these run counter to the norms of accountability and good governance. Moreover, it speaks to an attitude in which public funds can be utilized at the whims and fancies of those in control of the national coffers whether or not it is in accordance with the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. I hope the Auditor General is taking note.

Yours faithfully, H. Ally

that they have become a local and international laughing stock and they must desist from trying to fool this nation.

They have been interchangeably using the terms Official List of Voters (OLV) and Official List of Electors (OLE) in statements of convenience in advancing the interest of the APNU/ AFC cabal. The proven purpose is an effort to kerfuffle and deceive unfamiliar persons with their baseless and spurious attempts at delaying the readiness of GECOM for elections. The term OLV is the Official List used for Local Government Elections, while the OLE represents the List for the Regional and National Elections.

It is clear that GECOM has a database that the organisation uses as the repository of registered persons or the Register of Registrants.

It is from this ‘Register of Registrants’ that the 2015 Official List of Electors was extracted after the APNU/AFC moved the No-Confidence Motion against the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic. President Donald Ramotar thereafter prorogued Parliament and with a very short period of continuous registration, followed by only a few days of Claims and Objections; GECOM produced the Official List of Electors, which was used to conduct the Regional and National Elections within the ninety-day period.

The APNU/AFC coalition parties at the time, advanced in the National Assembly and used the same Continuous Registration and Claims and Objection accepted formula to extend the life of the list from three months to six months. Further, they hurriedly held Local Government Elections in 2016 in an effort to test their strength. APNU and AFC individually used the same Register of Registrants along with a short period of Continuous Registration and simultaneously did the Claims and Objection in order to prepare the Official list of Voters.

It is of significant note that in the process of holding two Local Government Elections, the Government, through its Ministry of Communities, introduced eleven new Local Authority Areas (LAAs), with changes in several Neighbourhood Democratic Councils’ boundaries. In these instances, the same cycles of the periodical Continuous Registration and the Claims and Objection were repeated and it cannot be made clearer that these are the acceptable methods for GECOM to keep the OLV and the OLE in a state of readiness for any election.

With the passing of the No-Confidence Motion, GECOM Chief Executive Officer, Keith Lowenfield and GECOM Public Relations

Officer said that GECOM is ready for Elections.

It is also useful to observe that at the recent Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) case to which GECOM was a party, the entity failed to make a timely submission for obvious reasons. They simply do not have any rational candour in the face of the facts. However, they later said that GECOM could not hold Elections within the three-month period specified in Article 106 of the Constitution because the matter was the subject of court cases. Secondly, because President David Granger did not name a date for elections and that GECOM did not have the necessary funding.

It is even clear that through the constitutionally approved method of the No-Confidence Motion, the Opposition legitimately booted the APNU/AFC coalition Government on December 21, 2018. In keeping with the Constitution, we should have had National and Regional Elections before March 21, 2019. Ms Excellence Dazzell, the Attorney contracted by GECOM, recently provided her legal opinion on the issues which give greater clarity and exposes the lack of prudence and alacrity of Granger’s quartet at GECOM to hold elections.

In her advice dated May 13, 2019, to Commissioners and the Chief Election Officer of GECOM at a statutory meeting, she made reference of the illegality of the need for houseto-house registration to create a new list of electors. Instead, she said the current list, which expired at the end of April, should be updated.

Further, the opinion refers to The Election Laws (Amendment) Act 15 of 2000, section 7 (1) which states that “where there is an interval of more than six months after the qualifying date…which the official list of electors…is prepared under section 5 (1) and the day appointed for the next election after that date, the Commissioner shall cause the Official List of Electors to be revised, in accordance with the procedure established by the Commission by regulations”.

In the 1985 Regional and National Elections, Catholic Bishop Benedict Singh, Anglican Bishop Rudolph George, along with representatives of the Bar Association, categorically described the massive Fraud perpetrated against the nation by the PNC agents, while the Human Rights Association issued a joint statement in which they condemned the Elections as dishonest.

The groups made reference to “the familiar and sordid catalogue of widespread disenfranchisement, multiple voting, ejection of polling agents, threats, intimidations, violence, and collusion by police and army personnel,” The reactions of GECOM’s Commissioner have trended similarly but these dark and nasty days must never be returned to Guyana.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Minister Patterson...

Chinese firm, can we ask if China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) were also present in Macao? And if so were there any talks with Minister Patterson?

Going forward, it would be useful for Minister Patterson to respond to assertions via the recognized press and provision of proof of ‘prompt’ remittance to MARAD as claimed be provided. A provision against acceptance of ‘free’ anything by Ministers of Government should be written into the much vaunted

(From page 4)

APNU/AFC Minister’s Code of Conduct, for it seems the basics of ethics and common sense have evaded the Cabinet; today also saw another AFC Minister, Cathy Hughes, assert that the citizens of the country were corrupt to explain her lack of remorse that a company she (Hughes) owns being awarded government contracts without due process.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

6

Review of laws needed to assess if they adequately cater to the needs of women Dear Editor,

T

he Stabroek News published in its edition of the 17th May 2019 an anonymous letter `Zaila Sugrim’s experience shows neither she nor her husband got the help they needed’ that caused me to pause.

It alleges that the PPP and I, as Minister under the PPP government who served in a Ministry tasked with addressing the issue of domestic violence 13 years ago, did nothing to help Zaila Sugrim and her husband who is presently under arrest and suspected of committing her murder. It also alleges that I said things on my Facebook page, which I have not said.

The letter goes on to further strangely claim that it is President Granger and his cabinet who have introduced the concept of a good life with emphasis on mental health and solutions! Sadly, whoever wrote it was not brave enough to put his name to this bit of drivel. I invite the writer and readers to consider when all the services mentioned herein were established and/or expanded and what new services have been or not been established. I specifically invite for consideration that the issue of domestic and gender based violence has always attracted the attention of the PPP and has been so reflected in its various manifestos. I was responsible for the implementation of the 2006 manifesto promises and ALL those promises, save none, and more were fulfilled.

The truth is I subconsciously expected this sort of wild accusation and I am wondering now how desensitized to crude and politically motivated statements I have become and how much of a bad thing that may be.

Zaila Sugrim was, as her sister said in a recent interview, the epitome of a domestic violence victim. She suffered almost every type of abuse our 1996 Domestic Violence law contemplates. She has sworn affidavits that describe her mental, emotional, physical, financial, stalking, isolation-from-family, abuse.

After 15 years she ran away from said abuse and was housed at Help and Shelter

and then with her family who welcomed her back with joy and provided as much support as they could. She was offered and received pro bono legal services and then speedy orders made by our new Family Court, participated in hours upon hours of professional counseling, received the benefit of much time and tangible assistance from the Childcare and Protection Agency and the Ministry of Social Protection, met with the Commissioner of Police in person and received financial assistance from a Gov’t run programme.

Assistance for things like school transfers etc, which could seem like monumental tasks for a tired, worn, beaten woman were done on her behalf. In the end, it turned out not to be enough for her circumstances. She is dead.

So clearly we need to do more and to do so sensibly and quickly. As an entire nation.

I considered not responding to this letter for fear that any response could cause the victim blaming that I see already emerging.

Not to provide perspective however, is even more dangerous as it may well send a message to other victims reading and looking on that there are no services available for an exit out of an abusive relationship. And that would be untrue.

Many, many women have been able to successfully exit violent, abusive relationships by and through help they received from their family, the community, the state and through their very own grit. Many have utilized the services of Help and Shelter, Legal Aid, the Child Care and Protection Agency, the Family Court, the Domestic Violence Act, the Women of Worth Programme, the difficult circumstances unit, the job placement programme, the Women’s Affairs Bureau, the Men’s Affairs Bureau, counseling, help from trained religious leaders and service from a much more responsive police force and informed Magistracy.

The above-named agencies do not always work the way it was anticipated that they would function, but they work. And they can help any person who needs to get out of an abusive relationship. Where they do not work for a person seeking help, complaints should

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019 be lodged with their management.

Domestic Abuse is an extremely complex issue. It is not unique to Guyana. It has its genesis in the prevailing gender inequality that exists across the world and that is ever so present here in our dear homeland. Every new case for me presents the same superficial symptoms and problems but each case has peculiarities that are completely distinguishable. A one-size solution in any area: law, programme, or facility is not going to meet the needs of every person. Of that I am certain. We cannot, however, fail to continue to strengthen our institutions, fill gaps where they exist and train, train, train all who will encounter complainants and victims of domestic violence as well as perpetrators.

In my view, which is informed mostly by my practice in the family law area again, I believe we need to review whether our laws that address women who are leaving relationships are modern, adequate and/or cater to their needs. We need to review our antiquated divorce laws which cause untold friction between parties in an already fractured relationship, fill the gaps in our Maintenance Act and make some amendments to the laws that address domestic violence and victims thereof. Amendments to allow for prosecution of offences even without a willing virtual complainant, to clearly allow for the making of orders under the DV Act in the Family Court so that a victim is not forced to run to several courts for relief (I am of the view that they can be made now but they have sometimes been refused by at least one Judge.

Clear amendments would change that).

The State needs to establish a programme that offers automatic financial and other assistance (school transfers, training to get jobs, daycare, dedicated counseling to each person for as long as is necessary, medium term housing etc) to women who flee violent relationships. The Police force needs to review and possibly revise and/or implement its policy regarding the granting and renewal of gun licences to persons who have been repeatedly reported for violence in the home.

Additionally, except it is consented to by the complainant, the same police officer as far as is possible, should not address a new complaint by the same complainant. Even further, if a child’s (or any) voice calls on the phone for help from the police alleging violence in the home, police should never leave the home without making sure all the children in the home and each other person is offered the opportunity to leave and is offered counseling within the shortest possible time. This will clearly require inter agency collaboration. The (spiral) education curriculum has to change. Now. Each new student leaving grade six must know what domestic abuse is, what it looks like, how to recognize symptoms early, how to address, how to get

help, and more important than anything else, how not to be an abuser. Gender equality, its significance, its benefits, must be incorporated into the everyday teaching of our children from nursery. This curriculum change had been discussed and recognized as urgent. It is taking too long.

I know we are capable of taking this further. As a country, we recognized Domestic Abuse as something offensive and reflected that in law in 1996. We have moved very far from then to now, with the provision of Govt and NGO/FBO established, supported or funded shelter, legal aid, family court, Childcare and Protection, job opportunities, training of police and the Courts, religious leaders, public awareness campaigns etc.

But any objective participant in the field will confess that movement has slowed down with prior/old initiatives being treated complacently with little new energy or resources being injected therein and indeed resources being removed therefrom (e.g. Legal Aid and Help and Shelter whose funding have been inexplicably cut.) We cannot afford that. Public awareness campaigns are almost non-existent.

International Day against the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16 days of activism that goes along with it come and go without a murmur.

I feel particularly shattered by Zaila’s horrific demise. I first met her on August 22nd last. It was a holiday and she was brought to my home for legal help by a Help and Shelter counselor. We spent hours talking. Her self -esteem was low. She believed what she was told for years, which is that, even with her degree, she was nothing without him. She had five children who she loved and who she constantly thought of.

She was concerned that her children would come to believe what she was going through for her entire relationship and their entire lives, was normal. She knew it wasn’t and she truly wanted them to be better than she was and better than their father was. This is why she ran.

We sought the Court’s help and she got it. Over the months until her Court matter ended I would spend a lot of time talking to her and listening to her. I really felt like she was in a different place from when we first met. Indeed, she was living separate and apart from him. Even before, but particularly after he almost killed her in December, she had promised she would not be in his presence alone again. On Tuesday, her body was found in a shallow grave, reportedly shot to the head and burnt to bits. Whether justice is done will depend on the police investigations that are presently ongoing. I truly hope those are thorough.

Yours faithfully, Priya Manickchand

What happened to SPU plans to operate closed estates?

Dear Editor,

T

he GAWU saw in the May 15 Stabroek News, Mr Earl John’s letter titled “Progress report needed on investors’ interest in closed sugar estates”. In his letter, Mr John queried about the would-be investors for the closed estates. While we recall some time ago the NICIL-SPU announcing that bidders were being short-listed, nothing has been heard since.

That apparent troubling state-of-affairs, undoubtedly, will become even more complicated depending on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) verdict on matters currently engaging its attention.

Moreover, the NICIL-SPU had boldly, and we say proudly, announced that in the intervening period it would have operated the estates directly under its aegis.

The March 15, 2018 Kaieteur News had reported that“the SPU is banking on re-opening three of the closed estates – Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore – to utilize millions of dollars in cane still in the ground”.

We recollect too, that Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan in a February 28, 2018 report in the Jamaica Gleaner was quoted, in relation to the estates identified for divestment, to have said “[w]e cannot keep them closed and mothballed, because when the buyers come they would probably not be as impressed as if they were working…”

For the thousands who were put on the breadline following the closure of Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates, the announcement was greeted with optimism. However, that reality sent their aspirations crashing down. East Demerara Estate operated briefly in

the first half of 2018, and Skeldon operated for a short period in the second half of 2018. Rose Hall Estate, apart from canes which are harvested for processing at Albion, remains inoperable since it shut its doors at the end of 2017.

The non-operation of those estates will see their fields being taken over by vines, weeds, and grass and the standing canes have hardly any or no value. It would be a near to if not a herculean task to put the fields right. Moreover, like any piece of machinery, the lying idle of the factories will present many challenges on start-up and would require great maintenance.

Those factors aside, the workers, their families and the villages which depended on those estates are in several respects continue to face tremendous suffering while the proverbial grass is growing. Of course, this hardship of the situation is compounded when we see, at Skeldon

for instance, unconscionable demands being made for workers to traverse the backdams to catch fish for their family’s sustenance.

This approach of the handling of the sugar industry by the current Government is just another aspect of its disastrous sugar policy. That policy as we well know has dwarfed the industry and put thousands out of work. At the same time, billions have been borrowed but no plan regarding its expenditure has been released, as far as we are aware.

Clearly, as we have said before, the Administration is out at sea when it comes to the sugar industry and, indeed, many other aspects of national life and people’s well-being.

Sincerely, Seepaul Narine, GAWU General Secretary

7

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

APNU+AFC missing in action, as violence against women escalates into a national crisis

Calls are escalating for Ramjattan’s resignation E

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

T

he current crisis in the country’s security sector has gripped the nation in a frenzy of fear – not irrational but justifiable fear because, from corner to corner of Guyana, practically on a daily basis, there are stories emanating of violent crimes, especially armed robberies and murder in the act of the commission of such crimes. These criminals have to live. They have bodily needs that they have to fulfill, and they have a history of wresting the wherewithal of those needs by any means possible; so the average Guyanese – even the poorest of the poor; ie, the elderly pensioners and single-parent households, have been targeted to provide for those needs. Recently, there has been a proliferation of videos showing robbers – armed with knives and guns, robbing people, schoolchildren not exempted, on a daily basis. Passengers are robbed in buses and even taxis.

The tears of the nation are flowing to rival the floods decimating nations worldwide; but these are rivers of blood flowing from eyes that are drenched with the pain from hearts wounded to unbearable proportions by the loss of loved ones, most often in the prime of their lives, brutally taken by the beasts in human form who, while robbing persons of their property, cash and other resources, have no qualms of robbing them of their lives also.

And in equal measure the curses of the nation against Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan are escalating, along with strident calls for his removal as head of the nation’s security services, but he stands resolute, arrogant and inflexible in the flotsam of his abundant failures, unmoved by the agony of the victims and their bereft dependents.

A country’s security sector bears the

most responsibility for the protection of citizens from criminal elements; thus anyone tasked with the mandate of managing this vital sector should prove, over time, meritorious in the functionality and efficiency of the various arms of government comprising his portfolio. However, from the inception of the appointment of Khemraj Ramjattan as Security Minister there has been one critical incident that compromised the nation’s safety after another.

