Guyana Chronicle New York Edition E-Paper 20 July, 2018

NO.003

WEEK ENDING JULY 20, 2018

PROMISES FULLFILLED

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03 ...Gov’t talks up it’s accomplishments in the Indigenous community at the National Toshaos Council’s Conference 2018

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Berbician

Shenelle Benjamin

does country, family proud – while on gov’t scholarship in China

By Jeune VanKeric

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HENELLE Benjamin made good on her promise to her family and the Government of Guyana when she graduated earlier this month with a Master’s Degree in the disciplines of agriculture, economics and management from one of China’s top universities.

The 36-year-old, who is an assistant lecturer at the Tain Campus of the University of Guyana, was afforded a joint two-year scholarship by the Governments of China and Guyana in September 2016, and graduated with honours on schedule.

The only Guyanese to have been offered such a scholarship at the time, she was registered at the Hebei Agriculture University in Baoding City, in China’s Hebei Province.

Born Shenelle Onikia Benjamin, the young professional began her quest for academic excellence at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School in Berbice, before proceeding to the Guyana School of Agriculture, and later the University of Guyana, where she graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science in 2004.

In 2006, she succeeded in landing a job with the Guyana Sugar Corporation and rose to the position of senior manager at the now defunct Rose Hall Sugar Estate, before resigning eight years later.

In an interview in New York, where she is making a brief stop on her way home, the young professional told the Guyana Chronicle that her desire is to lend her expertise to the planned restructuring and diversification of the Rose Hall Estate, as the topics were part of her coursework while in China.

She further disclosed that she made the diversification of the Rose Hall Estate the main topic in her final thesis, which she named: “The Diversification Strategy of the Rose Hall Estate in Guyana.”

That thesis, she said, was published in the International Journal for Scientific Research,

Argentina sees great destiny for Guyana

By Vishani Ragobeer

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EEMING Guyana as an emerging leader of the South American and Caribbean regions, Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Felipe Alejandro Gardella has expressed Argentina’s willingness to work with Guyana to aid its transformation.

He offered the good gesture at the commemoration of the 202nd Independence anniversary of Argentina, during a recent reception held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

And while celebrating the South American state’s independence, the ambassador spoke about bilateral relations between his country and Guyana. “[During] communication with Argentine diplomats and other foreign colleagues who really know the Caribbean, it has been revealed to me that I’m not far from the truth in considering that the country [Guyana] is emerging, that we will soon see leading the Region,” said Gardella, who assumed his current post one month ago.

Sharing his first impression of Guyana, the ambassador posited, “I have a sense of feeling that I am in the right place, in the right time.”

He added: “I have the privilege of being a witness of this

based in India, and is available online.

Shenelle, who boasts a strong christian background, is a member of the Grace Temple Assembly of God Church in New Amsterdam, Berbice, and credits her achievements to her faith in God, and the support of her father, Mr George Benjamin, and her late mom, Mrs Barbara Benjamin.

An entrepreneur as well, Ms. Benjamin is the co-founder of Gifted Hands, which specialises in events decor.

Beaming with pride at her accomplishment, the New Amsterdamer was keen to advise other women, “Put God first and resist any attempt by society to redefine you or determine your destiny.”

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger toast to Argentina’s independence with Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Felipe Alejandro (second from left) and wife Magdalena Mandiola de Gardella (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

dawn of great Guyana and it is my desire that through cooperation with Argentina, support can be provided to contribute to the manifestation of Guyana’s great destiny.”

This great destiny, he said, does not only stem from the recent discovery of massive oil finds offshore Guyana, but also from the cultural wealth of the country and its stellar Green State Agenda.

He spoke to the noteworthy cultural, religious and racial diversity in the country, where there is evident “peaceful coexistence” and “tolerance in diversity”.

Pledging Argentina’s willingness to work with Guyana, the ambassador shared that a new health project, in collaboration with the Pan-American Health organisation will be developed. Argentina will assist in the installation of laboratories for the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance. Surveillance of AMR, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tracks changes in microbial populations, permits the early detection of resistant strains of public health importance, and supports the prompt notification and investigation of outbreaks.

These findings are needed to inform clinical therapy decisions, to guide policy recommendations, and to assess the

President David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, Argentine Ambassador to Guyana, Dr. Felipe Alejandro and wife Magdalena Mandiola de Gardella share a light moment (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

impact of resistance-containment interventions.

Gardella also shared generally that the two countries have come a far way in diplomatic relations, with Guyana tradiTURN TO PAGE

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No broken promises Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

3 President David Granger embraces one of the many toshaos who attended a gala reception held at State House Monday evening (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

...President, PM reject NTC claims of unfilled promises …say issues raised are all work in progress

By Lisa Hamilton

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OTH the President and Prime Minister have rejected claims by outgoing Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Joel Fredericks that government had broken its promises to the first peoples, explaining that many of the issues raised are work in progress.

At the opening of the week-long12th Annual NTC Conference at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Monday, Fredericks gave a list of requests by the NTC which he said are yet to materialise. One, which the outgoing chair referred to as an unfilled promise, was for a plot of land which was promised by the government for the construction of a NTC

President David Granger addressing the conference

Secretariat. However, President David Granger told reporters: “I don’t know of any promise that has been broken, they asked for a plot of land, I went there and I turned the sod myself and it is being processed.”

“The Bena Hill Institute and the issuance of lands to the NTC to establish its Secretariat, this land is being processed with a lease being granted in the interim as the transport is to be handed over, ultimately, thereby giving the NTC land secu-

President shares a moment with Toshaos

rity,” Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock added.

“Things and time change, even climate changes, and there will be opportunities and instead of casting this gloom and doom situation, I would like to say to the incoming Toshaos and the NTC, that you have an opportunity for further discussion where land for your secretariat is concerned.”

As he was departing the conference centre, President Granger addressed the media’s questions on the comments made by Fredericks, stating that in the past he had encouraged the establishment of an Indigenous Peoples Authority for the implementation of such plans but this was not regarded to by those in authority. “The NTC has certain responsibilities and the Government’s job is to help the NTC to fulfill those responsibilities. I’m not blaming anybody. I came here two years ago and proposed the establishment of an Indigenous Peoples Authority [because] the important thing is planning and implementation,” he said Among the other requests the NTC outgoing chairman said were unfulfilled, included the establishment of a Lands Commission in respect to Amerindian land rights; Constitutional Reform and the revision of the Amerindian Act (2006).

However, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo clarified that the issues highlighted by Fredericks are “works in progress” which ought not to be completed haphazardly, but meticulously for the long-term benefit of citizens.

“I’m not aware of these broken promises. Those are matters that are works in progress. For example, we’re dealing with constitutional reform. The outgoing chairman mentioned constitutional reform but we know that constitutional reform is a process, it’s in the National Assembly, so what do you do? You jump the head of the National Assembly and do something in constitutional reform? The bill is there in a bi-partisan select committee of the house,” he said.

LAND TITLING Meanwhile, on the matter of land titling, Nagamootoo said: “This is a matter that has been ongoing. Consultation has been taking place there are various levels of consultations

taking place and there are, in fact, some titles that are already near perfection to be handed out. I think the chairman anticipated that,” Mr Nagamootoo said.

He said that soon there will be 15 titles to be handed out and there seems to suggest there may be a timing that was involved in that.”

The Prime Minister explained further that during a recent trip to Mexico he was impressed by the country’s database on its land utilization, which indicated the type of land, what is below and above it and aided in investments by clearly highlighting what soil is capable of producing.

He said that these strategies align with the Government’s aim of creating a land inventory for the ultimate benefit of indigenous communities and other citizens. “I think that one has to take things within a context, that it is not an attempt to deprive indigenous peoples of communal lands but it is part and parcel of a national effort to do a land inventory so that we can have better utilisation of that land resources,” he said.

“For the future, the President has said very clearly that this is not about short term, this is about long term, at a period when we were looking at the strategic and the beneficial use of other resources. So, I don’t see this as a question of making or breaking promises, I see this as a process, I see this as working in collaboration with various agencies and levels of government to produce a better life for our people.”

The opening ceremony of the NTC conference was attended by over 200 leaders of indigenous communities across the 10 Regions of Guyana, and the assemblage is set to continue in the week’s discussions on matters relating to the welfare of Guyana’s first people.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Understanding Energy IX...

Key takeaways from

For organisations like Conservation International, training local citizens to protect and preserve sensitive natural areas and getting them invested in sustainable practices is more effective in the long-term than just giving money or coming into communities and dictating what should be done.

Local communities can add new training on to the extensive knowledge they already have of their local environments, and guide conservation in a way that makes sense for the unique conditions of that area. Conservation training can also help economically, and could build on Guyana’s recent success in attracting ecotourism.

A great example of this kind of practice is Conservation International's work in South Africa, where it partners with local cattle herders, giving them incentives to protect sensitive ecological areas like wetlands, helping them deal with predators like lions without killing the rare animals, and training people to raise the animals sustainably, and restore wilderness areas.

Oil-and-gas development can pave the way for more of this type of skill-building opportunity for the Guyanese people, through more donations and eventually through oil revenues. Investing those revenues in education and jobs training will help Guyanese take advantage of new opportunities in the fossil fuel industry, and in a diverse array of other areas where Guyana could thrive; from conservation biology to financial management.

Through this kind of investment in capacity building, we can use oil wealth to diversify the economy and make Guyana economically competitive across a wide number of industries in a sustainable way.

Rystad Energy presentation EVERYONE knows the old saying: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”.

As Guyana embarks on a new era of economic development, kicked off by the discovery and development of offshore oil resources, the lesson embedded in this phrase is incredibly important.

At the heart of this lesson is capacity building. If you can teach a person key skills, then they can thrive and depend on themselves, rather than the charity of others.

In light of that, two recent announcements about funding for capacity building in Guyana will be critical to our success now and in the future.

The first was the news that the World Bank has given Guyana a US$35M grant to increase the development of the financial sector, and increase Guyana’s capacity for fiscal management. The grant will focus on supporting banking reforms like insuring deposits, implementing new insurance laws and helping banks prevent money laundering.

All this effort is aimed towards teaching public servants what has worked in other more established banking systems, and building capacity among Guyanese government agencies to manage oil revenues in a transparent

and healthy way when they start flowing.

The second recent announcement came from the ExxonMobil Foundation, a nonprofit organisation created by Exxon with corporate funds, which has pledged to donate a further US$10M to create a new partnership between Conservation International and the University of Guyana. The company’s press release stated that this money is to “to train Guyanese for sustainable job opportunities, and to expand community-supported conservation.”

It’s important to note that since this money is from the ExxonMobil Foundation instead of Exxon the company or its Guyana subsidiary, it isn’t part of Guyana’s oil revenues, and won’t be cost-recoverable for the company.

What it will hopefully be is a strong step towards building a diverse set of skills in Guyana, including in the environmental space.

Capacity-building initiatives like this are one of the areas where non-profit and corporate interests intersect, which is why Conservation International often partners with large companies. Both corporate and non-profit entities want local people to have greater training; in this case, training on mangrove conservation, sustainable fishing practices and more.

