Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_05_06_2021

SATURDAY 5th June, 2021

' No.106382

Patterson should ‘walk’, Edghill says PAGE

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–– motion to be tabled for his removal as PAC Chair

Langevine’s dream of attending 10 Relief pours in for Stanford University becoming a reality flood-affected 07 hinterland communities $650M in contracts awarded for 10 infrastructural works PAGE

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$200M set aside to build 50 core 24 homes in Sophia PAGE

President Dr. Irfaan Ali greets Sherlock Junior Langevine during a brief meeting at State House on Friday.

President Ali has promised to support Langevine’s dream of attending Stanford University by offsetting the additional expenses of the scholarship awardee (Office of the President photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

Statement from His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of The Co-operative Republic of Guyana, on the occasion of World Environment Day GUYANA joins the world to observe World Environment Day under the theme ‘Ecosystem Restoration.’

Guyana has been in the forefront of protecting the environment, and our country remains one of the most densely forested in the world, with intact flora and fauna. We have several hotspots with rich biodiversity, supported by protected areas systems.

As we continue to protect our environment whilst expanding economic opportunities for our people in this process, my government will be guided by the revised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). The revised strategy will expand into environmental services, water-resources management, climate resilience, biodiversity, and marine economy.

As a testament to my government’s landmark agreement with Norway, we have seen forest-carbon-related payments for avoiding deforestation and other degradative activities as a tool for determining the economic value of our ecosystems and biodiversity. The establishment of an International Centre of Excellence for Biological Diversity, with the objective of promoting cutting-edge research and development and exporting educational services is also underway.

Even our National System of Protected Areas is also being strengthened and expanded in accordance with international standards of environmental integrity.

My government has established a national strategy for mangrove protection and restoration along our coastline and rivers, which builds on our existing work, such as the National Mangrove Management Plan and Restoration and Management Programmes initiated by

President Dr Irfaan Ali

previous PPP/C Governments. Guyana continues to build international partnerships, which include being a signatory to various Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), including the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the three Rio Conventions: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC); the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD); and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Most notably, my government has signed the Leaders’ Pledge for Terrestrial Protected Areas and the Marine Protected Areas, joining in solidarity with the UK Government and many other countries around the world and in our Region, all of whom will be represented at this year’s Conference of the Parties (COP 26). Our government, in March 2021, has signed on to the proposed Amazon Bioeconomy Fund. This proposal includes our South American partners who share coverage of one of the largest and, sadly, most under-threat forest in the world, the majestic Amazon Rainforest.

This initiative is an important contribution to kick-start a change of entrenched behaviours to create the foundation for markets that value the fundamental role of natural capital in the business, highlighting biodiversity as an important element of economic success.

As we continue to celebrate nature for World Environment Day, I wish to use this opportunity to call on all Guyanese to be positively involved, as Guyana is on the cusp of upward development to lead by example for all nations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

Patterson should ‘walk’, Edghill says –– motion to be tabled for his removal as PAC Chair

By Richard Bhainie

confidence in Patterson’s competence to scrutinise public spending, while being publicly involved in financial scandals relating to government monies.

At the time the motion was presented, Patterson, the former Minister of Public Infrastructure, was under investigation for being involved in a gift-giving scandal in which, it is alleged, he received in excess of $2 million in gifts from agencies that were under his remit.

Additionally, he has since been slapped with a conspiracy to defraud charge, along with the former General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) Corporation, Rawlston Adams, which stemmed from the controversial contract awarded for the feasibility study and design of a new Demerara River Crossing in 2016.

When the PAC sat on February 8, 2021, the stalemate continued, as the oppo-

sition remained determined not to replace Patterson as Chairman of the committee.

That persistent reluctance on the part of the APNU+AFC members to entertain the motion continued in March, 2021, when Teixeira signaled that it is likely to result in the Government members seeking the intervention of the National Assembly.

The Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, was initially sum-

GDF Ensigns win second quarterly fitness competition

APNU+AFC Member of Parliament, David Patterson

WITH the 28th Sitting of the 12th Parliament scheduled for June 10, 2021, it is the intention of the government Members of Parliament (MP) to table a motion before the House for the removal of A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) MP, David Patterson, as the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

This was confirmed by government member of the PAC, Bishop Juan Edghill, who told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, “That’s our intention; for him to be removed as the Chairman.”

Noting that the Government members “tried at the level of the Committee” but “now have to go to the House”, Mr. Edghill said, “I would hope that motion becomes unnecessary; that Mr. Patterson would do the decent thing and resign.

A SIX-member team of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ensigns currently undergoing training on the Standard Officer Course Number 52 (SOC 52) on Friday displayed collective input of strength and excellent camaraderie to win the

I would hope that he would do the decent thing, but it seems that decency is something that is foreign to the APNU+AFC.” On February 1, 2021, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira attempted to put forward a motion seeking to remove Patterson from his post as chairman of the committee, but it was met with objections from the Opposition side of the PAC. According to information provided by the Parliament on their website, the PAC responsibilities are to examine the audited accounts presented in the Auditor General’s Report; exercise general supervision over the functioning of the Auditor General; and nominate the members of the Public Procurement Commission for approval by the National Assembly.

Teixeira, in presenting her motion, said that the government, acting on behalf of the people, does not have

Force’s Second Quarterly Fitness Competition.

Accumulating an overall total of 398 points, with an 80.4 per cent pass rate, the Ensign ‘A’ team narrowly edged out the usually dominant Special Force Squadron, whose ‘A’ team placed

second with a total of 386 points.

Meanwhile, the SOC 52 Ensigns ‘B’ team placed third with 375 points.

The highest possible score was 495 points.

The GDF Ensigns with their trophies

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moned to provide guidance and clarity on the way forward. Isaacs had told the Guyana Chronicle that a possible outcome could be the government moving to amend the Standing Order to allow for Patterson to be replaced.

The government members of the PAC are Teixeira, Edghill, Dharamkumar Seeraj, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo and attorney-at-law Sanjeev Datadin, while the opposition members are Juretha Fernandes, Ganesh Mahipaul and Jermaine Figueira. The Opposition members have maintained full confidence in their colleague, the Chairman.

When the motion was moved at the committee level, both sides of the committee had accused the other of attempting to obstruct the work of the PAC; the government MPs believe that the stalling of the PAC’s work is an attempt to distract the committee from scrutinising the Auditor General’s 2017, 2018 and 2019 reports.

Similarly, the opposition members of the PAC

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill expressed suspicion that the motion was a tactic to prevent the PAC from moving on to examine government spending for the latter part of 2020 and going forward.