The calls are escalating, even from his own party’s supporters, for him to resign, or be re-assigned, because he has clearly failed to deliver on his primary mandate – to protect the nation and formulate policies that would strengthen the various arms under his watch.

He defends the indefensible and excuses himself with one ridiculous postulation after another, when the fact is that he is unable to perform to expectations. There may be many flaws in the system; but the fact of the matter is that the buck stops at Ramjattan.

His utterings, while acknowledging the facts, disclaims blame on his performance and ascribes same to departmental heads, while not naming names.

Heads should roll after all the ludicrous fiascos and the permeating fear infusing the entire nation, because no-one is safe from the murderous criminals, who are acting with greater impunity as a result of the gross deficiencies of Guyana’s security forces under Ramjattan’s watch. Nowhere is safe anymore, not even in the sanctity of one’s own home. Without a doubt, he should be the first to go, according to popular opinion. There is absolutely no confidence in him by the public as the head of the security services.

Regards, Alister Charlie, Member of Parliament

Recent actions runs counter to the norms and protocols governing the public service Dear Editor,

T

wo recent developments caught my attention which I found interesting from a governance standpoint.

The first is the refusal of the Mayor of Georgetown to proceed with a statutory meeting of the Council after he failed to get the meeting agenda in advance. The Town Clerk (ag) reportedly blamed the failure to provide the documents on administrative delays which seems unacceptable especially since, according to the Mayor, it was not the first such incident. It is difficult to blame the Mayor for the action he took given the circumstances which could be seen as disrespectful to his office.

The second and perhaps more significant from a governance perspective was the refusal of the Region Two Regional Executive

Officer and his staff to participate in the proceedings of a RDC meeting. The reason given according to media reports was that the REO cannot get along with the acting Chairman.

Such actions runs counter to the norms and protocols governing the public service.

The Regional Executive Officer and staff are subordinate to the Council of which the Chairman is the political head. As such he is not in a position to decide his participation and that of others in Council meetings.

Such actions cannot and should not be tolerated and warrant some form of disciplinary action on the part of the relevant authorities.

However this is unlikely to happen given the adversarial and fractured nature of our political system.

Yours faithfully, Hydar Ally

ven as we agonize over the gruesome murder of Zaila Sugrim by her intimate partner this past weekend, news is coming out of Essequibo of another woman cruelly stabbed to death by her husband. None of these incidents are the direct fault of the president or his government. But violence against women (VAW), including intimate partner violence (IPV), has further escalated in Guyana and getting worse every day.

Intimate partner violence and deaths are a genuine national crisis, demanding urgent action by the government.

As early as 2006, I called attention to this matter as a global public health challenge.

In 2008, Minister Priya Manikchand made the fight against VAW a priority national program. Exactly one year ago, I wrote about this national crisis and urged our government to act with a sense of urgency. It is distasteful and completely unacceptable that any of us must still urge our government to lead a vigorous fight against VAW. There are many voices calling for action. But without leadership of our government, we will lose the battle to combat VAW and IPV. The sad truth is that this APNU+AFC government is MIA, missing in action, as VAW in Guyana has become a runaway train, leaving too many lives in tatters.

The death of young Zaila Sugrim this past week is, at the same time, a grim reminder that we are losing the battle against VAW and an urgent call for action. Zaila Sugrim, a beautiful young woman and a mother of five children, is the newest victim of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Guyana, but too many have already preceded her. If her story does not prick our collective conscience, we are not human. This week, Zaila's life of domestic violence came to an end, not because she was able to escape her abuser, even though she desperately tried to, but because she was brutally murdered by her abuser-husband. Zaila was mercilessly beaten, shot in the head, burnt and buried in a shallow grave behind her husband's business. All of this while her children were excitedly waiting for her to celebrate one of their birthdays. Now these innocent children have become orphaned.

Like many thousands in our country and many millions around the world, Zaila was a victim of the violence against women (VAW) pandemic. About one in three women in the world suffer from violence by their own partners. Dozens of these victims in Guyana will end their lives of terror and misery only by death, just as more than 40,000 women around the world this year.

Of the 87,000 women globally murdered, about 40,000 of them are killed by a partner.

Zaila Sugrim is now one of them. So too is Farida Khayum of Essequibo, the newest Guyanese victim, who has left three of the newest orphans in Guyana.

The nation is genuinely shocked and many of our citizens are demanding action.

There has been no word from the Minister of Public Security. He is too busy thinking about men who frequent places where sex workers hang out, while conspiring to replace Moses Nagamootoo as Prime Minister.

There has been no word from the Minister of Social Protection, under whom women affairs falls. She is too busy politiking. The Minister of Public Health is similarly silent, also too busy with politics and desperately trying to stop Basil Williams from emerging as a Presidential candidate. The Prime Minister, desperately trying to stop Ramjattan from replacing him, is too concerned about dual citizens to even bother about the senseless killing of a woman. The President, as usual, seems too busy doing nothing to even care. The truth is that the President and his Government are missing in action, MIA, as VAW continues to escalate and the national crisis heightens.

Not so long ago, a man pumped bullets into the head of his wife in a busy Georgetown street. Less than a month ago, a young man drove his car back and fro over his wife.

Now the sad and fatal stories of Zaila Sugrim and Farida Khayum. But such brutal attacks on women by their partners are occurring nearly every week in Guyana. These stories prick our conscience too often. Each time, we are shocked and our conscience tells us enough is enough. But our country moves on, little action is taken, the government chooses to be MIA, and we await the next death to prick our conscience a little more.

The problem is our leaders seem to be numb by the frequency and the increasing brutality of these murders, that they treat them as just another unfortunate event in the daily grind of life in Guyana.

I heard today in a TV program, Ms. Gail Teixeira raising the issue and calling on government to lead the fight against VAW and IPV. Ms. Teixeira who led Guyana's team to the ICPD in Cairo in 1994 has been relentless in demanding more action against VAW. Ms. Priya Manikchand has been an ardent advocate urging a vigorous national effort to combat VAW. Many women and NGOs have been actively working on their own to stem the tsunami of VAW in Guyana.

But our present government continues to behave as if VAW is not a matter for concern.

Since 2015, the APNU+AFC Government has been either silent or extremely stingy in acknowledging Guyana has a VAW problem and that IPV is epidemic in our country. We are not alone. Both VAW and IPV are pandemics, public health crisis, in every country in the world. But our government cannot excuse itself because VAW happens to be a global problem. Guyana needs action now and the President must step up to the plate.

Sincerely, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

8

Assessment of Guyana’s position is necessary Dear Editor,

A

s we approach the 53rd anniversary of our country’s independence, it is necessary that we take stock to determine where we are, how we got here, and where we are headed as a nation.

After 53 years of independence questions such, are we truly independent? Have we ever been truly independent? Will we ever be truly independent as a nation? All these seem quite relevant at this juncture of our country’s historical development.

Guyana wasted 26 of its precious 53 years, as a result of the Burnham dictatorship’s gambling and experimenting with our country’s political and economic fortunes.

This wastage in time and space was exemplified in Burnham’s mad rush to establish cooperatives as the vehicle to ‘usher in socialism’ to Guyana, the establishment of Knowledge Sharing Institutes to distribute banned basic food items to party supporters, the enforcement of compulsory National Service for UG students, the establishment of the costly People’s Militia, sloganeering such as ‘Eat-less Sleep-less and work harder,’ that government will hand out ‘free milk and cassava’ and that ‘not a man will go to bed hungry,’ to fool people, rigging of elections coupled with the jailing and physical liquidation of political opponents, all of which constituted part and parcel of the PNC’s strategy to hold on to political power.

The few developmental projects such as the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the National Cultural Centre, the Sanata textile mill, and the Belu Claybrick factory, paled in significance when juxtaposed against the statement, “We had growth without development’ made by a top economist who worked for the government at that time.

Despite his disagreements with the policies pursued by the ruling PNC, Dr. Cheddi Jagan was bold enough to remark on one occasion that, ‘The PNC is not the PPP and therefore we cannot expect it to proceed in the same way as the PPP would.”

His realistic assessment notwithstanding, Jagan remained convinced that even though the PPP and the PNC pursued policies diametrically opposed to each other, in effect, the social composition of the two parties and the mutuality of their respective supporters general aspirations, could lay the basis for national and working class unity to take Guyana forward.

Jagan therefore considered it his historical mission to encourage the leadership and general membership of the PNC to recognize that the future of a truly independent Guyana was assured with a political solution to Guyana’s problems based on racial and working class unity.

It was with this objective in mind that Jagan advanced initiatives such as ‘Critical Support’, the call for a ‘National Patriotic Front and National Front’ Government and later, the ‘Winner does not take all’ policy, only to be rejected by the PNC the then ruling party.

With 23 of the 53 years under its belt, and against tremendous economic and financial odds, successive PPP/C administrations sought to repair the damage done to the country’s economic and social infrastructure, rid the country

of its burdensome foreign debt and to return and enhance credibility to Guyana’s national and international and political fortunes.

Henry Jeffery in his ‘Future Notes’ in SN May 15, 2019 ‘A Goebbelsian boast’ illustrated quite convincingly the successes achieved in the social sector by the PPP/C during its 23 years in office.

The Granger-led Coalition Administration resembles an ill-assorted collection of poorly matching parts forming a distressing whole.

It has carved out for itself 4 of the 53 years.

And rather building on the progressive PSIP and going after foreign investments bullishly, the coalition in pursuance of its ‘Fresh Approach’ chose to place emphasis on the symbolism of independence and nationhood as if this would put food on poor people’s tables and money in their pockets.

Continuation of its predecessor’s ‘Economic Diplomacy’ initiatives eventually lost its way and evaporated without leaving any trace of notable success worthy of mention.

And as if playing fiddle while Rome was burning, the regime found itself trapped in the unpleasant situation where, according to one letter writer ‘a culture of corruption has flourished and touched virtually everyone either incidentally or by design.’

Thus far, Guyana has not been able to shake off the perception as the most corrupt country in CARICOM, and what is ironic about this situation is that while the Granger-led administration continues to heap praises on SARA and SOCU, the latter is now engulfed in a corruption scandal of its own making, while SARA has proven itself impotent when challenged to investigate matters bearing incontrovertibly evidence of corruption in government circles.

Incidentally, the talk of the town is that corruption will get worse when revenues from oil begin to flow.

But the corruption scandals aside, the Granger administration continues to slavishly worship all things symbolic of independence and nationhood. The regime’s adoration to this twin proclivity is reflected in the construction of arches and monuments as well the mounting of huge photo prints of Prime Minister Burnham receiving the Constitutional Instruments of independence from the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Queen’s Representatives, which now adorns the interior halls of certain state owned buildings.

Stressing the economic challenges Guyana will face as an independent nation, Cheddi Jagan in his ‘Address of Thanks for Constitutional Instruments’ during the historic sitting of the House of Assembly on May 26, 1966 said; “Besides, political independence has been attained under the continuation and consolidation of foreign economic control and the maintenance of the colonial type economy based on primary production and extraction.”

That was 53 years ago, Jagan’s prognosis at that time, remains relevant to this day.

Here’s why. In the midst of glorifying the symbols of independence and nationhood, yet a symbolism of another type has reared its ugly head.

It is a symbolism emblematic of the dependency syndrome experienced mainly by small economies such as Guyana that have no other

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019 option but to eke out its existence in a hostile international environment where globalization has become the dominant and influential factor in trade, financial markets, technological innovation and values as well and international cooperation.

Any attempt to assess how far we have come as a nation since May 1966 must therefore be situated in a global context despite our apprehensions about the benefits Guyana has or yet to accrue from its interactions and interrelations with a globalized world.

It is necessary to stress however, that responsibility for our country’s underachievement cannot be placed solely on international factors as some apologists try to make out.

Weak institutions of governance, pervasive and persistent poverty, growing inequality, rising unemployment especially among youths and social dislocation exacerbated by the recent closing of sugar estates are symptomatic of bad domestic policies pursued by the PNC government at that time and, even of today’s APNU+AFC who have failed miserably to ‘get the policies right.’

In the era of globalization, the world is not waiting on Guyana, it is moving ahead at a rapid pace and, if governments like the APNU+AFC chose to remain inflexible and squander opportunities on controversial contracts with behemoths like ExxonMobil then future generations will certainly not look upon them kindly.

The list of what needs to be done is extensive. Time, financial and human resources are necessary to do them. In this 53rd year of our country’s independence, can the APNU+AFC alone take the necessary actions in the midst of a contentious domestic political climate for Guyana to move ahead?

Compounding the already confrontational political climate, is the on-going attempts to distort the history of Guyana’s struggle for independence and who led that fight.

The distortions and falsifications continues unabated with leading politicians from the PNC falsely portraying the struggle for, and the celebration of independence anniversaries as a ‘Black people’s thing’ when the historical records prove to the contrary.

But the PPP has to bear some responsibility for the perpetuation of this myth because the party does not, in a sustained and high profile manner, make known, Cheddi Jagan’s and the PPP’s contribution to Guyana’s struggle for independence.

Issuing the routine press release for the occasion will not suffice. And the party’s role as the harbinger in the independence struggle should not be downplayed, since that would be a grave disservice to Jagan’s and PPP’s legacy.

A corollary to the falsifications by the ‘would be’ historians is the opportunities taken to debunk an internationally recognized fact that Cheddi Jagan is indeed the ‘Father of the Nation’.

This is how Mr. David Granger, Leader of the Opposition at the time, speaking at the inaugural National Assembly’s ‘Governance and Democracy’ lecture series put it: “There is no father of the nation, there is no mother of the nation and I think we need to unlearn this myth.”

In this regard, Granger was roundly criticised by Aubrey Norton and Maxwell Edwards. The former claimed that Burnham ought to be recognised as ‘one of the founding fathers of this country’ while the latter described Granger’s presentation as an ‘every man’s theory’ that smacks of a ‘revisionist attitude to history and truth.’

But putting these asseverations aside for the time, we return to the perennial question about the true nature of county’s independence.

From time immemorial, Guyana has been a price taker on the international market for our major exports including bauxite, sugar, rice and gold. Whatever the prices the international markets dictate Guyana has no choice but to

accept.

Guyana has never been a major player on the international market like Brazil, China, India, Russia, Thailand, or Vietnam that play big roles in influencing world prices for these commodities.

These countries are members of common commodity international organizations. They meet regularly and help to influence world market prices for these commodities. In this way, they struggle to assert their economic independence.

Save for its membership in the WTO, CARICOM and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries, Guyana’s role is peripheral in determining regional or international trade policies. And apart from its presence in these bodies, Guyana is nowhere to be seen at any other international forum where prices for internationally traded commodities are determined.

In other words, our economic independence has been shackled by entrenched international economic factors way beyond our control.

The situation will be no better when we become an oil producing country, in fact, it will be more of the same.

No matter how many millions of barrels of oil we pump on a daily basis, what will matter is what will be the price of oil at that time and thereafter; and how much Guyana will be receiving in payments from the ExxonMobil’s of this world.

Already there are great financial expectations in certain quarters, and eyes are beginning to Google at the huge sums that will be available either to be pocketed or to be used for the benefit of all Guyanese.

In light of recent developments, Guyana had better take warning and note that should it not dance to the tune of the powerful oil companies and the industrialized states, in respect to their extra-territorial policies, it could very well face sanctions of the type that Cuba, Venezuela, Iran or even Russia are currently experiencing.

As an oil-producing country, the external environment for Guyana will be even more complex. But what is certain is that we will continue to be shackled to an International financial system over which we have no control.

We will continue to be a price taker for just another commodity that is slowly but surely being replaced by other forms of energy and technological advances as in the case of electrically generated cars and vehicles.

