Weekend Mirror 19-20, January 2019 by Weekend Mirror

Efforts to polarize Guyanese using race rejected 19-20 January, 2019 / Vol. 10 No. 56 / Price: $100

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

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Falsehoods peddled after Opposition, Gov’t meeting rubbished PAGE 10

A question of priority?

SEE INSIDE

Guyana cited as country with ‘flawed’ democracy PAGE 15

Opposition pleased with position taken by High Court – Jagdeo PAGE 19

Decision on presidential candidate to be made soon GECOM CEO declines meeting with Chief Whips PAGE 9

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The APNU+AFC Coalition Government is pushing ahead with the imposition of regional flags across Guyana, despite continues opposition from the democratically elected officials at the level of the Regional Democratic Councils and from the Parliamentary Opposition. The focus on regional flags has again brought into question the issue of the Coalition Government’s priorities

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

GECOM CEO declines meeting Chairman must assure Guyana that GECOM is fully with Chief Whips prepared to conduct elections A S

tressing the need for constitutional compliance, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday (January 16, 2019) called on the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), James Patterson, to assure the nation that the Commission is fully prepared to conduct elections within the period that they are due. A statement from the PSC said, “The Private Sector Commission has given serious and continuing consideration to the fact that the motion of no confidence in the Government, passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, requires that general elections must be held within ninety days of the passing of the motion. “The Commission wishes to remind the nation of the fact that, unless otherwise ruled by the Court, or decided upon by a motion passed by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly the Guyana Elections Commission must be fully prepared to conduct these elections within this period of time. “The Private Sector Commission calls upon the Chairman of GECOM to assure the

nation that the Commission is so fully prepared.” The no-confidence motion, filed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, against the APNU+AFC Coalition Government on November 15, 2018, was successful passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 after Government Parliamentarian, Charandass Persaud, voted in support of the Parliamentary Opposition. Since then, House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, has upheld his ruling that the motion was successful passed. After being asked by the Coalition Government to reverse his ruling, Scotland on January 3, 2019, said, “The Motion of 21st December, 2018 was passed by a vote of 33 to 32 and the now former Member of Parliament took part in the vote for the majority. “…It is perhaps useful Honourable Members to let you know that the authority with which the Speaker is clothed enables him to revisit any Ruling which he has rendered and if in doing so he forms the opinion that the Ruling should not stand,

he may reverse his Ruling. The only limitation on the action of the Speaker in this regard is the requirement that the Speaker must at all times act in full obedience to the Constitution which is the Supreme Law of Guyana. It is the Constitutionality of action which must at all times guide and direct the Speaker. “…the Speaker on this occasion and without more, declines the invitation to act in Reversal.” Given the position of Scotland, two matters are before the courts challenging the validity of the vote on the motion of no-confidence – one argument saying that 33 votes is not a majority of 65, rather 34 votes were needed; and the second argument saying that Charandass Persaud holds a dual Citizenship (Guyanese and Canadian) and should not have voted. A third case filed by private citizen, Christopher Ram, calls for the Court to validate the recently passed no confidence motion and have Government comply with constitutional provisions to demit office and call elections no later than March of this year.

fter the January 9, 2019 meeting between teams from the Parliamentary Opposition and the Government, the parties identified Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, and Amna Ally, would meet with enquire into the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) readiness for early elections. However, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, has declined to meet with party representatives in the National Assembly. Teixeira explained that a meeting with Lowenfield was sought since he would probably have been better placed to address as series of technical matters. She said, “Lowenfield thought it appropriate we

write the Chairman first and get a meeting set up. That’s what (Chief Whip Amna Ally) did as a result (on Thursday – January 10 ,2019). We haven’t gotten a response yet. My view was that this is a technical issue and (we should) get the technical areas from Lowenfield and his secretariat and the operational preparedness.” Notably, statutory meetings of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) were adjourned until January 8, 2019 because the 85-year-old Chairman, James Patterson, who was unilaterally appointed by President David Granger, is ill. The January 8, 2019 meeting did not take place after Patterson’s medical leave was extended.

Patterson was first unavailable for a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 4, 2018, because of his illness. As such this was the first meeting cancelled due to the state of his health. Prior to the scheduled meeting on December 4, 2018, two of the three Opposition-nominated Commissioners – Bibi Shaddick and Robeson Benn – walked out of the statutory meeting after Patterson decided that GECOM Public Relations Officer should be present at every statutory meeting – a move that attracted strong objections, which were ignored. GECOM’s Secretariat has released limited details on the current state of affairs.

GECOM Chairman expected back at work on January 22

statutory meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) may be likely on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 – given that the GECOM Chairman, James Patterson, is set to return to work after being ill. Article 161 (7) of the Constitution provides for the appointment of a temporary

chairman if the chairman is unable to perform his functions. It states that: “If by reason of Illness, absence from Guyana or suspension… the chairman is unable to perform his functions a temporary chairman may be appointed in his place.” However, the meeting between the Parliamentary

Opposition and Government did not feature discussions on the appointment of a temporary chairperson of GECIM, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, when asked about the matter. Patterson, 85, has been away from work since December 4, 2018.

Charandass Persaud rejects Bribery claims – says he is willing to take lie detector test

he former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament, Charandass Persaud, has rejected claims that he was bribed by the Parliamentary Opposition to break ranks with the APNU+AFC Coalition Government when the vote on the motion of no-confidence was called. As a result of Persaud’s vote in support of the Parliamentary Opposition, the no-confidence motion was passed by a majority of 33, resulting in the fall of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. In response to the claims, Persaud said, “The only reason they’ve given up on (accusations of me) accepting bribes is because they checked through Scotiabank, my account there and they found no money… they have nothing and will continue to find nothing. They’ve also

given up on [claims about] me buying $1 million in gold. “….they cannot, no matter what they do with it, find that I accepted bribe, because nobody offered me any money to say I’m bribing you to vote. I voted because of my conscience….I am willing to submit to a lie detector test. “…the Commissioner of Police was grilled by reporters who asked a simple question: ‘James, you are investigating Charandass Persaud for what criminal activity’. (He said) that is confidential. Why is he a threat to national security? That is confidential. The man had no answer for anything. So what they want the world to believe is that Charandass is involved in something criminal, so that when he shows up at the borders they can arrest him and keep him locked up until he hangs himself in prison. They expect that I am going

to be locked up. But they have nothing on me.” CONSCIENCE VOTE After the historic vote on the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018. Persaud said, “This is the only time in three and half years as a Parliamentarian that I voted according to my conscience. All the other votes I took was according to party lines because I am an AFC (Alliance For Change) man and a party man, I voted in favour of anything the Government wanted, much to my dislike on some occasions. …I have a conscience, it is now clear.” According to him, the vote of conscience is accompanied by his decision to end his political career. “This is the end of my political career….I will hold out joining any political party or being a candidate for any party from here on out…my conscience

is clear…. I will die with a clear conscience.” Persaud, in speaking to the media, added, “There are times when you have to vote according to your conscience and not according to Party affiliation. This is a conscience vote….people may not be happy with what I have done but I will die with a clear conscience…I am not concerned with who calls me a traitor. “I am not a PPP member. I am not affiliated with the PPP. This is not because of the PPP…I have not spoken to that man (Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo) about anything. “…I will resign as a Member of Parliament… they could (also), they will, expel me (from the AFC) obviously…I don’t sell my soul…I sold my conscience for three and a half years and that has come to an end.” Asked to explain his reasons for exercising a

conscience vote, he said, “My Government is the APNU+AFC Government. I am an AFC member and the reason for voting in favour of the motion of no-confidence is simply that I have no confidence in the AFC. “They (the AFC) have done numerous things. We (AFC members) are sitting as ‘yes men’ to the APNU and we are AFC. We have not blended with the APNU. Why are we doing everything that the APNU wants us to do, like passing the former Mayor, Hamilton Greene’ pension bill. Why are we doing that? That man is not getting favours from the PNC, not us. Why are we giving him taxpayers’ monies? And we (the AFC) voted for that. We are not opposing anything. We are not saying no to anything. “…you take Volda Lawrence’s statement… (she said) I am PNC my friends are PNC I will give wuk

to PNC and then what did (Raphael) Trotman do as (AFC) leader? I wrote to him and said we have to make a statement. What did Trotman do as leader of the AFC? He defended Volda Lawrence and then she apologized and Trotman looked as if he was just pissed on by Volda Lawrence and I am taking this as a member of the AFC because I have no say. “…I have taken many things into consideration… this is the one time that I have a say and I voted according to my conscience… The AFC has disappointed me terribly…I did not work so hard to put them (AFC) in power so that they could run around and live the good life and mess with the people. They destroy the lives of sugar workers in a village that I live in and I can’t live with that.” The validity of Persaud’s vote is currently engaging the attention of the High Court.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

APNU+AFC Coalition continues to increase Guyana’s indebtedness despite passage of no-confidence motion T

he Government of Guyana has announced that they have secured a US $8M loan from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Leading the Government team in Abu Dhabi was embattled Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, who is already under investigation for corruption in a multi-million dollar deal. Meanwhile, questions have arisen concerning the APNU+AFC Government borrowing money since their defeat in a vote of no-confidence on the 21st December 2018. While they are two cases filed in the High Court concerning the validity of the vote, the President and Cabinet is expected to have resigned, in accordance with Article 106 (6) of the Constitution of Guyana and hold General and Regional Elections within 90 days, in accordance with Article 106 (7). Article 106 (6) of the Constitution says: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a

vote of confidence.” PPP General Secretary and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, has made clear that, in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, the Coalition Government can only perform a “caretaker” function – routine functions, until fresh General and Regional Elections are held. Article 106 (7) says that: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the

oath of office following the election.” Additionally, former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, in commenting on the continued borrowing, said: “Against that constitutional reality, it obviously cannot be business as usual. Monies can only be spent by the Government in accordance with the objectives and within the confine prescribed by the spirit of the Constitution. “In other words, they are to spend money in order to keep essential services of the State up and running, including payment of wages and salaries for State and Government staff, including teachers, public servants and all those who are engaged in keeping

Army says leaked letter about June elections prep taken out of context

eports have surfaced that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is preparing for Regional and General Elections, which will be held no later than June 2019. A leaked letter, reported on by the local media, notes that “Exercise HOLDFAST” is to commence on February 5, 2019, will include, inter alia: embossing and debussing drills, vehicle ambushes, and patrolling. This Exercise will also make the necessary preparations for Election Day for Officers and Ranks, and this includes the reconciliation of the voters’ list and Identification cards. The leaked letter says: “Phase two, which will be Election Day activities, will include support for the civil power in the maintenance of law and order, and upgraded security on all Bases and border locations. “Phase three, which involves post-Election Day

activities, will focus on the maintenance of law and order.” The leaked letter follows the passage of the no-confidence motion against the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, as a result of which elections are due before the end of March 2019. However, in a public statement, the army has refuted the article claiming that they are not responsible for the naming of a date for elections. The army, in a statement, said: “The Guyana Defence Force is alarmed by a recent News Room publication dated 15th Jan, 2019, titled, ‘Army preparing for elections in June’, which suggests that the Force is in preparation for National Elections in June. “The Guyana Defence Force wishes to advise the public that we have not authorised any such release or

made any such pronouncements. The Guyana Defence Force is aware that we are not the authority for specifying the date and or time by which elections should be held. “Any Force will always have intelligent anticipation of tasks likely to be undertaken. These tasks once identified are issued to the subordinates as ‘Warning Orders’ alerting them to the nature of the probable tasks and should not be misconstrued to mean anything else. “The Guyana Defence Force has always respected the rule of law and due process, and will continue to maintain a professional Force which contributes to the development of the nation.” The statement from the Guyana Defence Force was released by the Ministry of the Presidency hours after the media report on the leaked letter surfaced.

the machinery of the state function. Monies should be spent on public security, public health, transportation, national drainage and irrigation, etc and to spend monies, which are required to prepare the country for elections,” Nandlall argued. “…new capital projects cannot be embarked upon, monies cannot be used to implement new policies and measures. If that is done, it would violate the limited constitutional mandate that the Government has and it can easily be argued that those spending are illegal and can attract criminal liability.” INCREASING DEBT At the end of December 2017, Guyana’s total public debt was a massive $334.9B – an increase from 2016 by $14.3B. Of the $334.5B, $256.2B was external debt, while $88.6B was domestic

debt. In 2015, Guyana’s total public debt was $317B. This is according to the Public Debt Annual Report of 2017, recently released by the Finance Ministry and presented to the National Assembly. Notably, Guyana’s public external debt stock also saw an increase – from US$1.162B in 2016 to US$1.24B in 2017. Of the 2017 public external debt stock, Guyana owed monies to the: Caribbean Development Bank (CDB): the Inter-American Development Bank; the International Fund for Agricultural Development; and others. Additionally, Guyana’s public domestic debt stood at some $88B at the end of 2017. The country’s total public domestic debt servicing has been on the rise. When the People’s Progressive

Party/ Civic (PPP/C) left office, debt servicing at the end of 2014, stood at $1.58B. Under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government that number has been steadily increasing: 2015 - $1.75B; 2016 $1.92B; and 2017 - $2.25B. Total public debt (the public domestic debt and the public external debt) servicing amounted to $14.8B in 2017 – an increase from $13B in 2016. Total debt service-to-revenue ratio increase from 7.2 per cent in 2016 to 7.6 per cent in 2017. Meanwhile, final numbers on Guyana’s public debt for 2018 are still to be presented by the Finance Minister, since Budget 2019 – which would also include these numbers – was presented early and final year figures are not yet available.

