Weekend Mirror 20-21 April 2019

20-21 April, 2019 / Vol. 10 No. 69 / Price: $100

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

Senior US gov’t functionaries support demand for free and fair Elections SEE INSIDE PPP/C needs presence Substandard US$150M airport in Washington to counter warrants full-fledged gov't misinformation investigation PAGE 8

PAGE 9

‒ US Lobbying Firm hired

PAGE 8

Fraud at SOCU ignored by APNU+AFC gov’t, Ramjattan should resign ‒ Jagdeo PAGE 10

ExxonMobil makes 13th discovery PAGE 19

Case filed to protect constitutional rights of PAGE 18 thousands of registered electors to vote at the next elections – Nandlall

APNU+AFC gov’t has bankrupted the PAGE 10 Forestry Commission

2

APNU+AFC silent on constitutional breach in appointment of Allicock as acting PM V

ice President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, was sworn in as Acting Prime Minister on Friday (April 12, 2019) and his appointment has been challenged by former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

After Allicock’s swearing in Nandlall labeled the appointment as unconstitutional. He said, “Sydney Allicock was on the geographic list of the APNU-AFC for Region 9 for the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

He lost that seat.”

As a result, Allicock was appointed as a technocratic Minister under Article 103 (3) of the Constitution.

Nandlall noted that Article 103 (3) states: “Not more than four Ministers and two Parliamentary Secretaries

shall be appointed by the President from among persons who are qualified to be elected as members of the National Assembly.”

Further, Article 101 (1) of the Constitution provides that the Prime Minister must be an elected member of the National Assembly.

Nandlall said, “Sydney Allicock was appointed a technocratic Minister under Article 103 (3) of the Constitution. He therefore, sits in the National Assembly by virtue of that ministerial appointment under Article 105 of the Constitution.

“A person cannot be appointed to act in an office if he is not qualified to be appointed to that office.

Therefore, Sydney Allicock is unlawfully and unconstitutionally acting as Prime

Minister.

“How a Cabinet consisting of five lawyers, inclusive of the Attorney General, continues to make these elementary blunder?”

According to the former Attorney General, the situation “baffles the rational mind.”

Allicock, as well as the Coalition Government, has remained silent on this matter.

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, has been performing the functions of President and Ramjattan had been Acting Prime Minister, since President David Granger left on April 2, 2019 for Cuba to continue his cancer treatment. Ramjattan, however, had left the country last week and Allicock was then sworn in.

Is Roopnarine in breach of the APNU+AFC Coalition still silent Constitution? ‒resignation of dual citizens O n April 10, 2019, Executive of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Tacuma Ogunseye, disclosed that Minister Rupert Roopnarine has submitted his resignation to House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland.

However, Roopnarine, this week, during the Coalition government’s ‘Public Day’ outreach in Region 6 was not only present for the event, but present in his capacity as a Minister – raising questions.

According to Ogunseye, “Dr Roopnaraine submitted his letter of resignation to the Speaker’s Office, to be precise, in his absence from office at the time of submission, to his Secretary, on Friday, 5th April 2019, at approximately 2.30 pm. I use this opportunity to also advise that Roopnaraine’s resignation was copied and delivered to the representative of the APNU+AFC list, Dr Harold Lutchman, on the same afternoon.”

Despite the WPA Executive’s disclosure, the APNU+AFC Coalition has remained mum on this particular issue.

Notably, the Constitution is clear that once a Parliamentarian resigns from the

Second from left, seated, Rupert Roopnarine at the Government’s ‘Public Day’ event

National Assembly, he also no longer qualifies to hold a ministerial post. Article 183 (2) states that: “The office of any Minister shall become vacant if the holder of the office – (a) ceases to be a member of the National Assembly for any cause, other than a dissolution of

Parliament.”

NO OTHER RESIGNATIONS Earlier this month, the Coalition government was put on blast by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, for the “shameful” show of “incompetence” via its failure

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

PPP/C MPs with dual citizenship resign from Parliament

W

ith letters of resignation having been sent to the Leader of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) List of Candidates, Donald Ramotar, the three PPP/C Parliamentarians with dual citizenship have also submitted their resignations to the House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland.

The move is in compliance with rulings from the High Court on January 31, 2019 and April 22, 2019 – both which affirm that Guyanese with dual citizenship cannot sit in the National Assembly as Parliamentarians.

The rulings this year was the first time that the relative Constitutional provision was interpreted by Guyana’s Courts. Article 155 (1) of the Constitution states that: “No person shall be qualified for election as a Member of the National Assembly is, by virtue, of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, sent her resignation to the House Speaker on Wednesday (April 17, 2019). Her resignation to the Leader of the PPP/C List of Candidate was submitted on March 25, 2019. Teixeira has already commenced the process to renounce her Canadian citizenship.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, in commenting on Teixeira’s resignation on Wednesday (April 17, 2019) said: “A

person like Gail Teixeira, I know how agonizing this must be for her, having served the country, I think, over 25 years in Parliament. And you know the passion with which she has served. She was our Chief Whip and her contributions in Parliament, one of the most knowledgeable persons in Parliament, have been in service to her country. To have to resign must have been heart wrenching, but from she is a principled person. She will be on the List (of Candidates) in the future. She will renounce (her Canadian citizenship) and she will be on the List.

This is not the end of her political career in the National Assembly.”

The second PPP/C Parliamentarian, Adrian Anamayah, submitted resignation letters, dated April 9, 2019, to Ramotar, to the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Anamayah, holds United States of America (USA) citizenship, has indicated that he will not be renouncing his citizenship in USA for family reasons. “At this juncture, I cannot renounce my foreign citizenship because of my family obligations. However, I remain a dedicated member of the PPP and will continue to work with the Party and for all Guyanese,” Anamayah said.

The third PPP/C MP, Odinga Lumumba, submitted his resignation to Ramotar on March 29, 2019. His resignation to the House Speaker

was dated April 17, 2019.

Lumumba is also expected to renounce his United States of America (USA) citizenship.

Up to press time it could not be confirmed if he started the process of renunciation.

Notably, resignations have to be sent to both the Leader of the particular political party’s Lists of Candidates, as well as the House Speaker, so that the process to name replacement Parliamentarians can commence.

Article 156 (1) (a) states that: “A member of the National Assembly shall vacate his or her seat therein – if he or she resigns it by writing under his or her hand addressed to the Speaker, or, if the office of the Speaker is vacant or the Speaker is absent from Guyana, to the Deputy Speaker.” Once the resignation is received by the Speaker, the seat of the resigning Parliamentarian can be declared vacant. Article 156 (4) states that: “The Speaker call declare the seat of a member of the National Assembly vacant where – (a) the speaker receives a written declaration of the member of the National Assembly.”

The role of the Leader of the List relates to communicating with the Guyana Elections Commission the name of the replacement Parliamentarians.

Additionally, the Opposition Leader has indicated that the PPP/C has made no decision on who will replace the three resigned PPP/C Parliamentarians as yet.

to address the singular matter of resignations by Coalition Government Ministers who hold dual citizenship.

On Tuesday (April 2, 2019), the Ministry of the Presidency released a statement that said: “As of Monday, April 1, 2019, His Excellency David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, has received and accepted the resignation of all coalition Members of Parliament who are holders of dual citizenship.”

Hours later, on Tuesday

(April 2, 2019) afternoon, as second statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said: “Cabinet is satisfied that the resignation of four ministers as Government Members of Parliament fully accords with the decision of the courts. The MPs are Messrs Carl Greenidge, Joseph Harmon, Dominic Gaskin and Dr. Rupert Roopnarine who HELD ministerial portfolios…these portfolios would now be held by sitting members of Cabinet who previously acted for these

ministers on leave or out of the jurisdiction.”

Ten hours later, on Wednesday (April 3, 2019), the Ministry of the Presidency, in a third statement said: “The four ministers, Mr. Carl Greenidge, Mr. Joseph Harmon, Mr. Dominic Gaskin and Dr. Rupert Roopnarine will remain ministers…their resignations will not take effect immediately.”

It is unclear when the resignations of the Coalition Government’s other dual citizens will take effect.

3

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

‘Transparency, public exposure and public access to information’ is critical – Teixeira

T

he husband of Minister Cathy Hughes, Nigel Hughes, in his capacity at a lawyer, dispatched a letter to People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive, Gail Teixeira, over comments made about Hughes’ conflict of interest – acting as a Minister, while her company benefited from Government contracts.

In an invited comment, Teixeira said: “At 1:20PM this afternoon (April 18, 2019), I picked up a letter from Freedom House, from Nigel Hughes Law Office.

“You may call it a lawyers warning letter, however, it’s more than that.

It says that I must make an unequivocal public apology, which they have to approve to Ms Hughes.

As I have caused her great distress and injured her feelings, etc.

“And I must pay $10M compensation. If I didn’t answer by April 16, 2019, the date of the letter, they would serve me with a Writ. So I collected the letter today April 18, 2019.

“However, I mean, my

position of ‘All in the family’ is maintained. This is the husband of the minister, sending me a lawyer’s letter.

“Secondly is that if this is the way the Government is going to go, that every time the newspapers or anyone makes a comment, that is critical of them, that they are going to be threatening to sue left right and centre. This is undermining the freedom of expression.

“Also, most importantly, the anti-corruption issues, that the Inter American Convention Against Corruption, which we ratified and the UN Convention Against Corruption, which we ratified as a country make it clear that public official must not be involved in issues, that, from which they benefit; by using their public office, financially or otherwise.

It makes it very clear that transparency and public exposure and public access to information is critical.

“Therefore again referring to freedom of expression, freedom of access to

information. And so this letter is just a reflection of the undemocratic nature of the government. And as I said the family affair that we are seeing, exposing at all levels of the government and I’m not retracting and I’m not apologizing.”

Hughes has also sued Guyana Publications Inc (GPI) – publishers of Stabroek News – and columnist, Anand Goolsarran, over statements published in the April 15, 2019 edition of Stabroek News where it was stated that she was in breach of the Integrity Commission Act as a result of a contract which her company, Videomega was given by the Department of Energy (DoE). In her statement of claim, filed on April 17, 2019, Hughes is claiming damages in excess of $20M for alleged libel in the April 15, 2019 edition. She is also seeking a “permanent injunction” restraining GPI and Goolsarran from causing the words complained of to be printed or published.

House sitting planned for April 26 A

sitting of the National Assembly is set for next Friday (April 26, 2019).

Topping the agenda is the Interception of Communication (Amendment) Bill 2019 – Bill No 1/2019 – which is slated for Introduction and First Reading. The Act, which deals with wiretapping and the interception, acquisition and disclosure of data from protected

communications, is seeking to include additional grounds for such interceptions.

Relative to the Guyana Elections Commis sion (GECOM), there is no related issue on the agenda, particularly specifically regarding funding for the continuation of preparations for elections.

The Parliamentary Opposition has indicated

that it will not attend any sitting of the House until the final determination of the challenge to the vote on the no-confidence motion by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Notably, while the Opposition Parliamentarians with dual citizenship have resigned from Parliament, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has not done the same.

Opposition Leader,

Bharrat Jagdeo, has said that the Coalition’s inaction – even as a date for a sitting of the House has been set – demonstrates that it is duplicitous nature by selectively complying with the ruling of the Appeal Court. He noted that Coalition government latched on to the Appeal Court ruling because it overturned the High Court ruling that upheld the validity of

the vote on the no-confidence motion. However, he added that the ruling also addresses the issue of dual citizenship, which the Coalition government is ignoring.

He said, “They should all immediately resign as ministers of the government. They hold ministerial posts by virtue of being Members of Parliament…the ruling says dual citizens cannot sit as Parliamentarians…

it is important to understand the mindset of the government. They will do anything to hang on to power, even if it means, acting unlawfully and violating the Constitution.”

It is unclear when, or if, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government Parliamentarians – Ministers Joseph Harmon, Carl Greenidge and Dominic Gaskin – will resign before April 26, 2019.

4

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Guest

EDITORIAL Desperation of APNU+AFC Coalition on display for all of Guyana

By Nalinie Singh

T

here is an old saying what rain can’t full dew won’t full.

This seems to be a lesson missed on the current APNU + AFC Government. They are trying their utmost to sway the polls back in their favour with these various ‘Government / Ministerial Out Reaches’ exercises. These exercises are designed with two things in mind: the minister’s comfort (AC tents) and attracting many people as possible (chairs on tarmacs).

Pre-2015, they spouted many promises to the Guyanese people, winning many heads and hearts. With this, they were able to barely clinch a one-seat majority Government. They then proceed to take occupation of the highest seats in the land, and handing out positions, and favours to their friends and family. They forgot completely about the real people of Guyana, the ones they promised the ‘Good Life’. The good life came, but for a few. The population quickly realize that they have been hoodwinked by what seems to be a callous government a few weeks into their tenure. Within the first few weeks, they quickly raised their salaries and perks and had no apologies.

This self-serving approach to governance continued for the next four years, they lost significantly at the Local Government Elections of 2016, and yet no change in behaviour.

Within a year of Governance and losing such significant support, one would expect a change in behaviour. They, however, continued to act as if the treasury of Guyana is their own private bank account. The 2018 Local Government Election, they saw their hold on the population further eroded with more votes being accrued to the People’s Progressive Party Civic. They lost areas like Buxton-Foulis to the PPP/C. The Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, then saw fit to table a motion of no-confidence against this heartless Government.

On December 21st 2018, entering Parliament was a confident Government, saying their 33 votes is greater than the Parliamentary Opposition’s 32. Closer to midnight a defeated, forlorn Government exited the hallow halls of the National Assembly.

By the following week, you started to see Ministerial Outreaches, in places like Stabroek, South and the Hinterlands.

A now scared Government is rushing to seek comfort and solace from the population, hoping they will say ‘Yes you are doing a good job’; ‘We will re-elect you’. Sadly, to their dismay, this is not the case. Even though the Department of Information with their clever angles and spins would want you to believe that.

After four years of neglect, the people will not fall for false promises. The ‘Bringing Government to the People’ activity has been met with great disfavour by the population.

These efforts are merely a waste of taxpayers’ dollars and a quick scheme to fatten their already fat pockets.

At the outreach, they are handing out housing applications, people are filling them up, as one of the shared dreams of every Guyanese is to own their own home. The APNU+AFC Government has no housing scheme planned to be developed. They have not identified any new areas to develop for housing, nor have they suddenly found copious amounts of land to re-possess. Where do they plan on housing the people they are now handing applications to? Just another false promise.