These are the mighty issues that the APNU+AFC government should be paying attention to rather horsing around with symbols of independence at home and abroad.

While symbols of independence and nationhood are important, economics, trade and financial matters will loom much larger in the constellation of the nation’s priorities.

Ill-conceived as it may have been, the late President Burnham held out ‘Cooperative Socialism’ as his vision for a future Guyana and he went so far as to have that vision enshrined in our Constitution.

Cheddi Jagan for his part, called the establishment of a National Democratic State with a socialist orientation and a New Global Human Order as his vision for our country and the world.

A careful reading of our constitution would recognize how it captures the vision of both men Today, as we approach another anniversary of our country’s independence we have absolutely no idea what is President Granger’s vision for Guyana save and except for his Green whatever.

Will that in anyway whatsoever enhance and advance our national interest and make Guyana a truly independent nation?

Clement J. Rohee, Former Minister of Government

9

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

City Hall in Focus City Hall pursues revenue generation without addressing issue of prudent spending of taxpayers’ money

By Bishram Kuppen

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press briefing was recently held by officials of the Georgetown City Council to inform the public that the Council will launch a campaign to collect outstanding rates and taxes. This initiative was presented by the Town Clerk, Ms. Sharon Harry-Monroe along with the City Treasurer John Douglas and other officers where it was stated that representatives from Council will visit defaulting ratepayers to get them to pay those outstanding rates & taxes which are long overdue.

However, according to Mayor Ubraj Narine, he was not aware that such a program will be launched and he was not invited to the press briefing. In addition, Mayor Ubraj Narine has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry on behalf of the Georgetown City Council to discuss a number of issues including rates & taxes. So the announcement by the Town Clerk of the rate recovery program without getting the input or approval of the Mayor and the full Council to ensure that the approach was conducive and in line with the recently signed agreement, came as a surprise.

It was reported that the Council is owed $8.4 Billion in rates and taxes and that this amount does not include interest which has accrued over the years on the principal amounts due. The interest is reported to be over $101B, which has accrued for the past 25 years on the outstanding principal amounts owed by property owners.

The Municipality of Georgetown includes 15 constituencies which extend from Liliendaal on the East Coast to Agricola on the East Bank of Demerara. All properties within this

area are subjected to rates and taxes being levied by the City Council with the exception of unincorporated areas including Sophia which is still under the control of central government even though efforts are currently being made to hand over Sophia to the City Council.

The Georgetown City Council is governed by the Municipal & District Council’s Act which empowers the Council to levy rates and taxes on real property, which are incorporated and located within the boundaries of the municipality. Rates & taxes are assessed on properties based on valuations performed by the Valuation Office of the Ministry of Finance.

According to the City Treasurer, a situation currently exists where many properties have not been re-valued for a very long time by the government’s Valuation Office to arrive at a present-day assessed value for rating purposes. Such re-valuation will take into consideration upgrades, change of use, new multi-floor buildings or increase in land values. The lack of revaluation in recent years meant that many properties were paying the old rates even though they may have also converted their properties from residential to commercial uses or built larger buildings.

But the current issue of major concern to the City Council is that $8.4B is owed in rates & taxes by property owners with some going back as far as 25 years ago. The interest accruing on the principal sum of $8.4B is approximately $101B. The City Council had offered a number of amnesty programs over the years where the interest on the rates & taxes were waived. Many property owners had taken advantage of this opportunity and paid their outstanding taxes but many also have not taken the opportunity to settle their debts with the Council. According to the City Treasurer, John Douglas, most of the outstanding debts are owed by businesses.

The issue of whether the City Council can waive interest on rates and taxes is a controversial one since it is not clear whether the Council has the authority to do so. This issuance of tax waivers is currently being investigated by the Auditor General according to a report from the City Treasurer’s office.

It is important to note that the City Council has not made any disclosures to Councilors at the full Council meetings as to who were the individuals who benefited from waiver on interest, reduction of amount owed for rates and taxes or any full exemptions which may have been granted. This is an area where corruption can easily occur since there is no transparency or full disclosure of the process, what criteria was used or identification of the beneficiaries to ensure that the process was not used to benefit undeserving individuals and that equal treatment was applied to all cases. It should be noted also that the Councilors on the Committees which are authorised to address tax waivers and special circumstances where property owners have difficulty paying, are all APNU Councillors and they have not yet presented any detailed reports on any concessions or waivers which may have been granted.

The financial crisis facing the Georgetown City Council had led to a number of attempts to find new areas to garner revenue for the Council. One such undertaking was the infamous parking meter contract which citizens rejected over-

whelmingly and the government stepped in to block due to the failure of the Council to follow tender and procurement measures and also the one-sided nature of the contract which was in favor of the contractor among other reasons.

At a recent finance committee meeting, a question was posed to the City Treasurer to state the principal amount of money which was owed for rates and taxes, and he responded that it was over $8B. It was then suggested by the member of the committee that instead of putting all efforts into finding new ways to garner funds, the Council should focus of collecting the outstanding taxes which are due which could potentially solve the Council’s financial problems for the near future.

This approach would mean that citizens and businesses will not be called upon to make more sacrifices by paying higher or new fees especially since the City Council has not been providing the full complement of services to citizens which they are mandated to do. In fact many non-paying ratepayers have claimed that they are not receiving services from the Georgetown City Council and so they feel justified in not paying rates & taxes.

The Town Clerk had suggested that defaulting ratepayers will be given an opportunity to meet with members of the special committees which were set up to deal with rates & taxes issues for any citizens who have extenuating circumstances affecting their ability to settle their debt with the Council. If those efforts fail, the Town Clerk said that the City Council will have to take legal action to recoup the rates & taxes which are overdue.

While the issue of revenue generation is important for the operation of the City Council, the issue of prudent spending of taxpayers’ money is also very important given the fact that it is citizens who are financing the operations of the City Council and paying the hefty salaries and benefits of all of the officers and workers of the Council.

Some attempt was made at the finance committee meetings to reduce expenditure during discussions on the long overdue final draft of the 2019 budget which will be presented to Council, presumably next week. But those attempts did not go far enough to make any meaningful changes to the overall structure of the financial operations in the Council. As citizens are aware, between sixty to eighty percent of the Council’s expenditure goes towards employment costs while little or no services are performed for the benefit of citizens.

As a Councilor of the People’s Progressive Party on the City Council, we are advocating for zero-based budgeting where every single item which is proposed for inclusion in the budget must be justified as being a necessary expense for the Council. In other words, starting out with a clean slate to weed out unnecessary and wasteful spending which would necessitate a close examination of every department of the Council from a financial perspective to justify their relevance and effectiveness in fulfilling the mandate of the City Council to provide efficient and professional services to the residents, businesses and other stakeholders of Georgetown.

Fired Town Clerk leaves City Hall with bill for hundreds of thousands in legal fees

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he already cash-strapped Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is now being asked to pay legal fees racked up by former Town Clerk Royston Clerk, who was fired earlier this year over gross misconduct at the local organ body.

Attorney Maxwell Edwards is making the claim for consultancy services he provided to King at a rate of

$250,000 monthly. Edwards is making claims for consultancy services provided to City Hall based on an agreement he had with King.

Edwards had represented King during a 2018 Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of City Council.

After the probe, conducted by retired Justice Cecil Kennard, it was found that

King was guilty of gross misconduct, and was later fired from the Council in January 2019.

One of the 31 recommendations from the CoI report was that criminal charges be laid against King. If he was found guilty of several offences, a request was made for law enforcement agencies and the Auditor General to continue with the probe.

Prior to his dismissal, King was sent on administrative leave on September 21, 2018 to facilitate the inquiry.

CoI Chairman, Justice Kennard, had said, “I’m convinced that the Town Clerk and the Mayor are not working in the best interest of the city…To sum it all, most of the woes of the City Council has been due to neglect and mismanagement by the top

officers of the Council.”

Justice Kennard, in his report, had stated too that the former Town Clerk was guilty of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and misappropriation of funds. He also stated that King performed the duties of Treasurer and other officers of the Council, which were not his designated duties.

In light of these findings,

King appeared before the Local Government Commission (LGC) to answer to the findings of the report and was also requested to present dialogue on other matters.

However, his refusal to discuss the accusations which were brought against him triggered a decision on the part of the Commission to dismiss him with immediate effect.

10

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 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 (May 23, 2019), ranging from the continued work of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Manifesto Committee to the moves by the APNU+AFC Coalition to siphon off monies from the treasury.

Work on the manifesto includes efforts to ensure faster implementation W

ork continues on the manifesto, ahead of the next General and Regional Elections, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. “While we await the CCJ decision, we have been doing much work in manifesto,” he said during his Thursday (May 23, 2019) press conference.

According to him, plans for the future are being worked on in greater detail to allow for faster implementation. “They (plans included in the manifesto) will be rolled out in greater detail during manifesto launch. We are using this time to talk to people on the ground, to tell people about plans for future,” he said.

He added that among People’s Progressive Party/ Civic envisions early implementation of plans to address jobs, safety, welfare of Guyanese. “We want to hit the ground running… this is why we are spending time on not just broad goals, but detailed approaches for

implementation,” he said.

On the oil and gas sector, the Opposition Leader said the PPP/C wants not only transparent management of the sector, but bipartisan management of the sector.

“The resources will be used to benefit all Guyanese…we have been exploring models….we are not slaves to consultants who sometimes work for oil companies…. we will seek technical advice, yes, but final decision will be made by Government of the day….decisions made will be appropriate for our country to benefit our people,” he said. According to him, work has also been ongoing on features of a local content policy to ensure that foreign companies do not “cream” all the benefits.

“The benefits must be felt by all our people…all of Guyana, every race, every race,” he said. Jagdeo also noted that the primary focus in the oil and gas sector to ensure better management of the oil flows that will come to Guy-

ana – better management that responds to a defined use of the said resources on infrastructure, jobs, education and health care.

Touching on the issue of job creation, he reiterated that the job creation goal is 50,000 jobs. “We think 50,000 is conservative. We think we can do better because of our approach and the incentive programmes we are working on…the package of incentives will support job creation…the incentives will go to all sectors of the economy….to

farmers, forestry and mining, as well as exciting new concessions and help to the services industry,” Jagdeo said.

Relative to housing, he stated that plans are being worked out to ensure the creation of 8,000 to 10,000 new house lots per year.

Also touching on the sore issue of taxation, the Opposition Leader said, “We already know which taxes abolish, review….the focus is to ensure that taxes do not push up cost of living or cost of doing business.”

Corruption, he charged, will not go unaddressed.

He promised detailed programmes to strengthen the corruption fight. “Given what is happening now there is a need to strengthen anti-corruption agencies and create new ones to ensure that there are swift penalties for transgression of rules,” Jagdeo said.

Governance structure, he noted too, will also be bolstered. “There will be a package of measures,” he said.

Additionally, the Opposition Leader noted that Guyana’s democratic institutions, as well as efforts to ensure that there are no ambiguity in the country’s laws to that “a group like APNU+AFC” cannot exploit the laws. “There will have to be an interpretation for every provision of the Constitution…it will have to be spelled out…we have seen what happened with the GECOM Chairman and the undemocratic trends where

they refuse to accept the consequences of the no-confidence motion,” he said.

All public servants, he said, will enjoy better conditions of services.

In the area of education, Jagdeo disclosed that university level students can expect a “new and exciting” package.

Also, the Opposition Leader noted that there will be greater focus in the hinterland areas, more work to support vulnerable groups and more to tackle the current escalation of crime.

According to him, with the APNU+AFC Coalition government’s failures, the only card they are left with is the racism fight. “The race card is their trump card… we have to ensure that all of our people and institutions know what they are trying to do and fight it together…we cannot be divided,” he said.

The manifesto committee includes about 20 persons, including the PPP/C presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali.

Campaign resources being siphoned via Coalition’s machinations in office

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he plan by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) led APNU+AFC Coalition to use office to siphon off re-

sources for campaigning is becoming clearer as its machinations are being exposed, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Independence Day an opportunity to assess how far Guyana has to go

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ell wishes for May 26, 2019 – Guyana’s 53rd Independence anniversary – were extended to all Guyanese by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his weekly news conference held on Thursday (May 23, 2019).

He charged that the day presents an opportunity for reflection of how far Guyana has come and how far the country must go to fulfill the aspirations of all Guyanese.

Guyana attained Independence on May 26, 1966.

This week, PNCR General Secretary, Amna Ally, took to communities to distribute tickets for the Buju Banton concert, scheduled for May 25, 2019. Reports surfacing is that some $40M of taxpayers’ monies were spent to purchase 8,000 tickets – at $5,000 each – from the private organisers of the concert.

Jagdeo noted that the Coalition’s recent outreach to the 15 constituencies in Georgetown was very poorly attended, hence the effort now to reconnect with communities – albeit in

a manner that disparages Guyanese.

He charged the other emerging scandal related to payments being made by the Ministry of the Presidency to printers of t-shirts, and instructing the printers to submit invoices to the Finance Minister, receive cheques, cash the same and then pay the monies to the PNCR as campaign donations. “This is a massive schemes… I want to warn the suppliers, that if they are doing this, they are participating in an illegality.

And all technical officers at

the ministry, they can get into trouble. This is another scheme to siphon off money from the treasury,” he said.

The use of the supplementary financial paper, passed by the APNU+AFC Coalition during Thursday’s (May 23, 2019) sitting of the National Assembly, is another means being used by the Government to siphon off money, according to him.

Ministerial outreaches are expected to cost at least another $300M. This was revealed upon examination of the $7.962B financial

paper. Some $800M of the $7.962B is earmarked to pay the judgment awarded to Dipcon and cover the costs associated with activities, such as Ministerial outreaches.

Justice Rishi Persaud handed down the judgement in the company’s favour on October 21, 2015 – a payment of US$2,228,400.67 or GYD$467,964,140.7 – using the Bank of Guyana exchange rate of GYD$210 for US$1.

The additional $800M was requested by the Ministry of Finance.

11

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 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 (May 23, 2019), ranging from the continued work of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Manifesto Committee to the moves by the APNU+AFC Coalition to siphon off monies from the treasury.

Declarations of success by Work continues to dismantle perception of corruption Coalition gov’t removed from reality of Guyanese ‒ even as efforts are made to expose ‘daily breaches’ by Coalition gov’t T

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he APNU+AFC Coalition continues to boasted of major significant feats, when the reality has been four years of failures and broken promises, according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

He charged that the declarations made by the coalition administration of its successes during its tenure in office is far from the truth.

“There are multiple lies to Guyanese about its long list or achievements. When the average Guyanese tries matching those with the reality of life on the ground, they find a huge gap,” he said.

Jagdeo stated that while some may argue, including Government officials, that this Administration has only had four years so far to run Guyana, the country’s progress in many sectors has been stalled or diminished.

“But what’s the truth, what is the reality of life in Guyana today? We know for a fact that over 30,000 persons who were working at the time this Government took office have lost their jobs. That is 30,000 Guyanese who were working and feeding their families and earning an income and having the dignity of work now no longer have a job because of the policies of this Government.”

According to Jagdeo, the Government has failed in attracting major new in-

vestments in Guyana and even local investments, if any, are limited and flailing in the country. “Outside of the oil and gas sector which started under the [People’s Progressive Party] PPP, the investments have dried up totally, foreign investments, and local investment is almost non-existent now. The only thing that a few people are benefiting from are the high prices for land in prime locations where the oil companies want to locate one or two of their facilities. That is the only thing that is happening, foreign investment as well as local investment have dried up…”

The Opposition Leader pointed out that while much focus is being placed on the oil and gas sector in relation to job opportunities for citizens, the employment opportunities will be limited, and cannot substitute for the

jobs that were lost due to Government over the past four years. “The prospect of creating new jobs is diminished because oil and gas as I said before will give us 2,000 new jobs and we lost 30,000 jobs and we are not going to create many new jobs in the other sectors so it is going to get progressively worse… four years of deterioration… only four years in office is not an excuse.

