5-6 May, 2018 / Vol. 10 No. 20 / Price: $100
Internet: http: //www.mirrornewsgy.com / e-mail: weekendmirror@gmail.com
Govt’s contrasting dealings with bauxite and sugar:
Coalition ‘boxed themselves into a corner’ – Jagdeo PAGE 2
SEE INSIDE
House to house registration: a ruse to steal PAGE 3
DPP’s decision to discontinue charges against APNU/AFC Ministers to be challenged PAGE 3
PPP General Secretary visits Lethem
APNU/AFC continues to plunder nation’s coffers
Workers displaying banners at May Day rally
PAGE 11
Govt lacks policies to support growth PAGE 2
“No Country can develop if its citizens live in constant fear of criminal attacks” PAGE 12
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Govt’s contrasting dealings with bauxite and sugar:
Coalition ‘boxed themselves into a corner’ – Jagdeo
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he political opposition is keenly observing the government’s dealings with the current problems with bauxite as they relate to workers in Linden and contrasting them with the miniaturizing of the sugar industry where thousands of workers have been sent on the breadline. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, last week , said the government has “boxed themselves into a corner” because of the positions taken with regard to sugar sector and its dealing with the loss of thousands
of jobs. He said, “We are watching to see how they treat this issue (negative developments in the bauxite sector) because they have boxed themselves into a corner.” In mid-April, the United States Treasury Department announced the sanctions against RUSAL which would effectively ban the company from conducting business in American currency. The sanctions were to take effect in June but this week the Treasury Department announced it is pushing back the dead-
line to October 23 to give American companies time to wind down business with RUSAL. Germany-owned shippers, Oldendorff Carriers, had announced a June 5 pullout from Guyana. However, this may be cancelled now if the US sanctions are eased further. The government’s response has been immediate as Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, rushed to visit Rusal Guyana’s operations, located in Kwakwani, Region 10 to deliver the assurances first hand to workers. Rusal Guy-
ana is a majority shareholder in BCGI and a subsidiary of Russian owned RUSAL. “We are here to assure you that we are not going to see your jobs just go aside. We are going to be fighting,” Minister Trotman told workers. The Coalition government has established a task force, to ensure workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) are not adversely affected by recent sanctions affecting parent company Russia Aluminium (RUSAL).
According to him, former PPP/C governments dealt with hardships in the productive sectors, particularly bauxite and sugar, in a non-partisan manner to ensure that the lives of Guyanese were not made unnecessarily harder. “The PPP has no conflict (in how the two sectors were treated),” he said, adding that it is for this reason that the Party can call for the sugar workers to be given the same support that was given to the bauxite sector when it was facing hardships years ago. The PPP/C had repeat-
edly called on the Coalition Government to extend similar treatment to the sugar workers, as was done by the former PPP/C government in the case of bauxite workers in Linden and surrounding communities – when bauxite face challenges after 1992 – support of subsidized water and electricity, training and the creation of a loan programme, among other measures of support. There has been no move to offer substantial support to sugar workers reeling from the impact of the firings.
decision to discontinue charges against Govt lacks policies DPP’s APNU/AFC Ministers to be challenged to support growth F
P
resident David Granger continues his ‘walk in the clouds’, given recent comment made in Linden, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. At last weekend’s Linden Exhibition & Trade Fair Granger urged Lindeners to make the town an example of commerce. he said, “It’s an opportunity to attract investment, to be innovative and to get out of the mindset of mining and producing raw materials only. This exhibition is an opportunity for innovation so we become manufacturers.” However, Granger was called out for continuing to peddle platitudes and rhetoric. According to the Opposition Leader, Granger ‘talks a big game’ but is yet to make clear to the Guyanese people what his policies are. “What are your policies to make all that you are taking about happen?” Jagdeo asked. He lamented the fact that instead of presented a thought-out approach that could result in greater progress for Lindeners, he instead went to the Linden Exhibition & Trade Fair with more platitudes – as he has done on multiple other occasions at different
venues. Commenting on the dismal performance of the economy in 2017 – reflected in the 2.1 per cent GDP growth rate – Jagdeo described it as anaemic. Initially, Government had projected that Guyana’s economy would have grown by a 3.8 per cent growth rate for 2017. This projection was reduced to 3.1 per cent. It was then revised downwards again to 2.9 per cent. The actual performance, 2.1 per cent, was recently disclosed. Jagdeo said, “So now that it is low, all of the ratios they spoke to us about in the last budget in November would have to be recalibrated. And so the size of our fiscal deficit would climb, our balance of payment in relation to GDP will climb et cetera… rather than the Minister of Finance seriously addressing the issues to say what policy-wise can I do to stimulate the economy, he then makes excuses.” The economist noted that the actual growth rate for 2017 impacts on the calculation of macro-economic variables, used to plan for the future – all of which will now have to be recalculated.
ormer Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall has announced that he will be moving to the High Court to challenge the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to terminate the charges brought against several Government Ministers by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Members of Parliament (MPs). Nandlall made the disclosure during a public lecture titled “Real Misconduct in Public Office” on Friday. According to the Parliamentarian, public office
holders should not abuse their authority. Nandlall has since questioned the basis on which the DPP dismissed the charges. The DPP claimed that she quashed the charges for “good governance”. She further stated that the issues should have first been investigated by the police. But Nandlall contended that those grounds cannot be validated by law. He outlined that a precedent has already been set for private criminal charges to be filed. He contended that if the grounds which the DPP expressed were valid, she would have
quoted a section of the corresponding law or constitution. He noted too that it is not the DPP’s remit to worry about good governance. Private criminal charges were filed against Ministers Volda Lawrence, David Patterson, Winston Jordan, George Norton and Rupert Roopnarine. They were charged for Misconduct in Public Office: Contrary to Common Law, for squandering taxpayers money in relation to drug purchases, the drug bond scandal and the Durban Park Project.
The newly accredited Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Narciso Reinaldo Amador Socorro today paid a Courtesy Call on the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, MP, at his Church Street, Queenstown, Georgetown office.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
My View
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he PNC/APNU seems to be up to its old trick again as they try to prolong their stay in office. They are calling for a house to house registration to ‘cleanse’ the electoral list. This is the same tactic they used in the late 1980s to extend their stay in power. Recall that in 1988/89 using the pretext that they were responding to the popular call to have a clean list when they ‘agreed’. However, they so deliberately messed up the list that it could not have been used for any elections. The elections which were due in 1990 was then postponed it took two years to correct. Elections were held in 1992. It was another two years in which the Guyanese people had to endure the corruption, incompetence and abuse by the PNC regime. Now we have heard the General Secretary of the PNC, Ms. Amna Ally sud-
House to house registration: a ruse to steal By Donald Ramotar Former President
denly proposing a new house to house registration. The reason given is the same as in the late 1980s, a ‘clean list’. Earlier, in 1973, they had tried to use a popular call by the PPP to facilitate the rigging of those elections. After opposing voting at 18 since its formation, the PNC suddenly talked about giving the vote at 18. With their full control of the machinery they had planned to register huge numbers of under-aged persons. The PPP foiled their plans. That forced them to rig massively and exposed themselves by having to use the army to seize the ballot boxes and changed the people’s votes. When we consider all the issues one can only conclude that this is not being done for any good reason. The PNC/APNU is upt to its old crookedness. In the first place the
PNC/APNU already rejected such a call by the PPP/C after 2015 elections. They argued strongly that it was not necessary. At the budget debate of 2016, the PPP/C had asked why were they not voting funds for such an exercise. Their answer was that it was a very good list, not necessary. Now we are close to a local government elections, only months away and suddenly, like a thunderbolt coming from a clear blue sky, Ms. Ally is talking about new registration. National and Regional elections are about two years away and they have pulled this trick out of their hat again. This is confirming all the suspicions that the leopard has not changed its spot. The plan is to first delay while preparing the rigging machine. The idea is for them to get their hands on money from the oil industry. They intend to splurge it around and to use that to try to boost their flagging popularity and
tarnish image. That plan was inadvertently exposed. Last year an email sent from Basil Williams, Chairman of the PNC, to Amna Ally, Joseph Harmon, Winston Felix and Raphael Trotman in which he was reminding them of some decisions that were aken by the PNC’s Elections Committee in preparing for the next elections. In it he spoke about their throwing on some mega parties to attract young people. A lot of money will be spent to bring artiste from the Caribbean and further afield. He is, no doubt, working on the assumptions that by doing these ‘feel good things’ they will be able to shore-up their flagging support. In fact, he was explicit. Their disrespect for their supporters knows no bound. It is rooted in their philosophy that give them a sport and they will forget their own conditions. Note that they are planning ‘a Carnival’ in May for Independence. This is the plan kicking in. Fforeign
artistes and huge parties are being planned. The ‘oil’ money is being spent in advance. He also had some other measures to deceive the Guyanese people. Including temporary removing some taxes and to relax the 2 a.m. curfew, until after elections. So, if they can succeed to postpone the elections for two years, as was done in 1990, then with oil money they hope to intoxicate the country with parties. They believe that that would make their supporters forget the abominal performance of the regime and make them stay with this corrupt and incompetent regime. In passing it is interesting to note the persons who the email was addressed to. Is this the rigging team? The first step in the rigging ‘process’ is to postpone the elections and to splurge. They hope that that would serve as the explanation for an APNU ‘victory’ if they succeed in implementing their scheme. However, they should
put in their equation that the PPP/C is not in the mood for any postponement, they could be putting the country in a constitutional crisis. Secondly, the crude way that they used to rig ‘in’ the past may not be possible now. The PPP/C is going to work hard to block every loop hole to prevent rigging. The new measure that was used in 2015 was bogus statements by poll. It would be hard for them to repeat that stunt in the next elections. They are using ‘their influence’ in the judiciary to frustrate the hearing of the Elections Petition case. That would expose them and their plants operating in GECOM. This is disgraceful. The PPP/C is working to deal with all their shenanigans. It needs the support of all democratic and peace loving people to stop the riggers. Amna Ally’s call is just a ruse to implement their diabolic plan. Let us ensure that they don’t succeed and in so doing win back democratic government.
Cheddi Jagan commemorative stamps launched
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he Cheddi Jagan commemorative stamps were launched Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency (MotP), two months after the Government hijacked the initiative which was initiated by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC). Though President David Granger emphasised that this event should be a national one, neither he nor any senior government official was present at this landmark event. The Director of Protocol, Francis Abraham was perhaps the most senior official who was present and delivered remarks on behalf of the State. Abraham, who once served as Aide-de-Camp to the late president, said the setbacks experienced does not make the event today any less significant. The Research Centre made an arrangement with the Post Office and the
stamps were to be released on March 22, to coincide with the former president’s one hundredth birth anniversary. But in a statement issued by the MotP on March 23, the President said that “the Cabinet has taken a decision that commemorative stamps, which are national symbols,
must adhere to national criteria. He added that such symbols must not be used for private, partisan or political messages, but ought to be used for national purposes.” The Research Centre had organised a grand fanfare for this activity at Red House – Dr Jagan’s former home – and his daughter, Nadira
Jagan Brancier had even travelled to Guyana to partake in the celebrations. But the launch, organised by the Ministry, was nothing but mundane. It was held in a cramped room at the Ministry of the Presidency, with a photo of former President, Forbes Burnham in the background.
Hydar Ally, Chairman of the Research Centre, told reporters during the launch, that his greatest discomfort is the way the situation was handled. Ally, who is a Central Committee Member of the PPP, explained that the CJRC really looked forward to the event it had organised,
especially since Dr Jagan’s daughter was going to be present. Nonetheless, he expressed gratitude that the stamps were finally launched. Bharrat Jagdeo, the General Secretary of the Peoples Progressive Party, which was founded by Dr Jagan, reportedly said the PPP was not invited to the launch. Chairman of the Post Office, Raphael Massiah announced that the limited edition stamps will be available for purchase locally and internationally from May 3, 2018. Relatives of the late Dr Jagan were present during the launch. Dr Jagan, the son of a sugar worker, is regarded by many as the Father of the Nation because of the instrumental role he played and the personal sacrifices he made to free his people from the yoke of colonialism and poverty. (Newsroom)
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EDITORIAL
Labour’s challenges
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he current gloomy economic outlook resulting from bad, or lack of, policies, by the coalition government, has placed the working masses in a state of hopelessness. The government has failed miserably in providing the majority of the working masses with any reasons for them to expect any immediate relief in their deteriorating conditions of life. In this situation, the country’s labour movement is faced with serious challenges, the toughest one being the unification of the two largest blocs – the Federation of Independent Trades Unions of Guyana and the Guyana Trades Union Congress. The fact, that labour in under severe attacks from the government should be a major impetus for the factions to see the sense in coming together since it is the only way the interests of the working classes can be successfully defended. The truth is that most workers in Guyana are not aware of the causes of the split and most, if not all of them, do not care. What is uppermost in their minds in that they need a movement that would robustly stand by them when their hard won entitlements are being eroded and their future looks dismal. The united actions by the two blocs last week in organizing a single Mayday Parade in the city must be lauded and could be the basis for renewed efforts to bridge the gap between the two sides. These bodies do not represent rival labour interests. On the contrary, by their very nature, they have more in common, especially in the eyes of the workers. Since in the days colonialism, the trade union movement has waged epic battles and have won for the workers tremendous economic and social political benefits. The fact that the movement was closely allied with the anti-colonial movement, made sure that the struggle would be successful. A reading of the placards carried by workers on the parade gives a very good picture of what that large section of the population feels about the current situation and what needs to happen to bring them contentment. Many of them call attention to the high cost of living, poor wages, unemployment especially among youth, crime, corruption, wasteful spending, discrimination, increased taxation, deteriorating social services, unfilled promises by the coalition and threats to collective bargaining, among others. Many of the workers highlighted the plight of thousands of sugar workers who have been dismissed by the government. These by themselves provide an insight into the woes of the working class and the huge challenges faced by the labour movement. Of interest to many seasoned trade unionists is the coalition government’s handling of the situations in the sugar and bauxite belts. The unions involved have expressed solidarity with each other in their respective challenges faced in protecting the workers. Yet the government has signaled that it is treating the two situations differently. While it has shown absolutely no care for the thousands of workers who it dismissed in a most callous fashion, it has taken a keen interest in the recent developments with Rusal and the possibility of bauxite workers losing their jobs. It will be interesting to see how this situation evolves. Many workers and their unions, and even those who are not unionized, would, from time to time, take militant action to defend their interests. It is clear that more and more workers are prepared to take actions to defend their livelihood. What is important now, as the vice-president of FITUG said at this year’s Mayday parade, that the time for complacency is gone and that there is need for more activism. So far, the government has been getting the upper hand in implementing anti-worker policies. And it will continue to do so with impunity until workers take a stand against the daily reversals in the gains the won in the past. The labour movement must stop behaving as if the cause is lost and take up the worthy cause of betterment for the working masses.
WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
PPP will not participate in charade Dear Editor,
T
he Parliamentary Opposition notes with great amusement the invitation, under the signature of the Clerk of the National Assembly, being directed by Speaker on the behest of the Minister of Public Infrastructure to a tour of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project site, schedule for Friday 27th April 2018. The purported purpose of this tour, according to the correspondence, is to provide all Members of Parliament (MPs) with relative information so that a more informed discourse on the project may occur in the future. However, we wish to reiterate the following: 1. The Parliamentary Opposition will not participate in any charade, of any kind, at any time, to lend any semblance of legitimacy and to camouflage any appearance of transparency to this unaccountable Administration; 2. We remind all Guyanese of the hostile, diatribe and near sabotage of this project by the then Opposition, AFC and APNU, jointly. This was suppose to have been, according to their interpretation, a corrupt under hand deal by the then Jagdeo Administration; 3. The CJIA expansion project was part of a number of transformative projects, which included the Marriott Hotel,
to bring in a new sector, mainly tourism with its eco brand. Guyana was being poised to become a hub for air traffic to facilitate regional and international traffic, with one of the main effects being lower airfares and lower freight, which would have resulted in a ‘big boom’ for the export of non-traditional projects, not forgetting the Speciality Hospital with a view to provide for medical tourism. The development of the synthetic track and other world class facilities to encourage sports tourism; 4. This contract that was entered into under the PPP/C Administration is a fixed price design and build contract, the documents clearly defined what was to be done. The expansion and lengthening of the runway, the new size of the tarmac, the number of boarding gates eight (8) according to the document and the square footage of the building. It was clearly understood that all the risk, including the geo-technical risk, was to be borne by the contractor in this arrangement. We are aware that significant alterations and changes have been made to the design. It is our intention, and we will at the appropriate time, call for a performance audit of this project, to ensure that the Guyanese people got value for their money and what was paid for was delivered. The Minister of Public Infrastructure on numerous occasions in the National Assembly, failed to answer
questions or deliver information promised in regards to this project. His usual style of much rhetoric is now common place with very little to show; 5. I suspect the reason that we have had the entire Cabinet visit this PPP/C project and now an invitation to the entire Parliament, is that the environment is being prepared for supplementary request and approval for more monies for this fixed price project. At the appropriate time, in the National Assembly, we will address these matters. It has been three years since this Administration has been foisted on the Guyanese people and they have not a single project, of a developmental nature, to show. Is this now an act of desperation for some media coverage, to show that things are happening? Maybe the now embattled Minister, who is facing private criminal charges for Misconduct in Public Office, through the Speaker may soon invite the entire Parliament to visit two other PPP/C projects, specifically, the East Coast Highway expansion and the West Coast Demerara road expansion and upgrade.
collective sense of revulsion and outrage when people in positions of authority and influence use such positions to enrich themselves, their families and their friends. To be effective in the fight against corruption, there has to be a no-nonsense approach by those agencies that are mandated by law to ensure that there is full transparency and accountability of public funds, namely, the Public Accounts Committee, the Office of the Auditor General and the Integrity Commission. There should be no ‘holy cows’ when it comes to corruption. Anyone found guilty of corrupt practices should be dealt with in accordance with the applicable law. Corruption, however, must not be used as a political football as currently seems to be the case. Such an approach
is counter-productive and could result in a fragmented and fractured response to the issue by important stakeholders and constituencies. Corruption is not only immoral; it is a pathological disorder; a social disease, that threatens the economic well-being of us all. In that regard, ‘all are involved, all are consumed’ in the words of our late poet Martin Carter. The government has a responsibility to ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are well spent and that there is value for money. The record so far is not encouraging. It will have to do much more than come up with ‘criminal’ charges against officials of the previous administration to convince Guyanese that it is serious about stamping out corruption from our midst.
