Weekend Mirror 30 November - 1 December 2019 by Weekend Mirror

E x c e r p t s

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P P P / C

M a n i f e s t o

he following is a presentation of the key T elements of the PPP/C programme for the next five years. A more comprehensive

(bauxite, gold and other mining; sugar, rice and other agriculture; fisheries; forestry; and tourism), with a new emphasis on manufacturing, ICT and the service industry, we can transform our country into a modern multidimensional economy. Oil and Gas will provide significant earnings and if managed well, will bring transformational opportunities for all Guyanese. But this will only be possible if there is no squandering or mismanagement. For this reason, the PPP/C will ensure transparent and accountable management of the oil and gas sector, ensuring all revenues from oil and gas contribute to more jobs, more income and higher standards of living for all Guyanese while responsibly managing our environment and positioning Guyana again as a leader in low-carbon development. As Guyana becomes an economic powerhouse, and the lives of our people are improved, our country must, with renewed vigour, pursue priorities to strengthen freedom, establish a firm commitment to democratic traditions whilst framing our priorities

jobs. The PPP/C will provide the enabling environment and incentives for expansion of existing businesses and emergence of new businesses by, removing obstacles to business growth, offering a fiscal regime that encourages investment, providing an empowering regulatory framework in which businesses can operate in a globally competitive manner and promoting skills-training to provide

manifesto with the full range of policies and programmes will be launched shortly. We all want a society which is free, prosperous, socially just, globally competitive and which serves every Guyanese equitably. Every Guyanese must have: a chance for a good education, access good paying jobs, be able to start their own businesses, raise and provide for a family, own their own homes, live in a safe and secure environment and retire with dignity. Every Guyanese must have full access to quality healthcare, safe water, be able to participate in sports and recreation and freely practise their religion and culture. We believe our hard work and sacrifice, bolstered by an economy strengthened by an oil and gas sector, must guarantee the next generation of Guyanese a brighter and better future. With the emergence of Oil and Gas and a recommitment to the traditional economy

30 November - 1 December, 2019 / Vol. 10 No. 99 / Price: $100

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to be more inclusive, transparent, accountable and more equitable. We will continue to promote good governance, respect for the Constitution and the human rights of all Guyanese, while fostering an economic environment where jobs flourish and there is guaranteed income for people. The Constitution must be a dynamic framework, subjected to continuous adjustments after widespread consultation with the people. As General and Regional Elections loom, Guyanese have an opportunity to shape their future. We must not fall prey to fake promises. The choice is clear. The PPP/C has a proven track record. We built a strong and stable economy without the benefit of oil and gas. We are a Party of transformative policies and plans, and we keep our promises. These elections offer each of us a chance to choose the kind of life we and our children will have and the kind of country in which we will live. These are some of the policies and measures we offer to give effect to our vision for Guyana.

CREATING JOBS

s the PPP/C prepares to lead Guyana once again into an exciting future, our plan provides Guyanese with more jobs, particularly jobs for a new generation of Guyanese with higher education, vocational skills, and higher disposable incomes. While the public sector will continue to be a major employer, the private sector will be further incentivized to create more and better paying MORE JOBS LESS CRIME

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BETTER EDUCATION

REDUCE COST OF LIVING

employers with a pool of highly-trained and skilled human resources, among others. As part of the PPP/C fiscal and monetary policy, there will be the continuous review of taxation to support wealth creation and not serve as a disincentive to the expansion of business opportunities. In addition, the policy will be geared towards accelerating social spending and expanding infrastructure.

NO MORE 2AM CURFEW

NO VAT ON WATER

SEE INSIDE

OUR PLAN FOR PROSPERITY

Rigorous scrutiny remains the order of the day - Jagdeo Ahead of Election 2020…

PAGE 18

Isolated focus in national development push will not serve interests of Guyanese – Ali PAGE 8

RLE to be ‘extracted and printed’ in early January 2020 – Shadick PAGE 21

Opportunities are not being created for advancement of riverine communities – CDC Vice Chair PAGE 17

SEE INSIDE

Taxes per person increased over 60 per cent since 2014 – FITUG PAGE 23 Almost $1B in contracts approved by ‘illegal’ Cabinet PAGE 3

Public deposits deficit widens by another $4.2B PAGE 18

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

Challenges of riverine communities need to be understood by leaders

he disconnect between leaders, who opt, to remain on the Coast and overlook the realities of Guyanese in the hinterland and in riverine communities is the first issue that needs to be addressed, according to persons from riverine communities along the Mazaruni River, Region 7. It is only then that the challenges of residents in those communities can be understood

and responded to in a manner that is demonstrative of equitable delivery of public services to all Guyanese. The Mirror Newspaper caught up with several persons for riverine communities and the primary challenges pointed to were the lack of opportunities for youths, health care and transportation.

EUNITA KENWIL (HOUSEWIFE): “In Kalcoon, you have to be here to really understand that it is hard. Before we could get a boat and motor, get help with transportation. Not now. You could go to the health center easy. It was hard for us to go out when we children sick and things like this. The community need more support. Plus too the roads is a big issue. People who work in Siparuni (in mining) they use the road too, like us, so we need this to be looked at.”

MAUREEN DANIELS (HOUSEWIFE): “The big thing here is transportation. To get to move to where you have to go, especially when it’s a sickness case or to buy ration. For the children to get to school is another thing too. At Four Mile there is a health center but that need supplies too. We need people in here to understand how it is.”

JOSEPH GONSALVES (SECURITY GUARD): “We have a lot of issues. At Mora Camp the main one our school children using a walkway from the River Front to the Potaro Road. We asked for several assistance from this APNU+AFC government, but we never get nowhere. During the spring tide when the water come up, the children have to take off their clothes, the bottoms, and walk through. It’s really hard for the children. I have kids and grandkids going to school.”

ELIZABETH THOMAS (PENSIONER): “Its transportation and jobs – a chance for young people. Where I am from its mostly farming and its family. The main thing is the young people. The other thing, is from where I live there, we have to go to Bartica to the health center and there is sometimes a shortage so we have to try hard.”

GWENDOLYN THOMAS (PENSIONER): “I am 83-years old now. What I see is the young people. They need a chance.”

ROSALIND DOUGLAS (HOUSEWIFE): “Moving around is not easy. Sometimes we need help with transport. That and health supplies are what we need help with.”

2WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

WEEKEND MIRROR 9-10 NOVEMBER, 2019 3

Almost $1B in contracts Vandals destroy PPP/C campaign posters Removal of Rodney’s approved by ‘illegal’ Cabinet ‒ dubs acts an assault on democracy name from National T P Archives ‘malicious’ – Anthony osters detailing campaign messages of and other forms of political messaging, are the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic part and parcel of a political party’s and its (PPP/C) were destroyed by vandals over the members’ constitutional right of freedom of weekend. And in one case the vandals were expression and part of the democratic and busted red-handed. political architecture in any civilized society. In comments on the development, Peo- These freedoms and facilities are guaranteed ple’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive, to all during electoral campaigns, where Anil Nandlall said, “The circulation and pub- political parties vie to win the minds of the lication of posters, banners, electorate and eventually ballots. who he name if Working Peo- advertisements part of our national history. academic their and historian ple’s Alliance (WPA) One way we remember our made significant contribuleader, Dr Walter Rodney, national heroes is by naming tions to help in the preservawas removed from the Na- things after them, so that tion of this country’s history. tional Archives building on generations know of their The archival holdings has Mandela Avenue, George- works. I would urge that some records going back to town, by the APNU+AFC whoever did that to put back slavery, indentureship and Coalition. the name,” he said. some of Rodney’s works Previously, the property Anthony added, “As we were on that. We have a good had a large wooden sign all know Dr. Rodney is newspaper collection there at the front saying ‘Walter not just any historian… but also and all of this he would Rodney Archives’. At some achieved prominence be- have used in his own works.” point, however, the sign was cause of the work he has The Ministry of Social replaced with one lit by LED done. We felt that it was Cohesion is said to have lights and ‘National Archives fitting to name the Archives responsibility for this matter. of Guyana’ emblazoned on it. in his honour. As you can Rodney, a distinguished The National Archives was remember, the Archives, Guyanese scholar, was asrechristened in 2008 under then located on Main Street sassinated on June 13, 1980, the then People’s Progres- [Georgetown] was in a ter- by an explosion which ocsive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) rible state. We did a lot of curred in his car at John and administration as the ‘Walter work to get it where it is Hadfield Streets, GeorgeRodney Archives’. today; the records were in town. Dr. Rodney was, at the Former PPP/C Minister such a bad state that we had time of his death, an eminent of Culture, Dr. Frank Antho- to invest much to preserve political leader engaged in ny, has criticized the removal much of the work. Out of democracy and social justice of the name saying it is polit- honour of this great histori- in a struggle against authoriical one geared to diminish an, we felt it most fitting to tarian rule. The report from Rodney’s works. “I think it is have it named after him as the Commission of Inquiry a travesty that Dr. Rodney’s a young nation, we want to into his death concluded name is removed from the name things after people who Rodney’s assassination was National Archives…it is just would have made a tremen- a “State organised” act that malicious and I don’t know dous impact and he did, not was executed with the knowlwhat it would gain in trying just here but regionally and edge of the then Prime Minto erase some people out of internationally. ister Forbes Burnham, leader our history…it was wrong “…we did not look at of the People’s National Conto remove it because he is a Rodney the politician but the gress (PNC).

“The removal and destruction of a po- should condemn this vandalism and political litical party’s messages and instruments of barbarism in the strongest possible form, or his week, and rests, in large messaging arethe notillegal only anAPassault onworkable. that po- else it will only get worse as wemeasure, approachwith the NU+AFC Coalition conThe Court said, the conduct ofwe therecognise various litical party’s and its membership’s freedom March“Their 2020 Elections. “While tinues to act but in ait is manner meaning clearthat andour it is(PPP) the track branches of government, of expression, also an assault on is derecord of progress that and inconsistent with its diminresponsibility of constitutionis, the President andour the plans Cabmocracy itself. Only those who are desperate achievement speaks for itself and ishedincapable authority,of following al actors in Guyana to honourfor the inet,future the Parliament and any the and winningthe minds and votes, & promises can intimidate passage programs of the no-confidence them.engage Upon theopponent, passage we of encourage Judiciary. must be faiththrough and policies would ourAll political rivals to motion the declaration of a vote of no confidence, the us, fulrather to thethan spirit and letter of in such and thuggery.” try to emulate engage in those the According motion as valid. Article requiresself-destructive, the resigna- the Constitutionand andprimitive operate to him, every decent minded undemocratic The largest contractoftotal tion of the Cabinet within parameters given Guyanese, irrespective political persuasion, actsincluding of desecration and the destruction.” some $259.71M for the con- the President. The Article to each by the Constitution.” struction of a building, while goes on to state, among other It added, “The Court must the smallest is some $26.62M things, that notwithstanding assume that these bodies and for the extension of another such resignation, the Gov- personages will exercise their building. ernment shall remain in office responsibilities with integrity Cabinet met on Tues- and that an election shall be and in keeping with the unday (November 26, 2019) held within three months, or ambiguous provisions of the in continued defiance of the such longer period as the Na- Constitution bearing in mind Constitution of Guyana and tional Assembly shall by res- that the no confidence motion the rulings of Guyana’s apex olution supported by not less was validly passed as long court. than two-thirds of the votes ago as 21 December 2018.” This is in defiance of the of all the elected members The CCJ also stressed Constitution and the rulings of the National Assembly that given the passage of the and orders of the Caribbean determine …” no confidence motion on 21 Court of Justice (CCJ). It The orders of the CCJ, December 2018, a general added that Article 106 (6) handed down on July 12, election should have been and (7) “require no gloss” on 2019, said: “Due observance held in Guyana by 21 March the part of the Court in order of constitutional democracy 2019. to render them intelligible and the rule of law in Guyana

PPP/C engagement with Diplomatic Corps continues

meeting was held this week between representatives of the diplomatic community, including the United States of America and Canada, and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, when pressed, confirmed that a meeting took place on Wednesday (November 27, 2019), where several issues were raised, particularly those related to General and Regional Elections, which are slated for March 2, 2020. Following the passage of

the September 18, 2019 deadline for General and Regional Elections, the United States of America Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; United Kingdom High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn; and the European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Femando Ponz Canto; issued a joint statement. It said, “We deeply regret that, by surpassing September 18, the Government is currently in beach of the Constitution following its failure to adhere to the decisions of the Caribbean Court of Justice

(CCJ) on 18 June and its subsequent orders. This situation comes at great cost to the people of Guyana. The prevailing political uncertainty undermines Guyanese institutions, compromises economic opportunities and delays development across all areas including infrastructure, education, health, and social services. It also hinders our ability to support Guyana's development needs.” Since the diplomatic community has remained engaged with the Parliamentary Opposition.

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

ith the four-year mark of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government being in office having passed and with more and more Guyanese forwarding information about increasing levels of corruption in office, a platform has been created to allow for easier communication of such information. Opposition Leader, Bharat Jagdeo, has urged Guyanese to make use of the social media platforms and participate in the effort to continue to expose the misdeeds of the APNU+AFC Coalition. He assured that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will continue its investigations in the push for greater accountability and transparency. Guyanese can make submissions of information anonymously via Facebook on ‘Corruption Watch 592’ and via WhatApp on telephone number (592)-653-6637.

WhatsApp allows persons to message from Guyana other countries at no cost. Operators are manning the line on a 24-hour basis and interested Guyanese are asked to communicate this to the Party.