Another of their false promises is that to the Youth population. They had promised all UG graduates within the first twelve months of graduating you will be employed. Now UG is raising its tuition. Something they fought against and promised won’t happen. They held a youth outreach to help the youths now find jobs after the President said everyone needs to make their own. An event where only two hundred youths were spoken to but attended by closer to a thousand.

The Youths are crying out for employment.

These outreaches and programs designed to pseudo help the population. However, they are only helping the population see how desperate the APNU+AFC Government has become.

The thought of a General and Regional Election seemingly terrifies them.

These outreaches are a clear example of how unscrupulous the APNU+AFC have treated and want to continue to treat all Guyanese.

Coalition Circus in Berbice, major issues not addressed Dear Editor,

W

hen we analyze what is currently taking place in Region 6, one cannot help but conclude that Berbicians are being totally neglected by this Government, some would say intentionally.

In 2016 the closure of the Estates began, with Wales being the first to go, followed by Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates. When the death knell was sounded for Rose Hall and Skeldon Estates, Berbicians knew that this Region would never be the same again.

A sharp economic descent was the result, with nearly four thousand workers thrown under the bus – an atrocity disguised as ‘resizing and restructuring’.

The ripple effect was devastating with businesses following suit, retrenching hundreds of workers, since they had to ‘resize and restructure’ as well.

The Region 6 economy began to crumble. This resulted in a multitude of unemployed and impoverished persons scavenging for menial work and being paid pittances by some unscrupulous businessmen, not to mention the personal abuses, expletives and disparaging statements meted out to them by employers who demanded long hours of work. Our children became aware of what poverty is for the first time, since many could not have afforded to go to school, and those who went, had to forego many things they had taken for granted under the previous PPP/C Government.

But alas! Just before this tsunami inundated Region 6, our President was

making was making bold politicizing statements across Berbice such as ‘You are the sugar bowl of the country, the rice pot of the country, the fish market of the country…we look to East Berbice-Corentyne to lead the economic recovery of the whole country…Berbice has the potential…’(February 2016). It is now clear to all and sundry that he never meant those words he uttered – empty rhetoric.

We have now seen that the ‘rice pot’ is getting smaller and farmers are poised to make huge losses this crop due to paddy bug infestation, a phenomenon which has had devastating effect over the past years, but which has been denied and masked due to the fact that rice farmers continue to produce at a high level.

In 2017-18, the rice output was higher than expected, up 18% when compared to 2016-17, but these statistics failed to reveal the losses sustained from damaged paddy. Many small rice farmers were thrown out of business and many could not and still cannot service loans obtained from the financial institutions and from rice millers who advanced finances to them. This group of sufferers is not highlighted and the Government prefers to ignore their plight, they are expendables in the grand scheme of things.

Since this Government took Office, no economic transformational projects were undertaken in Region 6. Can you imagine the entire Region 6 is transformed into Ground Zero with the sugar fallout but nothing was done to

alleviate the socio-economic plight of Berbicians?

One enterprising entrepreneur, Mr Mohindra Persaud of Nand Persaud Group of Companies took it upon himself to save the entire rice industry from suffering a fate similar to sugar.

He experimented with aerial spraying and the productive gains were tremendous. He then applied for permission to build an airstrip to do crop dusting and received favorable responses from the Government.

However, after spending more than $25 million, he was given the ‘royal runaround’ from one Ministry to the next, from one Government Official to the next and from one excuse to the next.

Can you imagine that all that was needed was some legal formality by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure?

The Minister has the power to approve such an airstrip (Civil Aviation Act Section 17). This one Project would not have cost the Government a dollar, but the economic benefits would have been tremendous when a 25% recovery from pest damage is brought into the equation.

However, the Coalition Circus is coming to Berbice and I do hope that the President can revisit his words and allow the Nand Persaud Crop Dusting Airstrip to come to fruition. It is only then that the ‘rice pot’ will get bigger and overflow.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Having campaigned on tackling corruption, APNU+AFC Coalition is now unashamedly indulging in those very acts Dear Editor,

S

everal letter writers have voiced their concerns on the government’s overreaching expenditure and contract awards. From Minister Jordan’s unilateral decision to increase the no-tender contract limit to $20 million to the current supplementary budget preparations by entities within the Ministry of Business, all raise questions about the motive of the gov’t.

It is difficult to fathom how a group of politicians, who used corruption of the previous government as their central theme and platform in the 2015 Elections, can now so unashamedly indulge in those very acts. First, if we go back to the medical supplies’ warehouse/

bond contract entered into by Minister Norton, we see a building with hardly any real storage capacity, and worth a few hundred thousand dollars at most, procured for several million dollars.

Further, Mr. Bulkan’s Ministry, which has not been able to utilize its annual budget for several years in a row, is now suddenly seeking a supplementary budget for each of its entities. What are those urgent additional needs that were not contemplated when the current budget was tabled and passed? Then there was the husband of the Housing Minister who was awarded a huge contract to build houses. No one in the gov’t saw the conflict of interests in that deal, either. Who would believe that a Minister living in the same house with her spouse

didn’t know about that contract?

Now they are again attempting to throw dust in our eyes. Minister Hughes expects the nation to believe that she had nothing to do with the contract awarded to Videomega, a business she owned.

The Minister/owner concept stinks of undue influence. How should the public view such contract? Hypocrisy at its best!

They seem to have forgotten their ‘good/better life’ promises or perhaps we missed the true intent of that promise, i.e., the good life/better life was meant for those in control of the economy, and not the masses.

Yours sincerely, R. Singh

5

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Public’s trust in APNU+AFC Coalition gov’t has diminished Dear Editor,

Clandestine efforts of PNCR O linked officials goes against the grain of GECOM’s mandate to be ready at all times for the conduct of elections Dear Editor,

R

ecent public statements from President David Granger as well as representatives of the PNCR, connotes the intention of removing the names of registered citizens from the register of voters in instances where they are not proven dead at the time of the proposed house-to-house registration. It is pellucid and outright unconstitutional that such moves will realise the real disenfranchisement of voters.

Is there any merit that because one works or studies abroad that this wicked clan disavow their rights? The belated and unconvincing reactions by GECOM to clarify this obviously exposed plot speaks volumes and further highlights the unexplained reasons why Patterson refused to further the strengthening of voting verification mechanisms by his refusal of the further necessary action following the United Nations evaluation process.

Clandestine efforts of Vincent Alexander and his clique a la Patterson have no place an institution that demands transparency and is supposed to be ready. It goes against the grain of GECOM’s mandate to be ready at all times for the conduct of elections. It is timely to remind the ‘loop sided spinner’ Alexander that the NCM was put in Parliament before the 2019 budget debate. That the leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, in the interest of our people, called on the Government to produce a budget with less pressure on our people.

It was widely recognised that the crime rate along with the serious and unbearable massive corruption by the APNU/AFC members was causing irreparable damage that our citizens will not allow to continue in Guyana. It was a decision taken after thorough discussions in our party and with numerous local organisations to alleviate our people of the unnecessary burdens. There are enough reasons, as the pressure on our youths, pensioners, farmers, and people of all lifestyles intensify. We just cannot survive with this skyrocketing cost of living neither would the people tolerate a Government that does not fully uphold the Constitution as they swore to do.

The APNU/AFC Government insisted that the List was ready for Local Government Elections in 2016 and 2018. They were ready to test their strength in both elections and was ultimately humiliated in both instances.

They are now running away from facing our citizens at the polls. The people of Guyana demand transparency at GECOM towards free and fair elections.

Only the dead can be legitimately removed from the list of registered voters by GECOM and we demand appropriate steps towards immediate preparedness for the holding of elections, in anticipation of the Caribbean Court of Justice upholding the constitutional directives as advanced by the Opposition.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

f recent, there has been a series of ministerial meetings with Ministers from the joint APNU/AFC where they urge the public to reach with them so they can work to a solution together. Over the years, since gaining power, this ruling party has only succeeded in disappointing a majority of the population in Guyana amidst the accusations of corruption, bullyism and lack of vision for development. Now that General Election is somewhere close, we are seeing various attempts to regain the public’s confidence and regardless of what is being said about the main opposition, they seem more favourable in comparison. Under the previous Administration, many were benefiting from the little gestures that were extended by the PPP/C, especially school children (vouchers) and the pensioners. Immediately after taking power, these gestures were cruelly ripped away with promises for betterment. Instead, we saw an increase in almost everything in Guyana including tolls. Added to that, there was a massive downsize across Guyana from various companies after they were being targeted for victimisation and closure of estates with unfulfilled promises to the workers. Without a doubt, we are experiencing tremendous hardship and are only hearing about the promises of oil while they continue to go about talking about working to a solution when they themselves destroy the little hope that Guyanese were living on.

Editor, I am still looking for the job creation that was promised, I am not looking at those that were given to close comrades or families from within the parties, but what was promised to benefit Guyanese across the country. Go around the country, you will see various changes of staff at most Government places and should you interact with them, you will observe a serious attitude problem. Many people are complaining and no action is being taken to remedy this. Under the previous Administration, you could have visited any hospital and be able to get some if not all the prescribed drugs. Regardless of what is being said, that was there, you could have gone to the hospital pharmacy night or day, even weekends and get your prescription. That tells me that things were looking good. Under this

present Administration, the pharmacy only works Monday-Friday between 08:00h to 16:00h and presently, there isn’t any medication available. The doctors and nurses inform you that there’s a shortage and that you can purchase them at a pharmacy. In order for the pharmacy to operate day and night under the PPP/C Administration, you had to get more staff to work the shifts, under this Administration, they were laid off because they were not required after this Administration disabled that. I guess people only get sick between 8-4 in the day during the week. So much for having this country’s interest at heart but it doesn’t end there. Guyanese are still benefiting under the free eye care that was introduced by the PPP/C but that too, like many other systems that were in place, seems to be slowly deteriorating. To conduct certain eye tests, patients have to travel to Port Mourant, bearing their own travelling expense whilst under the previous Administration, travelling expenses were taken care of. The hurtful thing about this is that you have people travelling from Bartica, Pomeroon etc, to Port Mourant, only to be given another date to come back all because time ran out. I cannot understand why they can’t only make appointments with the amount of people they are able to look at per day. Is it because it’s a free service that you’re providing that makes you have to treat people like that or is it the vision that you have cannot address this issue?

Editor, we all wanted to be able to live comfortably in Guyana, thus some were entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that mechanisms are in place but when it’s not, they should be criticised and they must be able to remedy the situation. This was not happening under the previous Administration, thus the public’s trust diminished. Instead, now, you are being labelled because you talk against. Within the ruling Administration, there are many who are seeing wrongs being committed and are afraid to talk because of the fear of victimisation. Regardless of who, people must be free to express their minds and share their opinions freely. I thought we all wanted change for betterment, but incidentally, it’s worse.

Sincerely, S. Bates

Why is TIGI silent on major issues?

Dear Editor,

T

he Head of Transparency International Guyana recently made a call for changes to the Integrity Commission Act including a suggestion “And I am suggesting that the declarations of the President and the Leader of the Opposition be made public.” While I welcome TIGI’s awakening from slumber, I would remind the organization that in January 2016 it was the Granger led administration that amended a motion brought by PPP/C which sought to have all MPs make public, their tax returns to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and declarations to the Integrity Commission over the last 10 years.

The government refused and passed a watered down version. TIGI support would then have been welcome as it would now. The assets of Messrs. Granger and Jagdeo have been subject of heavy scrutiny for years, despite Mr. Granger’s refusal to submit declarations to the Integrity Commission for years while in opposition, shielded by a claim that no Chairman was in position and his (Granger) illegal

failure to activate the Commission despite campaigning in 2015 on the issue , In its manifesto, the APNU+AFC coalition had pledged that it “will appoint an independent Integrity Commission as a matter of urgency, staffed by persons of the highest integrity.” Despite this the Granger administration delayed appointment of a new Integrity Commission Board and chairman for over two years. Another failed promise.

Dr. Thomas and TIGI offered no support for the PPP/C call that a reputable international company be hired to trace assets, TIGI were silent when the APNU/AFC administration tried to enact legislation to circumvent the Integrity Commission and place the fate of Members of Parliament in the hands of the Minister of State when they were canvassing for the failed “Code of Conduct for Ministers of Government, members of the National Assembly and Public Office Holders.” These were crucial fights when the ‘civil society’ organizations were most needed, sadly most operate only during election seasons.

We are again in a period of election cam-

paign and the assets of Ministers of Government are a daily issue, recently Junior Minister in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had her newly constructed Mansion (on multiple house lots) featured on social media and highlighted by the Leader of the Opposition at a press conference, where he asked questions on this sudden acquisition of wealth, on Sunday 7th April, photographs of a newly constructed large house surfaced on Facebook, described as the new home of Minister Broomes, Minster Trotman has also recently refuted statements that he owns three houses contrary to his position of penury made during his divorce proceedings. TIGI must see these claims and allegations of ‘sudden wealth’ as equally important and urgent if not more so than those of Messrs. Jagdeo and Granger.

TIGI must let the public know of their positions on these and other issues such as: • The Drug bond’s Larry Singh and his connection to Kathy Hughes (Conflict of Interest) • ExxonMobil’s relationship with Nigel Hughes, husband of Kathy Hughes (Conflict of Interest) • Nigel Hughes and his law firm’s Huston

offices (Conflict of Interest) • The unaccounted $600Million from D’urban park • Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood husband’s contract in her Ministry.

• David Patterson’s $148 Million contract award that bypassed the Procurement Act. • The deliberate misleading of the nation on the ExxonMobil signing bonus.

There are so many corruptions scandals erupting almost daily, that with this tepid call, TIG has only put its toe in the water as if to test the temperature, I would advise the organization that the water is hot and fraught with the danger of being scalded; the stated Mission of Transparency International “is to stop corruption and promote transparency, accountability and integrity at all levels and across all sectors of society.”

That cannot be achieved by sipping drinks at the poolside, Dive in! Seize the day! Work towards the fulfillment of the Mission, not for one side of the political fence but for all Guyanese.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

6

Irfaan Ali exposed 10 major lies peddled to Guyanese people

by APNU+AFC Coalition Dear Editor,

T

he PPP presidential candidate Mr. Ali must be commended for his shrewd observations and analysis made at his last press conference with respect to the government broken and emptied promises. Putting politics aside, I’m of the view that every Guyanese should be aware of the current macroeconomic upheaval, and its corollaries. Specifically, it would be in our interest as a nation to see pass the current “smoke screen” and the sudden rise of a Panem et circenses type policies proffered by the APNU/AFC Government. Our social economic fibre is rapidly deteriorating, and we must hold the current government accountable.

In the interest of space I would try to be concise as possible as I endeavour to enlighten my fellow citizens on some of the APNU/ AFC government biggest lies, as highlighted

by Mr. Ali, and why it should a concern of us all. Please note, majority of the analysis is based on data found in the various Budget Estimates.