Guyana placed on alert over re-emergence of Swine Flu

he H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus has reemerged in the Caribbean region. Guyana in particular, has already been on heightened alert since the discovery of the H1N1 virus in neighboring Trinidad and Tobago. The common symptoms of the H1N1 virus vary from non febrile mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe pneumonia. There can be a cough, fever, sore throat, malaise and headache and constitutional symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in 38 per cent of cases. Treatment includes supportive management in mild cases to hospitalization. There is also respiratory sup-

port, as well as anti-bacteria and anti-viral treatments. The two important classes of anti-viral medications available for treatment are the Neurainidase inhibitors (Oseltamivir and Zanamivir) and Admantanes (Rimantidine and Amantidine) and which should be given in the early stages preferably within 24 hours of diagnosis. All persons are called on to practice good hygiene –wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based rubs and to cover your mouth and nose with tissue when sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and avoid close contact – you

are expected to be about 6 feet away from a person suffering from the H1N1 virus. Persons are also being advised to drink plenty fluids, stay at home and rest, to treat the fever and see your primary care physician should they contract the virus. Port Health Officers are working at Guyana’s to ensure that there is quick surveillance and detention along with rapid responses to guard against the spread of H1N1 in Guyana. Blood samples of persons suspected with H1N1 will be taken and sent to the Georgetown Public Health Corporation Lab for testing to ascertain the presence of the virus.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

EDITORIAL

Ignoring the will of the people by saying ‘leeway’ for democracy was allowed does not make decision-making democratic

n January 15, 2018, the state-controlled Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that: “Despite the challenges in some quarters, the government said it will be moving forward with the proposed regional flags and renaming of regions. Speaking to the media on Monday, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan said the government is behind on its expectations in this regard. This, he reiterated, is due to the unwillingness of most of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDC’s) to participate in what, he said, is leeway for democracy in Guyana.” The Minister’s comments are telling, expressly given that it exposes his view of what a democratic process is. What Guyanese have is a Government Minister advancing a major change and, in the face of opposition, he defends his unsupported action by saying that “leeway” for democracy was allowed. A democratic process sees the will of the majority prevailing. Anything else is not democratic. But clearly, in the Minister’s view – and by extension in the view of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government – democratic processes are welcomed only if they yield a result that is favourable. Minister Bulkan, regardless, insists that, “The determination of the administration [is] to proceed with the initiative, having given the leadership ample opportunity to come on board. We will not allow the agenda to be hijacked by unwilling elements.” Rewind to 2016, the decision on regional flags and renaming the regions was made and it was opposed by majority of the democratically elected Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and by the Parliamentary Opposition. Minister Bulkan is also on record admitting that the announcement about changes was made with no prior consultation with the RDCs or the wider Guyanese population. Now, in 2019, with continued opposition to the move, Minister Bulkan has said that the APNU+AFC Coalition will move forward with its decision to impose regional flags and new names for Guyana’s 10 administrative regions. It has to be noted that there been concerns about the flags that were supposedly ‘proposed’ by APNU+AFC Coalition Government to the various regions, since some proposed bear the distinct colours of the Coalition – green and yellow – including the first one, which was proposed flag for Region One. The Minister’s comments come even as Guyana has been cited by the Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU), in its 2018 Democracy Index, as a country with a “flawed” democracy. The report explained that flawed democracies are, “Countries [that] also have free and fair elections and, even if there are problems (such as infringements on media freedom), basic civil liberties are respected. However, there are significant weaknesses in other aspects of democracy, including problems in governance, an underdeveloped political culture and low levels of political participation.” It is interesting that the EIU cites “problems in governance” as a weakness that contributes to a country being cited for having a flawed democracy. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government’s unilateral decision-making process no doubt falls under poor governance. The poor governance or flawed decision-making processes, as seen in this case, entrenches authoritarian style-management and undermines the very objective that Bulkan has been mouthing since the 2016 Local Government Elections were held – decentralization and regional empowerment. So while Central Government in rightly placed is saying to the RDCs that regional identity and pride should be promoted, it should be up to the RDCs to decide how this is done. Unfortunately, this is not the case. What Guyanese have is a Communities Minister insisting that regional flags and new names – advanced despite opposition from majority of the RDCs – will empower people and deepen Guyana’s democracy. The fact is it does neither.

APNU+AFC gov’t cannot ignore the word ‘defeat’ included in the Constitutional provisions on the no-confidence motion Dear Editor,

eference is made to a joint press statement issued by the Presidency Ministry following the recent meeting between Government and the Opposition. There seems to be a downplaying by Government of the word “defeat” as found in Article 106 (7). That provision states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the elections.” First, the provision does not address any Government. Rather, it addresses “the Government” which has suffered

“its defeat.” This word “defeat,” which cannot be ignored, is the most important in all of Article 106 (7), upon which the remainder of the provision depends, and which emphasises a defeated, fallen, restricted, or “caretaker” regime. It is understandable that no Government wants to be defeated and a defeated Government will try to sidestep the inalienable profoundness of this word. Here, this is being done by way of legislative and judicial abuse. First Government tried to force the honorable Speaker’s hand, and now it will try to do similar injustice to a judge’s gavel. The record shows undisputedly that on December 21, 2018, more votes were cast against Government than for it, bringing into being “its defeat.” To deem otherwise is to sidestep the word “defeat” and to change the no-confidence motion into a confidence motion.

From December 21 to date, the record has not been changed by fact or law. Thus, as a matter of law, Guyana has not just any Government but a defeated Government. Until such time if and when this changes, there exists at hand today a “caretaker” regime, so the idea that the Constitution is silent on this matter is misleading. It follows naturally that a defeated Government cannot have the same unlimited authority, and Government today cannot say “there is no provision in the Constitution which imposes limitation on the Government to perform its lawful function.” If this is true why have a no-confidence motion mechanism? Finally, the Constitution calls for new elections “within three months.” Sincerely, R. Rampertab

A plethora of poor decisions has cost our nation billions in future revenue Dear Editor,

t is argued that analogy is the “core of cognition” (Hofstadter in Gentner et al. 2001.) It is with that in mind I write to express my concern about the reasoning evidenced in Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman’s “When someone, standing with a piece of wood in hand, shouts out that the mangoes growing in your back yard are not yours, you don’t stand around waiting to see what happens next, or for a lash, you start preparing to pick those mangoes as quickly as possible” in yesterday’s SN in the letter entitled `Primary motivation for early first oil was not general elec-

tions but threat from Venezuela’. This was proffered in defence of claims of malfeasance, corruption and incompetence in the APNU+AFC administration’s rushing to first oil production in 2020. An analysis of this analogy reveals much to explain the follies of the Granger administration. The rational response to a threat claiming your mangoes is to establish that the mango tree is indeed in your yard, to call on law enforcement to protect you from the threat of a lash from said wood and seek all legal means to protect your fruit. To hurriedly prepare for harvest of mangoes in your own backyard is irrational; it is indicative of

an unsure mind; of an unwillingness to work within a legal framework to solve problems. The plethora of poor decisions that have followed from this irrational response to a perceived threat has cost our nation billions in future revenues. To further offer haste to establish a claim as a valid excuse for gross incompetence in handling of vital negotiations is illogical and expedient. The APNU+AFC have given away the majority of fruits of the nation in return for nebulous gains in time. Yours faithfully, R. Singh

Guyanese must distinguish between plans for developing all of Guyana and empty promises ahead of expected elections Dear Editor,

eneral and Regional Elections 2019 are seen by many uninformed persons as ‘the grab for control of oil money’. This is a most unfortunate conclusion not supported by facts. The 2019 Administration will in fact face the massive challenge of rebuilding an economy devastated by APNU+AFC’s profligate spending and wanton waste that reduced reserves by $350 Million USD, increased debt by $900 Million USD, increased taxation in every sector and lowered export earnings. The hard work of building a thriving economy based on Agriculture (Sugar, Rice, Fisheries) Mining (Gold and Bauxite) Forestry and Commerce has been largely undone by the Granger government’s oil inebriation. The job will be made that much more difficult

by the continuous reckless claims of fabulous oil wealth from ‘first oil’. Oil revenues are expected to inject $300 Million USD per annum for the first five years. The incoming administration will have to deal with expectations made by these claims of windfall riches versus the reality of the contractions of 8-30% in all the productive sectors of the economy. The recent Oil and Gas forum exposed the vacuity of the APNU+AFC administration. The political decision to host an event for ‘youth’ and have no answers to the very real thirst for knowledge about the industry and importantly the jobs available to Guyanese was a misguided exercise in puffery. To boast “Guyana has benefitted directly to the tune of over $65 million US from local content in 2018 alone,” to 500 young people who have not earned a dollar of

that or seen a positive impact on their lives, demonstrates the problem caused when the rubber of propaganda hits the road of reality. Guyana needs an administration that understands the importance of a job to a person’s psyche, their sense of well-being. Our people want to earn a living by honest means in any sector of the economy. Talk of a sovereign wealth fund means very little to a citizen without job prospects. Guyanese need to listen carefully over the coming weeks to the utterings of those seeking support at the polls. Distinguishing between plans for developing all of Guyana and promises meant as comfort to fools has never been more important. Yours faithfully, V. Bharrat

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Fake news aims to distract and divert conversation about real issues Dear Editor,

hortly after the 2016 US Presidential elections I wrote about the “startling rise in the unscrupulous manipulation of people’s emotions by very savvy media operators” (Stabroek News 11.11.16). In 2017, fake news was named word of the year, since then we have seen reports of the extent to which social media users were manipulated via the ‘Russian Collusion’ investigation. Fast forward to Guyana 2019 and ‘Fake news’ poses more grave a threat to our democracy than ‘rounded up half men’. If for example you believe that 26 members of the National Assembly currently hold dual citizenship, you are a victim of fake news, the true number is 7; if you shared news that our President had lost his voice due to cancer of the throat, you too were a victim. Fake news is now being used to attempt to influence the People’s Progressive Party’s choice of Presidential candidate; an online poll purporting to offer choices for candidate was examined by an IT expert and found to have set percentages built into the software. The orchestrated attack on the academ-

ic credentials of former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali began with innocuous questions about his BSc. MSc. and PhD certification. Ali responded by releasing an abundance of academic certification and pledged to release his transcripts upon receipt but the fake news mill has grist and will continue to grind regardless of evidence. Irfaan Ali’s stellar performance as Minister of Housing, his delivery of countless massive housing schemes, his guidance of over 10,000 housing units being constructed by developers, home owners and government, is not the subject of discussion. Fake news aims to distract and divert conversation about issues that really matter. Discuss and compare Irfaan Ali’s record with the less than 3 houses in 3.5 years of the APNU+AFC administration! The fake news machine sought to build a straw man and bludgeon him; fortunately a Saints boy is never without a solid defence, in Irfaan Ali’s case, the solid house walls that house thousands, all of whom benefited from his astute management of the Ministry of Housing. Yours faithfully, Robin Singh

Decisions made by the electorate should be issues-based Dear Editor,

he formation of new political parties in Guyana in the run-up to anticipated General and Regional elections is most interesting. And even though the idea of new political parties to challenge the dominance of the two main parties is not something new, the prospects of oil in the foreseeable future has certainly added fresh impetus to create checks and balances in the governance process. I have always held the view that the greatest of all freedoms is the freedom of choice. In the final analysis it is the individual that is sovereign provided of course that such choices are done on the basis of free will.

The Guyanese electorate is now provided with a wider range of choices as to which political party is best suited to run the affairs of the country and to the extent that is the case, it is a welcome development. The Guyanese electorate is now awaiting the Manifestos of the political parties which will allow them to make informed and intelligent choices. The challenge before us as a nation is how to rise above narrow partisan and ethnic considerations and vote on the basis of issues rather than ethnicity. Yours faithfully, Hydar Ally

Vendors across Guyana, small entrepreneurs, lost confidence in APNU+AFC long ago Dear Editor,

ur children were forgotten by their government for almost four years now. This APNU+AFC Government also forgot most ordinary Guyanese, like the vendors in Georgetown and across Guyana. When Bharat Jagdeo and the PPP challenged APNU+AFC with a no-confidence motion in Parliament on December 21st 2018, it was because of the daily cries of ordinary people everywhere in Guyana. Every day, everywhere in Guyana, we have reminders of big and small reasons for no-confidence in the APNU+AFC government. While there is a desperate effort to avoid the will of the people after the parliamentary no-confidence defeat, APNU+AFC continues to display arrogance and an obnoxious disregard and disinterest in the problems that ordinary citizens face on a daily basis. The PPP's no-confidence motion in Parliament reflected the total loss of confidence that people across Guyana feels. Whether it is ordinary working class people, small vendors and small business owners or large businesses, whether it is junior or senior public servants, teachers, doctors and nurses, police officers and soldiers, people have become demoralized and have lost all confidence in this government. Like other citizens, it must make vendors in Georgetown and across Guyana upset and angry that APNU+AFC, faced with an election after the December 21st No-Confidence Resolution in Parliament, suddenly remember them, suddenly want to dance and prance with them, suddenly want to meet with them. After neglecting and treating them as not important and as not good enough for the bourgeois in Government to deal with, after ill-treating them and casting them aside, APNU+AFC now treat them as the most important people in our country. Almost immediately after the No-Confidence Motion, the Ministers showed up by Stabroek Market and wanted to share beers and food and wanted to make merry with the vendors and their clients. Election time is here and those who think they are the elite in society, the upper-class bourgeois, now pretend that the vendors are their sisters and brothers, their long-forgotten sisters and brothers. But the vendors will not easily forget how badly APNU+AFC treated them in the almost four years they have been in government. Take the story that played out last week. A week after more than a dozen vendors with stalls in the Stabroek Market lost electricity last Wednesday (January 9th), they still had no electricity. No one in control of the market cared that these vendors could not ply their trade adequately for more than week. No one at the Georgetown Mayor and City Council which manages the market cared. No one at the Ministry of Communities bothered to find out what was wrong; the Minister of Communities, like all his other Cabinet colleagues, was missing in action (MIA). GPL claimed it was not their problem. The disinterest is amazing, but totally deplorable. This government's disinterest, coupled with their mismanagement, incompetence and corruption knows no end. While this problem affected a small group of vendors at the Stabroek Market, it is a microcosm of the problem vendors, small businesses and citizens across the board too frequently experience across Guyana. Vendors in Georgetown and across Guyana are hard-working people trying to make a living for themselves and family. Often, their daily sale helps them to put bread on the table for that day. By no means are these rich people. These are the hard-working people for whom government matters. They are not

asking government for a handout; they simply want government to empower them and make it possible for them to earn a decent and honorable living. Many of them, especially those in Georgetown, are active supporters of the PNC and, therefore, of APNU+AFC. Their votes were important in 2015 to permit APNU+AFC to barely win the 2015 elections. But immediately after the election in 2015, and for three-and-a-half years now, APNU+AFC betrayed the vendors. Grossly ungrateful, they deliberately, aggressively took steps to make it difficult for the vendors to make a living and this was most visible in Georgetown. For APNU+AFC, beyond a shadow of doubt, the vendors were only important for their votes. Immediately after the elections, the vendors became victims, like so many other ordinary Guyanese. Soon after the May 2015 elections, APNU+AFC, using the clean-up campaign as an excuse, decided that one of the major causes for Georgetown being a dirty city is the vendors. They targeted the vendors in the clean-up campaign and sought to remove them from the various vending sites. APNU+AFC started with the vendors in front of Demico House and in front of the Stabroek Market, warning them to vacate the area, without making any provision to relocate the vendors. Without notice, they dismantled some of the stalls, manhandling many of the vendors and threatening to jail them, after many of the vendors protested the harsh treatment. After weeks of being out of business, the government provided a temporary arrangement for the vendors when they relocated the vendors into a privately-owned area by Hadfield Street, behind Parliament Buildings. After several months of free-use of the area, the private owner asked that vendors be removed because the Government failed to make any arrangement to continue the use of the area. To this day, the vendors have found no place to earn a living. They keep moving from place to place. The party they voted for forgot them, until they were defeated in the No-Confidence Motion and found use again for the vendors. APNU+AFC and the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown which APNU controls also removed vendors along the Georgetown Wharf area, an area behind Stabroek Market. The excuse this time was the wharf had to undergo repairs. These repairs have been conducted in a snail-pace slow manner and the vendors are still looking for a place to sell their goods. Everyday vendors in Georgetown, around Stabroek, Bourda Market, along Robb and Regent Streets and other places are subjected to intimidation and harassment from government and city officials. They have to pay to more than one group of people in order to conduct business. The vendors only fault is they are poor people at the mercy of the elite in government. But election time is here. APNU+AFC is desperately trying to run away from the elections, however, even they know they can run, but they cannot hide. Suddenly, they want to be friends with the vendors, they want to be equal with the vendors, they swear that they have to find solutions for the vendors. They are conveniently now sidestepping cold hard facts - for almost four years they ignored and neglect and punished the vendors. As election approaches, these vendors will not forget the truth - they have no confidence in APNU+AFC. The PPP's and Bharat Jagdeo's No-Confidence Motion in Parliament was because of the travails and agony of ordinary people like these vendors. Regards, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