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

Guest

EDITORIAL

PNC, through Coalition, is once again attempting to suppress democracy By Zulfikar Mustapha, PPP’s Chief Election Scrutineer

s the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections approach, the leading Party in the coalition government, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) led- APNU+AFC Coalition is trying desperately to remove the names of legitimate persons from the voters’ list. This is more pronounced in hinterland areas, as well as in Regions 5 and 6, where thousands of false claims were made by APNU to try and prevent persons supportive of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) from voting at the upcoming elections. One requirement for making an objection, is supporting evidence that must be presented at hearings organized by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and which are designed to verify the said claims. Having filed some 13,000 objections, the APNU representatives for the areas failed to show up for the scheduled hearings and, while, persons whose names were objected to, turned up to prove that they exist. As a result, GECOM dismissed the objections filed by APNU. Adamant that the names of those persons must be removed at all cost, APNU has filed an appeal with GECOM in an effort to have the dismissal of the objections overturned. In other words, APNU, despite a lack of evidence and the fact the persons actually exist, is relentless in its attempt to have those said persons disenfranchised at the March 2020 polls. These actions have served to expose APNU’s desperation and how far it would go in sparing no effort to try and derail the democratic process. Interestingly, some objections were made on the grounds of residency requirement; a requirement that the court ruled against. This further demonstrates that PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition is unwilling to abide by the rule of law, having totally disregarded the Constitution – following David Granger’s unilateral appointment of Justice James Patterson as the Chairman of GECOM and the brazen disrespect of the provisions enshrined constitutional processes, relative to the successfully passed no-confidence motion on December 2018. Disenfranchising legitimate voters and not respecting the rule of law is nothing new to APNU’s precursor – the People’s National Congress Reform, which is the largest Party in the coalition. When it was in office from 1964-1992, it suppressed freedom and rigged elections just to stay in power. In doing so, thousands of legitimate Guyanese voters were prevented from voting as the PNC used everything at its disposal, including arms of the State, to enforce and entrenched its dictatorial will. During that period, democracy was trampled upon and fear was instilled into the minds of the Guyanese people. Today, the PNC, through the APNU+AFC Coalition, is once again attempting to suppress democracy and the will of the people by making false claims about many persons who are eligible to vote, especially in areas supportive of the PPP, like Berbice. APNU knows it has lost political ground and legitimacy having fooled the people, having failed and performed dismally since it took office in 2015. APNU also knows that Guyanese have become fed up and want to see the return of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in office. Knowing that, APNU will purposely fabricate scenarios like the false objections, and use them to try and hold on to power. From its own proven actions, Guyanese see clearly that the PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition cares less about law and order and more about illegally embedding itself in government.

Removing Rodney’s name from National Archives a slap in WPA’s face Dear Editor,

he current APNU-AFC administration continues to makes blunders, the most recent being the dropping of the Walter Rodney name from the National Archives. The Walter Rodney National Archives was so named under the previous PPP/C administration in honour of his contributions to scholarship and research and his struggle for a democratic Guyana. In honour of his memory, the PPP not only established the Walter Rodney Chair at the University of Guyana but also set up a Commission of Enquiry into his killing, which was brought to a premature end by this current administration. The findings of the Commission’s Report are still to

be released. The dropping of the Walter Rodney name at the National Archives is a slap in the face of the Working People’s Alliance which is now part of the ruling APNU-AFC alliance. It remains to be seen whether the name will be reinstated as demanded by the WPA. Regardless of the outcome, the damage had already been done. An injustice is being inflicted on the memory and contribution of late Walter Rodney who will be remembered as someone who utilized his enormous powers of intellect and research to further the cause of a better society. Sincerely, Hydar Ally

Guyanese voters cannot be lulled into complacency Dear Editor, he more I witness the PNC’s modus operandi since the illegal and unilateral appointment of Patterson as the GECOM Chairman, the more I am convinced that, once again, the rigging machinery is being reactivated. But what is revealing is that the PNC is using most of the same techniques which it used in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985 general elections as well as the 1978 Referendum. To begin with, in 1967, Burnham used funds from the CIA to register Guyanese at home and abroad and identification cards were issued to all Guyanese above the age of 10. All Guyanese of African ancestry (not necessarily Guyanese) in the UK, Canada and the US were registered in order to get their absentee votes. The electoral list was massively padded. The Haitians are now a replacement. It must be recalled that in 1967, the PNC-UF coalition was disintegrating, therefore, the rigging machinery must be put in motion to take full control over the Government. This is what the current PNC is doing since they know that the AFC will not bring any tangible number of votes to the table. Holding on to the AFC is just a façade to justify their rigging. Then, the PNC took full control over the Elections Commission and directed and supervised the registration of voters. The same method is now being applied. They hired Shoup Registration Systems and they drew up a rigged voters’ list which was made up of thousands of underage voters. These became part of the National Register and became ‘legitimate’ voters. In addition, overseas voters were used to pad the list. Just like what is happening now, the Elections Commission had no control over the electoral process which was directed and controlled by the PNC. The PNC gained 6 seats from overseas voting alone. What was alarming is that from 1964 to 1968, the voters’ list increased by 21% but from 1953 to 1964 — a period of 11 years — it had increased by only 19%! It was noted that in the PPP support areas, the increase was just 6-10%, but in the PNC areas, the increase was up to 189%! It was evident then, as it is today, that the Chief Elections Officer was carrying out the bidding of the PNC. The fictitious overseas voters’ list was alarming as it was fraudulent. It was

reported by the Associated Press that, “two horses were grazing where Lily and Olga Barton should have been…and where Gladys Porter should have lived, there had been a railway since 1874”. A hanged man also voted! The PNC ‘won’ 55.8 % of the votes and the PPP was given 36.5%. In July 1973, the PNC continued on its journey of electoral fraud. Again, it appointed partisan officials in charge of the election machinery and there was heavy registration in the PNC strongholds and low activities in the PPP areas. We have heard reports of perceived PPP supporters’ homes being bypassed by the GECOM enumerators in the last HtH Registration. In addition, despite a failed motion to include 18-year-olds on the voters’ list, the PNC still included them (the voting age was 21 years). All the opposition parties were alarmed over the irregularities in the registration exercises and they requested the Chairman of the Commission, Sir Donald Jackson, to take action to ensure “impartiality, fairness, and compliance with the provisions of the Constitution”. It is unbelievable that Sir Jackson admitted that he had no control over the preparation of the electoral lists. Imagine that after more than 50 years, the opposition party is still asking the same from the GECOM Chairperson, Justice Claudette Singh, and is being denied! Alas, she must also admit that she has no control over GECOM. The actor may have changed but the game of the PNC is the same! In that infamous 1973 elections, the PNC rigged itself to a two-third majority ‘win’ with 37 seats. Then came the massively rigged 1978 Referendum which was engineered to postpone the general elections due and to amend the Constitution to abolish all future referendums and that any constitutional change must be supported by a two-thirds majority. Again, the PNC padded the list heavily, even though the political parties raised numerous objections. At that time, the UNDP projected the total voters in Guyana at 535,335 but the PNC submitted a voters’ list with 609,522 names. Can you imagine that the population of Guyana at that time was 780,000? This Referendum was boycotted and observers placed the voters’ turnout at 14% but the PNC claimed that 71.45% voted and that they ‘won’ 97.7%. And to add insult to injury, the Caricom congratulated Burnham! (Turn to page 5)

As it continues to defy the constitution and tries to suppress the will of the Guyanese people, the APNU+AFC Coalition seems to be receiving tacit support from elements within the Secretariat of GECOM. Several actions since December 2019 have served the purposed of the APNU+AFC Coalition and these are serious developments that are cause for concern. All Guyanese must therefore raise their voices and work to ensure that the democratic gains made since the PPP/C came into government in 1992, must be safeguarded. Guyanese must also call on the GECOM Secretariat to work in the interest of the nation and not to carry out APNU’s bidding. Following the passage of the no-confidence motion, Guyanese felt a sense of relief and were in anticipation of fresh elections by March 21, 2019, in keeping with the con-

stitutional three-month period. They were eager to engage the democratic process of free and fair elections to elect a PPP-led government which has a proven track record of developing the country and working in the interest of the people. The PPP/C has fought valiantly for the democracy to return to Guyana and has protected it throughout its tenure in government. This will be the hallmark in the new government it will lead following the March 2, 2020, elections and all Guyanese can rest assure that none will be disenfranchised under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). As the General and Regional Elections approach, everyone has a responsibility to ensure his/her name is on the list and to know where they are expected to vote. The safeguarding of our democracy begins with you.

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

Forcing the Rodney CoI to end abruptly was a tragic mistake Dear Editor,

n the evening of the 13th day of June 1980, the world stood still as the news of the death of Dr Walter Rodney, blown to pieces by a bomb in South Georgetown, sank in. Dr Rodney’s death and the circumstances under which he was killed invoked universal condemnation. Expectedly, because of Rodney’s political activism, the accusatory finger pointed to the Government of the day. Prime Minister Burnham’s calm reactionary statement that “sad as I am at his inglorious end, I know that somewhere therein there is bound to be a lesson for the misguided others”, exacerbated both suspicion and anger. On the day of his funeral, and weeks after, thousands marched on the East Coast and in and around Georgetown. These marches were led by the likes of Eusi Kwayana, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Dr Clive Thomas and others. The chant which bellowed from these marches was “Who killed Rodney? Burnham killed Rodney!” The call, both nationally and internationally, for an independent Commission of Inquiry was echoed since then. It was answered thirty-four years later, when President Donald Ramotar commissioned an inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act, on the sixth day of February 2014. I was the Attorney General at the time and was privileged, along with the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, to be tasked with the establishment of this Commission and with its management to the end. Some weeks prior, during a trip to the United States of America, President Ramotar met with

the widow, children and relatives of Dr Rodney. I learnt that Dr Patricia Rodney requested the President to commission this inquiry to bring closure to this chapter in the life of the Rodney family. The President acceded to this request. When the preparatory work began for this Commission, I was privileged to have been present when many conversations took place between President Ramotar, Dr Pat Rodney and her daughter, Asha. I was also privileged to communicate directly with both of these persons. So what I write hereunder is firsthand. In our engagements, the Rodney family made a few requests. Firstly, they requested that the Terms of Reference (ToRs) be broad enough to capture the political climate at the time and the role that different State agencies played in the politics of the day. I got the clear impression that they did not want the ToRs to restrict the Commission from getting at the truth. The family was obviously wary of contrived and farcical previous endeavours, for example, the inquest in 1988. They wanted assurance that the ToRs would confer upon the Inquiry the widest latitude. Secondly, they requested that there be no involvement of any political party, including the WPA. I learnt that in 2005, a similar request by the family was made of President Bharrat Jagdeo, who agreed to establish a CoI into Rodney’s death. However, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, who was appointed by the family to liaise with the then Government, reported to the Government that the Rodney family was no longer interested. In discussions with the Rodney family, I realised this to be an untruth. Thirdly, the fam-

ily requested Commissioners of international standing and reputation to be appointed, preferably non-Guyanese. And fourthly, they requested that the criminal charges instituted against Donald Rodney be dismissed or withdrawn. Every effort was made to ensure that these requests were met, as far as was practicable. The ToRs were drafted and sent to the Rodney family for their input and approval. I wish to assure Mr Eusi Kwayana that the ToRs were devoid of any form of political contamination as he suggested in a letter to the press recently. No political party was consulted with respect to the establishment of the CoI, including the PPP, the party in Government. In selecting the Commissioners, the intention was to select persons from societies in which Dr Rodney lived and worked most of his life: Guyana, Jamaica and Africa. Persons from Africa were consulted but time and commitment prevented them from taking up an appointment. I recall making contact with a former Chief Justice of Kenya but he requested six to nine months to complete current commitments. We could not wait. Instead, Sir Richard Cheltenham, KA, QC, PhD, a distinguished lawyer from Barbados was chosen to Chair the Commission. Barbados was chosen because this was the country to which the Rodney family fled and lived for several years after Walter’s death. From Jamaica, Jaquelin Samuels-Brown, QC, a respectable jurist, was chosen. At the time, she was the Chairperson of the Council of Legal Education of the West Indies. She also added gender balance to the Commission. The President decided that the Commission must have a Guyanese. However, care was exercised not to choose someone who may be perceived to be affected by the current political environment. So an eminent Guyanese lawyer who has been residing and practicing in Trinidad and Tobago for over thirty-five years was chosen. Seenauth Jairam, SC, was a former Judge of the High Court of Trinidad, as well as the then President of the Law Society. His appointment added ethnic balance to the Commission, as Rodney was a forceful advocate of racial unity in Guyana. As regards the request to Donald Rodney, my inquiries revealed that he was tried, convicted and sentenced in his absence and that an appeal filed on his behalf was dismissed. It was, therefore, impossible (and still is) for the

charge against him be dismissed or withdrawn. In the circumstances, I advised President Ramotar to pardon him and this was done. In terms of compensation, a decision was made for the Commission to make its findings first and if it was found that the State was responsible for Dr Rodney’s death then compensation would be discussed with the Government and the family. By the time the Commission completed its work, the Government changed. By that time the evidence adduced was leaning overwhelmingly in the direction that the PNC Government of the time was responsible for Rodney’s death. The new Government, APNU/AFC, as expected, immediately instructed the Commission to wind down its work. It was a tragic mistake. Shortly after, the Commission was forced to bring its work to an abrupt end. During the course of the CoI, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine proffered a litany of excuses for not testifying. It is an omission for which history would harshly judge him. At the time, when the Commission was forced to halt its work, a number of important witnesses were scheduled to testify, including Cecil “Skip” Roberts, the powerful Crime Chief of that era; Vernon Gentle, the lead police investigator into Rodney’s death; Norman Mc Clean, Head of the Army at the time, was to be cross-examined. Additionally, “Salmon Letters” were to be issued to a number of persons including Robert Corbin and Hamilton Greene, whose names appeared on several important documents tendered in evidence and whose names were mentioned by a number of witnesses. In the end, upon the evidence available, the Commission found that “the State organised the assassination [of Walter Rodney] with the knowledge of Prime Minister Burnham”. By the premature end of this Commission, the PNC would have assassinated Rodney a second time. It is true that a reporter was specially hired to cover this event and to write a book on it. It is true that the Government’s newspaper carried the widest coverage of this Commission. It is true that the Commission hearing was streamed live to the world. The State of Guyana owes Rodney no less; nay, much more. Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, PPP/C Parliamentarian

Happenings at Patterson-led Public Infrastructure Ministry demand investigation Dear Editor,

he Coalition Government has done its work on Guyana, they have been an unholy alliance of parties who through its misfits, misdeeds, and whatever derogatory term you might want to call, them has fostered a trail of corruption never seen in the history of Guyana. The situation is so bad that if anyone should even vainly try to single out any one ministry or bright spot in this government you would certainly be looking for a needle in a haystack. This has been our lot since 2015. Now, this trend has been their modus ope-

randi evers ince taking office becoming more and more apparent after the passage of the no-confidence vote. But today I want to single out one ministry that stands out among the lot of miseries that we face on a daily basis, and that ministry is The Ministry of Infrastructure. David Patterson’s Ministry has been an epicenter of corruption, this man has no shame or decency within him. You name any project undertaken by his ministry and the word corruption is written all over it. From its inception failure and corruption has been the hallmark of Patterson’s Stewardship. You are talking about the East Coast Road,

the Airport renovation or whatever dismal word you want to call it; none of these projects has ever seen any headway, far less completion. It is one scandal after another to have rocked this ministry. You are talking about the failure to start as well as the non – completion of projects such as The East Bank of Berbice Road, The Georgetown to Timehri Road, The West Bank Demerara Road, Our Sea Defenses and a whole lot more. Further to our discussion is the fact that this man has had a construction company post over $9,000 US to his private bank account, if this is not corruption then what is?