Oil is a big deal …U.S. Ambassador urges Guyanese to take advantage

By Svetlana Marshall IN spite of all the angst and uncertainty, Guyana’s future looks brighter now than ever before, U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway said, stating that with the coming of oil, the country will be well positioned to meet the social and economic needs of its people.

Holloway made the comments at the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday evening to mark the U.S. 242nd Independence Anniversary. Ambassador Holloway, in keeping with his theme “Guyana – Past, Present and Future,” said Guyanese must position themselves to effectively capitalise on the oil-and-gas industry, stating that while the David Granger administration has committed to doing its part, they too must play their part.

“This discovery of oil offshore is a really big, big, big deal and everyone needs to take it seriously and get smarter on the issue, because while the government of Guyana is currently doing many of the things that need to be done, much more will need to be done. I know President Granger is committed to

than all 100 oil wells in Trinidad produce in a day…

One well in Guyana will produce more oil in one day than 100 wells in Trinidad and Tobago,” Ambassador Holloway further posited, while estimating that the country could very well produce 500,000 barrels a day as its oil industry develops.

DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS Using revenues from its

Ambassador Perry Holloway and President David Granger toasting in the presence of First Lady Sandra Granger

getting this right, but he cannot do it without the help of all Guyanese,” the U.S. Ambassador told his guests – a mixture of government officials, diplomats, private sector representatives, educators, and youth ambassadors.

Guyana, he pointed out, ranks among the top 25 countries of the world in terms of confirmed reserves ahead of countries such as the United Kingdom, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago.

“With a couple of more discoveries, Guyana will pass Norway. This is serious business. When Liza 1 begins producing in early 2020, it will produce 120,000 barrels a day. That is more

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Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo at the U.S. independence celebration (Photos by Adrian Narine)

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GANG OF EIGHT I Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

WELCOME toshaos and village leaders who, from tomorrow, will be attending the 12th National Toshaos Council Conference in Georgetown, and I wish them all the best as they focus on matters to promote the continuing story of development and transformation in the communities of our indigenous or First Peoples.

I had wanted to write this week about the exciting buzz that was ignited recently amongst Amerindian students when the first-ever Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Road Show touched down at Annai in the Rupununi. Now, with expansion of solar power to remote villages, young people could benefit from info hubs which would bring them new knowledge of technologies to modernise food production and marketing, and create jobs.

GANG OF EIGHT

But my attention was drawn to several requests from Facebook fans to say what is the “Gang of Eight”, to which I had referred in a previous column. As reluctant as I am to return to “party politics”, I decided to address those requests, especially after the parliamentary proceedings on Thursday and Friday last, which the opposition used as early public relations stunts to showcase the likely choice as the party’s presidential candidate for the next elections.

The “Gang of Eight” would eventually recommend that person who is being allowed media exposure and promoted as the premier parliamentary speaker on national issues in place of the opposition leader, who cannot now run. This is crude sponsorship that mocks at inner-party democracy, and shows that the “Gang of Eight” has taken an early jump.

As president, Bharrat Jagdeo had deployed this tactic, when he first pitch-forked Donald Ramotar to the top of a slate of potential candidates. I recall, sometime in late 2010, a protest by then seFROM PAGE

nior party executive, Ralph Ramkarran, when the aspirant not only prematurely announced his candidacy, but was anointed as “Advisor to the President”. He was placed on the Guysuco board and was taken on presidential luxury rides to Kuwait, China, India and elsewhere.

MAJORITARIAN CONCEPT The “Gang of Eight” could have been a majoritarian political concept, but in the absence of a strong leader, it became a weapon of manipulation and control. In the post-Jagan period, there was an obsession with manipulating political processes. Some leaders were not allowed access to lower party bodies, and were vilified by Moscow-trained “Marxist-Leninists” as liberals and social democrats. The fight for a place on the 35-member Central Committee degenerated into character assassinations.

The party’s structure is that the congress of delegates would elect 35 persons to sit on the Central Committee. Those 35 members, in turn, usually a week after congress, would meet to elect a 15-member Executive Committee. In my case, having emerged at the Top Two with the highest numbers of votes at the 1998 congress, a simple majority of 18 members voted against me. I was removed from the Executive Committee, after being continuously a member for 20 years. I had openly denounced my exclusion as “Stalinist”, reminiscent of the purges that took place under the Russian communist dictator.

The idea is to sanitise the Executive Committee, by making sure that a simple majority of eight out of the 15 members would support the “maximum leader”. The built-in majority would be decisive

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oil-and-gas industry, the country, he noted will be better positioned to fund its developmental projects and programmes for the betterment of its people. Like in any democracy, the ambassador said elected officials must be held accountable, as well as domestic and international companies operating here. However, he urged that positions taken by the people must be on the basis of facts.

“The contract negotiated by the previous government was about the best that could be expected based on historic exploration results in Guyana, and world oil markets at the time.

The changes made by the current government to the contract were all to the benefit of Guyana and were done when confirmed reserves were barely a million. There are people from ExxonMobil and Hess here today, and I think

in a situation where the Executive Committee had to “recommend” a person or persons to be a presidential candidate.

In short, the “Gang of Eight” is a political concept that represents group loyalty and bloc support for a leader, or for preferred political decisions from time to time. The “Gang of Eight” numerically represents a majority where the decision-making body comprises 15 persons. The persons are not fixed, and could rotate from time to time, depending on whether or not he/ she is seen as loyal. The “gang” is like a revolving door.

IDEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES Historically, leaders were thrown out from the party’s inner core, mainly due to tactical/strategic shifts and ideological differences, but the persons who were purged were invariably branded “opportunists”. From the early years of the PPP, there was expulsion of “ultra-left deviationists” like Martin Carter, Rory Westmaas and Sydney King (later Eusi Kwayana). That was followed by expulsion of “right opportunists” like L.F.S. Burnham and Jai Narine Singh, even though what has been described as a “split” emanated from more complex factors than just differences between hardlined communists and moderate socialists.

In the 60s, the right-wing/ leftwing contradictions became manifest in the contest between the fire-brand Communist Brindley

they would confirm that exploration to date has been so much more successful than anyone could have predicted,” he explained. “ In moving forward, Ambassador Holloway said the country’s real challenge would not be how to acquire additional revenues, but rather how to effectively and sustainably utilise the resources coming from the industry. “Certainly, most would agree that money invested in infrastructure, education, health, security, agriculture and a rainy day fund for the future all make sense, but in the end it is not me that determines what needs to be done. It is the people of Guyana and their elected government officials,” the U.S. ambassador posited.

DEEPENING TIES President David Granger, while offering congratulatory remarks to the President, Government and People of the United

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Benn and Balramsingh Rai, the rightwing “Rajput”. It was then that Dr. Fenton Ramsahoye, famously consoled Rai, by observing that “the party works in devious ways”.

But there have also been “leftyleft” fallouts. Benn, who had declared that “it is easier to stop tomorrow than to stop communism”, and was perhaps, together with Boysie Ramkarran, loyal Jaganites, was to leave the PPP. He was deemed a “Moaist”, and he later formed the Working People’s Vanguard Party (WPVP). Another known “leftist”, Moses Bhagwan, was expelled and formed the Indian People’s Revolutionary Associates (IPRA).

FOUNDER-LEADER Another of the great progressives, Ashton Chase, departed sometime after 1969 when the PPP formally joined the Moscow-controlled International Communist Movement. I may never know all the reasons why Ashton Chase left, but he remains respected and revered, and he stands tall above the political fray that has consumed so many worthwhile patriots and leaders. Having shared my first public meeting with him in 1964, at Liverpool on the Corentyne Coast, for me, he remains affectionately “the Founder-Leader”.

Today, I hear similar description of Jaganites as ”Old guards” and “spent”, well ahead of another anticipated purge.

The biggest upset was caused not by “left-right” deviations, but

States of America on their 242nd Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, recalled that Guyana and the U.S. established diplomatic ties on August 15, 1966.

He noted that since then, Guyana has benefited from the US’ assistance in the areas of economic development, education, entrepreneurship, justice improvement, defence and security, such as the Caribbean Basin Security initiative.

“We look forward to deepening and widening this cooperation under the multi-area strategy to increase the security, prosperity and well-being of the people of the United States and the Caribbean,” the President said.

He also took note of U.S. leadership in the area of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Assistance, noting that Guyana’s Civil Defence Commission

as a result of advocacy by some of us for PPP-PNC talks. I was a strong advocate for talks and rapprochement between Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, which resulted in a rearguard rump inside the party crudely rigging the PYO elections in 1976 in an effort to oust Halim Majeed, his brother Zaheer, Odeen Ishmael and myself.

Cheddi Jagan ordered that the ballots be taken to his house, and we were reinstated in the leadership.

BIGGEST EXODUS It was then that the biggest exodus of leftwingers took place from the PPP, led by the pro-Moscow, Marxist-Leninist ideologue Ranji Chandisingh and included, later, pro-Cuban Marxists Vincent Teekah and Lallbahadur Lalbachan. Almost the entire corps of Moscow-trained communists defected to Burnham’s PNC. The fallouts occurred mainly as a result of failure of the inner-party political processes to handle political/ideological and sometimes personality differences. That was the reason I was foremost in my advocacy to broaden the shoulders of the party to avoid one-man dictatorship and to cleanse the party of reliance on unacceptable practices to entrench a “Gang of Eight”.

But the quest for personal power had become insatiable, and it would continue to devour some of the finest intellectuals and progressive leaders this country has produced. In the post-Jagan PPP, political life could be cruel, brutal and short!

has benefited significantly, especially from the provision of equipment and machinery, materials and training.

USAID has been a friend in deed, he added, while stating that in light of the 2017 storms and the threats of more natural disasters, Guyana stands ready to further collaborate with the U.S. to mitigate the harmful effects of global warming and provide relief to victims of hurricanes and natural disasters. In August 2018, the first-ever, American Chamber of Commerce will be launched in Guyana as Guyana and the U.S. further strengthen ties.

Ambassador Holloway’s wife, Rosaura; Guyana’s First Lady, Sandra Granger; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Sita Nagamootoo and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, were among the officials present.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Migration and Haiti

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HILE Guyanese have perhaps had their eyes focused more closely on persons occasionally making their way across the border from crisis-hit Venezuela, there is another regional crisis that highlights the question of migration.

Conditions are so consistently poor in Haiti that perhaps we have become desensitised to the poverty and lack of substantial progress in our fellow CARICOM country.

The sad state of Haiti has been vividly depicted in the riots over the past week or so, as steep rises in the cost of fuel brought on by IMF specifications, have unleashed vast public fury at general living conditions. Images of riots featured looting, burnt-out cars, and endless streams of angry people in the streets.

To see a fellow Caribbean country in the throes of such havoc is deeply sad. As might be expected, Haiti’s Prime Minister has been forced to resign in light of the ceaseless chaos. The fuel hike has been postponed for

Dear Editor

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now, but that has not made the path forward for Haiti, both in the short and long run, any clearer. After all, there still is the small matter of the vast sum loaned to the Haitian government by the IMF, which will come with restrictions on government spending of one form or another, despite the riots and change of government.