MP Figueira out of depths on sugar Dear Editor,

ember of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira of Region #10 in a letter which appeared in some sections of the media spoke about, among other things, the sugar industry. While the MP has a right to have a view – a right we uphold – we could not help but notice what seems to be a slanted approach in his missive. Mr Figueira writes that European Union (EU) Sugar Protocol is what provided ACP sugar producing countries certain prices and market access. What the MP does not say, maybe it is because he is unaware, is that the Sugar Protocol was a commercial agreement between the EU and ACP. In the 1970’s when the world market price of sugar rose to historical highs, the ACP abided by the terms of the agreement notwithstanding sugar producing states could have received higher prices outside of Europe. The ACP had abided by the agreement in good faith, but nevertheless, the agreement was abdicated by the EU. The MP also informs that “…that sugar has been on a downward slide in the region as Belize, Barbados, St Kitts and Trinidad and Tobago, had abandoned sugar”. This is a clearly inaccurate statement and could be attributed to Mr Figueira unfamiliarity with the industry. For the sake of correctness, Belize and Barbados still produce sugar. Indeed St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago exited the sugar production. At the same time, however, we cannot fail to consider the limitations to sugar production in small island states such as access to large areas of flat arable land and the need for large amounts of freshwater. In the case of

Trinidad and Tobago, a study conducted by UWI – St Augustine concluded that following the cessation of sugar production, those who were linked with the industry had “…a great dependence on other sources of income such as children. Also the majority of the farmers’ monthly individual income was decreased and the majority of the farmers dependence on public services increased.” It is not hard to imagine the ramifications in Guyana’s case, where our economy is less diversified and now-a-days finding itself in difficulty. At the same time, we do not confront the limitations in terms of land and freshwater other regional sugar producing nations confront. The Region #10 Parliamentarian refers to the performance of the Skeldon factory which indeed has experienced its fair share of difficulties. While indeed its performance has been below expectations, Mr Figueira seems not to know that the very estate he is critical of has a fairly profitable electricity plant. As GAWU has said time and again, the plant realized in 2016, the most recent data we have, some $9.5B in revenues. Dismayingly, those revenues went to Skeldon Energy Inc (SEI) and not GuySuCo. Certainly with improved performance, a feat which can be realized, the estate’s value to GuySuCo and Guyana would be further demonstrated. The MP also tells us about GuySuCo’s losses and, among other things, says its attributed to “…too many workers…”. This is the first time we have ever heard such an explanation being provided as GuySuCo has always complained about not having enough workers. We recall the July 20, 2018 Stabroek News reported that “…GuySuCo’s Corporate Communications Manager,

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019 Audreyanna Thomas revealed that there are presently over 600 vacancies at the Albion Sugar Estate”. The crux of the industry’s difficulties relates to poor productivity and production in the fields. It is not the first time that the industry has faced such challenges and GuySuCo is well aware of what needs to be done to overcome those difficulties. We recall positive efforts made in this regard when the industry’s production reached 231,000 tonnes sugar in 2015 as a result of work done in 2014. Dismayingly, those efforts were not sustained and production fell significantly. The public is also told by Mr Figueira that GuySuCo’s losses are in part due to “… Guyana’s inability to compete with large producers like Thailand and Brazil…”. Again, the MP’s strangeness to the industry is demonstrated. For his information, Guyana and GuySuCo never had any intentions of competing with major sugar producing nations like Thailand and Brazil. That is akin to an ant versus an elephant. Guyana’s intentions were always to have a diversified sugar sector production direct consumption sugars, refined white sugar, electricity, extra-nuclear alcohol and fuel alcohol. Interestingly, it was these very things that the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommended be pursued. We are also reminded by the MP of then President Jagdeo’s remarks regarding the importance of sugar. But weren’t those remarks correct? Today we see in real terms the vacuum created by closure of Skeldon Estate. Today, we see and hear of the hardships the people face, the troubles that their minds must contend with and the difficulties they must face up to. Today, as former President Jagdeo said, the Skeldon has become “…a ghost town…”. The MP also refers to GuySuCo’s current Finance and Marketing Director, Paul Bhim’s presentation to the Economic Services Committee in 2014. We are told by Mr Figueira that Mr Bhim informed that the industry’s debt was $58B apart from a further $22.4B owed to lenders regarding the Skeldon project. It seems that the MP is mistaken or misinformed and we urge him to consult the Parliament to receive a copy of Mr Bhim’s presentation. On this score, the July 18, 2014 Stabroek News reported “[t]he Guyana Sugar Corporation is currently $58 billion in debt with $22.4 billion (US$112M) stemming from loans needed to build and operate the beleaguered Skeldon Sugar Factory”. What

the statement clearly indicates is that the Skeldon debts were subsumed in the total debt figure Mr Bhim presented. Mr Figueira speaks about the Government support to the industry. But strangely, doesn’t see it amiss that the support jumped from $6B in 2014 to $12B in 2015, a two-fold increase. Yet in spite of that support production tumbled from 213,000 tonnes in 2015 to 183,000 in 2016 and 138,000 tonnes in 2017. In that period too, workers wages stagnated apart from 7,000 workers being made jobless. But, at the same time, sums relating to key managerial personnel leapt up astronomically. While the MP says “…the country could not continue to flog a dead horse”, it seems to us he fails to see several contributions sugar made and makes. We need not repeat the massive contribution to the State arising from the Sugar Levy which totalled billions of dollars. Or the substantial transfer of skills to the economy from the GuySuCo Training Centre, deemed the best technical school in the Caribbean and which, we hear, will close its doors. Certainly, the MP would, for instance, recall voting in favour of $1B in supplementary allocations in 2018 in order for the State to undertake drainage works previously done by the industry. He also doesn’t see, it appears, the connection between the consumption of goods and services by the workers and its role in generating economic activities and tax revenues – a fundamental economic principle. To make the statements being made is, in our view, to be ignorant of the contributions of sugar to the Guyanese people and nation. Today, while the MP, atop his perch, makes incorrect statements and assertions, tens of thousands of Guyanese are in miserable situations. They exist without an even glancing look from the State. They face life not knowing what tomorrow will bring and what challenges they will encounter. They know not whether they will have adequate meals; or afford to send their children to school; or to pay their bills. Today, for this group of Guyanese the unknowns of a jobless life is a bitter pill they need not had swallowed. Indeed, this shouldn’t have been the path they are on but is the reality they now confront. Regards, Seepaul Narine, GAWU General Secretary

No amount of procrastination can save the fallen APNU+AFC Coalition from facing the nation at an election Dear Editor,

he Constitution is the fundamental law of a state that sets up the structure of Government, usually what citizenship is, and what rights they have. Its role in a free country is to provide scope for good Government, while at the same time placing limitations on the powers or excesses of the governors. The Constitution is supreme of all legislation and is, therefore, instructive of changes or adjustment to all other laws to meet its intent with fluidity. In context, there are many obvious implications for our citizens and the country at large. This is in light of the numerous early signals of intent by the Government, to violate enshrined provisions and instructive rulings of our Constitution following the recently debated and passed No-Confidence Motion. Prior to and during the debate, we witnessed arguments by Government Parliamentarians in favor of the 33 votes as a majority and their subsequent complete U-turn when they were defeated by the same amount. The

positions pronounced on and accepted in our Parliament by the Prime Minister in the National Assembly suddenly changed. The emergence of complicit shallow reversals, therefore, is actually calculated to stifle our democracy. Numerous publicly recognised and high credential civil institutions have vociferously rejected the diabolical notion now being advanced by the APNU/AFC. Most citizens are obviously strongly committed to disallowing this abusive disposition, and are calling, along with the International Community, for the Government to do the right thing and resign. Guyana must not become a Police State! The APNU/AFC Government’s initial hesitancy and unwillingness of resignation, touts a flagrant violation of Section 106 of the Guyana Constitution. This behavior and the recent Government’s intimated move to ask the Courts to extend the constitutionally instructive 90-day period for mandatory elections is outright illegal and abusive. Obviously, it begs explanations as to how a court can legitimately allow a Cabinet to stay in Office when the Constitution, a su-

perior instrument to all other laws by which the Courts are bound, says that there shall be a resignation. There is acknowledgement, however, that the implied nature of resignation within the constitutional text is futuristic regarding the Cabinet and the President. The former with appropriate speed and the latter on the swearing in of the President following new elections. While it is not expected that the state will be without governance during the incumbent period, it implies other than National Security and maintaining Law and Order, no major decisions that would bind a future government must be undertaken. Although not specifically pronounced on in the Constitution, such circumstance rationally indicates a caretaker mode for which there is numerous strong precedence. In the least, the APNU/AFC’s clear commitment to abide with these provisions should have been frontal. The fact that the Attorney General (AG) indicated his intent to file a request for an extension of the constitutional period of resignation in the Courts, signals anything but compliance. The AG ought to have been

aware that such a request of the Courts is outside its jurisdiction, since the period stipulated by Section 106 cannot be changed by this method. In fact, the Constitution itself sets out the conditions for its own altering and activation following assent by the President. Section 164 (1) Informs of changes to the possible No-Confidence provisions instructed by Section 106. It states: “Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3), a Bill for an Act of Parliament to alter this Constitution shall not be passed by the National Assembly unless it is supported at the final voting in the Assembly by the votes of a majority of all the elected members of the Assembly.” Today, no amount of procrastination can save the fallen coalition Government from facing the nation at an election following the historic debate and the Speaker’s ruling on the No-Confidence motion in the National Assembly. The Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and President David Granger accepted that their Government had fallen following the ruling; and National and Re(Turn to page 7)

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Successful no-confidence motion was a welcome relief from the burdens of PNC-led gov’t Dear Editor,

he removal of the $10,000 per schoolaged child grant and the closure of the sugar estates and the non-payment of their severance one year after, had disastrous effects in those communities, hurting Guyanese from all walks of life. In either scenario, the Government was the digger of its own grave because you cannot deliberately hurt those two major groups and expect to remain in office. No, never! Common sense dictates that this kind of behaviour would not have been tolerated for any length of time, and quite frankly, three and a half years is more than enough time for such foolishness to prevail. This Government has left deep scars that

cannot be healed in both communities. They promised a “good life” but have given pure hell these past years, with Guyanese suffering immensely. Where is the “good life” the people are asking? When would this good life shine on us? Guyanese from all walks of life have watched their fortunes plummet while the ones they voted into office are just living it up with their ill-gotten wealth. This was too much to bear and most of us just want them out. So when Charrandas Persaud made that decision to switch allegiance and set his conscience free, he was just echoing the sentiments of most of his countrymen. Guyanese single-parents who have to manage large households on a shoe-string

budget would not be convinced by this Government’s shenanigans of a “good life”. Many of these households presently living below the poverty line openly said that they could hardly wait to see the backs of these corrupt elements they placed in office. I know of one such family living in the squatting area in Berbice, who reacted immediately upon the announcement of the withdrawal of that subsidy/income. His precarious position is the harsh reality of a father with nine children to care for. The $90,000 he got from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government has gone. What could he do? Well, picture his reaction to such inhumane treatment from a Government he supported over the years, with no bars holding back, he blurted out “aah leh dem guh… we punish too lang under dem.” These and other similar sentiments echoed and re-echoed all across Guyana. So, as much as the tyrannical People’s National Congress (PNC)-led coalition was stunned by that successful no-confidence vote, it came as no surprise to (I can safely say for all of us) who saw this as a welcome relief from the burdens of dictators. It was as if a great burden was lifted off of us. For the unilateral, politically appointed puppet Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for office and President Granger must, I repeat, must adhere to the Constitution which stipulates that he chooses one from the list of 18 persons furnished by the Leader of the Opposition. And with good reason, Justice James Patterson cannot and again I repeat, cannot be a competent or ‘fit and proper’ person to hold such a hard and demanding position as

an Elections Commission Chairman, he is just the wrong person. Even of greater importance is the fact that for anyone to hold such a fractious and volatile position takes more than a degree in the legal profession, it takes grit, determination and an impartial understanding of our political climate; something this ailing octogenarian greatly lacks. This handpicked political appointee who was placed there to carry out the nefarious rigging orders of his party, cannot be trusted to be at the helm of our electoral machinery. Further to our discourse is the behind the scenes actions of the PNC-led coalition, they are not going to go in a fair and peaceful manner. First-hand information coming to us is that massive money transfers are being undertaken at the Finance Ministry, while at the same time volumes of documents are being shredded so as to leave no paper trail when they demit office. So, as much as Charrandas Persaud has left us, the road to a peaceful and progressive life ahead, that objective would not be achieved unless that road is paved with all the trappings of fairness and transparency in the next general election. I say this with deep commitment for and love for my country. The fact is that the legacy left by Persaud would all be in vain if we allow the PNC to “control” the next election. For our country to breathe again and for us to be rid of the PNC, we have to take the struggle to another level; that is, the appointment of a fair and impartial GECOM Chairman. I rest my case. Respectfully, Neil Adams