Whenever the new administration takes office I would strongly recommend that this man and his ministry be the first to be investigated and the strictest, appropriate actions taken. Patterson cannot plunder our country’s resources like this and expect no punishment, he must atone for every brazen act of corruption perpetuated on this nation. For every corrupt transaction, every under the table deal fostered by this man must be unearthed and the sternest of action taken swiftly and condign. Regards, Neil Adams

Guyanese voters cannot be lulled... (From Page 4) In 1980, the PNC’s rigging machinery had reached the height of perfection and shamelessness. On December 15, 1980, the PNC ‘gifted’ itself 78% of the votes. Again, the Chief Elections Officer ensured that the PNC got the desired results. There was a large number of bogus names on the list, multiple registrations, and the deletion of legitimate voters. In Region 8 alone, 6000 names were deleted and those whose names had minor errors were not allowed to vote since the Claims and Objections period was limited and the PPP was given just 3 days to check 512,500 names! The ‘cat and mouse’ game between

the CEO and the Elections Commission was perfected and is in operation today! The December 9 elections in 1985 attested to this perfection of the PNC’s rigging machinery! The electoral authority was divided between the PNC, the Commission and the Chief Elections Officer who were taking directives from the Home Affairs Minister, other than the Elections Commission. In this case, during the registration process, no opposition scrutineers worked alongside the GECOM enumerators. This is exactly what happened during the recent House-to-House Registration! No scrutineers from the PPP

were present, they were not invited. Moreover, the Minister ordered that the date of birth of persons between the ages of 18-25 must not be placed on the Preliminary List of voters so that padding will go undetected. The supplementary lists were used for more padding. We are now hearing about the ‘supplementary’ list again. In addition, the presiding officers were known PNC activists. And to cream it off, new regulations allowed persons to vote at places other than the places where they were registered. This election was the most massively-rigged and the PNC gave

itself 77.6% of the votes and the PPP given 15.6%. They reversed the outcome since by that time the PNC has lost support heavily even in its own strongholds. Again, Caricom congratulated the PNC! In conclusion, I do hope that the Guyanese populace is not lulled into inertia and complacency. We must realise that we are dealing with the worse version of the PNC and rigging is the only way it can remain in Government come March 2, 2020. Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

Expenditures at GECOM demand greater scrutiny

Granger’s Coalition is clearly anti-sugar M workers

Dear Editor,

he current caretaker Government of Guyana has palpably shown its hand regarding the plight and situation that confront the thousands of the nation’s sugar workers who are, at this time, seeking to bring an end the wage freeze which has confronted them since 2015. If it wasn’t clear before, the sentiments of Ministers of Finance and Agriculture are a most vivid manifestation of the Administration’s crocodile tear-shedding on the matter. The Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan in a November 20, Newsroom report is quoted to have said “[t]he sugar workers come under a Corporation that has a board and they will have to deal with the realities of the Corporation”. It seems to be that the Government has taken a hands-off approach when it comes to GuySuCo and the sugar industry. It appears to us that sugar, for the APNU+AFC has become an unwanted step child not even deserving of any consideration or assistance from its ‘parents’. For the GAWU and more so the sugar workers, their families, those who depend on the workers and their communities, this is indeed a disheartening and sad state of affairs. The disdainful treatment of an industry which has contributed immensely to our nation, from so many points of view is utterly disgraceful and exposes the anti sugar worker demeanor of this now caretaker Government. It is only just days ago, the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence proudly proclaimed that her party has the workers interests at heart. But actions, as we have come to know, speak much louder than words. The Administration’s actions, on this matter, are a most clear demonstration. The Finance Minister also said that the industry “…has to [be]commercially run and profitably engaged”. We, like many, agree with the Minister. But he should not feign ignorance as he well knows that to reach that summit the industry requires assistance. The Minister would know probably better than his colleagues that his creature – NICILSPU – which has borrowed monies to allow the industry to regain its footing has held the Corporation hostage and has locked away, for whatever reason/s, the monies it has borrowed. The GuySuCo told our Union that there have been no releases of funds since June, this year and they are worried that their plans to make the industry profitable will be undermined. But the goodly Minister will also know that even if that obstacle is overcome, which we are hopeful it will, the plan, as good as it is, cannot succeed without the support of the workers. Certainly, the workers are upset, disillusioned and disappointed that they are treated in the crudest of ways by this Government which promised them all a “Good Life”.

Adding his voice on the matter was the seldom seen and hardly present Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder. According to the November 21, Guyana Times the Agriculture Minister said “[w]e would like GuySuCo to be able to benefit from the bonus public servants are benefitting from…”. This for us is patent hogwash and a sordid attempt to sound sincere. The Minister who has direct oversight of the Corporation, from all appearances, has ignored, or is so disconnected from reality as he is perched atop his tower, the sad situation of the sugar workers. It certainly and undoubtedly causes us to wonder about what really occupies the Minister’s time and efforts if anything at all. The Minister shared with the Times that “[n]ow we’ve right-sized, funds are being released for other parts of the Government. And we’d like GuySuCo to do well enough so all the workers can (benefit)”. It appears GuySuCo and those connected are of a different ilk and are not important enough to receive any sort of benefit under the Granger regime. If the Minister and by extension the Government is as caring as they say they are, they would find means and ways to ensure that the workers situation is assuaged. But the fact is they really aren’t and they seek to come across with a smiling, caring face but really ready to plunge a dagger in the back of the workers. Even the Minister’s political colleague, AFC Treasurer Domnic Gaskin is reported in the November 19, Stabroek News to say that everyone deserves an increase. It appears that Minister Holder, who oft times is missing in action, really has no conscience and clearly is scantily concerned about that hardships on the backs of the workers of the sugar industry. The sentiments of two senior Ministers of the caretaker APNU+AFC Government is yet the latest in the series of admissions that the Administration has not even the slightest care or concern for the sugar workers. Their apparent disregard of the workers cries is disheartening and undoubtedly causes the blood of workers to boil. This year while the Ministers and their colleagues are having a happy, jolly Christmas being able to celebrate with their families and friends in fine style, the sugar workers will see another bleak yearend season with hardly much to celebrate or being unable to afford to buy a little toy or treat for their children or grandchildren. This is saddening especially when Guyana next year is expected to benefit from massive economic expansion. Clearly, unlike Ms Lawrence’s statement last week, sugar workers are destined to be left behind yet again. Regards, Seepaul Narine, GAWU General Secretary

uch of the recent events and activities conducted by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) suggest significant wasteful undertakings and by extension, squandered millions of taxpayers’ dollars. The situation is tantamount to the old adage that one must continuously make false statements, to cover-up the initial ‘lies’. In this respect, the Government has been pathological and the Secretariat a ‘tap-dancer’ hopping and swaying in accommodation to the falsehoods advocated by the PNCR Commissioners and agents in GECOM, rather than the strict legal guidelines. It follows that for one to entertain any discussions related to the associated unnecessary costs and overtures of expended funds relating to the created ID card saga, it would be extremely provocative. This is given the shallow unsubstantiated claims by PNC Commissioners, particularly, Vincent Alexander to which the Secretariat seemed to, or deliberately fell prey. In addition, President Granger’s repeated public insinuations have falsely fueled the thought that free and fair elections could not be had without the contentious Houseto-House (H2H) activities. Knowing this to be false, there is no public evidence that the Secretariat under Mr Lowenfield would have moved to disqualify Mr Granger’s position. Rather, they were happy to lavishly spend on some meaningless activities which only now serve to support delays and create conflicts. While GECOM’s autonomy allows the organisation to disqualify Mr Granger and his cabal’s unqualified tantrums, this obviously has not happened in every sphere of activity warranting such assertiveness. This is baring the halt of the unnecessary H2H, and the decision not to support the disenfranchisement of thousands of voters because they did not uplift ID cards by Chairperson Justice (retired), Claudette Singh. The nation has seen the deliberate delaying tactics of the APNU/AFC. Citizens must, therefore, hold David Granger accountable for his seemingly planned false alarms and dangerous advocacy that the Register of Registrants is bloated with over two hundred thousand names. Granger’s false claims about these numbers are not a first; cannot be substantiated, and therefore is emphatically dangerous. It is clear that in the context, he must be looked at as a person who must not be trusted. Further, it is President Granger’s unconstitutional unilateral appointment of the clearly unfit James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM which has set the tone of this current enigma that is most dangerous for Guyana. It is rational for one to accept that the Granger Administration has demonstrated an overwhelming clandestine intent which, on the one hand, argues that young people would be disenfranchised without the H2H and only this approach would get rid of the

apparent bloated 200,000. On the other hand, they have wickedly tried to remove thousands of legitimate voters in Region Five. Thankfully, GECOM did not fall for their willy-nilly diabolical efforts and the complainant should have been prosecuted. Regarding the PNC’s objections of over fourteen thousand names on the Preliminary Voters’ List, of which they were unable to prove, this must be looked at by all Guyanese. GECOM staff in this respect must be commended for not wasting time and throwing out the more than 13,000 objections. It is the view of various public stakeholders that tens of millions of dollars were spent on the “truncated, unverified, PNC-driven H2H” Registration, which should have never commenced in the absence of a GECOM Chairman. It is, therefore, imperative that GECOM account to the nation how much money was spent and wasted on Lowenfield’s accommodation of the PNC delaying tactics of dodging from the impending elections. It is also the view of many, that the recently truncated H2H Registration was indeed a designed milking cow for GECOM funds, and an avenue to defend the unrealistic spending by the Secretariat headed by Lowenfield. The need for a forensic audit of this organisation is therefore strongly necessary to qualify or justify the unaccounted and unappropriated expenditures. The labour costs expected for the Claims and Objections exercises were supposed to be the most important expenditures. However, reports suggest that other expenditures were of similar standing. Transportation and meals took a substantive amount from the allocation. It suggests that GECOM is one of the highest-paid entities in this country, with one of the most inefficient management complement. This is perhaps one of the reasons for irrational and illogical and illegal advice from the Secretariat to the Commission. The Head of the Secretariat is guilty of ill-advising the Chairman on almost every front, and he continues to make decisions without the Commission’s approval. One would recall the Secretariat’s increase during the period of the Claims and Objection exercise despite the Commission’s decision which was otherwise. It was just recently that the Secretariat pronounced that the verification of everyone on the Preliminary List, had to be done before their names could be on the Revised List of Electors. Was this intended to stretch the time of the activity and spend more taxpayers’ money? Thankfully, this misnomer was corrected by Chairperson Justice Retired Claudette Singh. These misguided and mischievous actions are in the DNA of Lowenfield’s Secretariat. Justice Singh has to also look at the beastly expenditure of the Secretariat as she grapples with bringing the organisation in line. Sincerely, Neil Kumar

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

What can David Granger tell anyone about oil?

PNCR refuses to take responsibility for current T state of affairs, continues to blame everyone else

Dear Editor,

r David Granger was asked this question by a journalist a few weeks ago, and I quote: “But the scenario has changed somewhat from 2015? The AFC was there and they were able to grab some vital votes from Berbice and non-traditional PNC areas? However, since then things have changed. We had the closure of 4 sugar estates, with thousands of workers laid off, pre-dominantly Indo-Guyanese. Where are these votes going to come from?” Mr Granger’s response was shocking. Mr Granger responded as follows, and I quote again: “The population of Guyana is not only confined to the sugar estates, but it is a wide population: in the hinterland community, in the urban areas, and in the rural areas. It is possible that many of the people who did not vote for us in 2015 will not vote for us again. But we had a margin, we got 207,000 votes, and I am very confident, because of our record over the last 4 years, we will increase our votes. People have gotten greater confidence in us, and it is not possible to judge the AFC or any single party on the performance they made a few years ago. Things have changed, our people have been on the ground, there have been outreaches, the people are seeing the benefits of the coalition Government, and I am confident that on the ground people are going to support the coalition parties. That is why it is important for us to conclude the negotiations with the AFC quickly, so that

the people can see that we are still united going forward together.” This discourse confirmed for me an attitude of mind that is a stranger to reality. Does Mr Granger have his head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich? Eccentricities like these that are being imposed on the nation have many similarities to a state of mind that harks back to the Sophia Declaration as unveiled by the PNC in 1976. It was Mr Forbes Burnham who stated: “The Party should assume unapologetically its paramountcy over the Government, which is merely one of its executive arms”. What I observed from Mr Granger’s statements during that interview was a common thread that the PNC has to be king; but if one observes most of the policy positions over the last 4 years and 4 months under Mr Granger, the PNC looks more like the King Lear of economic and political management: seethingly insane on many fronts, and then having the audacity to blame everyone but themselves for this mess. These 2020 elections will be a cruel teacher to all those who cannot understand the fact that 69% of our people are under the age of 50 years. Those under-50-yearolds will, in their numbers, reject “paramountcy of any political party” over the State and the Constitution. All political players in the eyes of the 69% have a choice – follow the rule of law, or be permanently banished from mainstream politics. Regards, Sasenarine Singh