Yours truly, Bishop Juan A. Edghill, PPP/C MP Parliamentary spokesperson on Public Infrastructure
Corruption must not be used as a political football Dear Editor,
T
he issue of corruption has now become a front burner issue, with charges of corruption coming from both sides of the political divide. And while the political dimension of the charges cannot be ignored, corruption, whenever or wherever it raises its ugly head, ought not to be buried in the sand. It is good that significant stakeholders such as the diplomatic community, the ruling and opposition parties and civil society are now speaking out on the need to stamp out corruption and corrupt practices from our society. There are far too many instances where leaders and governments have been overthrown or brought on their knees because of corruption or perceptions of corruption. The fact is that there is a
Hydar Ally
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
NIS’s FUTURE IN JEOPARDY Dear Editor,
Charges against Dr. Singh and Mr. Brassington are frivolous and vexatious Part 1 Dear Editor,
T
he PNC Led Coalition is in a mad rush to fulfill the long awaited election campaign promise to “lock up” all PPP/C Former Ministers of Government. They are expending millions of taxpayers money on this witch hunting expedition that has so far borne no results. I have deliberately used the term “witch hunting” in the last sentence for obvious reasons, but I shall return to the finer details of that term subsequently. The Black Christopher Columbus’s at SOCU and SARA have finally landed on the discovery that two former government ministers should be charged for misconduct in public office. The charge, sale of prime state lands below market value, which is tantamount to corruption and misconduct in public office. Well, my take on that is one of utter foolishness, because if all businesses, government or otherwise, were to conduct their transactions strictly based on harsh, cold, market prices then no one would ever succeed in this life or the hereafter for that matter. Businesses do it, even the Common Small Man in the street does it, we all look out for the “best deals” in the market to keep our businesses viable and successful. So I am at a loss to know where this Old English Law of misconduct applies. It is just another one of those frivolous and vexatious clauses pulled out of The PNC hat of tricks, so used to harass Former PPP Ministers. This leads me to the following: When you elect a government, that group of individuals is truly entrusted with your wealth, our wealth, The People’s wealth to manage in a wise and prudent manner. Technically, the government is given full access to our funds to spend (you are not talking about managing) because that is the sticky wicket
here, you are actually telling them to spend your money as they see fit, end of discussion. And this is the big question, these were cabinet decisions which were well planned and meticulously put together by astute technocrats and politicians alike. Teamwork, done by above board individuals, who have done their homework for our country, the results all bound up in the pleasant experiences we’ve had these last 23 years. This was caring, progressive government at its best, our country was hauled out of a place of nothingness to one of lasting prosperity. The indelible evidence is all around us in the decades of sustainable growth and development. So, this misconduct charge must be viewed in the context of what harm did our country accrue as a result of these business deals carried out by those two eminent gentlemen? What have they done to ruin or negatively impact Guyana’s development? And the answer is none? What we can see are the many positives that came about as a result of their hard work. In stark contrast is the backward, corrupt practices of the present government which have thrown our country into a scandalous hellhole of an existence. It is scandal after scandal and nonstop retrogression ever-since. I am speaking of only three short years of their existence but the scope of the corruption is so colossal, that the sum total has the capability to retard all the years of PPP/C’s progress. Then, the question comes back again should we bring charges against these present ministers? Yes we can. I sagely believe that The PNC are using The SOCU and SARA agencies to somehow mask their gross incompetence, but sadly that ruse will not work. Neil Adams
I
am reliably informed that the future of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is in serious jeopardy. This is as a result of the dismissal of over 7000 sugar workers, whose weekly contributions to NIS, from their wages, is no longer available, coupled with the continuing legal obligation of the Scheme to pay pensions to retired employees qualified to receive such pensions. This state of affairs, not only threatens the long-term viability of the Scheme, but also affects its current ability to pay out pensions and medical benefits to those who qualify for same as they become due. It is difficult to accept that the Government is unaware of this ticking time bomb at NIS. Yet, there are no public disclosures from the Government. The Government
needs to embark , swiftly, upon a contingency plan and to inform the public about it, more specifically, the thousands of pensioners and contributors to the Scheme. Currently, I am not even sure under whose ministerial portfolio, NIS falls. I have written ad nauseam that, were this Government to have done an impact assessment of the cost of closure of the sugar estates, they would realise that the cost of closure far exceeds the cost of keeping the estates functional. They are now learning the hard way. Unfortunately, the welfare of thousands of innocent Guyanese is being affected by their unabashed incompetence. I invite the investigative journalists to follow up on this matter. Anil Nandlall
Delaying 2020 General Elections Dear Editor,
I
am really concerned by this call from the General Secretary of the People’s National Congress (PNC), Amna Ally, on the need for new house-to-house voter registration. Many see this call as a ploy by President Granger to delay the general elections. Fact – any such process will cost over G$1.5 billion and will be prolonged. The outcome – a delayed 2020 elections by as much as two to three years. This call for new house-to-house elections is the bird call to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman to switch on his “follow the leader” hat and commence “project buy time” for the PNC. So, I reject this call from Amna Ally since the GECOM list even with its challenges is credible irrespective of what the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and PNC say. The credibility of elections is characterised by the transparency in the process, the accountability by GECOM to the population, and inclusivity of the population in the process? I do not see any of this under threat right now even with a PNC biased GECOM Chairman. No one will doubt that GECOM had many challenges between the 1992 and 2015 elections but even the worst of those elections passed the credibility test. Show me a country that has a 100 per cent perfect election – there is none. So why is the PPP demanding perfection? Every election has anomalies and if it is less than two per cent of the voting roll, then it falls outside of the normal distribution of
the process and can be deemed as credible. In all of our elections, including the one where David Granger won by 4000 votes, the PPP could not have overturned that score even if all the votes were recounted. Actually, I think if the votes were recounted, Granger might have gotten more votes and the PNC one more in 2015 because he was more popular than Donald Ramotar by a mile. But those days are gone forever and Bharrat Jagdeo is at his peak of popularity today. What the PPP should be really focusing on is the process from now until 2020. Are fair-minded Guyanese being hired into GECOM or PNC political hacks? Is GECOM getting the resources it needs to conduct the elections efficiently? Is the database well protected and what can be done to beef up the security of the database? How is GECOM coming along with its preparation for the December 2018 Local Government Elections which will be a dry run for the 2020 elections? These are the issues, not the quality of the list. The PPP has to stop this obsession with the purity of the list and focus on the operations in GECOM because the PNC will milk their insecurities to fulfil their Congress Place agenda of delaying the elections. It is the duty of the PPP to take this fight to the PNC and stop all this nonsense of issue infantile statements and take some people on the street on the more important issues, like the sugar workers severance pay.
Agriculture Minister needs to do what is right! Trotman’s statement in relation Dear Editor,
T
he GAWU, we are sure, like many Guyanese were surprised when they read the April 19, 2018 Stabroek News and learnt that Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder said he was searching for persons to name to the Board of Directors of the GuySuCo. One may have had to read this article, twice, thrice and even more to confirm that their eyes were being honest. For us, this has to be probably the most interesting about-turns for the Agriculture Minister who proclaimed, just weeks ago, that GuySuCo was no longer on his table. Interestingly, the Minister offered no explanation for the change-of-heart or mind. Maybe he is on autopilot or forgot what he said. Nevertheless, whatever the case maybe, this is another sad turn in the confusion that has beset the sugar industry in recent weeks. The Minister’s nominees would be interesting especially in view of the ‘differences’ in the
Administration that has been reported in the media. Now, more than ever, there is a strong need for capable, committed and motivated leadership of the sugar industry. We can no longer continue to inflict blunder after blunder as we have seen in the last two (2) years. The industry is capable of success, as we have consistently held and from what, we believe, is driving the direction being laid out by the current leadership of the Corporation. We should not lose this opportunity for the renewed sense of hope to be wasted by the appointment of a Board which may have dissimilar intents and views. The GAWU urges the Minister to be bold and to do what is right, in the interest of all Guyanese now and in the future. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU
Sincerely, Jai (Harry) Lall
to RUSAL is downright laughabe Dear Editor,
M
inister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman is reported in April 26, 2018 Guyana Chronicle to have told the workers of Rusal that “The good news, however, is that the US reduced the sanction on RUSAL after realising that it will also affect thousands of workers such as the 500 working in Region 10”. It seems that Minister Trotman is seeking to outshine his colleague, Minister Ramjattan, who is known to regularly put his foot in his mouth. To say that the US Government was not aware of the thousands of workers employed by Rusal prior to its imposition of sanctions is downright laughable. Certainly, a well-endowed nation as the
United States would be aware of the ramifications of its sanctions prior to its imposition. It is because of the harshness of those consequences that sanctions were pursued by the Trump Administration in the first place. Based on several reported instances, it is my view that the re-looking at the sanctions by the US Government has nothing to do with its empathy for Rusal’s workers, whether in Guyana or elsewhere, but more has to do with implications for US businesses. As former US President Abraham Lincoln, famously said:- “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.” Patricia Persaud
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Everything has plummeted, everything is doomed Dear Editor,
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his PNC Led Coalition through its finance minister has finally admitted that the economy is in declension. In fact he used a euphemistic term to describe it saying “the economy did not perform as well as they had predicted. Truly euphemistic terms used to explain away a dire, doomed situation. But even this was not of his own undertaking; he only came out to admit his gross falsification of the growth figures, after he was backed into a corner by stern agitation from The Opposition Leader. This has been the duplicitous nature of the finance ministry and this government as a whole has left this nation paralyzed with fear and uncertainty. The deceptive mode in which it has grooved itself into since it took office is appalling. Jordan is a dishonest Finance Minister, probably the worst we have had in the history of this country. Everything he has projected as growth and development has plummeted. All the income generating sectors have seen massive decline, you name it and we can safely attach failed on its final report card. In forestry, mining, rice, construction and sugar these have seen a dramatic downturn. Strangely enough, sugar with all its massive layoffs and closure of factories, a major stop to the bleeding economy, that too has been of little help where economic recovery is concern. It was our belief that this sector would have at least seen a break even position, but this is not to be the economy continues to slide. Like the proverbial whipping boy the sugar industry (according to Jordan) continue to hemorrhage the national treasury … very interesting propaganda! Another income generating machine has been the heavy handed tax measures implemented by this government, everything that could be taxed was taxed from the international export traders to the humble donkey cart operator all are netted in by Jordan’s huge tax network. Yet amidst all of this income the country limps along in hopeless failure. Why? A quick glance at the performance of the economy would reveal that our last known successful growth year was 2013, when we recorded 5.2% growth. The following year 2014 we recorded 3.3%, in 2015 3.2%, in 2016 3.3% and for 2017 we are getting news of a 2.1% growth rate and falling fast. Please note, that from the last year of growth the economy was in the hands of The PNC Led Opposition. With their one seat majority they tied the hands of The Ramotar Administration even voting down his budget thus subjecting him into a position of a “failed state,” where nothing could have been done by way of spending or use of the national
treasury. Guyana’s economy was prime property up for grabs, and plunder the incoming administration did with gusto! When The Coalition took over the economy they had the total use of all monies left in the treasury. They inherited a growing economy as well as a healthy treasury. There should be no excuses coming from their lips now as regards the means to fund development, theirs was a fortune inheritance. That is evidenced from the fact that they raised their salaries and emoluments by 50%, where did that money come from? It did not gratuitously fall from heaven that fat pay rise came from a treasury brimful of funds left by the outgoing PPP/C Administration. This clean bill of health that the treasury was afforded came from prudent management by the astute technocrat Dr Ashni Singh. No wonder Dr. Jagdeo heaped scorn on the present finance minister when he made the bold pronouncement “shame on you Jordan, for such poor handling of the economy.” The Opposition Leader was alluding to the fact that Jordan worked under the illustrious and successful leadership of Dr. Ashni Singh, one of Guyana’s most successful finance ministers, and should have gleaned from his sound economic policies. He should have been endowed with the knowledge and experience in doing things right by us. With all that wealth of experience in fiscal management, it behooves that Jordan should have had the brains as well as the means to mange the economy in a more sensible and prudent manner. But this was all a dream assumption by a hapless populace. If we are to judge Jordan qualitatively, that is, his qualifications for the job, he would be woefully lacking in that regard. Honestly speaking he is not an economist, he is a political appointee who has shamefully thrown his country down. If he did study economics, as his qualification suggests, he should have a modicum of fiscal management. This is remotely absent. What we see transpiring before our very eyes is, you fill your pockets then come out to tell the masses of a “good life” when there is none, is tantamount to the common street corner con-artist portrayal of oneself. As I close I make reference of a wry comment made by a man-in-the-street, he said the only economy that is booming and illegally successful too, is what we call “thiefing.” And it is not just the common pick pocket criminal activity I am talking about big time armed robbery that is an everyday phenomenon. From the raping of the treasury to the naked aggression in the streets, all are tell tale results of a doomed country. Neil Adams
Govt’s contrasting approach in sugar and bauxite noticeable Dear Editor,
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he GAWU has seen in several sections of the media reports about the recent interaction between the Ministers of Natural Resources, among others meeting with the workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI). The engagement, which has sadly been occasioned by the sanctions which has included Rusal in its sweep and which drives home in a very real way how connected as a world and people we are. The fact is that workers in Guyana could be reduced to mere hapless victims by the actions and decisions of others thousands of miles away. Our Union hopes that the worst is not realized and should the worst come about that some arrangement could be put in place to ensure that the workers retain their jobs with decent rates-of-pay and acceptable conditions of work. We were also pleased to learn that the Government, from what we saw in the media, has committed to standing by the workers who undoubtedly have found themselves between a rock and a hard place. The involvement of the workers organization representative is also a welcome sign and would serve to ensure that the workers interests are safeguarded. While heartened by what we regard as an almost instantaneous response by Government to the threat posed to the BCGI workers, we at the same time, recognise the dichotomy in regarding the approach to the plight of the thousands of the now jobless workers in the sugar industry. The situation facing thousands of families and scores of communities in the sugar belt has not been occasioned by external forces, but is the
doing of those who are entrusted with ensuring that all Guyanese can live a decent and respectable life. We saw in the April 26, 2018 Guyana Chronicle, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman quoted to have said “[t]he government of Guyana has a duty to stand and work with you to save your jobs”. It is a statement that we cannot disagree with but we wonder why such sentiments were apparently absent as the Administration, of which Minister Trotman is a high-ranking member, considered and later implemented what could only be described as a cruel, heartless and callous policy to minimize the sugar industry and put thousands of workers on the breadline; dash the aspirations and dreams of too many innocent children; and push back the progress in several communities. Indeed when one looks at the two (2) situations, from all appearances it seems, that the Government has turned its back on this group of Guyanese who find themselves in the most difficult of circumstances. Without a doubt the sugar workers and their families and their communities would also wish for the Coalition Government, which promised them a ‘Good Life’, to put their minds at ease and to tell them that tomorrow will be better than the dreadful nightmare of today. As we see the contrasting approaches being deployed by the Administration in the two industries this is not a situation of apples and oranges but we wish to remind our Government that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander too! Seepaul Narine, General Secretary
Despicable Kissoon instigating an insurrection against Jagdeo (Pt 1) Dear Editor,
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have said repeatedly that the greatest obstacle to an APNU/AFC re-election bid in 2020 is the man who now holds the strategic positions of Leader of the Opposition and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. The thought of running against this political maestro must be nerve-racking for the coalition leadership and the likes of Freddie Kissoon. But before I deal with Freddie’s nightmare, I concur with Vishnu Bisram, in his letter published on March 9 in sections of the media, when he wrote that Kissoon’s claim that he had no control over what was published in the letters column of the Kaieteur News does not hold water. I would venture further to say that Freddie Kissoon was being downright dishonest when he wrote in a letter stating, “I have no control over the publication and non-publication of letters. I have absolutely no authority at the Kaieteur News. I am its independent columnist. That is all I am.” Well, perhaps that is all he is now, but just a few months earlier, Kissoon was the one editing all of the letters sent to Kaieteur News. During that period, all of my letters sent to that media house were given the
axe. Not one was published. After making inquiries, I was told that Freddie Kissoon was “helping out” as KN was short of an editor to edit the high volume of letters. It was not until I called the Editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris, that a few of my letters were published, after being heavily edited. One such letter was chopped in half, and made no sense at all. Freddie Kissoon has a political agenda that’s as clear as daylight. He has an ongoing vendetta against the leadership of the PPP/C, whom he blames for the loss of his job as a lecturer at UG, and the termination of his wife’s employment as a Government employee. He also blames the PPP for the fetus that someone threw in his face a few years ago. Whatever Kissoon writes must therefore be viewed in the context of his hatred for Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP/C; his shameless inability to tell the truth; and the skillful way he misrepresents the facts in an effort to give credibility to his columns. To make matters worse, the AFC he campaigned for in 2015 has turned out to be a major disappointment, and the APNU reminds him of the Burnham dictatorship. Harry Gill, PPP/C Member of Parliament
STRAIGHT TALK Trends – Denial of Rights 7
WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
By Dr. CheddiJagan - 1969
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nited Nations declared 1968 as Human Rights Year. With great pomp and ceremony, the Guyana coalition government concerned about is image as a preserver of human rights, gave its blessings. On August 22, the History and Arts Council sponsored a meeting on the same theme. One of the keynote speakers was Mr. S. Ramphal, Attorney General. However, by every act and deed the coalition government is denying the rights of the Guyanese people, and moving toward the establishment of a dictatorship. The same Sony Ramphal piloted the National Security Act through the leadership in 1966. This Act, far more vicious that the U.S. National Security Act (1950) which spanned McCarthyism, gave the government arbitrary powers to suspend the right of habeas corpus and the right to a fair trial. In my democratic state, a citizen is not subject to
arbitrary arrest. He has a right not only to be brought to trial but to be tried by a jury, judge, and magistrate or legally constituted body. As the old maxim goes, justice must not only be done, it must appear to be done. Under the Act, the government has the power to restrict and detain any Guyanese citizen without trial for an indefinite period of time. And since the passage of the Bill, many persons have been arbitrarily locked up and intimidated. Police have been harassing others. In a search on an East Coast home recently, an occupant was told that if he knew what was good for him, he must not be in possession of books like Lenin’s State and Revolution found in his home. Sonny Ramphal justified the enactment of the National Security Act on the ground that a democratic state must have the name to protect itself. In answer to this even the pro-capitalist –imperialist Evening Post observed:
“It has been asked whether Guyana wants a return to the days of 1964 with bottle bombs and vigilante committees. It may be asked with equal relevancy whether Guyana wants to become another Malawi, South Africa, Ghana or Southern Rhodesia. Neither is desirable. The absence of the National Security Bill could lead to the former; the presence of the Bill could lead to the latter. What is needed, then is legislation which can preclude the former without paving the way to the latter. In another article in the Evening Post of November 22, headed A Conspiracy of Silence. “Analyst” stated:“Nothing in the Kaldor Budget or the Labour Relations Bill was so hostile to the liberty of the subject, as destructive of the supposedly constitutionally entrenched fundamental rights and freedoms as are some of the provisions of the National Security Bill. This palpable absence of a mobile body of public opinion in a newly
independent Guyana is disturbing not only because the existence of such a body is essential for parliamentary government, but also because majority rule is only tolerable because of the dependence of the rulers upon that body of opinion. Clearly defending democracy in the past was a subterfuge for intrigue and politically-inspired opposition to the last regime.” So upset was the former Chairman of the United Force, Dr. Richmond, by this grave incursion into the democratic rights of the people that he resigned as chairman and legislator. In a statement he issued, he said: “Three years ago a majority of our people among them opposed the passage of a labor bill that had the potential for Government control of the trade union movement. Then, the voices of our union, churches, civic organizations and of all those who defend the public good, rose to protect the threat.
