NO.005
WEEK ENDING AUGUST 3, 2018
AFRICAN, GUYANESE
PRIDE …thousands celebrate Emancipation in grand way at National Park
“Embrace education, agriculture and community” – President Granger urges in stirring Emancipation message 02 PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3,2,2018
African, Guyanese pride ...thousands celebrate Emancipation in grand way at National Park By Navendra Seoraj THE African culture has been ever present in Guyana and even continues to grow as the descendants of African slaves revolutionise and expand the culture which was once shackled by oppressors. That culture was displayed in the form of food, art, craft, music and much more on Wednesday when Guyanese, particularly the descendants of African slaves, celebrated 180 years since the abolition of slavery. Slavery, which was abolished on August 1, 1838, was known as the most egregious crime against humanity. Breaking the mental and physical confinement was no easy task for the people, but their struggles and success against the oppressors created an opportunity for not only Africans, but for other people to experience freedom. With freedom came opportunities for self-enrichment, enhancement and elevation, which have not slipped through the hands of the Afro-Guyanese who continue to rise and be proud of their culture. “Emancipation Day is an important moment, for it represented a new beginning for a people whose cultures and identities were forcefully interrupted,” said Christine Pilgrim, who joined thousands of Guyanese at the National Park on Wednesday. She believes that over the years, the culture has been accepted and expanded by persons across Guyana. The culture has not only been accepted by Afro-Guyanese, but by people of every race, creed and religion. This was evident
because persons of East Indian origin and even Indigenous people wore the traditional Dashiki and enjoyed popular African delicacies such as foo-foo, cook-up and so forth that were sold at the National Park. Persons were even more mesmerised by the different cultural presentations on the National Park tarmac. There were dances by a number of local dance groups. Those performances were accompanied by songs, skits and other cultural activities. “It is definitely a growing culture indeed,” said Andy Persaud, adding that the culture continues to be displayed by more groups and people every year. He said he did not intend attending the activity, but it was the aroma of the sumptuous food and the beats of the drums that encouraged him to stop in for a while. There were many other persons who had a similar experience but, whether coincidental or intentional, the turnout was massive. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said the organisers of the activity, the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), did an impressive job and should be complimented for the programme. He said ACDA has invested and continues to invest a lot into the new generation. This investment had made the African descendants more conscious about their roots and culture. “While we recognise the significance of observing 180 years after the abolition of slavery, we must also look ahead,” the prime minister said. The prime minister encouraged persons to look ahead,
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo seated alongside Attorney General Basil Williams and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes (Delano Williams photo)
One of the many cultural groups that did a unique performance at the National Park (Delano Williams photo)
as about 18 months from now the country will face the new prospects of the oil-and-gas industry. “It is not oppression, but it is a forward movement and we have to tell ourselves what it is this celebration means; it means retrospection, examination, but we will also do a prospective planning of where will we be in 18 months from now,” said Prime Minister Nagamootoo. As opposed to when the oppressors treated Africans as human cargo, the government is intent on dealing with persons as human capital to develop the human resources for the new oil-and-gas industry. “As I look around, there is a growing sense of African and Guyanese pride,” he said, adding that there is a heavy infusion of optimism about the new industry and in order to capitalise on the resources, they have to develop the human resources to move forward. Attorney General (AG), Basil Williams also spoke along the line of forward thinking, noting that President David Granger is a historian who will continue to respect and appreciate the celebration of Emancipation. He believes that the President will identify a new Emancipation Village in 2019. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, also acknowledged the importance of Emancipation Day, noting that it is not just for Afro-Guyanese, but for the entire Guyana. He too, explained that the sacrifice of the African ancestors was intense, but it made a huge difference by bringing about freedom for not just people of African origin, but also people from around the world.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs. Nagamootoo share a light moment with persons at the National Park (Delano Williams photo)
This young lady sports one of the many unique African outfits on Wednesday (Samuel Maughn photo)
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
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President David Granger addresses scores from the community of Beterverwagting on the eve of Emancipation Day (Samuel Maughn photo)
Shun idling, liming and drinking – embrace education, agriculture and community – President Granger urges in stirring Emancipation message By Lisa Hamilton AFTER winning the fight for Emancipation from slavery many decades ago, President David Granger on the eve of Emancipation Day challenged Guyanese to strive for “economic emancipation” by making use of the approaching oil wealth. The President was at the time speaking at Beterverwagting on Tuesday evening at a cultural evening organised by the Beterverwagting/Triumph 8th of May Movement to mark the 180th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery. Hundreds of Afro-Guyanese gathered in the compound and outskirts of the Beterverwagting Primary School to listen to the head of state’s wise advice on how they could build on the efforts of their predecessors. The President told the residents that while their ancestors fought 180 years ago for their legal emancipation, today, each Guyanese must now fight for “economic emancipation.” This, he said, includes making crime, poverty and disease “history” by building societies which possess a vision of the future, even as
He likened the master in the parable to Guyana’s ancestors; his servants to present-day Guyanese; the talents given as village lands, farmlands, schools and more and the Kingdom, he likened to the “good life.” “If you waste your talents, it will be taken away from you. If you don’t make use of the talents that your forefathers gave to you, you will be poor. They did not intend for you to be poor and destitute, they intended that you should
sage to the community that unproductive actions will not advance their community as villages in Guyana have, and always will, depend on the four pillars of the home, church, school and farm for prosperity. “Our lives will be determined by how we make our living. If we make our living by hanging around the corner, liming by the Guinness bar, we will be forever poor. But if we go into our farms, go into our workshops, into our
President David Granger receives a token of appreciation from a representative of the Beterverwagting/Triumph 8th of May Movement (Samuel Maughn photo)
Guyana approaches immense oil wealth. “This is the chance of a lifetime and you who are living today are witnessing the most transformative event in Guyana’s economic history, the coming of the petroleum industry. Don’t be sidelined, don’t be left behind, go to school, educate yourself, so you can prove to your grandchildren and future generations what your foreparents did for you,” he said. The President continued: “It is towards economic emancipation that we must
turn our efforts… there is, out there in the Atlantic, a powerful resource that belongs to all of us. It is not for foreigners, it’s not for strangers; it’s not for outsiders. It’s for you, your children and generations to come.” GUYANA DEPENDS ON VILLAGES In the village where Christians are in the majority, the President put forward the biblical ‘Parable of the Talents’ from the book of Matthew to make his petition clearer.
A choir of youngsters belt out notes during the cultural presentation segment at the Beterverwagting Primary School (Samuel Maughn photo)
Minister of Social Cohesion George Norton presents a book voucher along with a brand new bicycle to NGSA top student Krystal Duncan from the New Guyana School, who gained 523 marks (Samuel Maughn photo)
never be slaves again,” the President remarked. Later, he said: “What I ask you tonight is to think not about 180 years ago, but about the next 10 or 18 years when that mighty Atlantic starts to generate wealth for Guyana. I can do everything possible to make sure that the profits and benefits are equitable shares. But you, and your children, your sons and daughters, must be educated and must be empowered to make use of that new ‘talent’.” He relayed a candid mes-
schools, we’ll be able to have prosperity,” he advised. He added: “Most Guyanese live in villages, up to now, they come from villages. Most agriculture produce comes from the villages, without the villages we’d starve. My brothers and sisters, we must not allow our villages to degenerate into dormitories where every morning we catch the minibus and clear out [to the major towns] and every evening we come home to sleep. If that continues to happen, the village economy
will shrivel.” BE BETTER, DO BETTER Instead, he encouraged the attending residents to venture into self-employment through agro-processing and growing and selling their own produce. Even as several children from the village were honoured for their exceptional performance at the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, the head of state took the opportunity to urge the scores of parents present to ensure that every child in their village goes to school. He made this call, noting that the government will also continue to do its part to push for the same with its Boats, Buses and Bicycles initiative. “We have to put an end to ignorance. Not just the village movement, I want the whole village to embrace the need for education,” he said. At the function, where several cultural presentations came in the forms of dance, singing, poetry and drumming, the President said that every family must have a copy of the history of their village. As such, he committed to funding such an initiative should the village leaders show interest. “I would like to commit to the leaders, the members of the committee who organised this celebration, if you can put together the history of Beterverwagting I would pay to reprint that history, so that the little children in this village can have it,” he said. Beterverwagting, a Dutch name meaning ‘better expectation’, is one of the oldest villages in Guyana which was purchased in 1838 by 61 emancipated Africans.
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
TURNING POINT
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HE spotlight this week is on Guyana-China relations, as I wish to share my satisfaction that we have reached a new turning point in the all-round relations between our two friendly countries. Together with President Granger and several senior government ministers, I attended the simple but solemn ceremony at the Chinese Embassy on Friday last for the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), under what was described as the “Belt and Road Initiative.” In his remarks, Cui Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, described the event as an “historic turning point”, and as he said so, my mind raced into history at great events such as the Battle for Stalingrad (1945), the eve of the triumph of the Chinese Revolution (1948) and the patriotic, national liberation counter-offensive in Vietnam (1975), which were described in banner headlines (and later in books) as historic turning points. It may appear to be an over-dramatisation of the simple signing ceremony, but I am a super optimist that Guyana will not be the same again were we to realise what Vice-President and Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge described as “unplanned consumption” of the many tangible things in the MoU. The up-beat Chinese Ambassador captured it well when he stated that “Guyana has a great future.” DECLARATORY PRINCIPLES The inked document itself merely sets out the boundaries and rules of engagement, such as the declaratory principles, “areas of cooperation”, “settlement of differences” and the mandatory, termination provision, over which there could be no excitement. These are the usual legal and diplomatic
jargons for which lawyers get handsome fees! It may be necessary to go beyond the title of cooperation to look at the framework of the “Belt and Road Initiative” under which some $50 billion in development (grant/aid) projects could be accessed by countries such as Guyana. In the longer-run, we could be great, even if we get a small piece of the Chinese pie which is translated in its 2017-2021 profile into US$8 trillion in imports; $750 billion in investment abroad; and 700 million out-bound Chinese tourists. TARIFF WAR With the unilateral declaration by the United States of a so-called “tariff war” against China, there would be more than enough room on the shelves of Chinese shops for Guyana’s rice, wood, fish, shrimp, sugar and assorted fruits and vegetables (whole or as value-added products). With some 1.4 billion (1,400,000,000) people, there is no doubt that China could gobble down all of our rum and, of course, all of our gold!