Cabinet must resign; government should stay in place until election Dear Editor,

his issue of whether or not the government should resign troubled me deeply because it is absolutely critical that we as a nation have clarity on it. Given the wording of the Constitution of Guyana, we hear one side saying that there must be a resignation and the other side saying that they will not resign and that uncertainty is compounded by the obvious logic for the unquestionable need for a government to be in place at all times. So after receiving good advice and doing my own deep thinking on the issue allow me a few minutes to proffer an explanation that will provide that much needed clarity. Article 106(6) of the Constitution says the Cabinet including the President must resign following a vote of no confidence. Then 106(7) says that notwithstanding, the government remains in office and resigns upon the taking of the oath of office a new president following an election held within three months unless further extended by a vote of not less than 2/3 in the National Assembly. So let’s dissect this a bit further. The most important point to start with and the mistake most people are making is thinking that the Cabinet is the Government. It is not. The Cabinet is created by Article 106(1) and is merely a subset of the Government of Guyana which has many more subsets. The other subsets of the Government of Guyana created by the Constitution are: the President (Article 89), Prime Minister (Article 100), Vice President(s) (Article 100), Minister(s) (Article 100), Cabinet (Article 106(1)), Attorney General (Article 112(1)), and Leader of the Opposition (Article 110). Here is what the Government of Guyana looks like in diagrammatic form according to our Constitution: Who comprises this Cabinet: the President, the Prime Minister, the Vice President(s), and any other Minister appointed to be a member of the Cabinet (see Article 106(1). It is important to note at this point that not all Ministers are members of the Cabinet unless specifically

appointed to become a member of this body. It is important to note that the Constitution does not allow for the Attorney General to be a member of the Cabinet but he may be invited to participate fully in proceedings as if he were a member (see Article 106(5). Here is what the Cabinet looks like in a diagrammatic form according to our Constitution: So what is the consequence of Article 106 (6) and the Cabinet including the President resigning? To determine this question we need to understand the purpose and function of the Cabinet. Cabinet’s purpose and function are explained in Article 50 and 106(2) of the Constitution. Article 50 states that it is one of three “supreme organs of democratic power” along with the President and the Parliament. And Article 106(2) states that (i) the Cabinet shall aid and advise the President in the general direction and control of the Government of Guyana, and; (ii) the Cabinet shall be collectively responsible therefor (i.e. the general direction and control of the Government of Guyana) to Parliament. So as one of the three bodies of supreme democratic power which shall be responsible to Parliament for the President’s general direction or control of Government it means that there can be no Cabinet meetings held, no Cabinet decisions taken, no bills emanating from the Cabinet to be tabled in Parliament, no change in policy or programme, no laws passed, and no Parliamentary sessions held save and except for the sole purpose of extending the time for which an election is to be held beyond the three month prescribed period. It therefore means all bills/laws passed since the no confidence motion was passed are unlawful even if a court grants a stay since there is no stay extant at the time of its passing. It also means that the President must resign from Cabinet but only as a member of the Cabinet. The President does not resign as President. The President remains President until there is a new President sworn in after

an election is held. In addition, the President and the Leader of the Opposition cannot contract out of the expressed provisions of the Constitution without first changing the specific Articles of the Constitution which can now not occur in this Parliamentary Session. So should the Government of Guyana resign immediately following the vote of no confidence? No. The Government must remain in place until the next President takes

oath following an election held. The Cabinet, on the other hand, as a body within the Government of Guyana must resign immediately which includes the President as a member of that Cabinet body but he does not resign as President of Guyana as Head of Government and Head of State until a new President takes the oath following an election. Regards, Charles Ramson

No amount of procrastination can save the fallen... (From page 6)

gional Elections are due in ninety days from December 21, 2018, unless another period is agreed upon with the Opposition leader. The Opposition Leader, in a very suave and tactically diplomatic approach had opened the doors for appropriate discussions with the Government in national interest. There was perhaps, too long a delay for the engagement as the APNU/AFC seemed to be weighing options they did not have, given the conflicting negative releases in the public media and from the Office of the AG. Notably, the recent meeting between President Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, was addressed with a manner of maturity and exemplifies a positive approach of dealing with the broad national concern. Although there appears to be a partially variant view of some issues, it concluded a definitive position with regards to General and Regional Elections which must be held at the earliest; subject to the readiness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The news emerging from GECOM is significantly worrisome and sad; indicating that the aged pensioner and ailing Chairman, Justice Ret’d James Patterson has been unwell for some time. No meetings of the Commis-

sion were convened during the period of his reported illness, which is now approaching five weeks and is a matter of concern given the appropriate speed that the matter should be dealt with constitutionally. Notwithstanding, GECOM had announced after December 21, 2018, that the organisation was ready to conduct the General and Regional Elections if called upon. It is also notable that the current List of Electors is valid until April 2019 which means that we must get ready for General and Regional Elections in March or early April this year. There must be no unnecessary delays. It was reported that the Chairman was at the Office on Monday, and he was advised by persons from the PNC to stay home and draw-down his millions. Suddenly we are told that he is not well and he is on two weeks leave. This hypocrisy and delaying tactic cannot work. We look forward in observation of the steps that will be taken to remedy this looming tactical misnomer, and urge the observation of the international community and all citizens. Yours Truly, Neil Kumar

How far one is prepare to go without compromising one’s integrity? Dear Editor,

ven with a small population as ours, the chance of one becoming a Member of Parliament is either slim or none. But if you’re fortunate in your lifetime to have this great honour bestowed upon you, nothing matters more than putting the interest of Guyana and her people above all… above self. Do the right thing and you will be forever respected as a patriot, a person of integrity, of high moral values, and a champion of the poor and downtrodden. But if you don’t, you become a Moses Nagamootoo and a Khemraj Ramjattan, despised by many for betraying everything they once stood for to cling to position and power. With few exceptions, the ruckus behaviour of government MPs that completely drowned out the entire speech made in the National Assembly by the Leader of the Op-

position on the No-confidence Motion, clearly defines their characters and expose those who serve in the highest decision-making forum in government. Then there are others like Nagamootoo and Ramjattan who now willingly betray the principles upon which the AFC was formed and shamelessly defend the transgressions committed by this government to protect the grandeur and perks they now enjoy as members of Cabinet. Thankfully, not everyone fits this description. Some, I know, are genuinely concerned that Guyana is headed in the wrong direction, and would do a Charrandass if they weren’t so afraid for their own safety and the wellbeing of their families. Just yesterday, it was reported in the Guyana Chronicle that Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge who is often above the fray, wrote in a letter to the Canadian High Commissioner that he was “unaware of any threat”

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019 to Charrandas Persaud that would have even required consular protection. Even this career politician who has now distinguished himself as an elder statesman after once presiding over the worst economic period that helped bankrupt the nation during his tenure as the PNC government Minister of Finance and Planning, seems afraid to condemn his PNC colleague Jennifer Wade, the Region 5 government MP, whose voice can be clearly identified saying, “Charrandas, you gon dead tonight.” Surely the Hon Carl Greenidge must have heard this distinct threat himself from the thousands of videos clips played over and over again in news reports and in the public domain on social media. But as decent as Greenidge is, he too must be afraid and too old to go up against the dangerous PNC to ruin his chances of becoming APNU’s Presidential Candidate to contest the upcoming elections. For despite the earlier pronouncements by Volda Lawrence and Joseph Harmon, I really don’t believe President Granger will ever run again. It is an undisputed fact that on that fateful evening of December 21, 2018, the Opposition motion was successfully carried and the government fell. Now, like a drowning man, they are desperately grasping at straws to cling to power. Since then, Government has been stubbornly and shamelessly defiant of the constitution, pursuing a series of frivolous actions to stop the inevitable: The resignation of the Cabinet including the President and new elections within three months according to Article 106

(6) of the constitution. One cannot simply change the rules in his favour after the game has been played and loss. The Charrandass vote in favor of the no-confidence motion has been totally ventilated. It is now time to move on. Regardless of which side of the political spectrum you’re on, the next few days will determine just how far one is prepare to go without compromising one’s integrity and political career. The intent of government ministers will be scrutinized and characters questioned. Both Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are too far gone, post-mortem don’t ever bring back the dead. But there are others in the AFC that should be concerned about their own political careers and the need to make amends for the betrayal inflicted upon their own supporters who once believed the AFC to have had noble intentions. It is not too late. It is to those and other government ministers that I make this appeal to put Guyana first. Save our nation from a constitutional crisis that will result in lawlessness, chaos, and the embarrassment of being the laughing stock of the Caribbean and the rest of the world. As an individual with a conscience, you can resign now to protect what’s left of your integrity, credibility and your political and professional career. In a few short months, this government will be forced to demit office and Guyana will be under new management. Regards, Regards, Harry Gil, PPP/C MP

Another deadline on CJIA airport extension project missed Dear Editor,

he Cheddi Jagan International Airport previously known as the Timehri International airport is well known to all Guyanese. Editor this facility was opened to commercial traffic since 1946, over the years changes and developmental works were done to modernize this airport. The PPP/C with a vision for the future of Guyana with new and developing sectors such as tourism and hospitality with our specific brand of eco-tourism; oil and gas; Guyana being a gateway to South America and the bridge that connects South America to the Caribbean understood the necessity for this transformational project. This was not a standalone project it was accompanied by investments in an international brand hotel like the Marriot; the provision of cheap electricity with the Amalia hydro-electric scheme which with the significant reduction in the cost of electricity would have stimulated agro-processing and manufacturing; the need to accommodate larger aircraft to lower the cost of freight and to have access to wider markets for our many non-traditional exports. This interconnected group of projects was totally misunderstood and incompetently handled by the APNU/AFC administration when they came to office in May 2015. This has left us as a country with a situation where we are getting less and paying more. This design and build fix priced contract had envisioned eight boarding gates (air bridges), a significantly extended runaway, new terminal buildings, state of the art check-in and communication facilities, adequate conveyor belts to accommodate simultaneous multi arrivals and concession areas to facilitate transit and other global travellers.

This incompetent group renegotiated the contract, giving us two air bridges and has now found extra money from the national purse to buy another two at a higher price, in a most questionable manner. The PPP/C has already indicated that we intend to call for a “value for money” audit on this project. Are the Guyanese people getting the right value for their monies spent? Regardless of all these questions, the biggest question I have today editor is the real completion date. On the Ministry of Public Infrastructure website, they have a lovely description of the project and I quote; “The Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project will be a behemoth in infrastructural development. With a new scheduled completion timeline of December 2018...” The shock of 21st of December may still be upon Minister Patterson and he may not have changed his calendar but we are in 2019 now sir. The project as of December 31st 2017 had spent US $111.79M (81%) of the US$150M allocated to the total project cost. When is the projected really expected to be completed since another deadline has been missed? What will be the final price? Will they be attempting to appropriate further funding? These are all questions the already burdened taxpayers of this country need answers to, someone please help. Editor I call on the people of Guyana to pay close attention to this cabal during lame duck period of governance. Where their caretaker status must be emphasized. This must not be a case of taking a transformational project and turning it into a cash cow to facilitate campaign funding. At the time of the PPP/C government, they said the project was

overpriced and unnecessary. The APNU/AFC with their visionless approach took it over and the world is now a witness to their mal-administration and incompetence. We have an incomplete, under-renovation smaller airport

with fewer facilities at the time of penning this letter. Yours truly, Juan A. Edghill, PPP/C MP

Oil and Gas Forum for youths was a poorly staged propaganda exercise Dear Editor,

would like to express my disappointment with the manner in which young people were treated at the Oil and Gas Forum conducted by the Department of Youth at the Umana Yana on January 12. I am all for educating Guyanese of the opportunities and possibilities that come with our addition of oil production to our economic sector. What we were treated to was an exercise in poorly staged propaganda – an attempt to show new found love for youth by the APNU/AFC. The presentations young Guyanese were treated to were replete with vague language, hyper-inflated figures and esoteric details, “this industry is capital intensive”, “Prosperous people profit from problems”, “Do not chase after the dollar, chase after your dreams”, “USD$680 million spent in 2018 by the oil companies”, “too much oil refineries in the world”. The question on almost every participant’s lip was job related, what jobs were available now? Who would the oil companies have to hire based on local content requirements? Jobs? Jobs? Jobs? The answers were not helpful – with no plan to build a refinery, means very few jobs, I would have liked an in-depth analysis of this position, telling us that Trinidad

just closed their 40 year old refinery is not pertinent information; for 40 years Trinidad & Tobago’s refinery was a driving force in a vibrant booming economy, indeed, reports I have read state that it was making profit up to its closure. This was typical of the answers provided, short, uncertain and often vague speculation. There will be another of these thinly disguised APNU/AFC campaign events on the January 19 at the sports hall, and many more young people seeking answers about opportunities in the oil and gas sector will be treated to this song and dance routine. Editor, young people like music, Yes we sing ‘strangle me and tie me up’ but this is not what we mean, more hope was found under the tents of the Movie Towne job fair, a project enabled by the PPP/C for which Winston Brassington has been charged for selling land at $18 million an acre, in part of an area that the PNC tried to sell at $25 thousand per acre, than here at the impressive sounding Oil and Gas forum. This is a Government bereft of vision or knowledge; they cannot shed light on which they themselves do not understand. Yours truly, Vickram Bharrat, PPP/C MP

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 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 (January 9, 2019), ranging from his meeting with President David Granger to the filing of a lawsuit against a People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Executive over false claims that were made.

Decision on presidential candidate to be made soon

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is moving the process of choosing its presidential candidate, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. During a news conference on Thursday (January 17, 2019), when asked, he explained that the ideal outcome would be for there to be a consensus candidate. The five persons who have expressed an interest in becoming the presidential candidate for the People’s Progressive Party

(PPP) – Gail Teixeira, Irfaan Ali, Anil Nandlall, Dr Frank Anthony and Dr Vindhya Persaud – made presentations to the Party’s Central Committee on Thursday (January 10, 2019) and Friday (January 11, 2018). Jagdeo noted that during the process each of the five expressed their willingness to work in the interest of the PPP and to support another candidate if they are not chose. “This is not about a candidate. It

is about a programme that we will go to the Guyanese people with,” he said. A decision on the presidential candidate is expected to be made soon. The Central Committee is made of 35 members, who will be voting in a secret ballot to elect a presidential candidate for the PPP. When questioned about a prime ministerial candidate, the Opposition Leader stated the process to select a prime ministerial candidate has not yet started.

Civic-minded Guyanese invited by PPP/C to be included on Nomination Day Lists T he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) as part of its preparations for early General and Regional Elections, which are expected before the end of the March 2019, has started compiling its lists of candidates. And Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday (January 17, 2019) disclosed the civic minded Guyanese are invited to be included on the Party’s lists. In accordance with the electoral system of Proportional Representation, in

ecent claims by APNU+AFC Parliamentarian, Jermaine Figueira, about a disparity in the manner that the sugar and bauxite sectors were treated were rejected by Opposition Leader, during his Thursday (January 17, 2019) news conference. He charged that if Figueira “had one decent bone in his body” he could go and talk to residents of Region 10 about the broken promises, which were made to them prior to the May 2015 General and Regional Elections. Jagdeo made clear that facts cannot be erased and the fact is that successive People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) governments delivered for the people in Region 10. “They are polarizing our people using race…this is the told tactic…they have gone back to polarizing our people using old rhetoric,” he said. Only last month, Jagdeo, trashed the claim that PPP/C

administrations only governed for the benefit of “one set of” Guyanese. “What have they (the APNU+AFC Coalition government) done for Linden in the past three and a half years?” he questioned. Jagdeo defended the former PPP/C government’s track record in working to improve the lives of Lindeners, as well other residents in Region 10. He pointed to the fact that in 1992, the bauxite sector – on which Region 10 depended – was on the verge of collapse and it was the PPP/C that stepped in to not only restructure the sector, but ensure that no jobs were lost. “We started subsidizing the industry…we made sure that we delivered improved access to facilities to communities that were depressed…until today we spend billions in subsidies for entire communities in Region 10,” he said. The Opposition Leader added that further steps were

taken when a government team visited Region 10, engaged residents and developed a plan that would improve the welfare of all in the Region. He pointed to: the construction of a road into West Watooka to open up new agricultural lands; the availability of small loans to support entrepreneurs; the establishment of a call center to bolster job creation – a call centre that was closed the APNU+AFC Coalition Government; the construction of a new housing scheme; the construction of a new hospital and four new schools; and the construction of a water treatment plan. “The list is long…this is our record,” he declared. Jagdeo noted that the PNCR-led Coalition Government’s failures in Region 10 were clearly evidenced in the fact that “one out of every five” persons who voted at the November 12, 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) voted for the PPP/C.

al Democratic Councils. For this purpose, a List of Candidates must be submitted on Nomination Day. Jagdeo stated that work is ongoing to compile all three lists – the national Top Up Lists, the Geographical Constituencies List and the Regional List. The lists are to be submitted to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Nomination Day, expected to be in early February – given that elections are expected to be held before the end of March 2019.