How much longer does it take to recognised that this Government does not have a vision?”

He added that the current Administration has an “absence of direction” and that contrary to the declarations of achievements by the APNU/AFC from 2015 to date, the past four years have been nothing short of failures and deterioration of progress in Guyana.

PNCR-controlled GECOM ignores legal officer's opinion C

laims by APNU+AFC Coalition Government aligned elements that the Legal Officer at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is a “mole” working for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) was scoffed at by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

During his Thursday (May 23, 2019) news conference, he said, “So, the Legal Officer is now a PPP mole in GECOM….simply because she has given an opinion that is a reflection of law and it does not support what PNC has been saying.”

For months now the Peo-

ple’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has objected to the push by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to conduct new national house to house registration – more so given indications that thousands of eligible voters risk being de-registered.

(Turn to page 12)

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is working hard to dismantle the perception of corruption that was created by the APNU and AFC, while they were in Opposition, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“There might be some people might not believe us, but then let us debate it. We are prepared to stand by our record,” he said during his Thursday (May 23, 2019) news conference.

He noted that while much was said about corruption under the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration, the current APNU+AFC Coalition Government has failed to prove any of their claims. “A picture about corruption was painted….now that they are in office, they are faced with a situation where they have to prove all that they have said,” he said.

Over four years later, since the APNU+AFC Coalition took office, and after expending over $133M on forensic audits, there have been no tangible deliverables that prove corruption.

FORENSIC AUDITS In April 2017, Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, said that the report of the forensic audits will no longer be made public – a backpedaling on what he had said before.

His comment comes months after he said that Cabinet will decide who will be prosecuted based on audit reports. According to him, a sub-committee of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government Cabinet was established to examine the audit reports for possible criminal and negligent conduct. He said, “The special sub-committee looks at the audits and decides who will be prosecuted…the disciplinary issues are sent to the Board of Directors of the particular entity for corrective actions.”

The Minister’s comments contradict statements made

by none other President David Granger, who admitted that the audits themselves did not turn up “sufficient evidence” to bring criminal charges against former government officials. Granger said, “Sometimes the evidence is sufficient to bring prosecutions in court….we have been concerned with that evidence….where the evidence is available we will prosecute.”

While Granger has also said that the audits were not done with the purpose to “witch hunt” former government officials, Jagdeo, has called for APNU+AFC to release not only the completed audit reports, but also the responses to the audit reports.

The $133M of taxpayers’ money was spent on about 45 audits. Only about 30 forensic audit reports were released.

The Coalition government has also been criticised for the manner in which the audits were commissioned, since many supporters of APNU+AFC were given contracts – including Dr. Annand Goolsarran.

The highest sum for a single audit - $8M – was paid to Christopher Ram’s company, Ram and McRae, for the audit of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). In total Ram’s company was tasked with eight contracts totaling over $37M. Dr Goolsarran received four contracts totaling over $6M, with the largest contract sum being $2.3M. How much remaining five audits costs – a total of 50 having been cited by government as intended pursuits – remains unknown, despite multiple attempts to have Sharma answers questions on the matter.

DAILY BREACHES In the meantime, Jagdeo on Thursday (May 23, 2019) pointed out that there are daily breaches of Guyana’s financial laws.

Only this week, Auditor General (AG), Deodat

Sharma, disclosed that he has found an increase in financial transgressions, with no regards being given to the Procurement Act. “I believe it is more frequent now. There are a lot of sole-sourced contracts and every other day you have some issue with breaches of contractual or tender board procedures. Even the recommendations for corrective action, most of them are not being implemented,” he said. Additionally, the Auditor General’s report showed that at the end of 2016, there were 82 breaches of the FMAA and 71 breaches of the Procurement Act. Jagdeo questioned too which People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government Minister held office while their company benefited from taxpayers’ monies, via contracts – a reference to the still unresolved issue of Minister Cathy Hughes’ company, Videomega Productions, receiving contracts from her own ministry, as well as others, worth millions.

He also took aim at the failures, relative to compliance with the Integrity Commission Act. “Filing is not a Cabinet policy, it is a statutory responsibility,” he said, with reference to comments made by President David Granger about whether or not all APNU+AFC Coalition Government Ministers had complied with the law.

The Opposition Leader added that under successive PPP/C Government, no Minister was a member of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which reviews government spending. “This has never happened in the Commonwealth, yet this is what is happening under APNU,” he said.

With one scandal after another – as many as 60 to date – Jagdeo reiterated that the PPP/C stands by its record in office and is ready to debate the issue.

12

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Auditor General to investigate D’Urban Park monies still not US$9,000 paid into Minister’s accounted for – Auditor General personal bank account General, Deodat From September 2015 to son. From January 22, 2016 Auditor Sharma, has said that he date, there are three pe- to April 21, 2016, there is

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he Audit Office of Guyana will be investigating the arrangements that led to the deposit of US$9,000 into the personal bank account of Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, from a Chinese firm.

Information related to the deposit of the US$9,000 was released by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) last week.

Patterson, in response, has said that, in April 2016 via the Chinese Embassy in Guyana, an invitation was extended to him to attend and make a presentation at the 7th International Investment and Construction Forum in Macao, China. The event, which was endorsed

by China’s Ministry of Commerce and Macao Special Administrative Region Government, was held on June 2 and 3, 2016 and jointly

organised by the China International Contractors Association and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute.

Patterson said too that the organisers committed to reimburse travel-related expenses up to US$10,000.

According to him, he took money from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) for the trip and that the US$9,000 from the Chinese firm was the reimbursement.

However, the money from the Chinese company was paid into Patterson’s personal bank account 10 months after the June 2016 forum. Also, Patterson has not provided any documentation to show that the US$9,000 paid into his personal bank account was actually transferred to MARAD. Meanwhile, Auditor

General, Deodat Sharma, has said that investigation is to ensure that everything is in order. “I have to look into it to ensure what he is saying is correct. I have to check what was borrowed and what was paid back versus how much was paid to the minister.

I also have to go through MARAD’s accounts to see how that was done, ensure he had the approval to travel, and ascertain what the arrangements really were and so forth. I have to look into it,” he said.

Already, under pressure, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, has admitted that the arrangement Patterson referred to – where he collected money from MARAD, collected money from a Chinese firm and claims that it was a reimbursement of monies taken from MARAD – is not the norm.

is disappointed that he still has to receive information and documentation to complete his investigation of the controversial Durban Park Project.

In 2017, in his report the Auditor General noted that $107.119M was unaccounted for in payment vouchers; a grand total of $1.150B was expended on the D’Urban Park project. The lack of information has led Sharma to conclude that the completeness, accuracy and validity of the amounts could not be determined.

The Auditor General disclosed that he found no documentation attached to any payment vouchers to explain or indicate any works being done, or even supervisory checks being carried out on works done. He further stated that there was no certification to show the works being done were up to standard or meet the requirements.

Apart from the discrepancy in the D’Urban Park project, the Auditor General pointed out that $500M was paid to Homestretch Development Inc. (HDI). HDI was created as a private company for the implementation of the D’Urban Park project. They paid this company so it could pay and met the obligations of creditors.

The increasingly controversial matter of financing and management of the D’Urban Park project started when works commenced in September 2015.

riods that are distinct in reviewing when taxpayers’ monies was spent: • From September 2015 to January 22, 2016; • From January 22, 2016 to April 21, 2016; and • From April 21, 2016 to date.

From September 2015 to January 22, 2016, an estimated millions of dollars in donations, as well as contributions of equipment and labour, were collected. Government has released some names of donors, but there are some persons who contend that they were not listed.

From January 22, 2016, Homestretch Development Incorporated took reins of the financing and management of the D’urban Park project. The name of the company was made by public

by Minister David Patterson in the National Assembly on November 21, 2016. It should be noted that once a company takes on status of incorporated, it must be registered before it begins official operation – making involvement of Homestretch Development Incorporated on the project legal from January 22, 2016. The company was registered on January 22nd, 2016 and its number is 8247. The registered address is Lot 18 Lamaha Street. The directors of Homestretch Development Incorporated are Education Minister, Rupert Roopnaraine, Larry London, Bobita Ram, Gentian Miller and Victor Wil-

again no account given to the Guyanese people. It is also unclear how Homestretch Development Incorporated became involved in the project, since the company could not have started work of that magnitude on State property without a Cabinet decision and a Memorandum of Understanding, a contract or agreement.

From April 22, 2016, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure took over the project.

What is known for certain is that works on the D’urban Park project, in April 2016, were tendered out using the selective tendering system, according to Public Infrastructure Minister Patterson. His response came to questions on the $407.6M spent for the completion of the D’urban Park project for 50th independence anniversary. The money already was been spent and the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government came afterwards for parliamentary approval for the monies. Prior to that, the National Assembly by government majority approved another $150M for the same project. In Budget 2017, another $500M is allocated to the Ministry to be given to Homestretch Development Inc. to pay off the debts it racked up.

To date – two years later – the APNU+AFC Coalition is still to account for the monies spent on the project.

Frequent breaches of Guyana’s financial laws by Coalition gov’t - AG

S The information that was released by the PPP

Efforts being made to ignore opinion by GECOM’s Legal Officer... (From page 11) Last Monday (May 13, 2019), an opinion expressed

by GECOM’s legal Officer confirmed the validity of these objections.

The legal opinion points out that: “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.”

Jagdeo noted that he is hopeful that the actions of the APNU+AFC Coalition government aligned elements

at GECOM have caught the attention of the Caribbean Court of Justice. “It is clear that they are taking instructions from Congress Place (the People’s National Congress Reform headquarters),” he said.

He stressed that the misinformation being peddled will continue to be debunked by the Parliamentary Opposition.

ince assuming office, the APNU+AFC Coalition has shown blatant disregard to the laws of the land.

Auditor General (AG), Deodat Sharma, disclosed that he has found an increase in financial transgressions, with no regards being given to the Procurement Act.

“I believe it is more frequent now. There are a lot of sole-sourced contracts and every other day you have some issue with breaches of contractual or tender board procedures. Even the recommendations for corrective action, most of them are not being implemented,” he said.

Additionally, the Auditor General’s report showed that at the end of 2016, there were 82 breaches of the FMAA and 71 breaches of the Procurement Act. The 2017 Audit Report is still to be reviewed by the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC).

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 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.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Ali meets with scores

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

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of Region 1 residents

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WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

INDEPENDENCE: How the Struggle Began

(The reprinting of this article, first published in 2006, this week is in recognition of Guyana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary and the contributions of founders of the People’s Progressive Party)

By Janet Jagan

I

t is a fitting time to see how the struggle for Guyana’s independence began.

Certainly the seeds of seeking an end of colonialism must have been planted in the hard days of slavery and indentureship when life was unbelievably difficult and the reason for the crushing oppression and cruelty was easy to define.

Billions of words have been written about slavery, the middle passage, the unbearable cruelty of the slave masters and the many uprisings against slavery.

These were dealt with in ways, which are almost beyond belief. Cheddi Jagan in his book, ‘The West on Trial’, writes about the prisoners in the Berbice uprising: "...53 of the defendants were condemned to death. Next day, 15 of them were burnt to death over a slow fire and 16 were broken on the rob rock. The remaining 22 persons were hanged..."

After slavery was abolished, indentured labourers for the many sugar estates were brought to this country. Their conditions were slightly better than the slaves. Dr. Jagan in his book quotes Elizabeth Caesar, a labourer of Pln. Vreed-en-Hoop saying that: “The Coolies were locked up in the sick house and next morning they were flogged with a cat-o'-nine tails; the manager was in the house, and they flogged the people under his house; they were tied to the post of the gallery. I cannot tell how many licks; he gave them enough. I saw blood.

When they were flogged at the manager's house they rubbed salt pickle on their backs."

With these experiences and much more, the spirit of resistance against those who caused the sufferings was inlaid and would later be expressed in a desire to be free of such exploitation and oppression.

Guyana's history shows that the very beginning of the recognition of the need to be independent of Britain began with the formation of the People's Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950.

The concept of a struggle to free British Guiana of colonialism probably had its origin in Cheddi Jagan's studies, while a student in the USA, of the writings of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. At that time, India was on a course aimed at complete independence from British rule. The struggle inspired many in the British, Dutch, French, Belgium and other colonies in all parts of the world to follow suit.

As early as 1945 Cheddi Jagan, in .an article wrote that: “It therefore behooves the working class people to get control of government through their Constitutional ballots in our forthcoming election, with a view towards complete independence."

In November 1946, the Political Affairs Committee was established, a landmark decision, as its goal was the establishment of a political party that could unite all forces in the anti-colonial struggle. The four founder members, Cheddi Jagan, Ashton Chase, H. J. M. Hubbard and myself were all in the trade union movement and realised the need to have a larger, vision of how the problems of the working class could be solved. The larger issue of exploitation- the whole colonial system - had to be dealt with if the task of uplifting the living standards of workers was to be achieved.

And after the PPP was founded, in its first Manifesto, the Party declared: "The People's Progressive Party recognising that the final abolition of exploitation and oppression, of economic crises and unemployinent and wars will only be achieved by the socialist reorganisation of society, pledges itself to the task of winning a free and independent Guiana... a society in which security, plenty, peace and freedom shall be the heritage of all."

Thus began the struggle in, the then British Guiana for independence. Somewhere in the psyche of the onetime slaves and indentured workers lay the elements of resistance to those

who brought about the misery of their forefathers. It took time for most Guyanese to accept the idea that Guyana could be a free and independent nation.

Many scoffed at the advocacy by the PPP of independence from Britain. British Guiana is too small to be independent they said. There was talk of an amalgamation of the three Guianas - British, Dutch and French into one country.

Conservatives and recipients of favoured positions from the British, the business and religious community (Christian) were against such an "outrageous" idea. There was, indeed, a lot of opposition to the concept of independence.

Shortly after the formation of the People's Progressive Party in January 1950, the Party launched a campaign calling for constitutional changes to bring the country to self-determination, as set out in the Atlantic Charter, in favour of the rights of the Guyanese people to form their own constitution by the election of a constituent assembly. It called for universal adult suffrage, a fully elected single chamber parliament and a ministerial system with the Governor as a titular head of state with no veto powers. The PPP agitated for this countrywide, laying before the Governor thousands of signatures on petitions, to be sent to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

As far back as 1948, Theo Lee, who later jointed the PPP in 1952 (but resigned 1953) put a motion in the Legislative Council calling for a commission to consider constitutional reform.

The Waddington Commission was later appointed and visited the then British Guiana, taking evidence at Queens College, mainly from the PPP whose delegation included Cheddi Jagan, Aubrey Fraser, Clinton Wong and myself.

Probably the earliest of the picketing exercises, calling for adult suffrage and other reforms, took place outside the hotel where the Waddington Commission stayed. It was staged by the PPP, which used all means to influence the outcome of the Waddington Commission's investigations.

The results were the introduction of universal adult suffrage, a ministerial system of government but the British retained extensive powers in the hands of the Governor and British Government. The three ex-officio members, the Chief Secretary, Financial Secretary and Attorney General, all British appointees, would hold the key portfolios of foreign affairs, police, law and order, finance and defence.

Thus, instead of a wholly elected unicameral legislature, there was a lower house of 24 elected members and 3 ex-officio members and an upper house, the State Council, of 9 members with delaying powers.

As Dr Jagan remarked in ‘West on Trial’, “Though unsatisfactory to us, the constitutional instruments were condemned as revolutionary in conservative quarters, for hitherto the planters and their supporters, faced with growing militancy of the working class, had become more and more repressive."