The present proposals offer infinitely greater possibilities for the oppression of any citizen. Those voices that spoke then are largely silent now. The few that speak say we must trust the government not to abuse its powers. What we must seek is the rule of law, not the rule of men. What we must strive for is not to pass bad laws and hope that good men will not abuse them, but to pass good laws that even the evil cannot distort too far. Let us move out of the jingle of US and Them. Preventive detention has been a constant prelude to tyranny. Power corrodes responsibility and erodes perspective. It has been by preventive detention and restriction of movement that the Government of South Africa has established its bestial control of those it does not represent”. Since the passage of a National Security Act other restrictive measures have been taken. These include the denial of the
RIGHT TO TRAVEL RIGHT TO EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY RIGHT OF ASSEMBLY AND PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION RIGHT TO STRIKE RIGHT TO VOTE. RIGHT TO TRAVEL Every citizen is entitled to the right of free movement inside and outside the country. Yet this has been denied. Five Guyanese who were awarded scholarship for studies in socialist countries were refused passports. This is a clear violations of the rights laid down in the Constitution and a betrayal of commitments made by both LFS Burnham and Peter d’Aguiar. When leading the opposition, they declared their beliefs in fundamental rights at a conference headed by Sir Ralph Grey at Government House on March 16th, 1962. Both sought to put more in the teeth in the Fundamental Rights section of our 1961 Constitution, d’Aguiar cautioned particularly the fright to leave and to return to the country.
says sedition clause seeks to limit GTT outraged at Cybercrime Bill –press, freedom of expression
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rging the removal of the offence of sedition from the Cyber Crimes Bill 2016 because of the danger it presents to free speech, GTT has waded into the debate on the unpopular clause. In correspondence seen by Guyana Times, the telecommunications company raised objections to the proposed Bill. It also cited examples where similar pieces of legislation were discarded by the respective Governments. “The offence of sedition seeks to limit the press and freedom of speech against the Government and should be struck from the draft as it would limit freedom of speech and thought of the people,” the correspondence dated April 25, 2018 stated. “The Opposition of St Vincent and the Grenadines publicly struck out against it. This will limit the development of the freedom of the press in Guyana.” Questioning whether any service providers were consulted prior to the Bill’s preparation, the company stressed the need for such consultation. It would not be the first time
the Government has faced flak over implementing policies without consulting relevant parties first. “As interested parties that store such data, they should be consulted in the process. Legislation that affects the relevant stakeholders should have their input prior to the passage of legislation.” RECOMMENDATIONS Questioning whether Guyana had a cybercrime unit, GTT cited similar circumstances in Jamaica. The company also noted that there should be a section in the Bill that addressed the liability of service providers. “What about the passage of the Data Protection Act?” the company queried. “In other Caribbean countries, the passage of the Data Protection legislation was needed as auxiliary legislation to support the efficiency of cybercrime [laws]. “There should be a clause that speaks to the violation of privacy as noted at Section 16 of the draft of cybercrime legislation in Trinidad and Tobago. There should be a
clause in the draft that speaks to limiting the use of the data, taking as precedence from the draft of the Cybercrime Bill of St Vincent and Grenadines clause 25.” Laid in the National Assembly since 2016, Guyana’s Cyber Crimes Bill had catered for, inter alia: illegal access to a computer system; illegal interception; illegal data interference; illegal acquisition of data; illegal system interference; unauthorised receiving or granting of access to computer data; computer-related forgery; computer-related fraud; offences affecting critical infrastructure; identity-related offences; child pornography; child luring; and violation of privacy among a slew of other offences. A Special Select Committee had been working on the Bill for the past few years and their report on the Bill was presented recently. That committee was composed of Attorney General Basil Williams, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Education Minister Nicolette Henry and parliamentarians Michael Carrington and Aud-
win Rutherford. The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was represented by Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and parliamentarians Clement Rohee, Anil Nandlall, and Gillian Persaud-Burton. According to clause 18 of
the Bill, persons commit an offence of sedition when they “attempt to bring into hatred or excite disaffection towards the government”. These provisions have, in fact, excited worry among social media users. They took to the medium in their numbers to register
concerns that their freedom of expression would be trampled. PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo has also vehemently denied his party supported the Bill. Meanwhile, Government’s explanation for the clause has been to say it falls under national security.
New financial sector bills cause for worry – Jagdeo
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romising to address the provisions of four new bills tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday (April 26, 2018), Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, in initial comments, expressed concerns about not only what the new bills would mean for the cost of doing business in Guyana, but also about the powers that are contemplated to be given to the Central Bank. “When you look at the fine print of those laws, it gives the Central Bank greater powers that could harm some of the interests of the
commercial banks. Even the deposit insurance scheme that the Government wants to put in place, it is now going to assess the banks on a biennial basis, a sum based on the reserve holding that they will have to pay into that fund. So now the commercial banks will have a new cost, which could push up interest rates for some people because they will have to pay for an insurance scheme. So the deposits that are remunerated, they’ll have to push up interest rates,” he said. Jagdeo, a former president and finance minister,
stressed the need for caution in moving ahead in this direction, adding that it would appear as if the Government is making provisions for the likelihood that some local commercial banks will fold. “We have already seen the growing portfolio of bad debts that the banks have. And we have seen the serious drop in reserves,” he said. The new bills include: the Bank of Guyana Amendment Bill, the Deposit Insurance Bill, the Financial Institutions Amendment Bill and the National Payment Systems Bill.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Local Government and You!
s the realities of the disastrous policies of this APNU/AFC Coalition government takes a foothold, even President Granger and his Cabinet Ministers have stopped talking about the proverbial ‘Good Life’. The fact is that there continues to be an entrenched approach of undermining of every positive development sector, which has its origins from failed policies even before the assumption of office. The evidence is indisputable and the government is daily being seen and exposed for the fake frontier they present. They can no longer place blame on the former PPP/C Government which took our country to its highest ever level of development. As such, they seek to engage in distraction through unwarranted bullish undemocratic and corrupt practices, while promoting divisive tactics among targeted communities. This column consistently receives tremendous feedback from the Communities, including an overwhelming number requests to highlight the serious mal-practices that the APNU/AFC is perpetuating, almost unabated in the
Local Authority Areas. The efforts of many PPP/C won Councils are commendable, given the extreme government efforts to frustrate community progress under their respective administration. The Diamond /Grove NDC on the East Bank Demerara is just one of the many Councils that falls into this category. Justifiably, councilors are complaining that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC Region 4) and the Ministry of Communities are frustrating the delivery of work programs through delaying approval tactics. It is very serious that the 2016 Diamond Grove NDC Government subvention is not being spent to date. The reason provided is that the Council received the four million dollars’ subvention and set it aside to purchase a Garbage Truck after obtaining the necessary permission. The RDC Region 4 took over the procurement process and decided where and from whom the Truck will be bought. Since 2016, having allocated their own money with the REO compulsory signature, the truck to do the garbage collection was not
delivered. As a consequence, the NDC is finding it very difficult to keep the communities clean. In relation to the 2017 Diamond/Grove NDC four million dollars’ subvention, the manipulation of its use is being determined by APNU/ AFC controlled the Region #4 Democratic Council. Information received confirms that the REO took control of the subvention and tendered for the works to be done. The Region decided to do a one hundred and twenty feet road patching in 11th Avenue in Diamond which after significant delay, was hurriedly paid for. A second 2017 project was allocated to do some work at Back Street Squatting Area and again, this took serious complaints before some amount of messy work was done. From the remaining one million dollars, the Region was supposed to purchase one hundred and eleven tonnes of ‘crusher run’. Only last month (March 2018), they delivered seventy tonnes of ‘crusher Runs’ and still owe the NDC forty-one tonnes of ‘Crusher Run’ for the 2017 subvention.
The NDC councilors are of the opinion that the Ministry of Communities and the RDC are spending too much money on projects that they can do much cheaper. The NDC is calling on the Local Government Commission (LGC) to look into these blatant and deliberate acts of the APNU/PNC tugs. The unhindered functioning of the LCG is necessary to buttress the clearly biased acts of the Government. Thank God! The Local Government Commissioners are now getting ‘snacks’ at their meeting, which is better than water alone. However, the Local Government Commission must start moving around the country and look into the numerous burning issues. The kind of suppression being wickedly advanced by the Coalition is reminiscent of a period of rigged National and Regional Elections between 1980 and 1992. A period and approach that Vincent Alexander is all too familiar with. He was the Regional Executive Officer for Region 3 for some time, but for reasons that all and sundry know, he was removed
as the REO. It was a period when all REOs appointed at that time were based on PNC party selections. Of the many Guyanese who suffered under the Party Paramountcy system of the PNC administration, he of all persons should give testimony to the balance of governance under the PPPC rather than criticize. Of course he was given a ‘big’ job under the PPP/C administration at the University of Guyana. It is known that although he represented the PNC as a Member of Parliament, his subsequent bitter fight with Robert Corbin for leadership of the Party also resulted in his disenfranchisement by the party. Being the serious politician that he is, he ensured that while the PNC leadership shunned him he stayed with them for his survival. Today he is talking about the Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission and the Local Government Commission being impartial. Today, most of the PNC appointed REO’s are experiencing serious problems with their functioning in the Local Authority Areas. The REOs have become Czars unto
themselves with the support of the Minister of Communities. They appear to take much pride in frustrating the Local Government System. We are at the end of the fourth month of 2018 and although the Budget allocations for the year were done since December 2017, the Ministry of Communities is not releasing the NDC’s annual subventions for many of the LAAs although the work programs have been submitted. Further, the little ‘Czars’ at the RDCs are withholding projects and are taking full control of the ‘tender’ process in order to give PNC ‘hawks’ the contracts. The Local Government Commission must wake up and listen to the cries in the Local Authority Areas, the Regional Democratic Council and the Amerindian Village Councils for a more efficient and professional approach to getting things done effectively in service to the residents. It is these things that Mr. Alexander must seek to correct about when he advocates impartiality. (This column is prepared by Mr. Neil Kumar, Mr. S & Mr. A)
Gov’t did not invite PPP to launch of Cheddi Jagan stamps
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fter hijacking the commemorative stamps for the birth centenary of Dr. Cheddi Jagan – the founder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) – the Government has now decided to launch the stamps as their own but has not invited the Party to attend the event. A media invitation from the Ministry of the Presidency states that “the Government of Guyana will be hosting a launching ceremony of the Commemorative Centenary Stamp of the birth anniversary of Former President Cheddi Jagan.” The event will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at the Ministry’s Shiv Chanderpaul Drive Office. PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo told Citizens’ Report that the Party has not been invited to attend this event. He said clearly the Government does not want the PPP there and therefore, if an invitation comes at the last minute, the
Party would not go. Jagdeo further pointed out that it was the David Granger-led Administration that hijacked this event, which was supposed to be done by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) on Dr. Jagan’s birth centenary. The CJRC and the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) entered into a business agreement whereby the Post Office was going to supply commemorative stamps. The research centre had already made a down payment on its order. However, a few days before the event, the CJRC was informed that the Government had blocked the transaction. Legal minds have since contended that this amounts to political and unconstitutional interference in the work of an independent organisation – the GPOC. Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall
argued that the GPOC is not a Government department. It is not part of the Government. Therefore, its policies and activities are not to be dictated by or interfered with, by the Government. Likewise, its employees are not employees of the Government. They are not public servants. Therefore, they are
not subject to Government’s supervision or control. It must also be unequivocally clear that any attempt by the Government, including the President, to interfere with the day-to-day activities and operations of the GPOC and its staff, would be unlawful, clear executive lawlessness and abuse of power.
Furthermore, the former GPOC Chairman and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Bishop Juan Edghill had pointed out that it is not unusual for the agency to print commemorative stamps for it has been doing so for years. Government had contended that it blocked the
issuance of the stamps because “national symbols” must not be used “for private, partisan or political messages”. But Edghill argued that the Post Office had a business arrangement with a client and the Government’s interference was unwarranted and undemocratic.
Unruly
WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
9
The
Horse
A travesty of justice By: Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-Law
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s a result of the institution of criminal charges for Misconduct in Public Office against Dr. Ashni Singh, former Minister of Finance and Mr. Winston Brassington, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NICIL, the privatisation and divestment of state assets have come to the fore, once again. During the latter years of the PNC Government (1989-1992), confronted by economic bankruptcy and a financial crisis, the Desmond Hoyte Administration rushed to the IMF for assistance. The IMF, immediately, issued a cease order against public funding of certain state entities and recommended the divestment of these entities. Absolutely no policy or guidelines were established for the disposal of these assets. Similarly, no singular agency was tasked with the responsibility of executing this divestment drive. Most of these Agreement of Sales were signed by the then Confidentiality Secretary to President Hoyte! When one examines the transactions, certainly, market value was not a consideration upon which these sales were predicated. Most of these transactions were so egregious and reeked of such a level of corruption, that if criminal charges were instituted, after the PPP Government came to office in 1992, for Misconduct in Public Office in respect of these transactions, most of Desmond Hoyte’s Cabinet would have been thrown in jail. It is apposite that I set out the details of some of these transactions, not only to jolt
memories of those who may have forgotten them but also to educate our young people. The following excerpt is taken from the Guyana Journal 2007, authored by Odeen Ishamael (The Rush towards privatisation 1989-1992). 1. DEMERARA WOODS LTD. There were indeed some controversial privatization deals which took place. The one that received the most publicity was the sale of Demerara Woods Ltd. Lord Beaverbrook, a former treasurer of British Conservative Party, bought the entity in February 1991 for £9.7 million. He also negotiated and obtained a 50-year lease for 1.1 million acres of rain forest. Just two months later, in April 1991, he sold his interests to United Dutch Company for £61 million worth of equity in that firm. The new complex was renamed Demerara Timbers Ltd. Even though Beaverbrook had up to mid-1992 not finished paying the Guyana government for Demerara Woods, he merged the enterprise into the giant United Dutch Company which took control of Demerara Timbers of which he remained a major shareholder. By 1992, United Dutch valued Demerara Timbers at £74 million! The rainforest concession alone was estimated at between US$160 million to US$206 million. 2. GUYANA TIMBERS LTD. The book value of the firm was stated at US$130 million, but it was sold for only US$23.2 million in 1991. Registration fees for its Houston operations amounting to US$178,590
were waived, as were the duty of US$892,900, for the property transfer, and fees of US$555,810 for the firm’s Winiperu operations – a cumulative sum of $1.6 million. The new firm, styled Caribbean Resources Ltd., continued operations under its new owner, the Caribbean Life Insurance Company (CLICO) of Trinidad and Tobago. 3. N A T I O N A L P A I N T COMPANY LTD. This efficient profit-making entity was sold in May 1991 to Stephen Giddings, an overseas-based Guyanese, for US$1.15 million. Giddings lodged US$200,000 as a down-payment and was given until 1993 to pay the rest at 6 percent interest, at a time when the market rate for interest on industrial loans and credit ranged from 35 percent to 40 percent. Workers at the company had actually made a bid for the entity since 1989. Their bid on May 10, 1989 was US1.0 million, but after some hesitancy on the part of the government, they increased their offer to US$1.2 million. This sum was equivalent to G$150.2 million in 1991, as compared to Giddings’ offer which was equivalent to G$142.6 million. Naturally, the workers were very peeved over this sale since their offer involved a down-payment of US$404,000 at the signing of the agreement and US$808,000 in two equal annual instalments. Interestingly, another bidder was a Caricom paint company; Mc Enearney Alstons Group, which offered US$1.5, with the group owning 51 percent of the equity, government 24 percent and
the workers 25 percent. It should be noted that the down-payment of US$200,000 by Giddings was less than the net value of the stock, outstanding debts owed to the company and other pre-payments minus payments to creditors, which meant that the government of Guyana, in real terms, actually financed the purchase of the company by the new owner! 4. GRMMA COMPLEXES The GRMMA complexes at Black Bush Polder and Corriverton were sold off in August 1991 to the foreign firm, Curacao Investment Trust Company Ltd., for US$3.8 million. But these companies were valued at US$14.9 million. The same firm had earlier bought other GRMMA complexes at Ruimzigt and Wakenaam for US$2.5 million. The value of both complexes, complete with installations and fertile lands, was US$8.5 million. At Anna Regina, the GRMMA complex, valued at US$14.2 million, was sold to a St Vincent firm for US$4.2 million and was renamed “Caricom Rice Mills Ltd.” The sale of these complexes raised much concern among local investors. The problem was not only the sale price, but also the fact that local investors who made higher bids for the entities were ignored. No reasons were given for the rejection of their higher bids. 5. GUYANA TELECOMMUNICATION CORPORATION The Guyana Telecommunications Corporation (GTC), which was a profit-making business and net foreign exchange earner,
was sold off in late 1990 to Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN), based in the US Virgin islands for US$16.5 million. The GTC was at the time suffering from bad management, but at the time of sale, it had some G$400 million in bank “liquidity” and outstanding sums due and payable to it, and was earning a net figure of about US$2 million to US$4 million annually. Based on the sales agreement, ATN acquired 80 percent of the enterprise, with the government retaining the remaining 20 percent. There was much local criticism of the government for disposing of the company for such a low price, and the PPP expressed the view that at least 20 percent of the entity should have been offered to the Guyanese private sector. The new privatized entity, under the name Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company Ltd. (GT&T), began operations in January 1991. When the PPP assumed Government in 1992, the IMF programme was still in place. However, in contrast to the PNC approach, one of the first things that the Cheddi Jagan Administration did was to lay in the National Assembly, a White Paper that comprehensively set out the principles by which the Government will be guided, in relation to disposal of state assets. Primary among those guidelines were that the assets were to be disposed of by a privatisation unit and the Government owned and controlled NICIL, and the mechanism for disposal was a transparent public bidding and tendering process. This White
Paper was unanimously approved in the National Assembly. Significantly, the combined composition of the privatisation unit and the NICIL board consisted of a partnership between representatives of the Government and representatives of the labour movement, the private sector, the Parliamentary Opposition and the consumer organisations. Finally, every sale was to receive the imprimatur of Cabinet. The PPP also re-introduced the scrutiny of the Auditor General, who enjoyed an unhindered mandate, to audit these sales and transmit the audit report to the National Assembly for it to be examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by an Opposition Member of Parliament (MP). Audited Financial Statements of NICIL were also laid annually by the Minister of Finance in the National Assembly. Additionally, periodic publications of the details of these sales, including a description of the properties, the purchase prices, the purchasers and the dates of the public tender/advertisements were done and disseminated to the press and the public and laid in the National Assembly. The three transactions, which formed the subject of the criminal charges filed against Singh and Brassington, largely, complied with the aforementioned procedures. There is no allegation of dishonesty in the charges because there is no evidence of the same. Certainly, the properties were sold at prices determined by market forces. In short, these men are charged for simply discharging the functions of their office and executing the directions of their superiors. Had they not done so, they would have been liable to be dismissed and perhaps liable to be charged for Misconduct in Public Office. The charges are therefore, at best, a travesty of justice and at worst, nonsensical. The Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) refusal, thus far, to terminate these charges remains one of the crudest abdication of the constitutional responsibilities of that office, in recent times.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
COMMENTARY
By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
Tax, borrow and spend APNU+AFC Government determined to repeat PNC debt mistakes A
