Guyana Chronicle New York Edition E-Paper 19 05 2017

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

address

by

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, at the Swearing-in Ceremony, Georgetown, on 16th May 2015.

Guyanese, It is written: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." We have come together at the National Assembly of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana as a mark of respect for the Parliament, for our Constitution and for the People of this great country. Guyana.

We have good reason to rejoice. We rejoice not only in the favourable results, but also in the enjoyment of our democracy. We went into the general and regional elections on 1 IthMay 205 as a grand Coalition, comprising six parties-the Alliance For Change; Guyana Action Parly; Justice For All Parly; National Front Alliance; People's National Congress Reform and Working People's Alliance - and won the support of the majority of people.

We therefore record our gratitude, first, to the more than 408.000 citizens who participated in this important democratic process last Monday. We thank, also, the thousands of observers, officers, officials, agents and other workers - from overseas and from Guyana - and representatives of foreign missions who worked to ensure that the elections were conducted in a manner than satisfied international standards for efficiency and credibility. We congratulate the successful candidates of all parties who will soon be selected to become members of the 11th Parliament and encourage them to be faithful to their oath of office and to their constituents.

Guyanese.

The elections are over. The Guyanese people have chosen their representatives. The Constitution has been respected. Our democracy has been fortified.

Let us now put past rivalries behind us and work in unity to banish poverty, ignorance, fear and hatred.

We assemble here today to witness the swearing in. not of a parly leader, but of the President of all the people. I shall be a good President for all the people.

We the Guyanese people have chosen to inaugurate a 'government of national unity' and to promote our multi-parly, inclusionary partnership. We are convinced that this is the best way to overcome our historic divisions. We have witnessed the damage done to our beautiful country over the past twenty-three years. We have been mocked by the destraction of local democracy and the denial of local government elections.

We have been treated with contempt by the dictatorial prorogation and dissolution of Parliament. We have had to bear the brant of the high rate of crime including armed robberies, arson, inter-personal violence, murder, piracy, rapes, road fatalities and trafficking in persons. We have had to bear

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the cost of the squandering of state resources on exorbitant but misconceived mega-projects. We have suffered most from the high cost of living and the high level of unemployment.

We have not been filled with hatred by these conditions.

We are. indeed, more determined than ever to refashion society into one in which our womenfolk can look forward to working for 'living wages' to cope with the cost of living; one in which old folk can enjoy adequate pensions and social protection. Our young people will be able to attain higher educational standards and look forward to finding satisfactory jobs when they leave school. Our women and girl children can look forward to living in safety and to being protected from abuse and violent crime.

We the Guyanese people have seized the opportunity to vote for human safety, national unity and inclusionary democracy. We now look to the future. We invite you to attend the formal, official "Inauguration Ceremony" to be held at the National Stadium on 26th May; Independence Day. We also wish to inform you that the outgoing and incoming administrations, respectively, have agreed to establish a 'Transition Team' to facilitate the transfer of assets and the transmission of information needed to ensure the continuity of government and to guarantee the stability and security of the state. Lt Col Joseph Harmon has been appointed the new administration's team leader to manage this process.

We announce also, that Mr Moses Nagamootoo will be appointed the next Prime Minister as soon as he is sworn in as a Member of Parliament in accordance with the Constitution.

Guyanese.

We declared on 1st January this year, that 2015 would be the "Year of Democratic Renewal." We were right. Let us therefore rejoice in the people's choice. Let us embrace each other - regardless of religion, race, class, occupation - as fellow Guyanese. Let us work together, to realise our inspiring national motto: "One People. One Nation. OneDestiny." Let us be reminded of the famous national song: Let us co-operate for Guyana. Let us co-operate for our land.

Let us resolve to fight together. See we do it right together Can we do it? Yes we can.

May God bless Guyana!

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

A

new

...PMsays coalition

By Ariana Gordon

3

democracy

victory heralds M

'newparadigm*

also has portfolio responsibilities for governance, parliamentary affairs and the state media said.

Asked to respond criticisms of government not fulfilling some of its promises to citizens, the Prime Minister said in reflecting on how well the government has performed at its second anniversary has to be rooted not in unfulfilled promises but in the reality of what has been possible, and not what was expected.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo believes that while all promises have not been fulfilled, his government has been able to increase wages by 38 per cent, something he described as a "magnificent achievement." "VAT has been reduced from 16 per cent to 14 per cent... these constitute the reality...there is now more disposable income for the working poor." the Prime Minister noted while adding that they are incremental achievements which show the consistency of the APNU+AFC government in the delivery of services.

The election of the APNU+AFC co*iv. alition government to office in May 2015 marked the beginning of a "new democracy", Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has said, referencing the m *4 separation of powers, a free press and the integrity of the judiciary.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. Nagamootoo said the two years in office have seen a very marked and significant definition of the political landscape. "We have begun to see the contoms of new democracy emerging." said the Prime Minister as he reflected on the coalition's tw o year journey as a government.

He pointed to what he termed several facets of life in Guyana as examples of the "new democracy" and made specific reference to the existence of parliamentary democracy, the doctrine of separation of powers, a free media and the integrity of the judiciary. m mk POCKETS OF DISUNITY "To have achieved definition of a Though by its very nature, the coalinew democracy in two years cannot tion government brought together a number be measured in financial value." said Naga- ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP mootoo a former People's Progressive Party This he explained represents the reactiva- of political parties, it seems to be straggling Civic (PPP-C) executive, who joined the Alli- tion of civic and citizen interest in community with bringing citizens together and according ance For Change in 2006 that later teamed up matters. As an example, the Prime Minister to the Prime Minister there continues to be with APNU to oust the Donald Ramotar-led noted the recent protest by citizens against "pockets of disunity." But Nagamootoo made administration. the institution of paid parking in Georgetown it clear that the opposition PPP would have which also called for the Georgetown Mayor "to develop its own strategy for survival, not FAILED STATE and City Council to scrap its contract with on a basis of opposition for opposition sake Moreover, the Prime Minister said mea- Smart City Solutions (SCS). the company but on making strident representations for sures by his administration to curb illicit contracted to run the project. systems that would ensure that they have not activities here have been the bedrock of "You have the idea of new towns. Bartica. only a secured placed in the political system, success. He said institutional as well as legal Lethem. Mahdia. Mabamma.. .which saw the but a possibility that they could return to measmes to combat what he described as an rejuvenation of interest in community devel- office." "almost failed state" when the coalition took opment. . .this is the inclusion of the grassroots Nagamootoo who served as a Member office have brought about a higher level of in governance; self-governance." he added. of Parliament since 1992 said in the context accountability here.

Also. Nagamootoo made it clear that of Constitutional Reform it is important to He told this newspaper that several foren- consultations have been the "bedrock of the build a political environment that is based on sic audits of state agencies have been done administration's decision making" and noted competitive politics and allows each person since the government took office and have that policies implemented must be premised a possibility to be elected.

"Both the opposition and government unearthed a plethora of instances of corrap- on the widest possible consultations. He said tion. although critics have lamented the sloth too that some changes would prove adverse and civil society recognize that there is more in which charges have been brought against to the way of some persons. "Changes are work to be done on the constitution and that those culpable. The Prime Minister, an attor- made in the interest of the country." said the you need to subject the constitution to another ney said. "The mechanism of forensic audits Prime Minister who referenced the resistance round of scrutiny and to go to the people to brought naked traths.. .we have seen charges by sugar workers to the changes that are cur- take from them what and how they should against those who held public office for theft, rently occurring in the sector. change or reform the constitution." The Prime and misappropriation of public funds."

"We are trying to move the industry away Minister who participated in the 1996. 2001 "We feel that a large portion of public from its bankraptcy." he added while calling constitutional reform processes has since assets have been privately appropriated by on citizens to fear not as his administration started consultations with the United Nations persons...those assets should not end up in is working in their best interest. "There is no (UN) bodies to receive both financial and the deep pockets of those who hold office." reason to fear- the country is in safe hands technical support. said the Prime Minister. On that note, he and the coalition has both plans and vision to He maintains that the constitution is too referenced the passage of the State Assets lead this country into a state of viability that important and precious to be tinkered with Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill and the set up could protect and improve their (citizens) and said "while we ought to have started an agency to enforce it. the process earlier, it is not a delay that had conditions of life."

On the legal side, he referenced the pasplaced us in jeopardy. I had set up cautiously sage into law legislation which brought into SLOW PACE all the mechanisms that were necessary to being the Public Procurement Commission Meanwhile, notwithstanding the achieve- move forward. I hope there would be a buy (PPC) and saw its members being named ments. the Prime Minister expressed disap- in from opposition that would permit this proand the Anti-Money laundering initiatives pointment with the pace at which some of cess to go forward on the basis of consensus." by the state. Nagamootoo noted that another the government's plans are materialising.

The Prime Minister noted that in the significant achievement by his government "We are not moving fast enough." he said Cummingsburg Accord, provision was made in the context of a "new democracy" was while stressing that the government is on for the inclusion of opposition members in a the hosting of Local Government Elections the right trajectory. "We know we need to government of national unity. The political (LGE) in2016. "Thefactthatthis government build a law abiding nation...but it needs to coalition Nagamootoo said sees a role for dared to hold LGE after 21 years opened up a be done quicker to calm fears. The promise wider participation in governance. "I believe wide avenue for people's participation from of jobs foryoung people, housing etc. but we that itself is a mandate for us to work together the grassroots level to the level of munici- are fighting too many fires that were burning to expand the constitutional framework that palities." from a past regime." the prime minister who would allow for us one day to achieve a gov-

ernment of national unity."

He stressed that the coalition has thus far provided and catered for the interest of all citizens and on its 2nd anniversary in office, has delivered lots though he believes much more could have been done. "We had massive intervention in the economy, infrastructure, repaired old ferries, provided roads where there was none, provided lamps and lights and electricity to areas that have never seen the light of day. repairs to aerodromes in the interior. . .the touch of renewal can be seen, felt in the lives of communities that have never seen any renovation. Mabamma and Lethem have radio station." said the Prime Minister.

The Politician believes strongly in partnership and noted that in a country which is challenged by contiguous neighbours.

Guyanese need more than ever to unite in partnership to defend the country's sovereignty. "We don't have any hidden agenda, political mission to keep Guyana fragmented, we have a determination to untie our people and that unity has to be across parties. We want to promote and I still want to extend the olive branch to the opposition." he added while noting that Bi-partisan cooperation is necessary for the advancement of the country.

STATE CONTROL OF THE PRESS Meanwhile, the Prime Minister who has direct responsibility for the state media has vehemently denied allegations of the state's interference into the media, be it state or private. He described the allegations as absurd noting that his administration has guaranteed the plurality of the media and there is no evidence to suggest that the government has thus far been oppressive. He said, the private media has not been stifled by the government as was done in the past by the PPP which had refused to place advertisements in the private media.

"In all democracies, all societies for that matter, it is the free, independent, privately owned press that would come forward and say that the government is trying to interfere with my freedom. Our government has not withheld any advertisement from the private media."

"I don't know of a single case of a journalist being persecuted or prosecuted. I don't know of a single case." he continued while stressing that the allegations are disappointing and noted that though he is Prime Minister he remains a citizen of Guyana and like all other persons express concerns about things aired or published.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) in its Press Freedom Day message had called on the government to desist from interfering in the operation of the state media. However, the Prime Minister who has oversight of the state media said, "the complaints of interference is without merit, they're unsupported by any evidence, they are vindictive, malicious and only intended to besmirch the good reputation of Guyana as a country that enjoys freedom of the press." Meanwhile, he disclosed that he is in the process of releasing a white paper on public information and said the white paper, which is under review, will speak specifically to how his office thinks information should be disseminated to the citizenry.

4

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

Restoring

the

rule

By Zena Henry top priority for A G When, Senior Counsel Basil Williams, member of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was named the country's Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs following the country's 2015 General Elections, it was a move that few could argue with, given that he is inarguably one of the country's most dynamic and prominent legal minds.

Known for his astute and forthright stance as a public figure, the veteran lawyer of 33 years has much to be commended for.

Williams said he is extremely proud of his handling of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. the assistance rendered to law students and the upgrade of the registries among many other achievements.

The new Attorney General was instrumental in getting Guyana off the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) blacklist after the previous administration had failed to adhere to international legislation to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Moreover. Williams was. in 2016. further appointed as Deputy Chairman of the said institution. The country was also lauded by the American Regional Review Group (ARRG) for passing four pieces of legislation within a year.

The AG said he was also happy to have been of some assistance to Guyanese law students studying at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago where he was able to get Cabinet to contribute a percentage of tuition fees for 50 law students

Creating

a

Registrar and Deputy.

Services at the Land Registry have also improved, compared to that which citizens previously experienced relating to administration. The system has also been computerised and currently, moves are being made to have a regional coordination where local services and information on these registries could be accessed anywhere in the region.

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Attorney General, Basil Williams up to 2018. Law students had faced some difficulty with automatic entry into the Law School, but this was quickly handled when President David Granger influenced Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders at one of their meetings to address the matter.

The issue was quickly resolved when it was learnt that the previous administration had not been making their contribution to the entity, resulting in a grave disadvantage for students from Guyana.

Since the Attorney General took office, he has been able to improve the Deeds and Commercial Registry to include new accommodation and securing the services of a

modern,

JOH Law School Minister Williams is vigorously exploring the possibility of having a law school here in Guyana. He explained that Guyana has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Jamaican partners and a feasibility study on the viability of the school is on the way. "T am very optimistic about this." the minister posited. The collaborative agreement between the region's Council of Legal Education, the University of Guyana and the University of the West Indies (UWI) was also addressed after this was left undone by the last government.

Within 100 days of taking office, the government was able to pass the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill and Financial Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act. Williams reminded. "Those things were to restore the independence of the Judiciary and constitutional commissions." he said.

Williams added that the judiciary was undermined when they were slated to be budget agencies. It meant that the constitutional body was not allowed to draw up its own

ICT-driven

ot

law

budget and allocate funds where it saw fit.

Now. they determine their own priorities, and Williams charged that this is one of the areas where Government is fulfilling its promise on returning the 'Rule of Law'.

Corruption endemic He said it was not until getting into office that he realised that corruption was "endemic". "Even in my Ministry, there was no formal handing over." The AG said that he spoke with his predecessor, but nothing that contributed to smoothly continuing the work of the office came about. The AG reminded that since taking office, he is still to locate relevant documents on major issues, stating that they are not in the Chambers. They include information on the collaborative agreement betw een UWI. UG and Legal Council, and information on large financial judgments made against the then government.

The AG noted, however, that despite the office not being properly handed over, he was well abreast with current issues, while attending certain meetings such as those of CFATF and briefings with the Legal Council for example. These, he said, further enabled him to acquaint himself with issues, and afforded him the opportunity to handle them appropriately. Under the AG's watch, some other prominent matters include the State Asset Recovery Agency, Cybercrime, Whistleblower legislation and witness protection. Sometime soon, Minister Williams said that work will also commence regarding the extra-judicial killings that took place in Guyana's not so distant past.

gov't

network

.. .An insight into the work of Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes

By Zena Henry If it's one thing that stands out in the cabinet pool of government ministers, it is the charm and persistence of the esteemed Minister of Telecommunications, Catherine Andrea Hughes. Eager to serve in this new capacity after being transferred from the Ministry of Tourism, Hughes said that having to i ri — -v wait on the right people to help roll out her Ministry's Minister of Public vision was the most frustratTelecommunications, ing thing since assuming her Catherine Hughes post.

The Minister, who hails from the Alliance for Change (AFC) arm of the APNU/AFC Coalition Government, said that before her life took a political tone, she operated her own video production company, but following the 2015 general elections, she was called upon by President David Granger to serve as Minister of Tourism and was later asked to lead the telecommunications sector. These changes brought quite a bit of responsibility her way. As the new Minister of Public Telecommunications. she was entmsted with the task of creating a new ministry and organisational stracture. establishing goals and objectives for the Ministry as well as the formation of national policy, among other critical tasks. These tasks would see the expansion of telecommunications and the Information and Communications Technology sector (ICT).

"The biggest stumbling block was the slow pace of progress at the Public Service Ministry; the length of time it took to recmit the technical staff I needed to get the job done and the often uncompetitive salary scales vis-a-vis salaries in the private sector, [as well as finding the required] expertise in many unconventional areas." the Minister disclosed.

Nonetheless. Hughes said that since taking up her post, the ministry has enjoyed some notable achievements, including the passage of the Telecommunications and Public Utilities Commission Bills in 2016. which, she said, will "create a liberalised Telecommunications environment when it comes into force later this year". She said it will allow more competition in the sector and will also increase service providers while introducing better rates, services and products.

"To date, we have provided free internet access to the computer rooms and administration offices of 101 educational institutions including most high schools, the campuses of the University of Guyana. Cyril Potter Training College.

Guyana School of Agriculture and other vocational training institutions. This is done by connecting the institutions to our eGovemment fibre optic network which stretches from Crabwood Creek to Charity on the Essequibo Coast." Hughes highlighted. She said that her ministry has provided secme and stable internet and broadband internet to most of the ministries that are also connected to the eGovemment netw ork.

Fifty -two ICT hubs have been created in communities to provide a safe and comfortable space for citizens who need to access the internet for education, research and entrepreneurial activities free of charge. A successful "Hackathon" was also hosted to identify a range of ICT professionals and a cadre of young technicians who will guide the development of the industry. "I see my ministry facilitating the creation of an efficient digital government. That means advising, encouraging and guiding other ministries and agencies to perform at a higher level which the use of ICT can provide." Hughes said.

This includes the way data and information are sorted and stored (a divergence from paper to digital documents) and encouraging Guyanese to use the internet more to apply for their passports, driver's licenses, business registrations, and other services that could be provided online."My vision also includes increasing internet access in interior and remote communities so that possibilities for citizens to participate more effectively in education through on-line learning opportunities are increased. In hinterland and rural communities where there

are shortages of teachers, online learning can transcend these barriers. The same possibilities exist in the area of health where improved telemedicine opportunities can greatly assist in the provision of quality health services." Hughes said. ft is the Minister's hope that by year end. the Telecommunications Ministry will be operating under a new regulatory agency to allocate frequencies and manage spectram.

Indications of interest are also soon expected to come from companies wanting to operate in Guyana's telecoms market.

Improved Telecommunications services and internet access and providing ICT training is also a big ticket for hinterland communities, while moves are being made to link key agencies to provide online services.

Through partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Public Telecommunications has also submitted to the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIP) for funding for a transformational project that improves access and entrepreneurial opportunities in hinterland. rural, poor and remote communities. "We are also finalising 'Smart Guyana', a project which incorporates increasing internet access for use in education, health, the public sector in the provision of services and a safe city that embodies the use of cameras and technology in relation to security." the minister highlighted. She said that work also continues on developing a national ICT strategy to entail a five-year strategic development plan to guide the way forward.

Minister Hughes has adjusted well to ministerial life.

"I came from a media background, so making speeches at events I am used to doing. The challenge is that you are working almost 18 hours in a day. Even when I go to the market or walk on the road you are informing of government policy, answering concerns and trying to reassure citizens, family and friends who worry, understandably, about a range of issues and how Guyana will move forward," she said. Personal commitments become a little more difficult, but Hughes said she is grateful for the opportunity given.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

'Now

we

By Alva Solomon While it has been a challenging two years since assuming office, Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock believes the task of uniting the people is foremost on his agenda, noting that despite the earlier setbacks he and his junior minister have gotten themselves in order.