he track record of the David Granger-led APNU+AFC Coalition with oil must be considered to understand the context of what is being spouted by him and his Coalition officials. The Golden Jubilee celebration was the priority for David Granger’s first year in office. Even though the breakthrough news of the discovery of oil in commercial quantities was made ten days into his administration, it (oil) was not treated as a matter of great importance, or requiring urgent attention. The Treasury had US$968 million, the economy was recording growth seemingly on auto-pilot, the debt-to-GDP ratio was under 50%. To Granger and his cohorts, oil simply meant there was no need for prudence and thrift anymore, oil would flow soon enough and fill all holes in the Treasury; the ‘Good Life’ had begun. So far so good; but it is now the end of 2019, the Treasury is empty, the oil will only trickle for the next two years; it cannot sustain, much less refill, the holes created. To add insult to injury, Granger neglected to prepare the nation for oil production. This failure has become all too real as the barrels are being made ready for when the taps turn on in approximately six weeks’ time. Granger’s failure to learn about oil, its production and industry, resulted in him leaving the responsibility for the sector with Raphael Trotman, a woefully inadequate choice given what followed. Trotman led a team dubbed the ‘Quintet+1’ by Granger, and the team collectively failed to understand what ExxonMobil wanted during the renegotiation of the ExxonMobil contract in 2016. The Quintet+1 accepted a US$18 million bonus in exchange for a four-year extension of the exploration rights in the 6.6 million-acre Stabroek block. Relinquishment provisions were not brought into effect, and ExxonMobil continues to race against the clock to explore as many prospects as possible before the next renegotiation/relinquishment becomes due in November 2020. The aforementioned US$18million caused many disturbances locally when its very exis-

tence was denied by the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan. Granger eventually took the blame for the non-revelation of the bonus, and also assumed responsibility for the ministerial oil portfolio, which became his first and only portfolio during his entire administration. Granger left the sector dormant until 1st August 2018, when he announced the creation of a (DoE) Department of Energy “to effectively manage the hydrocarbon resources of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana”. The Department is a study in abject failure. Granger’s experience with the ‘Quintet+1’ seemingly clouded his judgment; instead of hiring an experienced professional in the petroleum industry, Granger turned to a trusted crony, Dr. Mark Bynoe, a part-time lecturer at the University of Guyana. Bynoe has failed to deliver on any aspect of his mandate, most notably a Local Content Policy. However, other important areas, such as development of industry audit capabilities and a production monitoring system/unit have not been serviced. Bynoe has developed an IDB consultant- dependency, seeking the services of high-priced consultants via loans from the IDB. These consultants rewrite the same reports in endless variations for those too lazy to do their thinking, or possess feeble minds. Bynoe is more comfortable in classroom settings, where he can pontificate to schoolchildren without fear of hard questions or contradiction. In Bynoe we see an example of Bernard Shaw’s “those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”. The failure lies not with Bynoe, but squarely with David Granger. Guyana needed someone who could grasp the issues, and build a team to provide solutions. Granger gave us a trusted crony, made in his image; a square peg in a round hole. What can David Granger tell anyone about oil? Going forward, Guyanese will soon have to choose between staying with the Granger model of governance or Irfaan Ali’s teambased approach, where professionals with a proven track record of project management, timely delivery, and intellectual capability can deliver solutions for the benefit of all Guyanese. Elections are on the 2nd of March 2020. Respectfully, Robin Singh

An act of vindictiveness on part of PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition Dear Editor,

he APNU/AFC regime has had the name of Walter Rodney expunged from our National Archives. This is a political decision, and could not have been made without direction from the very top. This is an act of hate and vindictiveness on the part of this PNC-led regime. It is a clear reflection that the regime wants to wipe Rodney’s name from our history. Rodney was brutally assassinated in 1980 because of his fight to restore democracy to Guyana.

He was opposed to the PNC dictatorship, and publicly condemned and exposed the racism of the PNC. He made an important contribution to the struggle against racism in Guyana. His opposition to the PNC dictatorship and his advocacy for freedom and equality were the reason he was assassinated by the PNC regime. Professionally, he was, without doubt, the most outstanding historian in the Caribbean, and one of the best internationally. His contribution to historical studies transcends the borders of the region. Indeed, his works in Africa have become classics.

Today, more than 39 years after his killing, the PNC/ APNU leaders, some of whom clearly have important information and were probably involved in the assassination, are showing that their hatred for this great Guyanese has not diminished. Since taking power, they have halted the Commission of Inquiry on the circumstances of his death, and now they are attempting to erase his name from our history. Many of his colleagues who associated with him in his lifetime have abandoned the cause he fought for. They are now

ensconced in the APNU/AFC regime, and their silence is deafening. The words of Martin Carter, that “the mouth is muzzled by the food it eats to live”, are now reverberating. However, it is time for all peace-loving and democratically-minded Guyanese to express their opposition to this latest outrage and demand the re-installment of Walter Rodney’s name on our National Archives. Sincerely, Donald Ramotar, Former President

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

Perspectives from the PPP/C presidential candidate

Isolated focus in national development push will not serve interests of Guyanese – Ali

il and gas will play an important role in the future of Guyana, however there cannot be an isolated focus on this sector in the approach to national development. This is according to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, who said, “Oil and gas would be catalysts for the expansion of economic opportunities in many other sector. It gives us an opportunity to create an environment in which all Guyanese will benefit. “…you can't look at the oil and gas sector in isolation of national development, in isolation of what is required in transforming our country in creating new opportunities and also in developing a framework that would make us globally

competitive in other areas of economic life, while at the same time building an enabling environment so that or a local private sector can benefit from the opportunity that would come…for the development of the country, oil and gas is major plank, but there must be advances in a framework to ensure that other sectors are not neglected.” SOLID FOOTING He explained that other productive sectors are already being neglected by the APNU+AFC Coalition, even as it fails to position the development of the oil and gas sector on the right footing. Ali said, “We have to have clarity in the vision. We have to have a clearly defined national pathway as to where our country is

heading. We can't flip-flop. This can't be a partisan issue…regardless of which party is in government, there must be a set of projects initiatives and focus in terms of economic transformation that is all-embracing.” On positioning the oil and gas sector on a solid footing, Ali said, “There has to be a proper management framework in place, proper legislation, the regulatory aspects must be looked at, transparency and accountability and securing the benefits of the oil and gas sector for now and the future.” “…not only are we we're behind where we should be in relation to first oil, but there is absolutely no clarity in a division. There is no legislative framework. There is no institutional mechanism. There is no structure

in which we'll manage this sector. There is confusion. We have changed the management of this of oil and gas from different ministries. It's as if we're playing hopscotch – we're just hopping around all over the place and we are not deliberative and we're not structural in the way we are approaching the management of the sector.” The PPP/C presidential candidate stressed that the Guyana’s other key productive sectors cannot be ignored. He said, “According to the IDB 2017 report on our natural resources, we have: an estimated amount of 20 million ounces of gold that is undeveloped, which is a significant reserve; we have fresh water, to the extent that for us to become stressed water stressed, our population would have to

increase significantly; we have we have one of the finest quality bauxite; we have rare earth minerals that are of the finest quality and much more. Ali stressed that while Guyana can take advantage of the oil and gas sector, as well as other productive sectors, there must also be a focus on sustainable development. He said, “We can have sustainable economic growth and revenue streams to sustain national development and that is why if you look at the 2016 Low Carbon Development Strategy Report, which pointed to the fact that we had 88 per cent of our land mass in forest cover and the estimated annual value was about US$518 million…the Low Carbon Development Strategy was

a development strategy that focused on wealth creation, on economic development, on social development and on enhanced livelihood for at-risk communities.” Ali made clear that a PPP/C government will address these issues when it takes office after the March 2020 General and Regional Elections. “In our manifesto you will see a comprehensive set of measures in terms of the management of the oil and gas sector, ensuring transparency and accountability, as well as securing the benefits for present generations and generations to come….you will see our plans for transforming our country ensuring…you will see our plans to bring social justice and ensure that inequality is not expanded,” he assured.

Closed sugar estates will be reopened – Ali says ‘We do not make promises that we cannot fulfill’

riticisms about the announced plan of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to reopen the sugar estates that were closed by the APNU+AFC Coalition were trashed by the party’s presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali. “We have already made it clear publicly that we intend

to reopen three of the four estates,” he said, explaining that the fourth estate is the Wales Sugar Estate, where sugar cultivation has been discontinued, the infrastructure dismantled and lands sold. Ali added, “In particular, we will pursue areas of diversification that would

bring back the jobs lost, expand employment opportunities, and re-create wealth in this community…we intend to bring back economic life to the businesses, specifically, and the community of Wales more generally. Additionally, we will support this community and families of the workers of the Wales estate, through targeted interventions during this transitional phase.” The plans to address the reopening of the estates have been worked out, according to the PPP/C presidential candidate “We do not make promises that we cannot fulfill. We have always stayed true to our promises made. This can be confirmed by assessing our track record in terms of fulfilling our manifesto promises. Unlike the APNU-AFC, we do not make promises to lure voters. We make promises that are achievable and most impor-

tantly that address problems faced by people and community. If there is any one that cannot be trusted it is the APNU-AFC. They made promises in almost every sector that have be broken and not kept,” the PPP/C presidential candidate said. The welfare of those who have been placed on the breadline, with the closure of the sugar estate, cannot be ignored, according to him. Ali said, “My concern about the destruction of the sugar industry is not about garnering political support but rather ending the sufferings of thousands of families. The devastation of livelihoods and corrupt dealings surrounding the assets of the sugar industry should be a cause of concern for all Guyanese. Rescue of sugar is not about politics, but about an industry that can generate opportunities for the people of Guyana and look at synergistic relationships with other sectors, including the

new oil and gas sector. “…how can leaders of the APNU-AFC carry on with their extravagant lifestyles and see sugar workers and their families struggle to muster a basic meal daily? They may be unbothered, but I worry and can’t wait to get sugar back on its feet again.” Looking beyond the sugar sector, Ali noted that the PPP/C has a plan to revitalize the agriculture sector. He said, “Our plans will ensure the recommitment of state support in providing our farmers and the agriculture sector to expand, develop, and become competitive. These plans will be outlined in our manifesto. In ensuring this, we will focus on marketing support, drainage and irrigation, logistic chain, packaging, cold storage, financing, access to land, farm to market access road, improved livestock and breeding programme, aquaculture, and a comprehensive slew of tax incentives that will

stimulate growth, encourage investment and sustain the industry. “…the plan will see the creation of mega farms, increased export revenue from the agriculture sector, and improvement in the wellbeing on all the citizens who are directly and indirectly dependent on the agriculture. We will end the state policy of neglect and make it more efficient and productive. I intend to address frontally many of the woes of our farmers. “…we will use resources from the oil sector to invest in new technologies, affordable energy to develop an agro-industrial sub-sector and tackle many of the hindrances to a vibrant agriculture export programme.” Ali urged all Guyanese to compare the track records of the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC Coalition to be able to see clearly which party supports the interest of all Guyanese.

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

OUR PLAN FOR PROSPERITY E x c e r p t s

he following is a presentation of the key T elements of the PPP/C programme for the next five years. A more comprehensive

s the PPP/C prepares to lead Guyana A once again into an exciting future, our plan provides Guyanese with more jobs,

particularly jobs for a new generation of Guyanese with higher education, vocational skills, and higher disposable incomes. While the public sector will continue to be a major employer, the private sector will be further incentivized to create more and better paying MORE JOBS LESS CRIME

f r o m

P P P / C

M a n i f e s t o

[ 2 0 2 0

2 0 2 5 ]

CREATING JOBS jobs. The PPP/C will provide the enabling environment and incentives for expansion of existing businesses and emergence of new businesses by, removing obstacles to business growth, offering a fiscal regime that encourages investment, providing an empowering regulatory framework in which businesses can operate in a globally competitive manner and promoting skills-training to provide

BETTER EDUCATION

REDUCE COST OF LIVING

NO MORE 2AM CURFEW

NO VAT ON WATER

102

- 1 DECEMBER, 2019 EXCERPTS FROM T H EWEEKEND PPP/CMIRROR M A N 30 IFNOVEMBER EST O [ 2020 - 2025]

Consistent with the objective of providing 50,000 new jobs and enhancing the well-being of all Guyanese, the following are some of the policies and measures which the next PPP/C Government will implement: Reduce the bureaucracy, processing time for applications and other paperwork required for doing business.

Promote skills training by increasing Technical and Vocational training and apprenticeship schemes.

Restore zero-rated VAT for machinery and equipment for Agriculture, Mining, Forestry etc.

Partner with private companies and institutions to provide skills training in key areas.

Provide more incentives for small businesses and young entrepreneurs, including micro-credit facilities.

Incentivize employers so as to promote youth employment.

Reverse the increased costs of licences and permits for doing business and accessing Government services which were raised since 2015.

Establish a National Job Bank and Labour Exchange. Provide greater support to vulnerable groups including the elderly and people living with disabilities.

Reverse increased land rents and drainage and irrigation charges.

Simplify the tax system.

Reverse VAT on exports.

Offer attractive tax incentives for business development.

Reverse VAT on building materials.

Improve access to financing for investments.

Remove VAT on data and establish online training programmes across the country.

RESCUING OUR PRODUCTIVE SECTOR The traditional productive sectors must continue to play a significant economic and social role in our economy. Unlike the Oil and Gas sector which is capital intensive, Mining, Fisheries, Agriculture, Sugar, Bauxite, Rice and Forestry are labour intensive and

employ a significant percentage of the population. These sectors contribute significantly to our export profile, the foreign currency earnings of Guyana and GDP. These sectors also enhance our food security and serve as the base for our national manufacturing

output. We will provide incentives to strengthen and expand these sectors to ensure gainful employment for thousands of Guyanese. We will also pursue opportunities in Oil and Gas, which will be used to add to the viability of the traditional sector.

In order to promote a diversified economy, create more jobs and expand income, the PPP/C will implement the following policy measures in the traditional productive sectors:

● Promote the use of lesser known/used species. ● Remove VAT on machinery, equipment, fertilisers, pesticides, etc. ● Provide marketing support including bilateral arrangements to expand and create new ● Restore budgetary support for adequate markets.

provision and maintenance of drainage and irrigation systems, and farm-to-market roads.