LIE NO. 1 : MACROECONOMIC STABILITY: MAKING GUYANA THE SINGAPORE OF AMERICA In 2018, our Balance of payment deficit increased to US$180M, 239% or US$127M more when compared to 2017. Similarly, our current account deficit increased to US$463M, 97% or US$228M more when compared to 2017. By end 2018, in excess of US$104M was used from the Bank of Guyana Net Foreign Assets reserve to offset the 2018 Balance of Payment deficit, while total export recorded a lower than anticipated growth by US$58M, which is US$48M less when compared to 2017.

Public enterprises and the Bank of Guyana brought in $8.9B in revenue, $3.3B below its 2018 projection. Specifically, the Bank of Guyana Profit decreased by 35% or $1.8B when compared to 2014.

Why worry?

Macroeconomic instability is a crucial bellwether indicator used by foreign and private investors. Instability confirms the fragility and delicacy of the local economy, and its inability to withstand, even the mildest, economics shocks. Specifically, as it relates to burgeoning balance of payment deficit and shrinking foreign reserves, consumers should expect higher prices for imported goods and services. Such outcome could, also, further dampen an already timid local demand, affecting businesses. Ironically, this government speaks of supporting Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs), when clearly, their incompetence is actually stymieing their growth.

As it relates to tanking BoG profit and growing deficit of public enterprises, consumers should be on the alert for more tax increase. Essentially, funds that should have been invested in social programmes, now have to supplement failing enterprises, hence, precipitating a larger fiscal deficit.

LIE NO. 2: CREATE A NEW ECONOMY THAT WILL STIMULATE RAPID DEVELOPMENT THROUGH GUY-

ANA’S TRANSFORMATION FROM A RAW MATERIAL PRODUCER TO A MANUFACTURER OF VALUE ADDED GOODS AND SERVICES Between 2015-15, value added within the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector declined by more than US$67M, while manufacturing saw a decline by more than US$18M. Specifically, in 2018, loans and advances to the manufacturing sectors, as outlined in the 2018 Budget Speech contracted by more than 3.7% to $23.6 billion Why worry?

Manufacturing is widely perceived as the “engine of economic growth”. Most developed countries have used manufacturing as a form of economic thrust. Reason being, low-skilled jobs are easily observed, hence, ensuring low unemployment and economic confidence. Though Guyana is in its infancy as it related to manufacturing, a premature decline in the sector could very well mean economic stagnation. Secondly, as an emerging oil producing country, the stature of a strong manufacturing sector becomes even more critical. Oil dependence is widely perceived to negatively affect local manufacturing sector, and the economy as a whole, thorough local currency appreciation. In Guyana case, our rice farmers, timber exporters, and all other traders would soon find it increasingly difficult to sell their products on the world market, due to higher prices. On the flip side, our local manufactures will be further crowded out as imported goods would become relatively cheap. Such outcome, could see a reduction in low-skill jobs.

LIE NO.3: ACHIEVE RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT DRIVEN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN COMBINATION WITH THE STATE AND COOPERATIVES In 2018, prices for food, clothing, and medical and personal care increased by approximately 4.6%, 4.3% and 4% respectively.

In relation to monetary policies, domestic credit to central government, from 2014-Feb 2019, increased by more than $83B or 296%, while credit to private sector increased by $28B or 13% (outstripping private investment). In the banking sector, non-performing loan as a ratio of gross loan increased from an average of 7% in 2014 to 14.8% or $28B by end-2018: Business Enterprise (58% or $7.1 billion ) and Household (65% or $3.1 billion).

On average, return on equity for the six major commercial banks, deteriorated from 22.3% in 2014 to 3.2% by end-2018.

From 2014-18: deficit of public enterprise increased by 1,050% or $15B; Domestic borrowing to finance budget deficit increased by $13B or 112%.

Why worry?

The huge increase in domestic credit to central government with respect to private sector, confirm the ongoing crowding out of private investment. In other words, the Government is essentially taking-over what our private sector is capable of providing.

LIE NO. 4: FAIR TAXES: ALLOW YOUR PAYCHECK TO GO FURTHER Imposition of more than 200 tax measures, and increase tax collection by an additional

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019 $88B since 2015.

VAT in 2018 surpassed its projected amount by $5.4B or 1,000% to $6B. Property Tax surpassed its 2018 target by 760% or $760M. In 2019, it has also being outlined the Budget Estimates that revenue is expected to further increase by another $100M and then by a humongous $1.5B in 2020.

Private consumption in 2019 is now expected to reduce by more than $77B when compared to 2014. At the household level, in 2019 alone, average total expenditure is expected to reduce by more than $462,000.

Why worry?

This is presumably one of the most misleading statement by the government.

Increased taxation is inversely related to consumers pending. Not only would the preferences of consumers now become non-homothetic, but because of such, MSMEs would also suffer, as demand dries up.

Clearly, this is not what the government has in mind to achieve, but because of incompetence the brunt of such incoherent policy would now be faced by low income earners.

LIE NO. 5: EDUCATION: TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF GUYANESE TO MAKE EDUCATION CHOICES FOR A BETTER TOMORROW What we saw, instead was increased UG tuition fees and tax on private education materials.

Between 2015- 2017, the country’s global ranking fell by seven position, in relation to quality of primary education of children, age 0-15 years.

In 2017, the country has slipped by eight position in global ranking, with respect to the quality of educational services provided to children, age 15-24.

With respect to youth literacy rate the country fell in global position by more than 5 positions (2017 Global Human Capital Index) Inequality in education increased by 3% in 2017, when compared to 2014 (Human Development Index Report 2018) Why worry?

Essentially, the level of productivity of our future generation would be significantly less when compared to present. Moreover, this also conforms the lack of value for money. In short, though we are spending more, we are achieving less.

LIE NO. 6: HEALTH: MAKE THE SYSTEM WORK BETTER WITH THE MONEY IT HAS According to the 2016 Human Development Index, Infant mortality rates, per 1,000 live births, has increased from 29 to 32 in 2015. In addition infants under five months, has seen an increase in mortality rate, per 1,000 live birth, from 36 to 40 during similar period, while deaths of adults due to tuberculosis increased from 15 for every 100,000 people to 21 in 2015.

According to the Human Development Index report 2018: • Infant lacking immunization increased by 2%.

• Death due to malaria increased from 23 out of every 1,000 to 78 or 234%.

• Death as a result of Tuberculosis increased form 15 out of every 1,000 to 93 or 520%.

• HIV amongst adult, age 15-49, increased by 2% Why worry?

The impact of such outcome is self-explanatory. What warrants closer attention, however, is the fact that health is one of the sector that receives the largest chunk budgetary allocation. How is it that, higher expenditure is positively correlated with receding outcomes?

Is it because of gross mismanagement and corruption? Just to refresh the minds our reader, some of the procurement irregularities committed within the health sector, as high-

lighted in the AG 2017 Audit Report, include: • Thirteen contracts totalling $91.422M were awarded to Caribbean Medical Supplies through the single-source method of procurement • Missing documentation for the purchase of $1.7B in drugs • Award contract, by way of restrictive tendering, to HDM Lab for the sum of US$1.8M, notwithstanding, quoted prices by HDM Lab was significantly higher than other three bidders, by an average of 496%.

• Missing contracts for four off-site drugs and medical storage facilities Notwithstanding, the government in their 2015 Manifesto was quoted by saying “the APNU/AFC government will provide full transparency and accountability in the procurement of pharmaceutical products”.

LIE NO. 7”: YOUTH: OUR FUTURE According to the 2017 Global Human Capital index, between 2016-2017, Guyana slipped by more than four position in unemployment rate, for age group 25-54, and seven position, for 55-64. Moreover, Guyana also slipped by 9 positions globally, below Uganda, Zambia and Kenya, with respect to unemployment rate for youths, age 15-24.

Why worry?

“Albouystown youth killed by armed gang”-Guyana Chronicle, April 1 2019- The headline of a newspaper article just a few weeks ago. Hence, over the past three years it is conspicuous that our youth were placed on the back burner. Overall, not only is the quality of education on the decline, but from all indications, a great number of our youths are unemployed. An increasingly unemployed youth population could become worrisome in the future, especially, since higher unemployment is linked to increase crime and other violence.

LIE NO. 8: SUGAR: KEEP THE SUGAR INDUSTRY VIABLE AND RETAIN MANUAL LABOUR What we saw, instead was closure of Estates and dismissal of over 7,000 sugar workers.

Production loss of sugar, since 2015, is now estimated at $27.3B. In terms of foreign exchange, we have lost in excess of US$185M. Increase in land rent rates by the Guyana Lands and Survey: • Agriculture between 100% and 500% • Cattle Grazing between 100% and 200% • Commercial between 266% and 650% or $220,000 and $450,000 • Industrial between 544% and 1,011% or $290,000 and $500,000 Why worry?

The massive reduction of private consumption, which is now estimated at $77B for 2019, undoubtedly is closely linked to the dwindling sugar industry. With over 7,000 direct job losses, businesses in 2019 could expect a further decline in demand. And note, the $77B reduction in private consumption was estimated by the Ministry of Finance in its 2019 Budget Estimate, Volume 1.

Secondly, as the sugar industry continues to decline Guyana will continue to see a major decline in foreign exchange, hence, placing additional burden on our traders. In addition, the massive increase in land rental would translate to higher production cost, hence, further stoking domestic prices.

LIE NO. 9: WOMEN: CUSTODIAN OF THE FUNDAMENTAL VALUES THAT SUSTAINED FAMILY What was promised was: Increase microcredit programme; Establish job centres in each administrative region; and Advocate the introduction of lower interest rates.

Why worry?

Clearly, none of the above was achieved, (Turn to page 7)

7

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Questionable spending at Uitvlugt Estate a matter of concern Dear Editor,

Falling into the debt T trap could have a crippling effect on Guyana Dear Editor,

I

note with concern a recent Bank of Guyana Report which highlighted the significant increase in Guyana’s external debt and as a consequence higher interest payments to service such debts. While I understand the need to resort to external borrowing in order to facilitate major infrastructural works, it is our ability to sustainably manage our debts in the face of declining exports that is of concern to me.

One consequence of unrestrained borrowing is the high levels of revenues that are siphoned off to meet debt obligations, as happened during the pre-1992 period, when roughly ninety percent of revenues were utilized to service our debt payments.

It took considerable lobbying efforts by the new PPP/C administration before the country managed to incrementally free itself from the debt albatross, thanks to generous debt rescheduling and write-offs under the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) Initiative.

Because of reckless borrowing, coupled with high levels of economic mismanagement, Guyana was ranked among the most highly indebted countries in the western hemisphere, and at one time was declared ‘uncreditworthy’ by the International Monetary Fund, after it consistently defaulted on its debt obligations.

We have to be careful not to once again fall into the debt trap, which could have a crippling effect on our ability to grow the economy in a sustainable manner. It would be reckless to start incurring debts in anticipation of higher revenues from the emerging oil and gas sector. Our past experience has demonstrated that the so-called Puerto Rican model, based on heavy external borrowing to facilitate major capital works such as roads and bridges without a corresponding increase in export earnings, could result in severe balance of payments crisis and skewed economic development.

Regards, Hydar Ally

he GAWU, through a usually reliable source, has learnt that Uitvlugt Estate during 2018 expended well over a million dollars on meals provided to visitors to the estate. Those visitors, we understand, are mainly personnel from the Corporation’s Head Office. It, therefore, would mean that over 1,000 meals would have been prepared last year, assuming that a meal costs $1,000. If that is the case, it would mean that the estate had about three visitors every day of the year. This is incredible and incredulous at the same time.

If the information that has reached the Union’s hands is indeed accurate then it is cause for a great concern regarding the administration of the industry’s finances.

At this time, as the workers well know, the Corporation has relied on the excuse of lack of finance to deny, over and over justifiable requests for improvements in working conditions and benefits.

GAWU, on several occasions, has expressed concern about the management of the industry’s finances. Previously, we pointed to the hefty sums going to what the Corporation deems it’s Key Managerial Personnel. On this matter, we noted, from the most recently available data, that sums going to this group of the state-owned enterprise’s top-echelon almost doubled between 2015 and 2016. We

know too that the industry invested $61M into its seed paddy project at Wales but realized only $9M in income, in other words it realized a loss of $52M. It also came to our attention that the Corporation spent nearly $58M on a feasibility study for aquaculture and not one fish was harvested. With such expenditure, seemingly, becoming a feature of the Corporation, it was not surprising, when we saw that the Corporation’s Head Office cost rose from 9 per cent of total costs in 2017 to over 14 per cent of total costs at the end of September, 2018.

This sort of expenditure is coming at the same time that the Corporation is telling the public that it needs investment in the fields and factories. Moreover, we see such expenditures taking place when the industry’s workers, whom the Corporation describes as its most important asset, being denied a pay rise since 2015 and have had several important benefits suspended and ignored.

To say that the Union is disheartened by the most recent revelation is to say the least.

Undoubtedly, at this time, when workers are having a most difficult time to make ends meet it is upsetting that such disturbing news is coming to light.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine GAWU General Secretary

Lack of transparency in the immigration process has cast doubt on the declared purpose of the house-to-house registration Dear Editor,

F

ormer Commonwealth Secretary-General, Sir Shridat Ramphal, once said that “small is beautiful, but small is also vulnerable.”

There is no doubt that such statement holds true for Guyana whose small population may be good in one way with few people to feed, and at the same time, can be a hindrance to real development due to economies of scale.

Given the rate of outward migration, which had slowed down for a few years, but is now climbing again, and coupled with the low birth rate, it is unlikely that we would experience any meaningful natural population increase any time soon.

I take an arguable view that a solid economic base requires about three million people in the context of Guyana, and this can be achieved only by immigration from foreign climes. I hasten to add that any such

policy/programme, however, must first be approved by Parliament and the subsequent process must be transparent. Any bypass, or perception thereof, is likely to give rise to all kinds of rumours.

GECOM’s insistence on house to house registration has spawned rumours that run like wildfire. Invariably, the major arguments in favour of registration have been on cleansing the voters’ list and disenfranchisement of voters.

However, as the wildfire spreads, different views have emerged; many have opined that the government’s support for GECOM’s insistence on house to house registration appears to be the potential gains at the next General Elections.

While Minister Felix has declared that fewer than 1000 people have been given citizenship, it is believed that the Ministry of Citizenship encouraged migration of huge numbers of immigrants from the Caribbean

as well as other parts of the world, many of whom live mainly in suburban areas of Georgetown.