Charges should have been filed against Cabinet Ministers by now

Efforts to polarize Guyanese T using race rejected R

order to qualify for a seat in the National Assembly, contesting parties must contest a minimum of six (6) of the Geographical Constituencies — totalling at least 13 seats — for eligibility to contest and submit Geographical Constituencies Lists and National Top-up Lists. This arrangement will provide for qualified contesting parties to submit, on Nomination Day, two separate Lists of Candidates. Any political party can contest the election of members of any of the 10 Region-

he Special Organised Crimes Units (SOCU) completed its investigation into the actions of embattled Minister, David Patterson, and sent its file to the Police Legal Advisor some weeks ago. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, in commenting on the matter, said, “Patterson and several others should have been charged by now.” Five months ago, SOCU was 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. 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 sev-

eral 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 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.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

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

Falsehoods peddled after Opposition, Gov’t meeting rubbished A

trend of “spins and falsehoods” represented at various levels of the APNU+AFC Coalition was seen before and even after the meeting between the Parliamentary Opposition and Government and the subsequent issuance of a joint statement, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. Among those falsehoods and spins are: that there was an agreement that the Executive and Legislative branches of government would function as per normal; that the Parliamentary Opposition dropped its call for the Government to resign in accordance with Article 106 (6) of the Constitution; and that somehow the PPP/C was contemplating shifting the 90-day deadline – constitutionally mandated – pending

the readiness of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for early General and Regional Elections. “It is not true,” Jagdeo stressed, during his Thursday (January 17, 2019) news conference. He added, “Even after the issuance of the statement, the government continued to mislead the general public about the circumstances of the meeting and what agreements were struck there.” FUNCTIONING OF EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES The Opposition Leader also called for President David Granger for such actions. He noted that after the meeting Granger said, “Public services have to be delivered, public order has to be maintained and there-

fore the two sides reached broad agreement on how these two-institution, legislative branch and executive branch will continue to function.” Jagdeo made clear that there was no such agreement. He said, “We did not any agreement as to how the two branches of government will function. If you read the joint statement issue after you would see that….the president, by uttering those words, mislead the entire country.” The Opposition Leader explained that when granger raised the issue of the functioning of the Executive and Legislative branches of government, he insisted that the Constitution does not provide for a ‘caretaker’ government. Jagdeo noted that Granger went silent when he was reminded that in 2014, when the AFC filed a

no-confidence motion against the then PPP/C government, he, as Opposition Leader, talked about a ‘caretaker’ government and insisted that if the no-confidence motion passed the President and Cabinet would have to resign and adopt the role of ‘caretaker’ government. Jagdeo said, “I made it clear that the country cannot be without a government, but in the context of a ‘caretaker’ capacity, not a government with unfettered powers to act.” RESIGNATION CALL On the view that the PPP/C dropped it call for the President and Cabinet to resign and adopt that role of ‘caretaker’ government, Jagdeo made clear that this is another falsehood. He pointed to the joint

statement issued after the meeting with Granger and pointed out clearly that the PPP/C called on the APNU+AFC Coalition to comply with Article 106 of the Constitution. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution says: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” Article 106 (7) says that: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assem-

bly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.” Jagdeo said, “Clearly the President seems to think that the vote on the no-confidence motion did not take place on December 21, 2018.” TIMELINE STANDS The Opposition Leader added that there is also no change to the timeline. “Right now constitution imposes a deadline. We are sticking with that deadline at this point in time,” he said. The Constitution states that fresh General and Regional Elections must be held within 90 days of successful passage of a motion of no-confidence. As such elections are expected before the end of March 2019.

BELOW IS THE FULL JOINT STATEMENT: HIGH LEVEL MEETING BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE OPPOSITION HELD ON MONDAY JANUARY 9, 2019 AT THE MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY AT 11:00HOURS The Government and Opposition met at the Ministry of the Presidency on January 9, 2019 at 11:00 hours at a high-level bilateral meeting. The delegations were as follows: Government • His Excellency President David Granger • Prime Minister – Hon. Moses Nagamootoo • Vice President – Hon. Carl Greenidge • Vice President – Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan • Attorney General – Hon. Basil Williams • Minister of State – Hon. Joseph Harmon • Minister of Natural Resources – Hon. Raphael Trotman • Minister of Social Protection – Hon. Amna Ally

President that included: 1. Constitutional and Legal situation: • Functioning of the National Assembly; • Functioning of the Government; • Public Services; • Public Order; • Dissolution of Parliament.

Opposition: • Leader of the Opposition – Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo • Gail Teixeira • Anil Nandlall • Irfaan Ali • Bishop Juan Edghill • Frank Anthony • Pauline Sukhai • Odinga Lumumba The parties met in an atmosphere of cordiality and iterated their emphatic commitment to work on all and any matters relating to the preservation and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana; irrespective of any domestic political issues.

The parties recognized the high importance of continuous engagements between the Government and Opposition, the importance they hold for the national interest and the elevated public expectation. The Leader of the Opposition reiterated his position that the “no confidence motion” was validly passed and therefore there must be compliance with Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution. He further stated that the time-frames prescribed by the two provisions of the Constitution must be rigidly observed, notwithstanding the pendency of the legal proceedings filed; and that Parliament must be dissolved unless otherwise agreed upon in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the Constitution. Further, the Leader of the Opposition contended that while the Government remains in office in accordance with

The parties agreed to discuss an agenda proposed by the

2. General and Regional Elections: • Role of the National Assembly; • Operational readiness of GECOM; • National registration; • Public Information.

Articles 106(7) of the Constitution, its functions must be confined to the provision of essential services of the State and to matters in relation to preparation for General and Regional elections. In addition, the Leader of the Opposition emphasized that the National Assembly should only meet to deal with issues connected with the provision of essential services by the State and all matters related to the preparation of General and Regional elections. The President emphasized that the Government is legal and that it must govern without any limitations on its authority. His Excellency further stated that there is no provision in the Constitution which imposes limitation on the Government to perform its lawful functions. The President indicated that the Government and the Opposition, by agreement in the National Assembly, can enlarge the time beyond the 90 days contemplated by Article 106 (7) of the Constitution. The President further stated that it is lawful for the Government to engage the Court, to bring clarity to the provisions of Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution. Pending the conclusion of the legal proceedings, Parliament remains functional. Both sides are committed to work towards the expeditious conclusion of the matters engaging the attention of the court. The parties identified Ms. Amna Ally and Ms. Gail Teixeira to enquire into the readiness of GECOM. Both parties expressed their willingness to meet to ensure the management of the various issues facing the nation.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

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

International agencies continue to be briefed on local developments T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C0 continues to do “quite a bit of work” on the international front, given the local development with the passage of a no-confidence motion, et al. At a news conference on January 17, 2019, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, noted that he has spoken with the Commonwealth Secretary General and received acknowledgements from several other international organizations, which are being kept abreast of local developments. He said, “If government goes into unconstitutional direction, it has implications for a range of things…the Army has sworn to uphold the Constitution…we will be in new territory…it will be unsettling for democracy…it will put us into crisis.” DIPLOMATIC CORPS

MEETING Last month, representatives of the United States of America (USA), Britain and Canada, as well as the European Union (EU), were engaged by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, at his Church Street office. Pressed by the media for an update on his meetings afterward, Jagdeo said, “I have been meeting with several groups of people to inform them of our position on the no-confidence motion and on the preparations for elections…I made it clear to the international community that after March 2019 that we in the Parliamentary Opposition will treat the Government (APNU+AFC Coalition Government, if elections are not held by that date (March 2019), as illegitimate, unconstitutional and that no act that they engage in – interna-

tionally or locally – will be recognized. This will have major implications for Guyana, for investors and for all concerned. “I have also urged the Diplomatic Community to be involved in the process of free and fair elections through various organization that they have supported in the past. I expressed the desire of the People’s Progressive Party to see a massive observer group from all the agencies that traditionally observe elections in Guyana – from CARICOM, the European Union, UNASUR (The Union of South American Nations), the Carter Center, the Organization of American States (OAS), the Commonwealth, etc.” The motion of no-confidence in the APNU+AFC Coalition Government was filed by Jagdeo with the National Assembly on November 15,

2018. Following hours of debate on December 21, 2018, the motion was declared successful by House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, following a 33 to 32 votes – with the APNU+AFC Coalition Government receiving the least votes. Following the passage of the no-confidence motion, at a news conference on the very evening at Public Buildings, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said, “The confidence motion was put the floor and the no-confidence motion was passed… the Guyanese people must understand that the democratic process is unpredictable…. we want our supporters, those who support the coalition government, to understand that we are going back to the polls. This is a challenge we have to deal with.” President David Granger also accepted the result of the vote on the

Imran Khan called out for his ‘six-months’ comment

National Assembly. With this being the current state of affairs, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday (January 17, 2019), questioned the certainty with which Director of Public Information (DPI), Imran Khan, informed the Trinidad and Tobago media that GECOM needs six months to prepare for elections. Jagdeo said, “He said six months is needed to prepare. Who in government said six

months? Where is this coming from? GECOM has refused to meet with the Chief Whips so how do they know that six months needed?” Khan in an telephone interview with a Trinidad and Tobago media house said, “Elections are due in 2020…we will head to the polls at some point between now and that point…. there have been some issues which has arisen since the December 21 vote, which are before the courts. We

are waiting on a ruling of the court. “…elections will depend on whether GECOM is prepared for elections….the government had said that six months is needed to prepared for unscheduled elections.” The Opposition Leader made it clear that the Constitution is clear in its stipulation of a timeframe within which fresh General and Regional Elections must be held, after the passage of a no-confidence motion.

no-confidence motion. In a statement he said, “We will do everything necessary to facilitate the smooth functioning of General and Regional Elections bearing in mind the need for normal governmental functions to continue uninterrupted.” SHENANIGANS Despite these statements, there have been moves by the Coalition Government to “examine legal opinions” and options on the way forward. Jagdeo has made it clear that the Parliamentary Opposition will not accept a “judicial coup” in face of the fact that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has fallen – defeated by a no-confidence motion. He said, “I also made it clear to them (the Diplomatic Corps) that we are very concerned about the shenanigans that seem to be brewing behind this government’s statement that they are exploring options – legal and other options. “Having accepted the results, clearly, now the government seems to be so desperate that they seem intent on reversing that view. I said we will not accept that and that, obviously, there will be instability in the country if this were to happen. I also said that we will not accept a judicial coup.” When pressed he noted that he did not seek commitments. “I did not seek commitments from the international representatives here, I just convened the meeting to brief them on what happened….I thought the briefing

went well.” GOVT MUST RESIGN The Opposition Leader reiterated his call for the President and Cabinet to resign, in accordance with the provisions of Guyana’s Constitutions. He said, “I expressed concern (to the Diplomatic Corps) that the government has not resigned as yet because the Constitution is explicit… so when they said that the Cabinet is meeting, but what Cabinet? Because the Cabinet should have resigned by now and they should only have a caretaker responsibility.” Article 106 (6) of the Constitution says: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” Meanwhile, Jagdeo, has made clear that, in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, the Coalition Government can only perform a “caretaker” function – routine functions, until fresh General and Regional Elections are held. Article 106 (7) says that: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

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

APNU+AFC Coalition APNU+AFC Coalition is actions will be reviewed ‘heavily influencing GECOM’ by a PPP/C gov’t not to start elections prep “Right now, we believe that they are in breach of our Constitution and that is why we will review what they have done in the three months’ period and that’s why I’m saying to public servants: be cautious, do not backdate stuff, do not shortcut the procurement laws etc; do not approve illegality or be a party to illegalities.” – Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

ll contracts inked by government after December 21, 2018 – after the passage of the no-confidence motion – will be reviewed if the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) wins the next general elections. The same goes for any new legislation that is passed in the National Assembly and assented to by President David Granger. On Thursday (January 17, 2019), he said, “Right now, we believe that they

are in breach of our Constitution and that is why we will review what they have done in the three months’ period and that’s why I’m saying to public servants: be cautious, do not backdate stuff, do not shortcut the procurement laws etc; do not approve illegality or be a party to illegalities.” He noted that there is an attempt by the APNU+AFC Coalition to hang onto office. As such, he pointed out that Ministers are now hosting Public Days and

engaging sections of society that have been neglected for the past three and a half years, including several hinterland trips and the hosting of youth forums. The Opposition Leader charged too that Guyanese can also expect serious action to address the massive corruption that has occurred over the past three and a half year, particularly those involving the Alliance For Change (AFC). “I am not speaking lightly about this matter,” he said.

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is of the view that the APNU+AFC Coalition is prevailing on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to delay its preparations for early General and Regional Elections, which are expected before the end of March 2019, following the passage of a no-confidence motion against the Coalition. This is according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, who addressed the issue during his Thursday (January 17, 2019) news conference at his Church Street office. “We believe that the government is heavily influencing GECOM not to start the preparations for elections,” Jagdeo said. He questioned why GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowen-

field, declined to meeting with Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, and Government’s Amna Ally – despite the fact that there was an agreement at the level of the Opposition and the Government for such a meeting to take place. “He (Lowenfield) has said he cannot meet with the stakeholders…he said to wait until there is a GECOM statutory meeting to get the approval of the GECOM Chairman (James Patterson)… he cannot just call and say that this meeting is part of an Opposition/Government agreement,” Jagdeo said. The Opposition Leader added, “…we will have to decide whether we want to pursue charade or withdraw…the government is using our willingness to engage and to reach out for delays…

we are very concerned. Up to press time there was no confirmation on when Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, and Government’s Amna Ally, will be able to meet with GECOM. The meeting was intended to ascertain GECOM’s operational readiness for early elections. Notably, after the no-confidence motion was passed in the National Assembly, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Warde, sought to reassure the nation that the electoral body is well prepared to rise to the challenges considering the recent turn of events. Warde said that the Commission will uphold its constitutional mandate, and will have to immediately put systems in place to run-off the elections once a date of set.