In the 1953 elections, with the use of universal adult suffrage for the first time, the People's Progressive Party won an overwhelming victory of 18 out of 24 seats. There, was a large turnout of voters — 74.8 per cent higher than in elections in Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad in that period.

The PPP remained in office for only 133 days, during which time its elected ministers began to fulfil the Party's election promises. These included the ending of dual (church and state) control of schools and the introduction of legislation to allow for workers to have the right to choose, by a poll, the union they wished to represent them. Both of these and others caused resentment in those who had held strong influence under the British Governor — the sugar planters (who opposed the labour legislation) and the churches (who wanted to hold onto control of schools).

Their representatives and others who lost at the elections — Lionel Luckhoo for one — went to England to lobby for the removal of the PPP from office. These influences as well as the winds of the Cold War, brought about the suspension of the Constitution' and the landing of British marines in British.

Guiana.

An interim government was established, made up mainly of rejects from the 1953 elections, but this was a failure and the British restored elections in 1957. Again, as through all the years of relatively fair elections (the British in 1957 and 1961 tried their best to defeat the PPP by manipulating the constituency boundaries) the PPP won in 1957 and 1961 and

even in 1964 when proportional representation was introduced to defeat the PPP. It received more votes that any other party.

During all this time, the PPP under the leadership of Cheddi Jagan continued its advocacy of independence — at public meetings, in handbills and booklets, in petitions, before the United Nations, at international conferences, in Congress resolutions, in the Legislative Council, in picketing, particularly on the streets near Government House (now State House); and in Loixion, Toronto and New York, and in two massive Freedom Marches, starting from Crabwood Creek, Corentyne at one end and Charity, Essequibo at the other. All of these activities kept alive the goal of independence, from Great Britain.

In Parliament on November 3, 1961, the PPP moved the following resolution: "Resolved that this Assembly requests Her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies to fix a date during 1962 when this country should become fully independent within the Commonwealth of Nations." This had the support of the PNC, but not the United Force, although the PNC showed its lack of real support for independence by its slogans ‘No Independence under Jagan’ in the 1961 and 1964 election campaigning.

In an article published in the UK (Tribune, Jan. 19, 1962), I wrote: "The march of the people for their rights and privileges cannot be held back. Pressure must be put on the Colonial Office by 'Members of Parliament, leaders of the trade unions and co-operatives and women's movements to see that the countries still under colonial rule be allowed to become independent."

Guyanese historian Winston Mc Gowan, in an article (Stabroek News, June 3, 2004) wrote that: “At a Constitutional Conference in London in March 1960, the British government had committed itself to the principle of political independence for British Guiana "at any time not later than two years after the 1961 general election." In short, the country was expected to become independent by 1963 at the latest."

That was the framework outlined for the country's independence from Britain. However, that was not to be, as Mr. Mc Gowan noted in his article, which said: “Eventually, however, the British government reneged on this promise and the date of independence was deferred until 1966."

Those responsible for the abrogation of the promise for independence by 1963 were also the authors of the violence, mayhem and deaths that took place in the sixties. The. USA authorities (including the .notorious CIA) spent large sums of money to create chaos in British Guiana and destabilise the PPP government. American trade unionists came to our country and money flowed into the coffers of the PNC, the OF and many of the trade unions.

The violence and riots gave the new UK/USA alliance the excuse to delay independence and, ultimately, to introduce a complete change of the electoral, system from first-past-thepost to proportional representation, a system that does not exist in the USA, the UK or any of the islands of the Caribbean. It was done specifically to prevent the PPP from gaining office at the 1964 elections, called one year before the end of term of the PPP's election to office in 1961. Even then, the PPP topped the polls, but did not get over 50 per cent of the votes.

Although Mr. Burnham as Leader of the PNC had declared publicly that he would never link up with the right wing United Force, the two influential nations, the US and the UK, led him into a coalition with the UF to form the government.

Incidentally, all of the above is well documented in former secret papers of the US and UK, which were released after the prescribed period of secrecy had ended.

Although the British gave Guyana its independence in 1966, due to the nature of the PNC regime (after 1968 it discarded its coalition partner the UF and continued with its denial of the basic human rights) few benefits came to the people of this country.

It was not until 1992, when the notorious electoral rigging of 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985 came to an end by the consistent struggles of the PPP and the Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (which grew out of alliances in the 80's), that free and fair elections were held and democracy restored.

With the restoration of democracy came the rapid changes in the welfare of all Guyanese and the reaping of the benefits of freedom from colonialism and tyranny.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Patterson unconcerned about financial transgression that was committed Dear Editor,

I

t is a departure from the norms and tenets of transparency, accountability and good governance for any public officer, including government ministers, to accept monies from private individuals by way of direct transfers to their bank accounts for goods or services rendered. This is so elementary that it is hardly needs repeating.

Besides, actions such as these send out a wrong message to accounting officers and public servants who are expected to perform their duties in a professional manner and within the framework of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. What is even more disturbing is that the matter of direct cash payments by a contractor organization as a form of reimbursement for expenses involved in overseas travel was cleared by Cabinet, if the explanation

by Minister Patterson is anything to go by.

Minister Patterson seems more concerned about how the information reached

the public domain rather than the fact that a financial transgression was committed.

It would appear that the use and abuse of public funds for personal aggrandizement is now becoming a norm. How else can one interpret the generous use of taxpayer’s money to facilitate the travel of government ministers to attend hearings at the CCJ which is totally unrelated to portfolio duties?

Guyanese have a right and duty to speak out when public funds are improperly spent.

The ‘watchdog’ and oversight bodies such as Transparency International Guyana Inc and the Office of the Auditor General have a role to play in highlighting financial infractions and recommending appropriate corrective actions. Such duties must be done without fear or favour. Indeed, when it comes to corruption and corrupt activities there cannot be, as it were, any sacred cows. We are all as a society poorer for every act of corruption.

Yours faithfully, H. Ally

Any attempt to thwart democratic process must be thwarted Dear Editor,

T

he PNC are in real fear at the present moment; reasons being they will have to face the electorate sooner than later. To face an electorate whom they have lied to and mislead these four years is very unnerving, to say the least, hence the shenanigans of having a delayed election.

Unlike the 2015 saga, when they were ever so anxious to go to the polls, this time around, they are negotiating that route at a snail’s pace; or if they would have their way, not at all.

General elections are an ultimatum, if not “the ultimatum” for that party, because all the signs and symptoms are there indicating they would have a great loss at the polls.

This is not something the PNC are prepared to accept, and so they are going about this by fiddling around with the Constitution, among other oddities, which at the end of the day still cannot give them the relief they are looking for.

The soon-to-be-published verdict of The CCJ would validate my claims. So they are at the end of their tether, with no solace to which they can turn, so they are once again down the path of rigging the next election.

The rigging they would like to embark upon comes under the guise of an updated electoral list, which, according to them, can only be effected by a long and laborious house-to-house registration.

Mind you, the Constitution of Guyana expressly proposes that an updated list can be done via the continuous registration mechanism, but they are unmoved by this constitutional requirement; they want their own PNC house-to-house formula.

Now, this is their crying problem: most of their supporters have cogently expressed their views– that they will not vote for the PNC. You go down to the chic-chic boards, or talk to the man in the street, the decision is “we ain’t voting for them.”

Georgetown is their rigging bowl; their stomping ground, if you please, and to get such terse replies from their very own is nerve-wracking. So they would rather give it one last-ditch effort by going out to the people and meeting them at their homes to get them to change their minds.

They try to bribe the people with promises of house lots; jobs, oil is coming on stream next year and jobs will be available; trying to fool them one last time into voting for “your people.” That is the desperation and fear that has gripped the PNC full on, and they are determined to fix it in that house-to-house registration.

The desperation in that house-to-house registration is also linked to matching of the numbers at headquarters. Sure as day, the numbers that have already been fed into the system must match the rigged numbers from the field.

The evidence of this assertion is seen in the firing of Vishnu Persaud last year. The PNC envisage a clean job in the rigging exercise, so present an “all’s clear” path, with no scrutinising eyes around.

The PNC are back to their old, disgraceful rigging ways if the playing field should only afford them the leverage. We must thwart every device they will come up with. Down with rigging! We want free and fair elections!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

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WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Keeping it all in the Family: The DEBACLE involving the APNU+AFC Coalition Gov’t

[This column will focus on exposing the linages of family and Party connections, which has become a fundamental part of the Coalition’s governance structure]

By Gail Teixeira

Who is leading in the anti-corruption fight?

D

ear readers, I hope you have found ‘Keeping it all in the Family’ Parts One and Two informative. This week, more details have surfaced and create greater concern for worry among our people.

CATHY HUGHES AT IT AGAIN This Minister cannot keep from putting her foot in her mouth. Despite being under a cloud of public scrutiny with regards to serious and repeated conflict of interest breaches when she was an Opposition Parliamentarian and now as Minister, she takes no responsibility for her actions, nor even attempt to answer honestly how she will remedy her situation and make retribution for these breaches.

At an AFC press conference on May 17, 2019, as Vice Chairperson of that party, the Minister while blaming the PPPC for the ills of corruption, past and present, she stressed that Guyana has had a “terrible history of corruption” but her administration is committed to working and changing it.

Instead of responding to the questions about her own actions, she said: “And it is not just at the government level, it is down… all across our society, down to the individual that gets stopped by the police, and has a choice to pay $7,500 for the ticket but would give the police officer $5,000.”

She claimed that many people – the Customs Officers, the man on the wharf, who collects money and allows the container to go through without the VAT and even health workers who siphon off and sell drugs destined for hospitals and health centres – are involved in the corruption.

She said: “Those are the stories that we need to tell because in Guyana we have a culture. And we have to start ensuring at all levels that we are eradicating it.”

What arrogance and elitism!

While the Minister and her colleagues have been squandering and raiding the treasury with extravagance, wastage, violations of the Procurement Act and financial rules and regulations, not complying with the Integrity Commission Act, repeated conflict of interest with their private interests for their own benefit, their families and party

boys and girls, this Minister turns the table on the petty/white collar corruption to distract from the mega dollars they are reining in.

Fifty scandals and more mounting and if you do not believe me check the Auditor General’s annual report 2017 ( www.aog.gov.gy) .

Shame on you Cathy Hughes.

Shame. You should hang your head and shame and resign or be resigned. But l am not holding my breath.

BROOMES AGAIN Junior Minister, Simona Broomes, has now been given a new portfolio for Youth Affairs in the Ministry of the Presidency. The President made it clear she will not be in the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.

This is her third move as a Minister within 4 years. As they say ‘de Lady does get around’.

But she has left much unfinished business. The President nor Broomes has addressed the conflict of interest with her mining concessions from which she continues to accrue benefits. Moving her out of the Ministry of Natural Resources has not removed the conflict of interest issue as she remains a Minister nor will it remove the encumbrance on the Tassarene land titling issue.

I repeat what I said in Part 11: “In January 2016, a Troy Resources document seen by Demerara Waves Online News states that the company has the option of acquiring a 100 percent interest in three medium scale prospecting permits in keeping with an agreement signed in June, 2012. So far, she has been paid US$40,000 on the signing of the agreement, and two more payments of US$40,000 each. There was no information on when she received the two more payments of US$80,000.

“Pharsalus Gold, according to the document, enjoys full rights to occupy, explore, prospect, mine or carry out related activities on the tenements. The document also states that after the exercise of the option the vendor, Simona Broomes is entitled to a 2% Net Smelter Royalty, which Pharsalus has the option to purchase at any time for a cash payment of US$1,500,000.”

Furthermore, as Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, she was reported to be heading a campaign on Occupational Health and Safety in the mining industry as well as ensuring that mining companies complied with the laws and regulations governing that sector.

This was what her Minister Trotman announced publicly in 2016.

One wonders how she was unaware that the Manganese company, which she was responsible to oversight was violating the OHS statutes resulting in the loss of life of one worker and 20 workers were so ill that the company hurriedly evacuated them back to China.

Maybe she was too busy taking care of her other mining intersts. She never cared to offer an explanation or even a word of sympathy to those workers.

Now in her new portfolio Broomes is probably the worst possible Minister of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government to lead Youth Affairs. Based on her behavior over the years, one would not be wrong to ask, what kind of example of leadership and integrity in public office will she give to the youth of this country?

Her reshuffling by the President is merely for show, that something has been done. In fact, in her new assignment, she will focus on trying to galvanise and mobilize youth for the PNC in the upcoming elections using state resources. Of course at the same time she will still be benefiting from her mining concessions.

In her first walk-about in South Georgetown in her new portfolio to meet youth at the street corners, she was surrounded by three uniformed police and her bodyguards. So much for creating a trusting environment with youth people!

Broomes is a classic case that demonstrates that the APNU+AFC Coalition will do everything possible to protect the party and family connections to the detriment of the Guyanese people.

BASIL WILLIAMS I received a copy of an anonymous letter in the mail last week addressed to President Granger, dated last year, pointing out grievous allegations against the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Af-

fairs, Basil Williams.

The allegations span a wide spectrum from intimidation, bullyism, harassment, sexual harassment of the staff to the Minister’s incompetence and mismanagement.

The Minister came out blazing that this was a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) plot to discredit him. But apparently copies of the letter appear to have been circulated far and wide and finally the government has admitted knowledge of such a letter of complaint, through its spokesperson, Mr. Harmon, that it will be discussed at Cabinet.

Do not hold your breath. Nothing will come out of this. The APNU+AFC Coalition family, like the mafia of the old days will ‘circle the wagons and take care of each other’.

ABUSE OF TAX DOLLARS Recently, I wrote a letter to the editors of the media houses regarding information received that the government through the Attorney General Chamber’s is paying for the legal and other expenses incurred in the Compton Reid case against former Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud.

Mr. Compton Reid, a private citizen, took it upon himself to challenge the validity of the vote cast by former APNU+AFC MP Charrandass Persaud as a means of nullifying the December 21, 2018 motion of no-confidence which had ended the term of the government.

It is publicly know that Mr. Reid was represented by an expensive team of lawyers at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal of Guyana, and, at the Caribbean Court of Justice – Mr. Rex McKay, S.C., Mr. Neil Boston, S.C., Mr. Robert Corbin, and Mr. Roysdale Forde.

Who is paying this hefty bill?

Information points to the state.

If this is so this is a serious and legal breach with regards to the use of state funds. It is unheard of for the state to use taxpayers’ monies to pay for a private action in the court, one that the Auditor General must investigate.

In this case, we all know that Mr. Reid’s case is a critical legal component of the APNUAFC government’s refusal to call elections in 90 days required by article 106 of the Constitution.

The Attorney General must publicly declare if the government has paid any monies in the Reid case, and, if t has, he must publicly declare how much monies have already been paid to represent Mr. Reid and his legal team including expenses, and, what is the total cost associated with representing this action. The only recompense is for all those who received monies from the state in this case to return these monies to the Treasury.

A certain Winston Mars, responded to my letter. Some of us know who the real writer is behind that pseudonym; that was the same name he used when he was in the PPP. So much for creativity! He never responded to the issue I raised of the state paying for a private action in the court, but instead tried to blow smoke by referring to the Cedric Richardson case on the third term for the President and tried linking Richardson with Mr. Jagdeo.

The truth is that the third term case was brought privately by Cedric Richardson represented by lawyers not associated (Emily Dodson and Shawn Allicock) with the PPP in December 2014. As a private citizen, he filed against the then Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman. Richardson contended that the term limit was unconstitutional and the amendment to the law which was done without a referendum, but rather by a two/ thirds majority in the National Assembly was also illegal. Attorney-at-Law Mr. Roysdale Forde appeared for the Speaker.