With China reaching the status of a highly developed, prosperous state, Guyana could pursue some of the available transformative projects that could make us both green and great. These would include a modern airport and multiple-lane highways on the coast (now being completed), financing support in private-public partnership arrangements for bridges across the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers, Lethem-Linden-Georgetown highway and a fast train; deep-water Demerara/Berbice harbours; housing schemes and industrial parks that are self-sufficient with clean, renewable solar energy, and high-speed ICT connectivity. You may say, as John Lennon sang, that I am a dreamer; that none of that would ever happen. But times have changed. Guyana is no longer a mythical story of Cinderella wooing a rich prince, or the beggar maid before King Cophetua. ON CUSP OF FIRST OIL Guyana is on the cusp of harvesting first-oil, mere months away, with an untapped reservoir of black gold, estimated at 4 billion barrels. The eyes of the world are now fixed on Guyana, and we have enviable prospects for exponential development. Given the establishment of a Natural Resources Fund (our version of the Sovereign Wealth Fund) our development could be sustainable for future generations. Today we can look back at the visionary leadership in both the Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham eras, during hostile “cold war” situations, when Guyana defended its reliable and dependable friendship with the People’s Republic of China. In spite of which party had governed, Guyana maintained a “one China” policy. I am confident that this friendship would be consolidated under the coalition government of President Granger. The Chinese Association and the Guyana-China Friendship Society have also worked silently over the years to build cultural relations that not only maintain the bonds between Guyanese Chinese and their ancestral homeland, but promoted trade and business that have become a dominant feature of commerce and cuisines in Guyana. PRIDE IN SMALL ROLE Today, I feel pride, like so many others, in playing a small role both as a government minister and a practising attorney, to bring Guyana and China closer. It started with access by Guyanese to all-day CCTV programmes, training of Guyanese journalists and encouraging Chinese investment in Guyana. Instead of a garland for my modest efforts, I was maligned (as recently as in 2012) by the then government. The then Trade Minister Manzoor Nadir had falsely accused me of taking a bribe from the Chinese company that was involved in expansion work at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. I recall the Guyana Chronicle (17th October, 2012) reporting: “Nadir, holding a picture of Nagamootoo escorting a Chinese delegation from the company that won the bid for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project, dared the AFC member to challenge allegations of a $10M retainer he got in relation to representation in the particular project.” I had worked mostly pro bono for those and other Chinese investors whom I had welcomed to my home as friends. I know that one day my family and I could look forward to visiting China, where we have also proverbially built, as the old saying goes, “a home in every town.”
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
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Understanding Energy...
New estimates elevate
Guyana’s status
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AST week, ExxonMobil confirmed what outside sources have long been speculating—the total recoverable reserves in the Stabroek Block now exceed 4 billion barrels of oil equivalent, including natural gas and other petroleum liquids. This represents an 800-million-barrel increase from Exxon’s previous estimate, and new production figures suggest that Guyanese government revenues will reach well into the billions over the next decade. According to an Exxon press release, that increase “follows completion of testing at the Liza5 appraisal well, a discovery at Ranger, incorporation of the
eighth discovery, Longtail, into the Turbot area evaluation and completion of the Pacora discovery evaluation.” This is the largest and most comprehensive estimate released for the Stabroek area and includes all of Exxon’s confirmed discoveries to date. It’s important to note, though, that this does not include other blocks owned by other companies, or reserves that are believed to be present, but have not yet been actually discovered. Given the large number of successful wells in the Stabroek Block, Exxon announced that it could employ as many as five floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels to ex-
tract and process the oil. That would include the FPSO currently being built for the Liza Phase 1 development, the larger FPSO planned for the Liza Phase 2 project and up to three more vessels to serve the Payara and the more recent discoveries. More FPSOs is good news for Guyana. As Exxon country manager Rod Henson pointed out in an interview with OilNow, FPSOs represent long-term jobs. That’s because crewing, supporting, and supplying these vessels will continue long after the initial surge in contracts for construction and supplies that comes with one-time investments such as drilling wells and establishing
facilities. All together, these ships could produce as much as 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025, in line with previous estimates from Norwegian oil and gas research firm Rystad. Rystad also forecasted tens of billions in estimated government revenue as a result of this potential output level. The first two phases are already underway, with Liza Phase 1 currently in the well- drilling stage and Liza Phase 2 in the permitting and approval stage. The plans for a Payara Phase 3 and further developments, involving new fields in the Stabroek Block, are bolstered by news of the recent discoveries.
A production level of 750,000 barrels per day would place Guyana at the same output level as OPEC members such as Libya, according to reports from international media. In terms of reserve size, Guyana now ranks above established mid-level producers such as Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and on par with much larger regional competitors as Colombia. By the mid-2020s, Guyana will produce more barrels of oil per capita than any other nation, placing Guyanese in an excellent position for the future and making it even more important that revenues are handled carefully, transparently, and responsibly.
UN Agri agency commits $140M
for resilience building in agri sector
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HE Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved some $140Million (US$697, 183) for Guyana’s second Readiness Support for the agriculture sector. Head of the Office of Climate Change (OCC), Janelle Christian made the disclosure on Thursday. She said approval was received by the country’s National Designated Authority (NDA), Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in June. According to Christian, approval of this funding is a testimony to Guyana’s continued engagement with the GCF, which started two years ago. She explained that the idea for funding for the Agriculture sector was first advanced during a regional workshop hosted by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN/FAO) in May 2017 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. A proposal was then put forward for the Adaptation and Resilience Building in Guyana’s Agriculture sector. At that time, the OCC head said, Guyana was ahead of its sister countries in terms of capacity building and accessing support but took the opportunity to fast-track the
process of mobilising resources for this important sector. Following the meeting in May 2017, the FAO fielded a mission to Guyana in June 2017 to assist the Ministry of Agriculture, its sub-agencies and the OCC to work on crafting the Readiness Proposal, which will be focused on generating resilience agriculture in the coastal area of Guyana. In October 2017, FAO Guyana, as a first step to formulate the Full Funding proposal, two letters of agreement were signed with the University of Guyana (UG) Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), which currently have a coordinated work plan for the delivery of baseline information, climate change vulnerability and other assessments. These will serve as inputs for the design of the final proposal to be submitted to the GCF. The first workshop is part of FAO’s support to prepare the project Concept Note for the Full Proposal to address climate change adaptation and resilience building within the
Head of the Office of Climate Change (OCC), Janelle Christian
Agriculture sector will be held from August 2-3 at the Regency Suites. The FAO has committed an additional $40Million (US$200,000) to ensure the necessary baseline data and vulnerability assessment for the agriculture sector is completed, and which is required for the preparation of the full proposal. (DPI)
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
The fight against OPPRESSION
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HE history of this society where multiracial groups settled is one that saw engagements of relationship built on systems of inequality. Those who ascribed to themselves the notion of superiority set out and ensured that systems, including actions, were put in place to keep the designated inferior in ‘their place.’ Man in his infinite wisdom will fight against any form of oppression, marginalisation and domination, even as some among him would apply the lowest of instincts to deny, dominate and oppressed. Such has been the relations of man over time, resulting in conflicts that have been marked with successes in toppling systems of injustice, replacing and fortifying them with systems built on justice, equality and fair play. Guyanese joined with their fellowmen of Britain and the British Commonwealth celebrating Emancipation when chattel slavery through proclamation was ended. This meant that Africans where once enslaved were now legally free from the yoke of domination/bondage and being treated and seen no longer as sub-human, inferior. In relationships of such nature, in addition to having some impact on economic relations and the sourcing of labour, would have also impacted co-existence among major forces, where one was conditioned for centuries to think it had to look down on the other, and the other look up to it. The progress towards equalising relationships in the socio-economic and political spheres between these two groups (Europeans and Africans) was not without several hiccups, conflicts and flare-ups. And it should be said such is not uncharacteristic in human relations, where competing interest and demand for equity
are considered premium. Where the society has seen the grit and determination of Africans in establishing life after slavery, creating what is known as the Village Movement, which had within a system of self-government, guided by rules, that members of the community were required to adhere, ensured order, equality, and deliberateness in the approach to their development. Conversely, their European counterparts, in the government, plantations/estates, merchant-class and other areas in the socio-economic and political spheres, had to accept that Africans were equally deserving and must be allowed to participate in the development of the wider society. There can be no pretence that the forging of the new relationship would have been seamless, of which there are several documentations, through the lens of various participants and analysts of the era, that are easily accessible and can verify the claim being made here. Our focus today is to seek to impress upon the society, as we observe emancipation and recall the struggle which preceded and succeeded this landmark, is that the society, having reached this far, such progress was made not only possible from these experiences, but the institutions/systems put in place to protect and advance the gains. With Emancipation that came via proclamation, it meant non-acceptance of the practice of this abominable system and everything that flows therefrom must come to an end. At a human relations level, it requires the treating of each other as human beings. As such, the inalienable right to be treated as equal, with dignity and respect, where such was denied, in whatever form, those who fought to ensure its respect were
doing so with the protection of the law that they are no longer enslaved or sub-human. This fight to protect and deepen what Emancipation sought to achieve continues unto today. Tracing the evolution of this nation, it will be seen that groups fought against other systems of oppression as in indentureship and colonisation. Where the African community is credited with establishing a system of local government in the villages, this later guided local government authorities nationally, and aided in influencing the fight for internal self-government. Emancipation means different things to different people. In our society where the concept is associated with the freedom of a people, who for centuries fought against their enslavement, this freedom continues to defined and refined based on the evolution taking place in society that all are equal and should be treated with dignity and respect. Ensuring the realisation of freedom, the institutions of state, given that the state is responsible for the sovereignty and protection of the people, must ensure through laws and practices that freedoms of man, which in today are guided by universal declarations, charters and conventions are not only ratified, but implemented through laws, policies, programmes and practices. The achievement of Emancipation 178 years ago is not an end in itself, but the catalyst of a process to bring about freedoms in every form. And until every man, woman and child can have the protection, surety and enjoyment of his or her inalienable rights, the principle that informed the struggle saw this major achievement in 1838 is still relevant and applicable today.
Clifford Krauss is not the problem Dear Editor,
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LMOST every person of Guyanese nationality welled up with fury at the ''alarming'' description of Guyana by the American, Clifford Krauss. Who is he to denounce a country he wasn't born in? Well, like all outsiders, Mr. Krauss sees Guyana as an underdeveloped, uncivilized and corrupt nation. He didn't consider that Guyana's geographic location renders it ''a watery wilderness.'' He didn't consider Guyana's unfortunate political past. Why should he consider Guyana's setbacks? These are matters of no importance to him. He sees Guyana exactly how most or all international people do. Do you think he cares that Guyana is a ‘cook up rice’ and ‘chicken curry’ nation? No, he doesn't. His focus is on our political structure, our economic status, our government policies and programmes, and our progressive ideas and plans for the future. Upon the release and circulation of Krauss's article, almost every Guyanese became distracted and offended by his representation of Guyana that they missed the underlying questions.