At the same time. Junior Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe is working to ensure that her supporting role as subject minister is effective as she targets the grassroots issues facing the indigenous communities across the nation. On May 11 . the APNU+AFC government attained tw o years in office following the 2015 polls. During a recent interview with the two government officials at the ministry's offices on Quamina Street. Minister Allicock told the Guyana Chronicle that he continues to be honoured having been selected by the government to serve the citizenry.He said the challenges have been "interesting", "eye-opening "and "real".

"It is something I have ventured into and has caused me to be thinking all the time ". he said, as he spoke highly of the support he has been receiving from Garrido-Lowe in undertaking the mandate of the ministry. According to Allicock . the electorate in 2015 voted for a change and according to him. it is a process which includes "healing and rearranging ". one which entails creating a platform of readiness for the change to take effect. He said that the challenge for government is to impart knowledge and states its plans "so that the byin can come its way".

As regards the ministry, he noted that when the government assumed office, most communities in the Hinterland were divided politically. "Our task is to try and get people back together." he said. Minister Lowe noted that her portfolio sees her undertaking the mandate of the government in several ways. She said that there were in-house issues at the ministry which had to be addressed and these included staff-related matters such as becoming acquainted with the office environment.

She said that she believed the ministry was the subject of "pure politics" in the past and according to her the difficulty was working along with some persons who would have been loyal to the previous government. However, she said that there was no form of bias noting that staff was told what was expected to them. She said the foremost interest was to ensure that the staff understood the importance

have

order9 said the value-added projects will mission to unite, empower Indigenous peoples see items processed in the Hinterthe May 2015 polls. He said the land being marketed in the villages ' ministry had the arduous task of as well as on the Coastland and further afield. addressing the payments.

VHI There is a medicine project at "So there are many things, we are better off now. now I think we the Bina Hill institute in the North have ourselves in order". Allicock Rupununi which wills see eight students who will be trained in % said. the capital city in marketing and processing among other areas. He SUCCESSES According to Allicock. village said that there is an order of 25.000 *■ - • councils within the South Ru- vials of medicine by the end of pununi has been calling on the au- 2017 and plans are in train to meet w thorities to establish a district coun- the target. cil in the area. He said that a team of officials led by him. visited the UNITING THE PEOPLE \ Allicock said that the ministry areas and after 3-4 days of intense L-i is undertaking its programmes, discussions it was recognised that V such as the HEYS project . tar■n steps had to be taken in forming the geting young leaders as well as council. "So we eventually had the vA community development.

He spoke vl« <) South Rupununi District Council > of an Indigenous Ambassador's which has been gazetted".

He said the aim of the council programme in which nationally •Wl is being developed by the villages acclaimed persons will work along f I •i to ensure that they work together. with the ministry. He said a Youth \ 1 Approximately 13 villages in the Director will be appointed to develsouth and central savannahs are a op that venture. Allicock said that •1^1 111 part of the council. Allicock also there are Community Development spoke of the Amerindian Land Officers (CDOs) who are proving Mmil nv Titling project, which has been ex- themselves in their respective poMinisterZofJIndiqenous Peoples tended by two years after it came to sitions to undertake the mandate of AffairslSvdneviAllicock an end in October last year. He said the ministry. a decision was made at the level of of serving the indigenous people.

When the work of the new adthe government to request support NATIONAL TOSHAOS H from Norway and a four year ex- COUNCIL ministration commenced, the tw o Allicock said that when he tension was also sought. ministers sat and discussed and assumed his current portfolio He said there are challenges divided their responsibilities. "So and "olive branch "was offered to which the ministry encounters in I took the easy ones, so to speak ". the NTC. including its executive the project, such as villages in the she said with smile. These include and members.

He said the NTC upper Mazaruni which have not women and children issues, youth was asked to produce plans and consented to being demarcated. and sport and welfare matters suggestions for the development which were placed as broad headThe issue is before the courts for a number of years . He noted that of villages across the country. He ings. One of the first issues which the ministry has been unsuccessful said that the NTC has not made the ministry addressed was the fj u i mo in seeking a compromise from the much of the offer by the ministry. issue of Community Social OffiAs regards the COI. he said villages and according to him. the cers (CSOs) whom Garrido-Lowe that the ministry expected the noted were being used for political on having state of the art facilities, Commission of Inquiry (COI) in NTC to work along with the minpurposes. "So that $30,000 would her concern "is very basic for the land matters will assist in the projistry as regards the commission be an assistance for you to learn indigenous people" noting that ect's mandate. He said there are but according to him. the hiera skill", she noted of moves the it is the bread and butter issues 215 communities which fall under archy of the council appears not ministry made in creating a bene- which has to be addressed since a the project and as such the task to be working in the best interest ficial purpose for funds provided to family will want to ensure that it remains an arduous one. of its expected mandate. "I am indigenous communities. She said has money in its hand to offset its saying that we have to come out COMMENDED that 2016 have had some successes living expenses. of the Columbus era. but they although there were administrative As regards returning to areas (NTC executive ) seem to want to where the government did not issues which had to be sorted.

GET PLAY FIELD READY remain in this stagnated era. we She spoke of the Hinterland During the interview. Minister receive support, he said that the are here . and we are poor and we Employment and Youth Service Allicock noted that the aim of the ministry is following its mandate to (HEYS) programme HEYS which government is to address issues serve all of Guyana. He listed as an can't do anything." Allicock said.

He continued "we have to she noted was implemented coun- that are critical for the country to example, a village close to Lethem move out of that era. you see we trywide. She said that the subject of move fonvard. "To get the play where he was vociferously critihave been told so long that we are cised prior to the 2015 elections. inclusivity was pushed as the pro- field ready ". he noted. poor that we believe we are poor He noted that on a recent visit to gramme was rolled-out. "So you He spoke of issues which had have people from different political to be ironed-out during his initial the village he was commended by ". adding that richness is not necdivide who are working along with stages as a government minis- the village leader for his efforts essarily money but a rich culture and history speaks of wealth. their communities ". she noted. ter. As an example, he said that and those of the ministry including Allicock believes that unity Garrido-Lowe noted that the following the 2015 elections the projects such as the HEYS prois the only tool which can deprogramme has had its set-backs Opposition was vocal on claims gramme. velop the nation as a whole. At As regards the Amerindian but there are more successes. She that the government had dismissed the same time Garrido-Lowe said since there 112 villages under 1000 CSO's. However, according Development Fund, he noted that believes education and preserthe programme, there are monitors to him. weeks before the elections economically viable projects being vation of the indigenous way who would visit and assess the the then government had cancelled implemented countrywide. He said of life remains key to the adindividual projects. She said that a cheque which was expected to be there processing projects which vancement of the nation's first while the authorities concentrate paid to the CSOs a month before will be undertaken in various communities across the country .He people.

ourselves ministers on

5

in

6

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

The

evolution

and

of

national

development

By Dr. Ken Danns After fifty years of political independence Guyana remains an underdeveloped country. Distinguished Guyanese economist Dr. Clive Thomas has dubbed this sustained underdevelopment a "permanent crisis". I submit that we should look to the phases of the post-colonial national identity of Guyana as one approach to best understand its permanent crisis. The national identity refers to those elements of nationhood such as its flag, national anthem, constitution, system of government, geographic, economic, ethnic and cultural elements that combine to make its peoples have a sense of belonging and see themselves as Guyanese, and the world to identify their nation state as Guyana.

The national identity of Guyana has emerged and been transformed over time through five distinct phases.

Each identity phase is dominated by the government and a paramount leader and "norm entrepreneur"; and. distinguished by ethnic rivalry and class transformations. I will focus briefly on the features of the identity phases that occurred mainly after independence. The first phase is The Nationalism and Political Independence Phase-1964 - 1970. A significant development in this phase was the replacement of English Government officials with dark and brown skin native bom Guyanese. The colonial state had withdrawn by administrative decree taking its officials with it and relinquishing its power to the colonized peoples. The dwindling minority of White population no longer commanded all power and privilege. The colour class stratification order based on whiteness and nearness to whiteness was irrevocably reversed. The post-colonial state and its new elites had emerged and were unrelenting in the pursuit of radical decolonization and the creation of a new national identity.

The countiy's motto emblazoned on its coat of arms is: "One People. One Nation.

One Destiny" and highlighted a strategic vision to go forward as a united nation. Independence on May 26. 1966 was a highpoint in Guyana's political development. Ethnicity and class were subordinated, however briefly, to the aspirations of the new nation and the identity of togetherness it was trying to forge.

It was a coalition government comprising the People's National Congress (PNC) led by Forbes Bumham and the United Force (UF) led by Peter D'aguiar that shepherded Guyana from it turbulent past of ethnic conflagration under the People's Progressive Parly (PPP) internal self-government led by Cheddi Jagan 1957 - 1964.

The best moments in Guyana's post-colonial history were the periods during which the government was under genuine broad based coalition party rule. PNC/UF Coalition Government 1964 - 1968; and. again the APNU/ AFC Government 2015 - present. These periods have been characterized by markedly reduced ethnic ferment. The lessening of ethnic insecurities is imperative for the development of Guyana. Rigged 1968 elections marked the beginning of undemocratic electoral rule in Guyana under the PNC for the next 24 years.

These elections also deepened the ethnic divide with East Indians and other ethnic groups, leaving them feeling disenfranchised.

Though making immense and significant contributions to Guyana's political development, the PPP and PNC. on their own and in power, have proven to be enduring symbols of ethnic divide and ethnic rule.

The second national identity phase is The Cooperative Socialist Republic Phase 1970 -

1985. The Cooperative Socialist Republic Phase is the phase in which the post-colonial national identity of Guyana was crystallized.

The Bumham's PNC as the new rulers of the post-colonial state apparatus were the purveyors and custodians of Guyana's "collective memory". They set about the task of defining the collective consciousness in order to build a new national identity. The government's ownership and control of the media made this task less challenging. The common history of suffering under slavery, indentureship. plantation exploitation, and ethnic and cultural marginalization provided the emotional, motivational and symbolic grist to build the new nation's identity. The new nation was going to build an El Dorado out of the country's abundant, largely unexploited natural resomces. This El Dorado was the Cooperative Republic. The new rulers were developing a new strategic culture out of past experiences.

A key strategic policy initiative of Bumham's PNC government was to give national recognition to and celebrate the multiethnic and multicultural nature of the Guyana society through national holidays and festivities. In colonial British Guiana, the national holidays were almost exclusively in recognition of Christian religious festivities.

These were Good Friday. Easter Monday and Christmas. New Year's Day. Boxing Day and the Queen's Birthday were also celebrated. The new nation celebrated in addition Independence Day. Republic Day (Mashramani). Labour Day. Freedom Day. Caricom Day. Further, five new religious holidays were introduced. Three Muslim holidays: Yuman-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhamad). Eid A1 Fitr. and Eid A1 Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice); two Hindu holidays Phagwah (Holi). Diwali (Hindu Festival of Lights) are all nationally celebrated. These ethnic, cultural and national holidays are embraced by all Guyanese and it is very normal to see the various ethnic groups participate in the cultural festivities of each other. The Christian holidays. Christmas in particular, remain the most popular among all ethnic groups. Enmore Martyrs Day is not a national holiday but is celebrated by sugar workers and the labor movement in recognition of the killing of East Indians workers who were on strike. The national recognition of ethnic and cultural diversity cultivated overtime a sense of a national identity. Additionally. Indian Heritage Day was subsequently introduced by the PPP President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The celebration of Mashramani on Febmary 23 was in recognition of the nation's status as a Republic. The concept Mashramani is associated with the indigenous Amerindians' celebration after a harvest. Sixteen holidays are held in affirmation of the nation's identity.

At least one of these national commemorations is held during each month except the months of July and September. The national recognition of ethnic and cultural diversity cultivated over time a sense of a national identity. National recognition of freedom from slavery and indenture, the straggles of workers, the country's independence, and the birth of the Cooperative Republic are symbolic and emotional markers in building the national identity.

A second strategic policy initiative which fostered the national identity was in the sphere of education. The government took control of all schools and colleges removing ownership and control by the churches and other private enterprise. The educational system was seen as perpetuating colonial and anti-national values and learning. The resocialization of the Guyanese people as

in

identity

Guyana

r. -â&#x2013;

Dr. KemDanns citizens of an independent nation was seen as the way forward. A policy of free education from kindergarten to university expanded considerably the Guyanese middle class and significantly narrowed the inequality gap between the classes.

A third and major strategic policy initiative was the constitutional change of the country to a sovereign republic. PNC leader Forbes Bumham had stated: Seek ye first the political kingdom and all else shall be added.

The Queen was removed as head of state and executive power rested almost exclusively with Prime Minister Bumham.

A fourth strategic policy initiative was the nationalization of the commanding heights of the economy. This was seen as a logical step for the transition to socialism. Nationahzation functioned to define Guyana's identity indelibly in the eyes of the international community. The state nationalized and or controlled 80 percent of the economy culminating with the historical act of taking over the sugar industry from Bookers McConnell in 1976. and subsequently the bauxite industry and other businesses. The nationalization of sugar brought the external ownership of the sugar plantations to an end.

The implications of socialism and nationalisation for Guyana's national identity were the discouragement of foreign investment and the serious limiting of development aid from Western Countries. The government sought to overcome this by unsuccessfully championing a domestic policy of self-help and self-reliance; and. a foreign policy of non-alignment and noninterference in the affairs of other nations. Burnham's PNC oriented Guyana to play a leading role in the International Non Aligned Movement and in the formation of CARICOM and CARIFIESTA. The promulgation of the 1980 Constitution was the fifth strategic policy initiative.

It effectively encapsulated and underscored: the nation's identity as being in transition from capitalism to socialism; state control of the economy; the organisation of people into cooperatives; and the creation of an executive presidency with dictatorial powers. The 1980 Constitution removed the last vestiges of colonial rale removing the British Monarch and the Governor General as titular heads of state.

It also legally institutionalized authoritarian rule in the new nation.

An important element of this socialist

transformation was "comrade politics" a symbolic usage that was engendered in the national culture. Everyone regardless of their status in the society was a comrade. There was "Comrade Leader". "Comrade President" Comrade Minister". "Comrade Ambassador". Comrade PS". Comrade Messenger", or just plain "comrade" when there was no compulsion to recognize status. Comrade became a socially equilibrating construct that in the words of its purveyors made "the small man. a real man". This was another symbolic departure from the status conscious colonial social structure. Comrade had no race, no color, and no creed. Everyone was a comrade.

The gap between those in the ruling class and the other two classes was not wide.

The third phase of Guyana's national identity is The Phase of Pragmatic Liberalism 1985 - 1992. The death of President Bumham in 1985 marked a significant turning point in Guyana's post-colonial history. As the new lead custodian of the nation's identity. President Desmond Hoyte set about vigorously reintegrating Guyana back into the capitalist world economy and weaning it away from the failed cooperative socialism of which he himself had been one of its strongest ideological advocates. The implementation of austere structural adjustment policies to foster a market economy, as well as substantial cutbacks in the dispensation of welfare benefits by the state, led to a widening of the gap betw een haves and have nots. University education was no longer free. Pressmedby IMF/World Bank requirements to cut spending. President Hoyte also abandoned many other social programs that defined the cooperative socialist phase. The anemic cooperative movement which was heavily subsidized by the Bumham government and touted as an engine of development disappeared. The era of anti-imperialism. chest thumping nationalism and comrade politics had unceremoniously ended.

Nationalized industries were quickly put up for privatization in the new market economy and industrialization by invitation came to define the changed strategic culture.

The Hoyte's impact on Guyana's national identity was transformative and included the repudiation of cooperative socialism, the reintroduction of a market economy, and the democratization of the society by paving the way for the first time for free elections and the peaceful transfer of power in a post-colonial Guyana. Hoyte believed and sought to promote a political culture where elections would be based not on race but competence and fairness in government. Notably, a free press was allowed under Hoyte's PNC to reemerge and flourish in Guyana.

The fourth phase of the development and transformation Guyana's national identity is The Autocratic Democracy Phase 1992 2015. The Cold War had ended, the Soviet Union had collapsed, the Berlin wall had collapsed and Cheddi Jagan was no longer seen by President Clinton's Administration as a threat to the national security of the United States. The Jagan platform had pledged to have a mixed economy and not to turn back the economic and other initiatives President Hoyte's PNC government had negotiated with the foreign donor community. Foreign donors promised substantial development aid if free and fair democratic elections were held in Guyana. Ministers of Finance were appointed who kept the country faithfully in line with the prescriptions and proscriptions of the IMF/ World Bank structural adjustment programs. Pursuing socialism was not an option for the PPP if even it wanted to. East Indians who formed the party base were in no mood for such Turn to page 9 â&#x2013;ş

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

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...Min. Patterson determined to transform housing landscape Somewhat of a 'gold ticket' to the housing sector, the proactive Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson is one of the more recently appointed government ministers who has set out on a path to transform the housing landscape here.

Since taking up her post in January, the housing department has completed 2.830 allocations and distributed 8.451 Transports/Certificates of Titles, through the Land Administration Department.

Through the Community Development Department 221 "squatters" received house lots; 192 Titles were processed and 406 "used-to-be" squatters became land-owners. having received their Titles. Currently, squatters in some Regions 2.6.4 and 6 areas. are already in receipt of letters to commence payment for house lots, the minister said. An "Action Plan for the Relocation and Resettlement" of Squatters, including the "Sophia Squatting area." and East and West Ruimveldt is being formulated.

The minister said that under the 50/50 Jubilee Payment Plan. 2.881 persons - low. middle and high income earners benefitted from discounts on their outstanding bal-

m

1

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Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson ances. allowing many applicants to settle their accounts, while increasing the ministry's cash flow by G$590M. In recognition of Guyana's 50th Anniversary Year of Independence, the ministry said Home Improvement Subsidies where distributed to 257 households, offering beneficiaries across the country a maximum of $50,000 for home improvements.

Prior to January 2017. a housing applicant had to be 21 years of age to qualify

i

■

mat&rmi OVER the last two years there appeared to be the unfolding of a silent revolution in the Republic of Guyana. A revolution is usually characterised by sudden, radical and sometimes violent changes.

But, in Guyana, there is the creation of a new social order that is soft or gradual which is changing the way that the state is governed.

Since May 2015. we witnessed comity in how the executive, legislature and judiciary function. This is a classic case of a break from the past where the separation of powers was undermined. Now, Guyana can say with confidence that the financial independence of the legislature and judiciary has been guaranteed.

The silent revolution is changing the nature of the media, which are open and free, and freedom of speech, association and assembly have been restored. Over this period, new local government elec-

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7

for a housing solution. "That policy stood in contrast to the fact that that 18-year-old could have voted, served in the army, be licensed to drive a motor car and get married." That was changed to allow housing qualification at age 18. Under the New Sustainable Housing for the Hinterland Programme, beneficiary identification process was completed across five communities in Regions 1 and 9. paving the way for implementation of already laid out construction projects. An upcoming Housing Expo will allow home owners to choose the type of stracture they want built in the housing schemes the government will be creating.