The grapevine-view is that many of these immigrants are employed in the public sector as security guards and drivers, while others are scanning the mines in our hinterland for riches.

If the rumours ran true on the potentially huge numbers, and rumours do have an element of truth, it would not be too farfetched to argue that the ‘newly registered’ would likely cast their votes as ‘thank you’ gestures for providing them with citizenship and economic opportunities. In essence, registration of these immigrants may potentially boost the government’s chances at the next elections.

However, while we have no control of such behaviour, there are other matters of grave concern. The biggest problem revolves around the lack of transparency in the immigration process. The issue becomes thornier

Irfaan Ali exposed 10 major lies peddled to... nor has started. What is even more worrisome is that cash grants that was previously available to aid our women e.g. the “because we care cash grant”, is now terminated. Hence, not only is our women worst off than before, but, from all indication there is no imminent relief.

LIE NO. 10: WORK WITH THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE TO PROMOTE THEIR RIGHTS, CULTURE AND WELLBEING Upon taking up office in 2015, more than

1,972 Amerindian CSOs were dismissed.

The NTC, an organization that represents the needs of all the Amerindian villages, received a mere $16M in the 2018.

The distribution of land titles is another grave concern of which, to date, not a single title has been allocated under the new government. The outcome has led to trespassing of miners on Amerindian lands. In addition, three satellite villages of Potarinua, namely Katuur, Baitoon and Shiriri, lost the opportunity of receiving improved housing through

in that the grapevine posits that many of the immigrants have not met the requirements for the citizenship status.

A serious investigation is therefore needed to set the records straight. If the grapevine turned out to be true, it would only be fair for the nation to view the citizenship and registration acts as translating to political gains.

In a nutshell, Guyana needs foreign skills.

However, it appears that while some of us may have been distracted into thinking the house to house registration is a delaying tactic

by GECOM and the government, or saw it as disenfranchisement or avoidance thereof, others opined that it may represent potential political gains at the polls.

Furthermore, the lack of transparency in the immigration process has cast doubt on the declared purpose of the registration drive.

Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh

(From page 6)

the Hinterland Housing Programme, an IDB funded programme under the CHPA. According to the assessment, 19 houses and 2 roofs are needed in Baitoon, 5 houses and 2 roofs in Katuur and 8 houses and 4 roofs in Shiriri.

The villages, however, couldn’t benefit from the intervention due to missing land titles.

Why worry?

Amerindians have been greatly disrespected by this government. Their attempt to subdue any form of political retaliation was hatched and confirmed by the unwillingness

of the government, not only to construct an NTC head quarter in Georgetown, but to allocate sufficient funds to ensure quality management. In so doing, the needs of the Amerindians will forever go unmet.

Secondly, by not proving land title to Amerindian communities, the government could, essentially, redistribute quasi-Amerindian lands to investors as deemed fit.

Regards, Mohan Persaud

8

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

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

Guyana Under Review Several issues were addressed a weekly news conference held by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday (April 17, 2019), ranging from an update on his visits to Washington, United States of America, to exposing the continued corruption, incompetence and increase of hardships on the Guyanese people.

Senior US gov’t functionaries support demand for free and fair Elections A

week-long visit to the Unites States of America (USA) included meetings in Washington with senior functionaries of the Executive and Legislative branches of Government, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

During his Wednesday (April 17, 2019) news conference, he explained that the primary takeaway from his meeting was clear support for free and fair General and Regional Elections in Guyana.

He said, “One thing I’ve gotten out of Washington from the executive – the senior functionaries I met there – as well as the Congress, is that they will pay careful attention to Guyana and support free and fair elections…all the PPP wants is free and fair elections in Guyana.”

According to him, this

position stands, regardless of outcome at the level of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The no-confidence motion was successfully passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. However, despite the initial acceptance by the APNU+AFC Coalition that its Government had

fallen, moves were made subsequently to invalidate the vote. A request was made to the Speaker of the House, Dr Barton Scotland, on January 2, 2019, calling on his to reverse his decision that the vote on the no-confidence motion was successful. He refused. By January 5, 2019, the Coalition Government took the

issue to Court. Following the Appeal Court ruling, the matter has been taken to the

PPP/C needs presence in Washington to counter gov't misinformation ‒ US Lobbying Firm hired

M

ercury Public Affairs has been hired by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to ensure that the Party has a presence in the United States of America (USA) Capital – Washington. The company’s G$34M contract was made public, as required by law in the USA. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his Wednesday (April 17, 2017) news conference, addressed the move to engage the firm and explained that the move was a decision of the PPP Executive. He said, “We badly needed a presence in Washington because a lot of the options formed in Washington from many

organisations, including the multilateral financial institutions, the OAS and of course the US government, could be tainted by the lies that APNU has been telling in these areas …so we have to have a presence there so that we can have access to those bodies so that we can bring a balance to what is being peddled in those circles… therefore, we took that step as a party to have that presence and we’re going to continue with that presence. “…I believe we’re getting all our views into all the circles that matters so when the lies come from Guyana through the various sources and Government, people can

ask the right questions from them. “…we’re very happy with the firm, we’re happy with its credentials, we’re happy that the firm is a bipartisan firm – both Democrats and Republicans…we need an effective firm to counter the lies being told by the APNU in Washington…every cent is worth it…it is a universal value…we are doing this for Guyana…. they’re working on our behalf, we’ve seen evidence of this.”

Addressing concerns that the company was cited by the US Congress’ Ethics Committee, Jagdeo said, “In the US system, if [the firm] is lobbying on behalf of anyone, they have to register who they’re doing so on behalf of. If they violate anything in that registration, that

ethics, the US system picks it up and deals with it. So the mere fact that this firm is still operating in Washington and is very effective, means it is in good standing and in good standing for me.”

He added, “All the PPP wants is free and fair elections in Guyana, that what we’re lobbying for. It’s a shame that we have to, in the 21st century, go to Washington to lobby for free and fair elections because of this government’s transgressions; refusing to accept a no confidence vote, install [ing] one of their persons in the GECOM, violating the constitution.”

The contract with Mercury Public Affairs in a short-term contract. Signed in March, it comes to an end in May 2019.

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). A hearing is set for May 10, 2019.

“We will continue to engage with US policy makers,” Jagdeo declared.

No decision taken on replacing three PPP/C Parliamentarians who resigned ‒ Party position on not attending House sittings unchanged

T

he Parliamentary Opposition has not changed its position on not attending sittings of the National Assembly until a final decision on the challenge to the vote on the no-confidence motion is handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

This is according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his Wednesday (April 17, 2019) news conference.

Earlier this month, he said, “The People's Progressive Party/ Civic will not attend any sitting of the National Assembly, while the Appeal in the no-confidence motion is pending at the Caribbean Court of Justice.”

Additionally, he explained that no decision has been taken to replace the three People’s Progres-

sive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarians who have resigned from Parliament, given the recent ruling from the Appeal Court that dual citizens cannot sit in the National Assembly.

Prior to the Appeal Court ruling – which upheld the ruling made by the High Court on January 31, 2019 – there was no interpretation of the Constitutional provision relating to the issue of dual citizenship.

Teixeira held Canadian citizenship, while Anamayah and Lumumba hold United States of America (USA) citizenship. Teixeira has already started the renunciation process. Lumumba is expected to do so. Anamayah has indicated that family obligation restrict him from doing so.

9

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

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

Guyana Under Review Several issues were addressed a weekly news conference held by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday (April 17, 2019), ranging from an update on his visits to Washington, United States of America, to exposing the continued corruption, incompetence and increase of hardships on the Guyanese people.

Cancelled tender for supply, delivery of dietary supplies to several schools red-flagged

A

fter the placement of an advertisement, seeking bidders to supply and delivery dietary supplies for several schools, was amended later on April 1, 2019.

However, local businesspersons who placed bids for the job were told that the tender was cancelled. This was done without widely circulated public notice.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his Wednesday (April 17, 2019) news conference, charged that information received by the Parliamentary Opposition indicated that the contract for the supply and delivery of dietary supplies was given to handpicked persons.

He charged that this action is consistent with other evidenced cases of procurement irregularities.

Notably, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) website, which details

The Amended advertisement published on April 1, 2019

the awards of contracts and other related information, has not been updated since

June 2018. Also, other related information is not easily accessible.

Conflict of interest involving Cathy Hughes should be investigated A

call for thorough probe into reports that contrary to public statements, Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes has not relinquished control over day-to-day affairs in her company and has, in fact, been overseeing its financial affairs, was made by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

During a press conference on Wednesday (April 17, 2019), Jagdeo noted that the Minister claimed that she relinquished all day-to-day control of the company since 2015. Jagdeo, however, said that the Minister has been signing cheques for the company to suppliers as late as last year. “She said in May 2015, ‘Upon the assumption of my role as Minister of Tourism, I relinquished any involvement in the day-today running of Videomega Production’, that is not true.”

According to him, until late last year, cheques were being signed by the Minister on behalf of the company.

“That testifies to day-to-day running of the company. She

said she had relinquished responsibility, but she has been signing cheques to suppliers on behalf of this company, until late last year,” Jagdeo said.

Apart from urging a probe, Jagdeo raised additional questions about the entire issue, questioning the fact that the Minister said she made declarations regarding the company to the Integrity Commission. Jagdeo noted that to do this, the Minister had to be privy to details about the company’s operations and this includes contracts. However, according to Hughes in her statement on the matter, she had been completely oblivious to the contract with the Department of Energy until the recent revelations.

He said, “If you give up the day-to-day running of a company and you have to file submissions to the Integrity Commission, you do not file your integrity statement only on the basis of ownership of assets, but also income earned from

those assets. So she had to know whether Videomega Production earned income to do a true representation to the Integrity Commission. It would be interesting to know how much income she filed to the Integrity Commission that came from Videomega Productions… how many contracts Videomega Productions received from 2015 to now.

Two, whether those contracts were tendered and the value of those contracts.”

Jagdeo also noted that the police should be involved.

When asked by the media if his party was willing to file a report, he replied that his party would do so if necessary.

The award of a contract to a Media Company owned by Minister of Public Telecommunication, Cathy Hughes, which was exposed last week, is still shrouded by unanswered questions. The company, Videomega Productions, received a contract to provide sample work to the Department of Energy for a massive $832,200.

Substandard US$150M airport warrants full-fledged investigation

T

The NPTAB website has not been updated since June 2018

here must be a thorough investigation into the renovation done on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

The project initially promised a brand new terminal building, with it being a two-storey structure, with glass roof and highlights. It also was meant to be accompanied by eight passenger bridges. The project, signed with China Harbour Engineering Corporation Limited

(CHEC), was modified by the Coalition Government in 2015, with Guyana getting a considerably smaller airport, though still obligated for a US$150M bill.

Jagdeo contends that in addition to the problem of Guyana getting less, there is also the problem of substandard work. “They argued that it was a corrupt PPP contract. Now, they have decided to pay more when we are getting less…I look at what the contract was and

I look at the airport we’re supposed to receive. Then, I look at what we are getting now and it makes me angry – extremely angry that we’re being ripped off because of complicity with this ministry.

This government has taken a project that is supposed to be a showpiece, an airport for the future, and shifted it into a rehabilitation project.”

The Coalition Government has remained silent on major problems highlighted with the project.

10

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

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

Guyana Under Review Several issues were addressed a weekly news conference held by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday (April 17, 2019), ranging from an update on his visits to Washington, United States of America, to exposing the continued corruption, incompetence and increase of hardships on the Guyanese people.

APNU+AFC gov’t has Continued push for increased fees at NDC levels increases bankrupted the Forestry Commission hardships on Guyanese N

ews that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is struggling to pay staffers led Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, to point out that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government inherited the Guyana Forestry Commission with a “hefty” bank balance in May 2015.

At his Wednesday (April 17, 2019) news conference, he said, “They need to stop raiding the Guyana Forestry

Commission…the Guyana Forestry Commission had a hefty bank account when we left…the staffers must be paid.”

He added that the APNU+AFC Coalition has been “bankrupting” several agencies, since it took office.

Addressing the plans to restructure the Guyana Forestry Commission, Jagdeo pointed out that a political person has been tasked with the job of dealing with a

technical agency, which should not be the case.

The APNU+AFC Coalition Government Cabinet ordered a special body to oversee the restructuring of GFC, including issues of promotion and salary and training. The convener of the task force is Clayton Hall. The body has to submit a report to Cabinet on recommendations by July 2019.

Government has been silent on these criticisms.

Fraud at SOCU ignored by APNU+AFC gov’t, Ramjattan should resign

W

ith the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) having called for a shutdown of the Special Organised Crimes Unit (SOCU) as currently configured, following explosive revelations of fraud after an audit, the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) has made an objection.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his Wednesday (April 17, 2019) news conference, noted the GTUC comments and said, “We are not calling for a shutdown of SOCU forever…currently, it has become a political body.”

He added that the APNU+AFC Coalition has turned a blind eye to the fraud that was ongoing at SOCU because the Unit was working under political instructions. On this basis, he called for Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, to resign.

Jagdeo pointed out that SOCU has not been doing what it was initially set

up by the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government to do.

Under the former PPP/C government, 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.

However, since May 2015 after the APNU+AFC Coalition took office, this has not been the case.

For the past four year, under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, not a single case against money launderers has been advanced by the Unit.

SOCU has only been involved in cases filed against former government officials.

Additionally, 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 Coalition Government has been silent on the issue of fraud at SOCU, among the many other questions surrounding the Unit’s operations.

T

he Plaisance/Industry Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is one of the many such bodies, controlled by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government that has increased a range of fees.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday (April 17, 2019), noted that these increases are placing further burdens on the backs of Guyanese people.

“People in the areas where there are increases must raise it with the APNU+AFC reps…they have to question the increased burden,” he said.

At the Plaisance/Industry Neighbourhood Democratic Council rates and taxes were increased by: 50 per cent for residential areas, 35 per cent for non-residential areas, and 70 per cent for commercial premises. Additionally fees for vendors in that Neighbourhood Democratic Council have been doubled, from $2,000 to $4,000. Several other fees have also been doubles.

Last September, the

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had made it clear that no Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) or Regional Democratic Council (RDC) where it has majority representation will support an increase in rates and taxes. This commitment was reiterated by Jagdeo, on September 22, 2018 – a commitment that was made in the presence of dozens of candidates who were contesting the 2018 Local Government Elections.

Jagdeo had said, “We have been in opposition to increasing the rates and taxes across the country. We believe this government has increased too many taxes.

So, we are opposed to any new burden on people’s backs. There is a surreptitious move on the part of this government to increase valuations.”

Despite the calls for ‘no more taxes’, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government is pushing ahead with the planned countrywide property valuation, as a means to increase col-

lection of rates and taxes.