Is Guyana equipped to manage oil opulence? Will the leaders mismanage the ''incoming wealth?'' Will corruption exacerbate? Will there be the creation of Swiss Bank accounts? Will criminal activities escalate? Will the money be squandered and stolen? Will the wealth be unequally distributed? Will the wealth be hoarded by only the powerful and influential? Will the political environment be facilitative for foreign investment? There are so many more questions arising when there is oil wealth on the horizon. Although these questions were not directly asked by Mr. Clifford Krauss, his analysis of Guyana's political, social and economic environments gave the implication that these are some of the questions to be asked. He wrote,''But there are obstacles. If history is any guide, countries that discover oil often waste their opportunity, as the resource blends seamlessly with corruption. Countries with weak political institutions like Guyana are especially vulnerable.'' What untruth can
be found in those statements? He then quoted Guyana-born finance professor, Floyd Haynes, who is a consultant to the business ministry. Haynes said,'' You have an alignment of money and power in the hands of the state, so the party in power controls the resources, and the money is usually squandered, misapplied or downright stolen.'' So, really, what Krauss did was present a very objective and analytical article. So why the pettiness? Why the written attacks? What is the purpose of them? Does Guyana appear more couth to international spectators? This solves nothing. As a country of resilience, commentary like that of Krauss's should elevate our nation to greater heights, to dream and do bigger things. Guyana [has] been set back for too long and yes, we've made tremendous progress as a nation but we are still way behind. We who live here see it as nothing because we are accustomed to it, but to those on the outside, it is something; something to not sit comfortably with. At this turning point in our country's economic landscape, we have the opportunity to install the policies to facilitate growth in
every sector, to suppress corruption, open our economy to rewarding investment deals and to create the route to development for every citizen. The world is rapidly advancing and Guyana needs to be included in the race. Guyana's future can be gleaming with smart cities and automation. We need the environment to realise this. Mr.Krauss's dissection of Guyana appears negative but the truth has been overlooked. Guyana has not experienced the wealth that is now imminent and as history reveals, poor countries having grasped and tasted the rewards of oil discovery often become victims of the enricher. Another point to note is with the rise of renewable energy and climate policy agreements, the oil industry can become a falling one. So excitement is accompanied by contemplation. It is now left to Guyana to prove herself; to rise in her glory. She is poised to accelerating growth but she has to be erudite in her executions. So instead of expressing bitterness to Mr. Krauss, thank him and prove him wrong, Guyana. Regards Althea Hoodith
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
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Emancipation came after DECADES OF STRUGGLE
Dear Editor,
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N August 1, we celebrated 184 years of the abolition of slavery in Guyana. This significant event is better known as the period of emancipation and is widely acknowledged for the celebrations and festivities that surround it. The abolition of slavery came centuries after our ancestors were ripped from their homeland in Africa, brought thousands of miles across the Atlantic Ocean to this part of the world, sold into a system called slavery and there after worked and lived in the most inhumane conditions there ever was. The achievement of emancipation came after decades of struggle, enduring hardships, privation, demoralisation, torture and death at the hands of the slave masters. All of their freedoms were taken away, stripped of their identity, removed from the status of a human being and lowered to that of an animal. Hence, it was with great jubilation that they welcomed the dawn of August 1, 1834. It could be said that it was this sad and dark era of history that influenced the conceptualization of the Declaration of Human
Rights by the United Nations in 1948; 114 years after emancipation. Enshrined in this declaration are 30 articles, five (5) of which speak to the right to various forms of freedom. Article 1 – Innate freedom and equality; Article 13 – Right of freedom of movement; Article 18 – Right of freedom of thought and religion, Article 19 – Right of freedom of opinion and expression and Article 20 – Right of freedom of assembly and association. Of these five rights, article 19 in particular states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression and this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. No one can denounce the fact that these rights were withheld from our ancestors and it was for these very rights that they fought for on many occasions via uprisings and rebellions against the slave masters. In the early 1920’s, it was one of their offspring, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, who continued the struggle for these rights, which led in later years to the attaining of another right
as is enshrined in Article 20 which states 1. Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. It is this particular right that helped to advance the work of the trade union movement. The attainment of Independence and Republican status over the decades was achieved by way of struggles in various forms. However, 184 years later, we the descendants of those noble men and women are seemingly engaged in another form of struggle. This time around we are fighting to maintain our democratic freedom at various levels of work and representation. During this period of emancipation there are many songs that are reflected upon as they point to the many injustices experienced by our ancestors. The most popular is “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley. “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, only we can free our mind”. At this point in time in our history, these words hold fast to present day experiences and outcomes. At times it would seem that we are still to remove the shackles from our minds which keep us in a subdued position. Time and again, we are psychologically whipped by present day
Massa’s, whose whips are their token positions and authority, which are used [to]“keep us in our place”. It is these present day plantocracy cabal that are guilty of violating our fundamental rights to freedom of expression and opinion by seeking to muzzle us by driving fear, using various tactics that does not augur well for our and the nation’s well-being. Therefore, it is with much hope and expectation that as the descendants of our distinguished fore- parents, we strive to emulate their values, hard work, sacrifices and togetherness, which paved the way for their removal from the harsh and inhumane conditions of slavery and into a world where freedom was opportune. As we celebrate emancipation 2018 with songs, dances and all the festivities relating to this auspicious occasion, let freedom reign in our hearts and minds. Let it become the mantra of nation-building, a process that began 184 years ago. Happy Emancipation. Regards Gillian Burton-Persaud Member of Parliament
Celebrate our African brothers and sisters Dear Editor,
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f there are people who need to be specially celebrated and recognised in the world, it is our African brothers and sisters. They are a people who suffered the worst of holocausts known to mankind and the universe. They are a people who have given so much to the world, in history, in the sciences, in their wisdom, their inventions and their humanity – a people who gave to the world the peoples. In their seed is the ability to create a Caucasian-like human being from the womb, with blond hair and blue eyes. In their features we can see the traces of all mankind's races. Some look like the Indians of Asia, others have the cheekbones and looks of the Chinese, Mongol and Korean people; some look like the Native Americans while some look like typical Africans with their distinctive features, yet with subtle differences like the Tutsis and Hutus. I wish to state an Islamic fact. When our Holy Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be with him) received prophet-hood, despite his popularity and clan relations, he and his followers were severely persecuted, targeted, mocked at and attacked, with many killed and savagely brutalized. He had no place to turn to and sent his followers to the Land of Ethiopia, where a benevolent king ruled. This king gave protection and rights to the Prophet’s companions with freedom to remain there as long as they wanted or to return to Arabia when conditions were better. In other words, Islam got protection from a Christian African king, who later accepted Islam after studying the religion. The Africans constructed the Pyramids of Egypt and Sudan, a scientific feat, without machines; invented mummification of human flesh that astounds modern scientists; could have performed surgery in the heads of men and women and made medical instruments still in use today. They were masters in astronomy, the high seas, shipping and warfare. In recent times, they have invented so many magnificent things, many of which we don’t know about or simply take for granted. Elijah Mc Coy created the FIRST oil dripping cup for trains. Lewis Latimer created the amazing invention of carbon filament as he worked in the laboratories of both Thomas Edi-
son and Alexander Graham Bell. George Washington Carver was the man who developed peanut butter and over 400 plant products! He was born a slave and didn’t attend college until he was 30 years old! Yet another was Garrett Morgan, the man who invented the first traffic signal. Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented a shoemaking machine that increased shoemaking speed by 900%! In 1992, the US made a postage stamp in honour of Matzeliger. And still alive today is Dr. Patricia E. Bath, who invented a method of eye surgery that has helped many blind people to see. Dr. Bath has been nominated to the National Inventors Hall of Fame. These are a few names not widely known, but the list goes on and on. The Africans were subjected to the slave trade to enrich Europe and its colonists to the so-called New World. The African “soul” was penetrated by the preaching against their creed and religions of the ancestors of Africa. While the Bible was shared, Europe stole arable and valuable lands, in the process, building European style castles and creating European lifestyles. They stole the people's diamonds and gold and even their animals which were exported for the zoos of Europe and killed for their body parts to enrich the commerce of Europe. Until today there are poachers killing elephants for the valued ivory and those involved in the sale of ‘blood diamonds,’ creating human suffering, struggles and pains, where limbs of various opposing groups are hacked off, or youth enslaved to be child soldiers and sex slaves for the perverted, converted to the nature of the Europeans. Hence, misery lingers years after the evil invasion of the Europeans and their master-stroke of evil still perpetuates the enslavement of Africans. They suffered such cruelties at the hands of man, for the cause of greed by the Romans, the Arabs, and the Europeans. Tens of millions of the best and strongest, the wisest – among them kings and princes – were brought into what was called by the Europeans the New World (the Caribbean and West Indies), stolen and claimed in the names of the kings and queens of Europe, though the lands were already inhabited. In what was the Middle Passage, Africans made the hazardous, inhuman voyage, in ships laden with living human flesh made stink. Men, women and children were packed like lice in infested coffins, one on top the other, poorly fed and
sweating, human faeces and urine pouring from top to bottom, with the dead and rotten infecting the living with disease. Millions died of smallpox, dysentery and dehydration. My dearest friends, I am aware that modern European Governments have tried in some measure (albeit too little too late) to pacify the former colonies, slaves and indentured servants with certain goodies. We must be appreciative, but never forget. Those who forget are bound to re-experience the atrocities, and the oppressors are bound to revisit with much more severe atrocities. I write this piece with great passion and power in my heart for this is the reality of history, an abominable act of inhumanity for which they refuse to compensate Africa and the descendants of the slave-trade. Definitely, they will refuse, for the wealth they gathered and built will have to be paid over to the descendants of the African ancestors. It was our own scholar and philosopher, Dr. Walter Rodney who studied the plight of slavery and its effect on the psyche of the Africans and their descendants, and penned his scholarly treatise, "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa". The Europeans had the audacity to dictate the political affairs of nations through thievery, manipulation and dishonesty, to manage the resources of Africa, pitting one nation against the other, causing infighting amongst tribes, providing weapons and ammunition to kill each other, then calling the Africans uncivilized brutes, cruel to their own kind, unfit for independence or freedom, unable to govern themselves properly, etc., etc. Reparation is a plea for inclusion, not separatism. The point is to give many African people an opportunity to begin sharing in the work, the production and the opportunity of a dream that’s been denied them, their parents, their grandparents and their great- or great-great-grandparents. Accepting reparations, and the requisite apology along with it, closes the divide that’s held us all back over the decades and centuries of our history. It’s not charity to pay what’s due; it’s not begging to take it. It’s a handshake deal between equals and hopefully friends, a word as a bond; a new beginning we’ve all put off far too long. Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr.