nother day, more bad news - APNU+AFC has borrowed more than $50B ($US250M) from the Bank of Guyana. This is in addition to spending almost $US200M from the national foreign currency reserve and about $23B in gold reserve at the Bank of Guyana. These are additional loans, separate from the increase of the foreign loans from $US1.1B to $US1.6B. Clearly, APNU+AFC is spending what they do not have and they are borrowing internationally and locally as if there is no tomorrow. Even in this short period, they are making the horrendous debt crisis Guyana faced in the 1980s look like plaything. Silence is not an option. We have to lift our voices to reject this orgy of borrowing. It is a recipe for overwhelming poverty. Since 2015, a number of indisputable facts relevant to the economic and social welfare of our people has emerged - economic growth (GDP) has plummeted, taxation has increased, borrowing has ballooned and government spending has skyrocketed on questionable projects, with corruption at unprecedented levels. In fact, increased government spending propelled by rampant
corruption forced the American government to identify government corruption as the main source for money laundering now. The one indisputable outcome from this assault on our macroeconomic well-being is suffocating poverty. After the virtual bankrupt state of the 1980s, Guyana carefully crafted a stable and progressive macroeconomic platform between 1992 and 2015. This macroeconomic platform saw Guyana improved its economy from about $US281 per capita to almost $US4,000 by May 2015. It reduced its debt from $US2.1B to $US1.1B. The debt ratio was reduced from more than 900% of GDP in 1992 to less than 44% in May 2015. The debt servicing improved from an unsustainable 94% of the total earnings in 1992 to about 4% in May 2015. Foreign currency reserve at the Bank of Guyana went from almost zero in 1992 to about $US700M in May 2015 and gold reserve at the Bank went from almost zero in 1992 to more than $25B at the end of 2014. The overall result was that poverty decreased from between 66 to 88% in 1990 (depending whose data you use) to under 20% (2015)
and the country's social and physical infrastructure improved measurably. Hunger, widespread in 1990, was almost eliminated by 2015 and Guyana was recognized and awarded a gold medal by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for achieving a hunger-free state prior to the MDG 2015 target date. Guyana was one of only five countries recognized for this achievement. Having inherited a solid economic and stable macroeconomic platform, APNU+AFC has already squandered it. The economy has stagnated since May 2015, with 2017 growth being just 2.1%, kept afloat by the continued success of rice. This is only about half of the projected GDP growth of 3.8% that Minister Jordon and APNU+AFC promised the Guyanese people. Against that backdrop, taxation has significantly increased since May 2015, with either increases in existing taxes or newly introduced ones, Guyanese now being taxed like never in the history of our country, taxed even for water and electricity, donkey carts, house-front vending and backyard cash crops. APNU+AFC even has the temerity to boast that it has
increased its tax intake by more than $8B in the first quarter of 2018. We know that the foreign debt today stands at about $US1.6B, a significant increase from the $1.1B in May 2015. We know also that the government, through NICIL, has borrowed $G30B ($US150M) to invest in GUYSUCO. Further, we know that they have agreed to borrow $US900M from the Islamic Bank. This all will move the foreign debt to more than $US2.7B, surpassing the PNC-led debt. It will move Guyana again towards the category of one of the most indebted nation on earth, with a debt burden more than 120% of its economy. As it is today, even without the Islamic Bank loan of $US900M and the NICIL loan for GUYSUCO of $US150M, the debt to GDP ratio has already increased from about 44% in 2015 to above 60% today and the debt servicing has increased from about 4% in 2015 to almost 10% today, above the debt-sustainability target 7.7% that the government agreed with the IMF. In the midst of this sickening reality comes more bad news about our debt. In less than three years, AP-
NU+AFC has borrowed more than $50B from the Bank of Guyana. This is an absolute turnaround from 2014 when government deposits equaled about $50B, a negative swing of more than $100B. This is why the foreign currency reserve at the Bank of Guyana has dramatically dropped from about $US700M to about $US500M and it is also part of the emerging story that from about $25B worth of gold in 2014, the Bank of Guyana now has a gold reserve of only about $1B. During the PPP terms of office from October 1992 to May 2015, in spite of borrowing to support national transformation, the debt dropped to below $US1.1B. The debt ratio dropped from over 900% of GDP in 1992 to below 44% and debt servicing dropped from 94% to about 4%. This remarkable turnaround in managing debt and in establishing a viable and envious macro-economic management scheme, one of the most favorable in CARICOM, in the Commonwealth and among developing countries is presently being squandered, courtesy of the Granger-led APNU+AFC. The Finance Minister obviously has not learnt the lessons from his
colleague, Carl Greenidge, who in the late 1980s stewarded Guyana towards the debt disaster. Now Winston Jordon is determined to outdo Greenidge the same way Granger is trying to outdo Burnham. This worrisome debt story has menacing consequences and impact on the economic and social welfare of our country and our people. OIL cannot bail us out of the quagmire that APNU+AFC is sinking us into. Having visibly experienced the tragedy of high debts in the PNC-era, with some of the architects of that tragedy major players in this APNU+AFC government today, one would have imagined that lessons were learnt. APNU+AFC promised the people CHANGE. But given a chance since May 2015, APNU+AFC has pursued a perverted path - to outdo the PNC as an authoritarian "tax, borrow and spend" government. Given the evidence of the last three years, Granger and APNU+AFC will succeed in this endeavor. The problem is that the Guyanese people's bold struggle to leave poverty behind is suffering another setback and OIL will fail to bail us out.
Jagdeo questions gov’t move to take another loan – US$20M borrowed from World Bank
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he APNU+AFC Coalition government continues to rack up billions of dollars of debts, this time borrowing US$20M from the World Bank. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, last week, had confirmed the move and stated that the money will be used to develop the legislative architecture of the oil and gas sector. He added that Guyana lacks the people who would be able to competently draft the pieces of legislation needed for the sector. That said, it is expected that the Government will be using the monies to pay for more oil and gas consultants. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has, on numerous occasions, blasted the Coalition Government for its
incompetence and for “farming out intellectual work” to foreign consultants. He added that there is no guarantee that Government will even listen to the consultants they hired and referred to the advice given by Government’s Petroleum Advisor, Dr Jan Mangal, which was ignored. He added that Government still needs to have a specific position on matters it is pursing. “What is the direction? What is the objective? This all still comes back to government in the end,” he said. While Jordan is talking about the need for more legislation for the oil and gas sector, ongoing work on legislation has been stalled for the past two years. The current state of affairs is: A proposal for a Petroleum
Commission that vests significant control in the hands of a minister, not technical personnel; No defined local content policy; No defined or established principles for the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund; No clarity on a process to deal with the remaining oil blocks; and No clarity on engagements with future investors; what sectors will primarily benefit from oil resources. According to Jordan, the Local Content Policy has now been dropped on the desk of Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin, for completion. Meanwhile, the long awaited draft legislation on the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is expected to make its way to Cabinet, before going to Parliament. The Petroleum Com-
mission is being reviewed. The Petroleum Commission, he argued ought to be a purely technical commission, but in currently configured in a way that gives excessive powers to one Minister of Government – the Minister determines: the size of the establishment; the employment of staff and the terms and conditions of employment; the provision of equipment and use of funds; reorganization or such works of development as to involve a substantial outlay on capital account; training, education and research; the disposal of capital assets; and the application of the proceeds of such disposals. “Clearly this is the wrong signal,” Jagdeo said. Relative to a Local Content Policy, Jagdeo proffered the view that a strong local content policy will allow Guyana to safeguard opportuni-
ties for locals and not allow locals to be crowded out in the sector. “This is vital for local private sector and local people,” he said. On the Sovereign Wealth Fund, he noted that a statement of principles on which the establishment of the Fund would be based would have sufficed. As he has done on previous occasions, he stressed the need for there to be: an apolitical approach to setting up the Fund; a clear definition of the purpose of the Fund; clearly defined rules on spending from the Fund; clarity on what share of oil proceeds will go to the Fund; and the conditions under which the government can access the Fund. “This model can last for the future and is one that is akin to Norway’s model,” the Opposition Leader said. The remaining oil blocks,
he added, should be subject to a competitive auction or kept for future generations. The former president also repeated his call for the US$18M signing bonus to be placed into the Consolidated Fund, with the rest of state revenues, and not be kept in a separate account in contravention of Guyana’s laws. The positions of the PPP/C on these matters are clear, according to him. Comparing the actions of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, Jagdeo said, “There has not been a single attempt to answer pressing questions….there has to be clarity of government’s policy in a particular sector.” Notably, Government has made no move to engage the Parliamentary Opposition – despite calls from civil society for the sector’s development to be apolitical.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
APNU/AFC continues to plunder nation’s coffers By Mohamed Irfaan Ali
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ince taking up office in 2015, the APNU/AFG government continues to plunder the nation’s coffers and outstripping private investment to satisfy their growing budget deficit and unruly profligate spending habit. The banking sector, especially Band of Guyana, has demonstrated acute signs of financial distress: gold reserve which helps stabilize foreign exchange rates, and acts as a reserve currency in performing transactions in international trade, has tanked; net foreign reserve that helps safeguard against exchange rate volatility and secure our import bill, is also on the decline. Market securities, another critical source of foreign currency, has also decline. In summary, given the current downward trajectory, our financial system is heading for a precipitous fall. Compounding this phenomenon, private enterprises continue to record large deficits, coupled with shrinking contributions to net domestic
credit. On the fiscal side, government deficit and total debt continue to proliferate. When assessed, growth in total debt outstripped GDP by more than 119% points. In the private sector, consumption and investment continue to tumble. Even though loans to residents have increased, key job creating and supporting sectors such as forestry, agriculture and construction have all declined. Thus the following outcomes may likely occur:
• Rising Non-Performing loans: High tax burden, low growth rate, low disposable income, and deteriorating financial system will be the leading cost. • High Unemployment: Downsize of businesses due to high interest rates and low demand, coupled with depreciation of foreign exchange, will all take a toll on unemployment rate. • Fiscal Consolidation: Austerity measures in the long-run might be the only plausible solution to reduce burgeoning debt. Social programmes such as education, health, security etc. are likely to see huge cuts in allocation. • High Inflation: With a highly probably exchange rates depreciation oscillating in the horizon, cost of imports will likely increase, while purchasing power depreciates. Given the above, if the negative trajectory continues to gain momentum, Guyana, in the long-run, could be hit by three inter-dependent shocks: 1. Sovereign Debt Crisis: the rise in unsustainable debt could trigger concerns of
default risk by the Guyana government. Investors, in respond, will deter from financing the nation’s budget deficit. Thus, the value of BoG bond portfolio, in the long run, would eventually tumble. As insolvency approaches, fiscal tightening by the government would further constrain firms and households from honoring all existing debt, thus, further stoking insolvency. 2. Banking Crisis: Because of the continuous loss in assets value (gold, foreign reserve, market securities etc.) liquidity in the banking sector will be placed in doubt. As banks struggle to remain solvent, reduction in lending from other financial institutions would eventually halt the economy, and thus, directly disrupting tax revenue stream. 3. Sudden Stop: The economy will eventually come to a halt, due to unwillingness of foreign investors to lend Guyana as a whole (government, banks and firms), and the country will no longer be capable of financing its current account deficit.
PPP will defend interests of workers T he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend warmest greetings to all categories of workers and labour leaders throughout the nation on this the occasion of International Workers’ Day or Labour Day, as it is commonly known here. This significant day, which celebrates the important resource of human labour, allows for workers to rally in solidarity with each other and to further highlight their invaluable contributions to development to Guyana, as well as highlight their gains and challenges in their quest for advancement. The contributions of workers, which have been the bedrock towards the many struggles for the betterment of lives of our countrymen and women, sometimes go unheralded. Had it not been for their selfless efforts it would have become difficult for our achievements over time. The PPP therefore salutes their resoluteness, dedication, innovativeness and forthrightness for the hard work and sacrifices they continue to perform and make every day for their families and all the people of our country. Our Party is not oblivious of the numerous bur-
dens they are now made to carry as a result of the inept management of the national economy and the harsh measures meted out to them. With the implementation of a plethora of new taxes, a contracting economy and rising costs of living, our nation’s workers are now made to experience tremendous difficulties to provide for their families. This harrowing situation is even more heart-wrenching for the thousands of sugar workers who lost their jobs following the callous closure of some estates. The economic hardships they are now saddled with have led to them being humiliated and an exacerbation of social ills with numerous negative impacts. As workers march in solidarity on this Labour Day, their plight and that of their compatriots will no doubt be foremost through their voices. The PPP will continue to stand in solidarity with workers in every stratum in our society and to robustly and fearlessly represent their cause. The PPP, mindful of the difficulties our workers are now enduring, hopes that in some way, the observances of this May Day will be rewarding. PPP Press Statement.
Leonora PPP district conference Priorities? $484M to
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he Leonora District of the People’s Progressive Party held their District Conference on May 1st at Leonora. The Conference was well attended, being a regular feature of Conferences in Region 3.The Feature address was given by the Cde .Irfaan Ali, former Minister with two portfolios, ,Housing and Water and Tourism and Industry. He is a Central
and Executive Member of the PPP and present MP and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. Cde. Ali addressed the huge gathering on the present state of the economy and the non-performance of the various Government Sectors. He informed those present on the work of the Party and charge the new executives of the Committee to
work assiduously toward widening the gaps of votes at the next Local Government Election and attaining the Party’s Goal of returning to Government in 2020 or earlier Also at the Conference were the members of the Regional Committee(3B),the Regional Chairman, Central Committee Members and other Party Officials in the Region.
In Picture are : members of the newly elected District Committee along with . Cde Irfaan Ali Regional MP , First Secretary of Region 3B Cde AnjanieNarin,e, Cde Haroon Party Supervisor, Region 3 B and PPP Central Committee Members Cdes. Majeed Hussain and Derrick Kissoon
buy aircrafts for GDF
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riorities of the coalition administration is once again under question as the Government moves to spend close to half a billion dollars on new aircrafts for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Since President David Granger announced earlier this year at the GDF Officers Conference that the agency will major restructuring, persons have questioned the priorities of the coalition. At that time, Opposition Leader, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo exposed the callous nature of the Head of State to invest billions of dollars into the army while thousands of sugars workers are thrown on the breadline. Critics have pointed out that aircrafts for the GDF is not a necessity at this point in time, especially when the Government just sacked thousands of sugar workers who would need the multimillion dollar investment more than ever. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said the Government will be procuring four aircrafts: two Skyvans and two
Islanders. Not only hailing this purchase as unnecessary, political commentators told Citizens’ Report that if the coalition wanted new planes for the GDF, they could have bought at least just two. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan last Thursday laid a supplementary paper in the National Assembly requesting $484, 239, 000 in extra budgetary funding for the planes. Jagdeo had explained that Guyana does not need a massive army and therefore indicated that mega investments into helicopters and marine vessels are unnecessary, especially at a time when more than 4,000 people have lost their jobs in the largest retrenchment exercises in recent international history. “Again we have big, huge, future spending in this area (army) and where peoples welfare is concerned, helping sugar workers, pensioners, the productive sectors, no attention being paid to this,” the PPP General Secretary lamented earlier this year.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
“No Country can develop if its citizens live in constant fear of criminal attacks” By Norman Whittaker
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ot the words of the author of this letter; but a declaration emanating from the APNU+AFC 2015 Elections Manifesto. Guyanese were further reminded that “no Entrepreneur would invest funds in an environment rife with crime”. These assertive statements coming from the then Opposition Party that was very critical of the PPP/C and its ability and measures used to deal with crime prevention and detection. The APNU+AFC now in Government for almost three years did affirm that they would bring about sustained improvement in crime prevention and the security environment in the Country as part of the good life. To the contrary, it is obvious that the measures which the present Government have put in place to arrest the
alarming increase in criminal activities in our country have not been effective. Scarcely a day passes without a report of several violent crimes committed by mostly young brazen semi-literate or illiterate and unemployed males who target not only businesses and homes, but persons in transit therefrom and thereto. Furthermore, Police reports speak of an alarming upsurge in the incidence of serious violent crimes involving the use of firearms leading to the death of mostly innocent citizens…these disturbing facts, in spite of the presence of a large number of retired/ senior police, military and para military personnel at the disposal of the Government in an advisory capacity. Equally disturbing must be the increase in the incidence of domestic violence; with our womenfolk being the victim in almost all instances. How sad! How pathetic! How bestial! Recall that the APNU+AFC Government had undertaken to ensure in its menu of police reform measures that “the Police become a well paid and effective agent for serving and protecting the population; rather than an instrument of oppression”. Instead what do we see? Government Ministers, Advisors and other senior Government functionaries got huge increases in salaries
and more than adequate security/protection for themselves and property; while the Police must wait to experience the good life. The result has been a spike in crime: a crime spree of armed robberies, break and enter and larceny etc. Measures such as: 2 a.m. curfew, illegal firearm recovery, recruiting and training of police ranks, small increase of salaries, removal of vehicle tint, country wide road blocks and stop and search exercises, some addition to the Police’s fleet of vehicles must be seen for what they are: inadequate measures, limited interventions with limited results. These are not bringing the desired results. Fear of losing property and life; fear of damage to property and injury to limb stalks the land. Our people live in fear.That’s is obviously one of several reasons why Guyana is not moving forward. It would be dishonest of me if I did not acknowledge that there has been some measure of success on the part of our Police in that they have been able to apprehend some of the criminals due en parte and in no small measure to public cooperation and consequential intelligence gathering. The police have been able to use information received from some citizens to effect successful searches/ arrests. In this regard, I call on our police to reflect on the
cooperation and success stories that emanated out of the collaborative efforts of the Police and the Community Policing Groups that were so evident during the epoch of PPP/C Governance. In my several sojourns across the ten Administrative Regions of Guyana, I have met many community leaders and other residents who have expressed a wish to see the reinstitution of the Community Policing Groups (CPGs). There can be no denying that the use of intelligence garnered from persons in the communities where crimes are committed is critical to apprehending crime perpetrators. Of course, such a method /measure is a function of the confidence and public trust engendered between police and citizens. Happy to see that some attempt is being made to reinstitute the Community Policing Groups though in a small way. Contemporaneously, I draw attention to the fact of some police officers frustrated with their low salaries, working in a side job or personal business outside of their regular police job and at the expense of their legitimate police jobs. Some even use the vehicles, service weapon and information available to them to carry out illegitimate business. Also important in crime fight must be Police mobility
and this includes response time to calls from victims and witnesses. Often police response time is poor; giving criminals adequate time to escape. The criminal is confident that he/she has a 50/50 chance of escaping the arms of the law; has little or no respect for or fear of the police and commits the crime. The criminal must know that the arms of the Law are long, efficient and effectiveto the extent that his/her chances of getting away with committing a crime is almost zero and, consequently, persons think twice and thrice before even entertaining the thought of committing a crime. The concern expressed by the Police and some others over the Bail release granted to persons accused of committing serious criminal acts is also a matter of concern that ought also to be addressed with some urgency. There can be little or no development if the issue of security is not efficiently and adequately addressed. Current security concerns have been an Investment barrier to many would be Investors; moreso foreign Investors; while simultaneously driving some others out. Consequentially, manyin the private sector have lost their jobs and alternative employment inthe public sector is very limited and to supporters of the APNU+AFC Government.