New house-to-house registration cannot be advanced T

he line parroted by Alliance For Change (AFC) Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, that fresh elections cannot be held within the 90-day timeframe because a new house-tohouse registration process is on the cards was trashed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. He noted that after the passage of the no-confidence motion, the Constitution is clear on with what timeframe new General and Regional Elections must occur. “Ramjattan lives in another world, clearly,” the Opposition Leader said. Jagdeo noted that President David Granger has raised the issue of a new house-to-house registration to the conducted by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), but it was pointed out to this that this is not possible. Earlier this month, questions about the possi-

bility of a new countrywide House to House before fresh General and Regional Elections are due by March 2019 were dismissed by the Opposition Leader. He stated that the 2018 Local Government Elections were held with an updated list and this should be the same list that is used. Notably, the Opposition nominated Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission had expressed concern about a possible delay of the next General and Regional Elections, constitutionally due in 2020. With elections now due by March 2019, those concerns remain. In October 2018, Jagdeo, had publicly voiced similar concerns and warned about “huge dangers” if GECOM pushes ahead with the move. The Opposition Leader referred to 1990, stating

that elections should have been held that year but because the voters’ list prepared by the Elections Commission was flawed, the elections were postponed for two years because the PPP agreed to it. “Well we are not going to agree to anything now,” he said. Jagdeo added, “The moment that the constitutional period expires for this government, we’re in no man’s land – constitutional crisis. Parliament would be dissolved. Spending would cease and any contracts signed in that period could be subject to review by the new government…the Parliament is automatically dissolved…we would not have a Government that is valid.” If the purpose is the clean up the voters’ list, he said, there are other ways in which the list can be cleaned up and the PPP

can work with GECOM on it. He further opined that the Secretariat is “running ahead of the commission.” Jagdeo reiterated that the Guyana Register Office (GRO) can prepare a list of the thousands of persons who would have died since the last house-to-house registration, but remain on the voters’ list. The GRO can supply this information to GECOM, which, in turn, can share it with the political parties. In response to the claim that house-to-house registration could be done in six months, Jagdeo said, this is questionable. “It is opening the door for a process that is potentially fraudulent,” he charged. He expressed the fear that enumerators would deliberately not go into PPP strongholds on the coastland or in hinterland and riverain areas and so deny them the right to vote. With the current “machin-

ery in place” at GECOM, he said, he was also fearful about the inputting of data and that the final list of voters would be significantly flawed. Notably, the PPP had recommended that houseto-house registration be done in 2015, but the Commission refused and pursued two cycles of continuous registration. Jagdeo contends that if a new house-to-house registration was done in 2015, the possibility of a delay of the 2020 General and Regional Elections would not have been great. Meanwhile, in April 2018, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the largest party in the coalition government, called for house-to-house registration to clean up the voters’ list – one that came mere months before the November 2018 Local Government Elections were

due to ne held. PNCR General Secretary Amna Ally had suggested that a registration should begin as soon as possible. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), in a statement in response to Ally, had said it did not support the PNCR’s call for new house-to-house registration, while stating that it preferred to contest the local and general elections with the existing voters’ list. Jagdeo said, “We believe that doing houseto-house registration at this late stage within the constitutional deadline for holding general elections could be used as a pretext for delaying the elections.” The last house-to-house registration, in which persons 14 years and older were registered, was conducted in 2008. The voter’ list has since been updated through continuous registration cycles.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

APNU+AFC gov’t inaction this week

…a snapshot of headlines making the news

Bulkan ignores decision of democratically elected leaders Admitting that plans to introduce regional flags across Guyana and rename the 10 regions because of push-back from the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) – all of which comprise of elected officials – Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan, has made it clear that government will be moving ahead. “It is unfortunate that the elected leaders in those regions seem not to understand the importance of this initiative, which is greater

International Democracy Index report misrepresented The APNU+AFC Coalition Government has ignored the findings of the Economist Intelligence Unit (EUI) 2018 Democracy Index, which listed Guyana as a flawed democracy. No governemtn official has addressed the findings of the report. Meanwhile, the Department of Public Information (DPI), reported on January 13, 2019, that, “According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EUI) 2018 Democracy Index, Guyana is one of 48 countries which have made significant progress in the realization of a full democracy.” In actuality, the report said that in 2017 Guyana had a rank of 63 and in 2018 that was reduced to a rank of 54. Guyana came in behind other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries like Trinidad and Tobaga, Jamaica and Suriname with a score of 6.67.

levels of people’s empowerment and deepening of people’s empowerment and the deepening of Guyana’s democracy,” Bulkan said – failing to explain how a new name and regional flags will empower Guyanese or deepen democracy. He added that enough leeway for democracy was allowed. Bulkan said, “The determination of the administration is to proceed with the initiative, having given the leadership ample opportunity to come on board. We will not allow the agenda to be hijacked by unwilling elements.” The Coalition Government’s proposals to assign separate flags to each administrative region, as well as to rename the regions, has been strongly objected to by the Parliamentary Opposition. The decision on regional flags and renaming the regions was made in 2016. There have been concerns about the flags ‘proposed’ by APNU+AFC to the various regions, since some proposed bear the distinct colours of the Coalition – green and yellow – including the proposed flag for Region One.

PNC dominates control of City Hall’s sub-committees Nine city committees were installed on Monday (January 14, 2019) when the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) met for its first statutory meeting of 2019. Almost all the nominations for committee members made by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) were rejected. Of the three councilors, out of a total of 30, representing the PPP/C at City Hall, Dimitri Ali was named to the Information Technology Committee. The other eight committees are: The City Works Committee; The Social Development Committee; The Legal Affairs Committee; The Human Resource Management Committee; The Markets and Public Health Committee; The Environment and Sustainability Committee; The Investment and Development Committee; and The International Relations Committee. People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member and former Mayor, Patrica ChaseGreen, is a member of five of the nine committees installed.

APNU controlled municipal council collects taxes that are five-times more compared to 2017 The Municipality of New Amsterdam is reporting that it has collected five times as much property taxes in 2018 compared to that of the previous year, 2017. In addition, it has successfully collected 78 per cent of its budgeted taxes for the year 2018. The municipality collected $54.3M in property taxes alone. Meanwhile, residents have accused the municipality of not doing enough since increasing property taxes by 100 per cent as from January 1, 2018.

Lack of job creation a major failure of APNU+AFC Coalition gov’t There has been no major job creation initiative since the APNU+AFC Coalition Government took office. The promise made by the Coalition during the 2015 General and Regional elections campaign was that it would “create jobs, jobs and more jobs in the shortest time possible.” Over three and a half years later, the Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, is yet to unveil a national plan to create jobs. Last August, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has admitted that to massive unemployment levels of unemployment among indigenous youths. Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, has said that close to 40,000 are unemployed in the hinterland. “We still have close to 40,000 indigenous youths who are unemployed,” he said. Prior to that President Granger had admitted that under his Government, the economy has not been able to produce “sufficient” new jobs. This came after promises made by Granger himself prior to the May 2015 General and Regional Elections. In a message from Granger, the manifesto stated that the APNU+AFC Coalition will provide: “Employment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mining, agro-processing and the arts to provide jobs and promote economic growth.” The manifesto also promised that public expenditure measures would be determined by related factors, which include: Stimulating productivity, investment, savings and growth of the economy; and the provision of jobs, among other moves. “The APNU+AFC objective is an integrated employment strategy,” the manifesto added. These promises were not delivered.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Increase in rates, poor quality of water sparks protest in Berbice D

ozens of Berbicians staged protest action outside the Chesney, Corentyne, Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) office over the increases in water changes, which come at a time when poor service and poor water quality is delivered to consumers. During the peaceful picketing exercise, the residents called on the APNU+AFC Coalition Government to address the matter urgently, particularly given the fact that many in the Berbice area cannot afford the new increases. GWI, in response, defended the increases as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;harmonization of ratesâ&#x20AC;? that was approved by the Public Utilities Commission.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Guyana cited as country with ‘flawed’ democracy T

he Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) released its 11th edition of the Democracy Index, which began in 2006, was released this week. And Guyana was listed as a country with a “flawed” democracy. The report explained that flawed democracies are, “Countries [that] also

have free and fair elections and, even if there are problems (such as infringements on media freedom), basic civil liberties are respected. However, there are significant weaknesses in other aspects of democracy, including problems in governance, an underdeveloped political culture and low levels of political

participation.” It further adds that democracy is defined as a set of practices and principles to ensure freedom in society. In 2017 Guyana had a rank of 63. In 2018 that was reduced to a rank of 54 and Guyana came in behind other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries

like Trinidad and Tobaga, Jamaica and Suriname with a score of 6.67. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s index of democracy, on a 0 to 10 scale, is based on the ratings for 60 indicators, grouped into five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil liberties; the functioning of government; political

participation; and political culture. The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Democracy Index provides a snapshot of the state of democracy worldwide for 165 independent states and two territories. According to the report, this covers almost the entire population of the world and the vast majority

of the world’s states (microstates are excluded). The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company to The Economist newspaper. The Democracy Index records how global democracy fared in the respective years under review.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Legal challenge to the no-confidence motion…

Orders requested by APNU+AFC gov’t not granted by Chief Justice A

cting Chief Justice, Roxane George, on Tuesday (January 15, 2019) rejected the requests made by Attorney General Basil Williams, in his challenge to the validity of the vote on the no-confidence motion. Last week, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government moved to the High Court to challenge the validity of the motion of no-confidence – which was passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. Williams, who approached the High Court, asked for several orders: • One, to enable President

David Granger and all his ministers to remain in office; • Two, to stay the enforcement of the no-confidence motion; and • Three, for a for a conservatory order to preserve the status quo ante that the President and all Ministers of the Government remain in office until the hearing and determination of questions surrounding the legality of the vote on the no-confidence motion. The Acting Chief Justice made clear that the granting of the orders were unnecessary since she intends to make her ruling by the

end of January 2019. She said, “We are going to push ahead and get these matters heard as soon as possible. I am cognisant that the nation is awaiting the outcome of these matters… My anticipation is that by the end of January, we will be through.” As such, the Court ordered all the parties to put in their submissions by the January 18, 2019, and ordered all response to those submissions to be done by the January 21, 2019. The matter is fixed for January 25, 2019 for any oral arguments.

Williams’s call for the orders was based on his argument that the no-confidence motion needed the support of an “absolute majority” of 34 members to be valid. The National Assembly has 65 Parliamentarians. In the current configuration, 33 seats are held by the Government and 32 are held by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). On the day of the vote on the motion of no-confidence motion, a Government Parliamentarian, Charandass Persaud, voted with the PPP/C.

Second legal challenge to the no-confidence motion…

High Court approves Jagdeo’s application to join court proceedings challenging no-confidence motion vote

he Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, through a team of lawyers, headed by Nandlall, has filed a Notice of Application in the High Court to join court proceedings, filed by Compton Reid, seeking to invalidate the vote on the no-confidence motion. And Acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George, approved the application. The grounds of Application, included that: • The main thrust of the proceedings filed herein is to nullify the No Confidence Motion moved by the Applicant and passed by the National Assembly on the 21st December, 2018 and to ultimately prevent its constitutional consequences contained in Articles 106(6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution from taking effect; • That the principles of natural justice, fairness and locus standi aggregate to qualify the Applicant not only as an interested party but a person who will suffer great prejudice and who would be deeply aggrieved

by any order or ruling this Honourable Court may make or is likely to make in these proceedings; • That immediately prior to the filing of these proceedings, the Attorney- General is on record informing the press that “the Government is in the process” of filing legal proceedings to challenge the validity of the votes in respect of the No Confidence Motion; • That having regard to the parties to these proceedings and the Attorneys-at-Law on record for Mr. Compton Herbert Reid, the Applicant genuinely fears that there is manifest connivance and collusion in the institution of these proceedings and the Attorney-General would be ready and willing to consent to judgment in a deliberate conspiracy to pervert these legal proceedings in order to nullify the aforesaid No Confidence Motion and its constitutional consequences; • As a result of the matters contained in paragraph 2 (xiii), it is imperative that

the Applicant be permitted to join these proceedings not only to protect its integrity but in order to protect and preserve the will of a majority of the elected members who voted in favour of the said No Confidence Motion and also to protect and preserve the sanctity of proceedings in the National Assembly as well as the Constitution of Guyana; • That this matter raises not only issues of paramount constitutional and parliamentary significance but also fundamental political issues which may have far reaching implications for national democracy, peace, order and good governance in Guyana. TIMELINE The Court ordered all the parties to put in their submissions by the January 18, 2019, and ordered all response to those submissions to be done by the January 21, 2019. The matter is fixed for January 24, 2019 for any oral arguments.

The results of the vote on the motion of no-confidence, filed by the Parliamentary Opposition on November 15, 2018 and debated on December 21, 2018, was challenged by Reid, a private citizen, in the High Court on January 4, 2019. He contends that the vote by former Government Parliamentarian, Charandass Persaud, in support of the Parliamentary Opposition, was invalid because he holds Canadian citizenship. Reid is being represented by a team of lawyers headed by Senior Counsel Rex McKay. Both Persaud and House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, have been named as respondents in the matter. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in his capacity as General Secretary for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), was also added as a respondent in the proceedings. Harmon was represented by Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, in association with Attorney Stephen Lewis.

He argues that the National Assembly comprises 65 members and that, mathematically, half of all the elected members equals 32.5. Accordingly, he says that the figure should then be rounded to the next whole number, being 33, which would now represent half of the elected members and that the majority thereby being a number greater than half means that ‘1’ ought to have been added to the whole number ‘33’ to calculate an absolute majority of 34. As such, he said, “The motion of no confidence

was not validly passed by 34 or more of all the elected members of the National Assembly….the ruling of the Speaker that the motion was purportedly carried by a majority vote of 33:32 raises concerns of serious national interest and grave and significant constitutional issues that are central to Guyana’s democracy, stability and constitutional ethos and as a consequence, requires the Court’s urgent intervention.” The action lists Speaker of the House, Dr Barton Scotland, and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, as the respondents in the matter.

Call for no-confidence motion vote to be validated…

Chief Justice (ag) sets timeline for case to be heard

ates in the case of Christopher Ram vs the Attorney General and Speaker of the National Assembly were named by the Acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George, on Tuesday (January 15, 2018). Ram, an attorney-at-law and chartered accountant, filed legal proceedings in the High Court on Tuesday (January 8, 2019) to validate the recently passed no confidence motion and have Government comply with constitutional provisions to demit office and call elections no later than March of this year. The Court ordered all the parties to put in their submissions by the January 18, 2019, and ordered all response to those submissions to be done by the January 21, 2019. The matter is fixed for January 23, 2019 for any oral arguments. Ram is asking to High Court to declare that the President and the Cabinet must resign in keeping with article 106 (6) of Guyana’s Constitution. He is also asking the court to declare that the December 21, 2018 vote on the no confidence motion was validly and lawfully passed. Ram’s legal argument makes it clear that elections

must be held no later than March 21 and he is further seeking the court to declare that these proceedings be dealt with urgency. Ram is being represented by Attorney-at-Law, Kamal Ramkarran, who heads the Guyana Bar Association. The Bar Association has already made clear that the motion of no-confidence against the APNU+AFC Coalition Government was validly passed. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” Meanwhile, clause (7) goes on to state that: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Matters arising from Gov’t ordered to fund, equip office of Commissioner City Hall CoI will be referred for criminal, of Information financial investigation T – LGC will proceed to implement the administrative measures

he Local Government Commission (LGC) is reviewing the recommendations made from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into City Hall, but has stated that, in the meantime, measures which require further criminal and financial probes will be referred to the relevant agencies. In a statement on Tuesday, the Commission said, “The Local Government Commission continues to pursue the clearest possible resolution of the several findings and recommendations that have emerged from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the administration, operation and management of the financial affairs of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown. “The COI has submitted its report with several recommendations, and the Commission has deliberated on and taken decisions to ensure that these recommendations

are dealt with, whilst ensuring that established good industrial relations principles are adhered to during the conduct of this proceeding. “At the statutory meeting of the Commission on December 20th, 2018 it was decided that in keeping with the rules of natural justice, letters be sent to several officers outlining the findings of the COI against them, requesting that they respond in writing to these findings and attend meetings organized by the Commission to address these responses whilst being given an opportunity to be heard. “Several officers requested additional time to respond and this was granted. Over the course of the next two weeks, the Commission will meet with these officers and deliberate on the responses before any action is taken. While the Local Government Commission will proceed to implement the administra-

tive measures that we have deliberated on and agreed to, separate measures will be referred for either criminal or financial investigation, and action as may be warranted.” After several weeks of hearing, the one-man Commission handed over its report containing several recommendations. Since then, the Commission has been tasked with deliberating and taking decisions to ensure that these recommendations are dealt with, whilst ensuring that established good industrial relations principles are adhered to during the conduct of this proceeding. Some 31 recommendations were made. Disciplinary actions were instated for Town Clerk Royston King, Acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry Munroe, Internal Auditor Omadeily Newton, City Constable Andrew Foo, Human Resources Manager Paula Braithwaite, among others.