Currently, the work of the PAC is far behind schedule, with the committee only now wrapping up examination of the country’s questionable 2016 spendings.

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GDF Ensigns win second quarterly fitness ...

From page 3 A total of 17 teams, which included three female teams, participated in the competition.

The female team of Base Camp Stephenson edged its counterparts, and was adjudged the most outstanding female team.

The two-day competition saw the teams competitively manoeuvering several military disciplines, which included a six-mile run, obstacle crossing, falling plate shoot and target shoot.

According to the Coordinator of the competition, Base Adjutant Major, Joslyn Assanah, there was a marginal increase in some areas of the competition, while there were significant deficiencies in some disciplines.

Designed after a typical infantry patrol, the Quarterly Fitness Competition seeks to test the fitness levels of ranks, ratify the combat effectiveness of troops, and evaluate the ranks grasp of tactical doctrines and concepts.

In brief remarks following the competition, Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess extended congratulations to the winning teams and applauded the coordinators for the successful conduct of the competition.

He re-emphasised the importance of leadership by the team leaders and assistant leaders, noting that it serves as the “benchmark for the successful completion of tasks”.

Brigadier Bess went on to charge his ranks to train harder and foster camaraderie among themselves, which will contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Force in the execution of its tasks and duties.

He also reiterated calls to unvaccinated ranks to get up to speed and joined the Force’s efforts in the fight against COVID 19. “I am imploring you to get vaccinated. Protect yourselves and your families,” he charged.

The first place male team received a monetary prize, medal and trophy while the other winning teams were awarded with trophies and medals.

Saturday June 05, 2021 – 13:00hrs - 14:30hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

99 COVID-19 deaths recorded for May; country’s overall total is 403

THE announcement of two more COVID-19 deaths for the month of May has increased that month’s documented toll from 97 to 99.

Those persons are two females: a 71-year-old of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), who died on May 27, and a 36-year-old from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), who died on May 26. The fifth person to die in June is a female, aged 75 from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), who succumbed on Wednesday.

They all died while receiving medical care at Ministry of Health institutions, and their deaths take the country’s overall total to 403.

In the meantime, 83 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded from 1,512 tests conducted for Thursday, June 3, 2021.

Of those, Region One (Barima-Waini) recorded eight; Region Three, seven; Region Four, 40; Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), two; Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), seven; Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), 15, and Region 10, four.

The newly infected persons include 34 males and

49 females.

To date, there are 17 persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 105 in institutional isolation, 1,772 in home isolation, and six in institutional quarantine.

Guyana has confirmed 17,459 cases of COVID-19 since its discovery here in March 2020; 1,900 of which are currently active.

Eighty-nine of the 15,162 overall recoveries were recorded within the past 24 hours.

All Guyanese are urged to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 emergency measures, which emphasise the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving home, the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others, and the need for good hand hygiene to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

If anyone you know is displaying any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19, or needs any additional information, kindly contact the COVID-19 Hotline on 231-1166, 226-7480 or 624-6674 immediately or visit the Ministry of Health at www.health. gov.gy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

AG files to ‘stay’ CJ’s Order on Parliamentary Secretaries

By Richard Bhainie

ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C., on Friday filed a Notice of Motion in the Court of Appeal, seeking an order to stay the effect of the orders and declarations granted by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, C.C.H, S.C., in the matter where she ruled that two Parliamentary Secretaries are not lawful members of the National Assembly.

In the matter, Opposition Chief Whip, Christopher Jones had filed an application in the High Court challenging the legality of the appointment of Sarah Brown and Vikash Ramkissoon, Parliamentary Secretaries of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, respectively, as members of the National Assembly.

A stay, in judicial proceedings, is a court order halting or suspending the proceeding, temporarily or indefinitely. If granted, the stay would effectively allow Brown and Ramkissoon to continue to sit as members of the National Assembly until the matter is completely adjudicated upon.

Subsequent to the Peoples Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) being allocated the majority of 32 seats in the National Assembly, based on the number of votes cast in their favour, Brown and Ramkissoon were not extracted from the list of candidates to become members of the National Assembly.

They were appointed members of the Twelfth Parliament of Guyana on September 15, 2020 by virtue of Article 186 of the

of the Court of Appeal in the Morian case, based on the legal doctrine of precedent, which mandates that lower courts are bound by those courts higher in the hierarchy, even when they do not

She explained that a member of the National Assembly who cannot vote is, by that very fact, a non-elected member, and can only have a seat or be a member by virtue of his or her appointment as a technocratic minister, or as a Parliamentary Secretary, while an elected member becomes a member by being extracted from the list of candidates.

In those circumstances, she ruled that seeing that Brown and Ramkissoon

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, S.C. Constitution, which provides that Parliamentary Secretaries may be appointed from among persons who are elected members of the National Assembly, or are qualified to be elected as such members.

Jones had contended that Brown and Ramkissoon cannot be appointed as non-elected Members of Parliament (MPs), since they were named on the PPP/C’s List of Candidates for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

His submissions to the High Court relied heavily on the decision in Desmond Morian v Attorney-General et anor [2015], in which Nandlall, at the time a member of the Opposition, had successfully argued that then Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, and Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix were unlawful members of the National Assembly.

The Chief Justice, on April 20, 2021, ruled in favour of Jones, given that she was bound by the decision

Sarah Brown agree with the higher courts.

In her ruling, she also noted that the issue in the matter does not pertain to holding seats in the National Assembly, but rather surrounds strictly membership of the National Assembly.

Vikash Ramkissoon

were not extracted from the list of candidates, they cannot become members of the National Assembly, other than by being appointed as non-elected ministers, or Parliamentary Secretaries, and they cannot be elected and non-elected members at the same time In an affidavit in support of the notice of motion, the Attorney-General’s Chambers Public Trustee and Official Receiver, attorney-at-law, Prithima Kissoon, posited that she is advised by the Attorney-General and do believe that the Chief Justice “erred and misdirected herself in law” by failing to appreciate that although there are similarities, there are also differences in the constitutional regime pertaining to the appointment of technocratic ministers vis-a-vis Parliamentary Secretaries.

Kissoon, to buttress her argument in favour of granting the stay, cited the precedent set by then Chief Justice Ian Chang, S.C. in the Morian case whereby, she highlights, that an appli-

cation for a stay of execution of the effect of the decision in the matter was granted “without hesitation” until the hearing and determination of the matter in the Appellate Court.

Kissoon highlighted that Brown and Ramkissoon have already been assigned “important constitutional parliamentary duties”, and that without a stay of the proceedings, they will be unable to discharge those duties, to the detriment of the public good, and that Jones will suffer no harm or prejudice if they continue to sit in the National Assembly.