● Increase productivity through research/

MINING

● Work with miners and their organizations to

remove obstacles to their development. ● Reverse the VAT on machinery and equipment and revert to the 2% royalty rate. ● Establish a fairer, more transparent system for allocating mining concessions with more equitable access for small miners. ● Extend and upgrade roads in mining communities. ● Protect the rights and improve conditions of service for workers in large mining companies. ● Accelerate the implementation of projects in the bauxite and non-traditional mineral sectors. ● Provide training for miners through apprenticeships and education opportunities.

FORESTRY

● Reverse VAT on machinery and equipment. ● Improve infrastructure including the

maintenance of primary roads. ● Provide incentives for re-tooling and expanding the industry. OWN YOUR OWN LAND

development into new strains and pest control.

● Explore a price stabilization/revolving fund

SUGAR

facility for farmers.

● Re-open sugar estates. ● Re-energize the local economy in the sugar

communities. ● Pursue product diversification, provide retraining and employment opportunities for workers. ● Establish transparent private sector partnerships in the sugar sector and lend support to private cane farmers. ● Provide transitional support in areas where sugar estates were closed. ● Work to solve the problems of the industry as a whole, by firstly bringing the industry to breakeven status and then to profitability by ensuring better management and greater efficiency through retooling, mechanization, product diversification and private participation.

● Create a supporting environment for other crops development including through incentives, drainage and irrigation, processing and marketing. ● Promote agricultural diversification with focus on coconut, ethanol, aquafarms, and horticulture. ● Promote an agri-energy industry producing bio-ethanol through sugar cane, palm oil, cassava and corn. ● Expand production of import-substitution crops.

● Expand soya bean and other crops in the

RICE

● Expand existing markets and secure new ones for rice and paddy.

● Reverse the increases in land rents and

NO NEW TAXES

OTHER CROPS

drainage and irrigation charges.

RESTORE BONUS TO JOINT SERVICES

hinterland savannahs, paying attention to fragile ecosystems and indigenous land rights. ● Provide training and financial support. ● Incentivize young people to pursue a career in agriculture and create training opportunities at tertiary levels to support them.

FREE UNIVERSITY WITHIN 5 YEARS

REOPEN SUGAR ESTATES

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● Incentivize private investment in dairy plants, dairy processing facilities and the establishment producing regions.

● Minimize conflicts between livestock farmers and crop farmers through zoning.

● Provide a support system and small grants

● Provide concessions for large-scale livestock the oil sector are compensated.

farming.

meat.

who already have established markets.

● Ensure that fishermen displaced by activities in

● Provide concessions for large-scale livestock facilities for cutting, packaging and storage of

fisheries, including partnerships with investors

farming.

for livestock farmers.

● Provide appropriate breeding stock, training and

on fishing equipment, etc.

● Promote the creation of markets for commercial

of modern abattoir facilities in livestock

CATTLE & LIVESTOCK

● Reverse increases in licensing fees and taxes

FISHERIES

● Enhance support for fishermen and the co-op societies.

● Provide incentives to develop aquaculture. ● Intensify anti-piracy efforts including by utilizing GPS tracking systems and drone monitoring.

MANUFACTURING, TOURISM AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT In order to provide a friendly environment for businesses to be established and to grow, apart from favourable fiscal and monetary policies, the PPP/C will undertake the following:

● Provide the business sector with cheaper,

● Create a National Entrepreneurship Body and

reliable and stable power.

increase grants to SMEs and young entrepreneurs.

● Reduce the processing time for applications and other paperwork required for doing business.

● Develop a Hospitality Institute and provide

● Provide tax incentives for new investments,

training for skills required in the sector.

re-tooling and technological improvements.

● Provide incentives for businesses in the

● Establish Industrial Parks/Estates for manufacturing

hospitality industry, including the establishment of several world-class hotels.

in Coastal and Hinterland Regions.

● Establish a fund to stimulate innovation and

● Re-establish the Ministry of Tourism and

new businesses.

promote nature, eco- and adventure tourism.

SECURING THE BENEFITS OF OIL AND GAS FOR ALL GUYANESE We will approach the oil and gas sector in a national, non-partisan manner. Oil and Gas will bring not only significant financial resources and enormous transformational opportunities, but also many challenges. There are many examples around the world where developing countries have obtained windfalls from Oil and Gas, but have eventually ended up poorer than before. Central to our strategy in the sector will be the following three critical areas:

A framework for proper management of the resource

Transparency and accountability

Securing benefits for Guyanese

To ensure that our oil resource is managed responsibly, the PPP/C will:

● Immediately engage the oil and gas companies in better contract

● Build strong national capability to hold oil companies accountable, and to

● Establish an arm’s length Sovereign Wealth Fund insulated from political

● Ensure that blocks are competitively tendered/auctioned. ● Establish a model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) based on

administration/re-negotiation. interference.

● Define by legislation how funds will flow from the Sovereign Wealth Fund into the budget, and the purpose for which they will be used.

● Ensure that expenditures are transparently determined and go through the parliamentary process.

● Establish a regulatory framework which is independent of politicians.

verify production and other expenditures.

industry-wide standards and best practices. The purpose of this is to ensure that Guyanese receive maximum benefit from these contracts without disincentivizing foreign investors in the sector.

● Training of thousands of Guyanese at every level to create a national corps of managers and workforce to chart the future direction and effectively manage the sector

To prevent oil money from being squandered, the PPP/C will among other things: ● Uphold the Santiago Principles of transparency and accountability and EITI. ● Criminalize non-disclosure of receipt of funds from oil revenues. ● Ensure annual reports from the Government are laid in the National Assembly detailing oil revenues and expenditures.

● Ensure there are regular audits. ● Civil society will be involved in a central role to monitor compliance and accountability.

REVERSE VAT ON BUILDING MATERIALS

DAYCARE FOR WORKING MOTHERS

END PRESCRIPTION DRUG SHORTAGES

REVERSE THE VAT ON EXPORTS

REVERSE VAT ON FARMING, MINING & FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

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The oil resource belongs to the people of Guyana. We will ensure that oil revenue works for all Guyanese, and is spent on improving people’s lives and in support of job creation. Some areas in which oil revenue will be directed are:

● Support for job creation. ● World-class education and healthcare for Guyanese. ● Social and economic infrastructure. ● Targeted cash transfer to Guyanese particulary the elderly, children,

● Strong local content for Guyanese with legislative safeguards. ● Savings for future generations. ● Tax reduction for Guyanese businesses and individuals.

the poor and other vulnerable groups.

INFRASTRUCTURE BOOM: BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Guyana's infrastructure, including infrastructure for transport (overland/road, air and river), utilities (water, telecoms/ICT, electricity), sea and river defence, drainage, garbage collection/sanitation, new hospitals and schools must be expanded, modernized and become more efficient to support a flourishing economy.

The following are some of the measures which the PPP/C will implement:

● Expand main roads and other essential infrastructure to accommodate growth in population and traffic.

● Improve community roads and implement an Urban Improvement

● Expand river transport and improve ferry services. ● Build new schools and hospitals, outfitted with modern equipment.

Programme in Georgetown and other urban areas.

● Provide better drainage to prevent flooding in our communities. ● Enhance drainage and irrigation systems to improve agricultural productivity and community health and welfare.

● Provide significant support from Central Government for garbage collection in our communities.

● Ensure regular maintenance of outfall channels and sluices and procure suitable dredging equipment for each affected region.

● Build a bypass road with connections to Mocha, Eccles and the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

● Build and maintain 2000 miles of hinterland roads. ● Maintain hinterland airstrips and develop Lethem to international port of entry status.

In addition to these measures, the PPP/C Government will initiate work on several transformative infrastructural projects. These will include:

● A deep-water harbour at the Berbice estuary. ● The Linden to Lethem road. ● A four-lane highway from Georgetown to Timehri (CJIA). ● The Parika to Rockstone Del Conte Road and link with Bartica.

● Bridge the Corentyne River. ● A high-span bridge across the Demerara River. ● Duty free zones

CHEAPER AND MORE RELIABLE ELECTRICITY Energy is key for the economic growth of Guyana and for an improved quality of life for all Guyanese. The PPP/C is committed to providing affordable, stable and reliable energy to benefit both households and businesses. We will implement a programme with an energy-mix that includes hydropower, solar and wind, which will lead to more than 400 Megawatts of newly-installed capacity for residential and commercial-industrial users.

The PPP/C is committed to implementing the following policy measures:

● Complete the Amaila Falls Hydro Project, moving towards clean, reliable, affordable power supply.

● Produce in excess of 200 MW in the interim, from natural gas. ● Invest in solar and wind systems for off-grid areas. ● Expand the Hinterland Electrification Programme.

50,000 NEW JOBS

REVERSE NEW TAXES ON GUYANESE MINERS

● Replace and upgrade solar panels in the hinterland. ● Take urgent action to improve and upgrade the national grid (transmission and distribution).

● Develop micro grids for large hinterland villages.

REVERSE THE 200 NEW TAXES + FEES GET MONEY FLOWING AGAIN

50,000 HOUSE LOTS

REVERSE AGE LIMITS ON IMPORTED VEHICLES

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513

[ 2020 - 2025]

UTILIZING OUR RESOURCES IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER TO CREATE JOBS AND INCOME FOR ALL Guyana's rich natural resources must be utilized to provide jobs and create opportunities for our people. They, however, must be utilized in a sustainable manner. Our mineral resources must be used to provide employment to thousands of our people. Our people have a legitimate right to earn from these sectors and to provide for their families. The PPP/C is committed to working with miners, miners organizations and those who work in the forestry sector and their organizations to

ensure that the impact to the environment is minimized. Our rainforest is a valuable national and global resource and its preservation will have not only a positive local impact but will also impact the fight against climate change. We will reinstitute the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) to help achieve prosperity for our people by deploying earnings from forest climate services to diversify the economy and create more jobs and opportunities utilizing

a non-carbon intensive pathway. We believe that we can earn hundreds of millions of US dollars as we have already demonstrated through the Norway Agreement and create thousands of new, clean jobs. We have to ensure that the benefits from the Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) flow to all Guyanese, particularly Indigenous communities, where the principles of Free Prior and Informed Consent and Opt-In must be rigidly observed.

The LCDS will be broadened to include wider environmental services, integrated water resources management and climate resilience. Other initiatives under the LCDS will include:

● Establishing an International Centre of Excellence for Biological Diversity

with the objective of promoting cutting-edge research and developing and exporting educational services.

● Strengthening the EPA to provide a fair and empowering regulatory framework to guide economic growth initiatives.

● Strengthening and expanding the National System of Protected Areas in accordance with appropriate standards of environmental integrity.

● Taking steps to decarbonize the transport sector by implementing an ethanol blend into vehicles in an effort to reduce use of fossil fuels.

● Embracing renewable energy technologies and provide incentives for biomass-to-energy projects as a means of utilizing by-products and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

● Provide grants for start-up businesses for renewable/recycling projects.

Central to the achievement of better management of our natural resources is the issue of better land management and access to land. We will:

● Establish a formal inter-agency mechanism for the purpose of coordination among the forestry, mining, agriculture, settlements and infrastructure sectors. This mechanism will serve to address multiple land use conflicts, foster fair, transparent and equitable land allocation decisions, and address inter-sectoral issues regarding the implementation of land use policy. ● Implement a National Land Use Policy with a regional dimension and which harmonizes residential and commercial interests.

ICT: CONNECTING EVERY GUYANESE TO THE FUTURE

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is key to building an economy for the future and supporting national development. ICT must be used in Guyana as an engine for economic and social empowerment. The PPP/C is committed to developing the infrastructure and providing the enabling environment to promote the use of ICT across Guyana. This will enable optimal household use of ICT and eliminate the digital gap and unequal access within Guyana and between Guyana and other countries. ICT will be used to catalyze development in education, health, industry and agriculture by reducing transaction costs, and improving effectiveness, efficiency and productivity. Our goal

is the diffusion of ICT so that it reaches every Guyanese in every community, in every sector. For this to become reality, there must be improved access to the internet, increased ICT literacy, increased e-Government and partnerships with the private sector.

In this regard, the PPP/C will increase access to cheaper data and bandwidth by:

● Liberalizing the telecommunications sector. ● Allowing more fibre-optic cables to terminate in Guyana. ● Scaling up State-sponsored efforts to provide countrywide cover with

fibre-optic cables and other wireless options to ensure subsidized access to poor and remote households. The medium through which every household, including poor ones, will be able to connect to the internet will be a reinstated One Laptop Per Family programme.

● Removing VAT on data.

Increase ICT literacy by:

● Providing schools with appropriate equipment and software. ● Reforming school curricula for the development of ICT proficiencies. ● Providing incentives for training in ICT. ● Providing community-based training for the use of computers. ● Establishing an International Institute of Technology in Guyana. Promote e-Governance, which will improve the productivity of businesses and delivery of government services through the introduction of e-health, e-education, e-security, e-agriculture, electronic permit and licence processing, etc. GOV'T SUPPORT FOR SINGLE PARENTS

GIVE BACK SCHOOL CASH GRANTS

ICT as an enabler for jobs creation:

The ICT sector, if properly incentivized, can generate thousands of new jobs through co-investment, providing infrastructure support, State-sponsored training, and employment opportunities for the disabled.

20,000 ONLINE SCHOLARSHIPS

STRONGER SECURITY, SAFER COMMUNITIES

ASSISTANCE FOR THE RICE INDUSTRY

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30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019 EXCERPTS FROM T H EWEEKEND PPP/CMIRROR M A N IF EST O [ 2020 - 2025]

BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ALL The PPP's founding principles were based on pursuing the well-being of every Guyanese. For the PPP, this has always meant putting people at the centre of our economic, social, cultural and environmental policies. National economic prosperity is meaningless if it does not improve the well-being of every Guyanese. We must provide adequate levels of healthcare, education, water, housing and sanitation, and ensure safety and security for all. Consistent with this, the PPP/C plans to remove VAT on electricity, water, medical supplies and food items that were taxed after 2015. Special programmes targeting women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups in society must be developed and implemented. Together with a vibrant, growing economy with well-paying jobs and the promotion of the well-being of all Guyanese in health, education and other areas. The PPP/C also recognizes the need for promoting culture and sports and the importance of developing rounded personalities in our youth. A robust, growing economy must support the development and improvement of the social sector.