How, then, can Guyana help? Barbados has introduced visa-free travel to Haitians, a kind gesture in the wake of the threats to disengage with CARICOM’s institutions that preceded their last election, but by no means enough to really help the Haitian people.

Given the severe lack of resources on the island one could argue that what Haiti really needs is migration, giving poor people without much opportunity a chance to start over.

Perhaps, as Guyana grows there can be increased migration from Haiti to our hinterland regions. This would not only be of great humanitarian value, it would help develop

those areas of the country that Guyanese seldom frequent, which, given our country’s vast size, are themselves vast. After a long history of migration out of Guyana, it still remains hard to see people flocking here, like an illusion or mirage, but I imagine Haitians would really value a fresh start, if we could give it to them.

Migration, however, is always controversial as it creates great social anxiety. One needs only look at the character of politics in the United States and Europe to see that it is an issue to be handled with the utmost care and caution. Even further, however, migration from Haiti is particularly tricky due to the relatively low level of education of the poor, cultural differences and language barrier. It would no doubt be difficult to integrate Haitians among the general Guyanese population.

Sadly, what exacerbates this is that one could ask whether allowing migration would

even meaningfully impact general conditions in Haiti, as the population of that country alone is almost double that of every other country in CARICOM combined. At around 11 million people, even extensive migration would be a drop in the bucket, good for the migrants themselves but not enough to turn Haiti around.

These types of questions will surely continue as Guyana grows more wealthy, but a thought that perhaps we have missed is that Haitians have another option. French Guiana, so close and so much easier for migrants to integrate into, is also sparsely populated, with a vast hinterland region that migrants could develop. Given Haiti’s original woes at the hands of the French, perhaps the most appropriate restitution would be to allow that French territory to take a few million migrants in. It would be a big sacrifice from the French, to be sure, but an even bigger, truly heroic, humanitarian decision.

Working together

HAIRMAN of the Ethnic Relations Commission(ERC), Dr John Smith’s statement “That the ERC is not a firefighting machine,” delivered as part of a recent engagement with members of the local media, underlines the fact that he understands the peculiarities of the Guyanese milieu as far as the challenge of race is concerned. What was even more heartening was when he underlined, ‘’Firefighters have to respond to every alarm, false or otherwise. The trouble is when they are attending to a false alarm, the real thing might be going in another direction”.

Editor, ever since Dr. Smith’s selection to be part of this important constitutional body, more so, his being named Chairman, I felt comforted that here is a Guyanese, not only a man of God, but a committed patriot who will work assiduously, along with his fellow commissioners to make a genuine contribution towards bringing about a better Guyana as far as promoting the elimination of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, while prohibiting persons, political parties and institutions from discriminatory practices on the basis of race.

es in Guyana. Rather than being part of the solution, they have become party to what can only be described as dangerous partisan positions, which cannot/will not begin to move this country from the backlands of an ideology which can only destroy our future hopes and prospects of being a viable nation.

But, as has been enphasised in the referred written letter on the stated date, the message has to be carried to the people; the conversation must begin with them, since they are the core fillings of the many religio-cultural organisations in which the ideologies are the guides for intellectual thought.

I can only continue to wish Dr. Smith and his fellow commission members well in their challenging endeavours; and appeal to my fellow countrymen/women to be part of this new endeavour, of building a non-discriminatory society. Such an environment has never been more needed, as it is now.

for racial unity The fact is that there are going to be deliberate attempts at distractions from the real issue at hand – promoting unity; but this must not be allowed to happen, as I had emphasised in a prior letter, “ERC has its work cut out”, Guy. Chr.Jul. 7.

These attempts at diversion are going to come from, inclusive of those who are interested only in furthering the agenda of race for their own selfish ends. And this grouping will include the supremacists who also are not interested in equality, but on unity on their terms of domination.

I am happy that Dr. Smith has had this initial encounter with the media, and has recognised its “yellow journalism’’, giving way to ‘’fake news”, but pointing out that both sides should work together. Indeed, sections of the media with their individual agendas, have been more than disappointing in leading the conversation of race and its challeng-

Regards Earl Hamilton

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Guyana’s outlook is extremely positive Dear Editor,

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IKE many, I was intrigued when I heard that Rystad Energy would be giving a presentation on Guyana’s oil industry. I was already somewhat familiar with Rystad’s general conclusions, which have appeared in the media over the past months, but was struck by the depth and extent of the research Rystad’s Sonya Boodoo laid out Tuesday evening.

The data will provide plenty for citizens, government officials and private sector leaders to pore over in the coming days and weeks. Overall, however, I believe the outlook is extremely positive for our country.

The data presented also provided important perspective for the nature of our recent oil discoveries. For example, Rystad’s research shows that since 2015, Guyana has easily been one of the hottest regions for oil discoveries in the world. With around 3 billion barrels discovered in the last three years, we far exceed discoveries in notable producers such as the US, Norway, China and Saudi Arabia. It’s no wonder that our small nation is quickly entering the international limelight.

I was also struck by the analysis of oil barrels per capita. The per capita breakdown indeed shows the sheer magnitude of our

reserves and the impact, relative to our small population.

In this sense, Guyana is projected to be the global leader by a comfortable margin.

By Rystad’s calculation, there will be 3,900 barrels for each Guyanese – that’s a full 1,000 more barrels per capita than the United Arab Emirates. It’s also far above the ratios for some of our neighbors, such as Brazil and Trinidad, with only 200 barrels per citizen.

What does this mean for Guyana? The scope of our discoveries means that we will be the subject of international focus and attention. There is no doubt that we need to see a lot of investment in infrastructure, education and healthcare. Hopefully, the international scrutiny will create a higher sense of urgency when it comes to how profits are governed.

But the scope of our reserves relative to our population size also represents a huge opportunity. Compared to other oil-producing nations, our infrastructure, education and healthcare systems need to support a much smaller group of citizens. This will reduce scope and, by extension, costs. If revenues can be responsibly allocated, there is plenty of reason for optimism.

Regards Clement Smith

GGDMA encourages greater investment in gold and diamond mining sector Dear Editor

T

HE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA] values the emerging partnerships among the small, medium and large scale gold miners in Guyana. The GGDMA stands for the fair and equitable treatment of all Investors in the mining industry, whether foreign or local, whether small, medium or large. We recognise that the operations of Troy Resources in Kaburi and Guyana Goldfields Inc / Aurora Gold Mines bring a level of quality which our small and medium scale miners would do well to emulate. In this regard, we commend these large companies for the social management and environmental management which are among the best in Guyana. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health record is simply outstanding and we encourage them to continue this good work.

We commend Troy and Guyana Gold Fields Inc. / Aurora Gold Mines on their high level of gold production recorded at a recovery rate consistently above 90%. Even though the small and medium scale miners produced more gold in aggregate than these two large mining companies, it was at a mere 30 – 40% recovery rate. We believe that small and medium scale miners will continue to improve, especially as the large companies set the pace in exploration, excavation, processing and environmental management.

As we affirm this partnership, we call on the government to provide increased

technical assistance, education and training, and financial inputs to move the small and medium scale gold miners forward at a faster pace. GGDMA gives the assurance that the partnership of small, medium and large scale gold miners will achieve gold production of over one million ounces annually from 2020 if government provides the requested assistance.

The GGDMA encourages greater investment, both local and foreign, in the gold and diamond mining sector of Guyana. We salute those who mobilised investment dollars into mining in Guyana as they are convinced that the investment climate, though not perfect, is acceptable. GGDMA is pleased that government provided the necessary support when possible to aid in the success of the ventures. We call on small, medium and large scale mining operators to be faithful to the terms of their Agreements. GGDMA thanks Troy Resources and Guyana Goldfields/Aurora Gold Mines for their sterling efforts and we declare our continued support as they proceed with expansion plans.

The GGDMA thanks the small and medium scale miners for the good work over the years, as we continue to declare our support for each of them. We celebrate our partnerships in the gold and diamond mining sector.

Regards Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA]

7

We must live a life of high moral standard and ethics Dear Editor,

I

have decided to pen this letter on moral standards and ethics from personal experience with people in Guyana, as well as those out of Guyana.

The word 'ethic' can be defined as follows: ''a set of moral principles, especially ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct, as the basic concepts and fundamental principles of decent human conduct. It includes study of universal values such as the essential equality of all men and women, human or natural rights, obedience to the law of land, concern for health and safety and increasingly, also for the natural environment. '' Let me begin with work ethic with the question: How many people in Guyana go to work on time? How many managers, supervisors, CEO'S and clerks can you meet at 8:30am in their offices? I have visited several offices in Guyana and observed most workers going to work late and the bosses are never in office on time. I also observed that many workers just idle their day away collecting the government money by false pretense, including their bosses.

If you call many offices to talk to a person in position, they are always in a meeting or not in office or too busy to take your call. They never return a call or replied to your email, Facebook or Whatsapp messages etc. I have seen these activities in most of our offices in Guyana more than 35 years now. Over two months ago I saw a vacancy at the University of Guyana. I sent an application online and I got a reply after four days that my application was received.

After a month I sent them an email of inquiry about my application. They replied in a few days saying that my application is still under consideration. It's over two months now, I sent them another inquiry in a week, I got no reply. Here is the highest academic institution of learning taking months to process a job application, and don't have the moral standard to write to me to say if my application was NOT accepted or to go for an interview. I may suffer a heart attack if they invite me for an interview.

My next experience is with the Ministry of Legal Affairs, they wrote me a letter dated 28th November 2017 informing me that my ''Application of Appointment as Justice of Peace and Commissioner of Oaths to Affidavits is now at The Minister of State for Final Deliberation.''

That letter was only sent to me because I wrote about it several times in the newspapers, questioning why my police report took over two years to be sent to the Ministry of Legal Affairs. After several inquiries by calls to the office of the Minister of State, to date, it's about eight months now and I have not received an email, phone call nor letter pertaining to the status of my appointment. This procedure of my application started since 2003, since the PPP administration, it’s about 15 years now to date, it would be better if I was told I am not appointed and reasons were given. (I did over six police interviews in those years)

What I have discovered in this country is that, simple matters that can take a week or month will take years because of incompetence and lack or morality and ethics. Sometimes managers and ministers are in their offices but they refuse to answer calls, they just tell their secretaries to say they are not in office. What are they telling their secretaries in simple terms is ''to lie for them''. a gentleman told me in Brazil you can buy a property and get the paper work done the same day or less than a week. Here in Guyana it is months and years and the royal run around at the GRA for the Compliance. In Trinidad you get your Birth Certificate same day here is weeks and months.

I wrote a book and sent it to my publisher 1:35 am I got a reply in five minutes.

I sent Warwick University an email and I got three replies in 10 minutes back and forth. How do we compare ourselves with these institutions abroad? Why can't we be competent like them?