WOEFULLY LACKING Minister Patterson noted however that she was astounded to discover that the housing schemes created under the last government were woefully lacking. "There are 16 housing schemes; some are without water, others...no roads, no electricity." She said there were instances where "house lots" were allocated, and even though applicants had completed payment and were ready to build, there were no access roads and other facilitates. Another worry was the "glaring disparity" in pricing policy across regions, but this is currently being addressed, the minister said. In making her department more efficient. Patterson said she immediately implemented a monetary staff incentive programme when she took up office, having experienced the benefits of rewarding high performers, as a means of motivation.

In relation to fixing systems. Patterson said that the Land Management System (LMS). which provides all information on land allocation, was not being updated, and thus caused difficultly in effective decision making. Key managerial positions also had to be filled. The former government's "infamous" 1000 Homes Project at Perseverance was a real disappointment. Patterson opined, highlighting that the project, consumed large sums of taxpayers' money, but was reeked with, "...defects, deficiencies, irregularities, skullduggery and corraption." She said more

Silent

tions were held after over two decades.

And the legal architecture has been built to allow credible procurement, lawful financial transactions with clean money and the acquisition of assets by legitimate means.

The silent revolution is clearing the stream of business and justice of corrapt practices and influences. Violators, even in law enforcement agencies, have been placed on alert that there is zero tolerance for bribery, fraud and 'shake-downs'.

The clout of the narco-underworld that had once extended to law enforcement via 'death squads' and summary executions, has been trimmed though not totally eliminated. Armed bandits who once had unrestricted and unrestrained rampage, are on the run. And pirates who once harassed our fisher folk are on the radar of our security forces which regularly patrol our sea coast and riverine areas.

When this government took office it

money had to be spent to fix the homes, and also address vandalism since residents refused to occupy the defective stractures.

Minister Patterson said over 3000 house lots were sitting on the books when she took over the ministry, yet acknowledgement letters dated as far back as the early 1990s existed. By the first week, a rigorous allocation exercise immediately commenced at the ministry's office. The minister charged that the housing programme implemented over the past two decades did not adequately address various housing needs, so after careful examination, a new five-pronged strategy will be implemented in the medium term to look at higher density schemes, relocation and resettlement of squatters, consolidation of existing housing areas, partnering with Housing Co-op Societies and the expansion of the Hinterland Housing Project.

HOUSING SOLUTIONS 'Under the programme "Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond." families can expect to see the constraction of 758 housing units; 265 duplexes and 38 town houses in 10 locations across six regions, namely. Regions 2. 3. 4. 5. 6 and 10." As the programme progresses, several other housing options, including condominiums, are to come onboard.

The upcoming expo will provide and insight into government's new housing concepts. Minister Valerie Adams-Patterson has worked in many senior managerial and supervisory capacities, and served many civil duties prior to taking on the responsibility of housing the nation.

Among other things, Patterson was the first female Chairman of the Linden Utilities Services Cooperative Society Limited (LUSCSL), Treasurer of the Linden Chamber of Industry Commerce and Development and served as Chairman of the Linden Education and Business Forum.

Patterson is a licensed Pastor, and was ordained an Apostle in 2001. She served as President of the Women's Ministry of the Assembly of God in Guyana, Linden and served as Deacon and Treasurer on the Board of the Faith Assembly of God. As a devout Christian, Patterson said her world view is rooted in the belief that "With God all things are possible."

revolution

was at a point where citizens felt that the previous government had mismanaged the economy and there was growing contempt for citizens by top officials. This was a period of rampant corruption, death and phantom squads, during which a Minister of Home Affairs was fingered and said if he had to do it all over again he would.

Hundreds of dead bodies were dumped around the country and the Coroner's Act was not activated.

Georgetown, once proudly known as the Garden City became the garbage city.

The City Council became pawn of an ugly politics that saw central government withholding its financial obligations for its buildings. Local Government Minister.Kellawan Lall boldly announced that he would be glad if the city suffers a health crisis. There was no regard for the structures or management of government.

Regional and neighbourhood democratic

councils not controlled by the PPP/C saw discrimination in budgetary allocation and move to undermine, break up the councils, or impose Interim Management Committee. Freedom of speech, including dissent and protest, and respect for the role of independent media were assaulted.

However, the silent revolution is reflected in the orderly and law-abiding processes everywhere in Guyana, where leaders are required to observe respect for accountability and transparency in the execution of their official functions. The silent revolution is shaping anew public buildings, open spaces and our infrastructure.

The critics have stated that there have been too few and too late, but they cannot deny that Guyana, once again, is on the move. Hats off to the Granger-Nagamootoo partnership and symbols of the image of our new Guyana.

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

An

analysis

of

9

the

APNU+AFC

Governments

performance

By Lincoln Lewis

split in 1999. collective bargaining and the right to freedom of association challenged. The nation's development programme was directed by the policies of the international financial institutions.

The formal economy was compromised by corraption. overwhelming presence of an underground economy, and cosy relationship between government and underworld operators. International pressure was brought to bear on the government to put systems in place to rid the economy of cormption and illegal money.

Recalling the aforementioned is important in making assessment what citizens voted against, the challenges confronting the government, and how it has performed to date.

The instituting of forensic audits early in the administration sent a message good governance would be its guiding principle, though this would only become meaningful when their recommendations are implemented and persons, past and present, are held to account. Stories like the D'Urban Park constraction. Sussex Street bond, and controversial pharmaceutical contract do not help the people's desire for good governance. The establishment of the long awaited constitutional Public Procurement Commission is a plus, but where other constitutionally required bodies are not established it takes away.

Having campaigned on inclusionary democracy, where lip service continues to be given, it brings into question respect for citizens' rights and the rule of law. Government shoulders greater responsibility to bring stakeholders to the table, political and non-political. Calls by the trade unions and private sector to have meaningful engagement consistent with their roles cannot be ignored.

Extrajudicial murders have vanished, which would go a far way in building relationship between the police and communities.

On 11th May 2015 when citizens went to the polls, were attention paid to their voices over the years, it would be recognised their ballot was a loud expression they wanted a change, not merely in persons or group, but the manner in which governance is conducted.

The APNU+AFC won the people's confidence to fulfil this expectation. As a trade unionist, issues are examined and treated consistent with universal declarations, international conventions, charters and time-honoured principles.

This government came to office riding on tremendous goodwill given the PPP/C's pillage of the economy and contempt for citizens.

The society became more divisive and fear stalked the land. Many felt it was safer to be silent or agree with the status quo to avoid risking the inevitable wrath that dissent or alternative view brought. This was a period of rampant corruption, death and phantom squads, a Minister of Home Affairs fingered and said if he had to do it all over again he would, hundreds of dead bodies were dumped around the country and the Coroner's Act was not activated.

GARBAGE CITY Georgetown, once proudly known as the Garden City became the garbage city. The City Council became pawn of an ugly politics that saw central government withholding its financial obligations for its buildings. Local Government Minister Kellawan Lall boldly announced that he would be glad if the city suffers a health crisis. There was no regard for the structures or management of government.

Regional and neighbourhood democratic councils not controlled by the PPP/C saw discrimination in budgetary allocation and move to undermine, break up the councils.

The

â&#x20AC;˘-

'1 GTUC General Secretary, Lincoln Lewis or impose Interim Management Committee.

Freedom of speech, including dissent and protest, and respect for the role of independent media were assaulted. Those who challenged or reported what was happening were targeted. For instance, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and its attendant arms suffered the withdrawal of its subventions. Stabroek News and Kaieteur News were deprived of state advertisements and government officials used their influence to call on non-state actors to do likewise. Libel suits and incarcerations were part of the programme to silence voices.

Agreements were made and never implemented. Some such are the 1999 Armstrong Tribunal Award. 2001 Desmond Hoyte/ Bharrat Jagdeo Agreement. 8th March 2000 Agreement with the GTUC. and 21st August 2012 Agreement with Region 10. Though the Guyana Constitution (Article 13) mandates the nation's political objective be one of "inclusionary democracy" such was observed in the breach, evident in complaints by the political opposition, trade unions, and other stakeholders.

Rights and the Rule of Law were assailed.

The trade union movement was at its worst ever, having suffered a politically engineered

evolution

an ideology and strongly embraced private enterprise. The Black population, while unsettled by the change in government and the austerity measmes of the economic recovery programs, were also largely fed up with the greater economic hardships and undemocratic rule socialism had brought. President Cheddi lagan during his five years in office from 1992 - 1997 as Guyana's President changed little of the basic structure of authoritarian governance left in place by the PNC. The most significant change was the removal of Blacks from top positions in the public service. state enterprises and government and their replacement by East Indians. Blacks were marginalized and victimized, their communities largely deprived of resources, and were equated with the PNC and seen as enemies of the PPP government. This reversal in the social order underlines the critical role ethnicity continued to play in defining the national identity of Guyana. The paramountcy of the PNC over the government was supplanted by the parly paramountcy of the PPP. The PPP was able to sustain its autocratic rule through the electoral support of the majority East Indian population. lagan died on March 6. 1997 by which time rampant cormption had taken hold of his government and narco-traffickers had begun to operate unchecked. Despite a record of

of

national

tepid economic growth, high poverty rates, high unemployment especially in the Black communities persisted. Public infrastructure and public utilities are very deficient. Some efforts have been successful in attracting some foreign direct investment but the more consistent source of investment appeared to have come from some nouveau riche whose wealth derived from sources largely unknown. Although private investment was encouraged, poor infrastructure, corraption. a declining population and a highly threatening security climate were disincentives to investment. The PPP government entered into many highly questionable public-private investment partnerships such as investing much of the monies from the National Insurance Scheme to build the Berbice River Bridge with a private enterprise. A rotation of PPP leaders President Janet Jagan. President Samuel Hinds. President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Donald Ramoutar followed their founder leader President Cheddi Jagan, all leaving the country in a state of permanent crisis and autocratic underdevelopment.

The fifth, and current phase of Guyana's national identity is The Liberal Democratic Phase 2015 to the present. The new APNU/ AFC governing coalition is comprised of A Partnership for a National Unity (APNU)â&#x20AC;&#x201D; made up of the Guyana Action Party (GAP);

Continuing the PPP/C's hard-line position of alienating those who express alternative or dissenting views would not be reflective of what the people voted against. Government has to be mindful of growing concern that it is discourteous, though some ministers make exception to this perception. There are many instances where correspondence and other forms of communication have reached them and are not being treated with deserving respect. Ours is a representative system of government and elected officials are servants not masters of the people.

CREDIT FOR LGE Credit is in order for the return of Local Government Elections, environmental improvements (e.g. drainage and garbage collection). professionalising the Disciplined Forces, improved crime fighting, passage of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, expanding community broadcasting though Linden is five years in the waiting for theirs, partial return of subventions to GTUC and its arms, moving to professionalise the Foreign Service, and rekindling patriotism. These are major improvements in governance and stand to have Guyana seen as a credible and formidable member of the international community.

Government still falls short of upholding rights and the rule of law. Collective bargaining is not restored in the public sector, which continues to set a bad tone for other employers. The absence of a sound indigenous economic programme will continue to see government floundering in handling the economy. Where in the two years there have been inactions and missteps should government sees its focus hinged to what the people voted for, not only the society will benefit. What the government has going for it is the people's commitment to change.

identity...

National Front Alliance (NFA); Working People's Alliance (WPA). the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;and the Alliance For Change (AFC). The APNU/ AFC government is a partnership of rivals comprising political parties coalesced to democratically end the 23 years of autocratic yet. ostensibly democratic rale by the PPP. APNU/AFC government is led by President David Granger from the PNC and Prime Minister Moses Nagamotoo who originally came from the PPP. The Guyana Government is now in the hands of a seemingly capable and caring coalition administration.

No government is perfect and missteps have been evident, but not unexpected. There are however, solid indications that this two year old APNU/AFC Coalition Government is undertaking programs and policies geared to restoring credible administrative rale, rebuilding trust, improving the nation's security and in general promulgating initiatives to positively transform the country's economic. social and political fortunes. While it is important to restore good governance and manage the country in an orderly way. the challenge is to transform and develop it at the same time. President David Granger has been promulgating an emergent vision of a "Green Economy" as the way forward for Guyana's development.

In conclusion, the nation of Guyana is undergoing a paradox of identity. First, it is a democratic nation state that is seemingly locked in the throes of zero sum ethnic struggle. The nation's identity is consequently metaphorically intertwined in the dysfunctional grip of ethnic politics historically fueled by the two major political parties. Secondly, it is a would be market economy which is dominated by state control and substantial ownership.

Third, its Constitution proclaims the nation a parliamentary democracy, yet it enshrines an autocratic executive presidency that can operate above the law. Fourth, it is dominated by declaredly socialist political parties in power and in opposition while seeking to pursue a capitalist path of development. Fifth, it is geographically located in South America and is bordered by neighbors Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname with which it has limited contact. Yet, it is culturally and in other ways strongly connected with the English-speaking Caribbean. Finally, it is a country rich in natural resources, but poor and underdeveloped.

The country's identity has evolved from colony to an independent nation state, to cooperative socialist republic, and now a liberal democracy on a state dominated capitalist path of development.

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

Jordan

raising

standards

...but decries slow pace ofproject implementation Notwithstanding the challenges facing the Finance Ministry, critical steps have been taken to raise its standard of operation, according to the Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

Having served in various senior capacities within the Ministry. Jordan said upon his return in 2015 as Minister of Finance, he was disappointed that little progress had been made. According to the Minister, since his return to head the Ministry of Finance, he has been trying to organise it to cater for. "the new and more dynamic environment, we are in. For example, reporters who have gone to our website would have seen a vastly different website than you would have had before. There is so much information now that some reporters are kind of worried on how to interpret some of them."

Additionally, he boasted that stakeholders can now get updated economic information on the country with just an internet connection. "Despite it (the information) may be used sometimes against the government, the administration does not mind."

He said too that there will be greater access to information with the decision by the Bureau of Statistics to conduct tow long overdue censuses. "One will result in us understanding, what is the unemployment rate, both nationally and regionally... It is important to understand what the employment and unemployment rate is by region, so that you could plan regionally. And of course, it is important to understand whether you are making a difference nationally, to the unemployment rate." he posited.

The second census will focus on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Minister Jordan noted, which has focused on Georgetown and its environs. This will be expanded to cover the regions. As prices vary from region to region, this will also help to shape how money is allocated for various purchases.

Big

strides

Fixing the loopholes in the procurement of drugs for the public health system remains problematic, but the Public Health Ministry said it has made notable achievements in the areas of reducing suicide, maternal and child mortality deaths.

Delivering a two-year report for the ministry. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health. Dr Karen Cummings told the Guyana Chronicle that they have been making progress in reducing the number of suicide cases. "Since we have established our Mental Health Unit, we are on top of it." According to her. the number of cases of suicide for 2017 is down.

However, she said suicide cannot be tackled by the government alone- all must be involved. "We hope to build our health promotion unit, so we can have programmes on the air with focus on the careful and safe use of pesticides."

"Right now we are training our doctors. Guyana has about four psychiatrists.

&

Finance Minister Winston Jordan for example.

Additionally. Minister Jordan said Government has been putting the requisite systems in place to accelerate the process at with which Public Sector Investments are executed with the recraitment of a Chief Planning Officer and the creation of a National Planning Unit.

SLOW RATE OF IMPLEMENTATION Currently, only 20 per cent of the country's Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) has been implemented for 2017 - a situation which Minister Jordan said leaves much to be desired.

The Finance Minister pointed out that the Agriculture. Health. Education. Infrastructure and the Communities Sectors account for the "bulk" of the $250B budget, however. the execution of projects and programmes in these sectors are stymied due to the lack of critical skills needed for implementation.

It was noted the slow rate of implementation affects the economy and by extension the people of the country.

"It affects economic growth because in

in

reducing

at

Finance

the economy that wants a stimulus it is government spending people look to. We have the monies voted. The issue is to get it out into the system so that dollar can continue making an extra dollar." he posited.

After two years of introducing early budgets. the Finance Minister said Government is faced with the sad reality that Government workers, particularly those critically involved in the execution of projects and programmes have still not gotten use to the new system. The national budget is now being presented in November and approved by December ahead of the Fiscal Year.

"So you would think that the period between October and December, they would use for. let's say pre-tendering. getting.... and stop short of awarding of contracts until the budget has been passed." Minister Jordan posited.

"The budget gets presented in November. pass in December and still by January you still cannot see the paper flooded with advertisements pertaining to contract works." he said with sense of disappointment.

Cognizant of the systematic problems.

Minister Jordan Government is moving with haste to address them. He disclosed that Government will be hiring a Chief Planning Officer. That Officer has been identified and is expected to take up his post by July. 2017.

Additionally, a National Planning Institution will be reestablished with assistance from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

"With this planning institution, we are hoping that . just like in Jamaica, we can have some kind of central projects body so that it doesn't impose these undue demands when you go at these little unit levels." he explained.

Zooming in on projects funded by external sources. Minister Jordan said the Government of India has been very supportive.

Since entering office, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government has secured

suicide,

Ministry

funding from India for a number of projects including the US$50M East Coast- East Bank Demerara road. US$4M for pumps.

US$10M for a North West District ferry and US$17.5 million for the modernization of three health care facilities.

"India has been very good with their approvals." he posited while expressed Government's appreciation.

However, he said while Government is thankful for the assistance, the requirement that all projects funded by India must have Indian contractors and consultants, have been proven to be a stumbling block.

We are experiencing grave problems in getting movement, traction in getting these contractors on board." he emphasized.

It was pointed out that more than a year after securing a US$50M line of credit for the East Coast/East Bank Road Linkage Project from the Exim Bank of India. Guyana is yet to see the project materialize. "...it is not our fault; we are trying desperately to find contractors." he told reporters.

It was explained that the Government has been experiencing serious challenges in soliciting the services of contractors from India, for the execution of projects such as the US$50M road project. It was posited that while US$50M may be a significant sum in Guyana, in it is rather small in India, as such little interest is being shown by the contractors there.

Additionally, he said the situation has been compounded by a new Procurement and Tendering System which has been implemented in Indian. Based on his consultations with the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, "persons are still getting familiar with."

The APNU+ AFC Government remains hopeful that solutions will be derived at soon to allow for full execution of the projects. "We will have to find creative ways to get around this."

maternal

...but drug procurement still a headache now we will be widening the base." she added. The World Health Organisation latest report on suicide showed that Guyana was no longer the suicide capital of the world having fallen to fourth place.

According to report there has been a notable decrease of suicide betiveen 2012 and 2015.

According to the crude data on the WHO's website, which was last updated on April 4. this year, as at 2015 Sri Lanka had the highest suicide rate in the world at an estimated 35.3 per every 100.000 inhabitants; Lithuania was second with 32.7 per 100.000; the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) third with 32.0; and Guyana fourth with 29.0.

HIV/AIDS Turning her attention to HIV/AIDS. Minister Cummings said the Public Health Ministry knew that there

â&#x20AC;˘ '

K

I

_ Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings would have been a reduction of funding from donor agen-

cies. as such. "Government will be taking up the slack in

a phased approach." There are approximately 7000 persons living with HIV/AIDS in Guyana. Though there have been new cases. Minister Gumming said the country has moved from being 4th to 6th in the Region with a high prevalence of the disease.