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
FAO commits $40M to build resilience in Agri-sector
UG Centre for Tropical Agriculture to conduct studies THE United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN/ FAO) has committed $40Million for Guyana to undertake baseline studies for developing a full proposal to address Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Building in the Agriculture Sector. A Climate Resilience Workshop was hosted on Thursday to kick-start the discussions. Head of Office of Climate Change (OCC), Janelle Christian said the Government is looking to advance actions that were committed under the National Determined Contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement. Under the NDC, agriculture
Former Presidents, the late Desmond Hoyte and Cheddi Jagan take part in Emancipation celebrations in the early 90's
Participants at the Inception Workshop on Climate Resiliency (DPI photo)
was identified as the main medium for adaptation to climate change challenges. “The other focus within our NDC is mitigation for Forest and energy, however this workshop today and continuing tomorrow, will be looking at addressing those particular challenges within the agriculture sector,” Christian explained. The government, she said, has conducted groundwork in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, related agencies and other sub-sectors to address challenges in the sector. According to the OCC head, “one case in point as it relates to our water resource challenges in Region Nine, is that not only the Ministry of Agriculture, NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority], but also the Ministry of Natural Resources have been working to address those particular challenges.” The government, with resources from its multilateral partners, has commenced the improvement of drainage and irrigation infrastructure across the country. Actions are also being undertaken at the community level, working with farming groups to ensure lands are accessible for agricultural purposes. This is being financed under the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF). There is support too from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). While these initiatives have been focusing on particular geographic locations, Christian added that the GCF project, which is being conceptualised, will take a holistic approach. She noted that this “takes into consideration everything else that is happening and really addresses the gaps in the current solutions that Government is advancing.” The Green Climate Fund (GCF) recently approved some GYD $140Million (US$697, 183) for Guyana’s second Readiness Support for the Agriculture sector. The University of Guyana (UG) Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) are tasked with completing the baseline studies. A Concept Note for the Full Proposal to address climate change adaptation and resilience building within the Agriculture sector is the expected outcome. (DPI)
14Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 18, 20189
Elections have This might be FOR YOUR consequences our last chance
‘DUH (that) is nah (not) positive outcome; in other me business’ is not a famous it could be negative. LEASE do affix any cases, oil-and-gas consultant or oilphrase used in our everyNumerous issues associand-gas academic titles to my name after the publication day conversations. When ated with the arrogance of of this column. we make this remark, it government in Guyana in The only thing I know about oil from a technical standmeans we have zero in- the past have disappeared, point is an thatissue. Wesson Oil is far lighterofthan cheaper terest in because the some decision of brands of oil in Bourda Market. However, I do believe it is It is sad when this the masses at the last electhe dutyisofapplied all those while who discuss ideas the Guyanese pubphrase tions to in demonstrate their lic sphere, our to doattitude some research and become au faitbox. with this describing to power at the ballot resource and its implications. In my humble opinion, every public advocacy. The posFurther, some ominous ture of ‘Duh is nahshould me be things with life-and-death Guyanese columnist researching and writing on business’ whatcompleted led to some implications no Ilonger this topic. isI have research are which believe what is arguably the worst around due to the results of ought to be in the public space. time for governance in the last polls. The simple Guyana’s modern history, pleasure of government GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION experienced between 1999- critics and reporters drivDespite the Krauss-esque negative prognostications of 2015. Governance reached ing with their windows Guyana’s imminent sojourn into the oil-and-gas industry, its nadir during this period down or citizens subjecting therethe areholders positives in our governance structure that bode when of power their leaders to complete well for us. We are not a banana republic. We have decades declared with unrivalled ridicule on social media, of strong governance a vibrant pomposity, ‘we havestructures the noand longer comeparliamentary with fatal system. In this post-2015 we have abecause government ethnic numbers’. On May Guyana, repercussions, of that does not stifle dissent, critics aremonumental not being placed 11th, 2015, Guyanese our last exer-in demonstrated that elections cise of our franjail on trumped-up treason charges; and collective reporters are not have serious implications. chise. It is only those who being targeted because of criticisms against government. InWe this case, there wasthat a execute were in theduties trenches during have an opposition their without fear of being targeted by the state. Our civil society is alive and well. This allows for the free space to debate and discuss. Good governance is vibrant and in such an environment, the best solutions are found. Added to this, on May 11th 2015, the people of Guyana elected a government of national unity which is led by two incorruptible leaders. Imagine if we were still strangled by the pre-2015 pillaging in an emerging oil-and- gas industry context, this would have been disastrous. There are some good signs which suggest the glass is half-filled, there are those who prefer to say the glass is half empty. Further, the APNU+AFC government has already committed to ensuring that the Sovereign Wealth Fund legislation is in place by 2020. A Green Paper on the Sovereign Wealth Fund has been submitted. This paper incorporates the ‘Santiago Principles’ which are a collection of safeguards for oil revenues guided by best practices based on global lessons learnt. The Government of Guyana has consistently reached out to its development partners for the best advice on how to approach this new paradigm. To date, the Government of Guyana has moved swiftly to put the following safeguards in place: the national upstream oil and gas policy is being put in place and national local content policy will soon be taken for the second round of consultation. This is designed to ensure that local businesses are given a chance to access oil revenues. By the end of August, the government will set up a Department of Energy. The Petroleum Exploration & Production Act is being revised and the Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill to be returned to the National Assembly before August. If we have to move slowly to get it right, then so be it. Due diligence is key, this is our last chance. We are literally moving from 0-60, according to Mark Blomerth, Head of Latin American Upstream Research for Wood MacKenzie, a consultancy firm.
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this period of destructive ous mechanisms, is a forand vindictive government THE RESOURCE CURSE mal process by which you would appreciate the danmake a decision. When The oil curse or the resource curse, also referred to as gers of going to the Cheddi you cut through the razzle the paradox of plenty, is the idea that countries that are enJagan International Airport and dazzle of campaigning dowed with natural resources are more likely to experience to fulfil an overseas obliga- and all the shining fanlessaseconomic growth. Sarah Chayes, Senior Demoction an anti-government fares, it is a Fellow wise choice racy, Conflict and Governance Programme at the Carnegie activist and having to face to make which can affect Endowment International Peace, noted,your “of the world’s the dreaded for possibility from what children 60 oil-producing countries, mereinhalf dozen have ofnearly having drugs planted will acarry their lunch the oil curse.” History kits has shown that you make inescaped your luggage. These to whether yourcan counsimple fears are no more interventions try gets a bad reputation all of the above-mentioned and still succumb due to the wise choice in the international arena. to the black gold curse. History also shows that nations that made by Guyanese. These This practice of democradiversify their economies, respect and enhance their tradiconsequences cannot and be avoid cy has been gravitation in place since tional revenue earners national to oil underestimated, especialthe 17th century. It to is avoid the as the only source of fiscal survival, have managed ly in light of the fact that results of the May 11th the trappings of oil. Guyana has the luxury of examining the most of the persons who 2015 elections that have long list of negative examples to see what we must not folwere custodians of the bad erased the shame of Guylow between or repeat. 1999-2015, Speaking on Al ana Jazeera’s Stream’, Lisa state having‘The a reputation of Sachs, Director, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, have gone nowhere, they being a drug-filled banana opined that pitfalls as the ‘Dutch canlaw be avoidare the ones waitingsuch in the republicDisease’ with little and ed. She noted theto case of Eastorder. Timor. electoral wings once It isThe duecareful to ourmoves last again reign down terror on vote-casting that we have the population. seen an unprecedented Added to this, an elec- crackdown on the drug tion, besides its conspicu- empire in Guyana and the concomitant positive effects that come along with dealing condignly with this scourge. The average Guyanese party-goer can now remark: ‘Is a long
ATTENTION ! By Ronald Austin Jr.
time meGovernment ain’t see people the argument that politiby the of Guyanaissuggest we are being diligent shooting up input parties’. cians are out touch with and that should us in a good position to of escape disaster. This is due to the fact that issues that impact the lives Guyanese made a decision of young people. On the LAST CHANCE to elect an incorruptible other hand, there is to thebelieve valHaving considered all of the above, you have President who stands for id contestation that if polthat this might be our last chance to emerge from the unlaw and order and cannot iticians refuse to address relenting shadows of underdevelopment. This is the time be enticed by the overtures your issues, it is you who erase and banishAgain, for good,must all the ignominious phrases delve into advocacy oftothe drug empire. associated with this great nation: ‘Poorest country in South your safety when you go and address those issues. America’, ‘Third poorest country in the Western Hemiout to have a good time It is a crime against your sphere’ and all the other epithets that seem percan be traced right back ignoble to fellow citizens to like allow manent conditions of existence. decades, have had to electoral decision-making. theFor rise of thewe destructive Beour thatcollective as it may, globstate whether by not having an I.D bow heads in shame, in conversations alwith voter apathyorissitting at itson insular Card orimmigrations refusing to benches. get up foreigners highest percentage. The on national elections to This has to be the end, or we will go down as just day another youth remain the most vote. Not getting involved land with plenty, deep in poverty. passive global voter block; is too detrimental. It is a good time to this is a universal trend. In July 2010, 75% of eligible remind ourselves of the voters between ages 18-30 wise words of William chose not to participate in Lyon Mckenzie King, the US midterm elections. ‘Where [there] is little or The question is: who is to no public opinion, there be blamed for low voter is likely to be bad govturnout by youths global- ernment, which sooner or ly? Politicians or young later becomes autocratic people? On one hand, there government.’
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 2, 2018 10
The drummers had everyone shaking and swaying (Delano Williams photo)
13 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
Getting in the mood and character was easy for the children who enjoyed face- painting (Samuel Maughn photo)
‘Honouring our Heroes’ for Emancipation 2018 SCORES of people, came out Tuesday evening at the Square of the Revolution in Georgetown for the traditional Libation Ceremony. This year’s celebration was themed “Honouring our Heroes”, highlighting some of the historic men and women of Guyana, who fought and afforded us the life we have today. A procession of worshippers walked the length of Hadfield Street into Mandela Avenue and up Homestretch Avenue, back to the Square of the Revolution, led by spiritual leader, Bishop Andrew Irving. They were all clad in white robes and carried lanterns in their hands, singing and chanting. A few of them held photos of some of Guyana’s ancestors. A libation is a ritual pouring of a liquid as an offering to God or spirit in memory of those who have died. It is common in many religions of the distant past and continues to be practised in Guyana’s
rich African culture today. As the worshippers paraded the streets, the scores of people were entertained with exceptional performances that showcased Guyana’s African heritage and the extraordinary talent that our people possess. Dances by children of the National School of Dance and the Enigma Dance Group, songs from the Korokwa, Fanoka singers, spoken-word pieces and tributes to our ancestors, are but some of the entertainment experienced. Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, Mondale Smith and Jewel Hermonstine were assigned as MCs and did a fine job in keeping a smooth flow of the items and ensuring that the crowd stayed entertained. The feature address was made by Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, who stressed the importance and significance of the Emancipation. “We are here to pay our respects and homage to
Onlookers of the libation (Delano Williams photo)
our ancestors who fought courageously and relentlessly to free themselves from the shackles and bondage of slavery, and to celebrate that freedom, we the descendants have inherited. Today marks 180 years since this dehumanising system was brought to an end. And it is fitting that this libation ceremony is themed ‘Honouring our Heroes’, since they are the reason that we can celebrate today,” Minister Lawrence said. She also urged members of the audience to reflect on the inputs of their ancestors, emancipate themselves from mental slavery and start leading productive lives. Coordinator of the event, Wendy Hermonstine, expressed her satisfaction with the execution. She stated that this year they placed specific focus on the Guyanese historians, with the primary one being Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.