I haven't seen the great change of this country since modern technology, all over you go is tons of old books and papers that should be replaced by CD'S and Flash Drives. We don't have much work ethics in Guyana. We are always late and used terms like ''it's better to be late than never'' we go to work late, watch TV late, wake late, and laze around our jobs doing nothing and people in this country have a real drinking problem they are always drunk even on their jobs. Most times people are pushed into offices because of political affiliations and they get `FAT CAT’ salaries for doing absolutely nothing. We must ask ourselves many questions like, how competent is this person holding this office? What did he/she ever run efficiently before? Are they honest? Are they punctual? Can they run this office? Do they have a stable family life?

Are we very principled when it comes to keep our WORD AND TIME with people?

You are a manager, you invited an applicant for a job interview at 9 AM but you showed up at 12 noon. What example are you setting for that new applicant? NONE! You need to be fired.

Simple evaluation of people should not take us long. But in this country people `dragged their feet’ on their jobs, even our schools have teachers who need teaching themselves because they are never in class and they can never complete the CXC exam syllabus on time. Our character, morality, integrity, punctuality and speaking the truth at all times are keys to the foundation of a person of exemplary character and attitude.

Mahatma Gandhi had this to say about character: ''In times to come people will not judge us by the creed we profess, or the label we wear or the slogans we shout, but, by our work, industry, sacrifice, honesty and purity of character.''

It's about time that we as a people wake up to these truths about morality and ethics and inculcate more efficient work ethics.

Regards, Rev. Gideon Cecil

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Green Expo, Business Summit in October – CGX Energy the lead sponsor C

A NA D A-BA SED CG X Energy Inc will be the lead sponsor of the upcoming Green Guyana Expo and International Business Summit scheduled for the Ramada Princess Hotel and the National Stadium from October 19-22.

CGX Executive Chairman, Guyanese Professor Suresh Narine, committed the company to the highest sponsorship level; Executive Sponsor with the Jaguar Package for the event, which aims at promoting Guyana’s Green Economy and highlighting and educating the Guyanese populace to business opportunities which could be derived from a Green State.

A release said the company would be the first major international contributor to

A look back at article and photographs

the event being organised by the African Business Roundtable (ABR) in partnership with the Ministry of the Presidency's Department of the Environment, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Business, the Ministry of Communities, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the University of Guyana's School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI).

Strategic Partners for the Green Guyana Expo and Summit include the United Nations Environment Programme, the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB), the Office of Climate Change, the Guyana Energy Agency of the Ministry of Public

Infrastructure, the World Wildlife Federation, Conservation International and the Institute of Applied Science and Technology. The Small Business Bureau and EMPRETEC are also involved.

President David Granger is expected to declare open the mid-October event. Dozens of local and international companies have already signalled plans to attend and participate in both the Green Expo and the International Business Summit.

Professor Suresh Narine said while the company has been focused on offshore oil and gas exploration activities in Guyana over the past 20 years, “We firmly endorse and support the strategic position that revenues from the extractive industries should be exploited to capitalise Green, Sustainable Economic Development. This is the only viable means through which the quality of life for Guyanese can be lifted to a high standard over a sustained time frame, which far outlasts the finite resource that is oil and gas,” the CGX chairman said.

Dr. Narine is also director of Guyana’s Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) at Turkeyen on the East Coast, and a Professor of Physics, Astronomy and Chemistry at Trent University. He has also held the Ontario Research Chair in Green Chemistry and Engineering and is

Professor Suresh Narine

the Natural Sciences and Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Chair in Lipid Derived Biomaterials, aimed at the development of high-value green sustainable materials.

Professor Narine today issued an encouragement to other major companies, particularly in the extractive sector, to tangibly demonstrate their commitment to Guyana, Green Growth and Development, by joining CGX as Executive Sponsors of this seminal event.

The government vision by the year 2030 is to create “ A Green , Inclusive and Prosperous Guyana that provides a good quality of life for all its citizens based on a sound education and social protection, low-carbon resilient development, green and decent jobs, economic opportunities, individual equality, justice, and political empowerment. Guyana serves as a model of sustainable development and environmental security worldwide, demonstrating the transition to a decarbonised and resource-efficient economy that values and integrates the multi-ethnicity of our country and enhances the quality of life for all Guyanese.”

Argentina sees... tionally supporting Argentina’s sovereignty of the Malvinas (Falklands) Islands and the surrounding maritime area. And on relations involving Guyana and the Caribbean, Gardella reflected on the humanitarian assistance provided last year through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management agency and The White Helmets Commission of Argentina.

To this end, he affirmed, “In this context Argentina is ready to plan and work jointly with nations of the Caribbean on further issues.”

While extending congratulations to the President, government and people, President Granger hailed relations between the two countries.

He also said that notwithstanding the differences between the two countries, in terms of size and distance, diplomatic relations, established 46 years ago in 1972, remain fruitful, partic-

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ularly in the areas of culture, health, defence cooperation and sport.

And as Guyana looks to deepen relations between Argentina and other South American countries, President Granger noted, “Infrastructural integration with the continent will allow Guyana to more actively pursue its continental destiny.”

Importantly, however, Granger highlighted the role of the two countries in helping other nations to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

“Guyana and Argentina, like states all around the world, are subjected to the adverse effects of climate change [and] in particular the small island developing and low-lying coastal states of the Caribbean are most vulnerable to the threats of droughts, flooding, hurricanes and rising sea-levels,” the President said.

He, however, mentioned that Guyana looks forward to cooperating with the fellow South American nation to boost the capacity of these at-risk states in disaster management and climate adaptation.

He said the two countries have been collaborating under a number of regional and international bodies to advance their common interests in promoting human rights, poverty alleviation, sustainable development and promoting the continent of South America as a Zone of Peace.

14Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 18, 20189

Elections have FOR consequences YOUR

By Ronald Austin Jr ‘DUH (that) is nah (not) positive outcome; in other me business’ a famous cases, could be isnegative.

UHis(that) is nah (not) meitbusiness’ a famous phrase used in our everyNumerous issues associphrase used in our everyday conversations.

When day conversations.

When ated with the arrogance of we make this remark, it means we have zero interestmake in an issue. we this remark, it government in Guyana in It iswe sadhave when zero this phrase applied whiledisappeared, describing our means in- isthe past have attitude posture is nahof me terest in to anpublic issue.advocacy. The because of of the‘Duh decision business’ is what led to what the is arguably worst It is sad when this masses the at the lasttime elec-for governance in Guyana’s modern history, experienced between phrase is applied while tions to demonstrate their 1999-2015. Governance reached its nadir during this period describing our attitude to powerwith at the ballot box. when the holders of power declared unrivalled pompospublic advocacy.

The posFurther, some ominous ity, ‘we have the ethnic numbers’. On May 11th, 2015, Guyture ofdemonstrated ‘Duh is nah things with life-and-death anese thatme elections have serious implications. business’ is there whatwas leda to implications areother no longer In this case, positive outcome; in cases, it could negative.the Numerous with the arrowhat is be arguably worst issues aroundassociated due to the results of gancefor of government in Guyana the past have disappeared, time governance in thein last polls.

The simple because ofmodern the decision of thepleasure masses at the last elections to Guyana’s history, of government demonstratebetween their power at thecritics ballot box. experienced 1999and reporters drivsome reached ominous things with life-and-death im2015.Further, Governance ing with their windows plications are no longer around due to the results of the last itspolls. nadirThe during this period down or citizens subjecting simple pleasure of government critics and reporters when the holders of power their leaders to complete driving with their windows down or citizens subjecting their declared unrivalled on social media, leaders towith complete ridicule onridicule social media, no longer come pomposity, ‘we have thebecause no longer with fatal with fatal repercussions, of ourcome last monumental exercise of our collective franchise.

It is only those who were ethnic numbers’.

On May repercussions, because of in the trenches during this period destructive and vindictive 11th, 2015, Guyanese ouroflast monumental exerdemonstrated that elections cise of our collective franhave serious implications. chise. It is only those who In this case, there was a were in the trenches during

‘D

government would appreciate the dangers of going to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to fulfil an overseas obthis period ofanti-government destructive activist ous mechanisms, isface a forligation as an and having to the and vindictive government mal process by which you dreaded possibility of having drugs planted in your luggage. would When Theseappreciate simple fearsthe are danno moremake due to athedecision. wise choice made gers of going to the Cheddi you cut through the razzle

by Guyanese. These consequences cannot be underestimated, especially in light of the factand thatdazzle most ofofthe persons who Jagan International Airport campaigning of obligathe bad state between have towere fulfilcustodians an overseas and all the1999-2015, shining fangone they are the onesfares, waiting electoral wings tion asnowhere, an anti-government it in isthe a wise choice to onceand again reign to down the population. activist having faceterrortoonmake which can affect Added to this, an election, besides its conspicuous mechthe dreaded possibility from what your children anisms, is a formal process by which you make a decision. ofWhen having planted will inoftheir lunch you drugs cut through the razzle andcarry dazzle campaigning inand your luggage.

These kits to whether your counall the shining fanfares, it is a wise choice to make which simple fears are no more try gets a bad reputation can affect from what your children will carry in their lunch due wiseyour choice thea international arena. kits to to the whether country in gets bad reputation in the international arena. This practice of practice democracy been in made

by Guyanese.

These This of has democraplace since the 17th century. is the of place the May 11th consequences cannot be Itcy hasresults been in since 2015 elections that have erased shame of Guyana havunderestimated, especialthethe 17th century.

It is the reputation being with lying in alight of theoffact thata drug-filled results banana of the republic May 11th little law and order. It is due to our last vote-casting that we most of the persons who 2015 elections that have have seen an unprecedented crackdown on the drug empire were custodians of the bad erased the shame in Guyana and the concomitant positive effects of thatGuycome state between 1999-2015, ana having a reputation of along with dealing condignly with this scourge. The average have gone nowhere, they being a drug-filled banana Guyanese party-goer can now remark: ‘Is a long time me ain’t are onesshooting waiting up in in theparties’. republic with law and seethe people This is duelittle to the fact that Guyanesewings made a decision an incorruptible President electoral to onceto elect order.

It is due to our last who reign standsdown for law and on order vote-casting and cannot bethat enticed by the again terror 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 me ain’t is the your argument overtures of thesee drugpeople empire. Again, safety that whenpolitiyou go out to have time can becians traced right to electoral shooting upa good in parties’. are outback of touch with decision-making.

This is due to the fact that issues that impact the lives Be that as itamay, global of voter apathy is at its Guyanese made decision young people.

Onhighest the percentage.

The youth remain the most passive global voter to elect an incorruptible other hand, there is the valblock; this is a universal trend. In July 2010, 75% of eligible President who stands for id contestation that if polvoters between ages 18-30 chose not to participate in the US iticians refuse to blamed address law and order and The cannot midterm elections. question is: who is to be for your issues, it is you below enticed by the overtures voter turnout by youths globally? Politicians or who young must delve that intopoliticians advocacy ofpeople? the drug On empire. one hand,Again, there is the argument are your you that go impact and the address those out ofsafety touch when with issues lives of youngissues. people.

On to thehave other hand, there is the valid that ifyour politiout a good time It is contestation a crime against cians address it iscitizens you who to must delve can be refuse tracedtoright backyour to issues, fellow allow into advocacy and address those issues.