"We have identified more cares because we have been more proactive, going to places. training more persons, so what you would find is that the numbers would increase because we are going out and find more cases."

PROCUREMENT OF DRUGS In the area of procmement of drugs and medical supplies.

Minister Cummings said the Public Health Ministry has taken a decision to decentralise the process. Under the new procurement system, financial allocations are distributed across the regions as a first step at improving

deaths the programme budgeting of health costs at a regional level. Procedurally. the monies are warranted back to the Public Health Ministry from the regions to facilitate centralised procurement and the benefits of economies of scale and requisite quality controls. Minister Cummings explained.

"We (at the Ministry) are more or less a quality control, oversight body but the delivery of services really occurs at the region and we would not want to micro manage, we want them to build their capacities." she posited.

However, the implementation of this new procurement system has brought with it a few challenges which have led to the perception that there is a drug shortage.

According to Minister Cummings. due to a breakdown in communication and poor delivery systems on the part of some regions there are cases in which drags and medical supplies take longer to reach Turn to page 14 ^

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

Protecting

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11

underprivileged

...Min. Ally details work in delivery of social services The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government has been making steady progress in addressing the needs of Guyanese, particularly the underprivileged and those who ever so often are faced with difficulties. This is according to the Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally.

Chronicling her work as a Minister of Government. Ally said the Ministry through the Childcare and Protection Agency (CCPA) has been initiating a number of projects and programmes to ensure abused, abandoned and neglected children receive the best possible care under her watch. As such, the Ministry has been boosting the capacity of agencies such as CCPA. through institutional strengthening.

She said currently, the Social Protection Ministry is moving ahead with plans to construct a new Drop in Centre at Sophia to properly cater for vulnerable children. Through her intervention, the Ministry has managed to secure the tw o acres of land for the construction of the modem facility that will accommodate vulnerable children and three families.

"I visited the Mahaica Children's Centre and it looks really good. I would like to see a Drop in Centre where you have proper dining rooms, proper sleeping facilities, proper kitchen area, sport facilities; they must have opportunities of having this good life." said an optimistic Ally.

It was noted that once the funding is approved, the Dropin-Centre can be up and ranning by 2018. In July 2016. the Drop-in Centre at Hadfield Street, was destroyed by a fire which claimed the lives of brothers; six year old Joshua George and two year old Antonio George. The preliminary report on the fire found that the centre had systematic problems and bad policy arrangements for fire. The children from that centre were relocated to other facilities.

SAFETY OF CENTRES According to Minister Ally, frequent checks are being conducted to ensure that Drop-in-Centres and children's homes are safe and up to standard. Additionally, caregivers are constantly being trained to deliver the best quality of care.

"We are taking corrective actions to ensure that those who are not in line get in line." Minister Ally stated.

Meanwhile, in the area of combating domestic violence, the Social Protection Ministry, under the stewardship of Minister Ally, has launched a Temporary Assistance Programme for Domestic and Sexual Violence Survivors. The programme falls under the remit of the Ministry's Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Policy Unit. The programme is designed to provide financial assistance and temporary accommodation to families affected by sexual and domestic violence.

Additionally. Minister Ally pointed out that the Ministry

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Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally has resuscitated the National Task Force for the Prevention of Sexual Violence. "We have finalised the first set of protocols for medical practitioners." she noted, while explaining that the protocol will act as a guide for medical practitioners when dealing with victims of domestic violence.

In addition to executing training programmes, awareness campaigns and reinitiating much needed policies and programmes. the Social Protection Minister said more centres for victims of domestic violence will be constructed in Guyana.

LARGE SCALE FARMING Across at the Hugo Chavez Centre, the Ministry is engaging in large scale crops and poultry farming with the aim of subsizing the centre, and other facilities such as the Drop-inCentres and Palms. "So we have been able to dig three fish ponds, and we going to get out fingerlings. We are presently constracting three pens, one for ducks, one for creole fowls, and one for sheep. We are also doing a chicken pen as well as a green house." she disclosed.

FIGHTING TIP In addition to those services, the Counter-Trafficking in Persons (C-TIP) Unit continues to rescue victims with the help of the Guyana Police Force while raising awareness on the issue. The Sustainable Livelihood Development or SLED initiative also falls within the purview of the Ministry, however, according to the Minister, appli-

more

cants for 2017 have not met the requirement.

An applicant is required to have a project plan, must be registered with a coop, friendly society or Non-Governmental Organization and a bank account with authorized signatures. Old Age Pension Scheme and the Difficult Circumstances Unit are also integral parts of the Ministry.

But outside of Social Protection. Minister Ally has made her mark at the Social Cohesion Department which falls under the Ministry of the Presidency. Ally was appointed as the first Minister of Social Cohesion when the APNU+AFC Government came into office. Before handing over that Ministry to Minister George Norton.

Minister Ally said she had gone to the far reaches of Guyana, and even to urban communities to have a greater understanding of the racial issues facing the country.

Those visits, she said confirmed that Guyanese have been divided along ethnic lines-a division she said driven by some politicians and evident during elections.

"Many of the ordinary people who live down there, they live together, they work together but the influence of political leaders has caused this infraction in our community." she posited.

Minister Ally added that "in many bottom house meetings. people are taught to be divided and so when they are taught to be divided you find that it is reflected in various ways in the country."

Additionally, she said there was a great disparity in the way projects and programmes were executed across the country. "In the case of infrastructure work, you would find that only certain communities could have had such facilities, good roads, pitch roads, electrical lights and these things. You found that poverty took the better half of our people, particularly our children." she explained.

FIVE B'S To bridge the gap. Minister Ally said Government under her watch initiated the Five B's Programme, providing Buses. Boats. Bicycles. Books and Breakfast to children across the country.

To date. 19 buses, nine boats and hundreds of bicycles have been handed over to communities and children in nine of the 10 Administrative regions. Additionally, the Ministry has been working closely the Inter-Religious Organisation to break down the barriers. "We have been bringing the religious leaders together so that people can understand that those differences are not barriers." she posited.

Ally said she is pleased with the foundation she laid at the Social Cohesion Department and is confident that her successor will fulfill its objectives to make Guvana a cohesive and united countrv.

free-for-all

Trotman says ministry carefully restoring order in Guyana's extractive sector Even under the former government, the Ministry of Natural Resources was already a fairly new creation geared toward managing and protecting the country's natural wealth. It was identified as needing a technically savvy character to go about articulating the arms of the sector.

As a result, the new A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government had to be prudent in selecting a calm, calculated, yet forceful mind to fit the bill. But when Minister Raphael Trotman accepted his position from Minister of Governance to Natural Resources, he said that the first thing he noticed was that there existed a sense of "free-for-all", that persons were starting up mining operations without the requisite permission and many without the required safety and operational know-how.

He said land management was an issue where it was found that some 10 or 12 miners owned or had access to large plots of land, and "... persons wanting to invest had to go to one of them." Minister Trotman related

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Ministry Resources Raphae Irhfhhmn , that this caused disruption in moving the ministry's work forward since miners were now demanding that the ministry address the situation.

Another issue was the environmental disregard that was being shown by mining operators. Trotman said that the pollution of waterways and the disruption of lives in Hin-

terland communities saw those residents also complaining about prostitution, drugs and guns coming into their communities. Since the government's restructured policy, the ministry now focuses on land management, safe, technology, survey and the environment.

The Natural Resource minister opined that work is underway to assist miners since many of them go into gold operations without the requisite training.

He said that they invest in particularly the gold industry, without assessing the cost to keep the operation safe and running. These include fuel, maintenance, tailing ponds to help protect the environment and the correct way to construct mining pits to ensure workers' safety. This particular area had to be immediately addressed especially after a huge mining accident had occurred in Mahdia; one day after President David Granger was sworn in, leaving more than a dozen persons dead.

In the last three to four years ago. when gold price was fairly high, many persons went into gold mining, producing an over-

whelming number of applicants at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

This caused a lack in the provision of other services such as safety practices and environmental safety. The idea of syndicates thus became necessary one since it was found that it would be easier to address miners attached in this way. These syndicates would allow GGMC to deal with blocks of persons and help in relation to small and medium scale miners directly receiving land.

POLLUTION Where Hinterland communities complained about pollution and other issues, the Natural Resource ministry plans to work with them since it was found that some villages would give miners permission to mine, but call in the government when it gets out of hand.

Another area in the extractive industry that needed immediate attention was the logging sector where many complaints emanated over foreign Turn to page 14 â&#x2013;ş

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

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By Ariana Gordon ...Greenidge urges alacrity in filling vacancies at MoFA Efforts are continually being made to ensure that the country's Foreign Service is operating at its maximum and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has assured that despite the limitations, he has a team of competent officials to get the job done.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle. Greenidge who is also the country's first Vice-President said his ministry's primary focus is to ensure the security of our borders.

Guyana's sovereignty has been threatened by two of our South American neighbours and according to the Foreign Affairs Minister it was critical that his Ministry be equipped with personnel, support in the form of equipment and other forms of support.

"We've tried to recrait a range of skills, knowledgeable and experienced in the arena relevant to the issues of sovereignty. Analytical skills, diplomatic experience, language skills and the like ...we've tried to recruit and to put in the units that deal with these areas, whether in GT or abroad." said Greenidge.

But despite the recraitment of specifically skilled persons, the Minister made it clear that it is not a one off attempt on his part. He said there inevitably has to be a continuing exercise of recraitment. "You don't fix it once and it is cured." he stated while expressing satisfaction with those hired since he took office as Foreign Affairs Minister in 2015. President. David Granger has made it clear that economic diplomacy is critical to the advancement of Guyana as a nation and in light of this Greenidge said Guyana has worked with a number of groups including CARICOM and the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group and the Commonwealth to strengthen relations.

"In all the other aspects pertaining to security, we recruited skills looking at mapping, worked with technicians looking at the maritime space, the area above the land and sea for purposes of our protection." he said while admitting that there is need for persons who are skilled in a multiplicity of areas. He reminded that Venezuela has sought to claim a significant part of Guyana for decades despite the arbitral ruling of 1899. That country has since recreated maps which show certain parts of Guyana as belonging to them and

...believes mission heads equipped, fit for duty have distributed same.

experience, [and] are trained."

He said the aim is to ensure that the younger people can get proper exposure so that they can take over in due course, effectively and smoothly. Thus far. the Minister said the feedback on the performance of the diplomats has been good.

That aside. Greenidge expressed much frustration with the

deliberate attempt to mislead the public. The inexperience of those OVERSEAS MISSIONS involved in the political campaign Additionally. Greenidge said led to promises being made which there are also other mechanisms becannot immediately be fulfilled. ing employed to ensure that the othAdditionally, he said promises er departments of his ministry are were made on the assumption that strengthened. He said priority has the government would be one of a been given to the overseas missions reasonable majority and can thereand as such, officials that have fore effect legislative changes. The coalition government did promise served well locally for a number of years but never received Constitutional reform but according to Greenidge. postings have now been in such a political landposted abroad. "We have tried to reassign them so scape it is difficult to accomplish anything unthat they can strengthen the missions we have less the opposition joins with the government. abroad. We found in the existing missions "...and we have seen abroad, new staff mema situation in which the bers many of whom have current opposition when had experience working it had never been in govat home but without forernment. promised peowm i eign experience they ple that they would do would have been given lots of things, and after that opportunity." a few months in office The end result will said this wasn't the constitution that was at fault, see many of those who have been posted abroad it was the people that elevating to Heads of posed a threat to the rest Missions as they have of us. Now with proper developed a wide range people in place we will of skills. On the note of ensure that things are the overseas missions, right."

According to the Foreign Affairs Min- Foreianmffairs Minister Carl Greenidge ister said all of them Greenidge. the Opposition assisted in the have been staffed except the Consulate in Toronto, which is slothfulness to which vacancies are damaging of the national psyche yet to have a consul general. That being filled. He explained that there which he said has an implication vacancy is likely to be filled by year are a number of vacancies which he on how people see democracy. end as someone has already been hopes can be filled soon and those "Expectations need to be tempered identified. range from the position of Foreign both by the government and by the Asked to assess the work of Service Officers to higher level people...those expectations would the diplomats thus far. Greenidge staff. The lack of sufficient staff have to be tempered eventually. stressed that they are not employed the Minister said places a strain on For me. I don't worry too much to sit at their desks and file docu- his ministry. about the expectations...we have ments but must be able to interface put some mechanisms in place and with other diplomats from different INFLATED EXPECTATIONS added structures to them and within territories. "They must be roundMeanwhile. Greenidge. a for- a year or two you would see them ed; they must go into the fields." mer Finance Minister in the Des- doing what they are supposed to Greenidge added. Moreover, the mond Hoyte PNC administration do."

Minister said Guyana has selected believes it is important for citizens He noted that his government a range of professionally qualified to understand that the APNU + is working assiduously to fulfil and experienced persons to serve AFC inherited a plethora of prob- all promises made though "we are as ambassadors. "The ambassadors lems and is attempting to fix situa- going a lot more slowly than we who have been posted range from tions that have become undesirable. anticipated. "Some of the things in economists, academics. UN tech- He said the number of complaints place need further refinement, so nicians. people with experience in and concerns raised by the citizenry maybe we have to be given a bit international agencies, language before the coalition government more time." he said while stressing experts... the range is wide and took office in 2015 has resulted in that it is up to the public to hold the whether it is in South Africa. NY. an inflation of expectations. government's feet to the fire. "The Washington or Geneva, the persons He accepted though that the public has to demand what it wants who have been appointed to head political parties while campaigning and not simply look at the governthose places can stand proud in any did raise the nation's expectations ment doing what the government crowd, they do have competence. but quickly noted that there was no wants. They must know what they

want and they must constantly keep the government's feet to the fire; that is my view." said the Vice President.

ECONOMY A trained economist. Greenidge also acknowledged the concerns of the citizens about the slowing down of the economy. "The concerns have been drawn to its (government) attention in a variety of fora...what we are trying to do is put mechanisms in place to treat with the expectations." and noted that the plight of the young people. "We need to get assistance to help the small and medium sized enterprises... skills etc. we are in a business where competition is very sharp. We have to try to bring a sharper edge to the goods we produce and the goods we sell." said Greenidge who noted that discussions have been had with Turkey and Chile in this regard.

Bitter parliament On the Parliamentary front, the Vice President said the level of acrimony seen in the National Assembly leaves much to be desired. A former Minister of Finance. Greenidge is no stranger to Parliament, and noted that in his previous 10 years serving within government he has never seen such bitterness. He noted that as Minister of Finance many were not pleased with what he did but they never resorted to character assassination.

"That reflects that the society has changed; it has become in a way.. .the street finding itself in the parliament. It is also a case where the politics has evolved in such a way that is not helpful."

He said too that the levels of acrimony is a representation of some political parties belief that it is acceptable to pursue both relentlessly and at other times, with only a little mask, the consolidation of racial support. The Vice President made it clear that the recent outcry by both the Amerindians and African groups over land is a perfect example.

He said it is most blatantly and despicably seen where efforts are being made to drive a wedge between the two ethnic groups.

"Everything that is examined by the opposition is examined in the way to suggest that all policies are directed to ... to put down indigenous people and communities; it is really a despicable approach to politics," he said.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

Reforming

the

13

education

...strongpush to strengthen PTAs, special needs education

By Fareeza Haniff Although faced with many obstacles in reforming the country's education sector Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has refused to let it prevent him from accomplishing his goals.

As a matter of fact the Minister of Education is placing more emphasis on strengthening key areas in the sector, chief among them being the Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs) in schools across the country and Special Needs Education.

Since assuming office tw o years ago. Dr Roopnaraine has been battling with resuscitating dormant PTAs and has even hired a National PTA Coordinator in the person of Nadia Hollingsworth. who is tasked with overseeing the effective functioning of these bodies. In an exclusive interview with Guyana Chronicle, it was explained that the coordinator visited schools across the country and distributed PTA toolkits, which state exactly how the PTA should function, how they need to operate and what is expected of them.

"I would like to see the PTAs strengthened and parents being more engaged than they presently are. That's a very important area for me. We really have to deal with the management of the schools, we have to deal with the Regional Education Officers (REOs). I think that's very important; we have to get ICT going in schools across the country. I really would like the PTA's to be a lot stronger. I want more focus; I see them as a very important part with what we're trying to do with education. We want genuine partnerships with the parents." the Education Minister told this newspaper.

SPECIAL NEEDS As it relates to Special Needs Education. Dr Roopnaraine reiterated his commitment to ensuring that special needs children are not placed at an additional disadvantage. As such, the Education Ministry works closely with institutions such as Step By Step Foundation. Child Link and the National Disabilities Commission and others to ensure that special needs children are catered for. But the challenge with this is that the Ministry is at pains to find persons who are competent and specialised in areas to teach the children.

Major accomplishments Asked to list some of his major accomplishments. Dr Roopnaraine pointed to the "Mathematics Intervention", which he says has brought some quality changes in the education system. In December 2016. the Ministry of Education embarked on an Emergency Math Intervention Programme which was rolled out in three phases, commencing with pupils in Grades five and six. The first phase of the programme commenced with specific focus in Regions 1. 3. 8. 9 and 10. The Ministry is confident that this initiative would improve the Math performance at the Secondary School Entrance Examination (SSEE).

"The learning channel which is more geared to meet the needs of the children with programmes addressing literacy and the four core areas. We have here at the Ministry of Education a conscientious team, people who work hard to get the programme going so Em hopeful that by 2020. which is when we will be able to really gauge to what extent we succeeded in the work of transformation that we're attempting to do; we'll be able to see the results then. But right now we're pressing forward in all the regions and I can't stress enough the importance of the work in the primary schools because that's where it begins." the Education Minister said.

Dr Roopnaraine is also proud of the work being done in the areas of sports and music introduction in schools. In this regard. Chief Education Officer (CEO). Marcel Hutson said that music has already been implemented in the primary level; as a matter of fact the Ministry has engaged the services of a Guyanese music instractor from Trinidad, who is teaching music to teachers in all 444 primary schools in Guyana. It is expected that the instractor will soon move on to the 110 secondary schools.

According to the Education Minister. "[Music] is a work in progress, it won't happen overnight. We need to develop a committed cadre of teachers and get parents much more involved in the education of their children. I think if we can do those tw o things, we can make a big difference." "I'd like to see very active music programmes throughout the schools, like school choirs. There must be some music in the schools.

I'm not very happy with the fact that we are not doing as well as we would like to see us doing in relation to both of these activities. I would like to see much more diversified education."

v .

Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine REINTEGRATING TEENAGE MOTHERS Meanwhile, the Education Ministry has solicited the services of a consultant from UNICEF to draft a policy for the re-integration of teenage mothers in schools. It was noted that the consultant. Dr Morello Joseph, is based in St Lucia. As it stands. Guyana does not have a policy that caters for pregnant teenagers and according to the CEO the decision as to whether a pregnant teen can continue to attend school before and after pregnancy is left to the head of the institution or the regional authorities. This draft policy will now ensure that the affected students can be re-admitted to the same school or another learning institution.

