Weekend Mirror 16-17 November 2018

No-confidence motion filed against APNU+AFC Coalition gov’t 17-18 November, 2018 / Vol. 10 No. 47 / Price: $100

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

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“W

e are hoping that the no-confidence motion can shake this government back to its senses and stop them from destroying our future…if at that time (2014) the circumstances existed for a no-confidence motion, it’s a hundred times worse now…and the people have expressed, through these local government election results, even in their own base, an extreme dissatisfaction with their policies at the national level…. the worst thing that could happen for us is that we lose the no-confidence motion….but we may achieve something positive from that, which is to basically reiterate through the debates, and send a strong signal to them from the Political Opposition, what the people have said to them through the local government elections - they need to change their ways on almost everything.” - Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

2018 LGE…

PPP/C wins 52 of 80 LAAs, ties five others

PAGE 3

Vote count exposes ‘electoral malpractice’ by other political parties PAGE 6

SEE INSIDE

PPP/C PAGE 16 presidential candidate to be named before yearend

GuySuCo and SPU clash again PAGE 22

Forced takeover of the Bridge runs counter to democratic freedoms - PSC PAGE 22

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WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

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WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

2018 LGE…

PPP/C wins 52 of 80 LAAs, ties five others

T

he 2018 Local Government Elections were held in 80 Local Authority Areas – 10 towns and 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils – and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), according to preliminary results has secured wins in 52 of the LAAs. Another five areas have been tied. The tied areas are: Moruka/Phoneix Park, Region 2; Lamaha. Yarowkabra, Region 4; Woodlands/ Bel Air, Region 5; Adventure/ Bushlot, Region 6; and Macedonia/Joppa, Region 6.

In the 10 towns the PPP/C, secured big wins in five of Guyana’s 10 towns: winning all the seats in Anna Regina, Rose Hall (12 of 16 seats), Corriverton (14 of the 16 seats), Lethem (6 of the 10 seats) and Mabaruma (eight of the 12 seats).

In the 70 NDCs, the Party was successful in not only holding on to its support base, but also saw an increase in votes in areas that were seen as the traditional support bases of parties like the APNU. The PPP/C won the Buxton/ Foulis NDC, Region 4.

The PPP/C won all the seats (both PR and Constituency) in several NDCs, including: Crabwood Creek, Black Bush Polder, Kintyre/ Borlam (no-contest), Cane Grove, La Jalousie/ Nouvelle Flanders and Bath/ Woodley Park.

There are several other NDCs where the PPP/C won all of the Constituency seats.

MARGIN DOUBLED Nationally, preliminary results also show that the PPP/C has almost doubled the margin of votes between the Party and APNU and AFC combined – moving from about 24,000 at the 2016 Local Government Elections to over 45,000 at this year’s Local Government Elections.

The difference of votes between the PPP/C and the AFC was a whopping 113,000 votes. Between the PPP/C and the APNU, the difference of votes was over 50,000.

The PPP, in a statement on Wednesday (November 14, 2018), said, “This win was secured in the face of gerrymandering efforts by the

Coalition Government, via the creation of new LAAs, as well as reduction and merger of several constituencies in areas previously won by the PPP/C – making it more advantageous for APNU to contest in these areas.

The Coalition Government moved to create of nine new LAAs and made changes to 14 existing LAAs, ahead of the November 12, 2018 Local Government Elections.

The position of the PPP/C was that this was intended to increase the Coalition’s balance of votes, given the poor results in 2016.

NEW LAAs The PPP, in its statement this week, said, “It is public knowledge that Coalition government created nine new areas as part of the gerrymandering effort to improve its showing at the Local Government Elections.”

The nine new areas that were created are: 1. Mahdia, which has been identified as that town for Region Eight 2. Moruka/Phoenix Park NDC 3. Kitty/Providence NDC

4. Nile/Cozier NDC 5. Lamaha/Yarrowkabra NDC 6. Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra NDC 7. Plegt Anker/Kortberaad NDC 8. Wyburg/Caracas NDC 9. Aranaputa/Upper Burro Burro NDC In two of the nine new LAAs, the PPP/C won control of the NDCs – the Nile/ Cozier NDC, Region 2, and the Wyburg/Caracas NDC, Region 6.

In another two new NDCs – Lamaha/ Yarrowkabra and Moruka/ Phoenix Park – there is a tie.

CHANGES TO LAAs As part of the changes that were made to 14 LAAs, a total of 16 constituencies, which were won by the PPP/C at the 2016 Local Government Elections, were removed.

In Region 2, two of the LAAs where changes were made were the Evergreen/ Paradise and Aberdeen/Zorgen-Vlygt NDCs. In both of these LAAs the constituency seats were reduced from nine to eight.

However, based on the

Proportional Representation (votes), the PPP/C secured convincing wins in these areas. In Evergreen/ Paradise, the vote totals show: PPP/C – 1,094 (PR) votes; and APNU – 480. In Aberdeen/Zorg-en-Vlygt, the vote totals show: PPP/C – 1,059; and APNU – 390.

In several other LAAs where changes were made, the PPP/C still secured majority support, including in: La Grange/Nismes, Toevlugt/ Patentia, Caledonia/Good Success, Mahaicony/Abary, Zeelust/Rosignol, Blairmont/ Gelberland, Ordnance Fortlands/No. 38 and the No. 52-74 Village NDCs. Changes were also made in the Bushlot/Adventure NDC – an area that the PPP/C won in 2016 – which has now resulted in a tie between the PPP/C and APNU. The changes at Malgre Tout/Meerzorgen NDC, which was tied in 2016, saw the PPP/C not being able to secure the majority seats.

HARD WORK According to the Party, this massive wins tells a clear story and evidences the hard

work of the candidates, their election teams, national and local Party leaders, as well as thousands of our members and supporters. “We wish to thank the candidates who participated in the process, the backers and others who made their nominations possible and congratulate all of those who won. We also wish to thank everyone who made this success a reality,” the Party said.

It added, “The Party wishes to reiterate that the promises made, in the lead up to the 2018 LGE, will be kept. In every area controlled by the PPP/C, every effort will be made to ensure greater accountability, more involvement of citizens and a stronger focus on providing better services. There will be no increases in rates and taxes.”

The PPP/C promises include deliverables, such as: community involvement in the identification, planning and execution of projects; more accountable Local Government bodies via the release of financial status for each body on a quarterly basis; and more.

PPP/C remains open to talks on President Granger diagnosed with cancer constitutional reform – Jagdeo P

resident David Granger has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – a cancer hat that originates in the lymphatic system – in Cuba.

In May 2018, President David Granger visited Trinidad and Tobago for an annual medical checkup, after which he had claimed that he was given a clean bill of health.

Granger was back in Trinidad and Tobago, after his May 2018 visit there.

Granger, according to the Ministry of the Presidency, started to experience certain symptoms which were persistent – hence his decision to return to Trinidad to revisit the tests that were done in May 2018.

Notably, there was no

word about this second visit to Trinidad and Tobago from the Government. .

On October 30, 2018, Granger and his wife, Sandra Granger, left for Cuba.

Little information was released on the status of the President’s health, prior to Wednesday (November 14, 2018), when it was confirmed that he was diagnosed with cancer.

A statement released from Guyana’s Embassy in Havana, Cuba, disclosed that on arrival in Cuba, Granger was received by a Cuban Medical Team which commenced the first phase of medical examination.

The statement said, “Subsequent to a series of medical tests, the President was

diagnosed as suffering from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and was placed in the Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirurgicas (CIMEQ) on Thursday, November 1, where he underwent a surgical procedure. On Tuesday, November 6, His Excellency, the President, was discharged from CIMEQ and returned to his official accommodation.

“The President’s medical personnel has now begun the second phase of treatment today, Wednesday, November 14, 2018, and he is likely to be placed in CIMEQ for a short period of two to three days.”

Granger, according to the statement, is expected to “fully recover under the supervision” of doctors.

T

he position of the Parliamentary Opposition on the issue of constitutional reform remains unchanged, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Asked about the issue, during a news conference on Wednesday (November 14, 2018), he stated that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) remains open to discussions on constitutional reform.

In September 2017, in response to questions from the media corps about the PPP/C position on constitutional reform and the participation of international bodies, Jagdeo had said: “The process of constitutional reform was always seen as one that would be continuous, an intention that was enshrined in Article 119 (A) of the Constitution. The PPP/C, therefore, remains open to

the process of constitutional reform – a process that is locally driven and one that will see the involvement of the widest possible cross-section of stakeholders, including collaboration from international bodies.

“We have to ensure that the process by which we arrive at any proposed changes, if any, to the Constitution must be transparent and must find acceptance among all stakeholders.

“However, we have concerns about the several egregious breaches of the Constitution by the Coalition government – breaches that have been exposed by the political Opposition via statements and positions iterated by our Members of Parliament (MPs). These breaches are not limited to matters affecting the Guyana Elections Commission

(GECOM), the judiciary and the functioning of the statutory bodies. The PPP/C expects those advocating for constitutional changes to be just as strident in their criticism and condemnation of these breaches.

“Let me repeat that we are prepared to work with civil society, international partners and others through a transparent, nationally-led process that involves all sections of Guyanese society, in determining whether changes should be made to our Constitution. However, we are very concerned about the silence surrounding the daily breaches of our Constitution by the Coalition government.”

This week, the Opposition Leader reiterated his position and stressed that constitutional reform must be a consultative process.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Guest

EDITORIAL

An overwhelming LGE victory

– Let’s build on the gains we have made

By Zulfikar Mustapha

T

he results of the November 12 Local Government Elections (LGE) showed that the People’s Progressive Part won 52 out the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAA). That’s about two thirds of the areas contested.

This resounding victory was in spite of the APNU/AFC government efforts to gerrymander some electoral boundaries. Reeling from the heavy loss the PPP inflicted on it in 2016, the government became desperate and sought ways to help bolster its showing in the 2018 LGE. Through an imposition by the subject Minister, some constituencies in PPP strongholds were reduced and some in government strongholds were increased. New LAAs were created in areas believed to be sympathetic to the government with the sole intention of giving it an advantage in 2018.

That did not help them as the PPP resolutely overcame those hurdles and won overwhelmingly.

In that context, the wide margin of victory for the PPP in 2018 therefore becomes even more significant. That must be credited to the leadership of the Party which was robustly led by its General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, and who was inspirational throughout the campaign.

Importantly and crucial to the victory, was the hard work and dedication of the candidates, members, supporters and well-wishers throughout the country. That combined effort once again demonstrated the Party’s strength, belief in its vision for Guyana and the hope it provides for all.

This was very evident in the City of Georgetown which has always been a fortress for the People’s National Congress (PNC) now A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). The PPP made tremendous gains in Georgetown during these elections more than tripling in 2018 the amount of seats it got at the 2016 LGE; from 2 to 7 - a 250% increase! That is significant as the government in power has lost much ground in its major stronghold within just three years of being in office.

Victories in places like Lethem and Mabaruma were achieved even as the government, through the use of the State machinery, spent millions in travel for senior officials and lured voters with handouts. Significantly also, the PPP won the Buxton/Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), won two and tied two of the new gerrymandered ones.

Simply put, the PPP kept its base and made substantial inroads into government controlled areas and other it claims to have influence over.

In the contest for the Whim/Bloomfield NDC, the PPP decimated the AFC winning 13 out of 14 seats. That was the most anticipated contest given the controversy that emanated.

Many PPP supporters claimed they were fraudulently misled

by AFC operatives to sign backers’ forms. Having unearthed the deceit, the PPP challenged the AFC in court but lost despite the glaring evidence.

The AFC denied any wrongdoing and openly boasted of victory during a rally before. Its son from Whim, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, said the contest was a straight fight between the PPP and the AFC. It must be noted that the AFC got less votes in Whim/Bloomfield than the total on its backers’ form. That meant those the AFC claimed supported it there, didn’t and shows clearly that fraud may have indeed played a major part in gathering the list of backers’ names.

Vacuous, misleading nature of APNU+AFC manifesto exposed Dear Editor,

I

n a desperate attempt to deceive the electorate, leading up to the 2015 General Election, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government propounded one the most vacuous and misleading manifestos ever. Three years later, following a meticulous fact-check, finds reveal the coalition Government failed miserably to deliver on some of their key policies.

According to the 2015 APNU/AFC coalition manifesto, the following measures and policies were supposed to take effect once the party got into office, however, as outlined thereafter, the contrary was achieved.

Over the next few days I wish to examine each measure, so we can determine how faithful they have been to their promise.

One of the promises made was to achieve rapid economic growth and development driven by the Private Sector in combination with the State and cooperatives.

Economic development has slowed significantly due to the underperformance of key traditional sectors such

as rice, sugar, and timber. Contemporary growth in GDP is attributed mainly to high production level by the two major foreign mining companies.

With respect to the Private Sector, over the past three years, a slew of counterproductive policies has been unleashed by the Government in their unstoppable attempt to boost domestic revenue.

More than 200 tax measures have been levied on consumers, precipitating of the sharpest decline in private consumption by more than $32 billion in 2017, when compared to 2014.

Thus, from 2014 to 2017, aggregate private consumption contracted by more than $196 billion. When compared to 2014, actual private consumption in 2017 is $32 billion less. What this tells us is that, on average, from 2014-2017, each household in Guyana has cut back on spending by more than $1.1 million or $30,500 monthly.

With respect to domestic credit, Central Government increased their share by more than 259 per cent since taking up office, whilst the Public Sector got a mere 12 per cent increase.

The implication is a larger Government, which is ostensibly seen in the

huge increase in recurrent expenditure by more than $49 billion.

Moreover, the Government continues to slumber in the development of the local content policy, a critical piece of legislation that is instrumental in insulating our future oil economy from the “resource curse”.

Finally, based on the latest report of prudential ratios for financial sectors by the Bank of Guyana, return on equity of the five major commercial banks, Republic Bank Limited, GBTI, Nova Scotia, Demerara Bank Limited, and Citizen Bank, contracted by 10 per cent, 6.5 per cent, nine per cent, 8.2 per cent and 5.1 per cent, respectively, during the first six months of 2018.

Thus these are all signs of an emasculated financial sector, one that is rapidly deteriorating.

Given our burgeoning deficit, and forecasted low growth, Guyana may soon have to pursue restrictive fiscal policies: slashing of budgetary allocation to key sectors such as health, education and housing, et hoc genus omne.

Sincerely, M. Ali

2018 LGE results demonstrates that PPP/C still enjoys majority support, AFC now faces an uncertain future Dear Editor,

T

he results of the recent Local Government Elections have confirmed what most Guyanese already know, namely, that the PPP remains the largest and the most popular political party in the country.

A mere three years after its formation

on January 1, 1950, the PPP swept the polls winning 18 out of 24 seats in the first elections held under universal adult suffrage. The split in the PPP in 1955, even though unfortunate, did not inflict significant political damage to the PPP, which won 9 of the 13 seats in the 1957 election.

Despite gerrymandering and political

In #47 Village, Corentyne, where Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, is from, the AFC loss miserably by an extremely wide margin to the PPP. This is further proof, not that much was needed, of the complete lack of influence of Mr. Nagamootoo and Mr. Ramjattan even in the places where they belong.

In several other LAAs where changes were made by gerrymandering, the PPP still secured majority support, including in; La Grange/Nismes, Toevlugt/Patentia, Caledonia/Good Success, Mahaicony/Abary, Zeelust/Rosignol, Blairmont/ Gelberland, Ordnance Fortlands/No. 38 and the No. 52-74 Village NDCs. Changes were also made in the Bushlot/ Adventure NDC, an area that the PPP won in 2016, has now resulted in a tie with APNU. There is no ambiguity in the 2018 LGE results; the people have spoken. The PPP won in a landslide, APNU lost grounds

maneuverings, in the 1961 election by the political opposition, aided and abetted by foreign vested interests, the PPP won a parliamentary majority in 1961 and formed the government until it was prematurely engineered out of office in 1964 in what former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson described as a ‘fiddled (Turn to page 5)

and the AFC was demolished into the realms of irrelevance.

It also emphasizes that Guyanese are wary from the plethora of burdens the APNU/AFC government has unleashed upon them since 2015.

The PPP, which is the largest, most diverse and inclusive Party in the country, has to continue to build upon these gains.

PPP candidates reflected all aspects of the plurality of the Guyanese society in a proud demonstration of inclusiveness.

They must now buckle down and continue to work hard in the villages and towns to bring improvement and progress for which the PPP has a proud and formidable track record.

All in the Party must also work to win over the brothers and sisters who are with APNU and what’s left of the AFC and who are disillusioned over them. They must be made to feel welcome as the Party continues to build in strength as 2020 nears.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Key indicators clearly point to downturn in economy Dear Editor,

PNC officials now accusing S each other of corruption Dear Editor

T

he fight within the PNC to succeed Mr. Granger as Party Leader has begun even as he is receiving medical treatment overseas.

From what is ongoing, the fight is nasty to say the least.

Since coming to government in May 2015 many allegations of corruption were leveled at various government officials from sections of society. The many financial improprieties as reveled through the Auditor General reports are shocking.