Taking into consideration the listed circumstances, Kissoon prays that the Court grants the Orders prayed for in the motion, namely, the stay; that the Court of Appeal fixes an “early date” for the hearing and determination of the Notice of Motion; that the court dispense with all other formalities and procedural requirements and order an early date for case management and costs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

Tajeram Mohabir

Neighbourhood Democratic Councils EXPANDING the power, playbook, and professionalism of local government organs such as Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) serves to firm up democracy on the ground, networks the grassroots arena into a cohesive national interface between the governance structure and citizens, and opens a wide avenue for Guyanese to use their local government office as a platform to contribute individual talents, skills, ideas, and human resource assets to the nation.

The integrity of a democratic country comes wrapped up in citizen participation, not only in exercising their voting franchise to cast their ballots on elections day in free and fair elections, but also to contribute whatever positive, constructive effort, energy and enlightenment they could to the fruitful functioning of the Guyanese society, and to use their voices for the public good. Every hand on deck makes building the nation a smoother process.

The best platform for Guyanese to walk in off the street and add their value

and worth as interested and invested, empowered, free-thinking citizens to the nation is at their NDC front office. While central government looks after the macro picture, providing the big vision and national-policy paradigm for how the society works, and regional governments take care of a wide swath of collective communities, the NDC intimately interacts with Guyanese, directly and face-to-face, looking at only the one village or town, the one community — a singular focus.

This relationship offers much opportunity for authentic engagement, trust-building, and a two-way flow of heart-to-heart communication. Although ministers of the government, and even President Ali, spend a lot of time interfacing with ordinary citizens all across the country, managing a modern country is not an easy state of play. Ministers see much demand on their time and energy, which impacts on their ability to socialise and listen to every concern of every citizen. Yet, every Guyanese wants to be heard and understood, and to know that the system is open to their concerns.

The structure of the NDC system is a significant, important, and beautiful pathway for citizens to feel that they are vital in the overall schematic of how their country operates; that at any time they could show up at the doorstep of the local government office and become a powerful element in the unfolding of the democratic fabric as real socio-economic development happens; that they played their part with direct involvement.

Such interest from ordinary Guyanese in their communities would see citizens becoming deeply invested in their surroundings, standing up, for example, against anything that would damage the public good. NDCs are perfect conduit points between the powers that be in Parliament, and the people who work the land with dedicated toil, building homes and raising families, and holding down jobs and serving their country with patriotic hearts. NDCs offer the nation a golden gateway to connect with every Guyanese with openness and care for whatever is the individual concern, and to generate solutions that bring satisfaction,

goodwill, and community togetherness.

In other words, NDCs function as not just political organs of political parties, but as genuine citizen- engagement forums within the body politic, reaching out to the needs and concerns of every Guyanese. In fact, such a playground would cause local government elections to become an exciting showcase for whichever national political outfit shows more interest, intelligence, and integrity in taking care of the concerns of citizens, one-on-one and face-to-face, as voters would gravitate to the party of the NDC governments that demonstrated most care for their welfare. In evolving the ever-widening horizon of Guyana’s possibilities, the nation would do well to ensure that every Guyanese from every corner of their country could play a direct role in cultivating a national playbook of confident engagement, individual empowerment, and enlightening involvement in the development process.

The NDC structure offers the perfect platform for such citizen participation.

Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers must go! (Part 2) Dear Editor, I RECALL when the Ethnic Relations Commission met with Commonwealth Observers, I had my say, and some expressed their fears about what might happen. I recall defending my country after telling them that Guyana is more advanced, has high intellect and wisdom, and I am confident that regardless of the outcome, there will be no outbreak of violence, and that I have faith in the citizens of my country.

But then we all witnessed the amount of restlessness Mr. Lowenfield, Mr. Mingo, and Ms. Myers caused us. My words fell flat. They literally played us for five months!

They caused heartbreak, angst, and misery to the people of Guyana. Mr. Mingo, the Returning Officer for Region Four, was a brilliant actor, feigning illness shortly after getting

a phone call.

After coping with 28 years of elections fraud, there was clear evidence that Mr. Mingo, Mr. Lowenfield, and Ms. Myers were conspiring with others to steal the elections yet again. Their actions made us a mockery of the entire world and in Guyana; it broke our hearts to think that we would end up like in the late 1960s and early 1990s. It pained to know that Guyana had once again become a joke in terms of democracy, rule of law, and respect for the people’s right to vote.

Then there was the recount, in which, after much turmoil and anguish, case after case, charges and attacks on specific personalities, including yours truly, were levelled. I recall men like Captain Gerry Gouveia, one of Guyana’s democratic heroes, and Mr. Kit Nascimento, who stood as titans of democracy in this country. Mr. Neaz

Subhan, my colleague, was extremely calm. However, you could tell from his powerful demeanor that he was agitated and that he would act in a manner best suited to his personality.

The entire situation on the 4th, 5th, and 6th drove me to establish the RK’s Guyana Free Media social platform, which broadcasted the realities of what was going on to the rest of the world. My messages, readings, and remarks spread like wildfire over the world. According to reports, President Trump, members of Congress, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean were all tuning in to RK’s Guyana Free Media on YouTube and Facebook to keep up with the latest developments.

I recall my own security guards stationed at the Arthur Chung Centre being sent out in the rains and severe thunderstorms at 11 p.m. by a suspect, Deputy Commissioner in fact,

without even informing us.

Such were the conspiracies to destroy voting boxes and prevent the rightful winners from embracing their victory. I recall the vanguards of democracy, volunteered citizens, etc. who would gather at the Arthur Chung Centre and circle the area, from Giftland Mall all the way around, climb posts, and set up cameras to monitor the containers with the ballot boxes. The games we saw with blackouts when the recount was to commence, and then the then Minister of Health wanted to do some sort of spraying late at night to delay/ prevent the count from proceeding. We all knew these shenanigans were to create time for mischief.

Overall, Mr. Lowenfield was utilising his ex-military so-called warlord in an attempt to disrupt the reality of the vote of the people.

I recall after five months of pain, the economy had been exhausted.

Businesses were trembling,

businesspeople were unable to meet their tax and debt obligations, workers were not paid on time and were frequently laid off; all of this was occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was like rubbing salt in fresh wounds.

Despite these selfish individuals, I recognise the many patriots who fought for the count and the recounts. The vanguards of democracy! They spent many sleepless nights watching the ballot boxes at the Ashmins Building and the Arthur Chung Centre while tricks and games were being played to manipulate the boxes and destroy the ballots.