After the May 2015 General and Regional Elections, on July 9, 2015 Ian Chang, Chief Justice (ag), sitting as the Constitutional and Administrative Division of the High Court, gave his decision in the case Cedric Richardson v. the Attorney General of Guyana and the Speaker of the National Assembly. Justice Chang ruled that the Presidential term limit was unconstitutional, although it was passed and put into law by the full National Assembly.

The APNU+AFC Coalition Government and Attorney General, Basil Williams in August 2017 filed an appeal in the Appellate Court of Guyana (Court of Appeal) contending Chang “erred and misdirected (Continued on page 19)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

APNU, AFC infighting continues A

showdown between the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) appointed Regional Executive Officer (REO), Dennis Jaikarran, and Alliance For Change (AFC) Regional Councillor, Nathram in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) ended with the Police being called to the Regional Democratic Council Office.

Reports are on Wednesday (May 22, 2019), Nathram was in an office, which is under the Regional Finance Department and located inside the Regional Compound in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, but it was padlocked within the building by Jaikarran.

According to Nathram, he was inside his office when the REO placed a padlock

on his office door from the outside, locking him in the office. Nathram then said he called the Police, who went to the compound and finally opened the door. The AFC Councillor said since the last sitting of the RDC where he questioned the attitude of the REO towards the acting Regional Chairman, Nandranie Coonjah – after the REO failed to recognised her – there has been high tension at the office.

At that RDC meeting, the REO had tried to rebut the Councillor but was asked by Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt to take his seat, but this did not go down well with the REO. The REO then stormed out of the meeting and instructed the regional administration employees to

follow him.

Nathram on Wednesday (May 22, 2019) claimed that since the incident at the RDC, the REO has instructed the security guards not to allow his vehicle to enter the compound. However, Jaikarran said he wrote Nathram about two weeks ago, indicating that he needed to vacate his office to facilitate renovations.

Police at Anna Regina have since taken a statement from Nathram and an investigation has been launched.

Meanwhile, several other Councillors on the RDC said the feud between the APNU and AFC regional officials has been affecting the work of the RDC which is seeking to better the lives of the people of Region Two.

APNU official locks AFC Councillor in his office as infighting escalates

Who is leading in the... himself in the law”. The Chambers hired two senior Barbadian Attorneys to appear before the Court of Appeal and CCJ. Attorney Roysdale Forde, on behalf of Former Speaker of the National Assembly Raphael Trotman, also appealed Chang’s ruling.

The Guyana Court of Appeal by a margin of 2-1 had agreed with the ruling by the former Chief Justice in February 22, 2017.

Attorney General Williams then filed an appeal with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and in 2018 the CCJ ruled against the decision of the High Court and Appeal Court of Guyana. The lawyers for the state were all paid for by the state. Mr .Forde was paid by the Parliament Office.

Taxpayers’ monies were not used to pay for Mr. Richardson’s lawyers before the High Court, the Court of Appeal or the Caribbean Court of Justice as is being done in the private action being brought

by Compton Reid.

TWO PEAS IN A POD: ANNETTE FERGUSON AND NICOLETTE HENRY Both Ministers Annette Ferguson and Nicolette Henry are benefitting from fully funded post graduate university scholarships to do their Masters and Doctorate degrees paid for by the taxpayers using up resources meant to offer scholarships to young people who cannot afford tertiary education.

Is this conflict of interest?

It is a conflict of interest and an abuse of the public positions they hold. More so, in the case of Nicolette Henry as the Minister of Education, she should be working towards helping children have greater and equitable access to educational opportunities at all levels including tertiary educa-

tion. But the young people have to compete with 2 Ministers.

Furthermore, most distasteful, is that these two Ministers with the September 2015 salary increases for Ministers, can afford to pay for these degrees.

A fair question is whether the two Ministers have time for the public and their Ministries while working on their Masters and Doctorate programmes which normally are very demanding. One has to ask if the public isn’t being shortchanged as the two Ministers dedication to their Ministerial portfolios is divided.

THREE PEAS IN A POD: BASIL WILLIAMS, JOSEPH HARMON AND NICOLETTE HENRY The Ministry of Legal Affairs headed by Basil Williams hired special prosecutors to investigate members of the former PPP/C government from his own law office and that of Minister Harmon’s.

One of the retained special prosecutors is the brother of Nicolette Henry.

One wonders if Ministers Williams and Harmon have declared their interests (law firms) to the Integrity Commission and if they continue to accrue benefits from their firms and the employment of these persons in their offices.

DOMINIC GASKIN One would have thought that former Minister of Business as of April 26, 2018 and son-in-law of the President, would have been happy to return to his company, ‘Topaz’, the jewelry company listed in his name up to last week at domgaskin@gmail.com and hgaskin@theonlyjewellers.com.

Address: 143 Oronoque Street, Queenstown, Georgetown, Guyana

(From page 18)

Rumors that the company was benefiting from government contracts making tokens and 69 investiture medals for the Ministry of the Presidency were rebuffed in October 16, 2017 by the President’s daughter.

However, in April 2018, while Gaskin was the guest speaker at a Burrowes School of Art programme on the jewelry industry, he was asked by the Director if students could do apprenticeships at his company and he said he would consider it. He never stated that he was no longer associated with it.

One wonders if ever he did declare these interests before the Integrity Commission while he was a Minister.

Now that he has been given the job of Director of Manufacturing and Industry he is still constrained by the Code of Conduct and the Integrity Commission Act. ‘CHIC-CHIC’ BOARD SHUFFLE Despite the reshuffling of Ministers by the President, like the grandmaster of the ‘chic chic’ boards with a sleight of hand deception, he has not removed the conflict of interest of the guilty partners as they remain Ministers, and some he did not move at all, he has found jobs for the four Ministers who publicly declared they are dual citizens, but some with dual citizenship remain in place, and those who have been exposed in the media with corruption remain on the job.

But that latter group I will address more in Part Four of ‘Keeping it all in the Family: The DEBACLE involving the APNU+AFC Coalition Gov’t’.

So nothing has changed, everything remains the same.

WHO IS LEADING IN THE ANTI-CORRUPTION FIGHT? Of course, one expects that the President will lead the way in setting an example of integrity in public life and ensure that he is complying with the Integrity Commission Act. The latest announcement from the President on May 22, 2019 that he has “started the process” to ensure that all his documents are submitted to the Integrity Commission” and that the documents “are taking some time” are worthy of note.

President Granger went on to say that: “As far as the Cabinet is concerned the general opinion or general rule is that we should all comply…that every Minister should comply.”

Something in this language seems to be saying that we are not dealing with law, but with a gentleman’s understanding that one will comply as soon as one can. This smells of the same kind of imperial tone set by the lawyers for the government in the CCJ case on the no confidence motion and the unilateral appointment of the Chairman of GECOM that somehow the President was above the law.

So much so that one of the Judges had to ask, if the lawyers were referring to a monarchy instead of a constitutional democracy?

So after four years in office the President has not submitted his declaration to the Integrity Commission. This is a shock.

The Act says within 30 days of holding public office the person including the President must make a declaration to the Integrity Commission. The President is in his fifth year. What could be so difficult about making his declarations to the Integrity Commission

that they have taken all these years? I guess maybe his is more complicated?

One should remember too that the Integrity Commission deadline was June 30, 2018 in accordance with the law and then the Commission gave an extension. The President is also 10 months late for submitting the June 2017- June 2018 annual declaration.

But maybe none of this should come as a surprise as the PNC, which morphed into the PNCR then the PNCR-1G, then the APNU and the AFC, then the APNU+AFC Coalition, has never complied with the Integrity Commission Act since it came into effect in 2000.

Historically Members of Parliamentary Opposition between 2000- 2015 refused to submit. The few that did submit were those who were in the PPP and after they crossed to the PNC or the AFC never again submitted.

Remember too that the PPP/C Parliamentary Opposition in 2016 brought a motion to the National Assembly calling for all Members of Parliament to make their income tax declarations for the previous 10 years public. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government Members of Parliament defeated the motion.

So now they are all in one government one should not be surprised that they still are having difficulties submitting their annual declarations in compliance with the Integrity Commission Act – more so with the levels of corruption, ostentatious enrichment, conflict of interest, gift taking, bribery, nepotism, etc., consuming their ranks.

In Part Four of ‘Keeping it all in the Family: The DEBACLE involving the APNU+AFC Coalition Gov’t’ we will continue to expose the misdeeds of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government.

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The Bottom Line

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

– A look at issues affecting cost of living in Guyana

Hubu residents peeved Upper Mazaruni communities at poor water condition battling severe drug shortages R

esidents of Paruima, Upper Mazaruni, Region 7, are battling severe drug shortages, including basic vaccines.

Reports are that there have been no visits to the community, largely populated by Amerindians, by regional health officials, nor by any officials from the Ministry of Publuc Health.

Reports of drug shortages continue to plague Guyana’s health sector. And earlier this year, for the first time, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has admitted that there is a problem – a

D

ays after the well station at Hubu, Region Three was recommissioned, residents are still fuming over the poor quality of the water supply.

The water, which emits a foul odor and is severely discoloured, cannot be used for cooking, washing, bathing, drinking or cleaning purposes.

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), at the recommissioning of the station just last week on May 16, promised that a water treatment plant will be installed within 14 days.

But the residents are demanding some form of relief now, as they cannot survive for two weeks without proper water.

Hubu was connected to the Vergenoegen Pump Station and were receiving potable water.

However, some time in 2015, they were switched over to the Hubu Station. But the situation was dire, as they were receiving the untreated and muddy water.

The community was eventually switched back

dress 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.

School year coming to an end….

The deplorable condition of the water residents are forced to use

to the Vergenoegen Pump Station, up until last week, when the Hubu Well was recommissioned. GWI had pumped some $2M to improve the facility.

Singh, who is representing the views of the com-

munity, explained that not many residents can afford alternative means of water, such as black tanks to store rain water.

As such, they are forced to used the filthy water – which can pose health risks.

Billions being spent yet ICT service in hinterland communities poor

A

problem that has worsened since the APNU+AFC Coalition Government took office.

However, adequate action to address this matter is still forthcoming.

Earlier this year, former 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 ad-

whopping $4.4B was include in Budget 2019 for Information Communication and Technology (ICT) support across the country.

However, residents in Region 7 are complaining about incompetence of the APNU+AFC Coalition in ensuring the money is well spent to facilitate service to hinterland

areas, particularly in schools.

Reports from Paruima are that internet connections were installed at the Paruima Primary School in April 2019. However, the service worked for six days and then stopped.

To date there has been no effort to rectify the issue.

Several hinterland communities still waiting for school uniform support

T

here are about three months left in the 20182019 school year and to date communities in the Upper Mazaruni, Region 7, area have not received school uniform materials, as promised.

The school uniform vouchers initiative was started under the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government, in an effort to support vulnerable families and ensure that there are less barriers preventing children from attending schools. The vouchers were redeemable at businesses that patterned with the gov-

ernment.

On the coastland, the Ministry of Education administers the Uniform Voucher Programme, while in Hinterland communities the assistance is administered by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

To date, neither the Ministry of Education nor the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has responded to the concerns raised.

Since taking office, the APNU+AFC Coalition has boasted that success has been made in improve the three ‘A’s’ of education – access,

attendance, and achievement.

President David Granger had said, “Education is the gateway out of poverty; it will unlock opportunities for employment for our young people…education will help our young people to participate in the local and global economy. Each child, therefore, must be in school if that child is to avoid or overcome poverty."

Guyanese affected by the Coalition’s failures are now questioning whether the current Administration has truly placed education among its top priorities.

High gas prices hurting hinterland communities G

as prices continue to be a sore issue for Guyanese, more so for those in the hinterland communities.

Gasoline prices at Kamarang, Region 7, now stand at a whopping $2,300 per gallon. In other places, such as Paruima, Region 7, the price is as high as $2,500 per gallon.

While the transport of

fuel to hinterland areas adds to the cost, residents are calling for some relief.

Currently, hinterland communities pay as much almost $400 more per liter of gas when compared to the coastal areas.

The Ministry of Finance announced that on the 4th February 2019, the Guyana Oil Company will reduce

the prices for Motor Gasolene and Gasoil (LSD). The statement read, “Starting tomorrow February 4th, 2019, Super 95 Gasolene will be sold – wholesale at $208.00 per litre or 4% less, and Gasoil (LSD) at $207.00 per litre or 10% less. Simultaneously, retail customers will pay $218.00 per litre for Super 95 Gasolene or 4% less and

$217.00 per litre for Gasoil (LSD) or 10% less.”

Since May 2018, the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, argued that the Coalition Government has the fiscal space to make the adjustment with the tax regime to allow a reduction of gas prices for local consumers, but it remains tone deaf to big issues.

He had said, “The government has lived up to all expectations. We have seen the usual acts of incompetence in the past several days, which has come to characterise this government and the focus on frivolous things. It demonstrates to the people to this country that the longer they stay in office, the more harm they will do to our

country and economy. They have been tone deaf on the big issues.

“The major burning issues it the increasing cost of living; some of it because of difficulty in the economy, but a lot of it because of government policies…the recent one is the gas price. In the past we had a system where (Turn to page 22)

21

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Abuse of taxpayers’ monies?

A

privately organised concert, which will feature the artist Buju Banton, is being used the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) led Coalition Government as a campaigning front – at a massive cost to taxpayers.

Confirmed reports indicate that some $40M has been spent on 8,000 tickets – costing $5,000 each – by

the PNCR and the tickets are being distributed in several communities. PNCR General Secretary, Amna Ally, has been pictured distributing the tickets.

Meanwhile, observers have noted that this move is in line with leaked email of a top PNCR official, Basil Williams.

The email dated May 5,

2017, was sent by Williams and addressed to Ally, Joseph Harmon, Winston Felix and Raphael Trotman.

It stated that the Re-Election Committee (REEC) has host a series of entertainment shows with foreign artistes to win back support especially from youth. “REEC believes that this will help to motivate the younger voting popula-

tion,” the email states.

Political observers have noted that Williams’s comment about youth is disparaging, particularly given that the APNU+AFC Coalition has not kept any of its promises to Guyanese youths, relative to the creation of jobs, etc.

The email also stated that: “We (should) keep continue

propagandizing on the issue of having inherited an empty treasury…this has resonated well with our support base as a means of justification for the Budget 2017 tax measures. We must also continue to restate that the economy was surviving on drug money.

“We must continue to prod favourable media hous-

es and our social media operatives so that they may further fuel the perception that the PPP is racist…this has worked well in the past and should continue.”

The leaked emails also states that the AFC is “getting new faces to work in the Indian and Amerindian communities, as well as some religious, youth leaders.”

22

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

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

GECOM: A legal enigma

By Anil Nandlall

I

t must now be excruciatingly clear that the Government-nominated members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Chairman, harbour no qualms about exposing their political partisanship and are decidedly determined to execute political directions, even if it results in unconstitutional and irrational actions.

GECOM is a creature of the Constitution and is legally tethered to the four corners of that instrument. It has no jurisdiction or power to act outside of its parameters.

The plain language of the Constitution, indisputably, establishes that the raison d'être of GECOM is the holding of elections. Every other function devolving upon it is an accessory, to aid and abet it, in discharge this ultimate mandate. The functional responsibilities of GECOM are enumerated in Article 162 of the Constitution. In the discharge of these tasks, the Constitution expressly commands it “to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament…”

It is now public knowledge that GECOM was made a party by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to the appeals, recently heard by that Court arising out

of the No-Confidence Motion passed in the National Assembly on December 18, 2018. One needs not be a lawyer to conclude that GECOM was joined to those proceedings because the CCJ apprehends that it may make orders and give directions which will impact upon GECOM, if it rules that Article 106 of the Constitution has been violated, in order to give effect to the intendment of the framers of that Article.

The framers of that Article, undoubtedly, intend early elections as one of the consequences of the passage of a No-Confidence Motion. In our constitutional matrix, it is GECOM that is the dominant player in the execution of this intention.