DELIVERING QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL The PPP/C intends to improve access to education at every level from nursery to university; to raise the quality of education across all levels; and to prepare students for the job market, especially at the technical and tertiary levels. In an effort to achieve these goals, action will be taken to:

● Build, expand and improve educational facilities across Guyana. ● Improve remuneration and conditions of service for teachers. ● Offer incentives to teachers and opportunities for training and skills development.

● Expand the use of ICT in education. ● Enhance opportunities in Technical Vocational Education. ● Facilitate the establishment of an online university and promote e-learning

ENHANCED HEALTH SERVICES FOR OUR PEOPLE

for hinterland students.

● Expand primary healthcare/preventative medicine. ● Upgrade health facilities across the country including expansion of

● Enhance the Learning Channel to support learning across all levels and to extend the coverage across Guyana.

diagnostic services such as CT Scans, ultrasound, echocardiogram etc at key regional hospitals as well as improve ambulance services.

● Ensure that there is adequate supply of pharmaceuticals and medical

supplies with a focus on timely procurement, proper storage and reliable delivery to hospitals and health centres.

● Expand the range of medical personnel, including doctors, postgraduate specialists, nurses, pharmacists, medical technologists and technicians and other support staff.

● Update a manpower survey and undertake curricula reform accordingly. ● Provide generous tax incentives for private education providers from primary

to tertiary levels to ensure affordability and improve the quality of education.

● Provide 20,000 online scholarships. ● Provide free education at the University of Guyana within 5 years. ● Provide a pathway for debt write-off for students with outstanding student loans.

● Implement a performance management system that measures performance ● Enhance attention to our children with Special Education Needs (SEN). in health contracts/ service agreements to foster greater accountability and better quality of health services delivery, waiting time in emergency rooms ● Reform and strengthening of the monitoring system for school and for surgery, and maintenance of an electronic patient records system.

● Expand tertiary healthcare including partnerships with the private sector. ● Provide generous tax incentives for private healthcare delivery providers. ● Improve conditions of service and remuneration for healthcare workers, technicians, nurses and doctors.

● Provide the option of contract gratuity or joining the pensionable establishment for doctors

● Create 10,000 house lots annually. ● Invest in support infrastructure in existing and new housing schemes. ● Reverse VAT on building materials. ● Facilitate affordable financing for homeownership. ● Promote home ownership, particularly among youths and young ● Promote partnerships and incentivize private sector involvement in the sector.

OIL MONEY TO BENEFIT ALL GUYANESE

NO VAT ON ELECTRICITY

Further, the cost of education to families will be reduced by doing the following:

● Restore and increase the ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 Cash Grant. ● Supply all required textbooks to school children. ● Provide nutrition through initiatives such as the hot meal programme.

IMPROVED ACCESS TO AND ENHANCED QUALITY OF WATER

PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

professionals through tax and other incentives.

management.

● Ensure that water rates remain affordable. ● Reinstate water subsidies to pensioners. ● Expand treated water to more areas. ● Upgrade the distribution and transmission of water in urban, rural and hinterland areas.

● Reduce losses in the distribution system. ● Create the institutional mechanisms to rationalize the country’s water

resources through an Integrated Water Resources Management framework over the next five years.

NO VAT ON HEALTHCARE

LOW-COST HOUSE LOTS

CHEAPER, RELIABLE ELECTRICITY

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

WEEKEND MIRROR 21-22 SEPTEMBER, 2019

Opportunities are not being created for advancement of riverine Perspectives from the PPP/C communities – CDC Vice Chair

Presidential Candidate

he saying that ‘promises are a comfort to a fool’ resonates with the community of Dagg Point, Lower Ali assures… Mazaruni, Region 7, according to the Vice Chair on Community Development Council (CDC), Shellon John. In an interview with the Mirror Newspaper, she explained that prior to the 2015 General and Regional Elections, APNU+AFC Coalition officials – the last visit being made by the current Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams – promised better dehe objective of the pollivery of in health care and icies the education education to the sector would becommunity, geared toas well as support in the area wards key fundamentals, according to the People’s of transportation. “They Progressive Party/ Civic never did any of this and it’s (PPP/C) candinow morepresidential than four years we date, Irfaan Ali.one will take are waiting…no He contends that these what they sayare: nowImproved because fundamental we are worse off…they broke access; Quality; Affordabilall promises they students made to ity;the and Preparing the community,” John said. at TVET and Tertiary levels for Also betterapaying jobs on in line Councillor the

Bartica Town Council, given that Dagg Point now falls under the Town Council, John added that the community has a population of over 365 persons, majority of whom are youths, and the challenges in riverine community demand greater attention from Central Government. In education, the Community Development Council Vice Chair said, “They promised scholarships for our young people and opportunities for those who had to drop out of school so they can better themselves. This never with the requirement of the happened. economy They promised support transportation so Alifor said, “Consistent that our children don’t have a with these stated objectives we would severproblem, withpursue the parents not al initiatives. Prominent being able to afford the cost. among these would be the This never happened. Under delivery of free education the previous government at the University of Guywe bus that was used anahad anda enhanced access to take children from Dagg through the use of ICT.” Point Agatash nursery As to such, he charged that school, Secondary the new Bartica PPP/C government will also plans to School andperuse the Three Mile

secondary school and that was taken away. Now children have to walk and it is a big distance.” She pointed out that representation being made for a bridge to connect Dagg Point to Potaro continued to be ignored. Joh said, “If the bridge is done it will take the children 10 minutes from Dagg Point to the Three Mile Secondary school and that is why we are interested in this. The community did a small bridge but with the rain and when the tide rises it washed away because we don’t have have all outstanding loans the rightoff materials make written and ourto Manithe bridge.” festo will detail policies to The these trendinitiatives. of broken support He said, addition, we promises was“In also seen when role of the Priitrecognize comes tothe delivering quality vate Sector Education, as health care. in “Dagg Point has such we will be announcing no Health Center. We were measures that will see genpromised and up togiven now erous tax this concessions nothing has been done,” from John to private providers said. Nursery to Tertiary levels She added, “Nothing new including TEC/VOC.” has been done for our com-

pointed out that riverine com- would benefit everyone and munities face unique chal- they could do and maintain lenges and there has been no their families. Sometimes demonstrated understanding you work for 30,000 all you of this by the APNU+AFC can afford is food, you cannot Coalition. “For riverine area build.” people, not everyone has Dagg Point is primarily transportation, a boat and a farming community, with engine. Boats with paddle is some residents also involved still difficult and doing this is in mining, the Community us staying in the same place, Development Council Vice not moving forward. People Chair also noted. However, are left stagnated and if there much of what of used to be is no of support or opportunihave been ‒ says fundamentals ensuring better farming access lands to education ties, we will stay the same,” earmarked by the Bartica part of PPP/C manifesto plans she said. Town Council for housing munity. They continued the Cost of living is another development. “There is no presidential grant that was major challenge, according to understanding of what Dagg To further issues dren have access to school ● Enhanced focus on techstarted underaddress the previous Community Development Point needs. The lands was of affordability, qualitydon’t and the uniforms nical education government, but things Viceeducation Chair, who for farming –ofplantain, access, he explained that Council ● Improving fa- used ● Establishment online stay the same way all the explained that if a packet of banana, cassava and so. We the PPP/C Manifesto will cilities University time, change and the milk detail things a number of measures ● Special incentives to need ● Reforming and cost $380 in Bartica, some space to strengthdo that.” community needs the sup- the including: teachers enhanced trainthe monitoring cost and to move goods to ening Johnofstressed that Dagg port…we are being neglect● The restoration of the Dagg ing and skill development systems for school managePoint is high, resulting Point needs to support that “Because grant” opportunities ment at public and private ed. There we arecare roads to do, in higher prices being paid by would create opportunities ● Attention to nutrition ● Expanding use of ICT in levels bridges to do, water connec- the residents. is very which would through various initiatives education and “Fuel ensuring all for residents, “These among other tions – all this, but nothing is expensive. Weand try,teachers but we not only lift the standard of e.g. hot meal program our children measures would ensure the being done.” said.infraJohn living, butofallow them to ● Providing required text need havesupport,” access she to the delivery quality eduThetoCommunity Devel- added, “I that thinkwill if the costthe of progress. hard on rivbooks school children structure enable cation to “It ourisnation,” Ali opment Council Vice Chair ● Ensuring all school chil- living use of come ICT down a little it erine declared. communities,” she said.

All outstanding student loans written will be written off, greater support to education providers

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

Efficacy of management of sugar estates in question – GAWU N ew numbers have place sugar production estimates falling below its target for the second crop which ends in December. The sugar industry’s second crop production is not estimated to only reach 60,236 tonnes. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) in a recent statement said, “Recent performances have caused us to review our estimates….we understand that the Corporation is struggling very much with factory problems.” After the APNU+AFC Coalition took action to close several sugar estates, the only

ones that remain in operation are: Uitvlugt, Region 3; Albion and Blairmont, Region 6. GAWU said, “At Albion it has been disclosed that this is the factory’s worse performance in the longest of time. In fact, the problems at that location are so acute, the Corporation has lost some three (3) weeks of operations

during this crop due to breakdowns. That is some 420 hours of downtime. “At the other locations, the situation is not much better with breakdown hours during this crop reaching 122 and 119 at Blairmont and Uitvlugt respectively.” The Union noted that the poor reliability of the

factories has seen workers not being offered work for several days. “The situation has been especially hard for the workers…this makes a bad situation worse as they have been struggling with the declines in their nominal and real pay. The inability to work every day for them and their family, especially as

they approach the year-end season, must be distressing,” GAWU said. According to the body, the poor performance of the three sugar estates means that canes available to harvest during the second crop cannot be harvested and will have to be reaped during next year. “The cutting of canes beyond their maturity is almost a taboo in the industry as those canes tend to experience declining returns. Moreover, such canes are also difficult for workers to harvest as they require additional efforts by them,” GAWU said.

It added, “The performance of the factories, as we have lamented before, brings into question the efficacy of the industry’s factory operations department. That department’s skills, we gathered, has been augmented in recent times as several new recruits were engaged. We hasten to wonder what have been their collective contributions in assuaging the situation and trying to bring some semblance to the difficulties that are being faced at this time.” GAWU stressed that the situation at hand is of great concern.

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

Guyana Under Review

Several issues were addressed a weekly news conference held by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday (November 28, 2019), ranging from the developments at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to the issues that continue to affect the welfare of Guyanese.

Ahead of Election 2020…

Rigorous scrutiny remains the order of the day T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is “working assiduously” to ensure that the upcoming General and Regional Elections are transparent, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. He addressed what he described as a “foremost” concern in the minds of Guyanese during his weekly news conference on Thursday (November 28, 2019). “Most Guyanese are worried about whether the elections would be free and fair. Many of them are worried about the timeline for elections and whether – knowing the history of APNU – they're going to try to delay the elections again. “I want to assure everyone that in spite of the fact that we raise concerns every week about the elections, we are working assiduously. We're covering every base to ensure that the elections are transparent,” he said. Jagdeo explained that significant progress in the efforts that are being made. He said, “I know for a fact that the international community is heavily engaged in the process to ensure free and fair elections in Guyana…since the last time we met I gather now the government finally relented and issued a letter of invitation to the European

Union, to the Carter Center and some other organizations to observe the elections… most of these organizations shall be in Guyana before the elections and on election day…apart from that there has been progress with getting the people installed in GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission) – the external advisors for quality control.” OUTSTANDING ISSUES On the issue of what challenges still remain, the Opposition Leader noted that there is still some reluctance to have international oversight in the Information Technology (IT) department at GECOM. However, he expressed confidence that this matter will be resolved. “We have had still have one

setback in the IT department where there has been a marked with reluctance to bring in someone to have an oversight there….I think that matter would be resolved too,” Jagdeo said. He added, “…we have an international presence in the machinery itself to ensure quality control so we're extremely pleased how things are evolving.” The two outstanding issues left to be finally addressed by GECOM relate to decisions: on the use of the data from the scrapped, unsupervised and un-scrutinized data from house-to-house registration will be used; and a question about uncollected national identification cards. On the former, he said, “We are very pleased now

with their level of scrutiny that the data is getting and the Commission is paying attention to this….I already said that they shouldn't use the data at all because it was never tested, but if they do they discover a number of new registrants there – because we don't want in the PPP to disenfranchise a single person – we are prepared to accept them as a subset of new registrants that is verified.: On the latter, the uncollected national identification cards, the Opposition Leader noted that the position of the government-nominated GECOM Commissioners is softening – in that it is not a major sticking point. Jagdeo noted that the “only unknown variable” is the dissolution of Parliament. He said, “We've been hearing mixed signals, but we're not going allow him (David Granger) to get away from that commitment. I'm sure that the international community would be intolerant to that too as we would be in the PPP.” He added, “I want to assure people that, in spite of all of the issues that we keep raising, we are paying attention to the matter fully.” RIGOROUS SCRUTINY According to him, rig-

“We have an international presence in the machinery itself to ensure quality control so we're extremely pleased how things are evolving.” – Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo orous scrutiny of everything done between now and March 2, 2020 must be the order of the day. He said, “We’d have two sets of oversight on Polling Day – the election observers, local and foreign.” The Opposition Leader explained that efforts are being made to engage GECOM to ensure that clear manuals are compiled to facilitate the training of polling agents, etc. He said, “There must be strong safeguards on elections day… we must avoid capricious action by random placement of official…there must be strong penalties anyone who engages an electoral offense, which is a criminal offense. “…we are paying careful attention to the recruitment of stuff that people who are political in nature….you can't be overtly campaigning for political party and then be part of the machinery; you can't be seen as overtly campaigning for political parties and then

be part of a process where you have to act objectively and impartially. “…I want to assure people we are working hard to ensure that in every polling place that the People's Progressive Party will have strong polling agents, who will ensure that there is integrity…if there is any attempt to violate the integrity of the process then that that attempt will not go on un-exposed on Election Day.” The Opposition Leader also addressed the activities that have to be completed between now and March 2, 2020. He said, “We have looked at the timeline. So far all of these activities fit well into the timeline…we believe that elections should have been held in December 2019 or early January latest, but, since it was delayed until March 2020, they do have a lot of room there… we have looked at the timeline prepared by GECOM and these activities are well within the timeline.