There is so much more that could be written by me, Haji Dr. Roshan Khan, but in the end, the righteous won. Satan’s worshipers had to be exposed and put in their place, for which they still have to answer to God. Many say that it appears that they have already started to do

so.

Guyana has been embroiled in a time of national disgrace as a result of these three individuals and their tyrants. For this, I believe they should face the maximum penalty allowed by the law in this country.

In the end, I am relieved that Former President, David Arthur Granger, turned over the keys of power to the PPP/C after the head of GECOM, Justice Claudette Singh, declared the PPP/C winner in the 2020 elections.

But when he did, the damage was already done. To this day, we remember! You have squandered your legacy, Mr. David Arthur Granger.

Let the wheels of justice churn and let us see Lowenfield and his team face severe prison time to send a serious message to would-be manipulators of the people’s choice to exercise their franchise.

Yours sincerely, Haji Dr. Roshan Khan Snr.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

Relief pours in for flood-affected hinterland communities

By Naomi Parris

STILL grappling with the effects of persistent rains and high water levels, several hinterland communities remain inundated, with these conditions becoming worrisome for farmers.

In an update on Friday, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai said that several farms within a number of hinterland communities are currently under water, leaving many counting their losses.

The minister, who has been in the field distributing hampers and flood relief packages to residents, said: “The response of the government, of course, is to first secure people, and make sure that they are safe, providing support in terms of foodstuff, and ensuring, health-wise, that there is no outbreak of water-borne diseases from the aftermath of the flooding.”

At the time of the interview, Minister Sukhai could not put a number as to how many hinterland communities or farms are

affected, since she is still receiving reports from the various regional authorities.

However, she noted that not many reports have been made about homes being damaged, but that rather it is the farmlands and savannahs that have been gravely affected, thereby disrupting livelihoods.

“Farmlands and crops are under water, and the retainment of water on the ground has affected cassava crops a lot. So, some people, like in Region Nine, are trying to take out from the ground as much as they can,” Minister Sukhai said, adding that the farms have been affected both from the rainfall and the rising water of the rivers.

She also disclosed that in some areas, flood waters have completed covered all access roads into communities, but efforts are still being made to ensure that all residents are safe and secure during the wet season.

move to higher ground, as the regional authorities continue to assess the situation across the region.

“These historic high tides, coupled with the unrelenting rainfall have affected many hard-working families, businesses, farmlands and houses, and as Chairman, I vow to use every method available to assist our citizens in these difficult times. I’m also advising our stressed and strained residents to follow the urgent CDC guidelines; seek high ground, and be cognisant that mudslides are imminent in certain areas,” Williams said In Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), several relief hampers have been delivered to flood-affected residents at Parikwarinawa Village in Central Rupununi.

Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock, along with other regional authorities delivered the hampers that were received from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Flood assessment and farm visits were also con-

ducted in the North Rupununi Sub-District Valley by staff of the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

In Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), the CDC is working with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to provide flood-response support.

CDC Preparedness and Response Manager, Major Salim October; Regional Executive Officer, Peter Ramotar and others recently met to discuss ways of providing support.

Major October disclosed that given the difficulty accessing communities in the North Pakaraimas, arrangements are being put in place to acquire air transportation.

Food and cleaning hampers are expected to be distributed to residents across the region who are severely affected by the floods.

They are also expected to be evacuated from their homes to shelters.

who will be affected by the downsizing of operations will be paid in accordance with the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. Hamilton said the company explained that the termination was unavoidable due to circumstances at the company with being able to carry out mining at its various pits.

“They are delayed in the geotechnical work that has to do with the new location.

The new location primarily they will be doing a lot of underground mining. So, all Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, (left), meeting with representatives of Troy the details, the testing, all the issues have not concludResources (Ministry of Labour photo) ed, so they properly cannot The terminations will operations in December and of the possibility for move there. Secondly, they be the second of its kind 2019 and began rehiring the terminated staff to be have plans also in the short for the company in less employees. rehired upon the compa- term to extend the Hicks than two years. Some 227 “Presently, they have ny’s resumption of normal mining area. They said the employees had been ter- over 300 employees, about operations. testing has proven that they minated in October 2019 70 to 80 of the 300 odd “They couldn’t give have some minerals there, so when the company had would be retained during a deadline as to when all they have to extend that in suspended operations fol- the [current termination] of these issues would be lowing the on-site death of process which would in- resolved. I asked if they Ryan Taylor, who was an clude security personnel talking about a year’s time; employee at the time. and the 15 office staff who they said they don’t want That suspension had run the Georgetown office,” to commit themselves. The compounded the compa- the minister explained.

CEO for the company is ny’s already fragile finanJoining Hamilton at Fri- supposed to be here on cial state, as it has been day’s meeting was Acting Wednesday and they would plagued with financial is- Chief Labour Officer Mi- be a better position at that sues over the years, and chelle Baburam. Hamil- time to give me answers to has had problems meeting ton said he questioned the some of the questions I was production targets. Fol- company’s representatives asking,” Hamilton stated. lowing the suspension, the about how long they expect At the meeting it was company had later resumed to remain out of operation, also outlined that workers

the short-term. So those are the issues,” Hamilton said.

Efforts made to contact Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, for a comment on the situation proved futile.

Troy Resources is one of several foreign-owned, large-scale gold-mining companies operating in Guyana.

Troy Resources began operations here in 2013 after buying over Pharsalus Gold. According to the company, it initially spent approximately US$76 million on plant and equipment, plus construction of the processing plant and mine development before starting production in 2015.

Since beginning operations, the company says it has developed a total of 10 open mines, two underground mines and four processing plants.

A resident maneuvering through flood waters in North Rupununi Sub-District Valley over 300 food hampers, RELIEF and distribution will begin Meanwhile, Region shortly,” Williams said, Seven Chairman, Ken- adding: “I am asking that neth Williams, in a sepa- residents understand that rate interview, disclosed the Regional Democratic that some 300 hampers Council has been working will be distributed to tirelessly with the CDC residents in the Cuyuni- to assess the current situMazaruni region who are ation, and bring relief to severely affected by the hardest-hit residents.” floods.

In the meantime, Wil“We have just received liams urged residents to

Troy Resources to lay off over 200 employees AUSTRALIAN-OWNED gold-mining company Troy Resources is scheduled to terminate over 200 workers, with some having already been laid off due to the downsizing of operations at its Karouni Gold Mine in Region Seven.

The layoffs are said to be due to the company not yet being fully prepared to begin mining at this underground pit, among other technical issues.