"That's part of the social problem we're facing. I am firmly of the view, and I've said this time and time again, we can't afford to fail in education. Education is the one area where we have to succeed. Because if we fail in education, then everything else fails." Dr Roopnaraine said.

As it relates to the issue of placing counselors in schools, the Education Minister intends to strengthen this programme as he firmly believes that children should be counseled instead of them facing corporal punishment. It was noted that counselors are placed in "troubled schools" in Guyana and these schools are determined by reports received by the Welfare Office and the consistency of reports. Most reports emanate from schools in Georgetown and Regions 2. 6 and 10.

BRIDGING THE GAP Meanwhile, the Education Ministry continues to battle the division between the coastland and hinterland in terms of distribution of resources and according to Minister Roop-

sector

naraine. he recently visited some hinterland areas, where he received "genuine complaints" about issues facing schools there.

Some issues include the quality staffing given the fact that there are no universities or colleges in those far-fetched regions. In this regard, the Ministry implemented a Teacher Upgrading Programme in some Hinterland areas such as regions 7 and 8. Adequate housing for teachers who are transferred to the hinterland from the coast is also being addressed the Education Minister said.

TEACHERS' TRANING, INCREASE IN SALARIES On the tricky issue of teacher's remuneration, the Education Minister said a teacher appraisal document is being fine-tuned by the administration to ensure commitment and accountability from teachers. Dr Roopnaraine has also asked for a complete curriculum review that is currently being taught in schools along with a review of the curriculum at the teachers' training college to ensure that they are in harmony.

"We have to get committed teachers." he said. As it relates to the issue of salary for teachers, the Education Minister believes that teachers are not paid "sufficiently."

"You need teachers who are committed and whose own financial situation and personal commitments can be met.

The one thing we don't need is demoralised teachers and salary is an important part. I'd be very happy to lobby for an increase." he said. He however alluded to the fact that education eats up a large part of the budget so "If we're going to go looking for more money, then we're going to have to really make serious arguments."

INCREASE IN SCHOOL FEES The issue of increased tuition fees at the University of Guyana (UG) and Value Added Tax (VAT) being charged on tuition at private schools are contentious issues facing the Ministry. In March. Vice Chancellor of UG. Ivelaw Griffith had announced a 35 percent increase in tuition fees, being applied incrementally; this was met with rejection from the students. In this regard. Dr Roopnaraine said he will soon meet with the VC to further discuss the issue since the increase is of "concern" to him.

"I am a very old believer in free education and I don't like the idea of fees. A review of the fees is in order. We don't want to impose burdens on already burdened people and that is something I think that can be reviewed. I don't think we are going to be able to dispose of the fees altogether but we are going to look at it and see whether or not it can be put on some kind of 'means' basis." the Education Minister explained.

As it relates to VAT on private tuition fees, Dr Roopnaraine reiterated that this will be reviewed in 2018 and areas will be looked at to ensure that private schools pay their taxes. He suggested if everyone pays their taxes then perhaps the VAT can be removed from the tuition fees. The Ministry of Education was allocated $43.1B or 17 percent of the 2017 national budget and Dr Roopnaraine hopes that most of his programmes and policies will bear fruit.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

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- Citizens Minister

By Rabindra Rooplall The Department of Citizenship is forecasting that within the next two years Guyana's visa and birth certification process will be fully digitised while work continues on the development of a national identity system where everyone will be recognised by a number, Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix said.

Two years into the APNU/AFC coalition government's five year term in office. Felix said there are many plans to further enhance and better the services being experienced by Guyanese.

He said that there are plans to have foreigners apply for visas to enter Guyana online which will remove the stresses involved in the process. "The introduction of the online facility would further reduce waiting time, but lots of work has to be done that includes sourcing equipment, testing to see how the system would work before its implemented." he said.

In 2016. visas of various categories were issued to 1.163 nationals from 76 countries.

Also, he said through the e-govemance network. the Ministry is also seeking to have passports applications done online.

Meanwhile. Minister Felix explained that the creation of the national identity system will seek to equip citizens with one unique identification number. "The same ID number you have at birth, which would be unique, would be the one at the time of registration.

This number will be featured until death, this is useful to prevent fraud." he said. The national identification system stems from pronouncements by the President David Granger on the proposed amendment of the National Registration Bill to include biomet-

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix rics of citizens to be recorded on their national registration cards. He said the creation of this database will follow upon the completion of the digitisation of the General Register's Office (GRO).

DATABASE OF RECORDS Minister Felix said that a project has commenced to build a database of records.

The government has been working with UNICEF to ensure all children are registered at birth to achieve 100 percent birth registration. Through this collaboration. Felix said government will undertake outreaches in outlying regions with the exception of Regions Three and Four. "We are pushing for birth side registration to ensure all births are registered in the first place and where there is a slippage there will be outreaches." he said.

The Citizenship Minister said with the anticipation of a digitized birth certificate, there are also new security features on new birth certificates, one being if it is copied it will be printed with a watermark stating "copy". He

No more... From page 11 companies dominating the industry. Some Chinese and Indian companies had come in for serious criticisms from the public since they had received land to log. while providing identified benefits to the country, that were never fulfilled. "I had to bring some order to the forestry sector which people had believed had become dominated by foreign companies taking our logs without much accountability." the minister said.

However, to address these many inefficiencies Minister

Big strides in

in

luio

procmement of drags and medical supplies ultimately breaks the monopolistic arrangement which existed under the People's Progressive Parly/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. The new bidding document is designed in such a way that it allows companies of all sizes to participate in an open and competitive process.

SHORTAGE OF NURSES Another issue engaging the attention of the Public Health Ministry is the shortage of nurses and specialised medical personnel. A recent visit by the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) revealed that there is an acute shortage of nurses. The problem, the committee was informed is the same for other public hospitals.

ueor/

said all the waiting time for birth certificates will ((Despite all the criticisms, the APNU/AFC be slashed. government has done very well in each On the issue of imdepartment to improve the quality of service proving the passport services. Felix said efforts offered to the public, by the end of five years at decentralisation will it will get much better and there will be many continue. The days of long things to shout about." "We inherited no ordilines at the Central Immigration and Passport office nary set of circumstance which to operate and are over and today citizens I think we organised ourselves and worked have testified of the dra- through the challenges to create the successes matic shortened time they spend to transact busi- we have achieved and there are still more to ness there. Minister Felix come." Minster Felix said allocations have been made and tenders will go CUBAN WELCOMED out for the construction of passport offices Meanwhile, noting that there has been in Linden and New Amsterdam. "Very soon an influx of Cubans to Guyana. Minister we are going to tender for an office in New Felix said he welcomes such since they visit Amsterdam, we have identified a plot of land to conduct business and are not problematic in Linden." he said. although there are cases of some overstaying He said that Anna Regina and Bartica are their time, which is in the minority. Touchunder consideration for offices while there is ing on the topic of deportation to Guyana. the possibility for Regions Eight and Nine to Felix said there has been nothing extraordifacilitate mobile service. nary or out of the ordinary since it fluctuates.

He explained that this process seeks to "Before all this big noise about deportees, improve the system the delivery of higher we are accustomed to receiving deportees, it quality service to citizens. is not a new phenomenon, and it's not usuIn the 2017 National Budget, the sum of ally announced publically. but it happens." $625M was allocated for Citizenship and he said. Minister Felix stated "despite all Immigration Services, including strategies to the criticisms, the APNU/AFC government cover births, deaths and marriages, issuance has done very well in each department to of work permits and granting of citizenship. improve the quality of service offered to the An additional $50M was budgeted for the es- public, by the end of five years it will get tablishment of two new passport offices. Felix much better and there will be many things added that by the end of 2017. persons in all to shout about." the ten administrative regions will be able to He continued: "We inherited no ordiapply for birth, marriage and death certificates nary set of circumstances which to operate in their communities. He said persons are ap- and I think we have organised ourselves preciative of the services provided and have and worked through the challenges to been making full use of them. create the successes we have achieved and there are still more to come."

Trotman said several changes had to be made, including the firing and reshuffling of persons holding senior positions in sectors, such as forestry and gold mining. The addition of Minister within the ministry. Simona Broomes was also a key contribution as she intensely focuses her attention on issues such as safety, labour and human rights. Trotman pointed out. He said since becoming minister, he is proud to have helped in banning Styrofoam containers. The large benefit of refusing the environmentally undesirable material is already being seen. The passage of the Wild Life Bill and the ongoing preparation for the oil and gas sector are areas Trotman said he is personally excited about.

reducing... From page 10

their destinations. In making her case, the Junior Public Health Minister alluded to a recent case in which the Suddie Regional Hospital had acquired drugs and medical supplies from the Materials Management Unit (MMU) for distribution to other secondary facilities such as the Charity Hospital but the process was delayed without any proper notification.

In response to these and other challenges within the procurement system, the Public Health Ministry has been building the capacity of its medical personnel, particularly the pharmacists and assistant pharmacist to allow for better acquisition of drugs and medical supplies.

Additionally. Minister Cummings said the Public Health Ministry is moving away from sole somcing. The system being used for the

eerlifiecile,

The minister said his ministry does not have all the answers, but has learnt enough so far to ensure a "better grasp and have a better sense of awareness." Trotman, a former Speaker of the National Assembly, prior to being appointed a minister served as a Member of Parliament since the 1997 elections, and headed several committees.

While the minister had provided his service in several civil areas, he engaged in private law. He studied fields such as national security, developmental economics among others. These two particular areas of study are expected to significantly contribute to helping him manage the extractive industrv.

To encourage more nurses to remain in Guyana, the Ministry had taken the decision to reintroduce the payment for overtime for nurses.

It was noted too that the ministry has modified the curriculum and is collaborating with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO). the University of Guyana and a Brazilian University to raise the calibre of nursing tutors. The partnership will allow for lecturers and nurses to be trained at the Master's and Doctoral levels in the field of Nursing. Eight lectmers and nurses with first degrees will be selected for the Master's Programme, while five persons, who have already acquired their Master's, will be selected for the Doctoral Programme.

A team from the University in Brazil will be here in Guyana by July. 2017 for the final selection. The Faculty of Health Sciences has already shortlisted the applicants. The first batch of nurses and lecturers will commence

their studies in September. 2017. Major emphasis. she said will be placed on specialization as such nurses will be trained in neonatal care, accident and emergency, radiology and public health.

Just recently. Government of India approved a line of credit which will enable the modernisation of three primary health care facilities in Guyana. AboutUS$17.5 million will be provided for the improvement of Suddie Regional Hospital, the West Demerara Regional Hospital and the Bartica District Hospital.

In addition. Minister Cummings pointed out that Government has secured a US$8M loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the execution of a programme that will reduce maternal deaths in Guyana.

According to the Bank, this programme seeks to improve the quality of care at 140 health facilities and in 88 communities, benefitting at least 140,000 women and 9,000 newborns per year.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

15 â&#x2013; V

1

I

D

State Paper on the FUTURE OF THE SUGAR INDUSTRY STATE OF SUGAR

EVOLUTION OF SUGAR

The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc.

The production of sugar in Guyana

GUYSUCO was producing 246, 898

(GUYSUCO)

first started in Essequibo under

tonnes of sugar with a labour force of

Guyana State enterprise that oper-

the Dutch, and was extended later

28,081 in 1992.

ates the sugar industry

to Berbice and Demerara. Most

is

a

wholly-owned GUYSUCO,

f

The decrease in the number of estates

instead of being self-sustaining and

plantations were small and each had

contributing to the revenues of the

its own factory to process the cane

Hon. Noel Holder, MP

over time is a reflection of the chal-

state, has encountered severe decline.

into sugar. Progressive reductions in

Minister of Agriculture

lenges that producing sugar in Guy-

Production in 2016 fell by 18.7 % and foreign exchange earned by the crop declined 15 %.

This poor per-

formance follows a pattern of incon-

ana entailed.

the number of plantations, either as a result of closures or amalgamations

The sugar industry was nationalized

occurred over the years.

between 1975 and 1976. At the time of nationalization, there were 11 sug-

ECONOMIC

Consequently, by 1829, there were

ar plantations countrywide.

238 plantations and, by 1890, that

represented a fraction of the nearly

number had declined to 138.

Clo-

400 estates that existed in the early

sures and consolidations

19th century and of the 80 which ex-

The Government of Guyana, as the

GUYSU-

continued into the 20th

isted at the beginning of the 20th cen-

sole investor, owns the sugar in-

CO

century, dwindling from

tury. The 11 estates were located at

dustry.

80 plantations in 1900 to

Leonora, Uitvlugt, Wales, Diamond,

demonstrate prudent management of

39 in 1922 and to 18 one

Enmore, La Bonne Intention, Ogle,

the public resources under its control.

year after Guyana gained

Albion, Blairmont, Rose Hall and

GUYSUCO has faced many chal-

independence from Great

Skeldon.

lenges over the years but was able

Britain.

The sugar industry remained at the

to maintain average sugar output of

de-

heart of the economy (Hewitt, 2001,

328,000 tonnes until 1992. GUYSU-

pended on the labour of

p.7) despite the diminished number

CO produced an annual average of

enslaved Africans, main-

of estates. Sugar accounted for more

2,966,591 tonnes of cane and 264,983

ly from West Africa for

than 63 % of agricultural output and

tonnes of sugar in the decade from

more than 181 years. By

more than 20% of Gross Domestic

1996 to 2005,.

the time that, GUYSUCO was estab-

Product (GDP) in 1976 (Jameson &

Annual average cane output was

lished in 1976, the industry was dom-

Bonello, 1978).

2,548,294 tonnes, while sugar output

inated by the labour of East Indians

GUYSUCO was producing 337,776

reached 208,718 tonnes in the subse-

who had started to come to Guyana

tonnes of sugar and had a workforce

quent decade of 2006 to 2015.

as indentured workers in 1838. Many

of 28,406 persons at that time.

settled in the colony with continued

was the largest employer and a ma-

attachment to the sugar estates.

jor contributor to foreign exchange.

sistent output in which the average annual output of sugar declined by 14 % between 2006 and 2015.

curred debt

ina of

GUYSUCO incurred a debt

more than G$82 BITTION 2015.

of more than

by The

G$82 BILLION

Government,

ow-

by 2015.

ing to the industry's ongoing financial crisis, had to provide the required financial relief from the treasury.

Within less than two

years (since 2015), Government subsidies were estimated to be G$32 billion.

Sugar

cultivation

They CHALLENGES

Government is expected to

It Continued on Page A2

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017 Page A2

% of total costs from 2010 to 2015, thereby absorbing 73 % of the revNEW LIFE for

enue earned by GUYSUCO during that period.

The dire revenue sit-

uation coincided with the loss of preferential markets and prices that

GUYSUCO

the company enjoyed from 1976 to 2009.

GUYSUCO had to sell its sugar at The change in the averages between

billion. It spent 8 cents of every G$1

those prices were lower than its cost

the two time periods represented a

of sales to build its long-term invest-

of production. This meant that, un-

14 % decline in cane output and a 21

ment base while generating only 5

less the corporation was able to re-

% decline in sugar output.

cents of internal equity to do so.

duce both factory and field costs, it

Factory recoveries are reflected in

GUYSUCO was forced to finance its

would remain uncompetitive.

the amount of cane that had to be

long-term investment by borrowing

used to generate a tonne of sugar.

money and by relying on subsidies

Factory recoveries, like cane yields,

through the national treasury even

deteriorated during the review peri-

though all the internal equity was

ods. From 1996 to 2005, 11.2 tonnes

being put back in the business.

tonne of sugar.

During the period

2006 to 2015, 12.30 tonnes of cane were needed. In other words, 10 % more cane was required to produce one tonne of sugar.

tion trade, transportation and stor-

more than the sugar industry to the

exhaustion of its cash reserves, de-

output of the country. The contribu-

teriorating field infrastructure and

tion of the industry is no longer as

factories and an

distinguishable as

unstable and ad-

it was before. SugGUYSUCO

trial relations cliincurred total

dustry's

in-

losses of

contri-

bution to GDP

G$40

changed between 2006 and 2015.

BILLION

The industry has not been able to keep pace with occurred

with sales of G$230 billion from 2008 to

in the economy

GUYSUCO curred

intotal

losses of G$4() billion with sales of GS230 billion from 2008 to 2015. By 2015, the management of the company had accumulated a mere GSl 1 billion in internal equity and had decreased working capital by GS25

The EU was forced to withdraw the preferential treatment as a consequence of global pressures to liberalise its trade. In addition, some EU countries produce beet sugar and were competing for greater market

everything to keep GuySuCo alive. We want to save sugar workers jobs."

His Excellency President David Granger

finds itself com-

Ihe sugar industry operated in a

share in Europe. The result was that

peting with other

largely protected market from 1959

Guyana had to sell its sugar on the

agricultural crops

to 2009.

world market after 2009.

and forestry in its

First,

contribution

countries that benefitted from the

to

Guyana

was

the economy.

Commonwealth

GUYSUCO is the

Sugar Agreement

largest

single

employer.

(CSA).

Second,

along with other

It has been so for

African,

the entire history

bean and Pacific

of

(ACP) states, it

independent

benefitted subse-

er, there has been

quently from the

a

Sugar

sharp

decline

in the number of

Protocol

under the ACP-

workers employed by the industry

EU

over the decade 2006 to 2015. Low

system.

labour turnout has resulted in the

had access to the

industry's suffering significant productivity losses.

among

nine

preferential

Modernisation Project (SSMP) was made and after expenditures of over

The sugar

G$47 billion, that project has failed.

industry operated in a largely

The sugar indu.strv / is in crisis.

The management

protected market

of GUYSUCO estimated that the

from 1959 to 2009.

It also

Government Guyana have

would

to

annual

of

provide subsidies

averaging

GSl 7

Canadian and US markets at pref-

billion over the next four years to

erential rates. The bulk of Guyana's

keep the estates open and operating.

sugar was exported to the United Employment costs accounted for 48

A deci-

sion to undertake the Skeldon Sugar

Carib-

Howev-

Guyana.

2015.

since 2006.

period that began in 2006.

ar, as a result now

country's

the changes that have

cided to reduce the guaranteed price

muscular, more robust. We will do

such as the wholesale and distribu-

skilled and experienced managers,

sugar

pean Agriculture Council (EAC) de-

to make the sugar industry more

national economy. Other industries,

nication technology, also contribute

The

nues. In November 2005, the Euro-

we are consolidating. We are going

industry in its contribution to the

ic problems, including migration of

mate.

sugar output and 70 % of its reve-

mining, construction and the rice

age and information and commu-

indus-

accounted for 50 % of the company's

"We are not shutting down GuySuCo,

The sugar industry now lags behind

GUYSUCO began to display chron-

versarial

Preferential sales to the EU market

for sugar by 36 % over a four year

world market prices after 2009 and

of cane were needed to produce one

ropean Union (EU).