Furthermore, the spread of criminal activities to some residential areas have caused many to want to sell property there and leave. However, their property values have been driven down by lower demand and they are reluctant to sell at the low prices. They are engaged in a wait and see exercise. Crime injures economically. Many in Guyana have indeed been injured not only economically but sociallyand mentally by the fear resulting from the crime siege that has gripped the land. Crime fighting goes beyond mere police patrol; important though that is.How long must decent citizens wait and at what cost in terms of loss of property, limb and lives before we see the crime prevention improvements the APNU+AFC promised. Aren’t these integral to the goodlife? The good life continues to be an elusive dream for many Guyanese; moreso those perceived to be non supporters of the APNU+AFC Government. And this growing list includes the thousands of sugar workers who have had their services terminated and the thousands more who were dependent on the dismissed workers to purchase goods and services from them. No Country can develop if its citizens live in constant fear of criminal attacks.
GuySuCo pensioners protest new pay arrangements reside. This arrangement has been in place for decades now. The pensioners are strongly contending that the arbitrary change in the payment mechanism places additional burdens on them. For instance, they would be required to travel to the nearest bank to collect their pension sums which for some of them is a very meagre amount to begin with. For those pensioners who do not have bank accounts, we need not explain the travails one has to go through now-a-days to open an account. Some pensioners have shared with us they lack certain essential pre-requisites
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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) actively supported a picketing exercise by retired employees of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) outside of the LBI Community Centre today (April 27, 2018). The pensioners are extremely dismayed by attempts by the state-owned sugar company to demand that their pensions be sent to the commercial banks for payments. Currently, the pensioners would uplift their pensions weekly, and in some cases monthly, from a number of centres close to where they
like TIN certificates, which we should not forget one has to pay for to obtain; or they may reside with their children and, therefore, would not have a proof of address. Some even have the real difficulty of having sufficient sums to satisfy the minimum balance to open a bank account. This new arrangement is being imposed in circumstances of rising crime where the aged and pensioners are also vulnerable, a factor to consider and not to be easily dismissed. It is indeed saddening that GuySuCo has chosen to overlook these realities that the pensioners, some in their 70’s, and 80’s
face and encounter. The treatment of these former sugar workers whose energies and dedication helped to build the sugar industry and contributed to nation building is disheartening and disturbing to say the least. It is generally accepted that we treat persons at this stage of their life with respect and dignity and we need to be cognizant of the difficulties they face on several fronts. We urge GuySuCo, as an established state entity in our society, that it seeks to alleviate and not aggravate the challenges of its former workers on whose contributions we gratefully stand.
WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
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Workers displaying banners at May Day rally
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
PPP General Secretary visits Lethem
WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Hampers distributed to sacked sugar workers at Wales and environs
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he People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Members of Parliament (MPs) supported the Wales Sugar Workers’ Relief Committee in distributing 150 hampers
to the terminated sugar workers and their families. The distribution took place on Saturday in Wales, West Bank Demerara. MPs Gail Teixeira,
Bishop Juan Edghill, and Mohabir Anil Nandlall participated in the activity. The event was organized to bring support and lend solidarity to the
affected workers in their time of struggle since the Government took the decision to shut down the estates across the country. Thousands of persons were thrown on the bread-
line, a move that has impacted hundreds of families across the country. At the opening ceremony of the distribution exercise, prayers were done by the main faiths and a
few remarks were given by each parliamentarians. The main sponsor of the activity was Dr. Tara Singh of the Guyana-New York Humanitarian Mission (GNHM).
Jagdeo meets IMF team
GPA says sections in Cybercrime Bill ‘criminalizing freedom O of expression’ must go T
he Guyana Press Association (GPA) is the latest body to call for the removal of the offence of sedition from the Cybercrimes Bill because of the danger it presents to free speech. According to clause 18 of the Bill, persons commit an offence of sedition when they “attempt to bring into hatred or excite disaffection towards the government.” The GPA in a statement released in observing World Press Freedom Day, among other things, called on the Government and the Opposition to “discuss and arrive at a consensus to delete from the proposed Cybercrime legislation provisions that will amount to institutionalisation of criminal defamation. Those provisions, we contend, must be removed because they are not in accordance with the global shift towards the removal of criminal defamation from the law books of several countries including a number of them in the Caribbean.”
According to the GPA, “Guyana will be retrogressing instead of progressing by entrenching the criminalisation of freedom of expression if certain sections in the Cybercrime Bill are enacted into law.” Laid in the National Assembly since 2016, Guyana’s Cyber Crimes Bill had catered for, inter alia: illegal access to a computer system; illegal interception; illegal data interference; illegal acquisition of data; illegal system interference; unauthorised receiving or granting of access to computer data; computer-related forgery; computer-related fraud; offences affecting critical infrastructure; identity-related offences; child pornography; child luring; and violation of privacy among a slew of other offences. A Special Select Committee had been working on the Bill for the past few years and their report on the Bill was presented recently. That committee was composed of Attorney Gen-
eral Basil Williams, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Education Minister Nicolette Henry and parliamentarians Michael Carrington and Audwin Rutherford. The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) was represented by Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and Parliamentarians Clement Rohee, Anil Nandlall, and Gillian Persaud-Burton. Opposition Leader Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has since spoken out against the section of the Bill that entrenches sedition while outlining that his party’s support for the Bill was not expressed by their presence at the Select Committee. State Minister, Joseph Harmon in defending the inserted clause said, among other things, that it was done in the interest of national security. World Press Freedom Day is observed every year on May 3 and the theme this year is “Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and the Rule of Law.”
pposition Leader, Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo MP, met on May 3, 2018 with the visiting International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, which is conducting an assessment of the local economy. The Leader of the Opposition shared his views on the performance of the economy and provided the team from the IMF with his, and the Parliamentary Opposition’s analysis of key productive sectors. Specific issues surrounding agriculture, rice, construction, bauxite, mining and service sectors were discussed. The closure of several sugar estates, its
impact on sugar workers, their families and the ripple effects on communities, as well as the nation as a whole, was addressed by the Opposition Leader. The Leader of the Opposition also detailed the vision of the PPP/C, relative to expansion and growth of the local economy, creating employment and generating opportunities for Guyanese, including those for wealth creation, among other plans – all of which could sustain, diversify and expand the traditional sectors, while supporting new productive sectors. The emerging oil and gas sector was also examined.
The Leader of the Opposition was joined by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarians, Hon, Irfaan Ali MP, and Hon. Juan Edghill MP, at Wednesday’s meeting
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Economic
orner
Dr. Peter R. Ramsaroop, MBA, (Economic Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition)
As economy deteriorates teachers should not expect pay hike anytime soon T eachers are entrusted with sculpting the Human Resource Capital of a Nation and should not only be afforded the best tools available in preparing a country’s human capital, they should also be remunerated in direct proportion with their contribution to a country’s economic capital, growth, and wellbeing. Mr. Granger, a teacher cannot go to the market and make a purchase with his or her “heart in the right place.” (See Demerara Waves report dated May 1) May Day 2018 will forever be remembered as the day the APNU+AFC Government put its contempt on display for the Guyanese teachers, when in one breath
the Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams trumpeted his Government’s move to give teachers duty-free concessions for vehicles and minutes later the president told teachers “my heart is in the right place” but ‘yuhain’t got nothing fuh get’. President Granger told teachers that salary increases will be decided by recommendations made to him and submitted to the Minister of Finance. According to the President, the Ministry, after crunching the numbers, will supposedly make an announcement. The Ministry of Education’s wages bill for this year is already5.1B and with the current economic
climate, it is clear to see there is no money left in the ‘kitty’ to give teachers an increase in salary much less the much deserved 40 per cent being asked. We cannot never forget this government give themselves 50% pay raise weeks into taking government. The president should have been upfront with the teachers—persons no doubt competent enough to read between the lines—that his Government has not only depleted the National Reserves and increased the debt, but have also decimated productive income sectors. “My heart is in the right place” is perhaps a confession from the
president had he only continued with ‘but the treasury is empty.’ Teachers should not look forward to any announcement to be made by the Ministry of Finance any time soon. Mr Granger, ever wanting to look like the knight-inshining-armor, would have been happy to announce to teachers on Labour Day, an increase—however meagre— but the numbers don’t lie, and based on the statistics, Finance Minister Winston Jordan would be hard pressed to, at this point to sustainably provide any, as there is no revenue stream or productive sector poised to provide any enhanced returns. Perhaps President Granger is waiting for oil and gas before being able to tell teachers anything about a pay increase. He will be waiting long. Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his Budget 2018 speech pontificated, “there is clear need for reform and innovation across all levels of education delivery – nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary. In recognition of this, Government established a Commission of Inquiry, whose report is expected to make searching recommendations to guide the innovation and reform initiatives. Our children must no longer be subjected to frequent teacher absenteeism, poor curriculum delivery, short-
Cybercrime Bill: Coalition becoming “increasingly undemocratic in its march towards dictatorship” – Jagdeo
O
pposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, made clear that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) does not support the Cybercrime Bill in its current form, particularly given the inclusion of a clause that talks about sedition. At a news conference held on April 30, 2018, he stated that the ball was dropped on the matter, given the non-attendance of PPP/C Parliamentarians at the Parliamentary Select Committee meeting, where the clause was inserted into the Bill. From October 2016, after being set up, the Parliamentary Select Committee only met eight times. At the February 15, 2018 meeting, the controversial Clause 18 was fashioned. It states that: “A person commits an offence of sedition if the person, whether in or out of Guyana, intentionally publishes, transmits or circulates by use of a computer system, a statement or words, either spoken or written, a text, video, image, sign, visible representation
or other thing, that: a) brings or attempts to bring into hatred or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in Guyana.” Disaffection, according to the Bill, includes disloyalty and all feelings of enmity. A person who commits the offence under this clause is liable on conviction on indictment to serve up to five year or as much as life in prison. According to Jagdeo, the Bill was envisioned to advance rights of Guyanese, not take rights away. He surmised that given the controversial provisions, the Coalition Government might could have just as well re-enacted the National Security Act that was implemented under the former People’s National Congress (PNC). Noting comments from Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who said the bill “is about espionage, it’s about sabotage, it’s about subversion” – all of which pose threats to national security – Jagdeo said,
“I wondering how many state secrets there are.” He quipped that government seems intent on keeping secret information about Guyana’s ‘chemical factories’ and ‘nuclear bunkers’. “He (Harmon) is not saying anything about people’s rights,” the Opposition Leader said. Jagdeo pointed out that Clause 18 shifts the focus of the Bill from protection of Guyanese citizens, to focus on Government ministers. He stressed that Guyanese must fight against the provisions of the Cybercrime Bill, given that the current Government is one that is becoming “increasingly undemocratic in its march towards dictatorship” rule. However, he noted the challenges in doing so. At the Committee level, where the Bill was discussed, Jagdeo noted that the Government held the majority, as it does in the National Assembly and could out-vote the Parliamentary Opposition, despite the best arguments that could be advanced. Responding to assertions that there was PPP/C sup-
port for the Bill at the level of the Parliamentary Select Committee, the Opposition Leader made it clear that being named to as members of a Committee does not translate to automatic support of whatever is before the said Committee. “The PPP does not support this undemocratic inclusion in the Cybercrime Bill. We are opposed to it…you can blame us and some of the MPs for not attending the meetings and it would be justified…but we did not sit there and agree to this insertion…you cannot say we supported this…this government surreptitiously inserted this undemocratic clause,” he said. He declared that the provision has no place in a democracy, more so in one where freedom of speech and expression is defined and protected in the Constitution. Jagdeo added that Government’s move to defer a debate on the bill is hopefully a sign that the controversial provisions have been recognised as such.
ages of text books and materials, and non-submission of grades at tertiary levels.” Mr. Jordan’s platitudes are now being seen for what it was—a bluff—since he knew there was nothing in the treasury to make a decent offer to teachers. Public Servants were all across the board, ignored by His Excellency. An examination of the figures proves Jordan and President Granger disingenuous and demonstrates there was no real commitment on the part of the APNU+AFC administration to pay teachers an increase and have found themselves hiding under the pretext of collective bargaining. Minister Jordan himself said this year, we expect that 450 graduates will join the trained teacher workforce and 37 untrained teachers will complete the teacher upgrading programme, to prepare for the trained teachers‘ certificateprogramme. “In 2018, we expect an additional 335 trained teachers to join the workforce,” he boldly announced. Education as a percentage of the national budget last year was said to be 17.2 per cent at $21.2B but this year that figure went down by over a billion dollars to $19.9B for this year—a year in which was the biggest budget ever. One must however bear
in mind that a large percentage of the education Ministry’s total allocation for the year is expended on recurring expenses. Capital Expenditure such as the construction of new schools and repairs to existing structures also erode a significant chunk of the budget. What then is left for a teacher’s package. Employment Costs is budgeted at $5.1B for the Ministry of Education in 2018. Teachers are demanding a 50 % increase in wages and salaries having been left out of annual increases—a result of negotiations between the Guyana Teachers Union and government; negotiations started under the PPP, inherited and seemingly parked by Granger. The APNU+AFC having depleted the country’s gold and cash reserves; increased public debt and decimating producing sectors will be hard pressed to find another $2B annually to pay the increases demanded. This does not even take into account putting a price to other promised concessions such as Duty Free concessions. The Guyanese teacher should not wait with bated breath for a positive announcement from the Granger administration. Now that the kitty is empty, there will be no pay increases for teachers anytime soon. The numbers don’t lie.
Gov’t puts “harsher” measures for young offenders – Teixeira
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pposition Chief Whip and former Home Affairs Minister, Gail Teixeira condemned the Government for making ‘penalities’ harsher for children who have violated the law. The Parliamentary Opposition has supported the intentions of the reform of the Juvenile Justice sector but they are contending that the Bill 2018, needs several improvements. For starters, Teixeira pointed out that under the existing Act, children who broke the law can serve a maximum of three years at a custodial institution. But the APNU+AFC has extended the ceiling to five years, causing the Opposition Chief Whip to question whether it was the coalition’s intention to make things “harsher” for the children. She noted too that with the age of criminal responsibility at 14, if someone gets a five year sentence at a custodial institution, then they would still be at a juvenile holding centre even they would now be considered an adult. Teixeira said this is a critical issue that the government should iron out before rushing to pass the Bill.