A contract to the value of approximately $330M has been awarded to a Canadian company, Municipal Property Assessment of Ontario, an entity that does property evaluation for the province of Ontario. Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan, has said, “It will be an inventory of all properties across the country with accurate, current date values. That information will be provided to each council, whether it’s an NDC or town…the purpose of the evaluations is to assist the municipalities to garner more finances so as to allow a ‘weaning’ of them off government financial support…. the central government is committed to (this), because we believe it is the single most important activity that will lead to financial sustainability and viability of our local government organs.”

Notably, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has increased taxation by some $88B, when compared to the 2014 taxation levels.

11

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

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

Guyana Under Review Several issues were addressed a weekly news conference held by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday (April 17, 2019), ranging from an update on his visits to Washington, United States of America, to exposing the continued corruption, incompetence and increase of hardships on the Guyanese people.

What are Guyanese paying More questions than answers surface for with new fees at CJIA? with new details on conflict of interest involving Housing Minister, her husband E ffective April 1, 2019, passengers using the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are expected to pay an additional $4,000 in fees, thanks to the US$150M renovations at the Airport.

The fees include an airport security fee for $4,300, up $1,800 from $2,500 and the passenger facility charge which moved from $1,100 to $3,300, an increase of $2,200.

The airlines operating

have reportedly informed travel agents and other stakeholders.

The taxes are being collected from the point of sale and are shown on passengers’ tickets separately.

Guyana learnt of the increases via a circular dated January 25, 2019 by the CJIA to airlines.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday (April 17, 2019), said, “These charges were sprung

upon us, without any consultations with us, the airline, or anyone else. What are we paying back for?”

The Parliamentary Opposition has highlighted the failure of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government in changing the scope of works for the CJIA US$150M project – changes that has reduced work at CJIA to a rehabilitation project, when the intention was to have a modern airport.

A

s events unfold and new information surfaces, about the conflict of interest involving the Housing Minister, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood and her husband, there are more questions than answers, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

During his Wednesday (April 17, 2019) news conference, he said, “It seems as though the ministry facilitated the sub-contracting…relatives of minister and husband are part of that process….this is not just the conflict of interest.”

Earlier this week, new information revealed that staffers at Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) were very familiar with the Minister’s husband. One of them, Troy Marks, the Clerk of Works at CH&PA, is said to be a nephew of the Minister’s husband. According to a private contract, Yearwood in January 2018 sub-contracted a number of houses to one Desmond Murphy.

Marks, and Elizabeth Simeon, a Secretary at CH&PA, both signed as witnesses to that January 2018 private contract.

Two weeks ago, concerns about possible conflict of interest in the Ministry of Communities, specifically in the Housing sector, as well as the dismissal of complaints were addressed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. During his Wednesday (April 3, 2019) news conference, he explained that the husband of Minister of Housing, Valerie Patterson-Yearwood, has benefited from government contracts – hence the conflict of interest concerns. The dismissal of complains relates to a documented case where Patterson-Yearwood’s husband sub-contracted out works he was engaged to complete and failed to pay his sub-contractors.

Referring to letters from one of the sub-contractors, based on the East Coast of Demerara, Jagdeo noted that President David Granger was written to four times – in May 2018, June 2018, October 2018 and again in March 2019. “All he received was an acknowledgment….until now nothing has happened…this is what we get from this govern-

ment…this is an ordinary contractor who is facing hardships,” he said.

The Minister, herself, has responsibility for housing and direct supervision of the Central Housing & Planning Authority.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing & Planning Authority, Lelon Saul, has admitted that the issuance of contracts to Godfrey Yearwood, the husband of Housing Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood, should be reviewed since a conflict of interest exists. He said, “I believe Mr Yearwood was contracted to build some units, about five houses specifically one duplex, two elevated houses and two flat houses sometime in 2017. The project was launched in June 2017, two months before the Minister married the contractor on August 16, 2017. It is not clear if the contract with Yearwood was signed before or after his marriage to the minister.

The Minister married Godfrey Yearwood on August 16, 2017, at her residence in Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown.

PPP/C commits to process of constitutional reform to address any desire to have dual citizens hold posts as Parliamentarians E xpressing his personal view on the issue of persons holding dual citizenship being Parliamentarians in Guyana’s National Assembly, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, noted that it should be allowed.

When pressed on the issued during his Wednesday (April 17, 2019) news conference, he said, “All of our people should be able to contribute to the development of Guyana.”

However, he noted that at the level of the Party, the fact is that there is a ruling from the Appeal Court and it must be complied with.

Jagdeo added that the ruling has been complied with by

the Parliamentary Opposition, via the resignation of the three People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Parliamentarians with dual citizenship.

“We cannot be convenient… we will not do anything that is illegal,” he said.

The Opposition Leader noted that if Guyanese want to allow dual citizens to hold posts as Parliamentarians, then such a decision can only be made after a process of constitutional reform is followed.

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will commit to a broad-based process that addresses constitutional reform, declared Opposition Leader, Bharrat

Jagdeo, when asked about the matter during his Wednesday (January 9, 2019) news conference.

He said, “Whatever comes out of that process, we will respect it…there is a great deal of arrogance in specifying, as a party, what you want to do in the area of constitutional reform without testing it with the people first.”

PROCESS Referring to the constitutional reform process that was embarked on by a former PPP/C administration, Jagdeo, at a previous news conference, noted that the committee dealing with the matter was a 20-member committee – with

five persons each from the two main political parties and 10 persons from civil society.

“They did hundreds of hours of meetings. This was truly a national effort so that the issues that came out came from the people….it was not someone sitting in an office in Georgetown saying this is what I want because It serves my interests.”

He decried what he termed the effort by the APNU+AFC Coalition government to “hijack” the process of constitutional reform. “Constitution reform is not something you toy with,” he stressed.

CLEAR POSITION In 2017, in response to

queries from the media corps on the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) position on constitutional reform and the participation of international bodies, Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, made clear that the position of the Parliamentary Opposition.

He 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 (Turn to page 19)

12

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

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

Some of the priority actions of the next PPP/C Government will be to: 1. Restore– the $10,000 cash grant to school children. The APNU+AFC took away $1.67B per year, a total of $8.35B from Guyanese children.

2. Reinstate the water subsidies to pensioners. The APNU+AFC removed $500M in subsidies per year amounting to a $2.5B burden that had to be paid by our elderly.

3. Reverse VAT on essential services including water, electricity, and health care. The APNU+AFC imposed this on Citizens which led to billions in tax collection from Guyanese people and escalated the cost of living.

4. Reopen the closed sugar estates. Over 7,000 persons lost their jobs directly and another 4,000 lost their livelihoods indirectly.

5. Restore zero-rated VAT for machinery and equipment for agricultural, mining and forestry industries. For example, a tractor or excavator now attracts in excess of $5M in additional taxes.

6. Reverse cost of license and permits for doing business and accessing Government services. The APNU + AFC increased over 200 fees, e.g. vending licenses increased from $12,500 to a burdensome $65,000. This, added to the cost of living, hampered small business development.

7. Reverse land rents and drainage and irrigation charges. These have moved up in varying degrees, from $2,500 to $293,000 per acre, a policy that is suffocating many sectors including agriculture and tourism.

8. Remove age limits on vehicles. The APNU+AFC added at least $1M to the cost per vehicle, an unnecessary hardship for those aspiring to own a vehicle, especially young people.

9. Remove the restriction on used tyres. The imposition of this restriction increased the cost of tyres by 300%.

10. Reverse VAT on exports.

11. Reverse VAT on building materials.

12. Reinstate the joint services bonus. The APNU+AFC in a Grinch-like move took away the Christmas bonus from the joint services.

13. Remove VAT on data. The APNU+AFC has taxed the internet and your cell phone data.

14. Reverse the 2 A.M curfew. The arrogant implementation of this measure has not helped to address the noise nuisance issue and has affected quality of life and hurt job creation and businesses.

In addition to correcting these draconian impositions, the next PPP/C Government pledges to: 1. Create 50,000 jobs in the first five years.

2. Assist small businesses through the implementation of programmes to help small businesses grow by providing technical advice, small grants, loans, and training for workers. Women entrepreneurship will receive special attention.

3. Deliver 8,000 to 10,000 new house lots per year.

4. Implement a programme for affordable financing for home ownership.

5. Deliver quality health care and end drug shortages.

6. Improve the quality of and access to education at every level including offering 20,000 persons online University education.

7. Implement measures to expand the capability and increase the effectiveness of the security forces so that people can once again feel protected in their homes, on the streets and in workplaces.

8. Create conditions for our young people to prosper, realise their dreams and to involve them in all levels of Government.

9. Ensure better working conditions and remuneration for teachers, healthcare workers and other public servants.

10. Improve infrastructure (roads, wharves, bridges, airstrips, drainage etc) in Georgetown, other Towns and Villages across Guyana.

11. Extend and improve Government services and ICT on the Coast and in the Hinterland.

12. Ensure that revenue from Oil and Gas is not squandered and stolen and leads to the improvement of the lives of ALL GUYANESE. 13. Create the conditions and strengthen the institutions to expand and protect the civil, cultural and human rights of all Guyanese.

14. Improve governance, including expanding and strengthening measures aimed at fighting corruption.

15. Protect our national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The PPP/C has said that it is time to restore Guyana to the path of progress and prosperity.

Since taking office, the APNU+AFC cabal has put forward five budgets, spent $1.3 trillion, borrowed US $ 900M and increased taxes by approximately $88B per annum.

They are spending every year $1.6 B more for food allowances, $1.1B more for rentals, $1.2B more for local travel among other things, as part of their extravagant lifestyle. Meanwhile over 30,000 Guyanese have lost their jobs. The cost of living has skyrocketed and health care, education and quality of life have deteriorated rapidly.

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

13

APNU+AFC Coalition gov’t ministers greeted by protestors at Tain D

ozens of protestors staged a massive protest at Tain, Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne), on Tuesday (April 16, 2019). The protest action, outside the University of Guyana Tain Campus, is what greeted APNU+AFC Coalition government officials who were on site for its second ‘Public Day’ outreach.

The outreach by the Coalition Government comes on the heels of widespread criticisms about its neglect of the Guyanese people for the past four years. Additionally, Tuesday’s outreach, as well as one last month, took place subsequent to the developments that followed the vote on the no-confidence motion, filed by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) against the Coalition Government.

14

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Hardships and little hope ahead with APNU+AFC at the helm

Increased hardships in the daily lives of thousands of Guyanese across the country remain a major issue. Looking at this issue exposes the failure of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government to develop policies that improve welfare of citizens.

This week, The Mirror Newspaper was in Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne) and caught up with several pensioners – one of the more vulnerable groups in Guyanese society.

BALWWANT BRIJANAND (Pensioner): “The water bill for me is the highest thing. It is too high. When you go to the (GWI) office they tell you that you have to pay; you have to pay what on the bill or your water will get cut off.

I am a pensioner. They say take in the pension book, I do that, but no use. People like me not getting help. My son he get knock off from the Estate and it’s how long now since he get severance and he not getting a job, so I don’t have no support.”

RAMO GANESH (Pensioner): “Things very, very, hard.

In two week the money you have done. You got to live on water and the water price raise too. Nobody can’t support me. Everybody right now in Berbice want support themselves. Who will support who? Everybody, it’s the same road we walking. Water raise. Light raise. The PPP government use to give an allowance. Granger come and carry away the allowance. We have to wait now and see.

I am two months from 80 (years-old) and I live through bad already.”

SYDNEY SEETARAM (Pensioner): “What I want to know is why they go and bring the whole of Georgetown to Berbice? What are they doing? They not helping us.

Every time this APNU government come to Berbice we have to worry what they coming to close down and destroy. They come to eat up what Berbicians got and go?

They are not helping people. They just making life hard.”

MOHAMED RAMZAN (Pensioner): “The problem we have here is that things that happening hurting everybody. It knocking you from the most basic thing, like water. Me is a pensioner and thing very hard. I depend on pension but that not taking you far nowadays.”

TAMESHWAR ATMARAN (Pensioner): “I used to be a watchman at Rose Hall Estate. Things now tough. I now over 50 (years-old) and when you go for work people say they not giving job to people over 50. So right now I planting lil garden, but the weather got me bad. The problem is no income from living. Is me, my wife and my daughter and things real hard. My daughter even can’t find a job, she done school but no job. I don’t know how this government expect people to live.”

PULMATTIE BALKARRAN (Pensioner): “Things here, you must find it harder because things gone up. You go in the shop and things raise. You get you bills and thing raise. I used to work at the (Sugar) Estate, so I get my Estate pension. What else left to do, everybody got to try and live.”

15

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Pensioners, by no means, are the least of those affected. Single parents and housewives also gave an insight into the hardships they are facing.

MILTON PAYNE (Pensioner): “The government land this country in crisis. Bill gone up. My electricity Bill, I had to pay $1,500 extra this month. Food gone up.

The government need to make sure it help the people. They have to help the country.”

VIDYA SANICHAR (Housewife): “We need a change in government. We are affected in every way, in every way, because we depend on rice – we are rice farmers – and in the rice industry you know what happened. Through that way we are affected in every other way. Things are very high. The tax too is too much.”

LALITA RAMKUMAR (Single-Parent): “Mortgage and grocery side is the two main thing right now that I have to struggle with. I used to work with the Estate. After the government close it, I can’t find regular work. I doing domestic work right now and I work two days and got to make that work some weeks. Right now I only work two day and that is just to run the house. I got my children to look after. Things very hard.”

BIJULEE MOTI (WPO Member): “We know that this government not upholding the Constitution and when they do that, they disrespect the people of this country. It was the people who put them there. It is the people who have to stand up to protect our country. Cost of living in Berbice is very high. Government needs to get its act together and deliver for the people, like they promised.”

LUCILLE AYANA (Housewife): “This government fail with everything. They are not doing anything for people. People don’t have jobs. They don’t have money. They don’t have enough to pay for food. They don’t have money to send their children to school. Right now $100 is a hard money to get in your pocket. This government has so many things to take care of and not enough being done.”

As for Guyanese youths, the APNU+AFC Coalition has clearly failed them the worst of all. Having campaigned on a platform of delivering to youths – education, jobs, etc. – the Coalition Government failed to make good on its promises.

The Mirror Newspaper spoke to one young girl attending the University of Guyana (UG) Tain Campus.

CHRISTINA MUTHUSAMI (Student): “For me, the UG Council is taking about increasing fees again and it is going to become more difficult to raise the additional monies. Getting the tuition fee now is hard. With the cost of living being what it is now – it is high – and the taxes that have to be paid on things, it will be difficult. I work now part time. I have peers at UG (University of Guyana) who are trying to get jobs and it is very difficult.