Kingdom, which was part of the Eu-

The government will be hard pressed

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

17

to justify such expenditure since the

48,000 dependents would have been

tor with reduced losses and cash

ments mean that GUYSUCO would

opportunity cost of keeping GUY-

adversely affected immediately.

deficits but coupled with a separate

be scaled-down into a more efficient

and profitable diversified enterprise

entity that focuses on producing

which would ensure a viable future.

sugar to satisfy the domestic and for-

Focus on the poorly-performing es-

eign markets that provide preferen-

tates should shift from sugar to di-

tial access to our sugar. This entails

versification.

taking advantage of the opportunity

SUCO as a going

concern

GUYSUCO's

in

terim

its present state

GUYSUCO's situation requires

tenable situation, emergency

the Government decided to install

action.

an Interim Man-

a request for financial help and

The proposed courses of action are

given a subsidy.

to amalgamate Wales Estate with

Recognising

the

Uitvlugt Estate and reassign its cane

GUYSUCO plans, apart from re-

bankrupt

to the Uitvlugt factory, since the es-

structuring the estates and facto-

Directors was installed in July 2015 thus providing GUYSUGO with an

tate is operating

ries, to transfer to

SUCO, the Gov-

at 50 % capaci-

the

state

ernment appointed a Commission

ty. Sixty (60) %

for

the

of Inquiry (COI) to examine the

of its drainage

situation in the sugar industry and

and

The future of

to make recommendations about its

infrastructure is

future.

in a dilapidated

the industry is considered to

The

corporation furFUTURE OF THE

lie in a smaller

thermore seeks to divest itself of

SUGAR INDUSTRY

sugar sector with

the Skeldon Esreduced losses

tate. The estates The Government of Guyana is cog-

of Albion and

nizant of the invaluable contribution

Rose Flail are to

of the sugar industry over the years.

be amalgamated

It will not allow GUYSUCO to die

and the factory

from preventable causes. The Gov-

at Rose Hall is

ernment, however, cannot let GUY-

to be closed.

ciency and hopelessness, ultimately

and cash deficits

leading to its undoing. Neither option is a formula tor improving the

but coupled

opportunity to make an objective assessment of its condition and to decide on the way forward under fresh management.

GUYSUCO's

income and wealth of sugar workers while seeking to provide the good life for current and future genera-

situation

requires

emergency action. In 2015, the corporation was aware that it could obtain GS5.1 billion from the sale of the Skeldon co-generation plant and a portion of land under its control.

on-Rose

Hall

of the industry in whole or in part or

in

whether to diversify its operations

ce and the Uit-

or sell it to a private investor or in-

vlugt -Wales

vestors.

estate

current operating costs and a small

The COI recommended that the

amount of capital expenditure.

Corporation should be privatized within three years.

injection of GS12 billion to reap the crop that was in season and meet short-term financial obligations to workers and creditors. Failure to act would have had disastrous conse-

ensure a viable

in

decide whether to maintain control

The Commis-

sion recommended, also, that a serious evaluation of all diversification options be conducted to avoid total reliance on sugar for GUYSUCO's revenues.

The COI called for an

evaluation of the opt ions.

quences not only for the sugar industry but the entire economy since in

the future of the industry is con-

excess of 16,000 workers and about

sidered to lie in a smaller sugar sec-

future.

Focus

three with and cane

produc-

economy"

and "Regional Food Self-Sufficiency" drive would

sup-

Government

production should contracted

to

approximately sugar annually proon, Blairmont and satisfy the demand

estates should

in the local markets (25,000 tonnes pa).

shift from sugar

estates

CARICOM regional

to diversification.

factories will

cultural

Uitvlugt Estates, to

performing

The

will he complete

employees for them

duced from Albion the poorly-

West

Demerara.

der land for lease to

147,000 tonnes of

East Berbi-

in

also

proposes to surren-

be

tates would be

Albi-

GUYSUCO

proposes that sugar

which would

The es-

Berbice,

around the estates.

The enterprise

three sugar fac-

The Government of Guyana had to

and

port their efforts.

diversified

the West Bank

These revenues were used to meet

GUYSUCO also needed an urgent

and profitable

and

Blairmont

tions.

communities,

"Green

consist of three

tories.

it provides to the

that exist under the

with a separate

then

estates

and irrigation and

tion. The resources

GUYSUCO would

drainage

to engage in agri-

SUCO continue to utilize a business model that is based on waste, ineth-

charges

health services that

irrigation

condition.

r pÂŤ-

operate factories more efficiently.

position of GUY-

manage GUYSUCO in June, 2015. A new Board of

to merge better performing lands to

the industry was

near

agement Team to

Manage-

ment Team made

is too high. Recognising this un-

In-

pa)

have

(50,000

60,000

tonnes

USA

(12,500

tonnes

supplied

from all five locations,

-

and

pa)

and

the World Market (50,000) tonnes.

Focus would be

Ihe process will result in improv-

on producing for direct consump-

ing the relationship with some cane

tion, value-added sugars and pro-

cutters, estate staff and about 1,710 private cane farmers. These adjust-

Continued on Page A4

18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017 Page A4

NEW LIFE for

Sugar accounted for more than

GUYSUCO stmte

63 percent of Funds

generated

from the viding electricity to the national grid (co-generation).

It is proposed that Skeldon Estate should be divested.

Significant in-

vestment has been made in the new Skeldon Factory which, to date, has experienced

numerous

technical

problems. It has failed to achieve its

divest-

agricultural output

ment of Skeldon

potential thereby failing to generate

Estate will go to-

returns on the investment. The Cor-

wards

poration does not have the resourc-

the

es required to correct the technical

debt and support-

problems. It owes in excess of G$29

ing its capital pro-

billion in loans due for the Skeldon

grammes for both

Sugar Modernisation Project.

sugar and the di-

tives.

The Government,

and more than 20%

reducing

Corporation's

versification initia-

pending the results of the divestment

of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in

initiative, proposes to implement the following plan for GUYSUCO.

1976

"Sugar cannot die. Too many workers depend on sugar for a living. We have to transform them into workers of a modern industry, even if we would have fewer factories and fewer estates in order to make the work less burdensome."

Hon. Moses V. Nagamootoo Prime Minister & First Vice President

1. ESTATE AMALGAMATION GUYSUCO's sugar operations will be limited to the Albion-Rose Hall, Blairmont and Uitvlugt-Wales estates with the aim of producing annually 147,000 tons of sugar, with the assurances of markets at economic prices.

2. EMPLOYMENT OF LABOUR GUYSUCO will retain as many workers needed for all operations on the merged estates/factories.

Employees are to be leased land

by GUYSUCO to engage in crops (crop types to be decided by GUYSUCO and the Ministry of Agriculture).

Albion and Rose Hall estates cultivation will be amalgamated.

This will result in the closure of the Rose Hall factory at the end of 2017. Some lands will be made available for diversification purposes.

The Enmore factory will be closed at the end of 2017 when all cane would be harvested. The East Coast Estates would be earmarked for diversification.

Ministry of Agriculture

3. COST RECOVERY Recovery of drainage and irrigation charges will be made from the Government of Guyana. GUYSUCO from the inception has been assisting with the drainage and irrigation of surrounding communities. This has allowed for approximately 40% of GUYSUCO's annual drainage and irrigation costs.

GUYSUCO, as part of its corporate social responsibility, operates a number of health-care centers and dispensaries in the Berbice

and Demerara regions. The options available to the Corporation are the transferal of such health centers and dispensaries to the Government or the recovery of costs from the Government.

Consistent with this position, Government proposes to invite expressions of interest for the divestment. A Corporate vehicle will be established to manage this process on a full-time basis.

Given the financial and technical evidence presented, it is therefore feasible to amalgamate estates and factories where appropriate for the better utilization of the country's resources. In this regard, Government proposes to:

GUYSUCO proposes pending action on divestment, to proceed with a series of actions intended to reduce the financial burden of the corporation.

GUYSUCO proposes to take account of the similar experience of other

1. Retain sugar production as the core function of GUYSUCO at three factories and five cultivating sites;

countries in proceeding with its actions.

2. Divest the remaining parts of the industry; and 3. Invite sugar workers and cane farmers to undertake agro-based activities on lands to be made available to them.

(sj^D DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

Fixing

a

19

broken

system

.. .Bulkan says repairing local govt system will take longer than expected ...but vows renewal and functionality

By Svetlana Marshall "The Herculean task of restoring the damaged Local Government System after years of neglect will take longer to achieve than expected," Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan said while alluding to many of the challenges facing local organs in their quest to become self-sufficient and independent.

"There has been progress but I will be the first to admit that there is much more work to be done that can be done, but I think we should not overlook the fact that this repair job. this restoration job. to bring about renewal and functionality within these organs, will take considerably longer than the two years or one year since those elections."

Minister Bulkan told Guyana Chronicle during an exclusive interview.

He said at the time when Local Government Elections were held in March. 2016. Local Government Organs, particularly. Town Councils and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) had largely become dysfunctional due to years of suppression on the part of the former Government the People's Progressive Parly/Civic (PPP/C).

"They were literally ignored, their capacity and functionality were so damaged and degraded that they had actually largely become dysfunctional." Minister Bulkan lamented. For the first time in 22 years. Local Government Elections were held on March 18.2016. Prior to that, the elections were last held in 1994.

But the Communities Minister said long before the March 18. 2016 elections, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition had been laying the foundation for the restoration of Local Government System in the country while in Opposition.

"It was the APNU in the 10th Parliament that had begun, in a significant way a national conversation as to the need, the necessity and relevance of Local Government." he posited.

The APNU. he recalled, would have moved from passing the Local Government (Amendment) Bill, the Municipal and District Councils (Amendment) Bill, the Local Government Commission Bill and the Fiscal Transfer Bill in June. 2014 with the backing of the Alliance for Change (AFC) to giving the then President Donald Ramotar an ultimatum for the holding of Local Government Elections.

In his September. 2014 ultimatum to the then President. President David Granger, while in his capacity as Leader of the Opposition. had emphasised that Local Government Elections are a Constitutional obligation and a democratic entitlement of the Guyanese people. The ultimatum approximately one month after the AFC had submitted to the National

Assembly a No-Confidence Motion against the PPP government.

"Even though President Granger was aware that he had a better than even chance of becoming sooner rather than later, the President of Guyana...to him the restoration of the system of Local Government was more important." Minister Bulkan posited. He emphasized that the holding of the elections was in keeping with the APNU+AFC's Manifesto and a fulfilment of its promise.

Regina and Corriverton. Significant work was also executed in the development of local areas economic profiles along with economic development and strategic planning in NDCs including those in Regions Two. Three. Four and Six. Training for these Local Democratic Organs will intensify with the launching of a handbook (manual) that will explain in detail their roles and responsibilities. "It has taken us quite a while but there were a number of grey areas in this transitional period...from a centralized approach of governance to where we are allowing Local Government Organs to exercise their legal and constitutional authority." he explained.

OPERATIONAL LEVEL Minister Bulkan added that "at the operational level it took careful thought, to extract the relevant sections of the legislation, the two / ' Acts. Municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28:01 and Local Government Act Chapter 28:02... to create a manual a guide handbook so we have to give to each of the 1170 councilors as well as all of the administrative staff in our local government organs." Before the end of 2017. Mahdia. the administrative centre of the MimstepobGommumties, Ronald Bulkan Potaro-Siparuni Region, is expected to be declared a town, in addition to three other capital towns.

RE-AWAKENING Zooming in on the Georgetown Mayor Since those elections in 2016. Minister Bulkan said there has been a "reawakening" and City Council. Minister Bulkan recalled of the Local Democratic Organs which has that Central Government in 2015 had injected led to a "revitalization" of the roles of Coun- a "considerable" amount of funds into the cils in transforming their towns and villages. City Council for the execution of Restoration This is not only hue for the common towns. Georgetown. He said while the project had Georgetown. Linden. New Amsterdam. Rose yielded tremendous success, the cash flows Hall. Corriverton and Anna Regina. but the problem, facing City Hall, like many other newest towns in the country - Bartica. Maba- municipalities, had hindered its ability to maintain the project. rama and Lethem.

"In all of the municipalities there are It was explained that the primary source various initiatives that are being undertaken of finance for Local Government Organs are in various areas such as Solid Waste Manage- rates and taxes, however, the rates are exment. Environmental Leadership, provision of tremely low. Additionally, many Guyanese services, and a general attitude to bring about are guilty of not paying their rates and taxes physical transformation via local leadership." despite the fact that they are extremely low. the Communities Minister posited. Similarly, Councils' inability to rake in sufficient funds he said a number of NDCs has been partner- cripple their ability to execute their functions ing with Government and Non-Governmental particularly in the area of waste disposal Organisations and members of the Private management.

Sector to improve their communities.

It was noted that the Ministry of Com- PARKING METERS munities in collaboration with the Caribbean Currently, the Finance Ministry is in Local Economic Development Project (CAR- the process of revitalising and restoring ILED) has been promoting sustainable com- the capacity of the Valuation Division. munities through strong local governance. Once fully operation. Minister Bulkan said Under this project, the nine municipalities Local Government Organs can expect an have participated in extensive training aimed enhanced provision of service which could at building their capacities to manage their possibly lead to increase funds. towns effectively while providing much The Communities Minister said it was needed services.

City Hall's intention to increase its revAdditionally, under the CARILED Proj- enue base while simultaneously bringing ect five municipal development plans were greater order to the streets of Georgetown crafted and approved for the municipalities had led to the initiation of the Parking of New Amsterdam. Rose Hall. Linden. Anna Meter Project. He said while the council's

intention is good, there was clearly need for more consultation.

"Unfortunately. I believe that there was not sufficient internal by in at the level of the council before the contract was enter into... I think as a result of that defect it led to certain features of that project attracting significant public resistance." he posited.

Persons, he pointed out. were concerned about the high rate attached to parking along with the harsh penalties. Central Government at the level of the Ministry of Finance and the Attorney General Chambers had reviewed the contract between City Hall and Smart City Solutions, and had offered their opinions and advice to the Council. It was found that a number of the clauses within the original contract were of no benefit to the council.

"The advised was regrettably not taken on board." the Communities Minister posited noting that it led to the withdrawal of Central Government's support. Consultations are currently ongoing with the hope of having the contract modified to the satisfaction of Council, the Contractor and most importantly the citizenry, he said.

Turning his attention to the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs). Minister Bulkan said while the Government has been offering financial and institutional support, the opposition dominated councils have been putting up a resistance to many of its programmes and initiatives.

Seven of the 10 RDCs are dominated by the Opposition.

"Unfortunately, despite the agenda and the programme of central government to move in the direction of greater regional empowerment, regrettably, there has been considerable resistance on the part of those RDCs that are controlled by the opposition." Minister Bulkan noted.

The Ministry has proposed the renaming of the 10 Administrative Regions and the initiation of regional flags but some RDCs are still to buy into these initiatives.

A plus, however, for the Ministry was its ability to correct the many problems that had plagued the Haags Bosch landfill facility. In 2016. the Ministry had signed $22.4M contract with Puran Brothers Disposal Inc to manage the Landfill site.

Since then, the facility has been operating at an optimal. The company has displayed a compliance rate of 95 percent in accordance with clauses in the contract, as they relate to the equipment required.

Notwithstanding the challenges, Minister Bulkan said his ministry will forge ahead with plans to build cohesive, empowered and sustainable communities.

"I may say resolutely, even though the evidence may be taking a while before it becomes evident - this physical improvement - the direction and the trajectory is unbroken, and we are not deviating, we are not deterred and we are certainly not distracted. The progress is measureable but I think there is an appreciation and an understanding that given where we have started, it's going to take time to restore this level of functionality that we can all be proud of," Minister Bulkan said.

20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

What

Lindeners

r

say

about

APNU+AFC

r

Denton Osbourne: Where Region 10 is concerned; I am not satisfied with the performance over the last two years. I would like to see intensified efforts to realise the vision of President David Granger to build the road from Linden to Ituni and Kwakwani. I want to see work beginning on the road to Brazil. I want to see greater efforts to facilitate small contractors supporting the Government. I want to see intensified efforts in getting Linden squatting communities such as Andy Ville regularised in addition to receiving electrification.

I commend Dr. Richard Van-west Charles, CEO of GWI, for reaching out to the cries of the residents of AndyVille and playing an integral role in running water being accessible to the residents. I will only be pleased with the Government's performance in Region 10 when I see tangible evidence of these things happening.

Shanteal Alleyne: I think the Government has performed fairly well in most areas. The first year in my opinion I would say was a clean-up campaign and the second year the focus was given on implementing a strategic plans so as to effectively move our country forward from 23 years of mess. However, I do believe that more need to be done in the interest of our youths, not only in Linden but countrywide. Almost every year the University of Guyana produces hundreds of graduates in various fields who are equipped with theoretical knowledge but unfortunately they are home, unemployed. The Government should be cognisant that without the astounding votes of youths in the 2015 election, the victory would have been gone with the wind. These hopeless youths voted because of the promises for a better life, filled with better opportunities, but we are yet to see this materialised.

I know it will not happen overnight and I do believe that the Government has the nation at heart, but more needs to be done. We are the voices of today tomorrow and the future

Leon Labastide: If there is one thing that history has taught us is that humanity are unstable creatures. We give praise and condemn in the same breath. As we look back at the two years on what has expired within our country, we have to take into account that nothing is done microwavable. Everything takes time in order for us to see a brighter future. Our old verbiage must change, our thinking process must change and we should stop regurgitating what the past has done for us. We tend to take our negative experiences from the past to block our hopes. When hope comes only to destroy the rhetoric, we should embrace hope. The Government has given hope for the future by changing the old standards.

If the community does not believe in hope, we will build walls as a defence mechanism to eliminate any possibility of change. Many will disagree with Governmental changes, but we have to keep in mind that we are a democracy.

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* C 1

Jacquey Bourne: "I think the government is trying but I am against the plethora of Commission of Inquiries. The government is concentrating too much into inquiring and investigating rather than to focus on its priorities. Linden, its stronghold, I believe should be given more attention, jobs need to be provided for the youths. The unemployment ratio remains high and this creates a nexus with crime and other unfortunate social phenomena. I believe that the Government has Lindeners at heart but should take a closer look at the regional authorities who may not being fulfilling its mandate."

Paul McGregor: "I believe that this government over the past two years has done fairly well, there are a lot of loopholes but comparing how things are now are how things were then, we have to give them credit for trying.

We have to remember that Rome was not built in a day and progress cannot emerge in two years from 23 years. I am hearing many persons talking about not voting back and in essence they will be voting for a party that has marginalised and neglected Linden for years.

Do we really want to go back to those days?

I think persons held a superficial belief that the Government would have dropped manna from heaven and we would live in paradise but it does not work like that. There are many things that need to be taken into context before hastily generalising. Our economy can only do so much, we should have faith in our leaders and stick with them as the opposition supporters stick with their party through all the corruption."

Shonette Seaforth: "I believe that the Government is trying for Linden and we should remain positive for more to come. It cannot do everything one time and two years are not enough. They have reinstituted LEN so that the small man can access business loans and look how many persons have benefited and were able to open their businesses. They have appointed a Minister from Linden that is doing a very good job for Linden people, they have funded the work readiness programme at the RDC for over 4 youths, they have increased the subvention for the MTC and the RDC has received the biggest budget in history. We now have our own passport office, our own housing office. Roads were done, we will be having our own turnkey housing scheme.

Hundreds of children in Linden are benefiting from the 5 B programme and can now go to school. The Linden arm for the Critchlow Labour College was reopened thanks to funding from the government, the Linden to Lethem road will soon be built and so much more. I think kudos needs to go the Government for a job well done."