The libation ritual being done by worshippers (Delano Williams photo)
From right, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones; Mayor of Georgetown, Patricia Chase-Green; Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence and onlookers of the ceremony. (Delano Williams photo)
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
A strong leader
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Guyanese woman eyes position at New York State Assembly
Etwaroo meeting with her Republican supporters
Twenty-six-year-old Lalita Etwaroo aka Leesia is a Republican candidate for the NY State Assembly in the 33rd District
By Indrawattie Natram UNITED STATES-BASED Guyanese Lalita Etwaroo is aspiring to take up leadership responsibilities in the coming months as she prepares to challenge Democratic Clyde Vanel for a New York State Assembly Legislative seat. Twenty-six-year-old Etwaroo is a Republican candidate for the NY State Assembly in the 33rd District which covers the neighbourhood of Cambria Heights, St Albans, Hollis, Queens Village, Bellerose and parts of the Floral Park in Queens. Entering the elections under the slogan “Don’t just speak about change, make the change”, Etwaroo intends to use her platform to transform the various areas should she win the coveted seat. During an interview with Pepperpot Magazine on what actually inspired her into politics, Etwaroo, known as Leesia by friends and family, said that former Guyana President and First Lady, Janet Jagan was instrumental in this regard. She said as she journeyed to further her studies in the USA in Political Science her passion intensified. “In Guyana, [the late Etwaroo with her supporters at a recent meeting President and First Lady] represent their district to their full capacity,” Leesia told the Pepperpot Magazine. Janet [Jagan] inspired me simply because she was a Her life started to take a turn when she spent some time in Albany and there she woman who fought the struggles for other women,” discovered that there was a lack of transparency for constituents. She said one thing Leesia explained. Etwaroo when she was she dislikes is when political figures push their own personal agenda without thinking a child in Guyana Born to Guyanese parents, Dhaneshwar Etwaroo and about what effects it would have on their district. Should she be elected she said she Bhagmattie Persaud, Leesia left the shores of Guyana at will ensure that homes are built for the homeless and that people are represented at the the age of 11. She still has fond childhood memories of grassroots level. Guyana and vividly remembers how Guyanese would celebrate different festivals and holidays. She graduated from Bayside High School in 2009, then after joining John Jay College, HER POLITICAL LIFE “I wanted to become more involved in my district, meet constituents, find out what she successfully graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology and Political Science in 2013. She also attained a Master’s in Public Administration with concentra- worried people in our district and just to get a better understanding of where I have been tions in Human Resources and Operations Management in 2016 from John Jay College. living,” Etwaroo said. Although she spent 15 years studying, she opted to be a businesswoman for her busiShe then became a member of the Queens Village Republican Club where she met ness Edible Arrangements where she can be her own boss and work at her own pace but several influential individuals working for the district. She also used her business to then politics caught her attention. “My journey in politics started to materialise when I connect with the Guyanese community in the USA, and started supporting cultural events interned at the New York State Assembly in 2012. I worked alongside then assemblyman and local concerts through Edible Arrangements. It is her intention to keep the Guyanese Robert J Castelli. We worked closely introducing legislation that would benefit constituculture and traditions alive even as she is living abroad. ents in the 89th Assembly District. During this time, I got to see how bills are researched, Her ultimate goal is to take the win for Assembly District 33 and she is confident written, perfected, debated, rejected and perfected again in order to be passed onto the that with the support of Guyanese living abroad she can make it happen. Senate. There, I learned that with technique and determination any member was able to
#SNAPSHOTS
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will be prepositioning relief supplies for enhancing the capacity of Regions 1, 7 & 9 to provide basic assistance to meet the initial needs of the displaced population as the situation of the influx of Venezuelans into Guyana increases.
Two representatives of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) are in Guyana to conduct a fact-finding mission for the preparation of a regional programme titled “Enhancing Coastal Protection for Climate Change Resilience” with focus on building capacity for mangrove protection.
Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Guyana increased from US$58MILLION in 2016 to US$212MILLION in 2017 in part as a result of the oil and gas sector preparing for First Oil. According to report by the Economic Commission for Latin America, Guyana has bucked the trend for the region with FDI flows to Latin America and the Caribbean contracting for the third year in a row in 2017, to US$161.6BILLION, 3.6% down on the 2016 figure and 20% less than in 2011.
First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, today, facilitated a conversation on domestic violence at a special staff meeting organized by Power Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI) held at the Herdmanston Lodge, where she called for a concerted effort to tackle the scourge, as she noted that domestic violence knows no face, race or age.
The rule of law and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) influence will play an important part in making sure the benefits of Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector are widespread and sustainable. This was the opinion of the CCJ’s new President, Justice Adrian Saunders speaking at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Business Luncheon on Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston.
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
GRIFFITH: MEASURE ME BY MURDER TOLL Incoming Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith is confident the murder rate would be brought down under his tenure. And he is prepared to have his performance measured on this issue (of murder reduction) as well as p olice efficiency.
STILL NO BOOM
Like the economy, local bandleaders say this Crop Over season for them has been very depressed, with a smaller than usual number of revellers expected to participate in Monday’s Grand Kadooment jump from the National Stadium to Spring Garden Highway. In fact, according to the National Cultural Foundation, the number of bands for judging during Grand Kadooment on Monday, August 6 fell from the 30 that had registered to 23, while an additional five will not be judged.
HOLNESS TO MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT ON PLASTIC, STYROFOAM BAN
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says he will be making an announcement soon on measures to combat plastic and styrofoam pollution. “I think we must now, after reflecting and celebrating our Independence, make a commitment to protect and preserve our environment. I intend, very shortly, just after the Independence celebration, to make some announcements regarding plastics and styrofoam,” he said.
ROW OVER PHOTOS TAKEN IN BERMUDA PARLIAMENT
Speaker of the House of Assembly Dennis Lister has promised to take action after photos of legislators apparently asleep in Parliament appeared on social media sites and later picked up by the Royal Gazette newspaper. Lister said the controversy over the images would be “dealt with” next week.
COURT HALTS CONSTRUCTION OF AIRPORT IN BARBUDA High Court judge, Justice Rosalyn E. Wilkinson, has instructed that all construction taking place on the international airport in Barbuda be stopped effective immediately. Lead counsellor for the claimants, Leslie Thomas QC, expressed his satisfaction with the decision of the court.
PRIME MINISTER UPBRAIDS TOBIAS CLEMENT’S BEHAVIOUR Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has described statements by Member of Parliament for St. George’s North-East Mr Tobias Clement in relation to his parliamentary salary as unfortunate.
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RECAP
INFOHUB RECAP - July 19 - July 25
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
PM welcomes resumed talks between Govt and Opposition
July 19th - 25th
President, Opposition Leader meet on Public and Police Service Commissions
@dpiguyana
Over 4B oil-equivalent barrels at Stabroek Block
Min. Jordan responds to erroneous New York Times article
The ExxonMobil controlled Stabroek Block offshore Guyana has now been confirmed to have in excess of four Billion oil-equivalent barrels. ExxonMobil announced that it has increased its estimate of the discovered recoverable resources from a previous estimate of 3.2Billion oil-equivalent barrels and has advanced its evaluation to support a third phase of development and consideration of two additional phases. In a statement, the oil giant said that the increase follows the completion of testing at the Liza-5 appraisal well, a discovery at Ranger, the eighth discovery, Longtail, into the Turbot area evaluation and completion of the Pacora discovery evaluation.
Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan said the government is well aware of the challenges posed by the dangers surrounding resource-rich countries. The minister said extensive research has been conducted on issues of the “pre-source curse where unrealistic expectations ahead of oil production result in demands for higher wages and government spending, and the other two pitfalls — the resource curse and Dutch Disease.” Minister Jordan was responding to an erroneous article published on July 20, by the New York Times’ Clifford Krauss which described Guyana as a backward nation. He advised Krauss “to take a closer look at our country, its proud and resourceful people and our resilience in the face of the odds.” The minister also urged Guyanese to “reject the article and to look towards the future with hope in our heritage, in the legacies of our ancestors and in the path that is being crafted for us now.”
Indigenous communities get land titles, over $25M in grants
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock brought the curtains down on the 12th National Toshaos Council Conference with the distribution of several Land Titles and Presidential Grants to indigenous communities. Receiving land titles were, Tuseneng Village, Kato and Karisparu in Region Eight, Batavia, Region Seven, Sawariwau Region Nine. A total of $25,322,202Million was handed over in Presidential Grants. The Toshaos and Senior Village Councillors were called upon by the Minister Allicock to make good use of the land titles and presidential grants to ensure their communities progress. He charged the leaders to build bridges and relationships with their fellow indigenous brothers and sisters as they cannot afford to be divided in the quest for development of their communities.
Min. Lawrence sets record straight on award of medical supplies
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence clarified in the National Assembly that all the procedures were followed in the awarding of a $366.9Million contract to New York-based HDM Labs on August 21, 2017, for the supply of pharmaceutical emergency supplies for regional and clinical services. The minister told the House that this was confirmed by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), which stated that the contract followed all the requirements set out in the 2003 Procurement Act.
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has welcomed the resumption of dialogue between Government and Opposition. The Prime Minister also said he is “undaunted” by the tactics of Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo to remove him from the negotiating table; since the talks are not about him but about the country’s well-being. In his weekly column, ‘My Turn’, Prime Minister Nagamootoo addressed the comments made by Jagdeo to the media when he mentioned his party’s refusal to engage in bi-lateral talks led by the Prime Minister. President David Granger has volunteered to lead the government’s delegation to these talks and Prime Minister Nagamootoo welcomed this decision, describing it as a “politically correct one from which Jagdeo would be unable to wriggle out.”.
New Enmore-Hope drainage pump commissioned
Residents of Enmore-Hope and surrounding communities can now be assured of a lower risk of flooding during the rainy season. The Ministry of Agriculture through the Agricultural Sector Development Unit commissioned a new pump house and drainage pump as efforts continue to increase the drainage efficiency of coastal Guyana. Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder said this is in keeping with the government’s drive to improve drainage on the low-lying coast where most of the country’s population reside. The newly commissioned drainage asset is valued at more than $400Million subsidised under the IDB funded Conservancy Adaptation Project’ (CAP).
President David Granger met with Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo at State House to discuss the appointment of the Public Service Commission and the Police Service Commission, whose lives ended months ago. The Leader of the Opposition was accompanied by former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira while Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams accompanied the President. In an invited comment after the meeting, Minister Harmon said that the President as required by the Constitution, has consulted with Jagdeo and he expects that the Commissions will soon be sworn in.
First Lady attends 22nd Intl’ AIDS Conference
First Lady, Sandra Granger said that collaboration among all sectors of society must be stepped up so that there is universal respect for human rights particularly with regard to rights for persons affected with HIV/AIDS as she noted that the world cannot be complacent when it comes to fighting this epidemic. The First Lady was at the time delivering the feature address at the 22nd International AIDS Conference, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Nothing that Caribbean member states still struggle to endorse pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as they seek to strengthen responses to threats posed by migration due to economic hardship and political repression, the First Lady noted that a migrant population poses its own challenges to detection, care and treatment while women and girls who are raped and trafficked may also be unable to access care and treatment.