Efforts to sell off major sugar estates advancing K

ey decisions are expected to be made soon dealing with the future of three sugar estates – Skeldon, Rose Hall and Enmore estates – that were closed by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) will, reportedly, submit a report and recommendation on the way forward to the steering committee of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), including the preferred bidder or bidders. This disclosure comes even as concerns were expressed about the role of PwC in the divestment of the estates of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), including the sell-off of the closed estates. Despite being handed a two-year ban last week for allegedly overstating the earnings and assets of Indian software company Satyam Computer Services, the international audit firm

Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) was engaged by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government and commenced the process of valuing the assets of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) in January 2018. In 2017, under the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), the APNU+AFC Coalition Government set up a Special Purposes Unit (SPU) to oversee the divestment of assets owned by GuySuCo. The divestment (selloff) of GuySuCo assets was intended to be guided by the Pricewaterhouse Coopers valuation report. To date, the valuation report remains secret. In October 2018, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, repeated his call for the document to be made public. “Where is the valuation? Why don’t they release it? They promised that there would be no privatisation

of any estate until valuation done,” Jagdeo said. The Opposition Leader also questioned the involvement of Pricewaterhouse Coopers in doing more than just a valuation. He said, “We have also heard that Pricewaterhouse Coopers has been meeting with investors… they seems to be leading the process now… we don’t know what is being told to the investors. Jagdeo also questioned if the SPU has ‘gone rogue’ yet again – as it did when it named a new Board of Directors for GuySuCo, without the approval of Cabinet. He said, “We don’t know what assurances are being given by Pricewaterhouse Coopers and the SPU and if those assurances are agreed to by the Cabinet….is the SPU running off on a tangent again?” Currently, only three GuySuCo estates have been kept open – Uitvlugt, Albion and the Blairmont estates.

he APNU+AFC Coalition Government, on Friday (January 11, 2019), was ordered by Acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George, to provide the office of the commissioner with staff and furniture, so as to ensure its proper function. The Acting Chief Justice ruled that the Government’s action was in violation of Section 5 of the Access to Information Act 2011. She added that evidence presented by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Attorney General Basil Williams, who were listed as joint respondents in the matter, failed to provide otherwise. She said, “Having reviewed the evidence, it is hereby ordered that the Government of Guyana is to provide such furniture and staff as feasible within the budget of the Government of Guyana up to the termination of employment of Ramson when said termination is finally determined, either by the parties, or by a court of law.” DISMANTLED News of the dismantling of the Office of the Commissioner of Information was disclosed on Monday, December 10, 2018, by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, when pressed on the absence of an allocation for the Office of the Commissioner of Information in Budget 2019 by Opposition Parliamentarian, Juan Edghill, during a review of the Budget 2019 estimates. This Office is where members of the public can turn to make requests for cer-

tain documents, dealing with government’s work. Nagamootoo, admitting that this is a statutory office, said that the services of the Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson, Senior, were terminated on March 8, 2018. “We (the Office of the Prime Minister) did not fire him,” Nagamootoo said. Heckles of so ‘Harmon fired him?’ and ‘You just rubberstamped the firing’ were heard in response to the Prime Minister’s comment. Edghill noted that it has been seven months since the office was dismantled. “When can we expect to have this very important office in place, as part of your governance framework?” he asked. Nagamootoo said, “We are re-examining the issue of the Office of the Commissioner of Information…we are currently engaged in a series of litigation before the Court…yes there is need to have the resuscitation of this office.” He added that government will “put” someone else in the position. Edghill, pressing further, said, “As a citizen I have accessed information from this office…I would like to do so continually…where do citizens go now?” Nagamootoo did not respond to this directly. Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, noted the disclosure about the dismantling of the Office of the Commissioner of Information and questioned what accounted for $22.8M spent under the Office of the Commissioner of Information. “I was not in the coun-

try,” Nagamootoo said, adding that it may be possible that some monies were paid to the Commissioner of Information after he was terminated and this is something the Finance Ministry will be looking into. No other direct responses were provided by Nagamootoo to questions of the dismantling of the Office of the Commissioner of Information. COURT ACTION Sacked Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson (Snr), filed litigation against the Government arguing that he was unable to execute the functions of his office having been deprived of having the appropriate accommodation, staff, machinery and equipment. This, Ramson had contended, was in violation of Article 149 (a) of the Constitution of Guyana. According to that said article, “No person shall be hindered on the enjoyment of his or her right to work that is to say, the right to free choice of employment.” Commenting on the ruling, Ramson said, “Nagamootoo failed to provide any evidence that the appropriate provisions in Section 5 were complied with. So the court made an order that the government shall provide me with accommodation, staffing and equipment for the purposes of the efficient functioning of this office.” The matters relating to Ramson’s termination were not dealt with – rather the Acting Chief Justice only addressed the functioning of the office.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOVERNANCE

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

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

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

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

LAND OWNERSHIP

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

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

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

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

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Opposition pleased with position taken by High Court – Jagdeo Government. As a result of the pas-

he decision of Acting Chief Justice, Rox-

anne George, to have the High Court deal expeditiously with the challenges related to the passage of the no-confidence motion was welcomed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. On Thursday (January 17, 2019), during a news conference at his Church Street office, he noted that he was “pleased” with the decision and is “confident” that the courts will deal with the matter. Regardless of the outcome – if is in favour of the Parliamentary Opposition or the Government – Jagdeo noted that he expects that the matter may reach the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). “Right now as we stand, the legislature has spoken... the timeline is ticking,” he said, adding that the Opposition is of the view that the no-confidence motion was validly passed, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, issued a resolution to that effect and the House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland, refused to review his ruling that the motion was validly passed when asked to do so by the

sage of the no-confidence

Regional Elections are ex-

end of March 2019. (SEE

ING ON THE COURT

motion, early General and

pected to be held before the

ADDITIONAL REPORT-

CASES ON PAGE 16)

Ramjattan admits to directing Top Cop to investigate Charandass Persaud

n the question of whether he was personally involved in directing the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to investigate Charandass Persaud –the former Alliance For Change Member and Government Parliamentarian whose ‘yes’ vote resulted in the fall of the Coalition Government – AFC Chairman and Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, answered in the affirmative. At a news conference

on Wednesday (January 16, 2019), he said, “The personal involvement; yes, I got a call from Vice President Sydney Allicock indicating that there is someone that wants to give some information about Charandass and his conduct, and indeed I then put the Commissioner of Police after speaking to Sydney Allicock. As a minister of security, if some information does come and it’s information you feel can go somewhere … he indicat-

ed to me certain things and I said Mr Commissioner, you better make a check on what’s happening.” According to Ramjattan, Police Commissioner Leslie James is expected to pronounce on the probe sometime next week. Last week, James disclosed that a probe against the former MP, who is in Canada, is ongoing, but decline to comment further, saying that it was a matter of national security.

AFC admits that Granger’s son-in-law was born in UK – amid dual citizenship debate

lliance For Change (AFC) executive member, son-in-law of President David Granger and and Business Minister, Dominic Gaskin, was born in Britain. The admission came from AFC member, Cathy Huges, as the debate on elected officials having dual citizenship continues. Hughes, on Wednesday (January 16, 2019) said, “The

AFC wishes to advise that none of its 11 MPs have sworn allegiance to any foreign state. Ten of the party’s MPs are citizens of Guyana only; the other MP, Minister Dominic Gaskin, was born in the United Kingdom… the issue of renouncing citizenship does not apply to Guyanese who were born in another country. “…we have made a state-

ment where we stand. We would not be able to comment on any other political party. We don’t know whether the information is credible, whether it’s true, or whether it’s false or whatever. So I think those questions should be directed to the individuals or to the party.” The implications of the disclosure were not addressed by the AFC.

AFC holds back on giving support to Granger as presidential candidate

he minority partner in the Coalition Government, Alliance For Change (AFC), has declined to make clear its support President David Granger returning as presidential candidate for the impending polls, which are due before the end of March 2019, following the passage of the no-confidence motion, AFC’s Vice Chairperson, Cathy Hughes, said, “We’re not there yet right now; we’re absolutely not there right now. We hope that President Granger continues the speedy re-

covery that he’s making…we continue to wish him the best, [but] we have no idea when the elections are going to be, and so we’re not in a position to answer that right now.” AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan, however, stressed the AFC’s commitment to the Cummingsburg Accord, adding that they will go into the next elections as a Coalition with the APNU, since this would have worked in the past. Despite the indecision about Granger as a presidential candidate for the Coalition,

Ramjattan pointed out that the AFC is ready for elections, should they be called. Meanwhile, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, last month, dismissed the suggestion circulating in the public that President David Granger may not be the APNU+AFC presidential candidate for the upcoming general elections. “I think we have an excellent candidate in the president… I am not aware that there is any intention of changing that for the time being. I am not aware of that,” he said.

Finance Minister tells EPA to increase their fees

uyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was told to increase its fees, rather than looking to Central Government to fund its operations, by Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. The Minister’s comments come even as the EPA’s role will be expanded

with the emerging oil and gas sector in Guyana. Jordan said, “We need to think outside of the box. The EPA, for example, can garner significant resources by charging (better) fees for their inspection, audits and so on…some of the fees are chicken feed and by doing so (reviewing the fees), I

am sure they can make a significant dent into the whole issue of salaries. Everybody seems to think you have to depend on the treasury, and yet still, the treasury gets some of its money from taxes. But nobody wants to see an increase in taxes.” The EPA is a semi-autonomous agency.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Energy Dep’t head engaged in ‘political work’ I

n August 2018, when asked about Mark Bynoe, the newly appointed head of the Department of Energy, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, noted that he “seems to be technically sound.” Jagdeo had said, “I have not studied his CV. We’re not required to. They didn’t ask us about it, so I don’t

know if he has the skill set to manage the department… if he does not have the skill set, then we will have a problem.” Bynoe has since taken up a more prominent profile in current affairs and Jagdeo noted that his engagement in political work is concerning. On Thursday (January

17, 2019), he said, “I treated him as a technical person. Now he is engaged in political work misleading people on behalf of the APNU government.” Most recently, Byone was involved in a youth forum where opportunities for youths in the future was talked up.

Debt to GDP ratio increases T

he total public debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded another increase, from 45.7 per cent in 2016 to 46.2 per cent in 2017. In general, the debt-toGDP ratio is used to determine the health of an economy, in comparisons with other economic indicators,

such as GDP growth itself. The total external public debt to GDP ratio was 34.3 per cent at the end of 2017 – an increase from 33.2 per cent in 2016. The rate of debt accumulation grew faster than nominal GDP – debt growing by seven per cent, while GDP only grew by

three per cent. Final numbers on Guyana’s public debt for 2018 are still to be presented by the Finance Minister, since Budget 2019 – which would also include these numbers – was presented early and final year figures are not yet available.

Deficit in the Balance of Payments widens G

uyana’s balance of payments continues to face a deficit, according to the Public Debt Annual Report of 2017, recently released by the Finance Ministry. The Balance of Payments report contains statistical data on a country’s fiscal transactions, including imports and exports. To record a deficit, Guyana would have had to spend more on imports, among other things, that it derived from exports. At the end of 2017, the deficit was US$69.5M. In 2016, the balance of payment deficit was US$53.3M. The current account deficit grew by US$275M. Meanwhile, the Capital Account improved. The report notes

that it showed a surplus of US$228 million, an increase from a deficit of US$13.2 million in 2016. Final figures for 2018 on the state of Guyana’s Balance of Payments are not yet available. However, based on figures available up to when Budget 2019 was presented, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, highlighted that there was a massive deterioration in the current account of the Balance of Payments of over US$200 million, while the marginal increase in the capital account. Meanwhile, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) Quarterly Report and Statistical Bulletin released in July 2018, con-

firmed that Guyana’s overall Balance of Payments deficit skyrocketed to US$94M – an increase of million compared to the 2017 final year figure of US$69.5M. “This was primarily due to an expansion of the Current Account deficit, despite a surplus on the Capital Account. The deficit on the Current Account resulted from a higher merchandise trade deficit due to higher imports, primarily fuel,” the report said. The Parliamentary Opposition has previously expressed concern over the increasing deficit in the country’s balance of payments, which it had said would continue to have serious implications for the local economy.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

SOCU says ‘Patterson investigation’ complete….

PPP/C MP questions if Unit called in Cabinet Ministers during investigation F

ive months 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. 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 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 remind-

ed 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.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

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

fter three years since taking office, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, published a list of 231 so called ‘achievements’ in May 2018. However, a close look at the list, revealed Government’s desperation in trying to find ‘successes’. For example, the Government claimed “lower electricity rates” as an achievement, but listed this one point at least two times in the list of 231. A second example shows that the

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

4. FICTION: Youth skills training provided through BIT, HEYS FACT: The BIT is a PPP/C initiative. HEYS was introduced by the APNU+AFC Government, then the decision was made to scrap it. Notably, HEYS had replaced the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP), which was an initiative under the former PPP/C government. When the Coalition Government took power, the 1972 Amerindian community service officers who were part of the YEAP programme were fired. 7. FICTION: Created over 5000 jobs FACT: Since May 2015, over 25,000 Guyanese have lost their jobs. Government’s claim of creating over 5,000 jobs has been challenged. To date, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has not responded and has not said where these 5,000 jobs were created. 10. FICTION: State Assets Recovery Unit set up FACT: SARA did not legally exist until May 2018. The State Assets Recovery Act was only assented to by President David Granger on May 4, 2018 – over one year after it was passed in the National Assembly by a government majority, despite objections voiced by the Parliamentary Opposition. As such, queries have been raised about SARA’s operations prior to Granger’s move to assent to the SARA Act – specifically as it relates to how monies were allocated to the State Assets Recovery Agency for the year 2018 Budget to acquire an office at Lot 56 Main and New Market Streets, SARA letterhead, staff, etc., prior to that date (May 4, 2018), when the agency did not legally exist?”