Denisha Jordan: I think the Government has the people's best interest at heart and its performance over the past two years can attest to this. After 23 years of living in lawless, most of the citizens are not agreeing with the government's tactics and strategies but if they sit down and contemplate, they will realise that in the long run we are all going to benefit but patience must be exercised. It's not about waking up and everything is the way we want it but working together to achieve a better Linden and a better Guyana.

Jermaine Author: "From 2015 to date it was definitely not a smooth sailing for the Government. I do not believe that they delivered on their 100 days promise in a timely manner. I also don't believe that there is a wide influx of jobs available for graduates as promised.

This does not mean that I believe that the Government has not done anything good since it entered office and it is obvious that a lot of time is spent cleaning up the mess left by the previous administration. But overall the performance thus far has been mediocre."

if

Reycia Nedd: "The Government in my view has not done anything for young people, nothing for Lindeners but empty promises, and nothing significant for public servants. Despite feelings of abandonment and disdain that it has accomplished somethings I am proud of.

Most persons I have conversed with, especially young people, they all say that they will not vote again, because they feel that they were fooled and tricked into casting their ballot for change, we voted like bosses, but for what?"

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

21

Enplasis on Real Estate,

Know Your

f* WL

ftxes and Business

/w M

£ TAXES

The Edgar Henry Column

Rights

Every year between January 1, and April 15, is the time of year that the word "taxes" strikes fears, concern and general heartache in most people across America. Also from May 1, to December 31, you can expect to receive letters from the IRS for you to provide additional information to process your return or it is also a period when you can be audited. However, did you know that as a taxpayer you have certain rights in the event you are audited?

THE RIGHT TO REPRESENT with the IRS is penalties — probably because YOURSELF AT AN AUDIT the IRS has a penalty plaster for every sore. In That's right. "Yes You Can," act as your fact, there are over 150 different penalties conown representative when faced with an audit by tained in the tax law, and the IRS can easily find the United States Tax Court. A word of caution; one to apply. On the flip side, did you know that only consider representing yourself if you're au- each penalty is subject to cancellation? That dited for something fairly simple, confident in means that all penalties can be canceled when your tax knowledge, familiar with all of the you can show you acted in good faith and not most current IRS tax laws and be prepared for out of an effort to deceive the IRS. In most any items of dispute that the IRS may question cases, a simple letter of explanation setting out you on. Tax laws can be very complex and the all the appropriate facts and entries made on judgment decisions can be severe. Therefore it is wise for you to receive counsel from a reputable and experienced individual who is knowledgeable and acquainted with the tax code if you need representation.

THE RIGHT TO SAY "NO" TO A TAX AUDITOR However at some point in our lives the IRS may challenge or question our submitted returns. Do not panic. The mere idea of saying "NO" to an IRS auditor may terrify you, but it shouldn't. Remember the auditor never has any final authority over you. As much as they may question your returns you have the right to challenge his or her decision. All you have to do is to provide evidence to substantiate your entry.

The IRS' own statistics reveal that in the past, 64% of the time, the tax payer was right.

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your return will do the job.

THE RIGHT TO "CORRESPONDENCE" AUDIT Do you dread the thought of facing the IRS in an audit? Don't! Whenever you are confronted with producing documents to substantiate your entries, and you really do not want to face the auditor face to face, you have the right to conduct a correspondence audit through the mail. Think of the benefits: You avoid the stress of a face-to-face meeting, the hassle and expense of taking time off from work and the possibility you will say something that can be misconstrued by the agent. Simply ask for a "correspondence" audit and take some of the pressure off of yourself.

THE RIGHT TO AN "INSTALLMENT" AGREEMENT If you do end up owing the IRS money, and you have to pay up, things can get ugly and

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THE RIGHT TO MAKE AUDIO RECORDINGS OF ANY MEETING WITH THE IRS If you're audited by the IRS or are subject to a tax collection procedure, you are allowed to tape record the meeting. However, you have to notify the IRS 10 days in advance of your meeting. Taking advantage of this right prevents the IRS from changing the rules midway through the audit. It also helps control the meeting and limits discussions of irrelevant and unnecessary issues and sticks to the topic at hand.

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fast. Their notices make it clear they want their money now and all of it. What they don't make clear is your right to an installment agreement.

To negotiate a reasonable payment, get a copy of IRS Form 433-A, the Financial Statement.

This lists your income, expenses, assets and liabilities, and will accurately present how much you're able to handle paying.

Unfortunately, the IRS now charges a user fee on installment plans. But, paying a fee is better than having to come up with the lump sum money you don't have at that moment.

THE RIGHT TO USE THE PROBLEMS RESOLUTION OFFICE (PRO) The IRS is a huge bureaucracy, which can make it incredibly frustrating to deal with, even to get the most obvious errors corrected. If you are ever backed into a corner by the IRS and no one seems willing or able to help, your best bet is to contact the Problems Resolution Office.

Some problems can even be handled by phone.

THE RIGHT TO ELIMINATE PENALTIES A common issue taxpayers tangle over

&

Taxation

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THE RIGHT TO APPEAL AN IRS DECISION Whether you're faced with an audit lien or some other judgment by the IRS, you have the right to appeal. If you do get audited and you're not satisfied with the results, you can appeal to the IRS appeals office. You'll then have 30 days to exercise your appeal rights, though it could be a year or more before your IRS appeals audit is heard.

THE RIGHT TO STAND FIRM The next time the IRS comes knocking on your door, remember the above mentioned rights before writing that check. You have a voice, and you shouldn't let the IRS intimidate you into thinking any differently. By exercising these rights and protecting your money, you'll significantly increase your chances of settling any disputes. Utilize them wisely.

"71 is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it."

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22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

More Cubans

taking advantage of Guyana's

visa-free,

shopping ease

Cubans are finding it extremely feasible to come to

a sales persons who knows how to

tion itself to benefit from these vis-

Guyana for what has been described as a visa free,

speak Spanish.

It was said that moves to im-

its.

prove the relationship between Cuba and the United States of

veia has been playing a key role in transporting Cubans to Guyana, as

America and the liberalization of its economic sector saw a splurge in

well as Guyanese-owned Fly Jamaica, which started flights to the

business opportunities for the country. With some 4,000 Cubans mak-

Spanish territory last year-.

Gouveia however teamed up

ing it to Guyana monthly, it was stated that the country should posi-

with Honduran airline, Easy Sky. His company provides the ground

shopping ease. On a daily basis the Spanish-speaking nationals could be seen dominating the central parts of Georgetown, continuously involved in a shopping frenzy.

On Tuesday May 15, scores of

downtown stores were beginning to

persons were seen at the Cheddi

cater for the Spanish foreigners with

Jagan International Airport (CJIA)

one Chinese variety store on Regent

with huge bundles of goods and

Street, putting up a wanted sign for

other items. Maria Hernandez, who

Roraima Airway's, Gerry Gou-

handling service for the airline.

spoke with the Guyana Chronicle

During a tourism related cere-

(NY) said "good price", when asked

mony

what

to

Grenadines last January, Gouveia

Guyana. The Spanish national said

told the gathering that along with

had

made

her

come

"travel easy . .. from Cuba, Guyana easy." She also noted that "no-visa"

in

St.

Vincent

and

the

Easy Sky, at least 1,000 Cubans were being transported to Guyana

was also good.

The woman was travelling

every week, and wanted to offer a

with two other persons, but was among numerous of her countrymen

Vincent, allowing the island busi-

connection between Guyana and St. ness opportunities by transporting

who appeared to have been taking advantage of the visa free policy

Cubans there.

4

that allows Cubans easy access into the country.

It was also noticed that many

1D>EA->P

It is said that each Cuban visitor spends as much as two or three,

J The Cubans waiting to leave Guyana with lots of goodies.

thousand U.S. dollars when in Guyana.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

GUYANA

23

SPR

The Zena Henry Column Around the same time that Guyana was seeking independence from its European rulers, many captured territories were fighting the same fight; some already achieving and others now getting ready for the long haul.

The story is basically the same. European territories stealing and plundering Africa for human labour and other goods, trafficking millions of souls across the Atlantic to the Caribbean region and mainland territories such as

And it is not just money that for-

South and North America.

For some, slavery became expensive, especially with the rise of industries, while others had to abandon the trade because of laws that paved the way for a new era of production.

Subsequent to this, indentured workers were brought to the New World to carry on where the African captives had left off. While they were allowed to keep their identify and culture, their treatment was not much different from that of the slaves.

The European means of getting free or cheap labour created synthetic multi-ethnic societies that encompassed residents from various corners of the world like China, India and Africa, along with the indigenous people. These artificial societies were marred and infected by the disease of racism/White Supremacy.

Racism/White Supremacy was the underlying feature of the societies where it was known that the more one looked like "Massa", the easier things would be. It was a system that Guyana Sprouts says, still exist today and evolved over time to better dis-

sions relating to reparations, whether in Guyana or elsewhere. The trillions of dollars owed by Europeans is what all territories, particularly the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is talking about. They are planning to take European nations to the World Court for injustices committed during the slave era.

guise its design to deny people of particularly Africoid origin, among other things, the equal opportunities to earn, develop wealth and become educated.

However, in the former colonies, what was left after colonization. Well, this is definitely not an area that needs much explanation if one has, been following discus-

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mer colonies say they are owed.

Some like Jamaica say they struggled with educating their population after independence since the illiteracy rate was staggering. Barbados says their citizen's health greatly deteriorated as a result of the foods they were fed.

They developed complications like High Blood pressure, etc..

The number of slaves who died building Guyana's canals and seawalls was enough to be highlighted as a great tragedy. But when looking at Guyana, tragedy persists because 51 years after Independence, Guyana still remains divided as the day the Europeans left, unable to take racism with them.

Guyanese are still separated by race, lack of trust and lack of patriotism. The six races continue to firmly grip their particular group, rather than addressing issues together as Guyanese. It should be injected that the politics is the fuel blazing this flame.

One thing that slavery left however, is a structure of — who is special, and who is not — so even within

the very groups, the racism is alive and well where more support and access is seen given to persons of lighter complexion, especially when they have to represented their group in public .

Slavery also provided a structure for the groups where those who were brought to the territory as slaves, basically dark complexion Africans, were placed at the back of the line, forever finding difficulty in rising, long after the act of slavery has been abolished.

For a country to truly witness the benefits of independence, they must liberate themselves from all forms of colonization, so that the collectively we can all contribute.

Guyana will have a hard time rising, if the groups keep hoarding their money among themselves, and continue to act solely based on who is running the government.

In Guyana, there is a clear sense that if the government is Indian-dominated, then the Indians are in charge, and vice-versa.

This is an unhealthy state for an evolving country. Very few territories have actually taken the time out to decipher whether running their societies on European systems and principles are right for them. Many former colonies' education, political, financial and health sectors, among others, imitate that of the European systems. Have they studied for instance whether left-side brain learning techniques which the European system is based on, is good for the children of their country or not, or whether European economic principles are right for their small emerging economies?

It is clear therefore, that former colonies, regardless of independence — remain dependent on Europeans.

It would take great strength and unity of a people to sincerely achieve independence from all forms of colonization.

Guyana Sprouts therefore advocates: That the people of Guyana should set the example and start the process of gaining full independence from all forms of colonization and make Guyana beautiful once more.

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

Easy

Sky

under

close 'Run

from

rum'

...judge tells man who set son on fire watch

for

AS THE authorities monitor the operations of Honduran airline, Easy Sky, steps have been taken to ensure the weight limits of the overhead compartment of the airline's aircraft are not exceeded.

The airline, which was grounded by the GCAA last month, was given temporary permission by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) until June 30th. to operate here following which a decision will be made regarding its operations in this country. In the meantime, the airline was instracted not to make any passenger bookings beyond that date.

According to airport sources, it was discovered during the month of April that the airline may have been breaching aviation regulations by packing extra weight on its Boeing 737 aircraft. During

overweight

inspections by aviation officials. it was discovered that the overhead compartment of the aircraft, which is reserved for carry-on luggage and personal items, was being packed with cargo.

Persons on the airside of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) noted that the airline's aircraft was utilising the entire length of the main runway during take-off. Most transnational airlines implement restrictions regarding carry-on and checked baggage.

While preparing for departure. in most instances, the passenger is expected to pay a fee if airline staff determines baggage as checked rather than carry-on. CJIA officials also discovered that passengers onboard Easy Sky's flights were carrying extra luggage in the space between

the seats of the aircraft, another breach of the civil aviation regulations.

The airline's passengers, mainly Cubans, were stranded at the CJIA late last month for several days after the GCAA grounded the carrier over safety concerns. Safety deficiencies on the aircraft were detected following an inspection by the GCAA on April 21. The immediate suspension was a necessity in the interest of public safety, the aviation body stated.

There has been an influx of Cubans visiting these shores. Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge, noted last December that the presence of foreigners, who travel here particularly to shop, demonstrates a "closer cooperation" between Guyana and the Spanish-speaking island.

0 >», i EasySky passengers prepare to check-in at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) last Friday

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric JUSTICE James BovellDrakes imposed a 20-year sentence on a man, Devindra Somwaru, who was found guilty of setting ablaze his son after the child had tried to prevent him from drinking rum back in May 7,2015.

Prior to imposing the sentence. the judge noted that the case was a troubled one. because the victim was a young person who was aged 13 years when he gave his evidence weeks ago. Addressing Devindra Somwam who was stone-faced in the dock, BovellDrakes recalled that the evidence led indicated that: "Your sonRickey craved to be inyour care. However, something went badly wrong on May 7. 2015. because on that day as a result of your conduct he received extreme bums to his person.

"I have accepted the evidence of Dr Ganesh Omapersaud. who stated that the bums extended to 25 to 30 percent of his body. A witness said, parts of the body melted together and parts of the groin badly damaged." "What saddened me." said the judge, "was the fact that you did not at any time, voluntarily admit that you did the act. In fact you said there were roaches or rats and

J Devindra Somwaru you threw methylated spirits.

Roaches and rats will go into holes, but the body of your son was damaged extraordinarily from his neck. face, and other parts. He has serious injuries."

The prisoner was reminded that on the day in queshon there were only two persons in that home at Gangaram, East Canje.

Berbice and at no time did he say that it was his son who was using methylated spirits. "It was either he threw it on himself or you threw it on him. It was you in your defence who said you had used methylated spirits to chase out roaches."

Rehashing the evidence of the victim Rickey Somwam. it was reiterated that the elderly man turned to his son in the

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chair and threw the flammable liquid, before scratching a match. lighting the child afire.

"There was a loud boom. I felt hot. I was on fire. I tried to run.

I fell on the kitchen floor. My father started to kick me. When the fire was extinguished. I ran and kicked the door open. I jumped over the fence. I then jumped our neighbour fence, before alerting my neighbour." the judge quoted the victim as saying. The judge told Devindra that he must be penahsed for the wrong he did to a child "and in doing so have to set an example to others who are parents, who may want to do the same. They must think a hundred times before doing so. That child did you nothing. He did not harm you. He wanted to be loved by you. But what he got were bums and he continues to take treatment for those bums. He was not a stranger. He is your child."

Bovell-Drakes said.

Meanwhile, the judge perusing the Evidence Act told the court that the penalty for the crime is life imprisonment, even while informing the prisoner that his case does not warrant a suspended sentence, as it does not meet the level as the boy did not do anything that caused such extreme conduct. Justice Bovell-Drakes questioned what may have entered Devindra's head except for the 'spirits' he had consumed and expressed optimism of a change in Somwam's attitude during his period of incarceration.

RUN FROM RUM "Rum is not for you. Shun It. Run from it. Do not go close to it. Don't drink, you will put yourself in a worst state. You are lucky you could have been facing a more serious charge."

Justice Bovell-Drakes admonished Devindra before imposing the 20-year sentence.

Meanwhile, last week in his mitigation plea, the convict had asked the court for a suspended sentence, even while asking that he be allowed to offer compensation for the act for which he accepts full responsibility.

He also expressed regret and apologised to his ex-wife who was seated in the courtroom.

"Further, I wish to take full responsibility. I acknowledge that if I was not under the influence of alcohol, this incident would not have happened to my son. I beg this court for mercy, leniency, because I wish to go home one day where I can still help my sons." A probation report was presented in court by Ms Maisie Sheppard.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

25

CJIA expansion project...

'BIT

pledges

- to ensure supply meets

no

stone

unturned

standard a

BRIAN Tiwari, Chief Execuive Officer and Managing Director of B.K. International over the weekend expressed pleasure at the signing of contracts along with Toolsie Persaud Limited to supply stone for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project.

The CEO said: "It is with much humility that we were invited to the signing ceremony. where a contract for the supply of 50.000 aggregates for the expansion of the CJIA between BK Quarries Inc. and China Harbor Engineer Company was signed.

"We wish to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Government of Guyana, particularly Minister of Public Infrastracture David Patterson. Minister of Business Dominick Gaskin.

Minister of Communication Cathy Hughes. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastracture. Annette Ferguson for their intervention in having these materials supplied locally.

"We are. and will remain. personally indebted to these Ministers. We are very grateful for the support and leadership that was given

Court

by Minister Patterson and Gaskin to make this a reality; we appreciate their efforts to bring us on board as one of the local quarry suppliers for this project.

"We were also happy to support their request for a special concession on the price for these materials.

"We wish to also express our thanks to the contractor.

China Harbour Engineering Company (Guyana) Inc for supporting the request by the Government of Guyana that these materials be procured and supplied locally.

"We wish to assure the

_ I O' iN * A

gerous to the public on April 28. 2016.thereby causing the death of Fitzroy Bailey. Henry is an instructor at the National Drama School, and also

. -r.

V_

Owner of BK International Incorporated, Brian Tiwari, inking the agreement with China Harbour Engineering Company for the purchase of stones for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project government and the contractor that no effort will be spared in ensuring that all of the materials will be of the highest quality and meet the

dismisses

charge ACTOR and playwright,Godfrey Henry on Monday walked out of the Georgetown Magistrates' Court a free man after a causing death by dangerous driving case was dismissed against him.

The ruling was made

by City Magistrate.Leron Daly.after she found that crucial evidence was not presented by the prosecution during trial.

Godfrey Henry. 66. was accused of driving a car. licence number HC 419. in a manner dan-

V

required specifications.

"We wish to reiterate that when we took over the quarry from Mazaruni Granite, the price of stones

causing

against

works part-time as a hire car driver.

He had denied the charge during his initial court appearance and was released on $300,000 bail.

»

#

a I

death

actor

Henry was represented by Attorney Savannah Barnwell in association with Nigel Hughes.

According to reports Bailey died following an

r

on the local market was $12,000 per ton; we were able to have this price reduced to the current cost of $8,000."

accident along Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. The accident reportedly occurred at about 21:35hrs on April 28, 2016. Investigations

revealed that the victim was reportedly crossing the road when he was struck by a speeding car.

He sustained injuries and subsequently succumbed.

ft

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jVisit us @ 917 Utica Ave. in Brooklyn snyderflves4 or call (718) 485 -2020 to place your order FREED: Godfrey Henry

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

Farm-fresh

and

wholesome

- Independence celebrations to feature farmers' market, other innovations ASIDE from the colour and flair set for Guyana's 51st anniversary of Independence, fresh produce and career innovations will also be features of this year's festivities.