INFOHUB RECAP - July 19 - July 25
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
Local Govt Elections set for November 12
1,608 recruited to Guyana People’s Militia
Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held on November 12, following a declaration made by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan. The minister said $1.2Billion dollars have been allocated to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for preparations. This is the second local government elections being held under the current administration when constitutionally due. When those elections are held in November, it will mark the first time in 50 years of Guyana’s post-colonial history that successive local government elections are held when constitutionally due.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon informed the National Assembly that to date, the 1,608 persons have been recruited to the resuscitated Guyana People’s Militia. The minister, who was responding to a question posed by the Opposition, said these persons are recruited at various levels and are between the ages of 18-35 and are physically and mentally stable for entry. Thus far, 36 persons have been recruited from Barima-Waini (Region One), 154 from Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), 365 from Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four), 204 from Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five), 405 from East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), 93 from Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven), 42 from Potaro-Siparuni (Region Eight), 45 from Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) and 264 from Upper Demerara-Berbice (Region Ten). Special consideration is given to highly-skilled retired military personnel and skilled professionals, the minister said.
Education Ministry, Peace Corps Guyana sign MOU
Guyana Gold Board briefly halts purchase of sponge gold The Ministry of Education and Peace Corps Guyana signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed towards greater collaboration in the education sector. At the signing, the Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry highlighted that the MOU strengthens the mutual relationship between the Education Ministry and Peace Corps and establishes Peace Corps’ support for the Ministry’s key initiatives which include the National Centre for Education Resource Development’s pilot Literacy project, Education for Sustainable Development project and the system-wide rollout of the revised Health and Family Life Curriculum.
Contracts for upkeep of Linden/ Lethem road allocated In the first half of 2018, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure expended in excess of $53M to maintain the stretch of road between Linden to Lethem. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, told the National Assembly that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has awarded contracts to contractors to maintain stretches of the road. Those contractors are mobilising but have been challenged by the rainy season, the minister noted. Intense rainfall in the last few months has damaged the road making it impassable. Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, offered apologies to residents and others using the roadway. He noted the challenge is not in getting construction underway but drainage. Minister Patterson explained to the House, the road’s surrounding was flooded, as such, the draining of the road was not possible
Min. Harmon meets with World Bank reps
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon met with Pierre Nadji, Senior Country Officer, Guyana, Suriname and Belize, Latin America and Caribbean Region and Vickram Cuttaree, Program Leader- Sustainable Development, Caribbean Countries of the World Bank, to discuss the setup of the Department of Energy, which is expected to oversee the management of the oil and gas sector. The meeting, which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency, also focused on Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy, the setup of the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which will manage revenues from the oil and gas sector and balancing a ‘green’ economy with an oil and gas future.
El Dorado Offshore trains largest batch of Guyanese
The Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has announced it will not be purchasing sponge gold until it completes testing of new mercury control equipment. General Manager, Eondrene Thompson, told Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman the GGB has published this decision in the media. Minister Trotman visited the GGB’s new facility located at Crown Street. The Gold Board has procured a new mercury control equipment that will break down mercury emission during the burning process. The equipment, which is valued in excess of $18M, is being installed by ACTLABS. General Manager, Kevin Gomez, explained the equipment has a three-tiered system that breaks down mercury emission.
@dpiguyana
Forty (40) Guyanese mariners are being trained in occupational safety for jobs in the offshore oil and gas industry by Edison Chouest Offshore in collaboration with El Dorado Offshore. Director of El Dorado Offshore, Natasha Jairam-Abai said the company is hoping to double the number of persons trained in the next six months to supply ExxonMobil’s third drillship that will be conducting exploration in the Stabroek Block later this year. The workers will also be placed on Edison Chouest vessels which supplies Exxon’s offshore operations. El Dorado Offshore has more than 100 Guyanese working on board the drill rigs and the Edison Chouest supply vessels. This is the fifth training facilitated by Edison Chouest. The course provides the rules and regulations of Edison Chouest Offshore, including safety features like line handling risk assessment, safe work policies among others when working onboard the vessels.
Department of Public Information
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NTC to receive lease for land at Sophia
President David Granger engaged the newly-elected chairman and executive members of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) at a special luncheon to discuss issues affecting Indigenous communities. During the deliberations held at the Baridi Benab at State House, the President announced that the Government will proceed with the handing over of the lease, which was prepared several months ago, for the promised plot of land at Sophia to the NTC for the construction of the proposed secretariat. However, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs together with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) and the NTC, will be working together to identify a larger plot of land for the establishment of a complex that will include dormitories to accommodate Toshaos, conference rooms and other facilities, as envisioned by the Head of State.
Anna Catherina Early Childhood Centre opens
The opening of the Early Childhood Development Centre in Anna Catherina, West Demerara–Essequibo Islands demonstrates government’s goal to provide a safe educational space for children. This was the view shared by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan as he officially commissioned the centre. The Minister told those gathered that the initiative will create a comprehensive learning space for children from infancy to five years old, while providing training and the generation of job opportunities for the young people living in the community. The establishment of the centre is a collaborative effort between the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), Regional Administration and the Office of Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment Unit (PAYEU). The $35Million facility includes four care areas/classrooms, a sleeping area, sick-bay, a staff room, an administrative area, storage spaces, a kitchenette, a laundry room, sanitary facilities, and an outdoor play area for the children.
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
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Economic
transformation
in Linden beckons
– with new Wismar Bridge, Linden to Lethem Road By Vanessa Braithwaite
L
INDEN officials are bubbling over with gratitude that a new Wismar bridge will in the near future become a reality and will complement the Linden-Lethem Road which together will bring tremendous benefits to the town. Construction of the Linden-Lethem Road is expected to commence in 2019. The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved funding to the tune of US$4.4 million to help Guyana enhance its transportation sector and support the development of interior communities. Included in the many plans for the funds is the financing of the construction of a new bridge at Wismar. The Mackenzie-Wismar bridge was constructed 51 years ago and has just one lane. On average, approximately 3,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, which results in traffic congestion. It is a major connection point between interior locations and the coastland. The bridge was something talked about for years, more so a few months ago when the current bridge was deemed a hazard. It was included in the Region’s five-year Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD), but with the lack of funding for PARD, nothing systematic was forthcoming for its construction. The bridge became inadequate to facilitate the amount of traffic and during peak hours, commuters are forced to wait long periods to cross, causing much frustration. It is also closed once a week to facilitate maintenance works, given its over 50 years existence. Speaking to Guyana Chronicle on Thursday was President of the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development, Victor Fernandes. He said the new bridge will definitely be a positive for Linden as it will complement the Linden to Lethem Road, given the amount of traffic the road will attract from Brazil and even other parts of South America, through Linden. Fernandes said recently that the new bridge will also complement all of the current developments happening in Linden which are attracting investors, many of whom would
The Guyana Amazon Warriors Team with Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and ExxonMobil's Country Manager, Rod Henson
The current one-lane Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge
have expressed interest in using Linden as a hub for their business ventures. “All this would impact the economic growth and development for Linden. We are looking forward to this moving from a plan to a reality. We know that it will bring tremendous benefit for us,” Fernandes said. HAND-IN-HAND Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell believes that the bridge will also support the Linden to Lethem Road, since more transportation is expected to be passing through Linden. It makes no sense there is a new road with an old bridge that cannot facilitate it and so for the Government to see the wisdom in allowing the two to go hand-in-hand, will bring great economic benefits to Linden. “I am happy to see that the project is now becoming a reality,” Arindell said. Regional Chairman Renis Morian said a new bridge was promised to Linden more than three decades ago and it is more than a tremendous feeling to see a campaign promise by the present administration being fulfilled. “This was a campaign promise to the people of the Upper Demerara and Berbice Region that will facilitate vehicular traffic in a more smooth way and will bring safety to the people,” Morian said, adding that it is a good milestone and testimony to development happening in Linden. Region 10 Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira believes that the new bridge is an expression of Linden flapping its wings, meeting a new horizon which means that the town will fully benefit from the Linden to Lethem Road. He reflected on development being stagnated in Linden during the previous administration and now to witness Linden finally getting attention is more than a satisfying feeling to him and to the residents. TOO LONG MARGINALISED “Linden was for too long marginalised and left out of the
national pie; it is good to see things happening in the town, in the entire Upper Demerara-Berbice region. While Guyana awaits the glory days ahead from the oil, Linden can look forward for two things: the oil, as well as the road from Linden to Lethem, so we are building our economy with double blessings,” the MP said. The terms of reference for the construction of the road by the Guyanese and Brazilian governments will be ready next month, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This breakthrough was publicised following a brief visit by Brazilian Minister of External Relations, Aloysio Nunes Ferreira to Guyana. Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, held talks with his Brazilian counterpart, when the construction of the road was high on the agenda. Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson who also attended the meeting, noted that the terms of reference for the Linden to Lethem Road Project will be ready by August of this month. Phase one of the project covers approximately 125 kilometres of the road (Linden to Mabura Hill) and includes a bridge across the Kurupukari River. Development has also been noted in the town, especially in the area of hospitality with the establishment of a first class restaurant, mere months after another one was established. There is a noticeable influx of new businesses in the town also. In addition to the two restaurants, within a year, over seven supermarkets have opened their doors, along with a gas station, an insurance company, several sports bars, a tourism company and several guest houses. Lindeners can now be proud to say that their once-labelled gloomy town is now attracting investors and entrepreneurs. These businesses can now cushion the town’s main employer: Bosai Minerals Group Guyana which has in its employ approximately 600 residents.
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
Small business in focus…
Local spice business adding zest to Guyanese kitchens N
o meal should be boring! Adding herbs and spices can make your food tastier and at the same time boost your health. Twenty-sevenyear-old, Rodiek-ah DeFreitas of Diekah’s Spices is aiming to boost the culinary arts with her line of locally made spices. Offering over seven types of seasonings, the young entrepreneur explained the distinctiveness of her business. “There is no aji (monosodium glutamate) in them and they are distinctly Guyanese. I try to establish this fact that over and over because I want to promote my country; make others aware of the unique abundance right here in our country.” Diekha’s spices offer chowmein seasoning, chicken seasoning, cookup, fish, fried rice, garlic and all-purpose season-
Owner of Diekah’s Spices, Rodiek-ah DeFreitas
Some of the packeted Spices offered by Diekah’s Spices
her in the business and her dedication to it gave me that extra boost to continue the business and take it to the next level,” DeFreitas said. Since the business’s initial startup and showcase at this year’s first UncappeD Marketplace, DeFreitas has been overwhelmed at the number of persons showing interest in her products. The former Qualfon Customer Representative’s plan is to have her products in all local shops and supermarkets, as well as exported to other countries. DeFreitas is currently collaborating with the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) to take her business to the next level. She explained, “They would engage me in networking
Some of the bottled seasonings offered by Diekah’s Spices
Rodiek-ah DeFreitas pouring the seasoning into one of the bottles after completing the cooking process (Photos by Giovanni Gajie)
ings. Operating at a solo-level, the businesswoman explained her passion for spice making developed in her childhood days, when she watched her mother plying the trade. “I love being around it, I love the smell, the taste. Just being around it takes me over. Growing up with my mom and seeing
services that they host every last Thursday in the month. I have been attending many of their seminars and these have helped me to develop and be more knowledgeable about business management. I have also participated in customer training as well. It has really been good for me.” The businesswoman encouraged Guyanese to throw their support behind her locally made products, “I encourage you to buy local because we have our own natural spices right here, and the spices are healthy. I look forward to your support.” Diekah’s spices are sold at the Guyana Shop on Robb Street or at a shop (located near the bridge) on Third Street, Alexander Village at retail prices of $700 per 141-gram bottle and $200 per 50-gram packet. DeFreitas can also be contacted on telephone number 604-7476 or via her business page on Facebook.