Representatives from the company met with Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton on Friday at his Brickdam Office, where it was explained that the company is expected to retain a skeleton staff of approximately 70 to 80 of the more than 300 employees.

“As I understand it, they have already started the layoffs. In the first instance, based on what they said [Friday] morning, they laid off a certain amount of persons and now they have to lay off more persons because they are delayed in moving to the other location where they are supposed to be doing underground mining,” the minister explained during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle after the meeting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

Board tasked with addressing shortcomings of Fire Service

By Richard Bhainie

HOME Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, while delivering an address to the Fire Advisory Board on Wednesday registered his concern about the Guyana Fire Service.

The minister was

at the time briefing the Fire Advisory Board on many issues within the fire service, which he described as “deficits”, and charged it “to become aware, engaged and assertive in identifying and addressing these deficits”.

Benn registered seri-

Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn (seated third left) and members of the Fire Advisory Board (Elvin Croker photo) ous concern as it relates to assets of the Fire Ser-

vice being destroyed due to a lack of maintenance

and other reasons, and failure of the service to make “effective use” of the assets. He highlighted that there exists an issue of “proper strategic management” as it pertains to assets of the Fire Service.

“There is an expectation, perhaps, that every couple years we will buy new fire trucks at $90M each, but if you take the trouble to walk to the fire stations, you will see assets there which have come and have not been used properly, which could be restored and put back into service,” Benn said.

To buttress his claims, the minister referenced a recent visit he made to the West Ruimveldt Fire Station at Lot 18 Cactus Street & Ebenezer Drive, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, on Sunday last, where he witnessed many of the issues first-hand.

The Home Affairs Minister also complained bitterly about the training firefighting personnel undergoes, as well as their engagement in firefighting, noting that there is a “serious deficit” there as well.

Additionally, he highlighted the lack of proper equipment, and where the equipment exists, that lack of effective use thereof.

Benn informed the board of a fire at Montrose, East Coast Demerara, which he visited, and witnessed the Fire Service in action. He explained that the blaze erupted at approximately 1:00hrs, and he arrived at the scene at approximately 2:30hrs, however, by that time the fire tenders would have already exhausted their water.

“I was talking with distressed residents and somebody said they [the fire service] were going for more water, and I said okay the Montrose pump station is just over there, barely a 1,000 feet away, but the trucks came back all the way to Georgetown and didn’t reappear for two hours, and there is a big lake in front of the Montrose pump” Benn said.

He added: “The Fire Service has to pay some attention to its people, lifting their morale and the confidence which they supposed to aspire to; they have to wear their uniforms and protective gear they are supposed to have, they have to be able to go in and attack a fire with safety of course, with breathing apparatus on, so they could get the job done,” Benn said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

Republic Bank urged to form employee welfare committees – after complaints of non-payment for ‘extra’ work

MINISTER of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, on Friday, sought to impress upon representatives of the Republic Bank Limited (RBL), the need for the formation of employee welfare committees, following the ministry’s receipt of an anonymous letter from an employee.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Hamilton said the employee complained about not being appropriately compensated for extra work that is being done.

Hamilton said the bank’s representatives, during a meeting held earlier in the day, confirmed the contents of the letter and explained that employees were expected to be retroactively compensated by November, 2021.

“I have a letter that came to me making some specific allegations that concerns anonymous employees who had issues about promotion and issues that they’re doing

work that is more technical and they are yet to be paid.

So, I wanted to have a conversation with Republic Bank,” Minister Hamilton said.

“They clarified that some of the issues in the letter were factual issues, but they’re saying it has to do with the upgrading of their IT issues and some people will have to be reassigned. They’re saying that by the end of November all of these matters will be resolved and clarified and all the retroactive payments that they have for employees, they will honour those obligations.”

Hamilton noted that he subsequently spoke to the representatives about the company’s mechanism for employees to report grievances. He noted that while the company said that there is a procedure in place, he reminded them of the legal requirement for employee welfare committees.

“I sought to say to them

there is a usefulness in having a workers representative or organisation. They don’t have one, they have a procedure up the chain for if you have a grievance as an employee, which to me those things don’t work. You need some statutory arrangement whereby once a month, the workers’ representatives shall engage management.

I said to them it’s a good business practice,” Hamilton said.

The minister added: “About on-the-spot at every branch you have some subset of worker representative organisation that can intercede on behalf of staff.

The fact that people anonymously wrote me, it means that whatever procedure they have isn’t working or the workers don’t believe in it or trust it and that’s why they reached out to me.”

Up to press time, Republic Bank had not responded to this publication’s email seeking a comment.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton

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$650M in contracts awarded for infrastructural works

THE Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, on Friday, signed 10 contracts valued over $650 million for infrastructural works across several regions.

During a simple ceremony at the ministry’s boardroom, subject minister Nigel Dharamlall said the projects will benefit citizens and open doors for small and medium scale contractors.

“One of the things that our Government has been adamant in ensuring is that we share a lot of the work, quite unlike what has happened in the past, when just a handful of people were part of the contractor’s database.

“So now, we are trying to get as many persons as possible involved; in that way we believe too that the resources will be spread around and when the re-

sources are spread around the corresponding impact on employment is going to be enhanced.”

The Ministry’s Engineering and Sanitation units will be monitoring the projects to ensure value for money and a timely completion.

Minister Dharamlall said the ministry will soon sign more contracts to start developmental works to meet the needs of residents

Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Permanent Secretary, Prema Ramanah-Roopnarine (left); Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall (centre) and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud (right) look on as a contractor sign his contract and the wider country.

Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Anand Persaud, said the Government will hold contractors accountable to ensure quality work is delivered.

“At a Government level, we are very particular about the quality of work that we expect from you.

We have made mention in the past not only from this ministry but from Ministry of Public Works, shady works contractors will be

blacklisted,” he said.

The contracts included the rehabilitation of five NDC buildings at Leguan ($11.9 million) in Region Three; Black Bush Polder ($5.3 million) in Region Six; Canefield/Enterprise ($5.4 million) in Region Six, No. 52/74 Village ($4 million) in Region Six and Aberdeen Zorg-en-Vlugt ($8 million) in Region Two. Under the Solid Waste Management Programme, contracts were inked for the operation of Esplanade Park ($48.3 million) in Region

Six; Byderabo ($38.5 million) in Region Seven and the Haags Bosch Municipal Landfill Site. Internal access roads at Haags Bosch-Phase III will also be rehabilitated at a cost of $120 million, and phase II of a leachate treatment facility there at a cost of $78.7 million. It also includes the operation services at the Haags Bosch Landfill for $329.4 million.