The Sussex Street bond fiasco, the Durban Park project and the sole sourcing of hundreds of millions of dollars in drugs from both a leading private sector establishment and a shell company from overseas, are a mere few instances of wanton corruption. All were publicly denied by government officials.

As the President takes ill, the opportunists within are now pointing fingers at each other with accusations of corruption. Suddenly, it is a fight to show who is more corrupt. The infighting and the jostle for the position in the hierarchy of the leadership, has reached a point where it places the PNC on the path of breaking up and many stalwarts are worried.

The battle to expose who has accumulated and sucked the most wealth from taxpayers since May 2015 has reached boiling point and it now explains why they refused to submit their declarations to the Integrity Commission.

The situation is such that the few who have the Party at heart and who have expressed their concerns over the ongoing and unbridled corruption by Party officials bleeding the country in the process, are being quickly pushed aside.

What was always known by many regarding corruption by the PNC and which was denied, is coming to light from their own mouths as they trample on each other for the ultimately leadership position.

If SOCU and SARA are really concerned about curbing corruption, it can easily gather confessions from those who are now fighting openly within the PNC. As they fight and the stories of corruption unfold, the impact could not only led to the breakup of the PNC, but would bring further economic hardships to the country as a whole.

Sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

ince taking up office in 2015, the government has failed miserably in managing the nation’s key traditional sectors of rice, sugar, bauxite and timber.

At the end of 2017, just over two years after, the state of our economy under the new government was as follow: 1. From 2014 to 2017, total non-performing loans increased by $10.6 billion, for business enterprises and households by $7.1 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively. Overall, non-performing loans increased from 7% in 2014 to 14.1% in 2017. (More businesses are failing).

2. Return on equity of our major commercial banks in Guyana fell from an average of 22.3% in 2014, to 3% in 2017, which is a sign of acute economic hardship.

3. Gold reserves fell from $25 billion in 2014 to $3 billion, as of September 2018.

4. Government deposits at the Bank of Guyana fell from $21.4 billion in 2014, to an overdraft of $61 billion as of September 2018 (sign of overspending).

5. International reserves at Bank of Guyana fell from US$652 million in 2014 to US$447, as of August 2018. In 2018 thus far, the government used up in excess of US$137 million (lack of foreign exchange due to ailing rice and sugar industries).

6. The forestry and bauxite sectors lost in excess of US$37.8 million and US$86.6 million in foreign exchange, during the period 2014

Constitutional office holders have responsibility to country and people

Dear Editor,

D

emocracy, it is often said, is the governing of the society by a majority mandate. However, this is only partly true, it is much more than that.

The democratic system must also safeguard the rights of the minorities as it does the rights of the majority.

Minority here is used broadly to include those in the minority as to opinion. To do so society has developed various institutions to ensure that the law is applied equitably and that fundamental human rights are protected, upheld and promoted.

All democratic societies have three fundamental division of powers. They are the Executive, normally elected at free and fair elections, the Legislative, the Parliament where laws are discussed, debated and passed; and the Judiciary, this branch of government interprets the laws and ensure that it applies to all equally.

To ensure that the functions of these bodies are fair, society has sought to give them independence, to insulate them from the pressures of the Executive. Other important institutions of the state are also treated similarly. The police and the Elections Commission, to name but two others.

To allow those important bodies to function independently the individuals appointed are given security of tenure.

Persons in the Constitutional offices cannot be dismissed by the whims and fancies of the Executive. They should not have to fear losing their jobs.

That is why the appointments of persons to these high positions is so very important. The character, integrity of the individuals become extremely important, very vital. The institutions are managed by individuals. Therefore, individuals here acquire really great significance. Such people when they remain loyal to their oath, the society is strengthened in every way. When they succumb to pressure by the Executive and act as an instrument of the Executive the society deteriorates.

I am convinced that the slide to dictatorship which Guyana experienced from the late 1960s occurred because many of the individuals that headed important constitutional offices failed to live up to their oath of managing without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.

They allowed the courts, the police, the Elections Commission to become arms of the ruling PNC. The result was great damage done to our country. Unfortunately, we have not overcome all the effects of that era.

Of course, there were some who stood up. They were removed due to the silence of the society.

Every day your laws are being violated. This is in relation to procurement

and in the awarding of contracts. This is leading to corruption in the society.

Some of the decisions of the courts, the trumped-up charges placed on former ministers and senior officials of the PPP/ Civic administration by the DPP are extremely troubling.

Very worrying also is the behaviour of some agencies. The SOCU seems more interested in harassing political opponents of the regime. Their mandate to fight money launderers seems to have been lost. Also, the arrest of Shafraz Beekham in Berbice after he exposed the trickery and illegal acts of the AFC in obtaining signatures for the backing of the Party for the Local Government Elections is extremely dangerous.

It is not too late to stop a slide.

Those in top constitutional holders must appreciate that they too are leaders in the society. They must give our country the integrity and morality so vital for social and economic progress of any society.

The functions of these institutions can either help in the growth of a dictatorship with only the appearance of democracy or they can help to ensure the slogan ‘Government of the people and by the people’ becomes a reality.

The responsibility is great.

Yours faithfully, Donald Ramotar Former President

to 2017, which is GYD$25.8 billion.

7. Bank of Guyana profit fell by 26.3% by the end of 2017, when compared to 2014, or $1.3 billion.

8. To finance the government budget deficit, the government borrowed locally, $22.7 billion between 2014 to 2017, an increase of 201% (funds that could have otherwise been used by our local investors to expand their businesses and create jobs).

9. Private enterprises moved from producing a surplus of $8B in 2015, to a deficit of $12.8B at the end of 2017. In 2018, the deficit is anticipated to further increase by another $10 billion, to 22.8 billion.

10. The deficit in Central Government increased from $9.3B in 2015 to $34B or 277% by end 2017 and is expected to increase by another $9B by end 2018, to $43 billion.

11. In 2017 lending to the manufacturing sector contracted by $4.2 billion or 14.6%.

Moreover, in mid-2018 the manufacturing sector contracted by 5.7% to $26.0 billion; credit to the beverages, food and tobacco industry, and construction and engineering, decreased by $2.6 billion (39 percent) and $1.8 billion (15 percent), respectively.

These are the facts as to the state of our economy. Can the Government outline what measures and policies would be implemented to correct this downturn.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Irfaan Ali People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarian

2018 LGE results demonstrates...

(From page 4) constitutional arrangement’.

The rest is now history. The PPP was cheated out of office for twenty-four years, from 1968 to 1992 when democracy was finally returned to the country. The PPP won the October 5, 1992 elections with a comfortable majority. It was not until May 2015 that the PPP lost power to a six-party coalition under questionable circumstances. An elections petition mounted by the PPP is still before the courts.

The point I am seeking to make is that except for the May 15, 2015 elections, the PPP has always won either a majority or a plurality of the votes in every election except for the rigged elections during the 1968-1992 period.

There are some who attribute the PPP’s electoral and popular strength to ethnic loyalties but this is not entirely the case.

The strength of the PPP has in a fundamental way, resided in the universalistic values and principles it embraced ever since its formation. Among these are a working class, pro-people orientation, national unity, and its embrace of political and ideological pluralism.

This is why the PPP continues to enjoy support from its traditional support base as well as other ethnic groups such as Amerindians and Afro-Guyanese. This makes the PPP the single largest multi-ethnic and representative party in the country.

Despite a relatively low voter turnout in the just concluded local government elections, the electorate has given a clear and unmistakable indication as to their voting preferences, which cannot be easily ignored by the international community and other key stakeholders.

The PPP/C has done well in extending its margin of victory especially in Georgetown and the country as a whole despite gerrymandering and boundary manipulation tactics by the APNU-AFC Government.

As for the AFC, it now faces an uncertain future. It has to take a hard look at the available options. It is clear that it has lost considerable political ground, which could weaken its bargaining strength in the ruling coalition.

Sincerely, Hydar Ally

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WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Preliminary results...

Highlights from 2018 Local Government Elections

Vote count exposes ‘electoral malpractice’ by other political parties T

he Alliance For Change (AFC) secured less votes than the number of supporters it claimed it had – the supporters being AFC candidates and Nominators (backers), whose names were on the lists submitted to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to allow the AFC to contest the 2018 LGE in certain areas.

And People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, contends that this proves the point made about fraudulent lists being complied by the AFC. ‘It goes to our point that they were engaged in forgery and malpractice to secure lists (for submission to GECOM) in these areas,” he said, during a news conference on Tuesday (November 13, 2018), noting that while AFC claimed a certain number of supporters, this support was not reflected in the vote count.

FRAUDULENT LISTS Notably, in the Whim/Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) – one of the 80 areas where the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) was contested – a PPP supporter and candidate advanced a legal challenge – claiming that the AFC tricked him into signing a document, when he does not support the AFC. PPP/C Parliamentarian and Attorney-at-Law, Adrian Anamayah, represented the PPP candidate, Shafraz Beekham, and 49 other persons who were seeking the removal of their names from the AFC list.

In a sworn affidavit Beekham said he were deliberately deceived into signing a document by an Alliance For Change representative, who fraud-

Promises made to Guyanese ahead of 2018 LGE will be kept – PPP General Secretary

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) campaigned across the country and made promises, ahead of Monday’s (November 12, 2018) Local Government Elections (LGE), which will be kept.

The declaration came from PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a news conference held on Tuesday (November 13, 2018) at Freedom House.

He said, “We intend to push in every area we control to keep those promises.”

Jagdeo explained that the

PPP/C campaigned on simple messages, given that many of the Local Authority Areas (LAAs) – all 80 of which were contested by the PPP/C in the 2018 LGE – are under-funded and do not have a large tax base.

He said, “We will not increase their rates and taxes for the next three years, we will ensure that every quarter, those Councils made public their financial status… we will try to involve people as far as possible in the work of the Council.”

The PPP/C promises in-

clude deliverables, such as: community involvement in the identification, planning and execution of projects; more accountable Local Government bodies via the release of financial status for each body on a quarterly basis; and more “We intend in the People’s Progressive Party to work very hard to ensure that in the areas where we are in charge, those Councils that we won, we will keep our promises that we made to all of Guyana,” the PPP General Secretary said.

ulently claimed that she was employed by GECOM. Beekham disclosed that he was told that he needed to sign a document to confirm that his name was on the voter’s list.

He said too that it was only after Nomination Day on September 21, 2018, that he learnt that the signature which was taken from him was unauthorisedly used as a nominator backing the AFC candidate in constituency Number 3.

According to him, at no time whatsoever was he or the other residents informed, or did they know that they were in fact signing a list of backers in support of the AFC candidate(s). Beekham added that on becoming aware of the fraud perpetuated against him and other electors, he immediately demanded that their names be withdrawn or deleted from the AFC lists.

The court documents filed in the High Court state that unless the names are withdrawn, the election in the LAA would be tainted with “illegality and fraud.”

While Berbice High Court Judge, Justice Navindra Singh, dismissed the case – despite the findings of a police report, which detail instances of persons being tricked into signing AFC documents – the PPP has said that the matter is being taken to Guyana’s Court of Appeal.

LESS VOTES THAN BACKERS Jagdeo said, “The AFC in the Whim area seems to be called the All-Family Cabal…Abraham Nagamootoo, the nephew (of Moses Nagamootoo), got 17 versus 213 for our candidate in that Constituency.

In fact he had to get 20 backers and he got less votes than the 20 backers he claimed to have… Mavis Nagamootoo (the sister-inlaw of Moses Nagamootoo) contested and got 31 votes versus our candidate 216.”

The PPP General Secretary noted that the APNU and United Republican Party (URP) vote counts also expose the fraud that those parties engaged in.

He stated that in Crabwood Creek/ Moleson NDC, the URP submitted a list of 20 Nominators (backers) for its candidates, but only received 12 votes. In the same NDC, the APNU submitted a list of 60 Nominators (backers) to GECOM, but received less votes.

Meanwhile, GECOM has not addressed extensively the issue of complaints about fraudulently composed lists in its possession.

PPP/C worked hard to counter ‘gerrymandering’ effort by APNU+AFC gov’t – Jagdeo T he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP) had expressed concerns about the boundaries of Guyana’s Local Authority Areas (LAAs) – townships and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) – being gerryman-

dered by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government.

And PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, had proffered the view that the creation of nine new LAAs and changes to 14 existing LAAs, ahead of the Novem-

ber 12, 2018 Local Government Elections, point to an effort by the Coalition to increase its balance of votes.

“We have started off, without a single vote being cast yet, at a loss of about 30 seats,” (Turn to page 7)

7

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Preliminary results...

Highlights from 2018 Local Government Elections

PPP/C wins 5 more PPP/C secures massive in five towns seats at City Hall wins – Bartica vote up by over 60 per cent compared to 2016

H

aving secured only two seats (Proportional Representation seats) on Georgetown City Council at the 2016 Local Government Elections (LGE), the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) at the 2018 LGE gained ground in what has been a traditional support base of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/ People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

The Party won a total of four seats (Proportional Representation seats), as well as three Constituencies – bringing the PPP/C representation up from two to seven at City Hall.

General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo, at a news conference, held on Tuesday (November 13, 2018) at Freedom House, charged that the Party secured a massive win in the City. “We have made

gains in almost every areas where we contested the 2018 LGE,” he said.

Asked about an agenda for the new PPP/C Councilors, who are to be sworn in, Jagdeo underscored the fact that there is a specific agenda. “Our Councilors will be going in there (to City Hall) with a clear agenda,” he said.

Detailing the areas that the new PPP/C City Hall Councilors will be focusing on, the PPP General Secretary identified several issues. Among them are: accountability, adherence to Guyana’s procurement laws, making more services available to citizens, creating a business friendly environment and reviewing the impact of City Hall’s expenditure on people, including as it relates to value for money.

He said, “We will review

all expenditure to look at its impact of people in the City… we want to accelerate the process of permitting businesses to construct buildings and create new jobs…we want to make the City Council more user friendly to people, so for example people can review their liabilities (rates and taxes) to the City online and pay those fees online… we have to improve services to people in the City…we also want every single civil work tendered using the national Procurement Act….in terms of accountability, we want audited statements every single year…this is our specific agenda…we are going in there with clarity.”

Jagdeo charged too that the PPP/C will work hard to ensure that it keeps the promises that were made to the electorate in the lead up to the 2018 Local Government Elections.

PPP/C worked hard to counter ‘gerrymandering’...

(From page 6)

he had said.

Nonetheless, Jagdeo had made clear that the PPP/C was still contesting the elections in all 80 LAAs – 10 townships and 70 NDCs. Following Monday’s (November 12, 2018) votes, preliminary results indicate that despite the APNU+AFC Coalition’s attempts at gerrymandering, the PPP/C was still able secure majority votes.

“We worked hard to win in newly created NDCs and worked to prevail in areas where they reduced seats,” Jagdeo said, during a news conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street, on Tuesday (November 13, 2018).

The nine new areas that were created are: 1. Mahdia, which has been identified as that town for Region Eight 2. Moruka/Phoenix Park NDC 3. Kitty/Providence NDC 4. Nile/Cozier NDC

5. Lamaha/Yarrowkabra NDC 6. Hauraruni/Yarrowkabra NDC 7. Plegt Anker/Kortberaad NDC 8. Wyburg/Caracas NDC 9. Aranaputa/Upper Burro Burro NDC The PPP General Secretary noted that in the nine new areas, the PPP secured majority votes in: Nile/Cozier NDC, Region 2; and Wyburg/Caracas NDC, Region 6. In another two new NDCs – Lamaha/ Yarrowkabra and Moruka/ Phoenix Park – there is a tie.

The 14 Local Authorities Areas where changes were made include: 1. Evergreen/ Paradise 2. Aberdeen/Zorg-en-Vlygt 3. Malgre Tout/Meerzoergen 4. La Grange/Nismes 5. Toevlugt/Patentia 6. Caledonia/Good Success 7. Woodlands/Farm 8. Mahaicony/Abary 9. Zeelust/Rosignol

10. Blairmont/Gelberland 11. Ordnance Fortlands/ No. 38 12. Adventure/Bushlot 13. No. 52-74 Village.

14. Rose Hall Municipality Of the 14 areas, the PPP/C won the majority votes in: La Grange/Nismes, Toevlugt/Patentia, Caledonia/Good Success, Mahaicony/Abary, Zeelust/Rosignol, Blairmont/Gelberland, Ordnance Fortlands/No. 38 and the No. 52-74 Village NDCs. Changes were also made in the Bushlot/Adventure NDC – an area that the PPP/C won in 2016 – which has now resulted in a tie between the PPP/C and APNU. The changes at Malgre Tout/Meerzorgen NDC, which was tied in 2016, saw the PPP/C not being able to secure the majority seats.

All considered, the PPP General Secretary charged that the PPP/C secured almost 46,000 votes ahead of the APNU and AFC combined.

I

n addition to gaining increased support in Georgetown, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) secured the majority votes in five of the 10 towns in Guyana.