APNU+AFC Coalition claimed the work of private companies as their own success, when it listed “4G internet” in its list of 231. The work to bring better internet services to the Guyanese people was done by the private telecommunications companies. This week, the Mirror, by simply looking at 30 of the Government’s claims, will expose the FICTIONS peddled by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government and will detail the actual facts.

2. FICTION: $50,000 Christmas Bonus in 2015 and $25,000 Christmas Bonus in 2016 FACT: No attention has been given to increasing the salaries of public servants – teachers, policemen, nurses, etc. since the APNU+AFC Government took office. The two bonuses were one-off payments for only two years. 5. FICTION: Sugar industry right-sized fo5r self sufficiency through diversification FACT: There have been no efforts in the direction of diversification. While government said it has “right-sized” the sugar industry, all it did was close down major sugar estates – leaving thousands of sugar workers on the breadline – in the worst mass firing in Guyana’s history.

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

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

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

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

11. FICTION: Special organized Crime Unit operational

9. FICTION: Lower Electricity rates

FACT: Three years of being operations under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, not a single case against money launderers has been advanced. SOCU has only been involved in cases filed against former government officials, one of which has already been thrown out of the courts. Also, in the case SOCU brought against GBTI, the expert witness fielded by the Unit was also rejected by courts, which ruled that the ‘expert’ was in fact ‘no expert’. SOCU has been involved in a number of controversial operations. These include the high-profile car chase of the wife of a People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP), which resulted in the death of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Sergeant Robert Pyle and his wife Stacy, along with another civilian in a smash-up on Carifesta Avenue in December 2015 – an incident that remains the subject of many unanswered questions. The Unit’s establishment was part of Guyana's international obligations to strengthen its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) framework and was intended to support the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). The mandate of the SOCU, as acknowledged in the protocols, is to address investigations, detection and preparation of criminal investigative reports and case files for prosecutions of financial crimes, including money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Little to nothing has been done by SOCU, under the current APNU+AFC Government, which fits the reason for SOCU’s establishment.

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

8. FICTION: Plans to bridge Essequibo River

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

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

APNU+AFC gov’t forcing fictions on the Guyanese people 13. FICTION: New Guyana Election Chairman appointed FACT: The 84-year-old GECOM Chairman was unilaterally and un-constitutionally appointed, in breach of 25 years of practice and common understanding of the constitutional procedures that have to be followed for such an appointment to be made. 14. FICTION: The establishment of three new towns FACT: The towns were established without consultation and in some cases encroached on titled Amerindian Lands in breach of laws --and showing that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government has no qualms about breaking the laws of Guyana. 15. FICTION: Improved education attainment FACT: The 2017 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Guyana – released by the United States of America’s (USA) State Department – underscores a major failure of the APNU+AFC Coalition government. Page 11 of the 207 report states that: “The standard of living in indigenous communities was lower than that of most citizens, and they had limited access to education and health care.” In contrast, the 2015 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Guyana, on page 14, said: “All indigenous communities had primary schools, and as of 2012, there were 13 secondary schools in remote regions. All indigenous communities had school dormitories that housed students at government’s expense. Government programmes trained health workers, who staffed health facilities in most communities.”

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

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

18. FICTION: De-politicized the National Toshaos Council FACT: The NTC is not a political body. It is the elected body that represents Amerindians in Guyana. As such, claims of de-politicizing the NTC have been viewed as APNU+AFC rhetoric. 19. FICTION: Extended the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) programme FACT: Not a single Amerindian village has received a land title under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government. Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock, admitted that he failed to do any work with the ALT programme, which gave the indigenous people legal rights to their communities. “I have not been able to title any village,” Allicock had said in May 2018. Notably, after taking office, the Coalition Government, sent home the entire unit dealing with the Amerindian Land Titling programme. The Project Management Unit was ben established in June 2014 to support the implementation of the project. A total of US$10.7M was earned by the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government and left for the purpose of completing the ALT programme. 20. FICTION: Piracy smashed FACT: Less than two months ago, a piracy attack led to several deaths of local fishermen. The bodies of some of the fishermen have still not been found.

21. FICTION: Major criminal gangs smashed, members prosecuted FACT: There has been no such report. Also, no cases in Guyana’s court have substantiated this claim. 22. FICTION: Crime rate down FACT: As of June 2018, a whopping 304 cases of robbery under arms, where firearms were used, were recorded at the end of June 2018, marking an increase compared to last year. Another 116 cases of robbery under arms, where other instruments were used, were also recorded for that month. There were also 28 other cases of robberies, as well as 73 cases of robbery with violence. Robbery with aggravation cases numbered 30. Larceny from persons numbered 62, while burglary cases totaled 112 and break an entry with larceny totaled 498. In total these cases numbered 1,223. There were 44 murders. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government continues to come in for criticisms over its inaction to address the current crime rate. 23. FICTION: Establishment of the Department of Environment FACT: There is no Department of Environment as of July 2018. 24. FICTION: Freedom of the Press restored FACT: The Guyana Press Association has blasted Coalition gov’t over ‘unmistakable’ signals of Executive control since it took office. The Association cited other acts that include: The continued role of the Director of Public Information as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Guyana Chronicle; Direction from a senior government Minister on coverage of his office to the Editor- in-Chief; Direction being given to the Chronicle for stories sent for his approval once it has to do with his office or the PNC, the main party in the governing Coalition; and weekly meetings of the Prime Minister with senior executives of the state media.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

APNU+AFC gov’t forcing fictions on the Guyanese people 25. FICTION: Constitutional Reform process initiated

27. FICTION: Code of conduct for public official completed

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

FACT: There is no Code of Conduct in place. A draft was proposed and was met with widespread criticisms. Even the Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. said government’s proposed code of conduct is still deficient in many respects. The body expressed the view that the “lack of specificity appears as low commitment to integrity in public office” and it can ultimately impede the effectiveness of the Code and erode public confidence.

26. FICTION: Improved transparency FACT: The APNU+AFC Coalition Government has been criticised as failing to honour of the promise of transparency. Among the untruths told by the government to the Guyanese people is the fact that Guyana did not receive the US$18M signing bonus from ExxonMobil. This lie was told for over a year to the Guyanese people, despite the fact that questions about the signing bonus were asked. Finally, documents leaked to the media, exposed the Government lie

a recent news conference. He charged that

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

29. FICTION: Successful gun amnesty programme FACT: During the amnesty for unlicensed firearms in 2015, scores of Amerindians handed in weapons used to protect their cattle and crops and support their livelihoods, with the promise of receiving licences. The APNU+AFC Coalition Government delayed the return to April 2018 and has now delayed it again, until the end of July 2018. This failure to deliver in a timely manner on a promise made has prevented the amnesty programme from being deemed a success. 30. FICTION: A new drugs procurement system introduced FACT: Health Minister, Volda, Lawrence had stated revised drug procurement system which will bring resolution to the ongoing drug shortage throughout the country is expected to be implemented by the month of June 2016. It is now July 2018. After taking office, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government scrapped the old method used to procure and deliver drugs and medical supplies across Guyana, despite the fact that it worked.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Another major weed farm destroyed R

anks of the Guyana Police Force, on Thursday (January 17, 2019) during a thirteen-hour narcotics eradication operation at Tabatalli, Berbice River, destroyed seven acres of marijuana cultivation. Five fields with about 19,500 plants ranging in height from 3 inches to 8 feet with an average weight of 9,750 kilograms, five camps, 300 kilograms of processed cannabis and an empty twelve gauge casing were found. The fields, processed cannabis and camps were photographed and destroyed by fire. No arrests were made.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

Body of former police Over 8,000 ganja plants officer found in destroyed in Region 10 Lamaha Conservancy P

he decomposed body of a former member of the Guyana Police Force was discovered on Sunday (January 13, 2019) from the Lama Canal, D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown.

The victim has since been identified as that of Cyril Persaud, from Atlanticville, East Coast Demerara. The man was missing for several days. After the body was pulled out, it was taken to the Lyken

Funeral Home, where it was subsequently identified by the now dead man’s brother, Peter Brahamdow. Persaud was reportedly attached to the Mounted Branch.

East Coast woman nabbed with ganja A

24-year-old woman was taken into Police custody after a quantity of cannabis was found in her possession on Saturday (January 12, 2018) afternoon. The suspect of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was apprehended at her home around 15:00h.

Ranks of C Division (East Coast Demerara), reportedly, acted on information and swooped down at the woman’s home where they found 234 grams of cannabis along with an undisclosed sum of money and other items. Investigations are in progress.

Miner busted with illegal weapons

30-year-old miner of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was busted by Police officers in F Division (interior locations) on patrol duty on the Arau Mountain Top, Cuyuni River, Region 7.

Based on information received, a search was conducted on the miner, on Friday (January 11, 2019), who was reportedly acting in a suspicious manner. The search turned up an unlicenced firearm with a magazine and a live round.

Lusignan Golf Club robbed again T hree bandits broke sections of a concrete wall at the Lusignan Golf Club on Friday (January 11, 2019), in the eight robbery at the facility over the past five months. After gaining entry to the premises, one of the armed bandits held the security guard

at gunpoint before making off with a quantity of beverages and other items. Soon after the men made their escape and alarm was raised and the police were summoned. Investigations are ongoing.

olice in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani) on Saturday (January 12, 2019) conducted another drug eradication exercise, this time at 8 Miles, Millie’s Hideout, Upper Demerara River where several marijuana camps were unearthed and destroyed. Reports are Police swooped down on two acres of marijuana farm which has about 2500 cannabis plants, which measured between one to four feet in height, and which were estimated to weigh approximately 675 kilograms. Two of the ganja farms which were unearthed and subsequently destroyed on Saturday A nursery containing some 3000 marijuana plants was also discovered along with four make-shift camps with two hammocks, a mattress, a quantity of kitchen utensils and groceries. Additionally, a quantity of dried cannabis, estimated to weigh about 200 kilograms were unearthed. Following the first bust, Police trekked another seven miles where a one and half acre of marijuana farm with about 1500 cannabis plants was discovered. The plants measured between two and five feet in height with an estimated weight of 225 kilograms.

Another nursery with 1500 marijuana plants was also discovered at the location along with a make-shift camp containing dried cannabis, which was estimated to weigh about 100 kilograms. Police on Saturday said that the plants and camps were destroyed, and the location marked for further investigation. No one was found at the illegal farms. The exercise which was

conducted between 05:00h and 18:00h was led by Detective/Sergeant De Souza and Detective/Corporal 21800 Van Hersel, a party of policemen attached to the Mackenzie Police Station, a Rural Corporal and a member of the E ‘2’ Division Community Policing Group (CPG). Last Tuesday, ranks in the Division conducted a similar eradication exercise at 10 Miles, Millie’s Hideout.

WEEKEND MIRROR 19-20 JANUARY, 2019

New Amsterdam man arrested in major weed bust A

28-year-old man of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice was intercepted at about 14:10 hours on Tuesday (January 15, 2019), while enroute to Georgetown. He was nabbed by ranks with some 3283 grams of cannabis concealed in seven taped

parcels on the Weldaad Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB). The ranks made the discovery after they stopped the vehicle in which he was travelling and searched him. The man was taken into Police custody.

Body of a man implicated in drug bust found at Number 63 Beach T he body of a male was on Monday (January 14, 2019) found on the Number 63 Beach with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head. The man of East Indian decent was clad in a blue vest, a pair of black long track pants and also a pair of black and white boots. The discovery was made by ranks on a police patrol that had gone to the beach as part of their routine patrol. Initial investigations suggest that the man was killed execution style. However, with little blood found on the scene it is being speculated that the body was dumped there. At the time of the discovery the man had no identification on him. He has since been identified as a Surinamese national, Nitender Oemrawsingh, 40, of Nickerie. Police are treating the incident as murder. In a release to the media, the Police disclosed a spent ammunition and a cellphone were found next to the body.

DRUG BUST The 40-year-old rice trader was implicated in a cocaine bust last Tuesday (January 8, 2019) by Surinamese authorities. Some 2300 kilograms of cocaine were found in rice in a multiple containers, which were intercepted at Jules Sedney Haven Port by the Narcotics Brigade of Suriname. The containers were destined for France. Reports are that Oem-

rawsingh went missing last Friday (January 11, 2019) after meeting with investigators in Suriname. It is believed that he made his way to Guyana shortly after and might have been on the run. There has been no word as to where he was staying but it has been confirmed that he crossed the border by means other than the official Guyana / Suriname border ferry. Investigations are ongoing.

Upper Corentyne man found dead on Dam

man from Number 70 Village, Corentyne, was found dead on Thursday (January 10, 2019) on Middle Walk Dam. The victim has been identified as Navindradat Bhawan, of Lot 54 Section ‘A’ Num-

ber 70 Village, Corentyne. Reports after the body was discovered, he was rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigations are ongoing.

President, Cabinet in breach of Constitution by not resigning GUYANA CONSTITUTION

rticle 106 (6) of Guyana’s Constitution says: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” And Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, contends that the APNU+AFC Coalition is currently in breach of the Constitution. He said, “Right now the Constitution imposes a deadline…we are sticking with that deadline at this point in time,” he said. He noted that, in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, the President and Cabinet - having resigned – can only perform a “caretaker” function – routine functions in office, until fresh General and Regional Elections are held. Article 106 (7) says that: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members

of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.” Last week, Jagdeo made it clear that early General and Regional Elections have to be held this year. He said, “The timeline is adequate now to hold elections by that particular time (March 19)…but we believe they still have enough room…but if the government refuses to honour the passage of the no confidence motion and they refuse to define a timeline for elections and the constitutional period expires, the government then becomes unconstitutional, illegal and illegitimate.” Early General and Regional Elections are due before the end of March 2019, following the passage of the no-confidence motion against the Coalition. Jagdeo also made it clear that after the 90 day limit – from the time the no-confidence motion was passed – elapses, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government would be in office unconstitutionally if there are no elections

held. “This will necessitate a whole different approach,” he said. In June 2018, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government was put on notice by Jagdeo, relative to any move to delay elections to after the time they are constitutionally due. He said, “There will be consequences if they think that they can rig the elections and have the kind of peace that we have now, they’re wrong; very, very wrong. I hope they are not thinking that in their calculation…I am making it clear about that and it’s not coded language because then the nature of the struggle will be different. We will be struggling against an illegal, illegitimate government that is not in power through the ballot and it will be a different form of struggle, totally different…if they don’t live by the rules, they come to power without observing by the rules, then the other side should not be bound by any rules because it’s a freedom struggle. It changes from a struggle within an established democracy to one of fighting for freedom.”

Granger back in Cuba for fourth round of cancer treatment P resident David Granger departed Guyana for Cuba on Tuesday (January 15, 2019), where he will undergo the fourth round of treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. 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. The President returned to Guyana from the Republic of Cuba on November 20, 2018 after spending approximately three weeks there, where his medical team per-

formed 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). CIMEQ, according to the Ministry of the Presidency, has drafted a schedule of treatment which will run until May 2019.

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