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

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

Guyana Under Review

Monies available to pay increased salaries to sugar workers

t is duplicitous of the APNU+AFC Coalition to insist that it cannot make a decision on the salary increases for sugar workers, when it has made decision on major issues – from the closure of the sugar estates to the sell-off of assets in the sector, according to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. During his weekly news conference on Thursday (November 28, 2019), he pointed to the fact that there are available funds without a resort to the National Assembly for additional financing or a resort to the Contingency Fund. He explained that some of the monies from the $30B bond that was taken and secured against the sugar sector’s assets could be used to pay the sugar workers a salary increase. He said, “This government has stripped the assets of GuySuCo and transferred the assets to NICIL and

they are busy disposing a lot of these assets for which they earn money. They also pledged these assets and raise the bond. I think $17 billion of the $13 billion has been disbursed to them and it’s like a black hole. The country, nobody in Guyana know how they’re spending this money. “They do have the money there raised for GuySuCo on using GuySuCo’s assets as the pledge which was transferred to them. Why can’t they use some of these resources? They don’t have to go back to parliament. They don’t have to use the Contingency Fund. It doesn’t have to be part of the budget. They can easily transfer some of the money that they’re sitting on, paying 4.75 per cent interest on…They could easily transfer it to GuySuCo and finance the salary increase.” Last week, the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) Domi-

nic Gaskin said, “GuySuCo is governed by a board of directors and if that Board of Directors decided that they can give a raise in pay that is entirely within their remit to do so. I don’t think you can blame the government if the Board of Directors does not see it fit to give their workers a raise.” Notably, the Ministry of Agriculture, under which the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) falls is headed by the AFC’s Noel Holder. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, according to a November 20, Newsroom article, said, “Any possibility of a pay increase for sugar workers, who have not seen an increase since the current Government came into office, must be dealt with the board of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)”. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, was quoted in the November 21, Guyana

Times as saying, “We would like GuySuCo to be able to benefit from the bonus public servants are benefitting from now, in terms of increases. But where will the funds come from?” According to the Opposition Leader, the workers must be paid. Jagdeo said, “It is clear that they (the APNU+AFC Coalition) do not want to give increase to the sugar workers…we believe that the sugar workers must be paid and there are means to do this.” On Thursday (November 28, 2019), the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), in a statement said, “The Coalition has remained essentially unmoved and stoic. Of course, their actions cannot be delinked from what was printed in the, so far, unreleased White Paper on the Future of the Sugar Industry in Guyana which is

dated March 16, 2017. That paper which was, apparently, authored by the Ministry of Agriculture at page 4 says ‘most of the employees of GuySuCo are supporters of the Opposition political party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’. The sentence is a clear and profound explanation of why the sugar workers are maligned and discriminated against by the Granger clan. The Government has one sole consideration that is whether you are deemed a supporter or not. Remember, Mr Granger said in his interview with Kaieteur Radio recently that ‘the population of Guyana is not only confined to the sugar estates…’ It is yet another clear indicator that the Government really hasn’t any compassion, care, or even concern for the travesty unfolding in the sugar belt. “…the struggles of sugar workers to receive a rise in

pay have continued to attract the attention of the nation and must have tugged at a few hearts as they become aware of the painful situation that exists. Our Union has with regularity pointed out that the workers’ wages have not been improved since 2014 as the ‘Good Life’ bunch has not seen it in their heart to grant them any increase in pay. The GAWU has recognized and appreciates that there is some amount of sympathy for the workers to benefit from increased rates-of-pay noting that the injustice that has been meted out to the workers has upset very many.” Workers from the industry have been calling for an increase in wages and salaries and recently took industrial action. Sugar workers have not received a salary increase, nor have they received an Annual Productive Incentive (API) since the APNU+AFC Coalition took office.

Worrisome depletion of balances of major agencies

illions left in several agencies have been depleted and Opposition Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. During his weekly news conference on Thursday (November 28, 2019) he said, “There is a massive decline taking place, without many of us being aware,” he said. He added, “This is worrisome.” The agencies he referred to include, the Gold Board, the Guyana Lands and Sur-

veys Commission, the Demerara Harbor Bridge Corporation and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. Notably, these agencies are revenue earners and their balances, after expenses, have been used to support their respective sectors. However, since 2015 with the APNU+AFC Coalition taking office, these balances have been depleting, with no evidence of where the monies were used.

A few of the graphs displayed by the Opposition Leader to show the decline in the balances at major agencies

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

Russel Square and Stabroek wharf vendors By Bishram Kuppen

ussel Square is the area which is west of Parliament Buildings and is currently occupied by vendors who were relocated from the Stabroek Wharf. This area is now in a horrendous state and the vendors having been crying out for the City council to take remedial actions but without any success so far. When the vendors were moved to that area, certain conditions were set out which had to be fulfilled by the vendors and also the Georgetown City Council. But the fact remains that the City Council has failed to live up to its promises again by not providing what they promised the vendors. When the vendors were moved, they had to agree to construct wooden stalls to certain specifications and pay fees to the Council. In return, the City Council was to provide security for the area,

a sanitary block, overhead security lights and a new perimeter security fence. To this date, no security lights were installed. The entire chain-link fence which the City Council had purchased and installed at that location was stolen even though that is a very busy area. No regular security patrols were provided and so many of the stalls were broken into a number of times. I recently visited the area after vendors complained to me and I did not observe any security officers or constabulary ranks. To add to the vendors’ worries, a disgusting and serious health situation has developed which continues to this day, that is, people are defecating in front of or at the back of the stalls. In fact the entire area is used like an open toilet and urination area and if you are brave enough to walk through there, you will be hit with overpowering stench and disgusting sight of feces around the area. I had reported this matter to the

Mayor and relevant officers of the Council but nothing has been done so far. At a meeting of the Finance Committee recently, I had lobbied for the allocation of funds to purchase and install the fence and also overhead security lights, but there was competition for the available funds since there are many critical areas which are in need of attention also. These vendors have suffered long enough and I will continue to press for the security fence, security lights and regular patrols in the areas. The People’s Progressive Party, through its City Councillors will continue to advocate for justice for the vendors.

Gold reserves down to $628M Public deposits deficit widens by another $4.2B G T uyana’s gold currently stand at $628.1 million as of November 13, 2019. This is according to the Bank of Guyana’s statement of assets and liabilities at the close of business on November 13, 2019, which was published in the November 23, 2019 Official Gazette.

Reserves have been on the decline since the APNU+AFC Coalition took office. At the end of 2014, the gold reserves stood at $25 billion. During the four-plus years of the Coalition in office, Guyana’s total reserves, not only gold, have been on a constant decline.

he Bank of Guyana’s public deposits overdraft position continues to widen, moving from $69.1 billion as of October 23, 2019 to $73.3 billion as of November 13, 2019 – a whopping $4.2 billion movement. This is according to the Bank of Guyana’s statement of assets and liabilities at the close of business on November 13, 2019, which was published in the November 23, 2019 Official Gazette. According to last month’s report, the deficit

further widened by $3.5 billion from September to October 2019 alone. The Bank of Guyana’s statement of assets and liability as of October 23, 2019, the bank’s public deposits were listed at an overdraft of $69.1 billion. In September 2019, the overdraft stood at $65.6 billion. The Public Deposit overdraft has widened by $10.7 billion from January 2019 to October 2019. At the end of January 2019, public deposits were recorded at an overdraft of $53.4 billion.

This moving from a positive position of $21.4 billion at the end of 2014. At the end of 2015, the APNU-AFC government ended the year with an overdraft of $2.3 billion, and this continued to worsen over the four-year period. By 2016, the overdraft had grown to $21.3 billion, due to increasing withdrawals. At the end of the 2017 fiscal year, the overdraft had reached $26.5 billion. By the end of 2018, the overdraft more than doubled to $55.1 billion.

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

RLE to be ‘extracted and Disagreement on treatment of printed’ in early January persons who do not uplift national ID cards remains unresolved 2020 – Shaddick L A s we move closer to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, work on finalizing the Official List of Electors (OLE) continues. And according to Opposition-nominated Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Bibi Shadick, with the completion of

Claims and Objections, the Revised List of Electors (RLE)– which will reflect the transactions done in Claims and Objections – will be extracted and printed by January 4, 2020. “The date of display will be January 5, 2020,” she said, adding that the Revised List of Electors will remain

up for public scrutiny for 21 days. Meanwhile, the GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice, Claudette Singh, has not addressed the Guyanese public on any developments since her first news conference, where she engaged the local media corps, almost four weeks ago.

Still no decision on use of data from scrapped house-to-house registration T he last statutory meeting of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on Tuesday (November 26, 2019), ended with no decision on the use of data from the controversial house-tohouse registration. A total of 370,000-plus persons were reportedly registered in the scrapped house-to-house registration. The entire 370,000 list was published for public scrutiny. Opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, explained that a review from the results of the cross-matching (fingerprint checking) of the data from the house-to-house registration turned up major problems. The list of 370,000-plus persons was split into two batches for cross-matching checks: 180,000 and 190,000. Gunraj explained that the report on the fingerprint cross-matching exercise indicated that more than 60,000 of those who registered during house-to-house registration were not in the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB). He said, “Based on the cross-match-

ing information that we have received, the number of forms that did not attract a hit from the cross-matching number is about 60,000. On the face of it, one would want to assume that those are new persons. “…however, the Chief Elections Officer has indicated to us that the Secretariat went through a process where they looked at that cross-matching report and they have found more than 17,000 who were presumed to be new, to be already on the database”. The opposition-nominated GECOM Commissioner noted that because of this development the commission was unable to vote on the use of the data. “There can be no vote on the matter as there is no clarity on the data itself much less its use,” he said.

PROBE Gunraj disclosed that GECOM will be doing an internal investigation after data returned from cross-matching overseas was unable to match some 60,000 names recorded during the scrapped house-tohouse registration.

He added that GECOM has since contacted the service provider for clarity on the information. “We have taken a decision to contact the service provider of the fingerprint cross-matching. But that is where we are. We don’t know if it was a mistake of the company. We don’t know what the position is, so we’re waiting on clarity on the way forward”. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, maintains that the PPP/C has been able to take a preliminary look at the publication of the houseto-house registrants’ list and there are glaring errors – incorrect spelling of names, incorrect addresses and more, all of which strengthen the case that is being made against a merger. “We are opposed to the merger of unverified and untested list with the National Register of Registrants,” he said. The Opposition Leader also made a case of enhanced polling day security, to ensure that only eligible persons are allowed to vote come March 2, 2020.

Moves being made to accredit foreign observers, locals still to be engaged

he Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accredited the European Delegation as an observer mission for the upcoming March 2020 General and Regional Elections. This was confirmed by Opposition-nominated Commissioner of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Bibi Shadick, who explained that this information was communicated to the full Commission meeting on Tuesday (November 26, 2019).

Accreditation of foreign observers is the role of the Executive, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while local observers are accredited by GECOM itself. In October 2019, the international community has pledged to provide support to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) as it carries out its mandate. This was communicated in a joint statement that featured British High Commissioner Gregory Quinn, United States

(US) Ambassador Sarah Ann-Lynch and Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Canto. Stressing the need for free and fair elections, the diplomats added that this support would take the form of “elections assistance and monitoring along with other colleagues in the international community”. Observers have been engaged for several elections now, following 28 years – up to 1992 – of rigged Elections.

ess than 300 persons collecting their national identification (ID) cards as of Sunday (November 24, 2019), since the names of just over 18,000 persons who have not uplifted their national ID cards were published in the local daily newspapers earlier this month. On November 9, 2019, GECOM has published in the four daily newspapers the names of who have not collected their cards some from since 2008. This followed the issuance of an order signed by Chief Election Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, on November 8, 2019, which directs that all persons whose names are listed need to be verified.

PROBLEMATIC Notably, the disagreement on how these 18,000plus persons will be treated when it comes to finalizing the Official List of Electors remains unresolved. The GECOM Chairperson, retired Justice, Claudette Singh, made clear that failure of persons to uplift their national identification cards will see them being removed from the Official List of Electors (OLE). “Failure to do so, your names will be taken off the OLE – the Official List of Electors – but, your names would still remain on the NRRDB – the National Register of Registrants Database…the names will still be there, but we will remove them from the OLE and place them on a supplementary list, so if on Elections Day, one of those persons turn up, they will be allowed to vote – once they come armed with a passport, some form of identification,” she said had said earlier this month. The decision to have a supplementary Official List of Electors is currently in question, since there is nothing in Guyana’s laws that provides for a supplementary Official List of Electors. Singh justified her decision to publish the names of persons who have not uplifted national identification cards by saying GECOM is allowed to do verification.

“Verification is in the law. It is in the proviso to Section 6 (6) (A) of the National Registration Act – Chapter 19:08. That section – in fact the proviso – was put in the law. The law was amended by Act 14 of 2005. Now, it says at any time the Commission can commence a process of verification,” the GECOM Chair said. However, she failed to answer questions about what law covers the creation of a supplementary Official List of Electors. ILLEGAL Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, maintains that any move to prevent eligible Guyanese from voting because of non-collection of national ID cards will be illegal. Jagdeo had underscored the fact that the national identification cards are not voter identification cards. “These are national ID cards. They are not voter ID cards…you don’t need them to vote…in the past these cards were issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Then it was decided that GECOM should perform that function for the state, since it was now responsible for registration…to link the two – collect an ID card to the right to vote – is an affront to all Guyanese,” he said. Referring to the Constitution of Guyana, he stressed that Article 59 is clear on the rights of Guyanese voters. Article 59 states: “Subject to the provisions of article 159, every person may vote at an election if he is of the age of eighteen years or upwards and is either a citizen of Guyana or a Commonwealth citizen domiciled and resident in Guyana.” Jagdeo said, “The only requirement to vote is Guyanese 18 and above…nowhere does it mention ID card… they cannot remove people from the Official List of Electors capriciously…it would be an illegal act for them to remove names from the List just because they did not pick up ID cards.” The Opposition Leader pointed out that the issue of uncollected national identifi-

cation cards was addressed by the former GECOM Chairperson, Dr Steve Surujbally. In June 2011, Surujbally stated there were some 43,187 identification cards still to be collected. However, he stressed that these are not voting cards and pointed out that the constitutional requirement to vote is to be registered, not necessarily to be in possession of an identification card. Jagdeo said, “This matter was dealt with in the past by GECOM….at that time it was over 43,000 and those people did not lose their right to vote.” Further, he cited paragraph 129 of the recent ruling by the Acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George-Wiltshire, in the case challenging the constitutionally of the now scrapped house-to-house registration. George-Wiltshire ruled that: “The right to be registered to vote and the right to vote are sacrosanct and fundamental. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Guyana has acceded and which is incorporated into our Constitution, (see art 154A (1) and the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution) establishes the right to vote as a matter of international human rights law and provides that every citizen has a right to vote.” Further, the GECOM Chairperson, when she was a High Court Judge, in the case of Esther Perreira v The Chief Elections Officer and others, had ruled that the a national identification card is not a constitutional requirement for Guyanese to vote. She had ruled: “It is axiomatic that no right is more precious in a free country than that of having a voice in the election of those who make the laws under which, as good citizens, we must live. Other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined….it becomes clear then, that any prohibition, restriction or limitation on the right to vote must be viewed with a close and critical eye since any such encroachment would be a bar to that voter’s right to have a voice in the elections of his representatives in government.”