The results in the five towns show that the PPP/C won: all the seats in Anna Regina; Rose Hall (12 of 16 seats); Corriverton (14 of the 16 seats); Lethem (6 of the 10 seats); and Mabaruma (eight of the 12 seats).

The wins mean that the PPP/C will now have control of the Town Councils in these areas.

In Georgetown, the PPP/C made significant inroads, securing a total of seven seats on the Town Council – up from two seats.

At the 2016 LGE, the Party secured two seats based on the PR votes. This year, the Party, not only doubled its PR votes, coping four seats, but also won three of the 15 Constituencies in Georgetown – bringing the total to seven.

In Bartica, the PPP/C increased its votes by over 60

per cent, when compared to 2016 numbers. At the 2016 LGE the vote totals showed: PPP – 699; APNU+AFC – 1,954. This year, the vote totals show: PPP/C – 1,144; APNU – 1,443; and AFC – 470. The Party was successful in moving its vote totals closer to the numbers secured by APNU. In Linden and New Amsterdam the Party secured more seats than it did at the 2016 Local Government Elections.

In Mahdia, the newly created town, the Party secured over 20 per cent of the PR votes cast on Monday (November 12, 2018) and secured one seat on the Town Council.

MASSIVE WIN Commenting on the wins during a news conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street on Tuesday (November 13, 2018), PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, said, “This is a massive win for us.”

According to him, the PPP/C secured victories in towns like Lethem and

Mabaruma, despite the attempts by the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to gain ground in these areas. He cited the multiple trips taken to the two areas by several government ministers, as well as President David Granger, in the lead up to Monday’s (November 12, 2018) vote.

In the towns where the PPP/C did not secure majority support, Jagdeo noted that the Party has made significant inroads in these areas. “We will be working harder ahead of the next Local Government Elections,” he assured.

Jagdeo added, “…we have made gains in almost every area…we will keep going back to those people over and over…we have to go back to them and see what our plans are…we want them to vote for the party.”

The comments made by the PPP General Secretary were made on preliminary results. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has only officially declared results for Georgetown.

including: Crabwood Creek, Black Bush Polder, Kintyre/ Borlam (no-contest), Cane Grove, La Jalousie/ Nouvelle Flanders and Bath/ Woodley Park.

There are several other NDCs where the PPP/C won all of the Constituency seats.

In total, the PPP/C secured wins in over 45 of the NDCs, while five others are tied.

Jagdeo said, “We practically doubled the margin (between the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC) from 24,000 votes (in 2016) or so to maybe 46,000 something votes.”

The PPP General Secretary noted that all areas,

including the support base of other parties, will see PPP activists on the ground.

“We will keep going back to those people over and over because…we have to go back to them and see what our plans are… some said they didn’t want to give us the vote, but they didn’t give APNU…we have to go back to get them not to stay away the next time, not to give any one the vote, but we want them to vote for the party,” he said.

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is still to address fully the results of the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) in all 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

PPP/C takes control of majority of the NDCs

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has “held its own” in several areas, which, traditionally, have been seen as the support base of other political parties, according to PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Based on preliminary results, Jagdeo pointed to the PPP/C win in the Buxton/ Foulis Local Authority Area – one of 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) that were being contested by political parties in the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) – as a notable win.

The PPP/C won all the seats (both PR and Constituency) in several NDCs,

8

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Preliminary results...

Highlights from 2018 Local Government Elections

AFC suffers ‘crushing defeat’ at 2018 LGE

D

espite efforts of Alliance For Change (AFC) Executives, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, contends that the AFC suffered a “crushing defeat” based on the preliminary results of the 2018 Local Government Elections.

“It was an unbelievable crushing defeat…shame-

ful and they were saying that we were scared in the area… I wonder what they must be saying in the AFC camp…they got less than a 1000 votes in Berbice,” Jagdeo said on Tuesday (November 13, 2018) during a news conference held at Freedom House, Robb Street.

Citing notable wins, Jagdeo pointed to the con-

test for the Whim/Bloomfield Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), which the PPP/C won.

“The whole AFC leadership meeting in Whim almost twice and this is the result of it – a crushing defeat,” he said.

A F C ’ s M o s e s N a g amootoo had declared that “there is a straight contest” between the PPP/C and the

were contested.

This is according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo, during a news conference, which was held on Tuesday (November 13, 2018) at Freedom House,

Robb Street.

He said, “We do have some issues that we will bring up with GECOM (the Guyana Elections Commission)…there were some problem that I think GECOM could have avoided.”

AFC in this NDC. He also talked up the success off the AFC’s leaders in their meetings in the areas.

According to the numbers, however, the PPP/C secured almost 90 per cent of the votes and 13 out of 14 seats in the Whim/ Bloomfield NDC. Additionally, the PPP in a press statement on Wednesday (November 14,

2018) noted that the difference of votes between the PPP/C and the AFC was a whopping 113,000 votes.

“This validates our Party’s position that the AFC is a spent political force,” the Party said.

Nationally, preliminary results show the PPP/C has almost doubled the margin of votes between our Party and APNU and AFC

combined – moving from about 24,000 at the 2016 Local Government Elections to over 45,000 at this year’s Local Government Elections.

Preliminary results also show that the PPP/C won in 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) and tied five others at the 2018 Local Government Elections.

Grange, West Bank Demerara, Region 3, to Campbellville, Georgetown, Region 4 – about persons being told that their names were not on the voters’ lists when those persons turned up at their regular polling station to cast their vote.

Additional issues, according to Jagdeo, included complaints about the ink used to stain the finger of voters – as an indication that they had already exercised their franchise – fading quickly. These complaints were raised on E-Day and only after said complaints

did the Guyana Elections Commission admit that it was using ink that was left over from the 2016 Local Government Elections in some areas.

The PPP General Secretary disclosed too that once the polls closed, there were several other issues, including: the refusal of GECOM officers to allow polling agents representing political parties to keep the list of electors they worked with on E-Day, although they are allowed to keep said lists; some Returning Officers to allow the PPP/C to put its seal on the ballot boxes, once the count was complete, which is a standard practice during elections; and “It was a nightmare… some of these things could have been resolved with one newspaper ad,” he said.

Meanwhile, since Monday’s vote, GECOM has not engaged the local media corps, to address the E-Day issues.

Problems with polling day process to be raised with GECOM – Jagdeo

M

onday’s (November 12, 2018) polling process, went “fairly smoothly” across the country, except for some issues on E-Day – in the 80 Local Authority Areas where the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE)

At the top of the list of issues, identified by the PPP General Secretary, was the partisan actions of Information Officers, across several polling stations, who were engaged in misinforming voters. “We have a big problem with these information officers who acted in a clearly partisan manner… they were misdirecting people who went to find their names on the list and find out where they had to vote,” he said.

Notably, there were reports from several polling stations – ranging from La

9

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Jagdeo files no-confidence motion against APNU+AFC Coalition gov’t “If, at that time the circumstances existed for a no-confidence motion, it’s a hundred times worse now…and the people have expressed through these local government results, even in their own base, an extreme dissatisfaction with their policies at the national level.” - Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

T

he leadership of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) met on Thursday (November 15, 2018) and agreed to the filing of a no-confidence motion against the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, which was sent to the National Assembly later the same day, in the name of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

At his weekly news conference, held on Thursday (November 15, 2018) at his Church Street office, Jagdeo announced the filing of the no-confidence motion.

In August 2014, then Alliance For Change (AFC) Parliamentarians, Moses Nagamootoo and Cathy Hughes, had filed a no-confidence motion against the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government, led by then President, Donald Ramotar.

Parliament was then prorogued and Guyana headed into snap elections.

Among them were: the restoration of monies cut from the budget for the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), hinterland airports, the University of Guyana student loan programme, vouchers for public school students, and the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project. Another reason was the non-transfer of monies to the Consolidated Fund, which was held, legally, by semi-autonomous agencies.

A third claim was a procedural breach in the $4B transferred to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySu-

no-confidence motion. “If, at that time the circumstances existed for a no-confidence motion, it’s a hundred times worse now…and the people have expressed through these local government results, even in their own base, an extreme dissatisfaction with their policies at the national level,” he said.

He listed several things to support this contention, including: the loss of 30,000 jobs; the decimation of the sugar sector; massive increases in the cost of living; and the imposition of hardships on the Guyanese people, via government policies, such as $60B in increased

$US18M signing bonus from ExxonMobil in a separate account, when the monies

sition Leader, the results of the 2018 Local Government Elections sent a clear mes-

A HUNDRED TIMES WORSE Jagdeo explained that the APNU and AFC had touted several reasons for their move to file a no-confidence motion against the then PPP/C government.

taxes per annum. He also pointed to “unbelievable” levels of proven corruption, exposed via, not only the Parliamentary Opposition, but also by the Auditor General’s Office and the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). The hiding of the

WIN OR LOSE GUYANA WILL BENEFIT Jagdeo stressed that whether the PPP/C is successful in its no-confidence

“We are hoping that the no-confidence motion can shake this government back to its senses and stop them from destroying our future.”

- Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. should have been transferred into the Consolidated Fund, was another example cited.

Jagdeo charged that the country is “drifting” because of a lack of vision of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. According to him, the no-confidence motion

sage to the Coalition Government, relative to the dissatisfaction of Guyanese with the policies of the Coalition Government. He charged that a no-confidence motion reinforces this message.

“We will have a chance to say to them that their polices are wrong…they are damaging prospects for thee future and the wellbeing of our people… the worst thing that could happen is that we lose the vote, but it will force them to correct their ways,” he said.

According to him, several policies need to be reversed, including: the restoration of the water and electricity subsidies for pensioners; the restoration of the cash grants to public school students; the restoration of the annual bonus to ranks of the Disciplined Services; the removal of VAT from electricity, wa-

“We will have a chance to say to them that their polices are wrong…they are damaging prospects for the future and the wellbeing of our people… the worst thing that could happen is that we lose the vote, but it will force them to correct their ways.” - Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

Co) and allegation of corruption. “They have not proven any of these issues so far,” he said.

The Opposition Leader charged that if these reasons could have justified the filing of that no-confidence motion, then there is greater justification, now, for the filing of the

ter, health care and health care products; a reduction of the excise tax on fuel; a restoration of the two per cent final tax for miners; the reversal of the increases in water rates; the reversal of the increases in University of Guyana fees; and a move forward with constitutional reform, among others.

is intended to protect Guyanese and Guyana from the excessive borrowing, taxing and wasteful spending of the current administration.

REINFORCING A MESSAGE According to the Oppo-

motion being passed in the House or not, Guyanese will benefit.

Jagdeo said, “We are hoping that the no-confidence motion can shake this government back to its senses and stop them from destroying our future.”

Asked about the possibility of a win, Jagdeo disclosed that, in discussions with several Government Members of Parliament (MPs), many of them have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s policies. He added that it will be left to be seen if they take a principled position and their dissatisfaction is manifested into a vote in support of the PPP/C no-confidence motion.

The PPP/C currently holds 32 seats in the National Assembly, while the APNU+AFC Coalition Government hold 33 seats.

10

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

APNU+AFC gov’t forcing fictions on the Guyanese people

A

fter three years since taking office, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, published a list of 231 so called ‘achievements’ in May 2018.

However, a close look at the list, revealed Government’s desperation in trying to find ‘successes’. For example, the Government claimed “lower electricity rates” as an achievement, but listed this one point at least two times in the list of 231. A second example shows that the

1. FICTION: Four Budgets in three years FACT: All four budgets introduced policies that negatively impacted working class Guyanese and the productive sectors. Over 200 new taxes and fees were introduced. Others were increased astronomically.

4. FICTION: Youth skills training provided through BIT, HEYS FACT: The BIT is a PPP/C initiative. HEYS was introduced by the APNU+AFC Government, then the decision was made to scrap it.

Notably, HEYS had replaced the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP), which was an initiative under the former PPP/C government. When the Coalition Government took power, the 1972 Amerindian community service officers who were part of the YEAP programme were fired.

7. FICTION: Created over 5000 jobs FACT: Since May 2015, over 25,000 Guyanese have lost their jobs. Government’s claim of creating over 5,000 jobs has been challenged. To date, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has not responded and has not said where these 5,000 jobs were created.

10. FICTION: State Assets Recovery Unit set up FACT: SARA did not legally exist until May 2018.

The State Assets Recovery Act was only assented to by President David Granger on May 4, 2018 – over one year after it was passed in the National Assembly by a government majority, despite objections voiced by the Parliamentary Opposition.

As such, queries have been raised about SARA’s operations prior to Granger’s move to assent to the SARA Act – specifically as it relates to how monies were allocated to the State Assets Recovery Agency for the year 2018 Budget to acquire an office at Lot 56 Main and New Market Streets, SARA letterhead, staff, etc., prior to that date (May 4, 2018), when the agency did not legally exist?”

APNU+AFC Coalition claimed the work of private companies as their own success, when it listed “4G internet” in its list of 231. The work to bring better internet services to the Guyanese people was done by the private telecommunications companies.

This week, the Mirror, by simply looking at a few of the Government’s claims, will expose the FICTIONS peddled by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government and will detail the actual facts.

2. FICTION: $50,000 Christmas Bonus in 2015 and $25,000 Christmas Bonus in 2016 FACT: No attention has been given to increasing the salaries of public servants – teachers, policemen, nurses, etc. since the APNU+AFC Government took office. The two bonuses were one-off payments for only two years.

5. FICTION: Sugar industry right-sized fo5r self sufficiency through diversification FACT: There have been no efforts in the direction of diversification. While government said it has “right-sized” the sugar industry, all it did was close down major sugar estates – leaving thousands of sugar workers on the breadline – in the worst mass firing in Guyana’s history.

3. FICTION: Training opportunities for GuySuCo workers FACT: No substantive support has been given to the 7000+ sugar workers who were fired by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. Government’s unwillingness to support the sacked sugar workers has been evidence in the fact that the government broke the law and did not pay the workers their full severance. It was seen again when Government refused to say if was informing the sacked sugar workers that millions were available under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme, which is supposed to provide financial support for entrepreneurial ventures and create income-generating opportunities, etc.

6. FICTION: Reduce the sugar industry dependence on the national coffers

FACT: There has been no move in this direction, not even the start of a feasibility study to assess such a plan.

FACT: The sugar industry’s dependence on the national coffers has not been reduced. In fact the national treasury is exposed with the borrowing of $30B, via bonds issued at 4.75 per cent, since the borrowing has been backed by a government-guarantee.

11. FICTION: Special organized Crime Unit operational

9. FICTION: Lower Electricity rates

FACT: Three years of being operations under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, not a single case against money launderers has been advanced. SOCU has only been involved in cases filed against former government officials, one of which has already been thrown out of the courts. Also, in the case SOCU brought against GBTI, the expert witness fielded by the Unit was also rejected by courts, which ruled that the ‘expert’ was in fact ‘no expert’.

SOCU has been involved in a number of controversial operations. These include the high-profile car chase of the wife of a People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP), which resulted in the death of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant Robert Pyle and his wife Stacy, along with another civilian in a smash-up on Carifesta Avenue in December 2015 – an incident that remains the subject of many unanswered questions.

The Unit’s establishment was part of Guyana's international obligations to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework and was intended to support the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The mandate of the SOCU, as acknowledged in the protocols, is to address investigations, detection and preparation of criminal investigative reports and case files for prosecutions of financial crimes, including money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Little to nothing has been done by SOCU, under the current APNU+AFC Government, which fits the reason for SOCU’s establishment.

FACT: Electricity rates were subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) in 2017, meaning that electricity costs were increased, not lowered.

8. FICTION: Plans to bridge Essequibo River

12. FICTION: Outstanding court settlement paid FACT: Court settlements have been subject to intense questioning, as it relates to the how these settlements were reached. The last big court settlement related to the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) matter. The sum owed by DDL, according to the GRA assessment, was $5.392B from 2001 to 2006. The settlement saw DDL paying only $1.5B and also writes off all possible liabilities in respect of Excise Tax up to March 9, 2016. Since then, Banks DIH has filed a case against the Coalition government, saying that DDL was given special treatment. In the meantime, several questions asked about the DDL settlement remain unanswered. The questions asked include: Was an assessment of DDL’s liabilities in respect of Excise Tax for the period 2006 to 2016 done and what was the sum of that liability?; Who negotiated the settlement?; Is it legal? Was the settlement approved by Cabinet or the Board of the GRA?; On what principles was the sum of $1.5B arrive at? And How many other deals have been concluded or are being negotiated?

11

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

APNU+AFC gov’t forcing fictions on the Guyanese people 13. FICTION: New Guyana Election Chairman appointed FACT: The 84-year-old GECOM Chairman was unilaterally and un-constitutionally appointed, in breach of 25 years of practice and common understanding of the constitutional procedures that have to be followed for such an appointment to be made.

14. FICTION: The establishment of three new towns FACT: The towns were established without consultation and in some cases encroached on titled Amerindian Lands in breach of laws --and showing that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has no qualms about breaking the laws of Guyana.

15. FICTION: Improved education attainment FACT: The 2017 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Guyana – released by the United States of America’s (USA) State Department – underscores a major failure of the APNU+AFC Coalition government. Page 11 of the 207 report states that: “The standard of living in indigenous communities was lower than that of most citizens, and they had limited access to education and health care.”