It is a crime against electoral decision-making. the rise of the destructive your allow the risebyofnot the having destructive state Be fellow that ascitizens it may,toglobstate an I.D by not having an I.D Card or refusing to get up on national al voter apathy is at its Card or refusing to get up elections day to vote. Not getting involved is too detrimental. highest percentage.

The ourselves on national elections day toof It is a good time to remind of the wise words youth remain the most vote.

Not getting involved William Lyon Mckenzie King, ‘Where [there] is little or no passive detrimental. public global opinion,voter thereblock; is likely istotoo be bad government, which Itgovernment.’ is a good time to this is a or universal trend. autocratic In sooner later becomes 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 Photo credit: WorldCast Anglers

AN ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU!

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

PROMISES

NATIONAL TOSHAOS COUNCIL CONFERENCE 2018 - ‘ “As indigenous peoples, we must remember that our heritage is founded on the principles of strong community. This has been the basis for our survival in the past and will ensure same for the future. We have to preserve such culture by passing the knowledge and skills down to our young ones. The onus is on us, the leaders, to ensure that we do not lose our traditions.” - Hon. Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Minister within the Ministry, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs

-Government has demonstrated, in a matter of three short years, that our first peoples, our indigenous Guyanese, matter – that they are important to this nation… hence our focus on reducing the gap of inequality between coastland and hinterland.

Government, through the Office of the Prime Minister, has established five hinterland radio stations – Radio Mabaruma, Radio Orealla, Radio Mahdia, Radio Lethem and Radio Aishalton. There is also Radio Piwomak. These radio stations will bring communities closer; more communities will now be aware of what is happening around the country and around the world.

Government will have internet connectivity in every indigenous and hinterland community. Hence, through the Ministry of Telecommunications. For the first time ever, every community, and every remote community will benefit from this technology. Our people will be benefiting from this opportunity, the same as on the coastland. To date 19 indigenous and hinterland communities have internet connectivity.

The Ministry of Health Is also working hard to ensure that doctors are placed in every community. This will take some time but we our government confident that it will get there soon enough. Currently there are 74 doctors serving in the hinterland regions 1, 7, 8 and 9. They are serving in all the sub-districts except the North Pakaraimas, which will be staffed shortly. Government recognize that there is much to be done as it relates to the achievements of best health standards; The Ministry of Communities, through Guyana water Inc has installed safe drinking water systems in 13 indigenous communities, where they are most needed. This will prevent our people there, and the children, especially, from suffering from diarrhoea, dysentery, thyphoid and other water bourne diseases.

Those who need houses will have the opportunity to acquire houses. To date 93 houses are earmarked for the Barima-Waini Region One; 224 houses are earmarked for the Upper Essequibo-Upper Takatu Region and 22 houses are earmarked for the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region.

In order to develop our communities we must educate our people, and this is what Government has been doing for the past 3 years. To date, we have more indigenous and hinterland persons attending UG, GTI, GSA, Carnegie School of Home Economics and Burrowes School of Art, than ever before – and they are all being assisted by Government scholarships, thus, taking away some of the worry from their parents. Four reading booking in Wapishana, Macushi, Patamona and Akawaio will be introduced in our Primary Schools’ reading time - for the first time.

Through the MoIPA we have provided scholarships for 566 students in all, 73 tertiary students and 493 secondary students. We have a 90.1 % pass rate overall. Let us applaud our brilliant sons and daughters.

Moruca

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

FULFILLED

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A trip to

‘PRESERVING OUR PAST, PROTECTING OUR FUTURE’ Government is now catering for more tertiary level students with the construction of a dormitory that will be able to accommodate 120 students. This dorm should be completed by September 2018.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs flagship project, HEYS, can be termed a success, turning out, to date, 1,302 successful small business and we have not added in Baramita, yet. Yes, the Indigenous people of Baramita are beginning to feel what it means to be a young entrepreneur; as a matter of fact, almost 4,000 young indigenous and hinterland persons, in 215 villages across Guyana, are looking at their future in a different way. They now realize that they have a future ahead of them and that they have to be a part in creating that wonderful future for themselves and they have been given the tools to do so.

In Santa Rosa Government is working with the community to resuscitate the coffee industry where 15 dedicated farmers will be planting 15 acres of coffee for which Government has invested the sum of $10M for 2018 Another $10M has been invested in the people of Kwebana, who are absolutely excited in producing and selling their cassava flour to the Guyanese nation.

By Vishani Ragoobeer

Sons’ are quite popular An overhead shot of the Charity Stelling and marketplace and have a well-estab- THERE Smith the Aruka River lished is going into the of crab and fish processing. During the crab season they can just open areCreek many in places in Guyana service.

Andbusiness you thethat door the processing plant and might pick up a quake canof easily vie for the title of the have to wait full a bitof crabs! most magnificent places in the world, at the Charity Stelling for away in Region every One (Barithe speedboat to be filled, - but tucked Monkey Mountaintime they kick a stone, they can pick it up, examine it for quality, then take to the facility to sell. Work on ma-Waini), is a quiet but fun-filled subso spend the time walking the Lapidary workshop will soon commence and by year end will be producing jewellery and exotic craft pieces with our semi-precious region known as Moruca. around the market and stones.

The subregion, Moruca, is divided into enjoying your ability to 11 titled communities, including Hurradiah, stretch your legs. You’ll - Kumaka, Patamonas in Port producing Mora and Santa Rosa, Kaituma just to namearethank me later. the Sun-dried tomato ketchup. I tell you, indigenous people are leading in the a few.

Some of these communities are only production of natrurally grown, value-added agricultural products! accessible by water, which is exactly the SCENIC BOAT RIDE of transportation I took to get to the Soon enough, the boat - modesports in communities, communities receiving over S200M in Presidential grants, provision for heritage activities totaling to region. should be ready and as approximately $93M, a demonstration of total commitment to the preservation of Indigenous Heritage.

The journey to Moruca began in George- long as you’ve stocked town at the populous ‘bus park’. Here, there up on egg balls and pine - are two Hostels getting a much needed extension, the options: are the first is to take a bus ride tarts, you’re good to go.Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs is rehabilitating the maternity ward of to Parika, on the East Bank of Essequibo, The will boatbe travels up the to a cost of 20 million dollars. the indigenous hostel. The hostel in itself extended which involves crossing over the Demerara Pomeroon River and you Harbour Bridge; the second is to take a short know how they say the With regards to hinterland roads, Government is putting plans in place to give you the best roads infrastucture you ever had Bridge’ which signals your arrival in Ku- conversation. boat ride from the stelling behind the Sta- Pomeroon is famous for its before – more long lasting.

For me, I was there during the Football broek Market to Vreed-en-Hoop and then, coconuts? That was a gross understatement. maka, Moruca.

Before leaving for Moruca, I decided World Cup group matches and it seems as take a bus from there to Parika. It’s really up Looking to your right, there are thousands . that since was at elections the top of Guyana (and though every Morucan has an unwavering but personally, the boat ride offers and of trees in sightcouncilors but during my journey free up, and - to you, There are 14 women Toshaos women inopen, fair itvillage being closer to the equator and all), it would support for the Brazilian team. Just off the more adventure. it was raining so my windows were covered be much warmer; you know because of sci- landing where the boat would have dropped At Parika, the next leg of the journey is for some time. to get a boat to the Supenaam Stelling. This After moving up the Pomeroon, the ence and stuff. So let’s imagine my surprise me off was a shop with a television that should be easy enough as the speedboat op- boat makes a brief sojourn into the Atlantic when I arrived there and I began freezing. persons stopped by to catch a glimpse of the erators are always eager to fill up their boats Ocean where the ride gets very intense- Furthermore, I only packed clothes for football before heading to work or school. and once you’ve secured a spot in the boat, with bumps and splashes just as soon as warm weather. But I wouldn’t let that deter Even if football isn’t your cup of tea, the excitement is infectious and, there is food it's a scenic trip to Supenaam. You’ll be sur- you’ve caught your breath from the former. me. I had to enjoy my time there.

Fortunately, the guesthouse- the Vincen- and drinks all around here to ensure you rounded by water and blotches of vegetation And guess what? If you look way, way indicate the very many islands around. But out- towards the direction of Trinidad- you tia Guesthouse- that I was staying at for the have a great time just hanging out.

Aside from that, there are hundreds of even here, the trip has not really begun. still won’t be able to see anything but miles few days was a five-minute walk from the In Supenaam, there are several more and miles (and miles) of water touching the landing. It was just a cosy place that felt like schoolchildren flocking this area to cross eager persons waiting to scoop you up, this horizon. Additionally, if your window is just like home and Uncle John, the propri- over the bridge to get to the Santa Rosa time in their taxis, where they will transport opened like mine was, you might not realise etor, was the nicest man you’d ever meet. nursery or primary schools.

Being a quiet area, one of the best things you to Charity, the next and final port be- it but your shirt will for sure be soaked be- And, along the path to the guesthouse was fore Moruca. The car ride there goes along fore you turn into the much calmer Moruca a cook shop that sold any food you wanted you can do for yourself is sit down by the for a really affordable cost. river edge and place your feet in the water one, long, straight road cutting through the River. or relax in a hammock where it is guaranEssequibo Coast. Rice fields and coconut Luckily, in this river, there isn’t much MEETING THE PEOPLE teed that you will fall asleep. Back at my trees are not strange appearances here. to worry about. Only trees casually falling There’s one straight road cutting through guesthouse, Uncle John had enough fruit As per norm by now, at Charity, boat- across the river; floating vegetation and men will surround the taxi hoping to con- intruding mangroves all eager to impede the Kumaka and connecting few other com- trees to keep me filled and I might have vince you to travel on their boat. They’re boat’s path. But no worries, it’s a short ride munities like Mora and along the way, climbed his fence to get mangoes from his all travelling to Moruca, so it doesn’t matter through here (as long as all goes well) and Morucans are the most polite people I’ve which you take I guess, but ‘Peanut and before long, you’ll see the famous ‘Moruca ever met, and it’s quite easy to strike up a TURN TO PAGE 14 ►

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Kumaka from up above

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neighbour. It was all part of the fun.

Before long, work aside, it was time to leave the quiet little place and head back into the busier city life- but not before a bit of an adventure.

The tree blocking the boat’s path along the Moruca River

THE JOURNEY BACK HOME Remember I spoke about the tree falling across the Moruca River? How fortunate was I to have that experience at six o’clock in the morning, soon after I departed Kumaka and as I was half awake and probably freezing. At least, I had Minister Valerie Patterson in my boat, so no worries, right?

At some point, men from the village came with a chainsaw to cut the tree out but in the meantime using your life jacket as a neck pillow is one of the best things you can do for yourself while munching on bake and saltfish from Moruca. If you happen to fall asleep, I hope you sleep soundly, because at that time in the morning, there are hundreds of birds waiting to serenade you. And if you have a camera with enough focal length, why not stand on top of the boat to get the Morucans gathered to watch the FIFA World Cup

shot of the tree in the river?

The boat ride out was just as eventful as the boat ride in, you know, looking for Trinidad and all. But this time the sun was in its full glory (and in my face) but this is why we travel in covered speedboats. But, how can you not want to open the windows and take photos of the Pomeroon in all its morning glory? Just ensure that you tell whoever is sitting behind you first, so that you don’t get scolded for waking them up or anything.