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
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– Guyana tops the world in oil-and-gas discoveries for 2018 By Svetlana Marshall
G
UYANA is leading the world in terms of oil and gas discoveries for 2018, at least for the first half of the year, according to Rystad Energy – an independent research and business intelligence Norwegian company providing data, tools, analytics and consultancy services to the global energy industry. In a statement on Friday, Rystad Energy said global discoveries of conventional oil and natural gas are seeing an exciting recovery with discovered resources already surpassing 4.5 billion barrels of oil-equivalent (BoE). The intelligence company said the average monthly discovered volumes Year to Date (YTD) are estimated at 826 million barrels of oil-equivalent, up approximately 30 per cent compared to 625 million boe in 2017. “During H1 2018, Guyana led the top five countries in terms of total discovered resources added, followed by the United States, Cyprus, Oman and Norway. These five countries hold three-fourths of the total resources discovered this year. The discoveries in Guyana, the United States and Cyprus are located in ultra-deepwater and are 100 per cent owned by oil majors… (which) indicates that oil majors have started to re-focus on deepwater exploration,” Rystad Energy explained. It added, “the biggest offshore discovery to date this year is believed to be the Eni-operated Calypso gas find offshore Cyprus, while the largest onshore discovery, a gas-condensate find, was reported on the Mabrouk North East prospect, operated by Petroleum Development Oman.” Rystad Energy’s analysis comes days after U.S. oil giant – ExxonMobil-- increased
its estimate of the discovered recoverable resources for the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana to more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels. The increase follows completion of testing at the Liza-5 appraisal well, a discovery at Ranger, incorporation of the eighth discovery – Longtail into the Turbot area evaluation and completion of the Pacora discovery evaluation. The previous recoverable resource estimate was 3.2 billion oil-equivalent barrels. ExxonMobil’s three major oil discoveries for 2018 at Ranger, Pacora and Longtail
wells collectively have an estimate of one billion barrels of oil or more, Rystad Energy noted. Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe, on Saturday told Guyana Chronicle that the company will increase activities within the Stabroek Block. “Our work in Guyana is very exciting. We’ve had incredible success with our drilling programme and are looking to increase activity, given that success. We are happy to be a partner with the country to continue to explore and develop its resources,” Moe said. In the United States, oil discoveries have been made at Ballymore and Dover prospects in the Norphlet play in deepwater Gulf of Mexico. “The Norphlet play, which is characterised by high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions accompanied with complicated and elusive structures revealed to be fortunate for Chevron and a prevailing success for Shell. Chevron discovered a significant oil play at the Ballymore prospect with its first exploration well in the subtle play whereas the Dover discovery located 13 miles from the Appomattox
host was Shell’s sixth discovery in the play,” Rystad Energy explained. It said that Cyprus marked its entry in the list owing to Eni’s promising gas discovery at Calypso 1 NFW ultra-deepwater well in Block 6. The discovery well encountered an extended gas column in rocks of Miocene and Cretaceous age, confirming the extension of “Zohr-like” play in the Cyprus Exclusive Economic Zone, Rystad Energy said. “Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) announced a giant gas-condensate discovery at Mabrouk North East prospect in the northern part of its concession area located west of Saih Rawl field. In the Norwegian Sea, significant discoveries were reported by OMV and Wintershall in the Aasgard and Aasta Hansteen area respectively, with combined recoverable resources close to 240 million boe. While in North Sea, Aker BP and Equinor made the other two discoveries which together added 75 million BoE,” it added. According to the research and business intelligence company, the discovery trend is expected to continue in the second half of 2018, backed by ongoing exploration in emerging offshore provinces and many promising high-impact wells targeting potential resources in the millions. “An uptick of 30 per cent from the abnormally low levels in 2017 might seem encouraging, but E&P players are currently facing a low reserve replacement ratio, on average of less than 10 per cent. This is worrisome considering the impact on global oil supply in long term,” said Espen Erlingsen, Head of Upstream Research at Rystad Energy.
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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun presenting President David Granger with an artifact symbolizing the Maritime Silk Road Initiative (Photos by Adrian Narine)
Guyana, China relations enter
‘NEW AND PROMISING CHAPTER’ – through historic ‘Silk Belt and Road’ pact
By Svetlana Marshall
G
UYANA and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) thereby creating a window of opportunity for both parties. The agreement was signed within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, and well see Guyana benefitting significantly in the areas infrastructure development, trade and investment and other critical areas of mutual interest. It was signed on Friday by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the presence of President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Minister of Education Nicolette Henry. The pact will foster enhanced cooperation between the two countries in five critical areas, namely: Policy coordination; facilities connectivity; trade and investment; financial integration; and people-to-people interaction. Moments after the signing, Minister Greenidge told reporters that major emphasis will be placed on infrastructural development during the initial phases of the implementation of the agreement. Noting that Guyana’s inadequate infrastructure serves as a constraint to investment, Minister Greenidge said: “It also serves as a constraint to identification and access to markets, so one of our main priorities at this time is to work on the development of infrastructure.” “That would include assistance with the designs of roads and harbours and the like, as well as access to funding for the construction for such facilities,” he explained while pointing out that through the Silk Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese Government has already made available over US$50B in funds for utilisation by Member States within Latin America and the Caribbean. Noting also that Guyana and Brazil have already considered tapping into multi-billion-dollar fund, Minister Greenidge said: “We have been speaking to all bilateral and multilateral partners. During our discussions with the Brazilians, we did discuss and explore the possibility of using funding from the Latin America China Funds to fund the road; that is something
very much on the cards, and something we are working on.” “Without the proper and practical mechanisms and prinThe road at reference is the stretch of road from Kuru- ciples, we cannot successfully build the Belt and Road,” he pukari in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to Lethem explained. in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Guyana Ambassador Cui noted that the Silk Road Economic Belt has already secured funding for the paving of the road from and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative was deLinden to Mabura. veloped in 2013 by China’s President Xi Jinping. The minister did not rule out the possibility of Guyana “Over 2,000 years ago, around 130 BC in China’s Han Dysecuring finance under the Silk Belt and Road Initiative for nasty, our ancestors, trekking across vast steppes and deserts, the construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge, saying opened the transcontinental passage connecting Asia, Europe that seven Chinese companies were among a batch of eleven and Africa, known today as the Silk Road. Besides the land companies that submitted tenders to prequalify for the fi- Silk Road, our ancestors, navigating rough seas, created sea nancing, designing and building of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and the Chinese bridge. Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun signing the ‘Silk Road MoU) The Chinese on cooperation within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Ambassador told Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative those present that the signing represents a new and promising chapter for our two countries, and that Guyana is the first country in South America and the first English-speaking one in the Caribbean to sign such a treaty with China. “Without clear and correct roads, people cannot move; things cannot flow,” Ambassador Jainchun posited while noting that the five priority areas would set the routes linking the East with the West, namely, the Maritime stage for peaceful development. Silk Road,” Ambassador Jaichun narrated as he put the initia“Without prioritised cooperation areas,” he said, “we can- tive into historic perspective. not best utilise our limited resources and tap into our unlimited Guyana is the 74th country to sign onto the Belt and Road potentials. Policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, Initiative, which was also signed unto by 28 international unimpeded trade, financial integration, people-to-people bond organisations. and cooperation constitute the primary contents of the Belt Guyana and China established diplomatic relations in and Road Initiative. 1972.
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
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Government receives US$35M loan from World Bank
– funds to support emerging oil-and-gas sector and strengthen financial sector
Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and World Bank Senior Country Director Pierre Nadji, at the signing of the agreement (DPI photo)
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UYANA’S financial sector and emerging oil-and-gas sector are expected to be enhanced incrementally through financing from a US$35 million (GYD7.2B) loan which the government has received from the World Bank. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and the World Bank’s Senior Country Officer to Guyana Pierre Nadji, officially signed an agreement on Friday, paving the way for government to access the funds. The loan, which is a development policy credit, will provide financing on the basis of action which Guyana has already undertaken with regard to financial and fiscal stability; and under the conditionality that Guyana maintains an
adequate macroeconomic policy framework. According to Minister Jordan, the US$35 million will also support the emerging oil-and- gas sector. The loan is part of the US$90 million which the World Bank had recently made available to Guyana. The funds will be available over the next three years. “The loan is part of that facility [US$90M] and we are developing another facility to look specifically at the oil-andgas sector, since this one is generally for balance of payments support,” said the finance minister. Jordan said although the money is welcomed, government’s aim is to put measures in place to ensure that the financial sector is efficient. As an example of their aim of creating an efficient system, he made reference to the four financial bills that were recently passed by the National Assembly. Among the bills were the National Payment System bill, the Bank of Guyana bill and amendments to the Deposit Insurance Act. “The four bills that we passed were complex pieces of legislation, but were very much needed to modernise the natural architecture in our country,” said Jordan. The recent bills were complemented by recent legislation
such as the insurance and credit reporting Acts. Those bills are also expected to be complemented by modern legislation for a stock exchange. Nadji echoed the sentiments of the minister, noting that he was glad that the latest bills were passed in time for the agreement. The World Bank’s representative said the loan will be used to build on what is already in place. He said it will help in stabilising the financial sector and in preparing the ground for sound fiscal management. A US$20M loan was recently approved by the World Bank for capacity-building initiatives ahead of first-oil in 2020. Those initiatives include finalising critical legislation and the establishment of critical units, such as a Petroleum Revenue Unit at the Guyana Revenue Authority, among others. According to a Guyana Chronicle report, Jordan said: “We have a loan coming up from the World Bank, I think about US$20M for oil-and-gas development.” The minister had said some of that money will be going towards preparing and finalising various pieces of legislative instruments pertaining to the sector.