In contrast, the 2015 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Guyana, on page 14, said: “All indigenous communities had primary schools, and as of 2012, there were 13 secondary schools in remote regions. All indigenous communities had school dormitories that housed students at government’s expense. Government programmes trained health workers, who staffed health facilities in most communities.”

16. FICTION: Free transportation for school children FACT: A total of $1.7B was taken away from public schools when the $10,000 cash grant was scrapped. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government says it has provided buses, but these do not serve all public school children. The cash grant was given to every public school child.

17. FICTION: Provision of medical equipment FACT: Shortages continue to be reported. And with the dust barely settled over the $632M drugs and medical supplies procurement scandal, sole-sourcing of $366.9M of drugs and medical supplies in 2017 has once again brought into question decisions by the Ministry of Public Health – and the likely of increasing corruption at that Ministry. As was the case with the spending of $605M, the Ministry – headed by Volda Lawrence – claims that the spending of the $366.9M was to cover emergency expenditures. Documents revealed that a company, HDM Labs Inc. – owned by a supporter of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government – was handpicked over three others that went through tendering process.

18. FICTION: De-politicized the National Toshaos Council FACT: The NTC is not a political body. It is the elected body that represents Amerindians in Guyana. As such, claims of de-politicizing the NTC have been viewed as APNU+AFC rhetoric.

19. FICTION: Extended the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) programme FACT: Not a single Amerindian village has received a land title under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock, admitted that he failed to do any work with the ALT programme, which gave the indigenous people legal rights to their communities. “I have not been able to title any village,” Allicock had said in May 2018.

Notably, after taking office, the Coalition Government, sent home the entire unit dealing with the Amerindian Land Titling programme. The Project Management Unit was ben established in June 2014 to support the implementation of the project.

A total of US$10.7M was earned by the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government and left for the purpose of completing the ALT programme.

20. FICTION: Piracy smashed FACT: Less than two months ago, a piracy attack led to several deaths of local fishermen.

The bodies of some of the fishermen have still not been found.

21. FICTION: Major criminal gangs smashed, members prosecuted FACT: There has been no such report. Also, no cases in Guyana’s court have substantiated this claim.

22. FICTION: Crime rate down FACT: As of June 2018, a whopping 304 cases of robbery under arms, where firearms were used, were recorded at the end of June 2018, marking an increase compared to last year. Another 116 cases of robbery under arms, where other instruments were used, were also recorded for that month. There were also 28 other cases of robberies, as well as 73 cases of robbery with violence. Robbery with aggravation cases numbered 30. Larceny from persons numbered 62, while burglary cases totaled 112 and break an entry with larceny totaled 498. In total these cases numbered 1,223. There were 44 murders. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government continues to come in for criticisms over its inaction to address the current crime rate.

23. FICTION: Establishment of the Department of Environment FACT: There is no Department of Environment as of July 2018.

24. FICTION: Freedom of the Press restored FACT: The Guyana Press Association has blasted Coalition gov’t over ‘unmistakable’ signals of Executive control since it took office.

The Association cited other acts that include: The continued role of the Director of Public Information as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Guyana Chronicle; Direction from a senior government Minister on coverage of his office to the Editor- in-Chief; Direction being given to the Chronicle for stories sent for his approval once it has to do with his office or the PNC, the main party in the governing Coalition; and weekly meetings of the Prime Minister with senior executives of the state media.

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APNU+AFC gov’t forcing fictions on the Guyanese people 25.

25. FICTION: FICTION: Constitutional Constitutional Reform Reform process process iniinitiated tiated

27.

27. FICTION: FICTION: Code Code of of conduct conduct for for public public official official comcompleted pleted

FACT: FACT: There There has has been been no no progress progress on on the the issue of Constitutional Reform. issue of Constitutional Reform.

FACT: FACT: There There is is no no Code Code of of Conduct Conduct in in place. place.

A draft was proposed and was A draft was proposed and was met met with with widespread widespread criticisms. criticisms. Even Even the the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. said said government’s government’s proposed proposed code code of of conduct is still deficient in many reconduct is still deficient in many respects. spects. The The body body expressed expressed the the view view that that the the “lack “lack of of specificity specificity appears appears as as low commitment to integrity in public low commitment to integrity in public office” office” and and it it can can ultimately ultimately impede impede the the effectiveness of the Code and erode effectiveness of the Code and erode public public confidence. confidence.

26.

26. FICTION: FICTION: Improved Improved transparency transparency FACT: FACT: The The APNU+AFC APNU+AFC Coalition Coalition Government Government has has been been criticised criticised as as failing failing to to honour honour of the promise of transparency.

Among of the promise of transparency. Among the the untruths untruths told told by by the the government government to to the the Guyanese Guyanese people people is is the the fact fact that that Guyana Guyana did did not not receive receive the the US$18M US$18M signing bonus from ExxonMobil. signing bonus from ExxonMobil. This This lie was told for over a year to the Guyalie was told for over a year to the Guyanese nese people, people, despite despite the the fact fact that that quesquestions tions about about the the signing signing bonus bonus were were asked.

Finally, documents leaked asked. Finally, documents leaked to to the media, exposed the Government lie the media, exposed the Government lie

28.

28. FICTION: FICTION: Family Family Court Court opened opened FACT: FACT: The The Family Family Division Division of of the the High High Court Court bebegan hearing cases since May 6, 2016. gan hearing cases since May 6, 2016. The The Family Family Court Court was was a a PPP/C PPP/C initiative. initiative. Before Before the the APNU+AFC APNU+AFC Coalition Coalition Government Government took took office, the Family Court building was comoffice, the Family Court building was completed pleted and and handed handed over over to to Government.

Government.

29.

29. FICTION: FICTION: Successful Successful gun gun amnesty amnesty programme programme FACT: FACT: During During the the amnesty amnesty for for unlicensed unlicensed firefirearms in 2015, scores of Amerindians arms in 2015, scores of Amerindians handhanded ed in in weapons weapons used used to to protect protect their their cattle cattle and crops and support their livelihoods, and crops and support their livelihoods, with with the the promise promise of of receiving receiving licences. licences. The The APNU+AFC Coalition Government APNU+AFC Coalition Government delayed delayed the the return return to to April April 2018 2018 and and has has now now dedelayed it again, until the end of July layed it again, until the end of July 2018.

2018.

This This failure failure to to deliver deliver in in a a timely timely manner manner on a promise made has prevented on a promise made has prevented the the amnesty amnesty programme programme from from being being deemed deemed a a success. success.

30.

30. FICTION: FICTION: A A new new drugs drugs procurement procurement system system introintroduced duced FACT: FACT: Health Health Minister, Minister, Volda, Volda, Lawrence Lawrence had had stated revised drug procurement stated revised drug procurement system system which which will will bring bring resolution resolution to to the the ongoing ongoing drug shortage throughout the drug shortage throughout the country country is is expected expected to to be be implemented implemented by by the the month month of of June June 2016.

2016. It It is is now now July July 2018.

2018.

After After taking taking office, office, the the APNU+AFC APNU+AFC CoaliCoalition Government scrapped tion Government scrapped the the old old method method used used to to procure procure and and deliver deliver drugs drugs and and medical supplies across Guyana, medical supplies across Guyana, despite despite the the fact fact that that it it worked. worked.

APNU+AFC Coalition gov’t has no major achievement to talk about – Jagdeo

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he use of taxpayers’ monies on a full-page advertisement in the local dailies to talk about monies left by the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government for a PPP/C project – the Ogle-Diamond Bypass road project – is evidence of the desperation of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government.

This is according to Opposition Leader and PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, who addressed the issue during his Thursday (October 25, 2018) news conference. He charged that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has very little in terms of major achievements to talk about. “So what we see instead is wasteful spending on ads that seek to create the impression that something is happening,” he said.

Jagdeo added, “…it shows a kind of desperation in government quarters… they do not have much to talk about…there is very little of major significance that they have achieved.”

Earlier this year, the Opposition Leader noted that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government’s claimed over 230 achievements during its three years since taking office and he rubbished the claim, pointing that many of the claims of accomplishment that were made related to routine functions of governments, including the move to rename a building in honour of Stephen Campbell and the effort to have coaching courses in archery, among others.

“These are the big achievements? This is the massive hard work?” he questioned.

Several others, according

to him, represent blatant lies, such as the resuscitation of the manganese plant in Region 1, which has not happened; the claim that the Amerindian Land Titling Programme has been extended, despite the fact that not a single title has been issued in three years; and the claim that major criminal gangs gas been smashed, despite the fact that there has been no such occurrence. “Which gang was smashed? Who was prosecuted?” Jagdeo questioned.

Other claims of accomplishment, he charged, are complete distortions of facts, as seen in: the claim that minimum wage was increased, without consideration that there was also an increase in taxes and fees, which reduced disposable income for thousands of Guyanese; the

claim that a new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was appointed, while ignoring that this was done in breach of the Constitution and 25 years of common understanding between the two main political parties; the naming of three new towns, which meant nothing to the residents of those areas, other than the fact that they are now subject to new taxes; The Opposition Leader stressed that government ought to be focusing on job creation, addressing the crime situation, improving the state of the economy, addressing needs of youths in Guyana and dealing with corruption.

He said, “There are tonnes of corrupt practices and incidents that we have pointed out, and they have re-

fused to address. We no longer use our procurement laws because what has happened is direct sourcing.” According to him, the Coalition Government continues to ignore the public procurement process, resulting in the loss of millions in taxpayers’ dollars and spending that is done without any attention to the concept of value for money.

Relative to the needs of youths in Guyana he said “nothing” substantial has been done.

On the state of the economy, he said, “On the economy and their plans, they are failing there too. They are running down our reserves and the economy is declining. In terms of competence, just look at Basil Williams and… (Nicolette) Henry and that will tell you what we are talking about.”

The former Head of State said that some 25,000 jobs were lost since the coalition took office. In addition to that, a slew of new taxes were imposed on Guyanese and the business community.

“They are collecting $56B more in taxes this year,” he said.

Jagdeo said, “So, competence F; economy F; corruption…they should get a grade A for corruption. That’s the only one they get a great chance; Taxes F; jobs F; and crime F too.”

The APNU+AFC Coalition Government titled the list of their ‘achievements’ as ‘Guyana on Track’. The Opposition Leader charged that the only thing Guyana is on track towards is a worsening state of affairs due to the failures of the current admiration.

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

Anti-working class disposition of APNU+AFC Coalition gov’t is clear

By Komal Chand (GUEST CONTRIBUTOR)

O

n May 1, 2015, just days before the National and Regional elections, then candidate David Granger, addressing the Labour Day rally of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), told the workers gathered that they would have a friend in Government as he reiterated many of the promises made along the campaign trail.

Today, those who listened to the rhetoric of President Granger are wondering what happened to the commitments to a better life, to reduce crime, to lower taxes and to give higher pay.

Today, seemingly, the Granger Government has shed all its pretenses and is revealing its true nature as the most anti-worker Government in our nation’s recent history. In the 42 months in Government of the APNU+AFC Coalition, the Guyanese working-class have seen assault after assault perpetrated against them. They have had their rights undermined; their cries for relief ignored, and their backs growing weary from the heavy burdens they must now fetch.

Just days after Labour Day 2015, the APNU+AFC Coalition, being successful in the elections of 2015, revealed its true colours as seen by its launching of its first attack on the workers when it demoted the Min-

istry of Labour to a Department. By that very act, the APNU+AFC removed from the national landscape an important workers’ institution and brought back memories of the worst of colonial domination when workers concerns were given scant attention by the then rulers. This measure by the Coalition represented a serious blow to workers’ rights and set the tone for the Administration’s approach and treatment of workers issues.

Next, the Granger Cabinet – the largest in our nation’s history and just days after taking office – approved for themselves a 50 percent pay hike and substantial improvement of benefits.

The Government’s main spokesperson, State Minister, Joseph Harmon, when questioned about the pay hike retorted that he had no apologies for the increase he and his colleagues gave themselves.

The APNU+AFC assault on the workers continued in its successive Budgets. Its inaugural Budget withdrew the $10,000 grant for schoolaged children and the electricity and water subsidies to Old Age Pensioners. These were serious blows and yet another indication of the anti-working-class tendency of the Administration.

The Administration’s anti-working class conduct also continued in the 2016 National Budget through the imposition of substantial hikes in the cost for licences, government documents, and state services with some items going up by thousands of per cent. That Budget also banned the importation of used tyres as well as put a limit on the age of vehicles that can be imported.

Effectively those policies were first and foremost disadvantageous to ordinary Guyanese and served as another reminder of the Government’s elitist mentality.

The anti-worker tenden-

“Workers are also now asked to pay higher water rates and looming is the possibility of increased rates and taxes. Today, the Guyanese workers are finding it difficult to make ends meet. While tax revenues have gone up by $60B since the Government took office, at the same time, the Administration saw it wise to give billions in tax write-offs to private enterprises. And, still, at this time, no one can say with any certainty how our country’s oil resources will benefit us Guyanese.” – Komal Chand cies were also manifested in Budget 2017 which saw the Administration imposing taxes on electricity, water, private health care and medication and several previously untaxed essential food items.

This has served to further heighten the cost-of-living and eaten greatly into the paltry wage increases the Government has been imposing. More recently, the Government bluntly refused to reduce taxes to stave off an increase in the price of fuel and proceeded to approve an increase in the cost of public transportation. Workers are also now asked to pay higher water rates and looming is the possibility of increased rates and taxes. Today, the Guyanese workers are finding it difficult to make ends meet. While tax revenues have gone up by $60B since the Government took office, at the same time, the Administration saw it wise to give billions in tax write-offs to private enterprises. And, still, at this time, no one can say with any certainty how our country’s oil resources will benefit us Guyanese.

We bear in mind too that in 2015, the Administration imposed a half-year pay rise of 10 per cent for public servants claiming that was all they could afford. This excuse has continued. Most recently, the nation’s teachers took industrial action to press their demands for improved pay and working

conditions. The Government’s preferred response, apparently, was to crush the teachers struggle, seeking to divide the united efforts of the teachers and their union. The full support of the trade union movement and the determined efforts of the teachers forced the Government to backpedal and the hue and cry about affordability was simply dropped and this struggle led to the Administration and the teachers union arriving at an agreement.

Without a doubt, the sugar workers have received the worst treatment at the hands of the Granger Administration. The Administration’s despotic nature was revealed when, for the first time since the Desmond Hoyte Presidency, sugar workers did not get a pay rise to date. It is a most discriminatory approach as the sugar workers constitute the only group of workers who fall under the State’s umbrella not to benefit from any pay rise.

The Administration’s clear disdain for the sugar workers stood starkly exposed when the Government-imposed IMC of GuySuCo simply refused to engage the workers’ organisations in Collective Bargaining. The GAWU and the NAACIE, at that time, pointed out vociferously that the Administration’s conduct was not in keeping with agreements, our country’s laws and Constitution as well

as international conventions.

The Government remained unmoved and was apparently unconcerned about the plight of the sugar workers. In fact the Administration tried to employ cheap propaganda to say sugar workers were earning large sums, but when irrefutable evidence to the contrary was provided, the Coalition grew dumb.

The APNU+AFC inconsiderate attitude towards the sugar workers is indisputable. It is appropriate to recall that 2016 dawned with the Coalition’s announcement that it would close Wales Estate. The decision, taken without any credible justification and in contradiction to the recommendations of the Government’s CoI into sugar, was yet another glaring manifestation of its disdain for the sugar workers. The Government closed its mind and ears to the concerns expressed not only by the workers of Wales, but the Unions, the cane farmers, the business community, the Regional Democratic Council, among other important stakeholders. The massive loss of jobs spawned

by Wales’ closure has resulted in a sharp decline of economic activity in the communities that depended on the estate. Now-a-days the once bustling villages have lost their vigour and the people are finding life increasingly difficult.

The Government’s as-

sault on sugar workers in 2016 was further manifested with the Administration temporarily suspending the nearly seven decade old Annual Production Incentive (API), formerly known as Annual Production Bonus (APB).

The state-owned GuySuCo also refused to provide paid release for sugar workers to attend the GAWU Congress during that year, a long-established practice and, no doubt, with the Government’s acquiesce. The fateful 2016, as it were, concluded with the Administration informing the workers organisations on the last day of 2016 that it was intent on closing East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates and it was seeking to divest Skeldon Estate. The decisions, as in the case with Wales, did not benefit from any considered study to ascertain the impact of the unconscionable action.

The Government which has said it was committed to full consultation stood nakedly exposed when its Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan, blatantly told the workers representatives that the Administration would not pursue any study. The credible reasons for such a study were simply ignored. The Government’s high-handed conduct and approach attracted wide condemnation and, no doubt, are responsible for the Administration to shift gear to now advocate the divestment of the closed estates.

Today, our workers are living in difficult economic times while a small layer of elite enjoy the ‘Good Life’.