Once we complete our degrees what will we, the young people do?”

16

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

PPP/C presidential candidate visits Baiboo as national outreach continues

Residents of Baiboo, Mahaica Creek, had an opportunity to engage with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, during a meeting held on Wednesday (April 17, 2019).

APNU+AFC Coalition gov’t ‘Public Day’ fails to deliver

17

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

SOCU’s Audit finds clear signs of fraud A

n audit at the Special Organised Crimes Unit (SOCU) has unearthed fraud.

Police Commissioner Leslie James in February ordered an audit of SOCU, which is a branch of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). James ordered the audit after various claims of mismanagement at the unit. SOCU has not been audited since establishment.

The Head of SOCU, Assistant Commissioner Sydney James, and more than a dozen other officials have provided statements to the auditors for the investigation. This was all triggered after former SOCU advisor Dr Sam Sittlington voiced concerns about the financial affairs of the unit, pointing out that the spending of the operational funds, the arrangement for the seizing of cash, as well as the management of the unit overall.

Based on the information provided, the GPF’s Audit Department, which conducted the investigated, looked into 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. From which it was shown that $52 million was collected from the Ministry of Public Security by SOCU for its operational fund. Monies from the fund are used to pay SOCU informants, rent surveillance vehicles,

maintain the building housing the unit, day-to-day administrative expenses, and other expenditures.

The audit revealed that several staff members collected monies totally millions of dollars, with claims that it was being used to gather intelligence, without providing any corroborating evidence. The examination of some payments more than half a million dollars each to a few of the ranking officers in one 2016 month, showed the receipts to have been backdated, to give an air

of legitimacy to the payments.

It was reported that the auditors were hindered when attempting to conduct the audit by the absence of receipts and monies not being detailed as to the purposed it was spent. Evidence surfaced of unsigned entries in the financial records. In another case, there was evidence of forgery of an official signature.

Further evidence showed that some of the listed expenditures were fabricated. Reports of pur-

chases from well-established vendors were indicated, when they auditors attempted to verify, it was clear that the officials at SOCU only collected quotation but never purchased the recorded items. Evidence on some of the invoices showed duplication, tampering, fraudulent double entries and fake entries.

In one case a sum of $10 million was claimed to be paid to an Albertown business for car rental services, the owner of the business was not cooperative. The receipts raised

red flags with the auditors as they were vague.

Monies seized by SOCU should be in an account bearing interest, however in clear violation of the anti-money laundering laws, seized cash was being kept at the unit and some at the Guyana Police Force’s Finance Department. Concerns were raised over this matter, on several occasion, no actions was taken to correct the illegality.

As of press time, no action has been taken based on the audit findings. The

Police Commissioner has declined to comment.

The Special Organized Crime Unit was initially set up under the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government to investigate financial crimes, strengthening Guyana’s anti-money laun dering stance. The opposition has accused the Government of directing the unit to do so. SOCU has been engaging in major high-profile probes of the former Government officials and alleged transgressions at the state agencies.

PPP/C MP questions delay with action on Patterson investigation

M

onths after being asked to investigate the findings of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), relative to the award of a contract for a feasibility study on a new Demerara River crossing, Head of the Special Organised Crimes Units (SOCU), Sydney James, has said that the Unit’s work has been completed.

He added that the file on the matter has been with the Police Legal Advisor for several weeks now. James’ comments come as SOCU has been criticized for the pace of its investigation – more so given that it was being asked to investigate the actions of the APNU+AFC

Cabinet Ministers and actions taken individually by Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson.

Additionally, with the Patterson investigation complete, according to SOCU, there has been questions about why no action has been taken in the matter.

FINDINGS OF PPC REPORT SOCU’s involvement in the matter came after a call from the PPP/C for an investigation. The PPP/C, on August 16, 2018, forwarded to SOCU a report from the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which was asked to investigate the manner

in which the contract was awarded earlier this year.

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 findings of the report were damning.

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.

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 (Turn to page 19)

18

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Case filed to protect constitutional rights of thousands of registered electors to vote at the next elections – Nandlall

A

Guyanese pensioner who moves between Guyana and the United

Kingdom (UK), Bibi Zeenatoun, has called on the High Court to ensure that her

rights are not infringed on via the push for House-toHouse Registration.

With the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) likely to hand down the final

FACT SHEET

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CURRENT LIST OF ELECTORS IS VALID The APNU+AFC Coalition has been calling for house-to-house registration, claiming that the list is not ‘sanitised’ and that young people – first time voters - will be disenfranchised since their names would not be on the list.

So what are the facts? » Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission, Keith Lowenfield, on February 5, 2019, declared that the List of Electors was, in fact, clean. » GECOM, less than four months ago, conducted a Local Government Elections on November 12, 2018 with the current List of Electors. None of the political parties, or independent groups and candidates, objected to the List that was used. There were no challenges based on the List of Voters that was used either. » The claim that first time voters being disenfranchised is another fallacy. The Coalition Government argues that persons who turned 18-years-old are not on the Voters’ List. The fact is that the Voters’ List has been updated during several cycles of Continuous Registration that were conducted by GECOM. So there is little chance of young persons, who are eligible to vote, being left off the Voters’ List. » The current Voters’ List was derived from a ‘Continuous Registration, Claims and Objections’ process, which ended October 2018. After such a process the List becomes valid for six months. The current List will expire on April 30, 2019. » Once a cycle of Continuous Registration has commenced anyone who will be 14-years-old or older by that time and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, naturalization, or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more, is eligible for registration during this exercise. During this registration exercise, persons who are eligible for registration are required to visit one of GECOM’s 28 Registration Offices across the 10 Regions, to apply for registration. » Not allowing someone who attained the age of 14 at the time that the cycle of Continuous Registration commenced to register is an offence. Section 6 of the National Registration Act, Chapter, 19:08, makes it obligatory for persons who meet the registration criteria to apply for registration. Persons eligible for registration could be prosecuted, fined and/or even sent to prison for failing or refusing to apply for registration. In the case of eligible persons under the age of 18 years by the qualifying date, the parents/guardians could be prosecuted for failure/refusal to apply for registration. » Article 42 of the Constitution provides entitlement for citizens of Guyana to be so registered. » GECOM’s website states: “Subsequent to the 2001 General and Regional Elections, political parties had agitated for legislative changes which would ensure that a new system of voter registration guarantees Guyanese in general, but more specifically their own supporters, their Constitutional right to be registered and vote at future General, Regional and Local Government Elections. This led to the introduction of Continuous Registration with two primary objectives i.e. (1) introducing a system which would ensure that all eligible persons are afforded unlimited opportunities to become registered on the National Register of Registrants Database and (2), ensuring that GECOM is in a perpetual state of preparedness which would enable it to respond to calls for elections in a timely manner thus guaranteeing eligible persons their Constitutional right to become registered in accordance with the relevant legal provisions and to cast their ballots at future General, Regional and Local Government Elections.” » GECOM is a creature of the Constitution. As an autonomous agency its responsibility is to comply with the Constitution – in this case that means readying itself for General and Regional Elections, which are due by March 21, 2019, following the successful passage of the no-confidence motion that resulted in the fall of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. » Article 162 (1) of the Constitution states clearly that: “The Elections Commission shall have such functions connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections as are conferred upon it by or under this Constitution or, subject thereto, any Act of Parliament; and, subject to the provisions (of ) this Constitution, the Commission – a) shall exercise general direction and supervision over the registration of electors and the administrative conduct of all elections of members of the National Assembly; and b) shall issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties connected with or relating to the matters aforesaid.”

DESPITE THESE FACTS, THE APNU+AFC COALITION HAS BEEN INSTIGATING THEIR SUPPORTERS TO ECHO A MISPLACED CALL FOR A HOUSE-HOUSE REGISTRATION. THE POSITION TAKEN BY THE APNU+AFC COALITION IS A CLEAR PLOY TO DELAY CONSTITUTIONALLY DUE GENERAL AND REGIONAL ELECTIONS.

decision in the challenge to the vote on the no-confidence motion, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) continues its push for house-to-house registration. And despite objections, new national house-to-house registration is set to commence in June 2019, according to GECOM officials.

Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, filed legal proceedings against the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, and GECOM on her behalf.

In the Court documents filed, Zeenatoun, is seeking several things from the court, including: • A declaration that the proposed House to House Registration exercise to be embarked upon by the Respondents in or about June 2019, shall be unconstitutional, ultra vires, illegal, null, void and of no effect.

• A declaration that the proposed House to House Registration exercise to be embarked upon by the Respondents in or about June 2019, to create a new National Register of Registrants from which will be extracted a new Official List of Electors, shall be unconstitutional, ultra vires, illegal, null, void and of no effect.

• A declaration that the proposed House to House Registration exercise to be embarked upon by the Respondents in or about June 2019, will exclude existing qualified registrants currently on the National Register of Registrants and on the Official List of Electors, shall be unconstitutional, ultra vires, illegal, null, void and of no effect; • A declaration that proposed House to House Registration exercise to be embarked upon by the Respondents in or about June 2019, will exclude the Applicant who is currently on the National Register of Registrants and on the Official List of Electors, and will contravene her constitutional right to vote; • A writ of prohibition directed to the Respondents restraining them by themselves, their servants and their agents from embark-

ing upon House to House Registration scheduled to commence in June 2019, or any date thereafter; • An injunction restraining the Respondents by themselves, their servants and their agents from embarking upon House to House Registration scheduled to commence in June 2019, or any date thereafter; and • A Conservatory Order restraining the Respondents by themselves, their servants and their agents from embarking upon House to House Registration scheduled to commence in June 2019, or any date thereafter; Commenting on the move to Court, Nandlall said, “These proceedings are filed to protect the constitutional rights of thousands of registered electors to vote at the next elections from all sides of the political divide.

“The nation is well acquainted with the political duplicity and electoral trickery and artifice of the PNC. Quite apart from their inglorious record of rigging elections, in 1996, they supported a legislation in the National Assembly to make an ID card a valid requirement to vote but when they lost the 1997 elections, they challenged those elections on the ground that the very requirement of that ID card was unconstitutional and unlawful, causing those elections to be vitiated.

“Then in 2015, they placed Charrandass Persaud, a dual citizen, to sit in the National Assembly.

When he exercised his right and freedom to vote against them, they challenged his vote on the ground that he was disqualified from sitting in the National Assembly by virtue of his dual citizenship.

“With such a track record, there is no doubt that when they lose the next elections, they will challenge it on the ground that this very house-to-house exercise, which they now support, is unconstitutional.

That house-to-house registration was done in 2008, makes it neither lawful nor constitutional.”

A date for hearing is to be set.

19

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

ExxonMobil makes 13th discovery E

xxonMobil has made a new oil discovery offshore Guyana at the Yellowtail-1 well, marking the 13th discovery on the Stabroek Block. This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday (April 18, 2019).

The discovery adds to the previously announced estimated recoverable resource of approximately 5.5 billion oil-equivalent barrels on the Stabroek Block.

Yellowtail-1 is the fifth discovery in the Turbot area, which ExxonMobil expects to become a major development hub.

On February 6, 2019 announced its eleventh and twelfth discoveries offshore Guyana at the Tilapia-1 and Haimara-1 wells. The finds increase the estimate of

The well is situated approximately 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) west of the Longtail-1 well.

The Haimara-1 well found approximately 207 feet (63 meters) of high-quality, gas-condensate bearing sandstone reservoir. The well was drilled to a depth of 18,289 feet (5,575 meters) in 4,590 feet (1,399 meters) of water. The Haimara-1 well is situated approximately 19 miles (31 kilometers) east of the Pluma-1 discovery and is a potential new area for development.

the discovered recoverable resource for the Stabroek Block to more than 5 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

Tilapia-1 is the fourth dis-

covery in the Turbot area that includes the Turbot, Longtail and Pluma finds. The Tilapia-1 encountered approximately 305 feet (93 meters)

of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled to a depth of 18,786 feet (5,726 meters) in 5,850 feet (1,783 meters) of water.

The other 10 discoveries to date include: 1. Liza 2. Liza deep 3. Payara 4. Snoek 5. Turbot

6. Ranger 7. Pacora 8. Longtail – 1 9. Hammerhead 10. Pluma-1 The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres) and located approximately 120 miles (193 kilometres) offshore Guyana.

Local operator ExxonMobil’s affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) is operator of the Stabroek Block, holding a 45 percent interest, Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

Oil production is scheduled to begin in early 2020 with revenues for the country to begin being used for development projects soon after.

Uitvlugt cane cutters stage protest to demand a fair week’s work Exclusive clique of elite rulers enjoying the good life while other Guyanese suffer Dear Editor,

E

ffective government needs effective political leadership. No ministers who understand their roles, set clear priorities, work well with their departments, and cope with the demands of the job, would have as many deficiencies as being shown by this Government.

The APNU/AFC coalition government’s ministers have been unable to be effective in fulfilling their promises and bringing resolution to numerous issues over the past four years, despite various highlighted attempts by residents, especially by picketing exercises throughout Guyana.

The lack of leadership, appointment of “square pegs in round holes” for important positions, refusal to be more transparent and accountable in projects and increase of Ministers’ salaries, were just some of the reasons that resulted in the loss of confidence in the government by the people of Guyana.

The announcement by the coalition government to be in Region Six to address issues is clear sign of desperation and a continuation of the 2015 elections campaign of unfulfilled promises to Berbicians in order to garner votes for the next elections We need to ask ourselves what this coalition Government has done for Berbice over the past four years without benefitting themselves. Berbice was quickly transformed into a state of depression after May 2015.

Now in the most shameless manner, this coalition “Circus” hiding under,’Bringing the Government to you “, is nothing else but wasteful abuse of taxpayers’ monies by public officials while Guyanese are suffering in Region Six. This exclusive clique of elite rulers, the Granger regime, is secretive, unaccountable, dictatorial and nontransparent. They are enjoying the good life, while other Guyanese are suffering because of inhuman policies.

There are numerous issues that are known to the Government, but continued to be disregarded, e.g.: • increases of tariffs by the Guyana Water Inc despite poor quality of water and services • the poor performance of GPL • refusal to reinstate students’ cash grant, but installing overcrowded school buses with no insurance in case of accidents • East Bank Berbice public road project being used as a political milking cow • secrecy in awarding of contracts by central government ministries, and contract documents being kept secret from regional authorities.

• streetlights not maintained in the region • only some areas’ playgrounds are being fixed • no job creation for over 6 000 workers in the region, e.g. severed sugar workers, construction workers, laid off workers from affected businesses etc.