In fact, she questioned the haste to have the Bill passed immediately. Teixeira supported her colleagues’ call for the Bill to be taken to a Parliamentary Select Committee. Outlining that the Government’s Parliamentary and Legislative agendas are extremely thin, Teixeira questioned whether the rush to pass the Bill is a public relations stunt to prove that progress is being made. The opposition parliamentarian explained however that it makes no sense to hurriedly pass the Bill especially when resources have not been allocated to set up institutions and provide training and conduct everything necessary to ensure the provisions under the Bill are enforceable. She slammed the Government for not budgeting monies for this purpose and lamented that under the Ministry of Social Protection’s budget, only 6% has been put aside to deal with youths. Despite unanimous calls from the PPP/C MPs for the Bill to be further fine-tuned, the Government used its one seat majority in Parliament to pass the Bill.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
THE HINTERLAND CONNECTION
THE RUPUNUNI – PART 1 By Jagnarine Somwar
T
he enthralling beauty and serenity of the Rupununi would have anyone spell bound to return to that unique place in Guyana. I was honoured to be on a team headed by one of the eminent Leaders of the People's Progressive Party, Irfaan Ali. To me the Rupununi is a home away from home; someday I am hoping to settle there for the rest of my days. That trip opened my eyes to two important things, one being the caring and concern of the people by the Leadership of the Party and the other being the gravitation of the people towards the Leadership of the Party, as was evident during Irfaan Ali's visit. The people are calling, in a unified voice, for the Opposition Leader and the General Secretary, Dr.Bharrat Jagdeo, to again visit the Rupununi. Indigenous peoples have been part of the Rupununi landscape for millennia. Anthropologists have discovered Paleo-Indian petroglyphs, dated to be several
thousands of years old, along the course of the Rupununi River. Before the colonization of Guyana and the Rupununi region, the Macushi Amerindians, Wai-Wai and the Wapishana all inhabited the area. The Macushi migrated from what is now known as modern Brazil and Venezuela, to the northern areas of the Rupununi River, over four-hundred years ago. The Macushi Amerindians continue to live in the Rio Branco savannahs and northern Rupununi, surviving off of the abundance of fish, wildlife and forest resources of the area. Sir Walter Raleigh claimed that the Rupununi was where the famed El Dorado was situated, however he never explored the river. Other early explorers such as Charles Waterton and Robert Schomburgh attempted to locate El Dorado, and successfully managed to visit the supposed location of the South-American myth, which is in fact part of the northern Rupununi. However they never found El Dorado. Guyana is a developing country that lacks sustainable
economic, environmental and investment growth, especially now that the Coalition is in Government. Exploiting the Rupununi’s resources through corporate agriculture, mining and petroleum extraction are potential pathways that Guyana could undertake. Extant roads such as the one connecting the Rupununi andthe State of Roraima would have to be upgraded to travel all the way to Georgetown. A bridge has also been constructed on the Guyana-Brazil border that links Lethem (Guyana) to Bonfim (Brazil). This infrastructure will facilitate the transportation of goods throughout the area; however it poses a threat to the Rupununi's fragile eco-system. In order to formally protect the Rupununi's eco-system, NGO's and the previous PPP government have partnered up to attempt to enforce legislation to ban any prejudicial human activity towards the environment and wildlife in the Rupununi. Eco-tourism in the Rupununi is an important part of Guyana's economy, especially for the local Amerin-
dian people. There are many ranches and lodges such as the Karanambu Ranch, a protected area for giant otters and other endangered species in the Rupununi, started by Tiny McTurk (1927), that generate revenue from tourists visiting the Rupununi. Conservation International hosts a website on the Rupununi that includes details of eco-tourism accommodation. Some more adventurous tourists are now starting to travel overland from Georgetown to Lethem via the Rupununi and on to Brazil, but the travel is very slow in the rainy season when the dirt roads degrade, and may be impossible. Rock View Lodge and The Pakaraima Mountain Inn are both near Annai, 2-3 hours from Lethem, and are great places to stop en-route. The Rupununi / Lethem Rodeo is a tourist attraction at Easter (during the dry season), and many people try to combine a visit to an eco-lodge with a trip to the rodeo. In the heart of Guyana lies one of the most biodiversity and sparsely populated areas on earth. Spanning
south from the Essequibo River at Kurupukari through the Iwokrama rain forest and across an expanse of hills and savannas to the Brazilian border near Lethem, the Rupununi is home to English-speaking tribes of Macushi, Wai-Wai,Wapishana and other mixtures Amerindians. It is a region bursting with nearly a thousand species of birds, wild cats, reptiles and insects, rare flowers and trees… not to mention the cleanest air you’ll ever breathe. A limited amount of curious and adventurous travelers make their way into the Rupununi each year. The nine lodges found there are small, family- or community-run enterprises without marketing or advertising budgets to introduce themselves to the world at large. So, Tourism Groups teamed up together to collectively promote the unique offerings of each property and to showcase some of the most remarkable features of this unspoiled corner of the Amazon basin. Travel in this part of the world is rewarding, but rare-
ly is it simple. Limited infrastructure, unreliable transport and power, and wide open spaces with few people make it unadvisable for visitors to just “show up.” This is a project of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana which represents a cross section of restaurants, hotels, and tourism companies in Guyana. Tourists are urged to explore the Rupununi to get a glimpse into the researched traveller’s lifelong effort to capture and conserve the innumerable natural and cultural treasures that reside there. The People's Progressive Party is strongly supported by the people of the Rupununi; they have given victory to the PPP, regionally since 2001, and continue to contribute massively to the party's accumulated votes. Openly, without fear, the villagers has pledged their support for the Party’s victory in 2020, at the risk of been victimized and discriminated against by the Coalition Government, which is not something new to them since the Government changed in 2015.
Harmon’s recollection of matters that happened decades ago in stark contrast with denial about recent links between fuel smugglers and gov’t
H
aving denied recent reports that a senior government official is linked to the recent seized vessel over fuel smuggling, while earlier decrying actions of the former PPP/C government decades ago in the land issues involving TPL, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, found himself on the receiving end of criticisms by the Parliamentary Opposition. Opposition Leader noted that it was Harmon’s ignorance of the fuel smuggling operations that were exposed is ‘strange’, given that all
he has to do was ask for the records that confirm the links between his government and the illegal operation. Following reports that authorities, on April 19, 2018, took control of a vessel – the Jubilee – because it was suspected to have been involved in fuel smuggling, documents linking the vessel’s operations to prominent local figures have been released. Company documents for entity, SBF International Inc., names Attorney-at-Law, Roysdale Forde, Anand Sanasie and Dorwain Bess as Directors.
Another document, a leaked agreement, names SBF International as the company that engaged the services of Sia Regulus, which owns the vessel that was seized by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). That agreement was signed by Forde in May 24, 2016 and one, Captain Alexander Kilmanskiy. Jagdeo noted that there is a standard mode of operations in the handling of such cases, yet it would appear that this matter is being treated differently by authorities. “Did GRA’s Commissioner
General get a call? How come this vessel has preferential treatment?” he questioned. He noted that despite the work done my media outlets to expose this matter and despite calls from by Parliamentary Opposition, bodies like State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) will not act – exposing the reason legislation to create such a body was rushed through the National Assembly and passed into law. “It was created to harass people in the PPP, not go after real issues,” Jagdeo said. Reports about the illegal
act of fuel smuggling surfaced in 2016. After initial reports about the illegality, businessmen, Vic Oditt and Pradeep Abdool, were implicated after a matter was addressed by the local courts. In fighting the injunction granted against him on May 27, 2016, businessman, Augustine Jackson, in a sworn affidavit, implicated former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) head, Oditt and his partner, Abdool in a fuel smuggling racket. Since then, news of a second operation, involving the
Attorney-at-Law’s operations, was made public. According to the documents released would suggest that the prominent Attorney-at-Law is Forde. Other suspicious activity involving government officials and persons close to the Government have also been reported. The current Coalition Government has been criticised by the political opposition for its inaction in cracking down on such illegal operations. However, government officials remain silent on the matter.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
APNU-AFC fostered PPP calls on Corruption, the PPP/C Critique government to find missing fishermen and Multilateral Conventions By Eddi Rodney
A
ddressing his scheduled press conference on April 14 last, People’s Progressive Party General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo systematically drew linkages between the political policies of the Granger led coalition government and, the legitimate interests of the masses of Guyanese People. These socio-economic and political interests, aspirations and expectations of the citizens of this country reflect a historical mandate that the forces who control the executive and legislative branches in Guyana are vested with. Social Contract and the Interventionist power of CEO type Heads The transition away from the monolith of ‘Paramount-
cy’ based “social engineering”, and the consolidation of dominance over the historical tri-sectoral national economy, has in the most even manner forced the national petit bourgeoisie to converge in terms of the Cummingsburg Accord as an ‘instrument’ to delitigimise the pro working class character and base of the PPP and its strategy for a democratic contract socially adequate for the development of Guyana the Constituency defined as the popular, progressive sectors in society supports the PPP approach. In terms of political programmes, organisations, trade union federations, farmers representatives as well as youth and gender affiliations, this total asymmetric ‘complexity’ equates what the political sociologists describe as the pluralist
dynamic. It is within this dispensation, this contemporary, that Jagdeo responded to an invitation extended by Dr. Clive Thomas to participate in a SARA sponsored Walk against Corruption. (as in Freedom Radio broadcast, April 19 2018. Also, Stabroek News as Weekend Mirror April21-22 2018, pp 1,2). PPP Committed to Struggle Against Corruption and its Disastrous Consequences Historically from the decades of the preindependence 1950s and 1960ss the PPP has been committed to the fight against corruption, especially institutional, corporate corruption, as set out in every Manifesto and Electoral programme issued for the consensus and endorsement of the masses of people. Noteworthy however
is the 1992 Manifesto (Misir Prem and Rose James) where National Democracy as an objective goal was comceptualised significantly as including anti corruption measures in terms of priorities. Dr. Jagan stressed the umbilical of local watchdog committees coupled with performance evaluations at the subagency and local levels in addition to the passing of Integrity and Code of Conduct legislation. It was along this political line that successive PPP Administrations sought with limited or no results to engage the People’s National Congress over the years in collaborations aimed at combating corruption as a national assignment. Recall the attempts during the 10th Parliament (Turn to page 20)
T
he PPP has called on the government to take urgent steps to find the missing fishermen who were attacked by pirates on the Corentyne River last week. The Party has also called on the government to keep the families of the missing men informed of the efforts being made. The Party’s statement on the issue follows: The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) remains gravely concerned about the matter involving the fate of the 16 Guyanese fishermen, who have been reported missing, after an attack off the coast of Suriname. This is a tragedy and we empathize with the
families, who continue to be in anguish given the state of affairs. The horror that reportedly unfolded once again highlights the danger that our country’s fisher folk face every day to earn their livelihoods and to provide for their families. Our Party calls on the government to make every effort and take urgent steps to ensure that fishermen are found. In addition, our Party urges the government to ensure that the families are kept informed of the efforts being made We hope for a swift resolution of the situation and that the families can be comforted during their time of distress.
Govt’s VAT on exports:
“Ill-advised and counterproductive” - Private Sector
T
he Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Monday expressed extreme dissatisfaction over the announced intention of Government to disallow exporters the right to re-claim the Value Added Tax (VAT) on inputs used to produce goods and services to be exported from Guyana- a refund claim which has been in effect since 2007 when VAT was initially introduced. According to the PSC in a statement, which canvassed support from, Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA), Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (GCCI) ,Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association (GREMA) and the Guyana Forest Products Association (FPA), this specific decision made by Government and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is “ill-advised and counterproductive to the interests of the businesses [they] represent and to the economy of our country.” They stated that based on the Finance Minister’s [Winston Jordan] response
to concerns raised by the President of the Guyana Rice Exporters and Millers Association, it appears as though he has been misled on the chronology of amendments he made to the VAT Act since 2017 and on the specific provisions of the Act. “…Finance Minister, Mr. Winston Jordan advised that the export of rice is an exempt item, that exempted goods and services are not considered taxable goods and services, and that the provisions of the Value-Added Tax Act which provide for the zero-rating of exports do not apply. In justifying the position, the Minister volunteered that he had consulted with the Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority,” the statement said, while noting that even if he was misled, “the Minister must be held responsible for the amendments which he piloted in the National Assembly.” The PSC contends that the GRA is conflating two amendments-neither of which supports the interpretation and advice offered by
the GRA to the Minister. “Most significantly, in the process, the GRA is causing the Minister to reverse an undertaking given to the National Assembly in January 2018 that ‘None of these proposed amendments will negatively affect any individual or business’” said the collective statement. In their explanation, the PSC recounted that the first amendment, which became effective on 1 February 2017, resulted in a significant shift of items from the zero-rated list to the exempt list. However, exports remained on the list of zero-rated items. The second amendment, which became effective on 24 January 2018, resulted in a deletion of guidance from the VAT Act on how to treat with an item appearing in both lists. In that case as well, no changes were made to the zero-rated list in respect to exports. However, according to the statement, Jordan and the GRA are now advising that exports of goods and
services listed in the Exempt Schedule are not zero-rated even if they are listed in the Zero-Rated Schedule. “The consequence of denying VAT refunds is that the exporter must either absorb the VAT, which can make their operations loss making, or seek to recover these losses by increasing prices for their exports of the goods and services, making them uncompetitive…. We therefore consider that should the Government proceed with this policy, the country, the economy, the exporters and consumers will suffer” said the PSC. Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had on Thursday last disclosed that local Guyanese exporters are next in line to be taxed by the current Government, as serious consideration is being given to have the zero rating of exports for VAT purposes removed. According to him, this move is a misguided approach to collect more taxes. “Almost every country in the world where VAT is in place, they have a zero rating of the exports. So,
it allows the producers to claim back their input VAT on their imports, so they can be internationally competitive. In our case, this will change,” Jagdeo told a media conference. Further, Jagdeo asserted that this decision could destroy the entire local export sector, where goods are going to become internationally uncompetitive, factories will have to close, and more people could lose their jobs. However, in a statement issued a day later by the Finance Ministry, Jordan denied this claim. “The ministry categorically denies this allegation and makes pellucid that the export of taxable items remains zero-rated… Please be assured that such a proposal with far-reaching consequences would not be introduced without proper consultation and analysis of the impact on the manufacturing sector, and the export and local economy,” his statement said. According to the PSC issued statement however, “at a time when the Government should be encouraging
the export of products to earn foreign exchange and to avert the Dutch Disease and a “one-horse economy”, the measure will negatively affect the following products, among others: Raw brown, white and parboiled rice; paddy; raw brown sugar; vegetable, corn or coconut cooking oil; fresh fruits and vegetables; plywood, logs and construction lumber; raw gold or diamonds; sanitary napkins; bleach, soap powder and soap; ice used in the fishing industry; uncooked fresh, chilled or frozen chicken; fresh, chilled or frozen pork, beef, shrimp, prawns and mutton; fresh, chilled or frozen fish, salted fish; raw gold or diamonds. Moreover, the statement outlined that the “policy will also affect collection from Income Tax and Corporation Tax since the absorption of the input tax will reduce taxable profits and therefore tax revenues. More fundamentally however, it is already affecting the international competitiveness of the country’s exports and hurting a slowing economy.”
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Amerindian representation on Indigenous People’s Commission reduced G overnment is coming in for increased criticisms after its move to reduce the Amerindian representation on the Indigenous People’s Commission. And Opposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, stressed that in addition to continuously violating the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) principle, government is also diluting the Amerindian representation on a key body. “What they are trying to do is dilute the representation by increasing the state agency in the composition of the IPC,” he said at a news conference held today (April 30, 2018) at his office. The Coalition Government has now moved to reduced that representation to 30 per cent – with a 15 member commission, of which three are from the National Toshaos Council and two are from local Amerindian organisations. The other 10 members will come from the:
Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs;Ministry of Public Health; Ministry of Social Protection; Private Sector Commission; Environmental Protection Agency; Bar Association of Guyana; Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association; Forest Products Association; National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI); and the Inter-Religious Organisation. The latter, the Inter-Religious Organisation, was a proposal that came from PNCR General Secretary, Amna Ally, who defended her recommendation by saying that “the majority of indigenous people” may not be Christians. These details are included in the seventh report of the Committee of Appointments, in relation to the appointment of members of the Indigenous People’s Commission, which was tabled in the House and was scheduled
to be debated on Thursday (April 26, 2018). However, there was no debate, as the issue did not come up when the sitting was adjourned to May 11, 2018. Meanwhile, the Coalition Government has come in for blows over the past years for cutting the budgets of the Indigenous Peoples Commission, despite arguments by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarians – Alister Charlie, Yvonne Pearson, Gail Teixeira and Nigel Dharamlall – for them not to do so. The PPP/C Parliamentarians had argued that the Indigenous Peoples Commission has a mandate to investigate and treat with the rights of Amerindians. Minister George Norton chairs the Committee of Appointments, which made the controversial move. Norton’s Committee report will be subject to a vote that required two-thirds approval.
APNU-AFC fostered... and subsequently to introduce measures that essentially would constrain and root out corruption; whether these were ‘abstracts’ from Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recommendations, or reviews of oversight bodies including agencies operation within the ambit of the United Nations or other international institutions. The AntiMoney Laundering and Combatting Funding of Terrorism (AML-CFT) is but one example of the stern resistance of the PNC-R and APNU-AFC to the original set of anti-corruption measures, sometimes on the grounds of constitutional ‘compatibility’ and, references to spiritual exceptionalism (i.e. disclosures of sources of income generation, business undertakings etc.). But beyond these as ‘local’ factors the country’s largest political party is committed to institutional strengthening of the state apparatus for fighting corruption. That process determines compliance with the statuaries of the Inter American convention Against Corruption, the U.N. Convention Against Corruption as well as the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. Successive PPP/C Administrations have ‘signed on’ and ratified ‘bundles’
of these trans-hemispheric (multilateral) anti corruption Principles and Regulations. However, it would have been self defeating and absurd to participate in the SARA sponsored symbolic walk against corruption at the very time when the Administration’s measures subsumed under the Green State and Economy has virtually overwhelmed key sectorial and quasi-governmental departments with fraudulent practices. These APNU-AFC irregularies are tantamount to corruption. The LoP’s Statement identified and/or highlighted 8 or 9 distinct cases of corruption that has occurred or emerged since the APNU/ AFC assumed controls over the state system in mid-2015. It may well be that during the interval of President David Granger’s absence from the country and representing Guyana at the2018 Commonwealth Summit in the United Kingdom, that it was considered opportune for SARA’s head Dr. Thomas (who is not a Cabinet member) to issue the Invitation to the LoP to participate in the Symbolic Anti-Corruption Walk. FIT AND PROPER Comparisons could be drawn with other public manifestations against corruption in Trinidad during the tenure of the People’s Partnership
(From page 19)
government. This trend developed over the issues of non budgeted capital expenditure and ministerial misconduct. Additionally there was public concern over the role of the then Attorney General. Whilst in Jamaica there was the scandal of corporate corruption associated with the connections between Trafigueira and the Jamaican government of Portia Simpson. This episode inevitably extended to include corrupt practices linked to election funding, bribery and illegal transactions involving political elites post 2010. In both instance there were the involvement of trade unionists, local watchdog (Transparency International Supported) groups as well as social and radical organisations. Did the SARA head consider inviting the Guyana Trade Union Council to participate (if not Mr. Lincoln Lewis then certainly Norman Witter or some other official)? Was an invitation extended to the RISE group or, to the prime movers of a “new party” Mr. Ramon Gaskin and Mr. Christopher Ram? If indeed the intent was to promote local content and “ownership of the process” at least these high profile figures should also have been fit and proper.
Govt’s incompetence in managing economic affairs evident with growth rate - Jagdeo O pposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has dubbed the 2.1 percent economic growth recorded for 2017 as anemic. During a press briefing held on Thursday, he told media operatives present that the dismal growth rate gives a clear picture of how incompetent the current Government is at managing the financial and economic affairs of the country. Jagdeo said the economic growth figure is low by all standards, and is no way lending to the growth and development that is required in the country. He also reminded that the Government had to revise the growth projection three times, and it calls into question its presentations to Parliament regarding the economy. “So now that it is low, all of the ratios they spoke to us about in the last budget
in November would have to be recalibrated. And so the size of our fiscal deficit would climb, our balance of payment in relation to GDP will climb, et cetera,” he explained while noting that it is not as simple as revising a number downwards, especially when that number is used as the denominator to calculate a range of macroeconomic issues and variables. “Rather than the Minister of Finance (Winston Jordan) seriously addressing the issues to say what policy-wise can I do to stimulate the economy, he then makes excuses.” There is no positive indication that Guyana has so far managed to manoeuvre its way out of the economic slow lane in which it has been stuck for the past three years due to the minimal GDP growth.