And every now and then, another speedboat would pass by and the captain tries

to ease the impact by slowing down and cruising, but if you feel nauseated it might be good to keep some gravol tablets on hand and if you’re just a ball of excitement (like me) the rocking will be the best thing ever.

Speaking of the best thing ever, there’s something majestic about the sun bouncing off the Pomeroon or peeking through the thousands of coconut trees lining the river.

The green and yellow edges of the coconut branches were illuminated like no other and it was a seemingly unending trail of the slender trees until the scenery slowly but surely become punctuated by houses.

But soon enough, the trip winds down to Charity. And while you might be content, like I was, you will most definitely be tired. All in all, however, the trip will be an unforgettable one as Moruca is simply an adventure waiting to be experienced.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

FULFILLED

‘PRESERVING OUR PAST, PROTECTING OUR FUTURE’ Government is now catering for more tertiary level students with the construction of a dormitory that will be able to accommodate 120 students. This dorm should be completed by September 2018.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs flagship project, HEYS, can be termed a success, turning out, to date, 1,302 successful small business and we have not added in Baramita, yet. Yes, the Indigenous people of Baramita are beginning to feel what it means to be a young entrepreneur; as a matter of fact, almost 4,000 young indigenous and hinterland persons, in 215 villages across Guyana, are looking at their future in a different way. They now realize that they have a future ahead of them and that they have to be a part in creating that wonderful future for themselves and they have been given the tools to do so.

In Santa Rosa Government is working with the community to resuscitate the coffee industry where 15 dedicated farmers will be planting 15 acres of coffee for which Government has invested the sum of $10M for 2018 Another $10M has been invested in the people of Kwebana, who are absolutely excited in producing and selling their cassava flour to the Guyanese nation.

Smith Creek in the Aruka River is going into the business of crab and fish processing. During the crab season they can just open the door of the processing plant and pick up a quake full of crabs!

Monkey Mountain- every time they kick a stone, they can pick it up, examine it for quality, then take to the facility to sell. Work on the Lapidary workshop will soon commence and by year end will be producing jewellery and exotic craft pieces with our semi-precious stones.

Patamonas in Port Kaituma are producing the Sun-dried tomato ketchup. I tell you, indigenous people are leading in the production of natrurally grown, value-added agricultural products! sports in communities, communities receiving over S200M in Presidential grants, provision for heritage activities totaling to approximately $93M, a demonstration of total commitment to the preservation of Indigenous Heritage.

Hostels are getting a much needed extension, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs is rehabilitating the maternity ward of the indigenous hostel. The hostel in itself will be extended to a cost of 20 million dollars.

With regards to hinterland roads, Government is putting plans in place to give you the best roads infrastucture you ever had before – more long lasting. .

There are 14 women Toshaos and women councilors inopen, free and fair village elections

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

GWI officials near the Kaituma River where mercury was discovered

Port Kaituma to benefit from multiple water sources THOUGH surface water is the main source of water supply for the residents of Port Kaituma, Region One, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI)has committed to making alternative sources available.

This assurance was given in the wake of test results, which have revealed mercury levels higher than the concentration acceptable to the World Health Organisation (WHO) present in the Kaituma River, thus making it unsafe for use.

According to GWI, Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles and a team of officials met with the chairperson and councillors of the Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council in Port Kaituma last Saturday to discuss with them, the company’s challenges and plans. Dependency on surface water is common throughout interior regions, however, as part of GWI’s mandate to ensure water is safe, regular tests are carried out. Samples were taken from the Kaituma River and sent to the Kaizen Environmental Services Laboratory in Trinidad, where it tested positive for mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal in liquid form used during mining activities. The discovery of the substance was made in May 2018 and GWI took the decision to cease pumping the water to residents. Another test is being conducted from different sections of the source.

There are two wells in the community which GWI intends to activate. One is situated at Turn Basin and another at Citrus Grove, Port Kaituma. Executive Director of Project Implementation and Partnership

Building, Mr. Ramchand Jailal noted however, that when operational, they will still be insufficient to serve all the residents at the same time as the production is low.

In this regard, the managing director informed the NDC Councillors that GWI wants to work with them to identify a suitable site to commence drilling of a new well immediately. He explained that this is urgent and therefore the decision was taken to secure the services of a contractor who recently drilled a well in the neighbouring community of Oronoque. His equipment

will be relocated so that works can begin shortly. Dr. Van- West Charles added that “When the tests return we will share with the Region and GWI will work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to take a strong stance on mining activities here. We will also test other sources such as creeks and springs.”

Mr. Jailal added that 200ft from the current turn basin well would be an ideal location to drill the new well. The well is expected to be completed within two to three weeks and the water will be gravity-fed to homes from an existing storage tank. He also cautioned residents to be mindful of consuming water from the river. Mrs. Mar-

garet Lambert, Chairperson of the Matarkai NDC, committed to working with the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, so as to agree on a suitable location for drilling to commence. She also raised issues regarding the lack of water during the dry season.

In an effort to provide relief and an improved service to the community, Dr. Van-West Charles also committed to: ensuring the Oronoque well is completed within two weeks, complete a new well at Arakaka, install a C2 Lifesaver filter tank at the Port Kaituma hospital, ensure a sufficient water supply for the new school term and explore additional water sources at Four Mile to supply the Pittsburgh and One & a Half Mile areas.

Additionally, the managing director requested the region to assist in identifying areas without access to potable water so that GWI can make interventions.

Dr. Van-WestCharles and Executive Director PIPB, Mr. Ramchand Jailal meet with the Matarkai NDC

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Exxon takes local content

‘very seriously’ – says hundreds of Guyanese employed since operations began

17 course questioning whether local companies are qualified to be primary contractors. He asked Henson to state how many primary contractors and sub-contractors are on the list.

Figueira believes that the oil company’s local content should be heavily influenced by the government. “It should be of an indigenous nature to the Guyanese,” he declared as Henson noted that prime contractors are larger, very long tenure oil and gas companies.”

The manager of the oil company told the committee that he was not in a position to provide a list of the said companies at the time, as he had not walked with same. He made it clear however, that all Guyanese contracted are beneficiaries while pointed specifically to Guyana Shore Base Inc. It was then that Lumumba called on Henson to provide to the committee a list of contractors, their nationalities and the services provided.

“I am asking you…for the list of all sub-contractors…this is important because the Guyanese government has to repay

By Ariana Gordon EXXONMOBIL and its affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) have thus far directly employed 28 Guyanese of the 40 persons working with the company.

This was revealed by Rod Henson, Country Manager EEPGL on Friday during a briefing to the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources. There, Henson disclosed that between EEPGL and its shore base, there is a small footprint.

Nonetheless, he assured that his company takes local content “very seriously” not only in Guyana but in every territory it operates. Local content, he said is thought of in three areas: workforce development (individuals), supplier development (Guyanese companies) and strategic investments (capacity building).

During the first quarter of 2018, Henson said those directly employed with EEPGL and the shore base have provided 60,000 hours of training. He said too that of the 28 Guyanese employed directly with his company, two are serving in managerial posts.

However, he noted that beyond his office and the shore base, the number of Guyanese workers up to March 31, 2018 stood at 585 which represented 52 per cent of the workforce. There are 92 other CARICOM nationals working on the project representing eight per cent and 441 persons of other nationalities representing 40 per cent of the staff.

Henson said he is very happy and proud of the numbers of Guyanese employed directly and indirectly with his company, noting that in his 30 years of experience in the field, after living in five different countries, “this is very, very good progress, stellar progress of where we are today”.

The country manager made it clear that while it is early yet in the project, the data provided tells a good story. “It is not where we want to be and not where we want to get but I am very proud of those numbers,” Henson told the Parliamentary Committee.

Notwithstanding the aforementioned, he warned that expectations must be tempered while reminding that the oil and gas industry is a deep water industry that is very technical and demanding.

“They are not labour force demanding so what we don’t envision there will be thousands and thousands of jobs. It is really going to be in the hundreds to low thousands type of jobs,” he stated.

In the case of suppliers, Henson who assumed the role of country manager last year said there are 227 Guyanese companies currently supplying goods and services to his company.

There are 42 foreign-owned companies operating here with 27 coming from within the Caribbean Community. Thus far, some US$21M has been injected into the economy during the first quarter alone. He said in the case of the Guyanese companies, some are large while others are small companies.

In the area of workforce development, the company has since hired three facilities engineers, two who graduated from the University of Guyana (UG) and the other, a Guyanese who graduated from the University of the West Indies.

The trio is currently on a two-year training programme and is currently in the Gulf of Mexico preparing themselves for first oil come 2020. Henson spoke too of the Noble Corporation which when it was awarded its contract for drilling started operations here had 18 Guyanese. Currently, the Noble Corporation has close to 60 Guyanese working for them. Those workers, he said work 28 days on and 28 days off the ship.

Reference was made of the Guyana Shore Base Inc., a majority Guyanese-owned company which has been playing a key role in the area of local content. For the first quarter, some 79 Guyanese employees, two CARICOM and six expats have been employed. Guyanese make up some 90 per cent of the local content there.

FANTASTIC “For just starting up this year and they are at 90 per cent local content is really fantastic,” said Henson who stressed that “this is

Country Manager EEPGL, Rod Henson points to his presentation on Friday. Also in photo is Deedra Moe, the company’s Senior Director for Public and Government Affairs (Adrian Narine Photo)

working the way it should work”.

Additionally, in the area of strategic community investments, the EEPGL country manager pointed to the Centre for Local Business Development which educates Guyanese companies, small and medium sized on how to compete in the industry as well as in business development. They have thus far offered free courses to 1700 interested companies and individuals.

But while the half hour presentation by Henson was described by all as “clear” members of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources questioned whether ExxonMobil or its affiliates were guided on the expectations as it relates to what local content should be.

“Yes, we have been provided on numerous occasions with expectations—we also have our own interests—this is something we do everywhere in the world—good business,” Henson said in response to Chairman of the Committee Odinga Lumumba.

Lumumba then questioned whether the U.S. oil giant had reached out to members of the government or vice versa to attain a better understanding of local content.

“I think there is opportunity for better understanding of all elements of the oil and gas industry,” the EEPGL country manager stated while seated next to several of his senior staff members on Friday.

Committee member, Needkumar then remarked that the release of the list of contractors working on the oil and gas project was “horrifying to the nation” but Henson was quick to state that his company did not release the list of those contracted by the company.

“We did not release a list, nonetheless, the list has 227 names and the definition of local content is Guyanese owned companies.

Some of those companies on that list are Guyanese – that is just one piece of the whole story -- those are Guyanese stories,” he said in reply to Needkumar.

But the committee member did not stop there, he asked, “Did the company discuss with the government how they would develop local content in Guyana? Did the government play a part in this?”

CONSULTED WITH GOV’T Henson made it clear that his company has been in communication with the government on the issue of local content and noted that along with the Liza Phase one documents, a local content document which outlined his company’s plans were submitted.