• increases in fees for passports , driver’s licences, gun licences etc.

• increased land rental for farmers in the region • crime rate on the increase • streets, roads need urgent upgrading • removal of VAT from GWI and GPL bills Government must be open, because open government is a doctrine that citizens have the absolute right to access the documents and proceedings of government so that ordinary Guyanese can exercise oversight.

The APNU/AFC coalition government has changed our country to secrecy, oppression, intimidation and threats, while the epidemic of systemic corruption in Guyana ensures that monies are being siphoned off into the pockets of public officials. Granger has not been able to do anything to make Guyanese lives better.

Regards Zamal Hussain

C

ane cutters of Uitvlugt Estate, on Monday (April 15, 2019) staged a picketing exercise to call on the estate’s management to provide them with a fair week’s work.

During last week (week-ending April 13, 2019), the cane cutters informed that they were only provided with approximately three (3) days of work. Such reduced work in the cropping period is unusual recognizing that maximum efforts would, usually, be pursued to ensure the timely harvesting of canes.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union

(GAWU) has said, “The situation at Uitvlugt is even more unusual as the factory is generally operating normally and, therefore, it appears, there was no reason to limit work to the cane cutters in the first place….the workers lamented that the situation, which apart from denying them work, is causing the estate canes to become older a situation that can well lend to reduce cane productivity.

Usually, the Corporation would plan its harvesting programme in such a way to ensure that there is balanced harvesting of farmers and estate canes.

“The workers are most dismayed by the apparent actions of the estate which has served to curtail their earnings. The cane cutters shared that they had to contend with a longer-than-usual out-of-crop period which was extended by an additional week and, at this time, they are eager to work recognizing they have many of life’s obligations to meet.”

GAWU on April 12, 2019 wrote GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Harold Davis about the prevailing situation and urged that the workers be offered suitable, adequate work.

PPP/C commits to process... 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 Consti-

(From page 11)

tution. However, we are very concerned about the silence surrounding the daily breaches of our Constitution by the Coalition government.”

Greater clarity on Government’s position is still to be forthcoming.

PPP/C MP questions delay with... (From page 17) 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.

CLOSE EYE Meanwhile, PPP/C Member of Parliament (MP), Bishop Juan Edghill, in comments on the matter, said, “If it is

factual that the investigation is completed, we would want to ensure that SOCU, indeed, questioned every member of the Cabinet along with Patterson, since it was a Cabinet decision for the contract to be awarded. We have not seen any persons from the Cabinet going into SOCU for questioning.

“We would like to ensure that the Police legal advisor, based on law and precedents, and what has obtained before, that the necessary actions will

be taken, and charges will be laid as soon as possible against Patterson, since all men are equal before the law, whether you are a Minister or not.”

The PPP/C MP reminded that the PPP/C will be keeping a close eye on the matter and noted that once the Police acts in a fair and transparent manner, the five private criminal charges, which were filed by the PPP and dismissed by the DPP, will be sent to SCOU for investigations.

20

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

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

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

C

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

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

21

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

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

APNU+AFC gov’t has racked up over 55 scandals since taking office would be paid in three tranches, even though the court did not award costs to BK Int’l.

The government paid BK Int’l 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 parliamentary 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 constitutional bodies including the Public Procurement Commission and the Public Service Appellate Tribunal.

22

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Granger’s latest medical visit to Cuba likely to hit three-week mark

S

ince being diagnosed with cancer, President David Granger has been in Cuba seeking medical attention – during visits that last just over a week at most. However, his last visit is his longest one yet – almost three weeks.

Granger and First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, departed Guyana for the Republic of Cuba on Tuesday (April 2, 2019), where Granger was set to commence radiotherapy – a new treatment.

A statmetn from the Ministry of the Presidency on Saturday (April 13, 2019) said: “President Granger, meanwhile, has commenced his regime of radiology which will end in the next five days…he will return to Guyana next week.”

This was his eighth visit to Cuba. On the seven previous occasions, Granger was doing chemotherapy.

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

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.

Little information was released on the status of the President’s health, prior the November 14, 2018 confirmation that he was diagnosed with cancer, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

The President returned to Guyana from the Republic of Cuba on November 20, 2018 after spending approximately three weeks there, where his medical team performed a number of medical interventions, including the first round of chemotherapy treatment.

Granger’s second round of treatment was done after he left Guyana on Tuesday (December 4, 2018). The President’s third round of chemo was done after he left Guyana on Christmas Day (December 25, 2018).

His fourth round of chemo was done after he left Guyana on January 15, 2019. His fifth round of chemo was done after he left Guyana on February 5, 2019. For his sixth visit, Granger left Guyana on February 26, 2019. After his seventh visit, when he did a last round of chemotherapy, the President returned to Guyana on March 23, 2019.

Cuba’s Centro de Investigaciones Médico Quirúrgicas (CIMEQ), according to the Ministry of the Presidency, has drafted a schedule of treatment which will run until May 2019.

23

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Rank drugs illegal drugs Jagdeo to Police investigators: after seeing police officers ‘There is strong...

A (From back page)

Special Constabulary rank was busted with 2.2kilograms of cannabis on Saturday (April 13, 2019).

Based on information received, police ranks on a mobile patrol were on the Success Railway Embankment on the East Coast of

Demerara when they observed the suspect acting in a suspicious manner. As the ranks approached him, he reportedly stopped his motorcycle and dropped a bag.

The bag was subsequently retrieved and a search was conducted on same.

It was then, three parcels of the illegal plan were unearthed.

The suspect was stationed on the East Coast of Demerara and resides in Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

An investigation was launched into the discovery.

Why are Coalition gov’t ministers offended when questions are asked of them?

Dear Editor,

S

ome media houses are busy questioning the PPP/C’s presidential candidate on the authenticity of his qualifications. They have every right to ask him questions, to which he provided them with answers.

Now, I have noticed that there is a drought whenever questions are to be asked on the Government side. I therefore take this opportunity to ask a “few” questions of the Government. These questions are all listed below: 1. The Finance Minister recently announced that the economy grew by 4.1per cent, is this an honest statement, or another falsification of the figures? I make that assertion based on his projections for a previous year, which were later downgraded to half of that amount. Could someone give us a clear answer on this one?

2. The Minister of Finance recently sourced money from The Islamic Bank to build 3 mini-hydro projects. Is he subscribing to the theory that 3 is better than one?

3. Did Minister Cathy Hughes declare her financial dealings with her own company, Video-mega?

4. Sole-sourcing to Minister Patterson’s husband to build houses for the Government? Is this legal?

5. Where is the President of Guyana, and who is really in charge of the ship of state?

6. Why only now do we see a battery of ministers on meet-the-people tours? What

have they been doing for four (4) years?

7. The health sector is in a deplorable state, with malfunctioning equipment, shortage of drugs and maternal deaths, among others. Could the minister shed some light on this?

8. The Rice Industry is in a terrible state.

Where is the Agriculture Minister on this?

9. What is the position of the squatters in Parliament on that dual citizenship breach?

10. Monies for GECOM. They are claiming that they need more money to conduct elections, but house-to-house registration, which is a costlier exercise, is already underway. What is this Government really saying?

11. What has become of the US$18 million ExxonMobil bonus?

12. The four-lane highway to Belfield, what progress has been made thus far?

13. The four-lane highway to the Timehri Airport, please grant us an update 14. The renovation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri; this project has been going on for six years now. Is there no completion date set?

These are questions and more questions which deserve answers. Do not just ask questions of the Opposition, we have been given a daily dose of that. I am now asking questions of the Government, to which we deserve legitimate answers.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Regional Elections during the time that the matters were in court.

The deadline passed at midnight on March 21, 2019.

The Appeal Court by 18:00hours on March 22, 2019 overturned the ruling of the High Court, handed down on January 31, 2019 – a ruling that upheld the validity of the vote on the no-confidence motion.

Nonetheless, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government held office illegally for 16 hours on Friday, March 22, 2019 – a record in in the Caribbean Region.

Following the Appeal Court ruling, the matter has been taken to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). A hearing is set for May 10, 2019.

OTHER COMMENTS Additionally, Jessamy also requested a response from Jagdeo over complaints about his reference to President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister Sydney Allicock as “jackasses” during his March 10, 2019 Babu Jaan speech. Jagdeo noted that this too will be covered in the written statement.

Notably, while the Coalition has complained

about the latter issue, it was none other than President Granger, who, during his tenure as Opposition Leader, branded the entire former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government with the very label.

“Guyana is nation of Jaguars – the people want development; they want to break out; they want to get rich; they want to be like other nations but they are led by jackasses,” said Granger during a feature address at the Guyana Manufacturing Services Association (GMSA) luncheon at the Pegasus International Hotel on March 17, 2015.

Additionally, while Jessamy and his colleague were informed that the PPP/C will also be filing reports about public comments made by APNU+AFC Coalition Government officials, specifically, PNCR Chairperson and Health Minister, Volda Lawrence. The PPP/C presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, frontally asked Jessamy whether he would be investigating Lawrence also. There was no direct response.

On Sunday, November 25, 2018, during a presentation at the Region Four District Conference, held at Congress Place,

Lawrence had said, “I got news for you: The only friends I got is PNC, so the only people I could give work to is PNC. And, right now, I looking for a doctor who can talk Spanish or Portuguese and ah want one that is PNC.” At his news conference last Thursday (November 29, 2018), Jagdeo, in response, had said: “This is illegal. Volda Lawrence could be charged for this because our labour law says that you cannot discriminate against people on the basis of their gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, whatever else. She is making it clear that she is going to discriminate on the basis of their politics. I hope we can see some private criminal charges being filed against Volda Lawrence for a statement like this.” Meanwhile, none of Lawrence’s colleagues in the Government have, to date, criticized her for the comments.

Additionally, earlier this week, hours after the PPP out the Guyana Police Force over taking political instruction from the Government to arrest Jagdeo upon his return from the United States of America on Sunday (April 14, 2019), the Force denied the contention.

24

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

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

SOCU has rendered itself unfit to function as a law enforcement agency T

he explosive revelations of fraud, falsification of records, misuse and pilfering of monies, including seized cash, and a host of serious irregularities exposed by the recent audit conducted into the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) have vindicated the concerns repeatedly expressed by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) over the past four years, in respect of the operations of that Unit.

From the inception, the PPP has been publicly complaining that SOCU has derogated from its original mandate of combatting organised crimes and money

laundering and has been reduced to a rogue Unit carrying out political directions to witch hunt PPP leaders and shake down the business community under the pretext of crime fighting.

This agenda of political vendetta has seen the arrests and charge of several PPP leaders and public officers, who served their country while the PPP was in Government. In most cases, criminal charges, never heard of before and alien to the law, have been instituted against highly qualified professional Guyanese causing tremendous reputational damage and immense stress

and trauma to those charged and their families.

Over the years, we have received multiple reports from businessmen that SOCU officers have extracted from them huge sums of monies as bribes and seized large cache of jewellery, monies and other personal valuables, including quantities of foreign currencies, from their premises, without due process, and have converted these assets to their own use. We have also received reports of falsification of evidence in prosecutions and the refusal to disclose materials which the law requires them to do,

in order to ensure a fair trial of persons charged. This contamination of the criminal justice system strikes at the very foundation of the rule of law.

The public was made aware of the unholy relationship between Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Attorney General, Basil Williams, British consultant, Dr. Sam Sittlington, and senior functionaries at SOCU, who were sighted jovially sipping wine and champagne at public places after arresting a number of PPP leaders.

The materials disclosed by the audit have confirmed

our worst fears. But, we are convinced that it is only the tip of the iceberg. This Unit has rendered itself absolutely unfit to function as a law enforcement agency and as part of the prosecutorial arm of the State. There is no doubt that both investigations and prosecutions are being compromised by this diabolical outfit, who takes political instructions directly from Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, the Attorney General and Ministry of the Presidency. The public will well remember a former Commissioner of Police, publicly distancing himself from the operations of this

Unit. Recently, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), in a sworn affidavit in a High Court proceedings, made it clear that the Office of the DPP did not advise on a series of criminal charges instituted by this Unit.

In the circumstances, the PPP demands that this Unit be shut down, immediately; that Minister Ramjattan resigns with immediate effect and that a forensic audit be conducted by an impartial and professional Auditor into the functioning and affairs of this Unit with an intent to prosecute all those implicated in skullduggery.

Guyana’s rapid descent into a police state must be noted by international community T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is in receipt of information from a usually reliable source that the Guyana Police Force has been instructed by Congress Place and the Office of the President to arrest, detain and charge Opposition Leader and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo M.P., with criminal offence(s) under the Racial Hostility Act, Chapter 23:01, Laws of Guyana, for wilfully exciting or attempting to excite racial hostility in relation to a speech delivered at Babu Jaan, Port Maurant, Corentyne, on the 11th day of March, 2019.

This speech was widely covered in the media. It is devoid of any racial content whatsoever. It simply called

upon all Guyanese to reject the Government, including the President and the Prime Minister, after March 21, 2019, “by chasing them”, since as from that date, the Government would have become illegal and the President, the Prime Minister and Ministers of the Government would no longer be lawfully entitled to hold their governmental offices because of the successful passage of a no confidence motion passed against the Government in the National Assembly on the 21st December, 2019, and the ruling of the Chief Justice which upheld the validity of that no confidence motion. This speech was delivered before the decision of the Court of Appeal in relation to the no confidence cases.

It must be emphasized that the Leader of the Opposition directed his comments to both the President and the Prime Minister and in fact the entire Government and his appeal was to ALL Guyanese. It is therefore bewildering how these comments can be interpreted as conveying any racial sentiments whatsoever.

Indeed, on the 21st March, 2019, under the stewardship of the Leader of the Opposition, the PPP held protest actions in various regions across the country.

These protests were peacefully and lawfully conducted and there was not a single reported incident of violence or racial hostility of any kind emanating therefrom.

We are also aware that television stations that car-

ried a similar statement made by the General Secretary of the PPP at a press conference held on 14th March, 2019, were served with notices dated 11th April, 2019, from the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) urging that they immediately desist from broadcasting such content.

We maintain that the Leader of the Opposition has done nothing other than exercise his democratic, constitutional and political right to be critical of a Government that has flagrantly violated the constitution and would have been occupying governmental office unconstitutionally, tyrannically and undemocratically. In fact, the duties of the Leader of the Opposition include publicly exposing the vulgar constitutional vi-

olations being committed by the Government.

What we are witnessing is the unleashing of state power through the medium of the Guyana Police Force and the GNBA to stifle free speech, to assault democracy and abrogate political rights and freedoms. This repeated repressive use of the criminal justice system and the state machinery is intended to restrict the Opposition’s rights and freedom to expose the authoritarian actions of this Government, internationally.