The ministry was allocated $1.1 billion in the 2021 national budget to tackle the country’s refuse problem. (DPI)

Langevine’s dream of attending Stanford University becoming a reality PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Friday promised to support Sherlock Junior Langevine’s dream of attending Stanford University by offsetting whatever additional expenses the scholarship awardee may have.

Guyana’s fourth-best performer at the 2019-2020 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) was accepted by Stanford on a US$324,000 scholarship, but there is a financial gap that needs to be filled before he can commence his studies.

The scholarship for the 19-year-old St. Stanislaus College alumnus covers 95 per cent of the cost of his attendance at the university.

Earlier this week, through public support, Langevine was able to raise additional

funds to offset some of his expenses.

During the meeting, the Head of State congratulated the teenager on his accomplishments, and promised to support his academic goals at the US university.

“Congratulations on your accomplishments. We wish you well, and we are proud not only about your accomplishments, but proud about your vision and commitment to your future development.

We have learnt about the gap, and we want to ensure you have the resources to complete your studies…. We want to support you in this,” President Ali said.

Following a brief interaction with the President, Langevine, who hails from Victoria, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), expressed gratitude to the Head of State

for his commitment and generosity.

“He is actually quite nice; it was very generous (of the President), and I know he is more or less going to stick to his word. I am very excited that I will be able to afford my undergrad education,” Langevine said.

He further explained that for him, it is a dream come true to be able to attend the prestigious Stanford University, and he also took the opportunity to say how gracious the university has been with its financial aid.

Langevine secured 11 Grade Ones and seven Grade Twos at CAPE. Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag and the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues were also at State House for the visit.

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No one should endure indignity, exploitation

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–– Minister Persaud tells TIP training session for GDF members

BEING frontline workers who may likely come into contact with victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIP), the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security wants members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to be able to understand the scourge and how they can effectively respond to it.

To this end, the min-

borders, and the persons who defend its territorial integrity.

“You we depend on to protect us,” Samuels said, noting that this is the reason the ministry has chosen to boost the capacity of the GDF in TIP training. An active involvement by all stakeholders, she pointed out, is what is needed to treat the scourge.

The GDF, more than any

Members of the GDF during the TIP training exercise istry has ramped up training for the GDF through its Counter-TIP Unit in a two-day exercise that will conclude today. Through it, participants are able to gain a clear understanding of the Anti-TIP laws in Guyana, and are being trained how to identify and respond to cases of human trafficking.

Minister Vindhya Persaud has said that her ministry is intensifying its focus on TIP, and will be expanding its training programmes to include persons who may come in contact with TIP, so that they can recognise it and report it.

“TIP is akin to modern-day slavery, and no one should have to endure the indignity and exploitation it brings with it. We work with survivors, and will be moving soon to a public awareness drive to encourage everyone to recognise and report it, to save persons and allow us to curb the scourge of trafficking. It has no place in a world of freedom and rights and compassion,” Minister Persaud expressed.

Deputy Director of Social Services, Abike Samuels, addressing the participants at the opening session, reminded them that they are the guardians of the country’s

other institution, has multiple roles, and must be fully flexible and integrated. With the requisite knowledge, the members will be able to help those affected to get the assistance they need.

Annually, significant resources are devoted to the TIP fight, which includes training frontline personnel to identify trafficking victims, collecting and reporting detailed information on suspected cases of trafficking, conducting undercover operations in establishments thought to be fronts for TIP, providing support for victims of trafficking, and repatriating victims who are found to be trafficked in the Caribbean.

“The ministry continues to be committed to leveraging every resource available to confront this threat, to support the victims and hold the traffickers accountable.

We have made tremendous strides in eradicating the criminal network and to help victims rebuild their lives,” Samuels observed.

Probation and Social Services Officer, TIP Unit, Deneise Ralph offered that the training will equip the GDF with the knowledge and skills they need to do something about TIP. “You’re

frontline officers, and you’ll interface with potential victims of trafficking and in so doing, you’ll be able to help.

Maybe you might be that per-

son’s only hope of escaping from the traffickers,” she told the participants.

A representative of the GDF expressed gratitude

to the ministry for organising the training sessions that serve as opportunities for sharing and discussing ways of combatting TIP.

Deputy Director of Social Services Abike Samuels

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Retrenchment of GWI workers not politically, racially driven – Minister Croal MINISTER of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, said the retrenchment of workers at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is neither racially nor politically driven.

The minister was, at the time, responding to reports that the GWI is targeting persons of a particular race for retrenchment.

“The issue of retrenchment of workers has nothing to do with politics or in terms of race, it is simply to improve the efficiency and performance at GWI,” he said on the side-lines of an event on Thursday.

On Monday, the GWI issued termination letters to 76 employees effective June 30. The 76 employees are among 157 persons who are listed to be sent off as part of GWI’s restructuring plans and rationalisation of the establishment’s staffing.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

In response, Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, said there were no improvements in the company’s efficiency even with an increase of some 700 workers over the last five years.

She said when the government took office in August last year it found 627

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal Minister Croal explained that employment at the company had more than doubled over the past five years, rising from 600 employees in 2015 to 1,380 in 2020. This, he said, represents a 125 per cent increase during that period.

He said all due processes were followed in keeping with the Laws of Guyana which includes engagements at the level of the GWI’s Board of Directions and the union, which represents the workers.

Minister Croal also said the GWI plans to engage the Ministry of Labour as well as the private sector in an effort to secure jobs for those workers.

Meanwhile, the former CEO, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, claimed that the company had to increase its staff complement in order to improve productivity.

major leaks reported countrywide. That has been reduced to three to date. Minor leaks in August 2020 were 8,000, today it is just over 100.

Additionally, outstanding new applications were over 5,000 and today, it has been reduced to 500.

“So, where is the effec-

tiveness or efficiency that Van-West Charles was talking about?” she asked.

Minister Rodrigues said the employees who are being terminated were hired as mostly customer service representatives and clerks.

“We are satisfied that the staff complement that we have remaining will be

able to do an effective job, will be able to serve our customers to a level in which we are satisfied without putting financial burden on the company.”

The GWI’s employment costs had also more than doubled, increasing from $96 million to $240 million in 2020. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

Paul Slowe a no-show at second court hearing

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus is expected to preside over the trial against Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Paul Slowe, along with eight other current and retired senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), for an alleged conspiracy to defraud the force of some $10M. Also charged are former Assistant Commissioner of Police Slowe; retired Assistant Commissioner, Clinton Conway; current Assistant Commissioner, Royston Andries-Junor; Assistant Commissioner, Claude Whittaker; Senior Superintendent, George Fraser; Superintendent, Mark Gilbert; Assistant Superintendent, Marlon Kellman; Woman Senior Superintendent, Marcelene Washington, and retired Senior Superintendent, Michael Sutton.