“We welcome continued efforts to try to improve those effects--- we welcome more involvement-- our procurement processes are quite transparent,” the country manager said while reminded that “sometimes there is a misalignment of expectations”.

Committee member Jermaine Figueira chimed in on the dis-

this debt. And we have to make sure that the companies that are working their prices are competitive, so we need to know what sub-contractors you are using, where they are from and what services they are providing. It doesn’t make sense you bring a country from the moon to provide X when it can be done in Guyana at X minus one or two. That’s why we are asking these questions,” said the chair of the Committee.

In response, Henson said from his understanding Lumumba was speaking of areas that would be covered in the local content policy framework. “I think what we need to do is try to balance the local development with a stable business environment.”

Figueira then explained that the objective of his questions speak to the benefit that will be derived in the economy.

“We accept the reality that most of our local companies cannot be primary contractors at this point in time however, the sub-contracting of those contracts for example cooking; stationery… those funds by having the sub-contracted contract will remain here primarily. With all the monies spent by ExxonMobil we want to know how much of that has been sub-contracted to locals and that money remains in Guyana?” said Figueira.

Henson agreed that the interest should be which local companies are benefitting. “Local companies want work… you want local companies to get work and you want that investment to be spent locally. It is 227 companies and US$21M.” But Lumumba returned to the provision of a list of the contractors and sub-contractors. He noted that Guyanese have an issue with the list while noting that “there are several names of companies and activities on the list which, to many of us, we don’t see that as part of local content.”

“I am sure you would not take your garbage to Houston [Texas, USA]; you obviously have to take it to the dumpsite in Guyana but I noticed it was down as local content,” said Lumumba.

Meanwhile, committee member Pauline Sukhai questioned whether ExxonMobil is funding the training of laid-off sugar workers. Several sugar workers have been trained by TOTALTEC Academy, an investor in the Guyana Shore Base Inc. “No, we are not funding that, at least directly,” replied Henson. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan quickly called on committee members to stay focused in the discussion. He noted that inference made by some committee members that the coalition government placed persons on the breadline after the closure of estates was uncalled for.

“This administration has a responsibility of management of the enterprises owned by the government. It is unfair for us to come here and speak without context—about putting people on the breadline,” said Bulkan.

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President David Granger addresses the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Monday (Samuel Maughn photo)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Towards a

digital state …President says Guyana on cusp of ICT transformation

By Lisa Hamilton PRESIDENT David Granger says that despite Guyana’s unique geographical challenges, government will not relinquish efforts to ensuring that every community receives equal access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) opportunities.

His comments were made at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean ICT Roadshow

which kicked off for the first time in Guyana, on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC). The roadshow is being hosted from July 9-14 under the theme ‘Harnessing the Power of Innovation: the Engine for ICT-enabled Development’ and comes about through collaboration between the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and Public Telecommunications Ministry.

In his address, President Granger said that Guyana, the largest Caribbean state with the

President David Granger (fourth left) and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo (first from left) stand along with Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Secretary General Bernadette Lewis (fourth right); Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Sub-Regional Coordinator, Lystra Fletcher-Paul (third right) and several government ministers and international representatives of the region. (Samuel Maughn photo)

second lowest population density, faces many geographical challenges when it comes to ICT. However, he told the gathering that every community, regardless of its location, can become connected and receive equal access to information and public services.

“Guyana, suffering from inequality along the lines of geography and infrastructural development, has peculiar challenges for ICT development. Many hinterland communities are isolated [due] to lack of adequate infrastructure. Residents of these communities have to travel long distances to access public services,” he said, adding: “ICT development, therefore, must be responsive to the spatial dimension of geographical development. Every village must have a centre where public services such as citizenship, public education, public health, public security and postal services can be accessed. ICT must bring these services to the people in the islands, in the hinterland and riverine and lower communities.”

The President continued by stating that many communities have become “silent

zones”, cut off from communication with the rest of the country, but the establishment of the Regional Public Broadcasting Service (RPBS) is assisting in this regard.

He noted, too, that since taking up office, the Government has implemented over 100 ICT hubs in the coastland and hinterland regions, while providing remote access learning to over 175 primary schools and over 105 secondary and tertiary education institutions. In addition, to increase its competitiveness in ICT, the education system is being reconfigured to place greater emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education. As such, he congratulated the CTU and the Ministry of Public Telecommunication for hosting the ICT Roadshow which he says will help to set the region firmly on the digital highway towards increased connectivity for the region.

The President said Guyana, like other Caribbean States, is moving towards becoming TURN TO PAGE

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

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Corentyne bridge still on the cards

– but not a priority now, says President Granger

By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger has said that the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River that would link Guyana to Suriname is still on the cards, but for now the two countries are focused on addressing short to medium-term matters of mutual interest.

President Granger made the comment shortly after concluding bilateral talks with President of Suriname Desi Bouterse, on Friday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica.

“No we did not speak about that today. It is on the cards but it has not been dealt with as a matter of urgency,” he told the Guyana Chronicle when approached on the matter.

Both Guyana and Suriname have expressed an interest in the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River. To date, feasibility studies and a design of the bridge have been completed.

While the bridging of the Corentyne River remains on the to do list, President Granger said that there are other important matters engaging the attention of the two countries FROM PAGE

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a digital state, which will reduce the need for citizens to travel outside of their regions to examine their academic and medical records, to acquire passports, access legal services, record births and deaths, to receive social security benefits, register businesses, renew drivers’ licences, submit income-tax returns and to embark on trade and investment enterprises.

“The digital state will revolutionise the delivery of education, including distance education, by introducing technology-based teaching into the public education system thereby improving educational attainment…

The digital state will trigger economic transformation. It will spawn knowledge-based industries while diversifying the economy away from primary production, moving manufacturing up the value chain and building greater economic resilience. It is about applying ICT to add value to primary production and to ensure greater access to external and internal markets,” President Granger said.

THINK OUT THE BOX Meanwhile, Public Telecommunication Minister Cathy Hughes challenged the attendees to think “out of the box” by putting aside traditional ways and transforming Guyana through ICT. She reminded that the Ministry is in the process of developing a policy framework for the full utilisation of ICTs in Guyana, which will facilitate sustained economic growth, transparency and equality to name a few.

However, to achieve this, she called on all stakeholders, including the public and private sector, civil society and academia, to play a role in awareness, knowledge sharing and discussions.

She also recognised the large turnout of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and noted that they, too, stand to benefit significantly from the event. “I hope to see a private sector

such as the issue of piracy.

“We are looking to deal with issues which can be resolved in the short and middle term to ensure that there is no lawlessness, as occurred in April,” the President said.

In late April and early May, this year, there were two separate attacks on five Suriname-registered fishing vessels with 25 fishermen, most of whom were Guyanese. Nine of the men survived the grisly attack while at least 12 have been confirmed as missing and presumed dead.

The alleged mastermind, Primnauth Persaud, 43, called “Sinbad” of Cromarty Village, and his co-accused Nakool Manohar, popularly known as “Fyah” of Number 43 Village, were later charged with two counts of murder, for allegedly killing Mahesh Sarjoo and Tillacknauth Mohabir, both fishermen, during a piracy attack in Suriname.

That matter is still being investigated and local police have formally requested to be allowed to interrogate the suspects who were arrested and remain in custody in Suriname.

In Guyana, June 25, 2018 was observed as a National Day of Mourning in memory of the murdered fishermen.

President David Granger and President of Suriname Desi Bouterse at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Jamaica

President Granger said his meeting with President Bouterse was an agenda setting one.

“Unfortunately, because of various reasons I have been travelling a lot and we have not been able to have our regular meetings, so we are just reviewing the changing situation in the Caribbean and also on the continent of South America, and in a sense we are setting the agenda for future meetings,” the President

explained.

Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and Ambassador Audrey Waddell formed part of the Guyanese delegation.

The meeting between the Guyanese and Surinamese Presidents was held on the margins of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

that begins to embrace, more, the use of technological systems. A public and private sector that thinks outside the box and strategically allocates a few of your jobs to persons that are visually or hearing impaired; that looks to hire our young Guyanese ICT entrepreneurs who are immensely talented and qualified…all of this must be the measure of our worth, of your worth and success as a company or an agency,” Hughes said.

During the ceremony, CTU Secretary General Bernadette Lewis stressed the need for all sectors to be involved in the evolu- A sign language interpreter delivers the tion of technology which messages being spoken to the hearing she said, if neglected, could impaired presently attending the Caribbean result in their eventual ir- ICT Roadshow (Samuel Maughn photo) relevance. er-Paul, addressed the gathering on the “Citizens who do not embrace the technology will find it increasingly importance of ICT in agriculture to not only difficult to participate in everyday activities foster economic development but youth inin their countries. Businesses that do not volvement.

“The lack of succession planning and an respond appropriately to the changing times, they become irrelevant and fade into oblivion. ageing population involved in the agriculture Governments that do not respond appropriate- sector is a major issue which has to be adly, they don’t go out of business, but instead, dressed to ensure food and nutrition security their ability to serve their citizens effectively in the future of the Caribbean. The use of ICT diminishes over time, as they slowly morph in agriculture provides an opportunity for engagement with youth in the sector…e-agriinto a state of gridlock,” Lewis cautioned.

At the same time, she reminded that even culture opens a whole new world for the use of as this technological evolution takes place, innovative technologies to revitalise the sector persons ought to simultaneously safeguard and attract young people,” she said.

Several other Ministers of Government themselves from becoming disconnected and losing their ability to communicate face to attended the opening ceremony including: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister face.

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of State Joseph Harmon; Minister of Business Sub-Regional Coordinator, Lystra Fletch- Dominic Gaskin; Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock ;Minister

of Finance Winston Jordon and Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder.

Also present were Junior Minister of Finance Jaipaul Sharma; Junior Minister of Public Health Karen Cummings; Junior Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes and Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson.

The week’s event will feature over 20 presenters from the CTU and other key organisations who will speak on the topics of e-agriculture, 21st Century Government, ICT for PWDs, digital financial services, cyber security and future casting.

Guyana is the first Caribbean country to host the updated version of the roadshow which previously visited 18 other Caribbean countries, raising awareness on the effectiveness of ICT to citizens and other stakeholders.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Horse Racing can Boost Tourism

12th Annual Running of the Guyana Cup Horse Meet to kick of August 19

By Lisa Hamilton

“He used to put me across his neck and carry me to the track and then, off my own, I used to get a piece of paper with a pen and I used to listen to the races at D’Urban Park being broadcast from Trinidad. I used to get the names of the horses, write them down and then get a nutshell, a pointer, dry

THE Jum-bo-Jet Thoroughbred Committee strongly believes that horse racing can help to boost Guyana’s tourism even as the body prepares to host the12th Annual Running of the Guyana Cup Horse Meet come August 19, 2018.

This Horse Meet, which is the highest level of horse racing in the country, is being predicted as the largest-ever to be hosted in Guyana with over 60 entries thus far, and 60 more expected within the next five weeks.

Up to $20 million will be up for grabs in prizes while the event is catering for up to 6,000 local and international visitors from North America, Europe and the Caribbean to the Rising Sun Turf Club in West Coast Berbice.