Finance Minister Winston Jordan made this admission during a press conference last week. Revealing that the 2017 end-of-year economic report has been completed, he linked the dismal figures to sectors, including sugar. According to Jordan “the economy did not perform as robust as we expected during last year. Even at the half year we were predicting that the economy would not, given what we knew about sugar. At the end of the day, it was even worse than we predicted. So even though there was positive growth last year, the growth rate ended up being 2.1 per cent.” Initially, Government had projected that Guyana’s economy would have grown by a 3.8 per cent for 2017. This projection was reduced to 3.1 per cent, and then again to 2.9 per cent.
PPP/C local gov’t reps pushing for support to be given to sacked sugar workers
T
he Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Councillors representing the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) are backing a Motion, which calls for support to be given to sugar workers placed on the breadline – following mass firings advanced by the Coalition Government. The Motion calls for water and electricity subsidies to be provided to the severed sugar workers. The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in Region 6 has already passed a Motion calling for support to the children of sugar workers, but the Government appointed Regional Executive Officer (REO) has refused to write the Coalition Government on the matter officially. In the first week of February 2018, the Region 6 RDC voted unanimously on a Motion to provide, and finance, transportation for the children of severed sugar workers in the Rose Hall Canje/East Bank Berbice area and in the areas
from Crabwood Creek to Number 56 Village, Corentyne. Both Motions is consistent with calls from Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, for sugar workers to be considered for support, given their economic situation. Decrying the “callous way” the sugar workers have been treated by the Coalition Government, Jagdeo noted that in addition to the fact that not all the sugar workers have received full severance payments, several others have complained about problems getting part payment and others have complained about the methods used to calculate the severance they qualify for. All considered, Jagdeo said, “It is another manifestation of this uncaring government’s approach to people.” That said, Jagdeo repeated his call for the Coalition Government to extend similar treatment to the sugar workers, as was done in the case of
bauxite workers in Linden and surrounding communities under the former PPP/C government – support of subsidized water and electricity, training and the creation of a loan programme, among other measures of support. The Opposition Leader reasoned too that the Coalition Government could easily restore the cash grant, which was offered to all public school children under the former PPP/C government, to the children of sugar workers. “Or Granger could put him name on more busses in those communities too,” he said. “We will have to continue pressing this case,” Jagdeo assured. The Coalition Government has been criticised heavily over the past three years for its anti-poor and anti-working class policies, many of which have been advanced despite protests from the Parliamentary Opposition, civil society and Guyanese themselves who took to the streets.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
“Big Foot” gets 33 years Bodies of 4 fishermen for killing hotelier found offshore Suriname B
ryan “Big Foot” Leitch was on Wednesday at the High Court sentenced to 33 years in prison by Justice Sandhill Kissoon for murdering South Central hotelier Joseph Jagdeo. Leitch’s sentencing was delayed to facilitate the presentation of a probation report. After two weeks of trial at the High Court, Leitch was on April 17, 2018 found guilty of manslaughter by a unanimous 12-member jury. This decision was announced by the jury foreman who had earlier told the court that the defendant was not guilty of murder. Leitch was originally indicted for murdering Jagdeo whose body was found bound and gagged at his guesthouse on November 14, 2013 in Room 10. Leitch was said to be the last known person to stay in Room 10. The prosecution contend-
ed that he committed the crime between November 13 and 14, 2013, at South Road, Georgetown after stealing the businessman’s cellphone. The defendant’s Caution Statement (CS) alleged that Leitch was “sorry” for his actions. On December 1, 2013, retired Police Sergeant Phillip Bowman took the CS which quoted Leitch as saying that on the morning in
question, Jagdeo came to his room and told him to leave the hotel which angered him. “I was vexed and I tell he and I tie he hand and put a cloth around he mouth and tie it, I push he under the bed and put the room key on the bed. I then go to the office and took out he cellphone; I sorry for what happen, I didn’t go to kill he,” the excerpt from the CS had stated.
Motorcycle bandit stabbed to death
P
olice investigators are presently on a murder scene in Sophia, East Coast Demerara where a resident has reportedly killed an alleged motorcycle bandit who attempted to rob him of his bird. Based on information received at the scene, the incident transpired at approximately 05;00hrs this morning as the alleged victim was out walking and feeding his bird. The suspected motorcycle bandit- who is said to be known to the area- reportedly whipped out a knife and attacked the man. As such, a brief altercation followed and the victim allegedly stabbed the suspect once to his chest, with his own (suspect’s) knife. The incident occurred in front of the Guyana Power and light offices.
A
s the search continues for the missing Guyanese fishermen who were robbed, injured and tossed overboard in Suriname, pilots of a private aircraft have confirmed that they saw at least four bodies off the coast of the Wai Wai bank, Suriname. Following the sighting, the pilots have since notified the Police of the coordinates and they have confirmed that search parties are already in the Wai Wai bank area and are waiting the change of the tide to move closer to the mountains. Surinamese officials have related that the bodies were sighted some 30 miles from where the attack took place and believe the others might be around the same area. On Saturday last, four boats were attacked by pirates in the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Wia Wia, Suriname. A total of 16 fishermen were reportedly robbed, beaten and thrown overboard. At least three managed to swim to shore and reported the incident to Dutch law enforcement officials. The names of the missing men have not been officially released. However, Guyana Times was told that of the four bodies sighted, one is said to be that of Denish Persaud, also called “Vikie” of Guyana and “Raj” of Suriname. Persaud, a 28-year-old father of two, left in January for sea. He last spoke with his wife at about midnight on Friday. During the conversation, he told his wife that he was going to cook curried catfish. This publication was told that the boat was found with freshly cooked catfish in a container. According to his sister Yonette, she received information which also indicates that
the owner of one of the four missing boats, found personal items belonging to Persaud including pieces of clothing, a damaged passport and his identification card. Persaud, who resided at Fort Ordinance, East Canje, was expected back home later this month for his birthday. Family members have expressed concern over the way the Surinamese employers dealt with the situation. “A cousin call and tell we that he begged the boss man if they can get a boat to send out to look for he cousin but he say he boat nah good and he nah get none now… On Monday morning when we call back then he decide to send a boat… the boss man turn back the boat after some time and say he nah able search no more,” the distraught sister stated. She also said that her cousin also took a friend with him when he left in January. There has been no word on the whereabouts of Ralph Anthony Crouchman, 20, of Number Two Village Canje. However, another woman, Lisa Heralall of Annandale, East Coast Demerara claimed that her father, Bharrat Haralall was one of the men who are
missing. She related that her father telephoned her on Wednesday last informing her that he was heading out to sea with Ramesh Sanicharran, also called “Ravo” and promised to let her know when he returns. The disturbed woman noted that her father would normally call her when he is going out to sea and every time he returns. Nevertheless, she noted that on Saturday, her husband received a telephone call informing him that Heralall was on one of the boats that was attacked. She immediately contacted her father’s reputed wife in Suriname only to confirm her worst fears. “She told me that 16 people were missing and that the Police are not releasing any information with respect to their search and rescue mission,” she noted. The distraught woman described the piracy attack as gruesome but remains hopeful that her father might still be alive somewhere. “I know to be optimistic at this time will be unfair… it has been since Saturday, and all I want is that if he is dead, to see his body… in that way, it will bring closure to the family,” she said in a solemn voice.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Exxon says it will not BoG records a decline in re-negotiate contract foreign reserves – pushes for early output
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xxon Mobil Corp. defended its contract with tiny Guyana as the oil major pushes to speed up production from the world’s biggest deep-water find in a decade. There’s no need to renegotiate the deal because it was agreed only two years ago with several concessions to the government, Erik Oswald, Exxon’s vice president for exploration in the Americas, said in an interview. The agreement was described as “favorable” to Exxon compared with global norms by the International Monetary Fund. Exxon wants first production from Guyana by early 2020, only five years after oil was discovered, as the company lags rivals in output growth and profits. Typically deep-water projects can take as long as a decade to begin producing. “We wouldn’t see any need to renegotiate,” Oswald said on the sidelines of the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston. “We allowed the government to take a signing bonus, increase their royalty, increase the training program. In return for that we got more time to explore.” Guyana, a home to under 1 million people, has become a critical venture for Exxon, which is struggling to arrest production declines across its
global business. The company’s deep-water discoveries there are not only enormous, they are also enormously profitable. Breakeven costs, including taxes, are about $26 a barrel, according to IHS Markit. Brent crude is trading close to $75 a barrel. A GIANT AWAKES Guyana's huge deepwater oil discovery keeps growing Exxon is so keen to get the profitable oil flowing that it’s considering adding a drill rig dedicated to exploration, Oswald said. A dry hole drilled recently, only its second among seven successes, hasn’t dimmed the company’s view of Guyana’s potential. There’s plenty of “headroom” for the discovery to increase beyond the 3.2 billion barrels already found, he said. “What the company needs more than anything right now is really profitable production flowing,” Oswald said. “The most important thing for us, for Guyana, and Exxon Mobil is this is production coming out super quickly. We’re going to get real high quality, extremely profitably production, early 2020. That’s a reasonable target.” That’s why any discussion over the contract terms is an important issue for Exxon. Guyana has little
expertise in regulating or negotiating oil contracts, so the country has enlisted several international organizations such as the IMF to help ready its fiscal, legal and regulatory systems. In a November report, the IMF recommended Guyana rewrite its tax laws to increase its share of profitable oil and close out loopholes. It also recommended sticking by the current contract with Exxon and its partners, Hess Corp. and China’s Cnooc Ltd. “You can say whatever you want but the experts are saying there’s nothing unusual or strange about the 2016 contract,” Oswald said, citing studies by Wood Mackenzie and Rystad Energy. The consultants say it’s a “middle of the road average contract” for a frontier country, he said. In any case, the 2016 deal itself was a renegotiation of a 1999 contract. “We had that contract in place,” Oswald said. “When that conversation with the government started we were fully considering saying maybe we should just stay with the contract we have.” Guyanese officials including Mineral Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin have said the country has no intention of renegotiating the Exxon deal. Trotman has said he will push to implement the IMF’s proposals. (Kevin Crowley)
PPP DISTRICT CONFERENCE
T
he Lower East Bank Demerara People’s Progressive Party members held their District Conference on April 29th1st at the Diamond Community Center . The Conference saw delegates and Observers from Party Groups from Eccles to Grove and was well attended. Members of the PYO and WPO also participated. The thme of the Conference was “Time to Unite, Strategize, Organise, and Mobilize the Masses “ The Guest Speaker was the Cde.Irfaan Ali, former Minister with two portfolios ,Housing and Water and Tourism and
Industry.He is a Central and Executive Member of the PPP, MP and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. The highlight of Cde Irfaan’s presentation was an analysis of the present economic situation in Guyana which is in a very bad state and the presence of corruption in the corridor of the power. He also charged the new District Committee to work together, build our Party structure stronger so that we can take back this country and continue the work that the PPP started in 1992.
In Picture are members of the Newly elected District Committee for the Lower East Bank Demerara
G
uyana’s net foreign reserves, held by the central bank in foreign currency notes, has fallen to its lowest point since 2008, a recent report from the bank has highlighted. As of March 2018, the foreign reserves stood at US$498.5M. In contrast the reserves in 2012 stood at US$825M. A perusal of the Bank of Guyana’s statistical abstract shows that from the lows of US$298.8 million ten years ago; Guyana’s foreign reserves were built up to 2012’s sum and then it started dropping, going to US$751.2 million in 2013 and US$652.2 million in 2014. The slide continued with the foreign reserves being recorded at US$594.7 million at the end of 2015, before picking up in January of 2016 and being recorded at US$621.1 million. While the year 2016 saw the reserves fluctuate, it never strayed below the US$500 million
mark until the end of the year. In 2017, the reserves plunged well into the US$500 million range. By November of last year, the reserves were recorded at US$562 million and as of March 2018, for the first time since 2008, the net foreign reserves fell to below the US$500 million benchmark. At a press conference last month, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had admitted that from the 2017 end of year economic report, the economy grew by 2.1 per cent. Sugar, bauxite and gold all underperformed, and experts are positing that this may be playing a part on the drop in foreign reserves. The foreign reserves is not the only thing that has declined. According to the bank’s statement of assets and liabilities, its total assets as of March 28, 2018, were $206.4 billion. This includes $1.9 billion in gold reserves, $82.1 billion in capital mar-
ket securities and $5.6 billion in money market securities. This is a reduction from the gold reserves the bank recorded in June 2017. According to the bank’s Half Year Report last year, it had $4.8 billion worth of gold in its foreign holdings as assets. The gold reserves have steadily been declining with each passing year. At the end of 2016, the bank had $7.4 billion in gold, while at the end of 2015 the gold reserves stood at $14.2 billion. At the end of 2014 the bank of Guyana had $25 billion in gold as assets. In the case of total assets, that has also seen a marked decrease. At the end of 2014, total assets were $207.9 billion. It reduced in 2015, being recorded at $188.7 billion in December of that year, before recovering by 2016 year end and being recorded at $220 billion. At June 2017, total assets were $221.8 billion, before the drop recorded in this year’s figures.
GAWU salutes the workers of Guyana on Labour Day
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s we celebrate Labour Day 2018, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to extend militant greetings to all our workers, indeed, to all Guyanese. Labour Day is one of the few holidays observed internationally and is always a reminder of those of the working-class who have made invaluable contributions to better workers lives. It is also the occasion for the working-class to acknowledge its common objectives and recognize the need for solidarity in their ever-sharpening struggles for a peaceful world and a better life. Our Union is pleased to take part in this year’s activities which are being held unitedly by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC). The main rally in the city is one of the several activities which have resulted from the improved collaboration and co-operation between the two (2) workers’ bodies. We are optimistic that this positive development in the relations between FITUG and the GTUC will be strengthened in the period ahead. Labour Day offers another appropriate occasion to express our concerns over
some policies being pursued of recent and their effects on the working people of the country. Here we refer to the uncalled cessation of the Education Grant to school children; the removal of subsidies from Old Aged Pensioners; the significant increases in licences and other fees; the increase in certain taxes as well as the introduction of new taxes. These and other things should be reviewed with a view to restore those benefits and rescind those measures which will certainly further raise the cost-of-living. As we celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of workers, we cannot fail to take note of the state our workers find themselves in today. From the recently released Guyana Labour Force Survey we see a very discouraging picture. Apart from telling us that less than half of the working-age population is actually employed, it provided some very worrying statistics concerning youth and female unemployment and the disparity in earnings between men and women. For us it is very vexing that notwithstanding a national 40-hour work week, workers are working beyond the stipulated time which serves to indicate that low rates-ofpay are being offered and the workers must work the extra
hours in order to make ends meet. The report also pointed out that about 50 per cent of those employed work in the informal sector. The ILO has generally warned that such situations should not be encouraged as workers tend to be exploited and such precarious forms of employment tend to lend to increased impoverishment. On this score, we were very surprised, and at the same time upset, to learn that 8.8 per cent of public sector employees appear to have an informal job. If this is indeed the reality it is sad that our Government is encouraging such employment relations and should take every step to formalize the situation. The Trade Union movement, indeed, the working-class and other working people have a number of matters to reflect on, discuss and to seek to resolve. With the unity being forced, we are optimistic that we can give, in a principled way, the necessary leadership to meet the challenges before us. The GAWU is sure, that together, in our unity, we can overcome obstacles in our way and the Trade Unions can make a major contribution towards a new day and a better society for our people. (GAWU Statement)
WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
The Other View
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Mounting Debt Threatens UN’s Sustainable Development Goals I
n 2015, 193 countries adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as an overarching policy roadmap through 2030. These goals are predicated on the idea that for a sustainable future, economic growth must go hand-in-hand with social inclusion and protection of the environment. Our respective institutions, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), fully support these goals. From the UN perspective, they represent a down payment on a more peaceful, prosperous, and cooperative world, especially in increasingly perilous times. For the IMF, they help underpin economic stability and sustainable and inclusive economic growth. In 2017, most types of development financing flows increased, helped by an upturn in the world economy, increased investment, and supportive financial market conditions. Yet less than three years after adoption, the implementation of the SDGs is running into a major hurdle—rising public debt in some developing countries. This is the sobering message of a new report on financing for development (FfD) issued by the UN, in collaboration with the IMF and almost 60 other agencies. Here’s the problem: as noted recently by IMF Deputy Managing Director Tao Zhang, 40 percent of low-income countries face high risk of debt distress or are unable to service their debt fully— this is up from 21 percent just five years ago. On top of this, several developing countries are also falling behind in terms of per capita income, induced by such factors as fragility and conflict—these include vulnerable countries like Haiti, D.R. Congo, and Chad. LOW TAX REVENUE, WEAK INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT A key problem is that
many of these countries are not able to raise enough public revenue. There are many reasons for this—narrow tax bases, continued over-reliance on extractive industries, and weak tax administration. But tax evasion is also part of the problem. The low tax take in low income developing countries—where the median tax revenue is just 13.3 percent of GDP—can be traced in part to informality and tax evasion. In light of this, the first step of any reform strategy must surely be to raise more revenue at home. But in a world where business activity has become increasingly global, domestic efforts alone will not be enough. We will also need enhanced international collaboration on tax. It is encouraging that governments are developing new international standards on exchange of tax information—we need to make sure that developing countries also benefit from this. Official Development Assistance (ODA) also has a vital role to play. According to recently released data, ODA amounted to $146.6 billion in 2017. But this amounts to less than half the internationally-agreed target of 0.7 percent of gross national income. And a growing share of ODA is being deployed for emergencies such as in-country refugee costs and humanitarian aid. While such aid is critical, it leaves less available for long-term public investments in sustainable development. ODA inflows toward the poorest and most vulnerable countries have stagnated and remain concentrated in a few of them. Donor countries need to step up their assistance in this area. PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE SDGS Given the large investment needs, attracting more private investment will
Another issue is that the new wave of private credit often comes with higher interest rates and shorter maturities. And coordination among creditors has become harder, which creates problems when debt restructuring is needed. When the risk of debt crisis is high, a quick response to lessen the immediate financial stress can make all the difference between rapid recovery and long-lasting harm. We need to think hard about innovative solutions here. For example, a greater use of state-contingent debt instruments—which reduce or delay a country’s debt obligations during crises— can provide some relief in some cases. By reducing default risks and risk premiums, they also expand available fiscal space for investment. Another interesting idea is debt-for-climate swaps— these entail concessional funders buying back outstanding debt, freeing up resources to fight climate change and helping regions hit hard by climate-related disasters.
be critical. But the least developed countries still struggle to do so at scale, particularly in sectors outside extractive industries. The report* calls on developing countries to continue building competitive business environments, including by improving institutional and regulatory frameworks and developing project pipelines and investible projects—especially in infrastructure. More recently, policymakers have also focused on sharing risks with private investors, through instruments such as guarantees and public-private partnerships. If done correctly, such blending activities can potentially unlock
additional SDG investments. For now, they are mostly bypassing countries where the need is greatest. Only 7 per cent of private finance so far mobilized was directed toward projects in the least developed countries. There is also a risk that such activities will also add to debt burdens, including through contingent off-balance sheet liabilities. These risks need to be managed carefully. GROWING DEBT RISKS The recent growth in debt is not all bad news, however. Greater access to international financial markets and lending by new creditors such as China
has unlocked much-needed financing for infrastructure investments in recent years. And investment in productive capacity, if done right, can lead to higher income that offsets debt service. The report recommends that assessments of debt sustainability take this important channel into consideration. But problems arise when debt is already high, when resources are not spent well (including in the presence of corruption and governance weaknesses), or when a country is hit by natural disasters or economic shocks such as sudden reversals of capital flows.