Indeed, at the hearing of the appeal, almost every one of the judges expressly alluded to this eventuality.

I am fortified in this regard, by the fact that the Court indicated that depending on how it rules, a hearing will be facilitated for the lawyers to address the Court on the consequential orders which are to be made. Ineluctably, these will include specific edicts to GECOM in respect of the holding of elections.

On multiple occasions, the judges of the CCJ reiterated not only GECOM’s servitude to the Constitution, but emphasized its undisputed duty to comply with both its letter

and spirit.

In the High Court, pending before the Chief Justice, are legal proceedings that seek to declare the House to House registration upon which GECOM plans to embark, as unlawful and unconstitutional. GECOM has filed a defence to those proceedings. The court has ordered all parties to submit their legal arguments in writing, within timeframes specified.

In the interregnum, GECOM’s legal adviser has rendered a written opinion, which fortunately, has been

made public. In this opinion, learned counsel advised that not only is the proposed House to House registration unnecessary, but significantly, that it will be violative of the law. It is no coincidence, that this opinion espouses the identical legal premise upon which the challenge in the High Court is predicated. At the end of the day, the law remains the law, irrespective of who reads it, once it is done professionally.

Unsurprisingly, this opinion from a professional, was crassly and uninitiatedly dep-

recated by Commissioner Desmond Trotman, himself unlearned in the law. He further descended to attribute to this lawyer, ulterior and illicit motives. This uncouth and unwarranted attack on a professional for simply discharging her duties but which does not meet a political expectation, must be condignly condemned. Commissioner Vincent Alexander followed suit. He accused this legal officer of misrepresenting GECOM’s position to the CCJ. These are professionally grave and reputationally damaging allegations to be made against any professional.

I am not privy to the instructions imparted to counsel and will, therefore, refrain from further comment. Hopefully, counsel will respond. I have no doubt that her current silence is tied to her continuous employment. We will have to await her dismissal or resignation before a response is forthcoming. This has become the hazardous reality of every professional working with the Government. One only needs to read a letter currently in circulation which appears to have been inked by self-proclaimed victims of the Attorney General.

In a normal democratic society, governed by a Constitution which is the supreme law and one in which the rule of law pre-

vails, having regard to the circumstances expatiated above, an institution akin to GECOM, would, in deference to the constitution and out of reverence for legal proceedings pending both before the highest Court in the land and the Chief Justice of the country, coupled with the guidance adumbrated by its own legal officer, presumably in whom it reposed confidence to hire and retain in the first place, at a minimum, stay any proposed actions whose legality and constitutionality are the subject of the pending legal proceedings and advice.

As if to intentionally demonstrate to the judicial arm of the State that it has no regard and respect for, either its processes, or the Constitution, or the law, GECOM is galloping ahead like an unruly horse with house to house registration, in order to execute its political party’s directions.

This is not only conduct which is contumacious of the process of the Courts and the Constitution, but it is clearest illustration, in recent times, of the return of party paramountcy.

Against such factual tapestry, how can GECOM enjoy public confidence and public trust in its integrity and independence when it has been so demonstrably partisan and politically toxic?

PNCR-aligned GECOM Commissioner pushes for legal opinion to be ignored ‒ discounts it as ‘water under the bridge’ L ast Monday (May 13, 2019), an opinion expressed by GECOM’s legal Office, Excellence Dazzell,

confirmed the validity of the objections to the push by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to conduct

new national house to house registration – more so given indications that thousands of eligible voters risk being

High gas prices hurting... we adjust the taxes based on the movement of global prices.” “…we had argued that with the rapid tumble, the benefits should have been passed on to the Guyanese public, who would have seen lower prices at the pump and in their electricity bill.

They never did that. And

what happened was that they raked in billions in revenue; they collected over $25B at GPL alone.

“Now the crude prices have gone up to about US$75 a barrel. It hasn’t reached US$120, so they do have room to make significant adjustments. They will not do so because the sole pur-

(From page 20)

pose of this government is to collect revenue; to collect as they much from people. If you lower the price at GuyOil and the other companies will have to follow. GuyOil was used in a regulatory sense.”

There has been silence from the APNU+AFC Coalition Government on this matter.

de-registered – objections expressed by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

The legal opinion points out that: “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 revi-

sion of the list, otherwise the Commission would be acting in defiance of the law and may prejudice aby by-election that may become necessary.”

However, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) aligned GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, has moved to discount the opinion. “ I don’t think the legal opinion is before us for consideration at this time because these are matters which are before the court at this time…the

matter is sub judice…for all intents and purposes we are not discussing the substance of that opinion. The substance of the opinion is water under the bridge,” Alexander said on Tuesday (May 21, 2019).

Notably, 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.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

GECOM Chairman knew since April 2019 about legal advice warning against house-to-house registration T he Attorney, Stanley Marcus, representing the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in the cases before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), related to the challenge to the vote on the no-confidence motion, told the court that the controversial house-to-house registration process is expected to start on June 1, 2019. He added that on November 1, 2019, Guyanese would have a new Register of Registered Voters – meaning that the process would take five months.

In addition to the objections to the house-to-house registration process by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), which also contend that the process would not take five months – rather it would be

nine months at minimum – GECOM’s legal office, Excellence Dazzell, warned in an opinion that GECOM’s is not on solid legal footing by pushing forward with new house-to-house registration process.

While elements at GECOM, aligned to the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition, have been pushing for the legal opinion to be ignored, new revelations indicate that the GECOM Chairman, James Patterson, was aware of the legal opinion long before it became public. The opinion was made public only last week.

Patterson acknowledged receiving the opinion before it was tabled at last week’s commission meeting. However, he said he “couldn’t recall the date” on which he received the

opinion.

According to Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, not only did Patterson acknowledge receipt of the opinion prior to April 30, 2019, but it was because of his acquiescence that the opinion made it to the full commission.

“The Chairman has acknowledged that he received and perused that report prior…the Chairman has said he saw the opinion sometime before the expiration of the list…that is before April 30, Gunraj said.

The GECOM Chairman was unilaterally appointed

by President David Granger, resulting in another court challenge – outside of those related to the no-confidence motion – that is currently before the CCJ.

ERC probe into GECOM’s hiring practices…

Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner calls for sanctions against HR manager, DCEO T he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Deputy Chief Elections Officer and the Human Resources Manager ought to face penalties for disobeying orders from the full Commission to cooperate with the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) during their investigation into hiring practices of the entity.

This is according to Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, who addressed the issue after this week’s statutory meeting, held on Tuesday (May 21, 2019).

Gunraj said, “I raised that issue as my primary concern arising out of that report and I was surprised to be informed by the Chairman that the statements contained in the report about his failure to provide information were inaccurate because he in fact had given instructions to staff members of the commission to provide those reports.”

“I find that very disappointing to say the least… why would instructions from the Chairman, pursuant to an undertaking he gave to a constitutional body, be flagrantly disobeyed?”

He added, “Another proposal is that we further discuss this matter at the commission level, first of all to

ascertain the veracity of those positions contained in the ERC report. And thereafter, what steps are to be taken?

I’m firm in my view that penalties should be attracted for failure to comply with those undertakings.”

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 came after it was called on to probe 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 PPP-nominated Commissioners, in a joint complaint letter, called for a full investigation on the hiring practices at GECOM last year.

The 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 investigation’s main finding was that Persaud was the most qualified person for the job.

The ERC is a constitutional body established under the Herdmanston Accord.

It works with persons and agencies to promote harmonious ethnic relations. The Commission also deals with complaints, promotes training in racial harmony, and fosters a sense of security, among all ethnic groups.

APNU+AFC Coalition gov’t unilaterally approves $3.4B D uring the Thursday (May 23, 2019) sitting of the National Assembly, a whopping $3.4B for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was unilaterally approved by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government – the only political party represented in the National Assembly during the sitting.

The monies were part of a $7.9B supplementary financial paper – additional to the $300.7B national budget passed by an APNU+AFC

Coalition majority in the National Assembly. The $3.4B was requested for GECOM, for the conduct of General and Regional Elections.

However, last week, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the money was “just in case” money. “I present to the National Assembly financial paper number one of 2019, supplementary estimates current and capital, totalings $7.9 billion, for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 and I name May 23 for consider-

ation of the financial paper,” Jordan informed the House.

When asked, Minister Jordan explained that the money is just in case GECOM should need it.

GECOM already has an allocation of over $5B and the Parliamentary Opposition has argued that the additional $3.4B is unnecessary – more so, since the cost to hold General and Regional Elections is just over $2B, leaving over $3B from the total 2019 allocation GECOM received.

24

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

‘Gun Youth’ gunned down Crime situation reaching concerning P proportions – FITUG T

he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has expressed concerns about the rising spate of criminal activities in Guyana.

In a statement, FITUG said: “The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) through engagements with affiliates and reports in the media as well as posts on social media cannot help, at this time, but be concerned by what appears to be rising spate of criminality in our society.

We have seen also media reports which illustrate, from police statistics, that crime is on the decline. Those conclusions, it seems, does not corroborate with the reality on the ground. Whether all crimes are actually reported is something that should be verified. If it is the case that our people have decided not to report such acts, it says a lot in our view, about the confidence in those charged with maintenance of public order and security.

“The FITUG has seen, in

practically all corners of our country, reports about people being the victims of crime.

Some incidents, we note too, have resulted in the untimely death of victims. This is a situation we can neither condone nor be happy about. At this time, we well recognize that our people are genuinely afraid about whether they will be the next victim. This is not the state-of-mind that our people should ever have to contend with.

“The brazenness and means used by those involved in criminality have also evoked our concerns as well. On this note, we have seen several instances of surveillance footage appearing in the media and elsewhere which, in some cases, clearly depict the aggressors. Notwithstanding such exposure, it seems to us, those engaged in criminal acts are not deterred. This again is another cause for concern. Is it a case that those involved in such acts, though apparently known, are not afraid of the repercussion of their acts? If

this is indeed the case, we ask why?

“The Federation has also seen pronouncements from the Minister of Public Security on the situation. From the Minister’s utterances, we cannot help but conclude that he is at sea when it comes to grasping with the gravamen of the situation at hand. It appears that the Minister may need assistance from his colleagues who have experience in the security sector. Moreover, we believe, there is need for a concerted plan to address the situation at hand and bring reprieve to our people who must contend with various criminal activities. The need for a safe and secure society cannot be underscored. The need for our people to have peace of mind is important on so many fronts. We look to the Government, obviously, to provide such an environment where our people can feel confident that they can be in their homes or go about their business with the least of fear.”

Three suspected bandits killed in Mibicuri shootout A cting on information received that strange persons were seen in the backlands of the Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder area, a team of police ranks under the command of a Senior Officer proceeded to the said area about 15:35hours on Sunday (May 19, 2019) and whilst searching came under rapid gunfire; they immediately took up tactical positions and returned fire in the general direction from where the gunshots were coming.

The exchange lasted for about five minutes and after it subsided, the ranks combed the area and three males were found motionless with suspected gunshot injuries.

The men, two of whom are known characters, including Kelvin ‘Kelly ‘Shivgobin, who was being sought for a double murder which occurred on 2018-12-31. The second has been identified as Nesham Jagmohan and the other is presently unidentified.

A pistol, two revolvers, a rifle, three magazines, two hundred and fifty-three (253) rounds of live ammunition and seven spent shells were found at the scene in close prox-

imity of the men.

Additionally the ranks found three haversacks containing the following items: ► two gold-coloured chains ► four gold-coloured earrings ► two gold-coloured finger rings ► two silver-coloured bands ► a gold-coloured band ► a silver-coloured pendant ► $609,330.00 Guyana currency and two foreign currency notes. ► two bulletproof vests ► five cellular phones ► a solar charger ► torch lights ► crowbar, knife and cutlass ► flash drive ► tights with eye holes ► toques and mask ► duct tape and gloves and ► 200 grams of cannabis They were pronounced dead on arrival at the Port Mourant Public Hospital.

Investigation in progress.

olice are investigating the murder of Collin ‘Gun Youth’ Hooper, 45, unemployed of East La Penitence Dam which occurred about 20:30h on Monday (May 20, 2019) at East La Penitence Dam by person(s) unknown.

Hooper’s body was found with several suspected gunshot injuries to the head; investigators found six spent shells of a small calibre weapon in close proximity of the body.

The deceased had several robbery charges pending before the courts; he was also wanted by the police for questioning in relation to the murder of Prince Alleyne on High Street, Georgetown on April 16, 2019.

Investigations are ongoing.

Birthday celebration marred armed bandits attack

T

he birthday celebration of a Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident turned into a nightmare when armed bandits stormed into her house on Saturday evening (May 18, 2019). At least one of the bandits was armed.

Reports are that around 22:00h at 21st Street, Diamond, four men attacked the family and demanded cash and jewelry.

During the ordeal, two of the victims were physically assaulted. The robbery was executed within minutes and

the four bandits made good their escape into the dark of the night heading towards Kaneville Village, EBD. Meanwhile, the injured family members were treated at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre and sent home.

The bandits made good their escape.

Investigations into the matter are presently ongoing.

25

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Bartica businesswoman Body of woman found in ditch loses over $1M after T armed robbery T

wo armed and masked men executed a daring daylight robbery on Monday (May 20, 2019) at 7th Street and 4th Avenue Bartica, Region Seven, during which they terrorized the lone occupant of the house.

Based on information received, Lisa Simmons had just returned home from a commercial bank when she was confronted

by the two gunmen. She was led into the apartment where the men gagged and bounded her. They first relieved her of the money she withdrew from the bank after which they ransacked the house for gold and more cash. The men further terrorized the woman to show them where the other money and jewelry were kept.

The victim was also

knocked unconscious during the ordeal as the men made good their escape. Upon regaining consciousness, the woman freed herself and raised an alarm.

It is estimated that the bandits escaped with approximately $1.2M in cash and gold.

Investigations are ongoing.

Three families terrorized during armed robberies L

ess than 48 hours after two families were terrorized and robbed by armed men in Black Bush Polder, Berbice; a mother and her 11-year-old son have become the latest victims on Saturday evening (May 18, 2019).

Indrawattie Dhanraj and her son of Mibicuri BBP were attacked at about 23:30hours by three armed men who gained entry into the house by removing the louver panes from front window.

The woman recalled that she and her son were in the house when she heard cracking sounds as if persons were walking on the roof and immediately went to enquire. The men she related, were seen approaching her bedroom window.

By the time she could have raised an alarm, the men were already in the house demanding cash and jewelry. After telling them that she does not keep money or jewellery at home, the men ransacked the house.

Investigations are ongoing into this matter, as well as the incidents before this.

On Friday (May 17, 2019) bandits attacked two families at Black Bush Polder and carting cash and jewelry.

In the first case, family members were told that the police there had no vehicle to respond immediately.

Reports are the gunmen, all masked, initially tried to break into the home of a farmer, but shot at him after their attempt failed.

Harmond Roopnarine, 40, a farmer and his wife and two children, aged 17 and 16, were at home. The farmer said he heard someone trying to break into his home and stood up, waiting with a cutlass in his hand as they repeatedly hit the window. He said one of the gunmen saw him but could not get into the building.

He explained that he stood at the window and saw the bandits using a piece of wood to break open the window to enter the house.

As one was making his way in from the broken window, the family began to scream while Roopnarine stood next to the window armed with a cutlass. The bandits ordered him to put down the cutlass but he did not comply. This led to them firing shots at the farmer and demanding, while still outside, that Roopnarine hand over his gold and money. He said another shot was fired in the direction of his wife and children, who were in the bedroom. The two bandits, the farmer said, were outside of his home for about ten minutes during which time several calls were made to the Mibicuri Police Station but the family was told that

the police are incapable of responding because of the lack of a vehicle.