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Guyana’s leading horse racing commentator Compton Sancho said that there are ongoing talks with the Government for the passing of legislation which can see horses travelling back and forth to Guyana to compete.

“Horse racing puts aside a package for a lot of people in Guyana in terms of job creation, entertainment and it can boost the tourism drive. We’re working right now to get the legislation passed whereby they can bring the horse, race it in Guyana and take it back out. That would mean a lot. It would take the tourism drive right up to the max,” Sancho said.

Even as the matter is being put forward to the Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth Guyana’s leading Horse Racing and Sport and other senior Government officials, Sancho commentator Compton Sancho thanked those involved for their support towards the (Adrian Narine photo) development of Horse Racing in Guyana over the years. stem- anything…and name them and put them in my hands FOND MEMORIES and using the big canal. I would ‘jook’ five pointers in the The commentator, also a committee member, has been in gutter and start commenting based on the names I have on the business for some 45 years and first began commenting on the paper and I took it from there,” he recalled humorously. horse racing at just 15 years old in the village of Port Mourant.

However, the journey from the very beginning to times He recalled his much younger days at the age of seven standing has not been easy, Sancho told the newspaper saying: when his older brother would take him to the racing tracks “It was very much challenging in those days. You had which is where he developed a love for the way commentators to know how to read and write but the most exciting part is would narrate the excitement of the sport. when the horses straighten up during the final [leg of the race]

where you have to step up on the commentary and there is where all the excitement comes in.”

He noted some of the popular figures he remembers who have visited the horse races such as Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister of Education Nicolette Henry, junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Anette Ferguson, as well as a senior member of the Santa Rosa Turf Club in Trinidad.

The average racehorse weighs only 1,000 pounds or 453.5923 kg, can race at a top speed of some 40 mph and based on their performance can go up the highest which is the ‘A’ class.

Speaking on the care that needs to be provided to the thoroughbred racehorse Sancho said: “You have to train them, feed them well and get the vet to look at them.”

Meanwhile, as he described his love for the sport he said that the activity can help to unite all classes of society.

“Horse racing is full of excitement, plenty excitement. From the smallest child, as soon as they go through that Main Entry gate they just begin to feel the vibes and the excitement. I like this and I love the sport. It is a family-oriented sport and through this we assist the tourism industry in Guyana.”

For the first place prizes of the races, C-Class and lower (1600m) will contest for the $2 million; Threeyear-old Guyana Bred (1100m) will compete for a $1million; G1 and Lower (1400m) will contest for $800,000; H3 and Lower (1100m) for $600,000; Two-year-old Guyana Bred (1100m) will contest for $350,000.

There will also be cash prizes for I1 and Lower (1400m) of $300,000; J3 Non-winners (1400m) for $250,000; L Class Colts and Gelding (1400m) for $200,000; L Class Fillies and Mares (1400m) of $200,000 and L and Lower Non-winners (1100m) of $150,000.

Cash prizes will also be given to the second, third, fourth and fifth place winners. The gates to the 12th Annual Running of the Guyana Cup Horse Meet will open at 10:00hrs on August 19, 2018.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

Government receives LEDs; first phase of installation in weeks Secretary of the Traffic and Highway Lights Department Thandi Fortune (centre) displays one of the new LED Lamps in the presence of Electrical Engineers Lallram Seeram (left) and Andre Lindore (Samuel Maughn Photo)

THE main roadways of several regions in Guyana will be outfitted with new energy-saving Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamps in just a week’s time following the Government’s acquisition of over 10,000 of the lamps from the Japanese Government.

What will be the first phase of the project will see some 1,500 of the LED lamps being mounted in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10 replacing the current High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lamps across the country.

The project comes through collaboration between the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MOPI) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Japan Non-Project Grant of US$1,330,000.

It will see the Government receiving total of 10,930 LED lamps and, thus far, two shipments amounting to 6,214 have already been received while the final shipment of the remaining 4,716 is expected by August 24, 2018.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Head of the Traffic and Highway Lights Department at MOPI, Terrence O’Brien provided a detailed report of all the areas to benefit in the coming weeks.

In Region Two new lamps will be placed from Supenaam to Jib, in Anna Regina while in Region Three lamps will be installed on the Wakenaam roadway and from Vreed-en-Hoop to Nouvelle Flanders and from Meer-Zorgen to Plantain Walk on the West Bank of Demerara.

Meanwhile, in Region Four there will be lamps along Homestretch Avenue, the Bourda Market Square, Aubrey Barker Road, University of Guyana (UG) Access Road, from Vlissengen Road at the Seawall to the Square of the Revolution, Camp Street, Regent Street, Main Street; from Bel Air Railway to Ogle Railway and from Conversation Tree to

Head of the Traffic and Highway Lights Department at MOPI Terrence O’Brien (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Vlissengen Road totaling 350.

For Region Five there will be 157 lamps altogether with areas including Ithaca; Bath to Number 12 and D’Edward to Rosignol. In Region Six, 188 lamps will run from Palmyra to New Amsterdam and at the Palmyra T-Junction.

Region 10 will also receive 100 lamps total on the McKenzie and Wismar shore bringing the total of lamps to be

installed within the first phase to 1,500.

O’Brien said that, apart from the Linden Highway which will be addressed with future resources, the aim is to replace the old lamps at every highway in the country which amount to just over 7,000.

Under the Ministry of Communities’ Community Infrastructure Improvement Project, in the coming phases both small and large communities will receive LED Lamps, even in those where there were previously no street lights.

As such, lamps will be placed in internal streets in: Anna Regina – 60 lamps; Bartica – 248 lamps; New Amsterdam – 956 lamps; Rose Hall – 30 lamps; Corriverton – 17 lamps; Lethem – 132 lamps; Linden – 360 lamps while Mabaruma and Mahdia will each received 167 and 30 lamps respectively for the first time.

O’Brien says that the first phase should take approximately two and a half weeks while the projected completion date of the installation of the over 10,000 lamps is October 2018.

Compared to the HPS lamps, which have a life span of five years, the LED Lamps can last for up to 20 years and will save the Government some 65 percent in energy costs as well as savings in maintenance costs.

In addition, the new lamps are water resistant; burn less energy; operate on very low voltages; work well in a wide range of operating temperatures; are environmentally safe; reveal the actual colour of objects; will improve the visuals on highways and help to discourage criminal activities common in the nights.

O’Brien said that plans are already in motion for the HPS lamps being replaced to be either sold or upcycled creating additional LED lamps through modification.

The MOPI will utilise in-house workers as well as hired contractors to install the lamps while a small portion will be reserved for emergency cases such as damaged lamps due to road accidents or any other unfortunate occurrence.

The LED lamps form a part of the Government’s vision of a green economy and President David Granger’s aim to ensure that the country is built on environmental sustainability balanced with economic development.

CARICOM firmly behind Guyana in border case

By Svetlana Marshall HEADS of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) reiterated their firm and unswerving support for the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana as the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy engages the attention of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The heads of government of the regional bloc renewed their support for Guyana during their just concluded 39th Meeting of Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The regional summit was attended by President David Granger, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, and Ambas-

sador Audrey Waddell.

Upon being updated on the most recent developments between Guyana and Venezuela, the regional leaders took note of the fact that Guyana had filed its application with the ICJ on March 29, 2018, in accordance with the decision of the United Nations Secretary General, which was issued on January 30, 2018 to choose the international court as the means that is now to be used for the settlement of the controversy between the two countries.

“Heads of Government further noted that Venezuela had indicated its decision not to participate in the case and that in such a case, the rules of the court provide for a full hearing of

the case and a final judgement that is legally binding on both the participating and non-participating countries,” the CARICOM Secretariat said in a statement.

In offering its renewed support to Guyana, the heads of government also expressed support for the judicial process which is intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the long-standing matter.

The country’s boundary with Venezuela was established by international law since 1899.

Meanwhile, the heads of government were also briefed on the most recent developments between Belize and Guatemala.

“Heads of government expressed

concern that the undertaking by both countries and the Organisation of American States (OAS) to engage in the design and development of a mechanism of co-operation for the Sarstoon River remains outstanding and urged both countries and the OAS to reinvigorate their efforts to this end,” the CARICOM Secretariat said.

The regional leaders, however, noted with satisfaction that in accordance with the Special Agreement to submit Guatemala’s Claim to the International Court of Justice, Guatemala successfully held its referendum on April 15, 2018, to submit its claim on Belize to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a final resolution.

Belize is currently engaged in a na-

tionwide public education campaign to prepare Belizeans to make an informed decision for its own referendum, scheduled to be held April 10, 2019.

“Heads of government expressed support for the crucial role of the OAS in the process aimed at resolving the dispute, arising from Guatemala’s claims on Belize and further called on the international community to continue supporting the OAS office in the adjacency zone,” the secretariat further stated.

As in the case of Guyana, the heads of government underscored their unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Belize.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 20, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, July 17, 2018

*France crowned World Cup Champions for second time, Croatia claim second *Modric wins Adidas Golden Ball, Kane takes home Adidas Golden Boot *Bronze for Belgium, England finish fourth

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ thrilled from beginning to end. The 21st edition of the World finals also produced countless moments that will endure in the collective memory of those who love the beautiful game. From Kaliningrad to Ekaterinburg from Saint Petersburg to Sochi, there were smiles and celebrations aplenty as millions came together to enjoy what was a

Giants

true festival of football. There were goals aplenty: the first and only goalless draw at Russia 2018 came after 36 matches, which was the latest for a single edition in history.

France were crowned champions for the second time in history and for the first since they were hosts in 1998 after defeating Croatia 4-2 in what will go down as one

of the most thrilling World Cup finals ever. Nineteenyear-old Kylian Mbappe became the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup Final, following in the footsteps of Pele who did so as a 17-year-old in 1958.

Goals and performances from midfielder Paul Pogba and forward Antoine Griezmann also proved vital in helping Les Bleus become world champions once more.

fall in Kazan Kazan Arena witnessed the elimination of multiple World Cup heavyweights.

Holders Germany, for example, were defeated 2-0 by Korea Republic there and failed to progress from the group stage for the first time in the country’s proud World Cup history. The next giant to fall was Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Round of 16. In one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament, France - led by the exhilarating youngster Mbappe - saw off La Albiceleste 4-3.

Brazil, Argentina’s long-time South American rivals, were next, as Neymar and Co were beaten by an impressive Belgium side in the quarter-finals.

Surprise

Thomas Mueller of Germany looks dejected following his side’s defeat in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group F match between Korea Republic and Germany

packages

Some nations scaled new heights at Russia 2018. The Red Devils of Belgium had their best-ever World Cup, finishing in third and eclipsing their fourth-place finish in 1986. Roberto Martinez’s side, who finished as the top scoring team (16), were one of three sides - the others being Uruguay and Croatia - who emerged from the group stage with maximum points. Russia’s quarter-final finish was their first at that stage since the former Soviet Union did it in 1970. Sweden reached the last eight for the first time since USA 1994, while Croatia contested the country’s first ever World Cup Final.

Belgium was the element of surprise in Russia

Champions

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