It is disturbing that Guyana which is the birthplace of trade unionism in the British Colonial Empire, an achievement which we will celebrate the Centennial Anniversary in a few weeks’ time, has fallen in the hands of an incompetent, uncaring political group which has shown little empathy for our working-people.

2018 LGE: Scenes f 14

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from Election Day WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

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WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

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

Guyana Under Review Several issues were addressed a weekly news conference held by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday (November 14, 2018), ranging the PPP/C plans to name a presidential candidate to misinformation being peddled by certain outfits, relative to the 2018 Local Government Elections.

PPP/C presidential candidate to be named before yearend

P

ressed by members of the media on the naming of a presidential candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, assured that, in keeping with a commitment made earlier, this will be done before the end of the year.

His comment came during his weekly news conference on Thursday (November 15, 2018).

In July this year, Jagdeo, explained that the Party Executives were contemplating whether the process leading up to the naming of a presidential candidate should be done before or after the Local Government Elections (LGE), which is expected later this year. He said, “There are two view and between those two, we will return to the issue on that timeline on when we

settle for the presidential candidate. But it seems are though all of this will happen within the year, before the end of 2018. “…the Congress appointed 35 to sit in the Central Executive of the Party. They (the 35) then elected another 15 to serve as the Executive of the Party. Right now the procedure that we have used and will in all likelihood use again unless the Central Committee decides to change it…they will vote in a secret ballot on all of the persons whose names are before them on the ballot.”

Pressed on his personal support for a particular candidate, Jagdeo said only that, “There are a lot of people that I like, and very competent people, and I wish them all well.”

Asked too about persons declaring publicly their

interest in becoming the PPP/C presidential candidate, he said, “There is nothing wrong with people saying, I am interested. What’s wrong with that? But I urge all of the party members and those who are canvasing not to disparage anyone else.

Because at the end of the day, what will happen, is not all of these people will rally around the person we chose and we move on to win the election. “…I don’t see the party having any difficulty with anyone who says ‘I am interested’. They all know the process. They say ‘I am interested’…I have publicly urged that if they publicly expressed that interest, that the expression of the interest is done in a manner that is not disparaging of any other person who has expressed an interest.”

Parliamentary Opposition wishes President Granger full recovery

W

ishes for President David Granger’s full recovery were expressed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

He said, “We are extremely pleased to see from the press release (from Guyana’s embassy in Cuba) that he is, and I quote, ‘in fine form and a good frame

isleading comments by the increasingly controversial online news outlet, Newsroom, were rubbished by the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

During his Thursday (November 15, 2018) news conference, he noted that the report said, “Claims made by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo on Tuesday that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) captured majority votes in the community of Buxton sparked a wide debate on social media about the fate of the party less than two

years before General and Regional elections in 2020.”

However, Jagdeo made clear that he never claimed

a win in Buxton – rather he stated that the PPP/C secured a notable win at

the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) in the Buxton/ Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). Jagdeo’s exact comment was: “We have won for the first time, the Buxton/ Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC)… so now we will control the NDC.” Jagdeo noted that the misrepresentations by the Newsroom have become a pattern.

“It (the report) is a total lie…they have done this (published misrepresentations) so often, it has become a pattern,” he said.

covery. This is not a political matter and politics aside we should let him know in Cuba that he has our full prayers…he is the President of Guyana.”

The President has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – a cancer hat that originates in the lymphatic system – in Cuba.

He is receiving treatment in Cuba.

No amount of ‘spins’ will diminish the PPP/C margin of win at the 2018 LGE

Online news site slammed for ‘fake news’ D

M

of mind’ and ‘is expected to fully recover under the supervision of his doctors’.”

Jagdeo noted that, politics aside, Granger is President of Guyana and should be aware that the prayers of Guyanese are with him.

“On behalf of PPP/C I wish the President a full recovery and our prayers are with him, the entire nation, for his safe return and full re-

ays after the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE), Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, contends that all the political parties that contested the elections know “where the chips fell” based on the preliminary results that have been released.

“We are not going to have too many more surprises,” he said, during his Thursday (November 15, 2018) news conference.

Jagdeo charged that “no amount of spins” by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) can diminish the margin of votes between the two parties and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

The PPP/C almost doubled the margin of votes between the Party and APNU and AFC combined – moving from about 24,000 at

the 2016 Local Government Elections to over 45,000 at this year’s Local Government Elections.

The difference of votes between the PPP/C and the AFC was a whopping 113,000 votes.

Jagdeo noted that the PPP/C eliminated AFC in many areas where the AFC secured wins in the past.

“The results have spoken.

They are now a footnote in our politics. Nagamootoo had said this was the testing ground of their strength,” he said.

Between the PPP/C and the APNU, the difference of votes was over 50,000. Jagdeo said, “ APNU has been unusually quiet…I don’t know how they will spin the results because clearly they have lost ground in many areas across the country, inspite of

the gerrymandering – against which we prevailed….they can make excuses.”

The Opposition Leader added that the PPP/C win is testimony to hard work of activists on the ground.

The PPP in a statement earlier this week said, “The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) secured a massive at the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) – a win that evidences the hard work of the candidates, their election teams, national and local Party leaders, as well as thousands of our members and supporters. We wish to thank the candidates who participated in the process, the backers and others who made their nominations possible and congratulate all of those who won. We also wish to thank everyone who made the 2018 LGE success a reality."

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WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

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

Compared to 2016 LGE…

PPP/C almost doubles margin of votes between APNU, AFC at 2018 LGE

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ationally, preliminary results show the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has almost doubled the margin of votes between our Party and APNU and AFC combined – moving from about 24,000 at the 2016 Local Government Elections to over 45,000 at this year’s Local Government Elections. The difference of votes between the PPP/C and the AFC was a whopping 113,000 votes, validating our Party’s position that the AFC is a spent political force. Between the PPP/C and the APNU, the difference of votes was over 50,000.

Preliminary results also show that the PPP/C won in 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) and tied five others at the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE). This win was secured in the face of gerrymandering efforts by the Coalition Government, via the creation of new LAAs, as well as reduction and merger of several constituencies in areas previously won by the PPP/C – making it more advantageous for APNU to contest in these areas.

Notwithstanding this, the PPP/C increased its win from 48 LAAs in 2016 to 52 LAAs in 2018 Local Government Elections.

This massive wins tells a clear story and evidences the hard work of the candidates, their election teams, national and local Party leaders, as well as thousands of our members and supporters.

We wish to thank the candidates who participated in the process, the backers and others who made their nominations possible and congratulate all of those who won. We also wish to thank everyone who made this success a reality.

TOWN COUNCIL WINS In the 10 towns the PPP/C, secured big wins in five of Guyana’s 10 towns: winning all the seats in Anna Regina, Rose Hall (12 of 16 seats), Corriverton (14 of the 16 seats), Lethem (6 of the 10 seats) and Mabaruma (eight of the 12 seats).

The Party was successful in taking control of the Town Councils in Lethem and Mabaruma from the APNU+AFC Coalition, despite the use of state resources (monies spent on chartered flights, distribution of sports gears, bicycles, etc.) by the Government to campaign in these areas in an effort to maintain control of the Town Councils.

In Georgetown, the PPP/C made significant inroads, securing a total of

seven seats on the Town Council – up from two seats.

At the 2016 LGE, the Party secured two seats based on the PR votes. This year, the Party, not only doubled its PR votes, coping four seats, but also won three of the 15 Constituencies in Georgetown – bringing the total to seven.

In Bartica, the PPP/C increased its votes by over 60 per cent, when compared to 2016 numbers. At the 2016 LGE the vote totals showed: PPP – 699; APNU+AFC – 1,954. This year, the vote totals show: PPP/C – 1,144; APNU – 1,443; and AFC – 470. The Party was successful in moving its vote totals closer to the numbers secured by APNU. In Linden and New Amsterdam the Party secured more seats than it did at the 2016 Local Government Elections.

In Mahdia, the newly created town, the Party secured over 20 per cent of the PR votes cast on Monday (November 12, 2018) and secured one seat on the Town Council.

NDC WINS In the 70 NDCs, the Party was successful in not only holding on to its support base, but also saw an increase in votes in areas that

were seen as the traditional support bases of parties like the APNU. The PPP/C won the Buxton/ Foulis NDC, Region 4.

The PPP/C won all the seats (both PR and Constituency) in several NDCs, including: Crabwood Creek, Black Bush Polder, Kintyre/ Borlam (no-contest), Cane Grove, La Jalousie/ Nouvelle Flanders and Bath/ Woodley Park.

There are several other NDCs where the PPP/C won all of the Constituency seats.

The Whim/Bloomfield NDC, Region 6, was another notable win. It was none other than AFC’s Moses Nagamootoo who declared that “there is a straight contest” between the PPP/C and the AFC in this NDC, touted his participation in a ‘mini’ rally and talked up attendance at the AFC leaders at a meeting at Auchlyne School – claiming, in one of his many vacuous speeches in the National Assembly, that the space at the school was inadequate to accommodate the ‘huge’ crowds. The PPP/C secured almost 90 per cent of the votes and 13 out of 14 seats in the Whim/ Bloomfield NDC. The AFC had less votes in the NDC than the number of candidates and individuals on the Nominators’ List (backers’

list) that they submitted to GECOM, proving our point that they had to compile fraudulent lists.

OVERCOMING GERRYMANDERING EFFORTS It is public knowledge that Coalition government created nine new areas as part of the gerrymandering effort to improve its showing at the Local Government Elections.

Despite this, in two of the nine new LAAs, the PPP/C won control of the NDCs – the Nile/Cozier NDC, Region 2, and the Wyburg/ Caracas NDC, Region 6.

In another two new NDCs – Lamaha/ Yarrowkabra and Moruka/ Phoenix Park – there is a tie.

Also, as part of the gerrymandering effort, changes were made to 14 LAAs via the reduction of 16 constituencies that were won by the PPP/C at the 2016 Local Government Elections.

In Region 2, two of the LAAs where changes were made were the Evergreen/ Paradise and Aberdeen/Zorgen-Vlygt NDCs – in both of these LAAs the constituency seats were reduced from nine to eight, which resulted in the PPP/C winning four seats and APNU winning the other four. However, based on the PR votes, the PPP/C

secured convincing wins in these areas. In Evergreen/ Paradise, the vote totals show: PPP/C – 1,094 (PR) votes; and APNU – 480. In Aberdeen/Zorg-en-Vlygt, the vote totals show: PPP/C – 1,059; and APNU – 390.

In several other LAAs where changes were made, the PPP/C still secured majority support, including in: La Grange/Nismes, Toevlugt/Patentia, Caledonia/Good Success, Mahaicony/Abary, Zeelust/Rosignol, Blairmont/Gelberland, Ordnance Fortlands/No. 38 and the No. 52-74 Village NDCs. Changes were also made in the Bushlot/Adventure NDC – an area that the PPP/C won in 2016 – which has now resulted in a tie between the PPP/C and APNU. The changes at Malgre Tout/Meerzorgen NDC, which was tied in 2016, saw the PPP/C not being able to secure the majority seats.

The Party wishes to reiterate that the promises made, in the lead up to the 2018 LGE, will be kept. In every area controlled by the PPP/C, every effort will be made to ensure greater accountability, more involvement of citizens and a stronger focus on providing better services. There will be no increases in rates and taxes.

Case on gerrymandering of LAA boundaries…

No pronouncements on fundamental issues, appeal will be filed

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he PPP wishes to express its disappointment on the ruling handed down by Justice Gino Persaud, in the legal challenge filed by Bibi Shadick, a Commissioner of GECOM. This case along with others that have been filed, were done so with the sole objective of protecting our democratic process, strengthening our electoral machinery and safeguarding our citizens right to vote and to engender consultation with and participation of the

citizens of our country in the electoral decision making process.

Unfortunately, thus far, we have been unable to persuade the Judiciary that important violations are taking place in relation to the Constitution and our electoral laws, which threaten the very democratic foundations upon which this nation rests. Although, evidence was produced that Minister Ronald Bulkan adopted a particular course of action

in relation to identification of Local Authority Areas, the demarcation of boundaries and the allocation of seats for each constituency for the Local Government Elections of 2015, as he is mandated to do by law, but that he failed to follow that very process in respect of the 2018 elections, the learned Judge found nothing wrong with this departure. Having found that the Minister acted in accordance with the law the learned Judge omitted

to determine a number of important issues raised in the case, including: 1. Whether the Chief Elections Officer can create new constituencies in existing NDCs areas without consulting with either the electors or the political parties; 2. Whether the Chief Elections Officer at his own whim and fancy can merge existing constituencies and add constituencies within existing NDCs when their impact clearly create an elec-

toral advantage in favor of one political party and to the disadvantage of other political parties, without consulting with the electors, the political parties or any organization or stakeholder whatsoever.

3. Whether the Chief Elections Officer acted on his own or carried out the directions of the Minister in the alteration of these constituencies and whether the process followed by the Chief Elections Officer, in so do-

ing, was lawful.

These were some of the fundamental issues which we expected pronouncements on for future guidance. Unfortunately, these issues were not addressed by the court in the oral decision delivered.

However, we pledge to continue to persevere relentlessly in our struggles to protect our citizens’ right to vote and indeed the democratic process as a whole.

Certainly, we will file an Appeal against this ruling.

18

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

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

Public servants are receiving City Hall says it is moving to collect “poverty” pay – GPSU Head dues from Georgetown residents

T

he cost of goods and services in Guyana, when compared to the salaries being paid to public servants, led the President of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Patrick Yarde, to conclude that Guyana’s public servants are still receiving “poverty” pay.

Focus on the wages/salaries being paid to public servants has come into focus, in light of the brouhaha involving an agreement to increase the pay of Guyana’s public school teachers.

On Wednesday (November 14, 2018), Yarde disclosed that the body’s executive council will soon meet for discussions on charting the way forward for improved wages.

The GPSU had made a three-year proposal for better benefits to the APNU+AFC Coalition Government in 2015.

With no consideration

given to the 2015 proposal, the GPSY wrote President David Granger after the Union could not schedule ready meetings with the Department of Public Service’s Permanent Secretary.

Yarde said, “I wrote the President another letter saying that there was nobody there to speak to for the situation to be remedied. There was a series of things that was happening and now he is ill…at our Executive Council meeting on Friday, we will determine how to proceed to deal with this matter.

When asked about changes to the 2015 proposal, he said, “If there is evidence for us to consider higher or lower; we could go to the sky for the limit. Lots of public servants receive poverty payments; lots of their ends can’t meet with what they’re getting. There is no question with whether we will pursue the best we will get.”

In October 2017, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had announced Government’s final offer which outlined an eight per cent increase for public service employees earning between $55,000 and $99,999. He had disclosed that public servants earning between $100,000 and $299,999 would have received an increase of six per cent, while workers earning between $300,000 and $500,000 were offered a five per cent increase. He added that those earning between $500,000 and $699,999 have been offered a four per cent increase while those earning $700,000 to $799,999 are being offered a two per cent increase. Employees earning between $800,000 and $1 million were proposed a 0.5 per cent increase while those earning above $1 million have been ‘red circled and will benefit from no increases’.

A

head of the expected swearing in of a new Council for the Georgetown Municipality, following the 2018 Local Government Elections, City Hall has made it clear that it will be moving to collect on $1.8B, which it claims that residents owe in rates and taxes.

“Shortly, the City’s the administration will be publishing the names and addresses of property owners who have been consistently delinquent,” City Hall said, in a missive release on Wednesday (November 14, 2018).

City Hall also charged that the law is on its site. It cited the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 section 209, which states that: “(1) The owner of a property shall be liable for the payment of rates levied thereon. “(2) The person whose name appears in the valuation list shall for the pur-

pose of this section, be deemed to be the owner of the property listed against his name until the contrary is proved to the satisfaction of the council.”

City Hall also cited Section 213 of the law, which states that, states: (1) The rates due in respect of a general rate shall be payable in four equal installments which shall become due to the first day of February or

on the day of service of the demand note, whichever day is later, the first day of April, the first day of July and the first day of October. “(2) The rates due in respect of supplementary rate shall be payable in two equal installments which shall become due on the first day of July or on service of the demand note, whichever day is the later and the first day of October.”

STRAIGHT TALK (The following is a broadcast by Dr. Cheddi Jagan after winning the August 21, 1961 General Elections. Its re-printing is among several activities being undertaken during 2018 to mark the 100th birth anniversary – March 22, 2018 – of the founder of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Jagan.)

Forward in Unity

By Dr. Cheddi Jagan

I

speak today to thank my friends and helpers for the support and loyalty, the hard work and the courage, which has made it possible for our Party to win the General Elections.

I regard the final result as a vote of confidence in me and in my Party. While I am proud and happy to accept the mandate, which you have given, yet it places on my shoulders a heavy burden. I pray that I may find strength and courage to carry it.

For our country has many problems; and as I think of what lies ahead, what is to come, I am keenly conscious that I cannot

face the task alone. It is not just my battle, it is our battle. And when I say our, I mean all Guianese so that I speak now not only to PPP supporters, but to all people here who have our country’s good at heart.

During the bitter pre-Election fight, we have seen a split on racial lines.