In the second case, at Johanna South, Lennox Ramcharran, 51, a rice farmer, was beaten after gunmen went into his home at about 20:30h on Thursday (May 16, 2019).

Ramcharran said he left his two teenage children inside after he heard dogs barking and went outside to investigate when he was confronted by the bandits.

“One of them run out and lash me down and tie up me hand. Me son come outside and he call for me but I can’t get to answer he so he run back upstairs.” He said his son immediately called the police, informing them that they were under attack by bandits.

All three of the bandits had guns, the man recalled.

He said that the bandits ransacked the house after his wife gave them money and jewelry. She and her two children were also beaten. The men left with $300,000 and an undisclosed amount of jewelry.

As a means of escaping without any incidents, the men grabbed the man’s 16-year-old daughter but released her after they realised that they were not being followed. Ramcharran said shortly after the incident, two police officers arrived on motorbikes.

he community of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was left in shock on Sunday (May 19, 2019) morning when residents in the area discovered the body of a woman in a ditch.

The victim has been identified as taxi driver by the name of Indira Bipat, a mother of two of Samaroo Dam, Klien-Pouderoyen, WBD. The vehicle she drove, a silver Toyota Axio with registration number PXX 4114, is missing. Her family believes that Bipat was the victim of a carjacking.

Investigations are ongoing.

Pensioner found dead

T

he badly decomposed body of a 69-yearold Black Bush Polder resident was discovered on Friday (May 17, 2019) some 20 miles from his home.

Chandramohan Ishmael of Lot 4 Yakasari South, Black Bush Polder, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) disappeared without a trace about a week ago.

On Thursday, the man’s relatives received a telephone call with the person on the other end of the line informing them that a body matching the description of Ishmael was spotted. It was too late to go to the area and as such, relatives ventured out to the area early Friday morning.

Investigations are ongoing.

Police bust three with illegal weapons, more P

olice in ‘D’ Division acting on information received, on Tuesday (May 21, 2019) searched the premises of a West Minister ,West Bank Demerara (WBD) resident and found therein an unlicensed pistol, seven live ammunition, a small quantity of cannabis, several pieces of electronic gadgets and other items.

Three males including the owner of the premises have been arrested and are cooperating with investigators; one of the suspects is also wanted for questioning in relation to a recent murder in Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

26

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

OBSERVER

Clear misuse and abuse of taxpayers’ money A

s the Guyanese worker nears the end of another month, most will be budgeting how they will spend their hard earned salary. They do this with the knowledge that a large portion of that salary is deducted in taxes, which is paid to the government to be utilized for the benefit of us all. Unfortunately for all us taxpayers the government of the day is spending those funds as if it is from their own personal piggy bank.

On Wednesday May 15, 2019 several Ministries submitted requests to the National Assembly for approval of funds outside of what was approved for in the budget for 2019.

The Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, submitted a $7.962 Billion financial paper on May 15, 2019.

What should be of concern to us all is the fact that we are only five months into the year and these additional funds are being requested. This is also against the backdrop of comments made by the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, during the budget presentation – Budget 2019 totaling a whopping $300.7B was touted as the largest budget in the country’s history.

So therefore, despite this huge budget, after only five months more funds are required. This points to poor budgeting, a misuse of funds or a combination of both.

An examination of the reasons for these requests points to the fact that the persons providing the funds, the taxpayers will not benefit greatly from the spending of these monies.

It is obvious the reason for the request of the funds. We

need to question and examine what is the reason for this sudden rush to access these funds.

After the December 21, 2018 No Confidence Motion, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government suddenly became galvanized and started a series of initiatives in an attempt to win back the support of the voters who they realized had abandoned them. This abandonment was as a direct result of the government’s ineptitude, arrogance, incompetence and corruption.

One of the initiatives the government started was a series of Cabinet outreaches, called Ministerial Outreaches, deeming this as taking the government to the people. Despite the limited success of these outreaches, they have continued them and plan to engage in more. The law does not allow our government to use taxpayers’ funds for election campaigns. To bypass these laws the APNU+AFC Coalition Government is using these outreaches as part of their campaigning activities. They are using these outreaches to usurp the campaign laws. This is the modus operandi of this government, willing to utilize every opportunity to flout the laws. On the face of it Ministerial Outreaches are not such a bad thing. It must be done however as an addition to competent running Ministries. Without competent Ministries these outreaches are a waste of time and, more so, a waste of taxpayers’ funds. What is the use of Ministerial Outreaches when the citizens who attend these outreaches do not have their issues resolved? The majority of

persons who attend these outreaches do so because they had previously visited the various Ministries on numerous occasions with little or no success. They then went in the rain or sun in long lines at the outreaches to once again suffer the same fate.

An examination of the Financial Paper revealed that $800 million is earmarked to the judgement awarded to Dipcon, as well as cover the cost associated with other activities such as Ministerial Outreaches. The portion of the $800 million that was awarded to Dipcon is about $468million. That leaves $332million to be utilized as the government please for their outreaches, more accurately election campaigns.

It is plain for all to see that the government is rushing to have the funds approved as election is imminent. They are in a hurry to have the funds to use it to finance their election campaign.

This additional $332million is not the only additional funds being requested.

The Ministry of the Presidency wants an additional $4.3 million to upgrade their phone system.

The Ministry of Social Protection wants an additional $25 million to enable the Ministry to respond to unexpected requests. That same Ministry is also requesting an additional $24 million to cover security costs.

What is to be noted is that all the requests are being made with very little explanation for the requests, and exactly how some of these monies will be spent.

The taxpayers who are facing the heavy burden of

increased taxation under this government and have to fund these excesses, have no knowledge of where their funds are going and in what way they will benefit from these spending.

It is incumbent on our legal luminaries that they should examine the legality of the spending of these funds. One must point out that when these same people were in opposition used to accuse the then PPP/C government of using taxpayers’ monies to fund their election campaigns. Whilst they could not produce any evidence of this it would appear now that the shoe is on the other foot the rules are different.

Since taking office, four years ago, there are numerous examples of this government engaging in the reckless spending of our money. They seem to have no respect for the hardworking Guyanese citizens, whose taxes are funding all their excesses. Monies continue to be wasted on the exorbitant salaries being paid to the Ministers.

Now, due to the issue of the dual citizens we in effect

are now burdened with an additional four Ministers as those that resigned were rehired in different positions, but still enjoying all the benefits of their previous positions. There was a wanton waste of funds in the construction of the Durban Park facility. To date there has been no proper accounting for that spending. Senior government functionaries are on regular overseas trips, which are funded by the taxpayers. We have seen little or no benefits from those trips. There is the ridiculously exorbitant salaries being paid to the heads at SARA. Can anyone explain or pont out what the country has benefitted from this agency? More of our monies continue to be wasted on the unnecessary rental of accommodation for government officials and office space. There seem to be no oversight on these issues.

We have seen reports on funds being wasted on repairs to vehicles, repainting of buildings to depict the ruling party, and the excessive funding of unnecessary audits trying to unearth dirt

on the previous administration to no avail. Funds were wasted on Inquiries, which did not produce anything of use. We only have to read the daily newspapers to see the fiasco taking place with regards to the printing of books for the Ministry of Education. These wastage of funds is now synonymous with this government.

The four years this government has been in office has seen the addition of new taxes and mostly the increase of those taxes that already existed. Since we are now burdened with these additional taxes, it is only understandable that we would expect that as the providers of these taxes we would benefit from these taxes. Unfortunately this has not been so. Our funds are being wasted by and incompetent, inept, corrupt cabal.

All Guyanese must continue to hold the government feet to the fire and demand transparency in the spending of our money. It is important that we remember it is our money and not let them get away with spending it as if it is theirs.

Granger says completion of five-year...

(From page 27)

not deliver General and Regional Elections within three months.

CCJ DECISION Currently the decision on General and Regional Elections, as a consequence of the passage of the no-confidence motion, depends of a ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Jagdeo maintains that GECOM is a creature of the Constitution of Guyana. He said, “GECOM

is not above the Constitution. Are we saying that all the constitutional imperatives will be subjected to GECOM readiness? I pointed out to President Granger that the Constitution says that GECOM must act in compliance with the Constitution…and it is the Constitution that imposes a three month deadline after a no-confidence motion…. are we saying that our democracy now depends on readiness from GECOM;

the same GECOM that is getting instructions from Congress Place (People’s National Congress Reform headquarters).”

Article 162 (1) of the Constitution states clearly that: “The Elections Commission shall have such functions connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections as are conferred upon it by or under this Constitution or, subject thereto, any Act of Parliament.”

27

WEEKEND MIRROR 25-26 MAY, 2019

Despite no-confidence motion, upcoming CCJ ruling…

Granger says completion of five-year term depends on GECOM W

ith the possibility of general elections drawing nearer, President David Granger has signaled that his Administration is still hoping to complete their full term in office.

In 2015, the coalition Administration took office, indicating that elections would be hosted in 2020. However, in December 21, 2019, a No-confidence Motion was tabled and passed in the National Assembly, tumbling the Government. Since then, the Government moved to the courts to challenge the validity of the motion, saying a 34 majority is needed for it to be successfully passed.

On Wednesday (May 22, 2019) President David Granger, said the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) is hoping to complete a full term in office and that this is a decision which lies with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). “I know there have been challenges but we would like to complete our term depending on what GECOM tells us,” he stated.

BALANCE VIOLATED According to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, President Granger violated the balance at GECOM when he appointed, unilaterally, James Patterson as the GECOM Chairman.

Jagdeo contends that the dangers of such a move have manifested itself in the waning confidence in the Commission to act independently.

“GECOM is no longer an independent Commission… we have four persons, the GECOM Chairman and the government-nominated GECOM Commissioners, who take instructions from APNU,” Jagdeo said.

The Opposition Leader

explained that in the past GECOM included three Commissioners nominated by the Government, three Commissioners nominated by the Opposition and a GECOM Chairman who was appointed after collaborations between the Government and the Opposition.

“In the past we had a Commission with a chairman that enjoyed the confidence of both sides because of the appointment process,” he said.

Evidence of instructions being taken by the GECOM Chairman, as well as the government-nominated Commissioners, according to him, was seen in the events after December 21, 2018.

On December 27, 2019, the state-owned Guyana Chronicle published an article headlined ‘GECOM ready for elections’. That article read: “Amidst the possibility that General and Regional Elections (GECOM) could be held within 90 days, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has given the assurance that it will do everything to ensure that the elections are properly conducted to the highest standards. ‘With this no-confidence motion, it means once the date is set, it will be held… it is our constitutional mandate to conduct the General and Regional Elections and Local Government Elections (LGEs) whenever they are constitutionally due; so whether it is in the 90 days then it is GECOM’s responsibility to conduct elections,’ said Public Relations Officer (PRO) of GECOM Yolanda Warde during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle.”

Warde’s comment came after the GECOM Secretariat had met on December 22, 2018, to address GECOM’s readiness for General and

Basil Williams fails to... (From back page) misconduct, which includes complaints that Williams’ exposed his genitals to female staff, the letter details: complaints to deal with abusive language; derogatory statements and expletives used in reference to local lawyers and judges, as well as colleague APNU+AFC Ministers; incompetence; and a pattern of blatant lying not only to the President and

the APNU+AFC Cabinet, but also lying in court document.

At the end of the seven-page letter, those who penned the correspondence called for an investigation into Williams’ deplorable, unprofessional and unlawful actions. “Many members of staff are prepared to give their statements,” the letter said in conclusion.

Regional Elections, as constitutionally due after the successful passage of the no-confidence motion.

The Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioners have also confirmed with met that the December 22, 2018 meeting took place.

Less than a month after this declaration, the position of GECOM was that it could (Turn to page 26)

Granger’s non-declaration to the Integrity Commission the height of hypocrisy, duplicity – PPP/C Parliamentarian T “This is the height of hypocrisy and it is the clearest manifestahe failure of President David Granger to comply with Guyana’s Integrity Commission Act has drawn criticisms and calls from action from the political arena.

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, said: “I am shocked, maybe I should say appalled, and my ‘jaw dropped’ when I read the Ministry of the Presidency’s release, dated May 22,

2019, that President David Granger is not compliant with the Integrity Commission Act and has not fulfilled his obligations in filing his declarations.

“This is the height of hypocrisy and it is the clearest manifestation of duplicity. It is a betrayal of the promised transparency and accountability and it is yet the clearest revelation of how hollow and insincere he and his Ad-

ministration have been, as it relates to keeping their word.

Mr. President, please remember your word is your bond.

Let your ‘yea’ be ‘yea’ and your ‘nay’ be ‘nay’.”

According to him, Granger has many questions to answer. “It is this President who is now residing at Pearl, East Bank Demerara, in a newly built state of the art, well-facilitated and equipped, mansion. He took up resi-

tion of duplicity. It is a betrayal of the promised transparency and accountability and it is yet the clearest revelation of how hollow and insincere he and his Administration have been, as it relates to keeping their word.” PPP/C Parliamentarian, Juan Edghill

dence at this location after May 2015 when he took the oath of office. He should have already filed since June

2015 explaining to the Integrity Commission the source of the resources for such an undertaking, as well as declaring what his liabilities are. We are now, in 2019 and he is still not compliant,” he said.

Edghill listed the efforts under the Granger-led Administration, which undermined the work of the Integrity Commission, including the: • Disbanding the Integrity Commission Secretariat; taking actions to evict the Integrity Commission from its home in a building adjacent to State House; • Move to take possession of the records of those who dutifully filed since the passage of the Integrity Commission Act; • APNU+AFC Coalition’s non-support for the motion tabled in the National Assembly by the PPP/C for declarations to the Integrity Commission to be made public; and • A lack of leadership in ensuring that Coalition Government Ministers and other politically appointed public officials fulfill their statutory duty by filing their declarations with the Integrity Commission.

The PPP/C Parliamentarian said, “It must also be noted that it was only after pressure from the Parliamentary Opposition for the establishment of the Integrity Commission and Parliamentary pressure,

during the consideration of national budgets, that it was put in place.”

He noted that Granger’s failures, as Head of State, to comply with the law is “insulting to every law abiding citizen” of Guyana.

“In addition to the fact that President Granger has not complied with the law, the primary consideration in the minds of Guyanese is whether, when he does file, the declarations will accurately reflect his assets and liabilities. One also wonders, if this failure is a carryover from the days when President Granger sat in the National Assembly as Leader of the Opposition and did nothing to ensure his team also complied with the law,” Edghill questioned.

He also asked, “Is President Granger aware that every gift that he receives, valued more than US$50, needs to be declared? Is he in possession of an itemized list of all gifts that he has received since assuming office as Head of State?”

Given the current state of affairs, the PPP/C Parliamentarian suggested that a goodwill gesture to win the trust and regain the confidence of all Guyanese is for President Granger to not only file with the Integrity Commission, but to also make his declarations public.

[See related reporting on PAGE 3]

Basil Williams fails to respond to damning allegations of misconduct in Office

T

here has been silence from Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, on the allegations of misconduct that were widely reported on last week.

President David Granger has since admitted that although he requested that Williams proffer a response he has not done so. “I’ve asked the Attorney General to respond to me. He hasn’t done so in writing,” Granger said on Wednesday (May 21, 2019).

According to the Head of State, he has seen the letter.

Notably, Granger only

addressed the existence of the letter this week. However, letter was reportedly sent to him since 2018. The letter was also addressed to Executives of APNU and AFC. The letter details repugnant behaviour from Williams, ranging from sexual harassment to verbal abuse.

It stated that Williams’ “abusive conduct” that has “all been targeted mainly to the female staff” of the Ministry. It added that 15 of the 19 staffers who left the Ministry at the end of 2018 were all women.

In addition to sexual (Turn to page 27)

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