OBSERVER

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

AFC reduced to an appendage of the PNC by those focused only on self-interest H

istory has that for a government to must be borne

taught us Coalition succeed it out of the

desire for good and not for greed. Unfortunately for us Guyanese we have a Coalition that seems to govern

only for self-interest. For months, Guyanese have been witness to the Alliance For Change (AFC)

and the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) squabbling over how power will be distrib-

uted after the next General Elections scheduled for March 2020. The general public cannot be faulted for being cynical about the entire affair. It is plain for all to see that these ‘politicians’ are more interested in preserving and/or gaining more power. After much back and forth negotiation between officials of the PNC-led APNU and the AFC it would he appear that they have come to a decision regarding the distribution of Parliamentary seats for Parliamentarians, Regional Democratic Councils (RDC), Municipal Councils and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). Under the proposed dispensation after the next elections the AFC has seen its position and power greatly diminished. Instead of the 60-40 per cent (APNU 60 and AFC 40) power sharing arrangement, this has now been reduced to 70-30. Also It has been agreed to that the AFC will now only control four Ministries instead of the six. David Granger is now the head of the List of Candidates, giving him powers he previously did not have. It would appear that they are a few members of the AFC who are willing to sacrifice their pride, their conscience, other members of the AFC and their dignity all to ensure that they keep and preserve their positions and that the perks of the job continues to flow. These AFC members have sold out the other members, as well as those who supported the AFC and counted on it to represent their interests. It must be noted that when the coalition was formed, many had envisioned that the AFC would serve to curb the excesses of the PNC members and to protect the interest of their supporters. What they did not envision was that the AFC would become an impotent and reduced to an appendage of the PNC

– a willing participant in all the failures of this government. Guyanese, should not be surprised at what is taking place as we have seen this movie before. In the 1960s, The United Force (TUF), after joining with the PNC to remove the PPP government, was quickly sidelined and had its standing severely diminished. With the AFC exposed, the clear intent of the PNCled APNU is also clear for all Guyanese to see – a drive for power and nothing more. As a Coalition, the APNU+AFC have concerned themselves with dividing up the spoils of government – even before the 2020 General and Regional Elections are contested – instead of being concerned about the welfare of the Guyanese population. The irony of this entire situation is that while the APNU+AFC Coalition quibble over how to divide the spoils of government, it is a pipedream that they will be returned to office by the voters. Based upon their nonperformance, their incompetence and corruption the voters have clearly shown that they will be rejected. They too may be aware of this. What has played out between the APNU and AFC over the past few month is yet another thing that differentiates it from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) – where the focus in on crafting policies and programmes that will be included in the PPP/C manifesto, not dealing with who gets what position. The current state of affairs is instructive for all Guyanese. The APNU+AFC Coalition has exposed what its priorities are – self-interest before the welfare of the Guyanese people. That said, what is also clear is why political party will govern for all and put country first – that is the PPP/C.

WEEKEND MIRROR 30 NOVEMBER - 1 DECEMBER, 2019

Taxes per person Illegal Cabinet increased over 60 per approves appointment cent since 2014 – FITUG of 15 more Boards

he APNU+AFC Coalition’s Winston Jordan came in for blows by the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), which described his recent comments about an increase in tax burdens on Guyanese workers as dismissive. In a statement FITUG said it was most dismayed to Jordan “flippantly dismissing concerns” regarding increased taxation burden in our country. The Minister, according to the November 21, 2019 report by the Coalition-controlled Guyana Chronicle, in response to statements by the private sector, on the matter labelled such sentiments as a “ruse”. According to the Chronicle, the Minister said the noticeably higher tax revenues have “…come from an expanded base and not new taxes…”. The Federation said, “The FITUG, also during several public statements, had shared its concern regarding a much heavier tax burden which is impacting on all Guyanese standard-of-life and well-being…we find the Minister’s explanations

scurrilous and unconvincing. We agree there is an expanded tax base. Indeed, our people were not required to pay taxes on electricity, water, medicines, private health care and so many other essential goods and services. Nor, were we required to pay the magnificent fees imposed for Government services. “It should not be forgotten that these reforms, as the Minister puts it, were imposed when the nation’s population has really not changed. So with the avenues to collect taxes widened, or expanded using the Minister’s term, it, therefore, means on a per-captia basis our people have to pay more taxes. Using the Budget estimates, taxes per person have risen from $181,088 in 2014, to an estimated $300,809 in 2019. In other words, taxes per person have gone up by over 66 per cent in just five (5) years.” FITUG made clear that this is yet a clear demonstration of the hardship that has now befallen our people – given that it represents a 60

per cent increase. Jordan also said “…the reform of the tax system has even put the public sector under tax”. On this note, FITUG pointed out that Jordan is fully aware that it is the taxpayers who fund the public sector. “Thus the increased expenditure brought about by the surcharging on the public sector will ultimately be picked up by the taxpayers whether now for locally financed expenditure or later for expenditures related to borrowings whether local or abroad,” the group said. It added, “We find the Minister’s explanations disingenuous and hardly having any semblance to the reality. Certainly it again epitomizes the disconnect between the Government, who are perched high up, and the situation that confronts the masses on the ground. While the Minister has assigned labels to the concerns of stakeholders, it was really him and his Administration that are engaging in a ruse. It reminds us though that you really cannot fool all the people all the time.”

CJ compels GuySuCo, bankers to pay workers outstanding severance to sacked Wales’ workers

garnishment order was approved by Acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George-Wiltshire, on Thursday (November 21, 2019) in favour of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), in a matter related to the outstanding severance payments to the cane cutters of Wales Estate. Through the order, the Demerara Bank has been mandated to withdraw from the Corporation’s account and to turn over to the Union some $7.5M plus four per cent interest from December 07, 2018 until the debt is settled. The Union which was represented by Devindra Kissoon and Natasha Vieira of London House Chambers and they sought the order to offset outstanding severance payments which were withheld to 107 cane cutters of Wales Estate. GAWU in a statement said, “The workers in question, reluctantly, took up work at Uivlugt Estate following the closure of Wales

at the end of 2016. The workers and the Union had contended that the demand by the GuySuCo for the workers to take up work at Uitvlugt was contrary to the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA). That act obligates an employer to provide severance if they are unable to provide similar work to redundant workers within a 10 mile radius. Uitvlugt is some 22 miles away from Wales and thus the section of the Act ought to have been applied. The Corporation, despite the unambiguity, refused to honour the workers’ rights. “That situation forced the Union to initiate legal proceedings in March, 2017 and the Courts ruled in the workers favour in December, 2018.” UITVLUGT WORKERS Regarding those workers who worked at Uitvlugt, the Court ordered that the workers be paid their severance pay as well as one month’s pay in lieu of notice. Guy-

SuCo, however, only abided with the severance pay aspect of the order. GAWU said its attempts to have the GuySuCo fully comply with the order were greeted with negative responses. This prompted another legal showdown with the GAWU seeking an order to retrieve the outstanding monies. Following submissions from the Union and the GuySuCo, the Chief Justice must have recognised the obvious injustice to the workers and approved the order the Union was seeking through its attorneys. “While hopeful that the Corporation will abide by this latest order is saddened, at the same time, to know that what we considered a simple, straight-forward, matter has had to endure such legal gymnastics. It is yet another reminder of the lengths workers and their organisations must traverse and obstacles they must overcome to have their lawful rights respected,” GAWU said.

n brazen, continued, defiance of the ruling and orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the APNU+AFC Coalition Cabinet continues to meet and act in a manner that is not consistent with its diminished authority, following the declaration that the December 2018 no-confidence motion was validly passed. In the November 23, 2019 publication of the Official Gazette, a total of 15 new Boards for various entities were approved by Cabinet. These include: the Privatization Board, Skeldon Energy Inc., Investment Promotion Council, Lottery Control Commission, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil), the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC), the Guyana Bureau of Statistics, the Dependent’s Pension Fund, Linden Enterprises Network (LEN) and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), among others. Several of the members on the Boards are linked to the APNU+AFC Coalition, including: Desmond Trotman (Guyana Bureau of Statistic) – father of AFC leader, Raphael Trotman; Lance Carberry (GNSC); Harold Luth-

cman (Dependent’s Pension Fund); and the controversial Colvin Health-London (Skeldon Energy Inc. and LEN), who also heads NICIL’s Special Purposes Unit (SPU), which is overseeing the divestment (selloff) of assets in the sugar sector. The dates of effective appointment run from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The orders were signed off by Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams and co-signed by the Secretary to the Cabinet, Edward Persico. A similar order issued on January 23, 2019 naming the Board of Directors for the Bank of Guyana was also amended. Notably, the orders of the CCJ, handed down on July 12, 2019, said: “Due observance of constitutional democracy and the rule of law in Guyana rests, in large measure, with the conduct of the various branches of government, that is, the President and the Cabinet, the Parliament and the Judiciary. All must be faithful to the spirit and letter of the Constitution and operate within the parameters given to each by the Constitution.” It added that Article 106 (6) and (7) “require no gloss”

on the part of the Court in order to render them intelligible and workable. The Court said, “Their meaning is clear and it is the responsibility of constitutional actors in Guyana to honour them. Upon the passage of a vote of no confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet including the President. The Article goes on to state, among other things, that notwithstanding such resignation, the Government shall remain in office and that an election shall be held 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 …” The CCJ also stressed that given the passage of the no confidence motion on 21 December 2018, a general election should have been held in Guyana by 21 March 2019, It added, “The Court must assume that these bodies and personages will exercise their responsibilities with integrity and in keeping with the unambiguous provisions of the Constitution bearing in mind that the no confidence motion was validly passed as long ago as 21 December 2018.”

Current struggle is against a philosophy that is underpinned by ‘thirst for power’ – Nandlall T

he struggle at hand is one against a philosophy that does more harm than good to Guyana and the Guyanese people, declared People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Committee

member, Anil Nandlall, in recent public comments. He said, “What we are fighting against is a philosophy, an ideology…the PNCR (People’s National Congress Reform) as a

force has been there since before I was born...we have a brand new PNC now, the APNU+AFC, and they are doing the exact same thing they did in the past….that harmful philosophy is what

we are fighting against.” Nandlall referred to comments made by leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC Coalition, David Granger, where he has repeatedly committed to the

ideals of a time that has long past. “This is what we are dealing with, a philosophy, one that is dominated by thirst for power and nothing else,” Nandlall said. In November 2017, Granger, speaking to the PNCR’s North American Region grouping had said, “You have to ask yourself how did the PNC gain office in 1964. Ask yourself how did the PNC remain in office and what did it do during that period Ask yourself how the PNC regained office in 2015 and ask yourself how would the PNC retain office after 2020..I intend to protect and preserve and promote those ideals which I believe are still valid.” Earlier this year, speaking about Burnham, Granger had said, “We are encouraged by his example. We are inspired by his vision. We, his heirs and successors, recommit to perpetuating his legacy…we remember him with reverence and respect.” He was speaking at the commemoration of Burnham’s 34th death anniversary on August 6, 2019, which was marked by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Mausoleum, Place of Heroes, Seven Ponds, Botanical Gardens. In 2016, Granger at PNCR’s 19th Biennial Congress was touting the ideology of PNCR founder, Forbes Burnham. According to him, the PNCR “rests securely on its institutions” and stressed that those institutions “hold up” the PNCR as a political party. “We are an ideological party,” he said adding that Burnham’s ideas are still relevant today. Granger stressed too that the ideology of Burnham must be given “institutional form” and made clear that the PNCR is proud of the ideology it is guided by. “We have to complete our historic mission….we must act resolutely,” Granger declared. According to Nandlall, the PPP will continue to fight for Guyana and all the Guyanese people – a task it has taken seriously and worked assiduously at since the formation of the

party. “As soon as we get into government, we have to re-start the development for our people…we want to focus our energy, our time, to ensure that our people get the best…that is what they are not doing…here is where we understand the difference in the philosophy between the PNC and the PPP,” he said. He added, “We are fighting an ideology and a philosophy that is incapable of moving our country from poverty to prosperity…what we see is a philosophy that spends lavishly, but cannot earn, it has no plan to create wealth for our people.” The PPP Executive Member explained that what Guyanese are seeing currently – the many ‘outreaches’ by Coalition officials – are patently disingenuous and are grounded in a “thirst for power” not a desire to serve the people. “There is no sincerity in what they are doing,” he said. On the issue of General and Regional Elections, he stressed the need for Guyanese to make a decision, come March 2020, based on track record – whether life has improved under the APNU+AFC Coalition. Tracing the state of affairs in sectors, from mining to sugar, he called attention to the dismal position that these have been reduced to since the APNU+AFC Coalition took office. Additionally, in light of public concerns, he assured that the PPP continues to make representation at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to ensure that the election machinery is works efficiently to allow for free and fair General and Regional Elections. He also stressed the need for civic-minded Guyanese to support this effort by joining the struggle in capacities that they can – be it as polling agents or as volunteers. “We have inherited a legacy from the older generation and we have a responsibility to take that fight forward for the progress of all our people and country,” he posited.

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