No greater disaster could have befallen us. Little good can now be done by allocating the blame for this. What is needed is to heal the breach.

The hard fact is that incidents involving violence between peoples of different races continue to occur although the Election fight is passed. These incidents are isolated. Nevertheless, they are symptomatic.

And so my first message to you today is this. Let us all forget the bitterness of race. Let Guianese unite in the great fight for Independence and for happiness, which now lies ahead.

NEVER DISCRIMINATE I give my solemn pledge

that my Government will never discriminate against any person or persons on the ground of race, religion or political creed, that the essential freedoms will be preserved and we will respect the rights of all.

Our Party has always been and will always be, a multi-racial Party. Within it there is room for all. Its leaders come from every racial group. I call upon the Guianese of every race and every creed to rally now behind us.

WAY CLEAR Our plans are laid, our way is clear; all we need is a common purpose. Our first task is, of course, to free our country. The promise of

Independence must be made a reality – not in two year’s time – or one year’s time – NOW. In this task, I ask the help of all members of the Opposition.

Here is an aim on which both my Party and the PNC are agreed. Let us lay the ground work for joint effort in the future by beginning here.

FIRST STEP The Chinese say that even a journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step. We must heal the wound of racial prejudice. This is a giant task, but we start with this single step – cooperation on the issue of independence now. This after all, is a task of such importance as to

place it in a sphere above all Party politics.

From there, perhaps we may move on to further cooperative effort in the battle to increase our People’s wealth and happiness. Efforts which will lead us step by step until we reach thee good life of which we have all dreamt.

PATRIOTISM I and my Party will play our part. For the rest, we must rely on the patriotism and the good sense of those who form the Opposition, in the hope that all will help to allay the ugly threat of inter racial hatred which now hangs on the land.

Let us hope that wise counsel will prevail.

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

APNU+AFC gov’t inaction this week

19

…a snapshot of headlines making the news

Lease finally handed over to National Toshaos Council after years of waiting Yet another promise made to Amerindians in Guyana was unfulfilled for years.

After pressure The Guyana Lands and Surveys (GL&SC) on Tuesday (November 13, 2018) presented a lease to the National Toshaos Council (NTC) for a plot of land identified at Sophia.

The land will occupy the secretariat of the National Toshaos Council.

The Indigenous leaders, during the 2016 NTC conference, had requested a plot of land from the Government to construct its long-awaited Secretariat.

At the last NTC Conference, toshaos from the various Indigenous communities, raised a number of land related issues with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the commission, through Mr. Benn, as promised that those issues will be looked and be addressed once if falls within the ambit of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

Foreign Direct investment numbers increase because of oil and gas sector, still lower than 2014 levels Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Guyana, according to a report from the Department of Public Information, increased from US$58M in 2016 to US$212M in 2017. The increase was credited to activities in the oil and gas sector.

However, even with activities in the oil and gas sector, the 2017 numbers are still lower than the 2014 numbers (US$255M).

Concerns have been expressed about government’s ability to attract foreign direct investments by the Parliamentary Opposition.

In three years, among several other trips made, there were three massive excursions between 2015 and 2017 – excursions that Guyanese were told focused on securing investments. To date there has been no details on the outcomes of those trips.

Hundreds more graduate from UG, gov’t continues to fails to deliver on promised job plan

Still no announcements about action on crime plan ‘to end crime’

More than 1,700 students graduated over the weekend at the University of Guyana’s 52nd Convocation.

While some of the1700 have jobs, hundreds others are without. Meanwhile, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government continues to fail Guyanese youths, as it relates to providing opportunities for employment among other things. On the issue of job creation, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, is yet to unveil a national plan to create jobs.

The promise of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition during the 2015 General and Regional elections campaign was to create jobs, jobs and more jobs in the shortest time possible Notably, like President David Granger, Jordan is now talking up the focus on persons creating jobs for themselves. “All good paying jobs, as far as I am concerned, can come from self-generation and that is why we have to focus a lot on small and medium businesses, creating entrepreneurs rather than traders out of people,” he said at a recent press conference.

Of note is the fact that President Granger has admitted that under his Government, the economy has not been able to produce “sufficient” new jobs. Also, Granger, in a May 2016 broadcast of ‘The Public Interest’ noted that the Government does not have jobs to give out. “We need to change from the mindset that government owes people employment and create in the minds of young people the desire to go out there and work and do well…people even while they are in school will be encouraged to go into business rather than to look forward to jobs in the private sector,” he said.

However, in a message from Granger, the manifesto stated that the APNU+AFC Coalition will provide: “Employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mining, agro-processing and the arts to provide jobs and promote economic growth.”

As the daily reports of incidents of criminal activity continues to make the news, the Coalition Government – more than three years after taking office – is still to advance their promised crime plan.

Meanwhile, seven months since Granger accepted the Report of the Security Sector Reform Project (SSRP), which was presented to him by United Kingdom’s Security Reform Programme Senior Advisor, Colonel Russell Combe, there has still been no move to operationalise the plan.

This is despite the fact that President Granger himself admitted to need to roll out measures to address the crime situation. Earlier this year, he had said. “We are deeply concerned about the security situation and the sooner we implement those reforms, I think, the better,” he had said.

When he received the report, the President had said that the report was the start of security reform in Guyana. He had said, “We are now trying to correct the errors of over two decades of mismanagement of the security sector. There is a lot of work to do.”

No action has been announced as taken based on the recommendations of the report.

20

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

‘Significant progress made under succe administrations to improve welfare of LEGISLATION

The Amerindian Act 2006 is an embodiment of policies that cover the protection of the general welfare and rights of Indigenous Peoples. It affirms the declaration of rights of indigenous peoples in specific stipulations that include governance, land rights and preservation, and Amerindian heritage.

Passed a year before the UN-DRIP declaration, Guyana’s 2006 Amerindian Act includes key provisions relating to Amerindian people that are not dissimilar, in most instances, from those outlined in the declaration, and has thus been the legal stronghold for Amerindian development.

TOURISM SUPPORT

In 2012, the Ministry financed eco-tourism projects for 19 Villages, each receiving utmost $1.5M. In 2013, twenty villages will be receiving grants at $1.5M each to the eco-tourism industry in their respective regions.

The initial implementation of the first 27 Community Development Plans (CDPs) funded through the GRIF, 11 % account for projects that are related to ecotourism.

HEALTH

The Amerindian Hostel data on inpatients reflect access to medical services at Georgetown Public Hospital thereby reducing further aggravation of health situations of Hinterland patients and providing better access to quality health services; safe and adequate accommodation for patients and welfare cases help ensure the psychological health and general well-being of those that are affected by sickness and other social issues.

The fact that all villages have a health hut/health centre makes access to primary health care easier in villages and thus improving health conditions of villagers.

Amerindian Residence accommodated a total of 7017 patients with their accompanying relatives up to 2014.

The Residence provides a shelter for those patients who have been referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention.

Over the years, the purpose of this facility had evolved such that the most significant proportion of persons being accommodated is patients and those accompanying them.

The Residence has also expanded its services to encompass persons in difficult situations including Domestic Violence, Trafficking in Persons, labour issues, discharged prisoners or any other similar situation.

The Maternity waiting room at the Amerindian Hostel was constructed at a cost of $1.2M. The aim of the new facility is in keeping with Government’s commitment to ensure the safety of mothers and their babies and to ensure that every mother and child have access to adequate health care and provided with the best care and treatment.

SOLAR PANEL AND ENERGY ACCESS

A total of 11, 000 solar panels were installed across all the regions. A mini-hydro power plant is about to be constructed in Cheung Mouth River to supply renewable energy to Region 8 villages.

An additional 6000 solar panels are being procured for distribution to additional communities including some riverine communities CORE HOMES/HOME SUBSIDIES

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

GOVERNANCE

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

A total of 187 Amerindian Villages and Communities were considered for economic projects under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) - Guyana REDD+Investment Fund (GRIF).

Some US$6.3M from GRIF is allotted for said projects under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).

Twenty- Seven (27) projects from across all regions have been chosen for the initial implementation of the project which has commenced early part of 2013 with a budget of US$1.8M. Sixty-seven percent (67%) of all the projects are in agriculture with the aim of securing Amerindian livelihoods.

ADF Project Management Unit were up and running to facilitate full implementation of 160 CDPs. CULTURE

The preservation and promotion of Amerindian heritage is germane to Amerindian’s identity. The cultural activities have been the media for Amerindian culture to be accepted and understood by other groups in Guyana, at the same time, an avenue for all Amerindians to celebrate their heritage and embrace their indigenous roots and identity.

By continuing to protect Amerindian culture, Amerindians are able to understand the significance of their dances, languages, practices, local knowledge, cuisine, crafts, songs, and literature to the total development of their villages. The government is cognizant of the fact that culture is one of the pillars of sustainable development, and without it, and then development is not fully achieved.

Some $25M was spent on average annually in for Amerindian Heritage Celebrations to promote traditions, values, literature , dances of Amerindians. Another $6M was spent annually for other cultural activities The Initiatives include: Arawak Revival Language Project launched in Capoey; Support to Cultural Expo (North Pakaraimas) - $5M; and Support to cultural groups of Aisalton ($1.4M) and Santa Rosa ($7M) OTHER INVESTMENTS

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

LAND OWNERSHIP

Prior to 1992, 74 communities were titled. Since, then 24 more villages were granted titles, thereby bringing the total of titled villages to 98, seventy-seven of which had been demarcated.

Six (6) titles were to be approved prior to May 2015 and seven (7) extension were investigated and in preparation for approval While Indigenous people in many Countries have right of use of the Land only, in Guyana where the Indigenous People account for approximately 9.7% of the population, Amerindians own land, including the forests resources within their Titled Lands.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT/SUPPORT

The MoAA has launched the Youth Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) aimed to train young Amerindians while employing them at the same time and become powerful partners in development.

Some $200M was spent on YEAP in 2013. Focus was placed on developing 2,000 Community Support Officers (CSOs) participate productively in Education, Health, and Social Welfare, Community Development, Culture, ICT, Infrastructure and small business.

The CSOs received training in various areas, including: • Management of Photovoltaic System • Management of Basic ICT hardware • Governance & Amerindian Act • Youth Voices for Climate Change (Sponsored by the US Embassy/Caribbean Development Bank educate youths on the importance of Climate Change and its impact in the Caribbean) • Business & Sustainable Development • Various aspect of the Community Development Project training The Youth Apprenticeship Programme was aimed at training young Amerindians while employing them at the same time is a medium to empower the young as partners in national development. These youths will be our partners in the implementation of CDPs and other socio-economic activities that are taking place in the villages now. The inclusion of the young in gearing their villages towards progress by letting them participate productively in technical, mechanical, computer, and agricultural activities will definitely enhance the capacity of the villages’ human resources.

AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT

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

Computer Accessibility through 100 computer hubs commenced in 2013. Some $287.7M was allotted for solar systems for ICT hubs; and 57,000 person-beneficiaries.

As at 2014: 72 of these hubs are completed;9 hubs near completion and the HUBs were constructed into Regions of 1, 7, 8 and 9.

All villages now have radio sets for fast communication, each one costs $500,000 Telecommunication facilities built in Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Red Hill, Morucca, Aishalton, Annai, Lethem, Ominaik, and Mahdia, thus improving communication in the hinterlands!

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

essive PPP/C Amerindians’ AMERINDIAN LAND TITLING PROJECT (ALT)

In 2010, MoAA together with UNDP and the Office of the President initiated a Land titling Project that sought to process applications for titling and demarcation. When it started, some 13 new communities were considered for titling, 32 applications for extension of land were made; and 33 Villages were demarcated.

Some US$10.75 was been allotted for the project under the LCDS-GRIF. A Project Management Unit was established in June 2014 to facilitate the implementation of the project. Under the APNU+AFC Government, the Unit was disbanded.

Government of Guyana has also allotted $77.9M in its 2013 national budget for this purpose.

This means that 89% of eligible villages have thus far been titled, and only 11% remains to be titled by 2015.

TRANSPORTATION

The PPP/C government consistently allocated funds for Land and Water Transport to improve transportation services in villages, and thus improving Access to hospitals and health centers and posts.

Boats, outboard engines, ATVs, Mini-buses, Pick-ups, Motorcycles have been provided to almost all the villages through the years; and more.

PRESIDENTIAL GRANTS

From the year 2007 to 2013, the Government of Guyana invested $1,172,000,000 to 189 Amerindian communities for Economic, Agriculture, Tourism, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Social Projects.

In 2012 and 2013 alone $M359, 800,000 was allotted for this program to 189 Amerindian Communities. In 2014, 200M is allotted for this project, and 28 villages have thus far received their grant.

EDUCATION

Access to Primary Education was advanced and 100 % of villages have primary schools Better access to secondary education was pushed and through 14 secondary schools in the hinterland were set up.

Under the Hinterland Scholarship Programme sixty two (62) students were awarded Hinterland Scholarships in 2014. In 2013, 430 total students are in the roll which is an 18% increase from the total of 362 students in 2012.

An average of 50 Hinterland students per year for the past decade is added to the list of grantees.

Some $94.5M spent for Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, with state of the art facilities, was home to an average of 90 students per year . All secondary schools have dormitories.

The cost per student per year in the Dormitory is $994,780; (inclusive of transportation and allowances).

The Cost per student living with Guardians in the Interior is $214,000 per year. For those living in Dormitories in the region including President’s College is $99,000 per year.

School Uniform Distribution commenced in 2007 to increase school attendance in hinterland areas by ensuring students have the necessary uniforms. The programme benefitted 30,000 hinterland students from Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9.

21

Holder admits that unless sugar is taken seriously at the political level nothing will happen T he importance of sugar industries to CARICOM countries development was underscored by representatives of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean on Thursday (November 15, 2018), as the two-member team held dialogue with government officials in the main boardroom of the Agriculture Ministry.

The team which was led by Director of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean for Belize, John McLachlan presented a report titled, “CSME market for white sugar: the need for regional integration and reform.” The presentation which was delivered to Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), and representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture respectively, addressed a number of key areas which needed to be fine-tuned at the governmental levels, if sugar is to remain viable.

During his presentation, McLachlan spoke of the work being undertaken by the association in an attempt to correct market imbalances which currently exists.

He added that for sugar to remain

competitive, there is need for strong regional integration and reform of sugar industries. “It is a critical time for sugar in CARICOM region….. there remain significant challenges confronting the industry, which in our view can become viable, if the necessary issues are addressed at the political level, so that sugar production can find a place in the market,” he noted.

Of main importance, SAC has suggested to CARICOM that the Common External Tariffs be relooked at and amended to impose a 40% tax on beet-sugar coming into the CARIOM market. The aim is to have Caribbean sugar sold in Caribbean markets.

Among the issues highlighted, the global market challenges, EU market changes, traditional reliance on the EU, alternative markets for CARCIOM and impacts on sugar production and industrial producers were discussed.

Global demand for sugar increases 2% annually fueled by population growth, however, it continues to fall in the EU. According to SAC Director for

Belize, total production currently exceeds demands in the region – something which needs to be urgently addressed. He said that while the association has been doing much in terms of research, the reality is sugar production will remain low unless governments intervene with significant financial support. “Another area of focus is the impact the industry has on industrial producers which will continue to increase and I urge the political decision makers to fine-tune this,” McLachlan said.

The report was presented to COTED and major sugar importing companies in CSME the SAC. The next step will be to present a position paper to COTED which will show how countries can even out pricing in the long run, after which there will be a presentation on the finding and key outcomes at the next Heads of Government meeting.

Meanwhile, when presented with these facts, Agriculture Minsister, Noel Holder admitted to the importance of the sugar industry.

He added that nothing will happen unless the sector is taken seriously by political leaders.

Logger busted with illegal ammo

A

45-year-old logger of Alliance Timehri, East Bank Demerara, and Kuru-Kuru College Road, who was previously charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition in A Division, and possession of ammunition in E Division, found himself in hot water for similar offences, over the weekend.

On Saturday (November 10, 2018), during a roadblock operation at Bamai,Linden/Soesdyke Highway, the man was found in possession of ten 10) live 12 gauge cartridges.

At the time he was a passenger in a public transportation vehicle destined for Mahdia.

The man was taken into custody.

Linden Police probing rape of 6-year-old

P

olice in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) are probing the rape of a six-year-old child.

The suspect, a 44-year-old man of Wisroc, Wismar, Linden, has been arrested and questioned in relation to the incident and released on bail.

The Commander of E Division (Linden-Kwakwani), Linden Lord, has indicated that legal advice has

since been sought on the way forward.

Region 10 recorded the highest cases of child abuse in Guyana in 2017, with a 22.1 per cent of the country’s total.

Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Ann Greene, had confirmed that most of the reported cases in the region came from Linden. According to information from the Agency,

the overall rate of child abuse for Guyana in 2017 is 15.8 children per 1000 of the national population of children. Greene had stressed the importance of understanding “rates” in terms of population size when looking at the number of children being abused, as she pointed out that according to the rates, Region 10 had the highest. She also indicated that Region 10 had the highest rate of child neglect and sexual abuse.