Indian consultants working on design for Ogle-Diamond bypass road
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Guyana’s High Commissioner to India Dr. David Pollard, in discussion (DPI photo)
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UYANA'S High Commissioner to India, Dr. David Pollard says relations between Guyana and India will be strengthened through a number of projects, one of which is the Ogle-Diamond bypass road. The High Commissioner made the statement during a courtesy call to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Wednesday morning at the Ministry of the Presidency. Dr. Pollard told the Depart-
ment of Public Information (DPI) that there are several areas with which his office will be dealing. He noted that one of his main mandates is to have Guyana assess all the Lines of Credit that were extended previously and to explore the option of having a new line of credit to assist Guyana in the area of renewable energy as part of the Green State Development Programme. “We are looking at work-
ing with India on Sustainable Development Goals and renewable energy. We think that India has a lot to offer in terms of the technology and skills to implement our Green State Development Strategy and build on the deep cultural ties that exist between the two countries, which have been quite helpful in building the friendly relations that we have.” Highlighting the other areas of cooperation, the high
commissioner noted that the by-pass road that will run from Ogle to Diamond, “… is the biggest single project in this slew of projects. I am pleased to say that a team of Indian consultants are in the country at the moment working on the detailed design of that road, so that we can review costs. I think the costing might be a bit more that than currently estimated. They are envisaging a four-lane road.” Among the other proj-
ects mentioned that will see collaboration between the two countries are, the rehabilitation of the Suddie, West Demerara and the Bartica Regional Hospitals; installation of more drainage pumps along the coast, more specifically mobile ones to assist during the rainy season and the modernisation of the Lady Northcote Ferry with a modern design. Dr. Pollard noted that India possesses a wealth of experience in the building
of these vessels. During the courtesy call, Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Dr. Pollard discussed cricket, culture and other areas where the two countries can strengthen relations. Both officials are hopeful that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Guyana later this year. Dr. Pollard is also High Commissioner to Indonesia and Sri Lanka and was recently accredited to Bangladesh.
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26 families
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
receive new homes – compliments of Food For The Poor By Nafeeza Yahya
E
VERYONE strives to have their own home as it provides protection from the elements and helps improve a family’s health, both mentally and physically. Most invest significantly to improve the quality of their domicile to make it more comfortable while for others, owning their own place is but a pipe dream. However, for 26 East Berbice, Corentyne families with over 100 members, their dream became a reality when Food For The Poor Guyana Inc. (FFPGI) and the St. Francis Community Developers (SFCD) handed over fully furnished houses to them last week. The one storey-wooden houses handed over are equipped with solar panels, beds, matrasses, linens, stove and even groceries. The good gesture came at a time when SFCD is celebrating its 32nd anniversary and 27 years of partnership with FFPGI. The joy and excitement of the beneficiaries could not be contained. “Me feel so nice, is a shocking thing for me. Is like meh get a big gift. What me could ah never afford to do because it hard to work and maintain seven children, when I work and come home, I buy some stuff it, done the same day, then we have to think what we going to eat tomorrow, and as so it a go every day. So we could a never afford to get wan place like this. Me nah know how we can ever thank them for this, me so happy me a cry,” Madramootoo said. Ram, 49, and his wife Jenny Heralall, 39, of H & J Street, Albion, Corentyne and their five of seven children were among the bene-
ficiaries. This seemingly insignificant gesture to many is actually a beacon of hope and promise of a brighter future for this family, who which has faced many hardships in life, including when it rains. Before the intervention of FFPGI and SFCD, the family of seven shared a small and uncomfortable space. Ram, a fisherman and his family have been living at the location for many years. However, due to four piracy attacks, he no longer felt safe on the high seas and opted to purchase fish wholesale from the boats and re-sell it to maintain his family. No longer earning as much as he did previously and unable to maintain his home and send five children to school, his third child, Janisa was forced to drop out of high school in Form Two to help her parents in their endeavours and take care of her four younger siblings, ages 13,11,8 and five. The two older siblings, ages 19 and 24 are married and are living at separate homes. MUST RECEIVE AN EDUCATION Janisa Heralall, 15, who looks after her younger siblings, told this publication that she wants all of them to have an education. She yearns to return to school, but is of the view it would be difficult in the formal school system given her age, but is open to any programme in business management that can help her to achieve her goal of becoming a business woman. Already with a knack for business, she encouraged her parents to start a small driedfish business which she manages and desires to own her own business one day. Ram said because of the new and comfort-
CEO FFTPG Kent Vincent (second left) and SFCD President Alex Foster (left) with Project Manager Andrea Benjamin, contractor and the beneficiaries of the homes
Madramootoo Ram, his wife Jenny Heralall and five of their seven children
able environment, he has a renewed desire to work harder to help his family. “Now me deh more proper, the place clean and is better, more space for the children them face show happiness, me happy, me wife happy, me can now work more hard to get school stuff and help set up the business to grow,” he said. Their story is one of many of positive changes, thanks to the work of FFPGI and SFCD. CEO of FFPGI Kent Vincent said the collaboration with SFCD over the past 27 years has been an excellent one and Food For The Poor looks forward to the continued partnership to help those in need. Together, the two organisations have built shade houses, distributed farming tools, equipment and furniture, host school-feeding programmes, education programmes, medical outreaches and embarked on a housing initiative, among other initiatives in Region Six. WANT TO DO MORE “We want to do much more, we started with 10 houses, we moved to 20, currently, we are building 30 houses per month and
in the future we want to do 100 houses per month. The need is there, the demand is there; there are people who have very little, who have almost nothing; there are some large families who are in need and we are very happy to bring that assistance to you,” he told the beneficiaries at the handing-over ceremony. President of SFCD, Alex Foster, expressed profound gratitude to FFPGI for making the project a reality and helping to transform many lives over the years. He pledged to continue to work closely with the FFTGI and all SFCD partners to improve the lives of all. He also urged the new home owners to take care of their properties and make the most of the opportunity provided. Foster said from visiting beneficiaries, he has found that the new home owners showed improved health, happiness and overall transformation of their lives, especially the children who are doing better academically. From October last to present, 78 families in Region Six have benefited from the housing programme. Ten more homes are to be handed over shortly.
Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending August 3, 2018
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Kohli’s masterful 149 leaves first Test finely poised
By Saikat Chatterjee
B
IRMINGHAM, England (Reuters) - Virat Kohli scored a gritty 149 to rescue India and leave the intriguing first Test finely balanced, as England were left to rue several missed chances before they ended the second day 22 runs ahead yesterday. With England’s pace bowlers running through India’s much-vaunted top order to leave them reeling on 100-5, it was left to captain Kohli to string together a series of partnerships as he seemed to be on a oneman mission to overhaul England’s first-innings total of 287. Making the most of the two dropped catches by England at 21 and 51, Kohli let out a huge roar in celebration after belting the ball off Ben Stokes for a boundary to bring up his century. He was soon slipping off his wedding ring from around his neck and kissing it in a defiant message to his critics who had blamed marriage for his poor form during the 2014 England series, when he averaged just 13.40, to his now wife Anushka. He continued to punish the England bowlers to notch up 22 boundaries and a six during his 225-ball knock. India’s last two wickets added 92 runs before Kohli was finally last man out after he misjudged leg-spinner Adil Rashid’s delivery and was caught by Stuart Broad at point. His dismissal gave England a slim 13-run first-innings lead after they bowled out the visitors for 274. Such was the dominance of the 29-year-old captain, the next top scorer for India was opener Shikhar
Dhawan with 26. “At one stage, we were staring down the barrel and Virat’s innings has narrowed down the gap between the two teams immensely,” assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said at a press conference. “The game is very finely poised now.” In their second innings, England lost Alastair Cook to the day’s final ball as they closed on 9-1. EARLY BLOWS India had got off to a solid start in the morning as openers Murali Vijay and Dhawan chalked up a half-century partnership but the visitors were then rocked by three swift strikes by left-arm swing bowler Sam Curran. Curran, playing in only his second Test, dismissed Vijay, Dhawan and Lokesh Rahul in the space of nine runs. Though India limped to 76 for three at lunch, the post-lunch session bought no respite with all-rounder Stokes picking up two wickets to reduce the visitors to 100-5. James Anderson was England’s most economical bowler with 41 runs off 22 overs while Curran bagged four wickets. England only managed to add two runs to their overnight total yesterday following their dramatic collapse in Wednesday’s final session. The hosts, playing their 1000th Test, had lost six wickets for 67 runs as they limped to the close on 285 for nine on Wednesday. Skipper Joe Root had top-scored with a fluent 80 but his run-out from a brilliant throw by Kohli led to their demise.
SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings Alastair Cook b Ravichandran Ashwin 13 Keaton Jennings b Mohammed Shami 42 Joe Root run-out Virat Kohli 80 Dawid Malan lbw Mohammed Shami 8 Jonny Bairstow b Umesh Yadav 70 Ben Stokes c & b Ravichandran Ashwin 21 Jos Buttler lbw Ravichandran Ashwin 0 Sam Curran c Dinesh Karthik b Mohammed Shami 24 Adil Rashid lbw Ishant Sharma 13 Stuart Broad lbw Ravichandran Ashwin 1 James Anderson not out 2 Extras: (b-9, lb-4) 13 Total: (all out, 89.4 overs) 287 Fall of wickets: 1-26, 2-98, 3-112, 4-216, 5-223, 6-224, 7-243, 8-278, 9-283. Bowling: Umesh Yadav 17-2-56-1, Ishant Sharma 17-1-46-1, Ravichandran Ashwin 26-7-62-4, Mohammed Shami 19.4-2-643, Hardik Pandya 10-1-46-0. INDIA 1st innings Murali Vijay lbw Sam Curran 20 Shikhar Dhawan c Dawid Malan b Sam Curran 26 Lokesh Rahul b Sam Curran 4 Virat Kohli c Stuart Broad b Adil Rashid 149 Ajinkya Rahane c Keaton Jennings b Ben Stokes 15 Dinesh Karthik b Ben Stokes 0 Hardik Pandya lbw Sam Curran 22 Ravichandran Ashwin b James Anderson 10 Mohammed Shami c Dawid Malan b James Anderson 2 Ishant Sharma lbw Adil Rashid 5 Umesh Yadav not out 1 Extras: (b-4, lb-11, nb -4, w-1) 20 Total: (all out, 76.0 overs) 274 Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-54, 3-59, 4-100, 5-100, 6-148, 7-169, 8-182, 9-217. Bowling: James Anderson 22-7-41-2, Stuart Broad 10-2-40-0 (nb3), Sam Curran 17-1-74-4 (w-1), Adil Rashid 8-0-31-2, Ben Stokes 19-4-73-2 (nb-1). ENGLAND 2nd innings Alastair Cook b Ravichandran Ashwin 0 Keaton Jennings not out 5 Extras: (b-4) 4 Total: (one wkt, 3.4 overs) 9 Fall of wickets: 1-9. Bowling: Mohammed Shami 2-2-0-0, Ravichandran Ashwin 1.40-5-1.
Kohli’s masterful 149 leaves first Test finely poised
Virat Kohli celebrates his 22nd Test century as he helps India add 92 for the last two wickets to be all out for 274, 13 runs short of England’s first-innings total. (Gettyimages) (Story on page 23)