It is therefore no coincidence that these actions are being taken after the return of the Leader of the Opposition from international travels where he met with important functionaries and spoke widely with the media in both the Caribbean and the

United States in relation to the despotic behaviour of the Government.

We call upon the diplomatic and international community to note Guyana’s rapid descent into a police state. Needless to say that we will continue to internationalize this issue by writing to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, CARICOM, the Organisation of American States, the Commonwealth Secretariat and other international human rights organisations informing them of the atrocities taking place in Guyana.

Finally, we wish to assure the Government that we will not be intimidated but will continue to work to bring Guyana back to a democratic course as we strive for a better and more united country.

25

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Boysie Ramkarran: An Indomitable Icon A

pril 22, 2019 will mark the 100 years since the birth of Boysie Ramkarran, the indomitable stalwart.

Boysie’s iconic credentials was well earned and remains abundantly respected, as a consequence of his wide achievements and contributions as a true representative of the Working Class, Champion Trade Unionist and Versatile Politician.

Although he departed this world some years ago, his dynamic and vibrant activism on many fronts, played a critical role and helped to charter a national path during a period of Guyana’s historical transformation as an independent state.

There is wide recognition that the legacy built by this man of substance, stands tall to incentivize all Guyanese in this trouble period. In essence, it remains foundational pillars that we all as Guyanese citizens should learn from, emulate and be forever proud.

Boysie evolved from very humble beginnings and through his committal positively acclaimed standards, emerged to exceed as a powerful force in the many endeavors which he targeted. Focus was given to improving the well-being of people of all classes and creed, particularly, that of the working class. He did well from a family perspective and currently stand as a proud father of two eminent legal professional Ralph Ramkarran and Beny Karran, and he also have two grandsons who are also lawyers.

His early career in politics, was concretized by his involvement as one of the founding members of the all-time most powerful political Party in Guyana. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which he helped establish, in many ways chartered and defined his political thinking and wide involvement. He was also a founding partner in the establishment of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), which gives testimony to his penchant and passion to fight in representing the dis-advantaged and the oppressed.

Cde. Ram as we all remember him was one of thirteen children. His early upbringing started in Plantation Bel Air, which was then a sugar community. Cde. Boysie was the only child in his family at that time to complete Primary, and attended Secondary school.

At the tender age of eighteen he started to work at

Boysie Ramkarran (Back Row, fourth from left)

the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD).

The young and militant Boysie Ramkarran resigned from T&HD in 1953, to contest the West Central Demerara constituency in the first Elections under universal adult suffrage. As a Candidate for the People’s Progressive Party he won his seat and was elected as a member of the Legislative Council.

When the British subsequently suspended the constitution and as the struggle intensified, Boysie became fully involved in the workers struggle. He was strongly associated with the T&HD workers and they gave valuable support to the sugar workers. The shooting of the five sugar workers in1948 was indeed a horrifying and significantly impacting event of the time that realized the Enmore Martyrs struggle, and ultimately cemented workers’ unity in British Guiana.

The suspended constitution realized a very difficult time for the PPP leadership.

As one of the leading Members, Boysie Ramkarran a staunch and disciplined Party comrade, was jailed and put in prison by following the Party’s decision to reject and violate the then imposed wicked emergency regulations. As a loyal Party activist, Cde. Ram and his family went through a difficult period at that time as he had no income. After he was released from prison however, he managed to get permission to be outside the restricted area of Kitty/ Sparendaam between 7am and 5pm to seek employment. He was employed by Edward B. Beharry and Co

Ltd., who was a colleague of his at the T&HD. In 1957 the PPP won the General Elections and he was appointed as Minister of Communications and Works, in the PPP government of 1957 -1961. His astuteness resulted in significant success in his role and he was again appointed Minister of Works and Hydraulics in the 1961 – 1964 PPP Government. With the PNC/UF Coalition in 1964, the PPP was manipulated out of Government. The leaders of the PPP took on the challenge to organize and mobilize our people in order to be fully connected to our masses of people.

I was fortunate to travel with comrade ‘Ram’ and be in his company in Moscow 1n1980, which was a very significant year for Guyana.

The 1978 Referendum was manipulated by the PNC regime to allow the cementing of Forbes Burnham Dictatorship in Guyana. The Sophia declaration imposed Party Paramountcy on Guyana and the 1980 Regional and National Elections was blatantly rigged. It now required a new and revised approach to address the emerged internal threat of the erosion of democracy.

Comrade Ram, was elected as General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) the most powerful Trade Union in Guyana. At that time, the workers’ militancy was fully supported by the powerful youth arm and the Women Section of the People’s Progressive Party. Boysie was a master of mobilization and indeed a source of inspiration to the People’s struggle. His

approaches established him as one of the very few who could have convinced very young Comrades such as Michael Shree Chand, Navin Chanderpal and myself to stay in the struggle.

Navin Chanderpal received his documents for a scholarship to pursue his study for his Master’s degree in United Kingdom in 1975, and Cde. Ram had a meaningful role in persuading him to stay in the struggle.

Navin was appointed First Secretary of the Progressive Youth Organization. While many young comrades even though they did not see the light at the end of the tunnel, they struggle with the PPP in the most difficult times, based on the inspirational motivation of the General Secretary of GAWU and the

Deputy leader of the PPP Cde. Ram. Boysie Ramkarran was the steel pillar in the struggle! His dynamism and astute leadership working with Cheddi Jagan, enable Guyana’s largest Trade Union the GAWU to win recognition in 1975. He was in the top leadership of the PPP and a clever smart and witty Parliamentarian. His parliamentary career in opposition was marked by his service as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Deputy Speaker on various occasions. His contributions to debates were characterized by criticisms that were sharp, fearless and displayed his wide experience in government and politics.

In Parliament, he was a member of stature who

was well respected on both sides of the aisle. He was listened to with respectful attention, partially because he always advocated a measured approach on issues and consensus with opponents, and partially from fear of his devastating wit and responses, for which he was well known and which was enjoyed by both side of the house.

Cde. Ram’s reputation in the National Assembly is a revelation of substance and his Jovial character was punctuated with ‘’Ho JACK” and ‘nationalize the Cambridge, Oxford White Coconut tree and Sam Gam hotels and called them ‘Guy Fuko’. He certainly put Burnham off target many times and as we go through the Hansards, we could write many more volumes of our motivator, and genuine leader of our struggle.

Cde. Ram never forgot that he was serving a higher purpose, the working people of Guyana and their fight for freedom. After he left active trade union and political work in 1985, he continued to give service as a member of the Public Service Commission on which he served for several years, until his passing on July 24, 1990.

All said, Boysie remains a respected figure through the indelible imprint that was established on all with whom he associated. The People’s Progressive Party will be forever be grateful for his invaluable spirited contributions and spirited unwavering commitment for a better Guyana. (By Neil Kumar)

Guyanese interested in volunteering asked to contact Party

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is now available on WhatsApp number 592-611-PPPC (7772) and it encouraging Guyanese, who are interested in political activism and volunteering, to contact the Party.

WhatsApp allows persons to message from Guyana other countries at no cost.

Operators are manning the line on a 24-hour basis and interested Guyanese are asked to communicate this to the Party.

26

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

Berbice family beaten, Money changer robbed, killed robbed by armed men by armed men

A

Mibicuri, Black Bush Polder (BBP) family was beaten and robbed in the wee hours of Tuesday (April 16, 2019) by a group of armed men. The men escaped with over $1.5 million in cash, jewelry and other valuables.

One of the victims reported that she was awakened by the six armed men at about 02:00h. She stated

the men would have gained entry into the home breaking a glass window. She was told not to raise an alarm by the men whose faces were covered with rags. They then proceeded to wake up the other members of the household including her 60-year-old aunt.

The members of the family were then tied up by the bandits who started to

demand money and jewelry.

Two other victims put up a resistance and were beaten about the body by the bandits.

In addition to cash and other valuables, the bandits also made off with the family’s motor cycle which was later found abandon a short distance away.

Investigations are ongoing.

Six busted with illegal drugs P

olice in Berbice on Sunday (April 14, 2019) busted six men with almost sixteen kilograms of compressed cannabis, during stop and search exercises.

The first was conducted at about 16:00h where ranks intercepted a hire car

at the police checkpoint on the eastern end the Berbice Bridge Access Road and conducted a search on the driver and three passengers and found nothing but a search of a speaker box in the trunk revealed ten parcels of cannabis with a

weight of 4593 grams.

Sometime later, another hire car was intercepted in New Amsterdam and two large parcels of cannabis were found in the truck. The prohibited substance was weighed and amounted to 11 kilograms.

A

money-changer was robbed by killed by armed men on Tuesday (April 16, 2019). The victim was identified as 57-year-old Prince Phillip Alleyne, of Lot 88 Grove, Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

The police stated that the incident occurred at about 10:40h at High Street, Georgetown between Hadfield and Leopold Streets.

Preliminary investigations revealed the Alleyne left his home about 10:00h with his motor car PMM 9512, his licensed pistol and an undisclosed sum of cash

Dead Prince Phillip Alleyne

to ply his trade on Water Street. He reported parked

and secured his motor car in front of Ashmin’s Mall and immediately after which he was confronted by two males resulting in a scuffle.

It was during the scuffle the victim was shot to his head and was relieved of the cash and firearm. The suspects reportedly escaped on a motorcycle.

The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in an unconscious state and died about 11:25h while receiving medical attention.

Investigations are ongoing.

Armed bandits terrorise Essequibo family A

businessman and his family were terrorised and robbed of millions of dollars in cash and other valuables after gunmen stormed their Vilvoorden, Essequibo Coast home on Sunday (April 14, 2019).

The businessman, Nahib Sabar of N. Sabar Cell Phone Connection and his family went to mosque for prayer on Sunday afternoon after which they visited his mother-inlaw who lives in the same village.

He along with his two sons and wife reportedly returned home at about 20:00h and as he was about to enter his yard, he was confronted by a group of armed men dressed as police officers with masks over their faces.

The men were reportedly car-

Injured: businessman Nahib Sabar

rying high powered weapons and cutlasses.

The men reportedly held him at gunpoint and demanded that he opens the access door to the house while the others were holding his family hostage.

As he opened the door, his family was forced into the house as three armed bandits kept guard outside. Those who went in reportedly demanded $20 million to keep his family alive.

The businessman explained that during the ordeal, he was beaten mercilessly as he begged the bandits not to harm his family.

After the men continued with their demands and threats, he handed over $3M and about 30 high end mobile phones.

The businessman recalled that one of the bandits were taking instruction over the phone which meant that the person on the other end of the line might have been knowledgeable about his business.

Investigations are ongoing.

Five robbed at gunpoint, one injured F

ive men robbed at gunpoint by three armed gunmen on Saturday (April 13, 2019) at a popular bar in Canje, Berbice.

The gunmen reportedly relieved the men of their cash and jewelry before fleeing the scene with a car belonging to one of the victims.

Based on reports re-

ceived, at about 22:25h on Saturday evening, the trio stormed the establishment with cloths tied around their faces and flop hats on their heads. They were all brandishing handguns.

Reports are that, after the bandits made their way into the drinking spot, they demanded that the five men

hand over all their cash and jewelry.

One woman was injured during the robbery.

The armed men made off in a Toyota Allion motorcar that was parked near the establishment, and sped off the scene.

Investigations are ongoing.

WEEKEND MIRROR 20-21 APRIL, 2019

PPP groups engage in community kite distribution exercises

27

Jagdeo to Police investigators: ‘There is strong justification for everything I said’ O

pposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday (April 17, 2019), cooperated with ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) by offered a statement on the request of Former Deputy Crime Chief Hugh Jessamy.

The request for a statement came after APNU+AFC Coalition Gov-

ernment Parliamentarian, Babara Pilgrim, raised the issue of comments made by Jagdeo at the annual Cheddi Jagan memorial event at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, on March 10, 2019.

CHASE THEM OUT COMMENT Jagdeo had said, “Here in Berbice and right across

Guyana, when the Ministers or Granger or Nagamootoo come here after March 21, 2019…you say to them they are illegal….chase them out, they are going to be illegal….say to them free up the country, you’re undemocratic…they’re gonna face a different situation right across the country…we are going to get teams of people

right across the country to picket them everywhere, at their home, their office, everywhere else, like they did to us in the past, unfairly.”

Jessamy, who was accompanied by another rank of the Force, to Jagdeo’s Church Street office on Wednesday (April 17, 2019), offered Jagdeo the option of responding verbally or via a written response.

Jagdeo said, “I am tempted to give you an explanation. I do believe there is strong justification for everything I said. I will prefer to give you a written statement.”

Notably, on March 11, 2019, Jagdeo reiterated his comments in a widely circulated video recording. He said: “I noticed a statement emanating from the government today complaining about my comments at Babu Jaan – where I said, people, after March 21, should chase them out of their communities. Let me make it clear, I stand by that statement. I made it clear at Babu Jaan that we are a Party that does not believe in violence. We are not going to be burning people’s buildings. We are not going to be beating people on the streets. But the Government would become illegal after March 21 and, therefore, they will no longer be ministers. When they come to the communities – whether it be Berbice, Essequibo, Linden, South Georgetown, Agricola or in Enmore or Port Mourant – the people of Guyana should treat them as illegal. I said that they (people) should walk behind them, chase them out of their communities, because it means that they have been squatting in power and that they will be there (in office) unconstitutionally. I made it clear whoever they are - Ministers, including President Granger and Prime Minister Nagamootoo – after March 21, they no longer have that

right to hold those titles anymore. And so I think they are desperate, they are worried about this – how people will treat them after March 21, the deserved treatment they will get after March 21.”

He had added, “If they think they can continue, they can stay in power, disrespect our Constitution and act in a normal fashion with impunity, well they have another thing coming.

So I reiterate to the people of Guyana, across Guyana, people of every race, every religion, should join us in a movement to chase them out of the communities that they come to.”

MARCH 21 DEADLINE The March 21 deadline was the deadline imposed by the Articles 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution of Guyana – a deadline within which General and Regional Elections were supposed to be held the passage of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018.

However, despite the initial acceptance by the APNU+AFC Coalition that its Government had fallen, moves were made subsequently to invalidate the vote. A request was made to the Speaker of the House, Dr Barton Scotland, on January 2, 2019, calling on his to reverse his decision that the vote on the no-confidence motion was successful. He refused.

By January 5, 2019, the Coalition Government took the issue to Court.

No moves were made to prepare for General and

PUBLISHED BY NEW GUYANA Co. Ltd., 8 Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 226-2473, 226-5875 Fax: 226-2472

(Turn to page 23)