NOW IS THE TIME The bottom line is that we only have 12 years left in which to implement the SDGs. The current upswing in the global economy opens up a vital window of opportunity, but we must make sure that the financing agenda is not derailed by mounting public debt. The UN and the IMF are united in this common cause. This is demonstrated by our collaborative report, which puts forth recommendations on public finance and debt, private investments, trade, and other critical priorities for SDG financing. Our institutions are committed to deepening our support for the SDGs, in the service of our member countries, to secure a more prosperous and peaceful world. (IPS)
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Prepare to enjoy the “Mix Weather”
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ow that the weather is ‘WETTING” up for many of us, it is time to think about getting indoors more. I have a garden to prepare and new plants to tend. The trees are budding and it is starting to smell lovely in the mornings, even when the air is still a bit crisp. This is the time of year when lots of people begin to do their spring cleaning. When you are busy cleaning out closets and drawers and clearing away the dust bunnies, my advice is to remember to do some spring cleaning on yourself. Now that may make you laugh, but sadly, many of us have been taught from an early age to put necessary tasks, as well as others' needs, before our own needs. So, each spring I give myself a good spruce up, which I highly recommend to my clients and friends. I often start by switching the clothes around in my closet, my good Readers. Shifting your clothes from lighter wear to comfortable, slightly warmer clothing in brighter colors and fresh prints works wonders to brighten anyone's mood! Plus, when you pull out clothing you have not worn for a while, and may have even forgotten about, you may feel like you have a brand new wardrobe, only without having to go shopping or spend extra cash. Spring is also the time when I like to get even more exercise, so I take to the Park more frequently, go for longer walks as the mix weather takes over, and begin to eat more spring greens. Getting more exercise and eating healthy, seasonal foods will help you drop some of those unwanted pounds. Plus getting your body moving not only helps send those great mood boosting chemicals to your brain, it also helps you drop weight and feel good. As I watch the plants push their way through the earth and open themselves to the sun's light and fresh air, I am reminded of my connection to all things, and it motivates me to spend more time feeding my spirit. If you have lost that connection over the months, now is a wonderful time to get back to your own personal spiritual practices, whatever they may be. My comrades, please take some time this spring to treat yourself to a long awaited massage, get a new haircut, or do something else that just feels great. Also, give some of my other personal spring spruce up tips a try. You may find that you feel like a whole new you. And new is what spring is all about. Take on every day as a challenge worth conquering. Happy 68th Anniversary to the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). Remember to purchase and read your copy of the Mirror Newspaper and tune to Freedom Radio, streaming on 91.1 FM in GT and its environs, 90.7 in Essequibo and 90.5 inBerbice. Streaming online freedomradio 91.com. Follow us on Facebook at freedomradiogy. G.Persaud
WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Children’s Corner
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Name: ............................................................................................................................................ Address: ........................................................................................................................................ ......................................................................................... Tel. No: ................................................
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Ramjattan supports sedition clause E
ven as the Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan expressed disapproval of its leader’s denouncement of the sedition clause in the Cybercrime Bill, Attorney General Basil Williams has blamed “poor leadership” as the reason why the AFC and the parliamentary opposition are now finding fault with the impending legislation which has been around for nearly two years. Notably, President David Granger, while fielding questions from reporters Thursday morning on the sidelines of an event, walked away when asked to comment on the controversial sedition clause. Ramjattan – who is also the Minister of Public Security – told reporters that he understands the public’s concerns but maintained that the sedition clause is “necessary because sedition is part of our existing law.” He argued that the clause does not prevent online users from being critical of the government. “We were very careful to ensure that we put a subparagraph that says if you criticse the government, it is not sedition so we put limitations to what it is,” he explained. But the Cybercrime Bill states that “…a person commits the offence of sedition if the person, whether in or out of Guyana, publishes, trans-
mits or circulates by use of a computer system or any other means, a statement or words, either spoken or written, text, video, image, sign, visible representation, or other thing, that – (a) brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law in Guyana; or (b) encourages, incites, induces, aids, abets, counsels any person to commit or to conspire with another person to commit any criminal offence against the President, Prime Minister or any Minister of the Government established by law in Guyana.” AFC Leader Raphael Trotman is reported as saying in today’s Kaieteur News, however that its parliamentarians are prepared to vote against the Bill in the National Assembly if the sedition clause is not deleted. According to Trotman – who is a Cabinet Member – “I can say that as presently constructed, I, as Leader of the AFC, cannot support Clause 18.1 in the Bill and will, therefore, be urging for an amendment, and if none is forthcoming, I will vote against it.” The draft Cybercrime Bill – with the sedition clause – was made public in 2016 but only recently did the public brouhaha commenced. The People’s Progressive Party
(PPP), as well as the AFC, had representatives on a Special Select Committee tasked with reviewing the draft legislation but none of them objected to the provisions at that forum. The PPP subsequently admitted to “dropping the ball” but maintained that it will fight against the sedition clause as it is “undemocratic” and has no place in modern society. But the country’s Attorney General – who is also the Chairman of the Peoples National Congress (PNC) – said he cannot understand why now, the AFC and the PPP are critcising the Bill. “The AFC and the Opposition had representatives on the special select committee. Everyone had ample time, I don’t know what (their) concerns (are now,” Williams told reporters. The Attorney General added: “the fact that there has been no objection for well over two years when everyone who is saying ‘no’ now, had representatives there (Commitee). They were all negligent, its poor leadership.” Nonetheless, he said being the “caring government” that they are, the Cybercrime Bill will be reviewed at Cabinet. Notwithstanding, Williams defended the inclusion of the sedition clause in the Bill. “It is a provision in our criminal law. You can’t cre-
ate cybercrime (law) and offences that our under our law, the law under our land, are no longer offences because you
are doing it on your computer,” Williams reasoned. Minister of State Joseph Harmon previously asserted
that the sedition clause is necessary because it guards against espionage, sabotage and subversion.
Sedition has no place in a democracy – GCCI
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lthough Government seems to be unmoved over criticisms of the Cyber Crimes Bill, specifically as it relates to the seditious clause, more organisations and individuals continue to speak out against the move to place an archaic piece of law which in their opinion could affect freedom of expression in Guyana. Joining them is the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) which has expressed its concern over Section 18 of the Bill, which provides a structure for the charge of sedition. The GCCI believes sedition as an offence impinges on an individual’s right to criticise and has no place in a democracy. “As an institution dedicated to advocacy, we stress that the right to freedom of expression is not only a right but a community responsibility. Therefore, we call on all legislators to remove Section 18(1) A of the Cyber Crimes Bill and urge that this Bill remain free of oppressive and archaic charge of sedition, “it said. The Chamber is of the view that freedom of speech and expression of views through debate, discourse and discussion underpin a healthy democracy and foster a conducive environment for development. It is under these grounds they think Government should give serious consideration to removing that clause.
However, the organisation said Wednesday that its support the overall intent of the Cyber Crimes Bill which is currently before the National Assembly. They said the overall thrust of the Bill which seeks to give parameters, legal structure and regulations to a space where these are currently absent, is commendable. “The Chamber wishes to re-emphasise its support for the rule of law in society and continues to remain supportive of the equal application of the rule of law, especially as it relates to matters of good governance,” it added, while again demanding that the matter be looked into. Only Tuesday, General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Lincoln Lewis encouraged Guyanese to refuse to be silenced. Making reference to the Bill, Lewis told the May Day rally, “Let none still your voice, for your voice plays a pivotal role in giving meaning and expressions to your existence.” He said too that it is vital to being part of the social order because everyone is foremost social beings. “Let’s get up… stand up for our rights. Don’t let us give up the fight. Ours is the baton to carry and we must carry it like true warriors. None must stop us in this leg of our journey to create a just society!”
Development Prospects for Hundreds of Millions Remain in Jeopardy By Amina J. Mohammed Deputy Secretary-General, United Nations, addressing the Forum on Financing for Development (IPS) - The global economy is strengthening. A broadbased economic upturn has underpinned progress in many areas. But significant weaknesses and medium-term risks in the world economy continue to challenge our efforts. As a result, the development prospects of hundreds of millions of people remain in jeopardy. We need a comprehensive and systemic response to remain on track. I see five areas for attention. First, domestic resource mobilization is fundamental. National leadership, ownership and implementation lie at the heart of the 2030
Agenda. Integrated national sustainable development strategies and financing frameworks can provide a longterm vision and platform to support domestic financing. This is especially important in the context of much-needed infrastructure spending in developing countries. Additionally, the international community needs to help fight tax evasion, money laundering and illicit financial flows which undermine domestic resource bases. Second, development cooperation is critical to supporting SDG implementation. Meeting commitments on Official Development Assistance (ODA) must be a priority. Although ODA has increased in real terms, it
has stagnated for countries where it is most needed. Third, we need a global enabling environment that is supportive of long-term investment. Short-termism is a persistent threat to successful poverty eradication efforts. As we learned from the recent Inter-Agency Task Force report, most corporate executives say they would delay investments in projects with positive returns in order to hit quarterly earnings targets. This mindset needs to change. Fourth, the international community must find ways to speedily unlock resources and access to finance for countries with urgent needs, such as those affected by crises or disasters. The 2017 Atlantic hurricane season wrought havoc and destruction across the
Caribbean and reversed the development course of affected countries. These disasters underlined the need for a wide range of measures to support countries that face such challenges, including by financing climate change adaptation. There are some innovative solutions being devised in this area – such as insurance-like mechanisms that can be supported where needed, or loans that reduce repayment during crises. However, many of these are yet to be implemented or taken to scale. Resources also need to be more effectively targeted to sectors that are integral to achieving the SDGs. For example, to achieve universal access to clean water and sanitation, we need to triple the amount spent to around $114 billion per
year. This implies a major step-change in the scale of investments. Similarly, on affordable and clean energy, impressive gains are being made as the price of renewables decline, but again, investment needs considerably exceed current spending. Fifth, and finally, Governments and partners from the private sector must work more effectively to overcome current financing challenges. We need to think innovatively about how to catalyze the growing interest and potential of private investment for the SDGs. The United Nations system is committed to supporting Member States in their efforts to finance and implement the 2030 Agenda. In September, the Secretary-General will host a high-level meeting on finance.
The UN will support countries to broker partnerships, pursue innovative finance, leverage resources for sustainable development and build the necessary capacities. We are working to improve coherence and effectiveness, with a special focus on delivering collective results on the ground. This is in line with the Secretary-General’s proposal for the repositioning the UN development system and is linked to his overall reform vision. Over the next four days, I encourage you to consider the work of the Inter-Agency Task Force, share experiences and ideas, and seek out and forge partnerships that will keep us moving ahead. I count on your continued commitment and leadership to invest in a better future for all.
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WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 MAY, 2018
Sport View I
by Neil Kumar
t is indeed interesting to see that the West Indies Cricket Board is now trying to negotiate with the several players that they are not getting to play for the team at the highest level. The West Indies cricket Administrators must talk to the senior players and encourage them to be proud ambassadors of the Caribbean. The miss-understanding between the West Indies players and the administration must come to an amicable conclusion. The Bravo brothers, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and other leading players must be threaded with some amount of respect by the West Indies Board. The last controversy when Pollard, Narine and Darren Bravo declined to play for the West Indies in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe was certainly un-called for. The Players must understand that playing for the West Indies is first. However, the WICB must also flex and possibly plan
their fixtures so that the top players when selected for the Indian Premier League and the Caribbean Premier League they should be allowed to play in those two competitions. The West Indies Cricket Board is fully aware of their program for the next five years. Hence, they must discuss with all the players and get their commitment to play for the West Indies. The ugly problem that occurred between Darren Bravo and the President of the WICB Dave Cameron should not have occurred. Cricket is bigger than both of them. West Cricket Administrators must be more open and listen to players. The new issue is over the fact that that again the Bravo brothers along with Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard were not consider for selection to play for the West Indies in the Hurricane Relief fundraising cricket match at Lords later this month. The players are now milking this
blunder by the West Indies selectors and as such the bickering continues. The Trinidad players played for Trinidad & Tobago against the West Indies XI despite the known problems that existed between the players and the TTCB board. Problems are a part of life and we must be able to solve problems. The present West Indies selectors must be seriously criticize for insularity. The Barbadian players are given too much un-fair opportunities to play for the West Indies team while other players from around the Caribbean with far better performances are not getting the same opportunity to play in the West Indies team. The selectors are bungling with the selection process and they should have clear written criteria’s for selection. West Indies cricket must be on the front burner of CARICOM. The Head of States must wake up and take a united position in the interest of West Indies Cricket.
Motor racing Pat Holder passes on
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otor racing extraordinaire and Life Member of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, Pat Holder, passed away this week at a city hospital. He was 84. Holder actively participated and provided his services to motorsport in Guyana for 43 years in succession, from 1955 to 1998. His career in racing started at the age of 14 with bicycles where he was the “A-Class” champion and was selected to represent British Guiana in Suriname. Upon his recovery, he turned to motorcycle racing with his brothers Billy and Clive. Pat raced in the 50 cc classes early on, and then eventually moved up to the 250 and 350 cc classes as the years went by, riding Victoria, Ducati and Yamaha bikes. After much success in
bike racing, Pat turned his attention to powerboat racing in 1960, starting off with a 40 hp engine. At his first race event, having very little knowledge of powerboat racing, Pat lost all of the races of the day, with the exception of the final race. Pat’s luck had gotten him into the news and he was then known as a champion.
As if cycling, motorcycle racing, and powerboat racing weren’t enough, Pat also competed in rally racing in Barbados, Trinidad, and Suriname several times. In the ensuing years, Pat became more involved in the organisational aspects of motorsports and served as the president of the GMRC/ GMR&SC from 1983 to 1987. During those years, Pat played an essential role in having the headquarters of the GMR&SC established at the COSMOS ground, where it stands to date. As the years went by, he continued to serve as the chief starter for circuit events at the South Dakota Circuit up until 1998, when he passed the position on to his nephew and apprentice, Suren “Froggy” Singh. (Newsroom)
Guyanese girls shine at Pennsylvania Relay Festival A
six-member all female team from the New Campbellville Secondary School in Georgetown recently returned from the Pennsylvania Relay Festival, after the relay team won the 4x400m event. The team of Princess Browne, Binka Joseph, Thenica Thompson and Malika Abrams won from a field that included teams from the United States of Amer-
ica, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago among others. The girls competed in the Secondary/High school category and, according to overseas-based Guyanese Mark Webster of Transparency Envision, a Non-governmental Organisation that made the initiative possible, the young ladies’ performance augurs well for athletics in Guyana. There was also partici-
pation from a team that was chosen from the Technical Institutes across Guyana and they placed third in the 4x400m relay event. There was also participation from the Fort Wellington Secondary School. The Pennsylvania Relay Festival is an annual event that attracts teams from countries across the globe. Many athletes use this platform to catapult their athletics career.
Greater activism by workers needed – FITUG
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he Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) on Labour Day said “today’s conditions do not call for complacency but for greater activism.” Speaking at a Mayday rally orgainsed jointly by FITUG and the Guyana Trades Union Congress, at the National Park, FITUG’s First Vice President, Komal Chand posited that today is a day to demonstrate our solidarity and unity as Guyanese, as Labour Day serves as a day that reminds us that our aspirations for a better and just society are still to be realised. To this end, he recounted the various struggles being faced by citizens currently, which he said, have adversely affected the quality of our lives, including the ‘crisis of unemployment and Value Added Tax (VAT) burdens.’ “Indeed, several challenges have surfaced over the recent years. We have observed that the prices of several staple have risen; there are increased rates and taxes; there is a threat of higher electricity costs on account of higher oil prices, and now there are increased water rates hanging over our heads. We can neither disregard the all-pervasive VAT, as it now affects a wider range of products and even essential medical services… As workers, a vexing issue to us is unemployment,” the organization stated. The Labour Force Sur-
vey-just recently made public- revealed that less than half of our working-age population is employed. According to the report, youth unemployment is unacceptably high. “[It is alarming]that 53 per cent of our people are either impoverished or are vulnerable to impoverishment. These findings cannot be comforting to us recognizing the deteriorating conditions we now face,” Chand in a prepared statement posited. Moreover, according to FITUG, in the face of these burdens, it is painful to know that for the year 2018, our pensioners have been given an increase of their pensions amounting to a meager one dollar per day. In commenting on the current situation of our Sugar Industry, FITUG reminisced on the plight which has befallen thousands of estate workers who were made redundant and noted that they are facing one of, if not their most, depressing chapter of life in this country. “Over recent months, some 7,000 sugar workers have been sent home without any plan to address their welfare. Then to add pepper to the deep wound and contrary to our law, some workers received only half of their severance payments and some others at Wales none.” FITUG posited that for them, this decision- to have the estate workers made redundant- remains one of the
most callous decisions ever made in living memory. “The promises of saving sugar heard boisterously by persons now in Government have proven to be hollow and empty.” Nevertheless, FITUG says that they recognize that despite the daunting challenges, most of the former estate workers have refused to give up hope and as such have demonstrated an indomitable will “to stand up and to call attention to their plight” as they seek to overcome and win out in this struggle. Voicing their thoughts on the much anticipated success in the oil industry, FITUG says this can either prove to be a blessing or curse for our land. “ This could prove to be a blessing, or, possibly, a curse. The experiences in several countries have shown this. However, we contend that oil should not displace our historical economic sectors but rather it should consolidate our economic foundation for the years and generations of Guyanese ahead.” However, they added that the various questions regarding the oil deal and what it means to our patrimony cannot be ignored and as such, the organization stands in support of the calls for the oil agreement between the Government of Guyana and the United States based oil giant, ExxonMobil to be re-negotiated.
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