22

GuySuCo and SPU clash again

I

n September 2018, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) blocked the Special Purposes Unit (SPU) – created under National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to oversee the sell-off of GuySuCo assets – from launching a sports bar at its corporate headquarters at La Bonne Intention (LBI).

And this week, the confrontation between GuySuCo and the SPU, on the matter, continued.

A statement released by GuySuCo said: “The Guy-

are in, it’s a battle and it’s really unnecessary. It’s also a departure from GuySuCo’s values and principles because it was a staff club. It’s a corporate compound and

and yet they are going ahead with it.”

GuySuCo was kept in the dark about the changes at the LBI Estate Staff Club, until the week of the sport bar launching.

Since the APNU+AFC Coalition government moved to shut down sugar estates and divest others, there has been tension between GuySuCo and the Head of the SPU, Colvin Heath- London.

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Forced takeover of the Bridge runs counter to democratic freedoms - PSC R eiterating its position that the massive proposed toll increases were inconceivable, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), over the weekend, put the APNU+AFC Coalition Government on blast for its takeover of the Berbice Bridge.

The PSC said, “The Government of Guyana, through the power granted to it by the Berbice River Bridge Act, and in reaction to the proposed steep increase in tolls by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc, BBCI, has temporarily taken over the functions of maintaining and operating the Berbice River Bridge. From its inception, the Bridge has served an important role in ensuring efficient movement between Demerara and Berbice, both for businesses and commuters. It also functions as a gateway to traffic going to and from neighbouring Suriname. The Bridge has,

in fact, become an important and necessary contributor to Guyana's economic growth. “…the forced takeover of the Bridge by Government, however, runs counter to freedom within a democratic society and could do untold damage to investor confidence at a time when we are actively seeking to encourage investment. In the interest of maintaining viable Private-Public partnerships we urge both parties to go to the negotiating table and work towards an amicable solution.”

The Commission noted that the business community is looking forward to a speedy resolution to what it called a crucial national issue.

In July the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. proposed an increase in tolls of over 100 per cent. This was rejected. In early October, the Bridge Company then

proposed an increase of a whopping 360 per cent in tolls. The announcement came from the Alliance For Change (AFC) supporter who was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Berbice Bridge Company, Surrendra Persaud. After the last proposal made by the Company was rejected, another proposal was proffered, once that included a 19-year extension of the concession agreement.

Like the PSC, the Parliamentary Opposition has made clear its non-support for the proposed toll increases and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has also said that the proposed 19-year extension of the concession agreement is unnecessary. Jagdeo has said that the financial model on which the Berbice Bridge was constructed saw no massive increases in tolls.

by SOCU to question former PPP/C government officials) will be used. So hopefully from next week, you will start seeing members of the Government coming here to answer for the contract that was awarded illegally, with the complicity of Cabinet.”

The project was not re-tendered. Instead, a Dutch Company, LivenseCSO, was engaged by Patterson’s Ministry.

The report, on page 7, noted that the bid from LivenseCSO was “unsolicited” and added that Patterson then took the company’s proposal to Cabinet for approval. Cabinet granted its approval for the company to be engaged.

The report, on page 7, stated that monies to be spent on the project were taken from the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (Asphalt Plant Accounts).

The report said, “The PPC noted that the Minster of Public Infrastructure, by memorandum dated November 18 2016, made a request to the Cabinet for Government seeking consideration and approval to use funds from the Demerara Harbor Bridge Corporation to fund the feasibility study and to commence a contractual engagement with LievenseCSO as of the 1 Jan 2017. The PPC noted that this request to Cabinet was not forwarded through

the NPTA but submitted directly by the Minister of Public Infrastructure. The PPC also noted that Cabinet considered the memorandum submitted by the Minister of Public Infrastructure and in November 2016 approved a total sum of $161, 514, 420 to be used from the Demerara Harbor Bridge Corporation to cover cost for the feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara river.”

Notably, the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation, according to the PPC report, disclosed that the Board of the Corporation was not involved in the decision to spend its monies.

The report said, “He (Mr. Adams) stated that he had not signed the contract on behalf of the DHBC, but only because he was requested to do so by the Minister of Public Infrastructure.

The Parliamentary Opposition’s position is that the findings of the report evidence a flagrant breach of Guyana’s financial rules.

To date there is no update from SOCU on the matter.

Another week of silence from SOCU on promised Patterson ‘corruption’ investigation

T

ana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) hereby informs the members of the public that contrary to the advertisement of a pool party, fete or other such event to be held at the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Estate Staff Club and pool on the 24th November, 2018, there will be no such event held on the said 24th November at the LBI Estate Staff Club and pool.”

The transformation of GuySuCo’s staff club into a sports bar by the SPU does not line up with the sugar company’s principles and values, according to GuySuCo. GuySuCo’s Public Relations Officer, Audreyanna Thomas, in September had said, “It’s a fight that we

you shouldn’t have a sports bar. It has always been a staff club. “…this is a departure from being a corporate environment and it is something that is being forced on us. In addition to that, we haven’t paid salaries to the staff as yet. This is not our priority.

We are not getting money to do our capital investments but we are having the launch of a sports bar. We are saying that these are not our priorities. “…the SPU’s focus is supposed to be divesting their estates – Rose Hall, Skeldon, Wales and Enmore.

However, for some reason, they have rehabilitated the staff club even though we would have informed them that it should not happen

he failure of Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to call in Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, for questioning over the illegal award of a multi-million dollar contract continues.

A report from the Public Procurement Commission was sent to SOCU by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – with a call for an investigation.

SOCU Head, Sydney James, when pressed, had indicated that the complaint filed by the PPP/C, in relation to the illegally approved contract for the feasibility study on a new Demerara River, is being investigated.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, in commenting on an exchange with James on the matter, had said, “I asked whether SOCU was proceeding with the case against Patterson and the answer was yes…I was told that he (Patterson) will be called here (to SOCU’s office). And that other members of the Cabinet will be invited to SOCU, so we are very pleased about that; that the same standard (used

FINDINGS OF PPC REPORT After a call from the PPP/C, the PPC completed its investigation into the award of the contract for a feasibility study on a new Demerara River and handed its report over on August 7, 2018.

The report noted that several companies bid for the project – to do the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River bridge – and 12 companies were shortlisted. The report added that only two of the 12 companies made proposals.

As such the bidding process was annulled. It added that on November 12, 2016, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) approved the move for the project to be re-tendered.

23

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Corruption, breach of financial laws, spending irregularities and more….

APNU+AFC gov’t has racked up over 55 scandals since taking office

T

he Parliamentary Opposition has been monitoring the APNU+AFC Coalition government’s use of public funds and the levels of transparency and accountability.

From June 10, 2015 to date, over 55 scandals have been uncovered – an average of one scandal for each month – some of which are listed below:

1. The cost of the inauguration ceremonies at the Parliament Buildings and, more particularly, the one at the National Stadium has never been revealed.

2. The removal of 8 containers containing steel by BK International from the Ministry of Public Health’s compound worth millions of dollars - in the first week after government changed - in violation of a court order.

The government did nothing to retrieve the containers and has been silent.

3. The dismissal of 1,972 Amerindian community service officers at “one stroke of the pen” with no cause by the third (3rd) Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Affairs. Despite a promise by VP Allicock in the National Assembly, during the 2015 Budget debate that the government would create a new programme to hire Amerindian youths, they instead replaced this programme with the Hinterland Entrepreneurial Youth Skills Programme (HEYs). HEYS is a sixmonth training programme with no entrepreneurial or employment component, which is under severe duress as there are complaints that the facilitators and students have not received their stipends despite the budgetary provision of $1Billion.

4. The appointment of 33 foreign honourary advisors to assist the government and the appointment of a top heavy bureaucracy of Presidential and Ministerial advisors, which have only been partially disclosed in the National Assembly in response to questions to Ministers in 2016. The total numbers are approximated to be nearing 100 advisors (local and foreign) at a huge cost to the taxpayers.

5. India/GoG funded Speciality Hospital – the government gave a contract to Fedders Lloyd (VP Ramjattan was its lawyer) without going to tender at a price yet unknown and in violation of

the procurement laws. Despite public outcry, the government refused to terminate the contract for the Speciality Hospital.

The company was delisted by the IDB and the Indian government and Eximbank withdrew the money for the loan. There has been no disclosure as to how much Fedders Lloyd was paid and what work had been done when the company was delisted and the project halted.

6. The first act of the government was to give themselves e nor m ous salary increases between 50 -100 % of what the former government ministers received. This was quietly done in September 2015 and the parliamentary opposition had to wage a struggle in Parliament to bring a motion to reverse this. When the motion was finally heard in December, it was defeated by the government’s one-seat majority. It should be remembered that the media, having leaked the fact that the government was embarking on increasing the salaries of the President, VPs and Ministers, Minister Trotman, on behalf of the government, denied that the government was contemplating any salary increases for the Ministers. This was also denied during the debate on the 2015 Budget in August 2015. Having gone into recess mid-September, the government stealthily published Order No. 6 of 2015 in the Official Gazette, dated September 25th, 2015, increasing their salaries and making it retroactive to July 1, 2015. Contrast this act with the government’s refusal to increase the salaries of the public servants in accordance with their campaign promises.

7. Durban Park Development Project for the Jubilee celebrations - The government has refused to provide information on the “private company,” which was in charge of the preparations of the Durban Park prior to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s “take over” of the project on the orders of the President.

It is estimated that the costs, when finally exposed, will be close to $1Billion - for a one-day event.

8. The President pardoned over 100 convicted felons in 2015 and stated that this would be

done annually. He promised that these would be felons with non-violent crimes and juvenile offenders. In fact, this was not true. A number of these persons had been sentenced for violent crimes and a number of them are back in prison.

9. The Rudisa case at the CCJ and the pay out to Rudisa - The APNU and AFC, while in Opposition, twice caused the defeat in the 10th Parliament of attempts by the PPPC government to amend the Customs Act in order to pre-empt the case going to the CCJ and save the country millions of US dollars. The APNU+AFC Coalition government settled to repay the entire amount of the Rudisa USD$16M claim without any negotiations for a debt repayment schedule and despite the fact that the company owed and appears to still owe millions of dollars in taxes to Guyana. The first payment was made late last year and the second budgeted for in the 2016 Budget.

10. Hundreds of millions of dollars spent by the Government and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council on the “Clean Up Campaign” in the city with no public tendering and handpicked companies. In some cases, new companies were created with no experience to facilitate this corruption. There has been no accountability of the amount of monies spent and the Mayor and Town Clerk have rebuffed efforts to allow the Auditor General’s office to do a forensic audit.

11. The write off of debts owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the nation by DDL worth billions of dollars (April 2016). If DDL had not issued a press release announcing the write off, this would not have been known.

12. Other write-off of debts by the GRA for other companies who financed the APNU+AFC Coalition electoral campaign, worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Minister Trotman said these companies have to be compensated for their financial investment.

13. Following the March 18, 2016 Local Government Elections, Minister Bulkan in violation of

the statutes governing the local government system, appointed the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and the 5 Chairpersons and vice chairperson of the 5 NDCs in the 6 tied LAAs. All of these persons were APNU, although there was a plurality of votes in 3 of the 6 tied LAAs for the PPP and 3 for the APNU+AFC. 14. W r i t e - o f f s b y t h e APNU+AFC dominated Georgetown Municipal Council to many companies for millions of dollars owed in rates and taxes for undisclosed amounts. This is a City Council that is now cashstrapped and cannot pay contractors for garbage collection nor timely payment of salaries of its employees. The cost to the Treasury of these write offs by the GRA, the Georgetown City Council and other Local Authority Areas alone earmarked in this list of scandals is estimated to be between 23% to 36 % of the total 2016 Budget.

15. Parking meters contract with no public tendering, no involvement of the Georgetown City Council, no consultation with the citizens – the scandal deepens, even as the APNU+AFC Georgetown Mayor is being advised to do some damage control by attempting to amend the 49-year contract and make it less embarrassing for the government.

16. The three-year Pharmacy Bond contract between the Ministry of Public Health and the Linden Holding Company was not tendered for by Minister Dr Norton’s own admission on the floor of the National Assembly.

The PPP/C will be submitting its motion of privilege, calling for the Speaker to send the Minister of Public Health to the Privilege Committee for wilfully misleading the National Assembly and the nation.

17. The GoG/BK International settlement of $1.17 B for Haags Bosche - The Ministry of Communities’ settlement of $1.17B to BK International for the Haags Bosche project came to light as a result of a Supplementary Financial Paper on August 8th where the country learnt that this settlement was made and would be paid in three tranches, even though the court did not award costs to BK Int’l.

The government paid BK Int’l

24

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Corruption, breach of financial laws, spending irregularities and more….

APNU+AFC gov’t has racked up over 55 scandals since taking office the first third of the payment in January 2016, which begs the question - where did this money come from? It was not provided for in the 2015 budget, nor was there any SFP in the interim nor in the 2016 Budget or since to cover this first payment of G$500M. The August Supplementary Financial Paper covers the payment of the second tranche of $501M to BK int’l from the Consolidated Fund.

The third payment the Minister stated would be reflected in the 2017 budget. This is a scandal like the RUDISA and the DDL write offs. Interesting and of note is that BK International is being paid the entire $10M USD for the contract though BK Int’l only worked for 3 of the 5 years of the contract at substandard work. The PPP/C government had terminated the contract due to substandard work and delays. Ministers Bulkan and Patterson late 2015 both publicly stated that BK Int’l had done substandard work on the project!

18. Two fuel scandals relating to the issuance of fuel licenses for the importation of fuel to companies that are made up of persons related to top officials or who are top officials themselves in the government, who have no fuel bonds, no storage facilities and no offices. The withdrawal of the fuel importation license to the Chinese company, which has invested millions of US dollars for storage facilities, appears to have been calculated to make room for these alternative importers.

In August the second set of fuel licenses came to light regarding licenses issued to Dr. Van West Charles, CEO and other officials in GWI under a private company. It should be noted that an applicant for a fuel license has to acquire an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and 4 additional licences - provision of a bond under detailed specifications, transportation, storage, importation, and restrictions on where fuel storage can be located. It normally takes a long time for an applicant to obtain all these licenses---impossible to do so in 9 months. The licenses were issued in the month that Van West Charles became CEO GWI and, therefore, he had ample time to remove himself from the company. At a parliamen-

tary opposition weekly press briefing several months ago, this gentlemen’s role in soliciting donations for pipes for the wells in Region 9 was exposed.

It was reported that the Brazilian contractors hired by GWI to dig 8 wells in the Rupununi region were unable to pay their workers as they allege that GWI is not paying them (the contractors).

19. Consistent and frequent violation of the Procurement Act by line ministries - e.g, the Minister of Agriculture admitted that the MOA nor the NDIA had gone out to tender for works totalling $234M due to emergency works for El Nino and flooding in regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10. In fact, these monies should have been provided for in the Supplementary Financial Paper # 2 of 2016 for the Consolidated Fund.

20. Requests for information during questions to Ministers and questions during the debate on the two Supplementary Financial Papers on August 8th revealed that the government ministers’ will not release contracts unless they have the permission of the other person/ company/ party to the contract.

This is unheard of and a violation of the role of the legislature under the constitution to hold the government accountable.

21. Undermining the judicial process- the establishment of a Presidential Tribunal to inquire, investigate and recommend whether Carvil Duncan, Chairman of the Public Service Commission, should be removed from office for inability to discharge his duties. Since the charges against Mr Duncan are still pending before a Magistrate of the Georgetown Magistrate’s court, the establishment of this tribunal is premature, pre-emptive and repugnant to the very “due process” to which the President says that his Administration is committed.

22. Auditor General’s special audit of GECOM expenditure in 2015 prior to the general and regional elections—this is on-going, with the use of sole sourcing by the GECOM estimated to amount to $700M in the months prior to the May 2015 elections.

However, unlike other investigations where the heads were sent

on administrative leave such as the Head of NICIL, Head of the NDIA, PS of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, head of the Public Hospital Georgetown, to name a few, this CEO has not been sent off on administrative leave.

23. $240M spent on refurbishing the Kitty Market. Photographic evidence exposes the corruption by City Hall. There are no scope of works, estimates, etc that is available and the project was not put to tender as the city has hired the workers and is implementing the works itself. This project is still not completed.

24. The awarding of the contract for boxed juices for the school feeding programme to a Surinamese beverage company owned by RUDISA that was not the lowest or even the second lowest bid. The impact on the local farmers and manufacturers will be felt. DDL has come out publicly to criticise this, so too, has another company Guyana Beverages.

25. Award of the contract for quarry stone to a Surinamese company for the CJIA will have tremendous impact on the local quarries. Toolsie Persaud, one of the stone producers, has protested. There is more to come to light on this issue and this we have earmarked an emerging scandal where government needs to provide answers.

26. The discriminatory dismissals of hundreds of employers in the public service and in the state entities on the basis of their ethnic and assumed political affiliation which started in June 2015 is continuing unabated.