On Thursday, the case was called before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Slowe and Washington were once again absent since they are currently out of the jurisdiction.

The prosecutor handling the case made an application for summary disposal so as

to allow the defendants to plead to the indictment. The Chief Magistrate has set June 23, for the defence to reply to that request.

The Chief Magistrate also transferred the case to the Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus.

The particulars of the charge allege that Slowe, Conway, Whittaker, Fraser, Gilbert, Andries-Junor, Washington, Sutton and Kellman, between March 1, 2019 and July 7, 2020, at the GPF Headquarters, conspired to defraud the Force of $10,056,000 by paying Slowe, Conway, Whittaker, Fraser and Gilbert, the said sum, without complying with the proper procedures.

They were not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge, and were released on $100,000 bail each. Slowe and Washington did not appear to answer to the charge, as they are presently not within the jurisdiction.

The charge was laid after an investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) revealed that former Commissioner of Police, Lesie James, unilaterally hired Conway, Whittaker, Gilbert and Fraser, all former

GPF officers, to conduct a complete revision of the force’s Standing Orders in March 2019.

SOCU is alleging that James made no contractual agreements, with specifications, of what was to be revised, and the terms of payments, and that neither did he prepare a budget for the service that was being rendered.

Further, SOCU posits that seeing that the payment was in excess of $10M, it should have been budgeted for, and sent to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for approval; however, James never sought nor received approval from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Security nor the NPTAB. SOCU is contending that the same Standing Orders James hired the ex-officers to revise had already been revised “by highly qualified and competent policy analysts” of the Strategic Planning Unit of the GPF. It was also discovered during the said SOCU investigation that while the enormous sum of money was paid to the former police officers, they are yet to provide the force

with a completed revised Standing Order.

The probe found that from March 2019, payment accounts were prepared upon the instruction of

then Head of the Strategic Planning Unit (SPU), Assistant Commissioner Royston Andries-Junor, and when he was transferred to the force’s Public

Relations Department in November 2019, he allegedly instructed his successor to continue making the payments, which was done until February 2020.

Man accused of having cocaine in luggage remanded ADYEMI Dumisani Hinds, who was allegedly caught with three pounds of cocaine hidden in the bottom of his hand luggage at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), was, on Thursday, remanded to prison on a drug-trafficking charge.

Hinds of Iguana Drive, North Ruimveldt, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond/ Grove Magistrate’s Court and denied that on June 1, 2021, at Timehri, he had 1.520 kilograms of cocaine in his possession for the pur-

pose of trafficking.

Magistrate Latchman remanded Hinds to prison until June 29, 2021.

According to reports, on the day in question, Hinds was an outgoing passenger scheduled to leave for the United States on a JetBlue flight.

It is alleged that Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks at the airport pulled Hinds’ small, black hand luggage at the screening point based on suspicion.

A probe of the luggage revealed a white powdery substance, suspected at the

Adyemi Dumisani Hinds time to be cocaine. Hinds was arrested and taken to the CANU’s headquarters, where the substance which was located at the bottom of the luggage was examined.

The substance was tested and the results revealed that it was cocaine.

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Donations pour in for flood-affected Region 2 residents

By Indrawattie Natram

THE owner of Big Bird and Sons Fish Port Complex, Kumar Lallbacchan, on Thursday, presented a $500,000 cheque to the Region Two administration as part of his contribution towards flood-relief efforts.

Many parts of the region, particularly Amerindian villages and communities in the Upper and Lower Pomeroon River, have been severely affected by recent flooding caused by heavy rainfall and high tides. Though the water has receded from communities along the Essequibo Coast and is slowly receding in

the inland areas, farmers and house owners have suffered millions of dollars in losses.

Lallbacchan handed over the cheque to Regional Executive Officer (REO) Devanand Ramdatt during a simple ceremony held at his Charity business place.

Ramdatt, in brief remarks, thanked the businessman for the timely donation. He said the money will be used to purchase additional food items for the region’s flood-affected residents.

Subsequently, Lallbacchan said after reading of the impacts caused by the heavy rainfall and high tides in the Pomeroon

Owner of G and P Jaigobin Supermarket, Ganesh Jaigobin, presenting 25 hampers to representative of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Haimraj Hamandeo River, he was propelled to assist. He said although located on the coast, he has many customers in that part of the region. The businessman emphasised that he was happy to extend a helping hand to those affected by this crisis, adding that he looks forward to partnering with the regional administration in other areas.

Meanwhile, owner of G and P Jaigobin and Son, Ganesh Jaigobin, donated 25 food hampers to the region for the people of the Pomeroon River. Jaigobin

presented the hampers to Ramdatt at the business’ bond located at Anna Regina, on Thursday.

He too said that he was happy to contribute to such a worthy cause and later expressed hope that it helps those who are affected by the flooding.

Additionally, residents and other businesses have also made donations to the region. The Singh’s family donated a quantity of flour and chowmein. Roshanie Singh, who made the presentation on behalf of the

family, said she was delighted to be assisting her fellow Essequibians.

A quantity of rice was also donated by Imam Bacchus and Sons while Bibi Zarida Dyal, a single mother, was the first person to come forward and make a donation to the region.

Ramdatt, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, extended gratitude to the various donors and said the regional administration is thankful and looks forward to future collaborations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

GTT launches WhatsApp billing for postpaid customers –– company continues to look at new innovative ways to better serve Guyana

POSTPAID customers of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) can now opt to conveniently receive their monthly billing invoices via WhatsApp. According to a release, GTT’s Product Marketing Coordinator, Diangelly Singh, explained that the company has been working on new ways to provide customers with even more convenience to access their bills on time

– and in their preferred format.

“Our increasingly innovative solutions around billing, counter the challenges that some customers may face in not receiving their bills on time, for a range of reasons. Appreciating this

challenge, the GTT team is committed to offering ongoing ease and billing access to our customers, and we hope that this new platform will prove helpful,” she said.

Through this development, GTT customers can access their DSL, Blaze, Landline and mobile bills immediately after it is available on their mobile phones via the WhatsApp medium.

Singh further noted that in order to receive

the bill via WhatsApp, customers must update their contact information with the company via gtt. gy/update5 “No matter what network you are on, once you register to receive the postpaid bill through this medium, we will ensure

you receive your bill on time,” Singh reassured.

Only recently, GTT launched a new and improved MyGTT app that allows customers the convenience of accessing all their bills at the same time among other new features.

“Options to ensure

on-time billing and payments abound,” added Singh, noting that should customers need assistance in accessing the MyGTT app or establishing WhatsApp billing, they can simply contact GTT at 0488 or live chat for guidance.

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Educate rather than compel workers to get vaccinated –– FITUG tells private sector employers

THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has called on employers in the private sector to educate their employees about the COVID-19 vaccines rather

than compel them to take it, urging that such practise must cease forthwith.

According to the umbrella trade union body, no country, globally, has made it mandatory for citizens to

receive COVID-19 vaccination.

“Therefore, we find it disconcerting that it is touted that some employers have decided to take it upon themselves to make COVID-19

vaccination mandatory for their employees. We urge that if such practices exist that they be abandoned and if such thoughts are harboured, persons minds be disabused.

The federation remains open to collaborating with bona fide and legitimate actors in our society to advance the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in our country in a manner that respects the rights and choices of all Guyanese,” the release said.

It was brought to the union’s attention that some

private sector enterprises have been denying employees work opportunities unless they have received the COVID-19 vaccines.

FITUG however, said it recognises and appreciates the efforts of employers to encourage and plead with their workers to get vaccinated against the virus and has been encouraging its affiliates to do the same.

“We hold, like our colleagues in the private sector, vaccines play a critical role in assisting us to exit the

pandemic. Though supportive of efforts for all Guyanese to be vaccinated, the FITUG draws the line where workers are apparently denied work for making a personal choice.

We contend that such thoughts and efforts run counter to the vaccination thrust.

Many Guyanese are responsible and respond to logical, cogent arguments. And we urge such measures be pursued,” the release concluded.

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$14M primary school for Rupertee

A FOURTEEN million primary school will soon be established in Rupertee village, Region Nine, in keeping with the government’s commitment to providing access to primary education in hinterland communities.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, made the disclosure to residents during his recent outreach to the region.

“Rupertee will finally have a primary school and we intend to start the infrastructural works this year. By this time next year, your children will no

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall longer need to walk far to go to school,” he said.

In 2019, residents lobbied the former govern-

ment for a primary school to address the challenges children face in accessing education. Children currently attend the Annai Primary School, some three miles away.

The minister gave assurances that the school will enable a conducive learning environment for students. Further, villagers will be employed by the project, in an effort to fulfil the government’s promise to create jobs for citizens.

Senior Councillor, Suresh Andries, thanked the government for the intervention, noting that

Boat captain pleads not guilty to manslaughter A THIRTY-NINE-yearold boat captain, who was charged with manslaughter following a deadly boat collision in 2016, on Wednesday, entered a not guilty plea when he appeared in the Suddie High Court.

Tyrone Da Silva of Grant Lower, Pomeroon River, who was arraigned before Justice Navindra Singh, denied that on August 31, 2016, in the county of Esse-

quibo, he unlawfully killed 28-year-old Ryan DeFreitas.

The State is being represented by prosecutor Tiffini Lyken while attorney-at-law Lachmi Dindayal is on record for the accused. A 12-member jury was emplaned to hear the case come June 8.

Reports reveal that DeFreitas was a passenger in a boat which was involved in a collision with DaSilva’s boat in the Lower Pomeroon River. DeFreitas was tossed

overboard as a result of the impact and his body was later fished out of the river.

According to reports, Da Silva was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident.

The results of the autopsy, which was conducted by Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, revealed that DeFreitas lost his life due to multiple injuries caused by collision.

“the school will help us a lot, especially the children who have to walk long and far. We had been waiting for this so long and now it is finally here.”

Andries also requested school crossing signs and

other road safety interventions to ensure students remain safe.

The Ministry of Education allocated some $10 million in its 2021 Budget for feasibility studies for the construction of new

schools in the hinterland and remote communities.

Minister, Priya Manickchand, said the move will ensure Guyana achieves universal nursery, primary and secondary education. (DPI)

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$200M set aside to build 50 core homes in Sophia

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has set aside $200 million for the construction of 50 core homes in Sophia, Georgetown, under the

Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme.

Another 119 persons will receive $59.5 million in home improvement subsidies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 5, 2021

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, made this announcement during his address at the signing ceremony of a $51 million contract for a modern recreational facility A section of the residents at Sophia in Section C, Sophia on find alignment with the Thursday. needs of the community.

Some $2 billion (US These consultations have $10 million) has been al- led to 75 residents being located under the Ade- employed directly with the quate Housing and Urban project since it started.

Accessibility Programme “As we seek to enhance for the construction of 250 the capacity of commucore homes and 2000 home nities, we have ensured improvement subsidies. that 30 per cent of labour “The Adequate Hous- required for any project ing and Urban Accessi- comes from the commubility Programme will im- nity itself,” Minister Croal prove housing conditions said. and access to critical infraSophia has also been structure, enhance mobility identified to benefit from and safety, and strengthen the recently launched the capacity to operate and Community Based Emmaintain urban services. ployment Stimulation ProjIn short, this programme ect, which seeks to create will make your community jobs within communities better,” he told residents. through the purchase of As the government concrete blocks from block move towards consolidat- makers within those coming existing schemes, Min- munities over the next five ister Croal said money has years. been allocated to finance The community will the Livelihood Restoration also benefit from the GuyPlan to address displace- ana Strategy for Informal ment due to infrastructural Settlement Prevention and projects in the community. Upgrade Project, which is To this end, he said 20 currently being prepared. persons from Sophia have The project will ensure qualified for cash enti- access to adequate, safe tlements – three for cash and affordable housing and crops and 17 for income basic services by 2030. It allowances. includes considerations for The ministry also pre- permanent settlements for sented four mobile units to informal settlers in Sophia. residents whose business “We consulted more operations were disman- than 100 stakeholders, intled or removed to facili- cluding residents from Sotate infrastructural works phia and very shortly field under the various projects work will begin. When this currently being implement- is completed, using the finded in Sophia. ings from the fieldwork and Further, 47 bridge re- the consultations, a strategy placements were done for will be devised that will persons whose bridges guide the government’s were similarly dismantled, approach to informal settleand three house lots allo- ments,” the minister said. cated to informal dwellers The initiatives form who had to be relocated part of the PPP/C Adfrom areas where projects ministration’s plans to are being executed. re-focus its attention on “For all of these activ- safeguarding the welfare ities, we have consulted of citizens by creating over 900 residents from sustainable communities.

Sophia, as we wanted to (DPI)

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