27. Some $1.64B was spent regionally on health, plus an additional added $2.5B that was spent on pharmaceuticals and medical supplies at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) without tender – a massive total $4.17B that was spent by the Coalition Government in breach of the procurement rules.

28. Not satisfied with the huge increases in salary and benefits, some Ministers are greedy and the reports of paying off Ministers for licenses, contracts etc., is astounding. The government

has got into the habit of putting out tenders in the press and then cancelling them repeatedly until their chosen contractor wins the tender.

29. Chicken importation licenses to non-existent/ non-registered companies as well as another company in the name of the CEO, GWI, Van West Charles.

30. The Removal of 6,000 solar panels purchased for the Hinterland Household Electrification Programme and re-allocating them for use at the Ministry of the Presidency and State House.

31. The Wind Farm project being done by Lloyd Singh, an AFC financier. Minister Trotman has said that it is “payback time for one of their election financiers”.

32. Antinfek in drinking water purchased by GWI without tender and without warnings of the health hazard by a CEO who was employed for years by the PAHO. Only after questioning by the Opposition in the National Assembly has the government provided minimum disclosure.

33. Contract for GPL Prepaid meters, awarded after 3 re-tenders to a contractor whose bid was the highest of all bids; in fact, $ 1 B more than engineers’ estimate.

34. Contract for the Water treatment plants- tenders cancelled twice before finally being awarded to their preferred contractor, who was higher than the other tenders.

35. Tendering for the GOG/ IDB Sheriff St road project was repeatedly done and no awards made until we lost that part of the IDB loan of $20M USD while at the same time paying penalty fees.

36. Procurement of drugs and medical supplies, in breach of procurement laws.

37. Consistent and on-going violations of the Procurement Act, financial rules and the Fiscal Management and Enactment Act are pervasive. The most recent examples were exposed during the August 3, 2017 debate with regard to funds for the State Assets Recovery Agency and

25

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Corruption, breach of financial laws, spending irregularities and more….

APNU+AFC gov’t has racked up over 55 scandals since taking office constitutional bodies including the Public Procurement Commission and the Public Service Appellate Tribunal.

38. The on-going saga of the Durban Jubilee Park. It is estimated that expenditure has reached $1.5 B. Auditor General Deodat Sharma aims to wrap up his special audit into the controversial Durban Park Project before the end of the year even if he does not receive certain financial records which appear to be missing. Mired in controversy, millions more are being spent in preparation for the flag raising ceremony to mark Independence.

39. Contract for CCTV cameras for the Ministry of the Presidency- not delivered and paid for since 2015. The company has been declared bankrupt. So where is the taxpayers’ money?

40. Purchase of the Prime Minister’s SUV- bullet proof, latest model, extraordinary extravagance for a poor developing country. Noticeable is the acquisition of a fleet of new vehicles for every Minister yet many have not been budgeted for in the annual budgets.

41. Secret COI targeting constitutional rights commissions, in particular the Public Service Commission and the Ethnic Relations Commission. This is a form of intimidation. No report available.

42. President’s instruction to the Police Service Commission to halt police promotions in contravention of the constitution.

43. The COI into the Police with regard to the way it investigated the intention or plot to assassinate the President. The real plot behind this move appears to be the decapitation of the Guyana Police Force leadership. The President’s instruction to the Police Service Commission to halt these promotions appears to give credence to this theory.

44. The Georgetown Prison Camp Street Jailbreak and fire on July 9, 2017 and the Lusignan escapees coming after the March 2016 riots and fire that lead to 17 inmates being burnt to death. The COI of the March 2016 prison disturbances and

fire has been kept secret but more evidence coming to light indicate that the government did not act on those recommendations, including the establishment of a multi-agency multi-sectoral body being appointed by the President to implement the recommendations. Budgetary allocations for the Prisons, especially capital works to increase the inmate accommodation at the Mazaruni Prison in the 2016 budget was unspent and rolled over to 2017 and as of July 2017 these works are still not complete. The new request for $753M appropriated in Parliament on August 3 2017 cannot account for $ 153 M requested.

45. The Amendments to the Broadcasting Act passed in the National Assembly by the one seat majority government are an infringement on the freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Despite public appeals to the President by reputable international organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the International Press Institute as well as denunciations by the Guyana Press Association, private sector, broadcasters, civil society, and the Parliamentary Opposition, the President as of August 17, 2017 denied requests to defer his assent and hold consultations.

46. The Commission of Inquiry into Lands – communal, joint and individual lands and any other lands – with specific focus on Amerindian land titling and land of Freed Africans. There was no prior consultation with the National Toshaos Council (NTC) or any Amerindian communities on the establishment of this COI. The NTC, five Amerindian non-governmental organizations and the Parliamentary opposition protested the appointment of this COI as it threatened Amerindian land rights which are enshrined in the constitution and in the Amerindian Act. The Parliamentary Opposition brought a motion in parliament calling on the President to revoke the COI or at least the component which is treating with Amerindian land titling which was defeated by the government’s one seat majority.

The government 4 months after it established the COI held its first consultation with the NTC.

This COI is a recipe to drive rifts and strife between different ethnic groups in the country.

47. Repossession of lease and transported lands and property - the revocation of 30 MMA farmers leases by the President, the Central Housing and Planning Authority ( CHPA) repossession of transported houses and land and its CEO’s recent renewed threats to take away land from private developers are all unconstitutional. The judiciary in early August 2017 ruled that the President’s revocation of the leases of the farmers in the MMA was unconstitutional. In another instance the court issued a conservatory order to prevent the government from seizing and taking possession of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre until case is properly heard.

48. Rental of residences for Ministers- $500,000 each to 2 junior Ministers and one Minister $ 1.5 M. This has been exposed in detail in the media and by members of civil society and the Parliamentary Opposition.

49. The appointment of the Chairman of the GECOM in violation of the constitution and the ruling of the Chief Justice.

50. The US$18M signing bonus from ExxonMobil placed outside of the Consolidated Fund.

51. Painting state properties in APNU colours.

52. Reduction of constitutional bodies budgets 2016, 2017, 2018 in violation of the 2015 amendment to FMA Act. These scandals, not limited to this list, have been uncovered and expose a level of corruption and discrimination that has not been seen since the Burnham era.

53. GPL and their contract with state created and owned Power Producers Distribution Inc. (PPDI) has inspired questions and raised concerns since GPL’s payments to PPDI are higher than those made to Wartsilla – yet there are unresolved electricity problems, including as it relates to the reliable supply of power.

54. Sole-sourcing of $366.9M in emergency drugs in June 2017

has once again brought into question decisions by the Ministry of Public Health, as documents reveal that a company, HDM Labs was handpicked over three others that went through tendering and were declared to have failed the evaluation process. The company is owned by a supporter of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government.

55. Government has borrowed $30B G from a joint banking and commercial consortium led by Republic Bank, for GUYSUCO’s remaining estates at 4.75 % interest rates. The members of the consortium are unknown and the terms and conditions of the loan are also unknown.

56. The contract for a foreign company to rebuild Camp St prison was announced by Minister Khemraj Ramjattan during the 2018 Budget debate and media stated that no one tendered, this also remains secret and no funds are allocated in 2018.

57. The PPC completed its investigation and handed its report over on August 7, 2018, to Teixeira, who has written to the PPC on the matter in 2017.

The report noted that several companies bid for the project – to do the feasibility study and design for the new Demerara River bridge – and 12 companies were shortlisted. The report added that only two of the 12 companies made proposals.

As such the bidding process was annulled. It added that on November 12, 2016, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) approved the move for the project to be re-tendered. The project was not re-tendered. Instead a Dutch Company, LivenseCSO, was engaged by Patterson’s Ministry. The report, on page 7, noted that the bid from LivenseCSO was “unsolicited” and added that Patterson then took the company’s proposal to Cabinet for approval. Cabinet granted its approval for the company to be engaged.

What is clear, to date, is that the APNU+AFC Coalition government has no regard for the promised transparency and accountability, and is prepared to undermine and even violate the procurement and financial laws of this country, as well as other constitutional provisions and statutory provisions.

26

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Cop shot in the back by suspected gang members

A

police corporal, Quincy Alexander, was due to be medevaced to Georgetown on Tuesday (November 13, 2018) afternoon after being shot in the back,

allegedly by members of the ‘Sindicatos’ gang, while he was in a boat on the Wenamu River, in Region Seven.

The Guyana Police

Force, in an update, said a wooden vessel ferrying seven passengers from Eteringbang to Macapa, in the Cuyuni River, was fired upon by a group of armed

men standing on the Venezuelans side of the border.

The incident occurred about 12:00 hours, in the vicinity of Butanuamu Creek Point.

Alexander, who was one of the passengers, was struck by a bullet in his lower back.

The 38-year-old Policeman of South Amelia’s

Ward, Linden, is stationed at the Eteringbang Police Station and attached to Macapa Base.

An investigation has since been launched.

Taxi driver killed after refusing to transport armed man

A

taxi driver at Puruni Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) was fatally shot, on Saturday (November 10, 2018) after he refused to transport the suspect to his destination.

The identity of the dead man is yet to be confirmed by the Police, but according to F Division (interior Locations) Commander Kevin Adonis, the incident was reported and a team of investigators travelled into the area on Sunday (November 11, 2018) to launch a probe.

Based on information

received, the suspect approached the victim and requested to be taken to a location a short distance away. However, the driver refused and this angered the suspect, so an argument ensued. It was during the argument, the suspect whipped out a reportedly unlicensed firearm and discharged a round, hitting the driver.

Upon hearing the gunshot, people in the area rushed to the scene where they saw the driver in a pool of blood in his vehicle.

Law enforcement destroys drugs sized O n Saturday (November 10,2018), between 08:30-11:30 hours, a joint destruction operation was done by the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit (CANU )at Yarrowkabra, linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Representatives from Ministry of Public Security, National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) and Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory(GFSL) were present to witness the destruction.

A total of 132 kilograms of cocaine and 440 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed by the police; and 345 kilograms cocaine and 554 kilograms of cannabis were destroyed by CANU. The total weight was: 477 kilograms cocaine and 994 kilograms cannabis – at a combined street value of over $513M. The drugs destroyed were tested by members of the GFSL and then burnt by fire.

13 27

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 JUNE - 1 JULY, 2018

WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 NOVEMBER, 2018

Real Time Economic Insights

W

ithin the first year, following the introduction of the 200+ tax measures, revenue increased by more than 13.2% or GYD$20B. Ordinary Guyanese continue to bear the brunt of higher tax burden. Effective tax rate had increased from $0.36 cents in 2014 to $0.43 cents $50 8% in 2018. This is contrary to claims made by the inister 200+ taxes $45 • Tax-to-GDP ration, increased by more 7% of Finance, Winston Jordan, that the reduction in VAT 7% than 7% since 2015. $40 $35 6% would ease tax burden.

6% The amount of foreign exchange lost, due to the 5% $30 • Within the first year, following the underperformance of Rice, Sugar, Bauxite and Forestry 4% introduction of the 200+ tax $20 Sector since 2015 (US$509 Million), could have covered 3% $15 measures, revenue increased by more our import bill of fuel for the next 18 months; 2% 2% than 13.2% 0r GYD$20 billion. $10 $7 Because of the huge loss in foreign currencies, Guy1% 1% ana, as of April 2018, could only cover a period 2.75 $0 0% • By the end of 2018, in total, this months of import, which is below the international safety 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 government would cost taxpayers an threshold of 3 months.

Growth in Revenue Tax/GDP Ratio additional $102 billion in disposable In 2017, had the Gold Sector performed similar to income.

2014 (without Guyana Goldfield Inc. and Troy ResourcKey Observations: es), our GDP would have contracted by 3.1%. In other words, because of Guyana Goldfield and Troy Resources, This government is now taking from every Guyanese, $0.43 cents from every dollar earn, up from our GDP recorded a growth rate of 2.1%. $0.36 cents in 2014.

Considering the above, it is clear that Guyanese continues to pay the price for this government incompetence, By end 2018, since taking up office in 2015, this government would take an additional $136,000 in mismanagement and corrupt practices. disposable income from every Guyanese. At the household level, that figure represents $544,000.

These are among the major issues focused on in this week’s ‘Real Time Economic Insights’. (Analyses done Revenue collection by government, via the plethora of taxes, has increased. By the end of 2018, in total, the

by Irfaan Ali, PPP/C MP)

Growth in Tax Revenue: 2014 Base Year

Coalition Government would cost taxpayers an additional $102 billion in disposable income.

Variation of Taxes: 2014 Base Year $12.00

200+ taxes

$10.00

2015

• The 200+ tax measures introduced in Budget 2017 cost the nation, within one year, GYD$ 20 billion. By end 2018, that figure is expected to increase by another GYD$10 billion, to GYD$30 billion.

$8.00 $6.00 $4.00 $2.00 $0.00 -$2.00

Tax Remission: 2014 Base Year

GYD$20B

VAT

Excise tax

2016

-$4.00 -$6.00

GYD$30B

Environmental Levy

2017

2018

Corporate Tax

Licences

2017

-$2.00

-$8.00

-$4.00 2015

2016

$0.00

-$10.00

-8.5

-8.5

Interesting Stats: • Government increased its revenue by more than 43% (GYD$63 billion) since 2014, while reduced tax remission by more than 15.3% (GYD$30 billion).

-$12.00

-13

-$14.00

Key Observations:

Key Observations:

The tax burden of the 200+ tax measures on ordinary Guyanese is humongous.

The 200+ tax measures introduced in Budget 2017 cost the nation, within one year, GYD$20 billion.

• Tax remission to companies/businesses, hospitals, churches, charitable organisations, remigrants, diplomats etc. saw a reduction by GYD$30 billion from 2015 and 2017, when compared to 2014.

The APNU/AFC government spares no one when it comes to revenue. Even the church has been targeted!

The APNU+AFC Government has not justified the need for an increase in taxes.

Why the need for increased tax revenue?

Key Sectors/Indicators Sugar Rice Forestry Bauxite Current Account Deficit Gold Reserve* Market Securities Government Deposits (BoG)* Domestic Credit to Central Government* Domestic Credit to Private Sector* Net Deposits of Public Enterprises

2014 12.7 14 10.6 6.9 -174 25 96.8 21.4 28.3 202 39

2017 8.1 13.1 7.5 4.9 -292.6 3.2 91.2 -51.7 105 220 23

Variation (%) -36.2% -6.4% -29.2% -29.0% 68.2% -87.2% -5.8% -341.6% 271.0% 8.9% -41.0%

PPP/C moving into ‘national campaign’ for 2020 Elections – Jagdeo T

he work continues, declared Opposition Leader and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo.

And, with the conclusion of work for the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) concluded, he disclosed, on Tuesday (November 13, 2018), that the PPP/C is moving “straight

into its national campaign” for the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Jagdeo’s comment came as he was pressed on his expectations for 2020, given the massive wins that were secured by the PPP/C at the 2018 Local Government Elections.

He said, “We are not expecting anything…we will

continue to work hard… we will keep going back to certain areas, including areas that are seen as the strongholds of the PNC… we will keep going back to people across Guyana over and over…we have to go back to them and see what our plans are. “…some said they didn’t want to give us the vote, but

2020

ELECTIONS they didn’t give APNU…we have to go back to get them not to stay away the next time, not to give anyone the vote…we want them to vote

for our party.”

The 2020 General and Regional Elections are due in just over 18 months’ time.

APNU, AFC try to downplay loss at 2018 LGE W ith the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) securing wins in 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs), which were contested at the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE), based on preliminary results, there has been an attempt by Executives of the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) to downplay their losses.

Volda Lawrence, Chairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the majority partner of APNU, when pressed on the issue said, “We don’t see it as a loss.” Lawrence blamed poor voter education for the loss suffered by APNU. The PNC Chairperson added that the results of the 2018 Local Government Elections cannot be used as an indicator of what to expect at the 2020 General and Regional Elections – a view that many political observers disagree with. Lawrence said, “I’m not going base this on 2020. People see General Elections as a must as opposed to LGE.” Notably, there has been silence on the outcome of the 2018 Local Government Elections from the other APNU partners, including the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).

Meanwhile, from the

AFC camp, party Executive, Michael Leonard, claimed that the APNU+AFC Coalition was still “riding on the success” of the 2015 General and Regional Elections, so the 2016 Local Government Elections was not a true test of how well the AFC could do on its own.

Notably, at the 2016 LGE, the PPP/C also secured massive wins ahead of the APNU+AFC Coalition, which contested that election as a Coalition – as opposed to the 2018 LGE when the APNU and AFC contested separately. At the 2016 Local Government Elections, the PPP/C secured wins in 48 of the 71 Local Authority Areas that were contested.

The AFC Executive also tried to defend his Party’s importance to the Coalition – despite the poor support secured by the AFC at this years’ Local Government Elections. Leonard said, “It is very clear from the results across the country that the APNU by themselves cannot defeat the PPP so it seems as though the coalition is necessary…if what puts you over the threshold to get the presidency or to get the majority is one vote, then it’s one vote. Every vote counts, every seat counts.”

The AFC, as a party, has not addressed the results of the 2018 Local Government Elections.

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