During the lead up to Independence Day on May 26. 2017. the Department of Culture. Youth and Sport has planned a plethora of events that will be the highlight of this year's celebrations.

Among those will be new events such as the career and training 'expo', and the Farmers Exhibition which are expected to attract a number of participants and spectators.

On May 27. 2017 at D'Urban Park, farmers will bring "fresh" produce to what is deemed as a grand exposition by Senior Livestock Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA). Mr Celwin

Anthony.

During a press conference at the Racquet Centre on Monday. Anthony told members of the media that they will have live animals, productive plants, ornaments, fruits and vegetables and even processed food on display and on sale at low prices.

"The event will give farmers an opportunity to bring the buyers to a place where they will be exposed to fresh produce." said the Livestock Officer.

Their aim will be to get young farmers in particular on board to showcase their produce, and get a place on the local and even international market.

With youths being the primary target for development. not only in the agriculture sector. Director of Youth. Melissa Carmichael pointed out that others will

.â&#x20AC;˘

t-

v

At Monday's press conference are, from left:Director of Events, Lt. Colonel Godfrey Bess; Director of Youth, Ms Melissa Carmichael,and Senior Livestock Officer, Mr Celwin Anthony have a chance to be a part of a career and training 'expo' on May 22.2017 at the D'Urban Park as well.

Over 5.000 youths between the ages of 14 and 35 are expected to benefit from the exposition, which will even give them a chance to acquire scholarships and other academic, technical and

vocational assistance.

According to Carmichael.

56 organisations have already signaled their intention of being a part of the 'expo'.

"These organisations will be able to give information on career choices, employment and other forms of help such as scholarships to youths." said the Director of Youth.

Though she was unable to

IVIINERVA TRAVEL Accesible Travel Specialist CLIA/IATA 0SSN/SATH APTA/PATA TPOC/IGLTA M/W/DBE CERTIFIED ^

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Dinesh Ramcharran, 26, a porter of Tabatinga Village, Lethem, who allegedly fell off a moving lorry around 17:30hrs on Sunday at Kumu Short Cut Trail, Lethem.

Accoiding to a police icport. the driver of motor lorry GTT 8398 was proceeding north along

i

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literary and fine arts exhibition from May 23-25 at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

An 'Appreciation Ceremony' for those bom on May 26. 1966 is also slated for the NCC on May 24.

The 50th Anniversary of Independence publications will also be launched at the Appreciation Ceremony.

Porter dies after falling

H

Elaine Henry, cta,mcc

list some of the private-sector organisations that are on board to date. Carmichael said that a number of Ministries and educational institutions will have booths on display at the event.

Meanwhile, the celebrations do not end with those events; throughout May 2127. there will be a number of activities such as a youth parade, inter-faith ceremony.

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the trail with two occupants in the vehicle's cab. and Ramcliarran perched on the roof of the cab.

The report notes that after travelling for about a mile, the driver stopped and on checking discovered that Ramcharran was not in the vehicle.

He was later found on the trail, motionless, and was rushed to the LethemHospital where he

GUYANA

off lorry

was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body is presently at the Lethem Hospital Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination The 23-year-old driver, who hails from Central Lethem, and whose blood alcohol level was found to be above the legal limit, is in custody assisting with the investigation.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

Mothers

Day

27

And

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. I\e heard it before. I can't leave traditional things alone. Take the annual celebration of a day set aside for mothers. I got into a bit of a tiff with a friend of mine who took umbrage because 1 wrote ^Mothers Day" and not ''"Mothers Day." She blasted me for committing a grave grammatical murder since "everybody writes Mother's Day with an apostrophe." Ouch! I took that one on the chin, reeled from the verbal pummeling, and calmly pointed out a FACT of English grammar that seems to elude everyone caught up in the emotional rollercoaster of a day set aside for celebrating mothers each year.

Fact is that the original in- ups, and just so much self-aggran- critical thinking. So if I look at tent of the founder, a Dame dizement and mothers day narcis- some long held celebration and named Ms. Jarvis, was to honor sism. Mothers Day has morphed expose some glaring inconsistenHER MOTHER. So, since apos- into a publicized spectacle, a use- cies people will jump to the controphes are about possession it ful photo opportunity for vain and clusion that "Mike just does not was correct to write "Mother's selfish children to utilize for more like Mothers Day." Maybe it's the Day" and you'd be very correct if "likes" on Facebook. It's not Facebook emojis that did it for you wrote it that way about your mother. But since we now celebrate ALL mothers on this special day, then this day does NOT BELONG to or set aside for Your mother. It does not belong to her 44 so it should be written "Mothers Day" (a day for all mothers; not m set aside for or belonging to one mother). Nuff said.

Today, Mothers Day is complicated, very complicated. Do we celebrate grandmothers?

Aunts that are mothers, stepmothers? Mothers-in-law? If so then my grammatical point that it's about all mothers and the way it should be written is valid. Then there are the modern animal lovers who believe that their cats and dogs are their "children." Are they mothers too in the strictest biological sense? You can bet your life that some of these "mothers of animals" will be outraged if you told them that, biologically speaking, Pomeranian Suzy or Calico Tommy, are not your children. And for good measure you can prove that with a simple DNA test.

Don't do that. You may get punched on the nose and its gonna hurt like hell. Mother's Day is for people, who could care less about their mothers during the year, to celebrate their mothers — and, in turn, for mothers to accept the very silly tributes offered by children both grown and small. A motley crew of ungrateful smug buggers with their hypocritical smiles and all, saying just how they love and adore their "mom."

Today Mothers Day is a nauseating jamboree of social media ubiquity where fawning, me-centered postings and obliquely airing of dirty linen is now a common feature. Along with postings of soggy macaroni pie, alcoholic concoctions that are apt to drive mother's blood pressure through the roof, there are shameless selfies of children in various degrees of undress, gaudy get-

ings and thrive through the relationships that they build and confer on each other. In most cultures a mother is revered, respected, and a kind of folk hero. Giving birth to a child is a celebration.

Thus, parental status is acknowledged and rewarded. This status and relationship to the larger society carries with them a set of perfection narratives and built in myths that cannot be questioned or debunked. For example, there are very bad mothers — a fact ignored and overshadowed by the near angelic status accorded to mothers. In the Caribbean it was accepted practice, to the point of Biblical validation, that parents, mainly mothers, should not "spear the rod and spoil the child" when real or imagined transgressions, even minor ones, were concerned.

Apart from the benign embrace of an unchecked emotional human impulse to correcting an immature prodigy, that thinking promoted corporal punishment in its various extremes — from harmless to criminal — because "she is your mother." It also allowed mothers, and fathers, to free their conscience of the act of simple parental brutality because it was written in the "Good Book." Corporal punishment administered by mother had NOTHING to do with correcting a child, partly because it was ALWAYS administered when she was angry, and more to do with personal satisfaction for the real or perceived wrongdoing of the child.

it out. Yes, some people will not agree with me. Why? Well, they point to how great they "turned out." They say; Gee, look at me.

I'm better off because my mother beat me, she was correcting me.

Good grief! Man you got the living s**t beaten out of you because she and Daddy might have been feuding! You got smacked because she got angry and could not control that emotional impulse. Has NOTHING to do with how you turned out! You're in denial because you were taught since you could barely understand that your MOTHER IS ALWAYS RIGHT. I beg to differ, she, they were wrong. Corporal punishment and the belief that it was a corrective tool for the "good of the child," was and is a lingering holdover from slave society. It was used to control, subjugate, cower, humiliate, and cause physical and mental pain to rebellious slaves. It was never about correction, no matter how many verses you quote from some book. It has no place in a modern world — period.

Me ? I'll probably work with ole Ms. Gibbons next door and learn how to baby talk her friendly Poodle, Gennie. Or next Mothers Day I'll join the throngs of over dressed denizens at iHop and gorge myself and wolf down a ton of greasy pancakes with syrup, butter, and bacon and hope that I'll not suffer a heart attack on account of mothers everywhere. If I survive, I knock back a few Gin and Tonics and call that a Mothers Day well spent. Or maybe I'll just change my mind and go talk to a Rottweiler.

about honoring, loving or being me. I don't know. But there are grateful for mother. It's a social reasons why people get so tight media performance in the art and when hard facts are presented that science of unadulterated stupidity jettison long-held accepted and to be forgotten the very next day. unquestioning beliefs, usually Yeah I know. That's not true of handed down from generation to In short, Mother is big, you everyone and some folks gen- generation. are small and defenseless — figure uinely support, love and use this See, humans are social beday to express their genuine feelings to and about their mothers. I get that. Okay, so I won't quibble or bemoan the CASH PAID FOR OLD RECORDS fact that you gave Jane in 5B, living just next to you, a great bouquet of red roses and a Interested in all kinds of ANYTHING ... Reggae, Mother's Day card for being records from Guyana, Calypso (no Soca), Gospel, so great with raring her two Panama, Peru, Haiti, Brazil, Doo Wop, Blues, Latin, Pit Bulls named Max and and all Caribbean Islands.

Shana. That is perhaps a good Jazz, & R&B. EXCEPT POP thing to make a woman who WE BUY OLD RECORDS does not have human children, feel "like a mother."

HOUSE CALLS MADE And who am I to doubt her love, commitment, and unANP derstanding of Max and Call CHARLIE Shana? or conclude on the basis that just because "her anytime @ rM mu m covt iou children" were not "hairless bipeds born between urine (516) 612-2009 AM HAMILTON and feces" they are no less v1 or e-mail: groupsound@aol.com HE LORD RHABURN COMBO children?

It Like everything, I don't like to step on anyone's toes especially since most humans have abandoned the art of

28

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

2

New York Chroiide Noroscepe

HMMI

ARIES (Mar. 21 - April 20) Your interests could lead you down avenues you never realized existed. Talking to those you trust and respect will help you sort out any problems. It might be best to spend time fixing up your premises and making changes that will be appreciated. If your lover tries to curtail your freedom, it may lead to conflict. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21 - May 21) You have been going through a period of change that has caused problems for you with your loved ones. You will be in the mood to socialize. You may find yourself caught in a triangle. You will be able to find the perfect outfit, and the greatest new accessory for your house. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You can get a lot done if you get your hands on the right equipment. Try not to take everything so seriously. Residential moves will be in your best interest. Your depressed mood has been hard to shake. Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) They won't pay you back and you'll be upset. Any financial limitations will probably have to be dealt with on your own. You will take on too much if you aren't careful. Stick to basics. You can deal with large institutions or government agencies successfully this week. Your lucky day next week will be Monday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Relationships will form if you get out and do things that you enjoy. You may want to get a little extra rest. You are prone to infections and fevers. Tell them to get out of the mess they are in and then you'll consider getting together with them. Your ability to be a self starter will help get things done and motivate others. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Travel will entice you; however, a tendency to overspend is quite possible.

Your personal life will be under the gun and you may want to avoid the questions your lover is going to want to ask you. Go over your finances and figure out a solid budget. You can make new connections if you play your cards right. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Plan events like camping or white water rafting. There are lots to be done and if you meet your deadline you'll be in your boss's good books. You can ask for favors or run your ideas by those who will be able to support your objectives. Your mate may not be too sure about your intentions. Your lucky day next week will be Wednesday.

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51. Wise bird 15. Schooling 30. Ballerinas" pointers 17. Charged particle 52. Pronounces indis32. Spooky creatures 18. Standard work week tinctly 35. Playing for pay start (abbr.)

53. Mamie's mate 36. Fabricator 54. Concorde letters 19. Advances 39. Frock 21. Creatures 55. Remick et al.

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PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) You should be able to get a lot done. Secret affairs will come back to haunt you. Set aside any decisions regarding your personal life this week. You can make profitable investments if you purchase an art object for your home.

Your lucky day next week will be Tuesday.

10

" 19

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) Difficulties will result if you have to deal with controversial groups this week.

Rest and relaxation will be more favorable than you think. You need to keep everyone on your domestic scene too busy to complain. Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect. Your lucky day next week will be Sunday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Consider a trial separation if you and your mate just can't come to terms.

Make plans to attend group discussions or get together with friends who like to talk as much as you do. Lowered vitality could affect your work. You will earn recognition for the work you are doing. Your lucky day next week will be Saturday.

9

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SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Put your efforts into making changes to your domestic scene. Don't let criticism upset you. Hassles will delay your plans. Plan events, like camping or white-water rafting. Romance and social activity will be a promising combination. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Physical activity will help defuse your frustration. Travel if it's needed to start the ball rolling. You may want to pull out some of those unfinished project you've got tucked away. You are likely to be left alone if you aren't willing to bend just a little. Your lucky day next week will be Thursday.

6

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

Appeal

By Zena Henry THE WAY has been cleared for sitting of the Court of Appeal to resume now that two Judges, Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire and High Court JudgeJ)awn Gregory have been sworn in as Appeal Court judges on Wednesday.

They were sworn in at a simple ceremony attended by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State.Joseph Harmon.among other important guests at the President's official residence.

State House.

The swearing-in of the judges is fulfilment of a commitment made by President Granger.

"This installation ceremony of judges is an affirmation of the government's commitment to ensuring a judicial system that reflects the values of independence, impartiality and integrity." the President said.

He noted that the Executive branch of government has no interest in interfering in the work of the Judiciary, but seeks its preservatioiCwhich is unbiased, unblemished and unmindful of personal prejudices".

Court

"The Executive branch of Government also has no interest in interfering in the adjudicatory role of the Judiciary." the President added.

He said the Executive has taken steps to ensure the Judiciary does not feel beholden to the Government and the enactment of the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act of 2015 provides for the first time financial autonomy of the Judiciary in accordance with the Constitution being one such step.

President Granger said the Government will continue to respect the authority and dignity of the Judiciary whose efficiency relies on there being a full complement of judges and magistrates.

He said Government will also conhnue to support efforts of the JSC in ensuring vacancies are filled.

The head of state posited that the Constitution empowers the JSC "...to make appointments... and to remove and to exercise disciplinary control... over certain judicial and legal officers."

The Commission is expected therefore to be a fearless custodian of the highest

29

judges

sworn

in

L-

a

r id _ From left, Minister of State Joseph Harmon; acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; acting Chief Justice, Roxanne George-Wiltshire; President David Granger; Justice Dawn Gregory and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo standards of judges' personal conduct and is obliged to ensure that its recommendations for appointments will be made on the bases of clearly defined criteria applied in assessing the appropriateness of appointees.

The President also mentioned that the JSC is aware that an ethically compromised Judiciary can cripple the institutional mechanisms established by the legislative branch and enforced by the Executive

arm of Government.

Judicial independence is essential to ensure the integrity of the rule of law.

Judicial independence means the Judiciary must be protected from both private and partisan interests, such as from persons or pressure

groups, and from the influence and control of the other branches of Government, the President said.

He noted that judicial officers must demonstrate the highest standards of impartiality. They must be rigorous in their research conscientious

in consideration of matters brought before them and cogent in their judgements.

The judicature is fundamental to good governance because it protects people's rights and prevents the emergence of autocracy, President Granger noted.

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30

Oil

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

refinery

pegged

at

US$5B

...consultant forecasts negative returns

By Alva Solomon BASED on projections, it would cost the government a huge sum of USSSB to construct a standard 100 barrel per day oil refinery here.

Against this backdrop, consultant Pedro Haas. Director of Advisor Services at Hartree Partners in the United States, suggests the creation of a robust unit within the Ministry of Finance, which should have a "technical and professional" relationship with the international oil companies exploring for oil here.

Speaking to a sizeable gathering at a consultative forum at the Marian Academy on Carifesta Avenue, where he presented the findings of a study done on the establishment of an oil refinery in Guyana. Haas suggested that the unit at the Finance Ministry should be equipped and credible enough to understand the microeconomics of the petroleum industry and be knowledgeable of the daily calculations of market prices, while being connected to the global market.

"It just requires dedication and attention to detail and an understanding of how these markets work," he told the gathering, which included Minister of Natural Resources. Raphael Trotman.

He said that an alternative to the establishment of an oil refinery, the government's best bet would be to maximise income from commercialising crade oil. swap or toll crude oil for products on the international market, create joint ventures with offshore refineries, as well as acquire stock in refining companies.

Haas went on to say that whether an oil company is state owned, domestic or internationally operated, from the standpoint of the government and in the interest of the State, he suggested the creation of a fiscal authority body, which would have knowledge of the market and taxes "in the proper way."

This he noted will enable a body to bring an educated discussion on the subject.

Haas said that there is a notion that persons may say. "the oil is ours and the product is ours" and "if the products are ours, we can

price them at any price we want because we don't have to follow the international market with pricing."

According to him. when a country decides to refine oil. it is inserted into an international economy. Being an internationally priced commodity. Haas noted that if a country decides to follow the route of selling a product at a lower level, "you are subsidising it and you are sacrificing the difference between the price that you could have sold that commodity at and the price that you are selling internally at."

A POLITICAL DECISION Haas noted that it would be a "serious decision," which he termed political rather than economical to establish mini-refineries. He said that oil in the ground is part of the capital spark of Guyana, but if subsidised, it would be changing capital stock into current expenditure. In response to questions posed by the audience, mainly on the establishment of mini-refineries. he said that the subject would be sacrificing value.

He said the infrastracture for setting-up mini refineries requires power, fresh water and ancillary facilities and according to him. "you are going to find the fixed unit cost of the refineries is high."

As it relates to the cost of labour. Hass said that a refinery operating at 100.000 barrel per day is ran by 300 persons, which he noted is a small number as compared to the total cost structure of the refinery. He said the largest cost is energy use and as such betw een the raw material that has to be transformed and the energy to ran the factory are major factors.

During his presentation.

Haas noted that in the past Guyana imported significant volumes of petroleum product from Venezuela. However, following the closure of the PetroCaribe deal, he said Guyana imports almost 50% of its imports from Trinidad and Tobago, with 2015 figures pointing to 6.420 barrels per day.

He disclosed too that there has been a major petroleum shift in the Atlantic Basin - the area within the region where Guyana's oil is

QO

'TO -

V

OH

Minister of Natural Resources briefly addressed the gathering located. According to Haas, the region has shifted from a net importing to one that is considered a net exporting area.

The questions pose from the floor suggested that persons were upbeat as regards the establishment of an oil refinery here; some persons suggested the creation of private ran refineries. However.

Haas cited the costs attached to such a venture, as well as the decision which rests on the State.

During the discussion, it was suggested from the floor that Haas' findings of the

study may be a conflict of interest, since Hartree Partners is associated with the Hess Corporation, a partner to American oil giant. ExxonMobil.

However. Hass noted that indeed Hess was associated with Hartree. however the former divested its finances, which is had in the latter. "We have no relationship to Hess or Exxon, " he said.

Hartree Partners is a merchant commodities firm specializing in energy and its associated industries. The company offers proprietary trading and arbitrage services

that include identifying value in the production, refinement, transportation, and consumption of tradable commodities and anticipating opportunities in the supply chain where they may be under or over-valued.

Meanwhile. Minister Trotman informed the audience that the ministry has commenced the hiring of persons to work on the Petroleum Directorate. He said that the individuals will work on various areas within the sector.

As regards the forum, he said that he has received the report on the study from Hartree and that the ministry has received several proposals, some of which were sent to Go-Invest, for the setting up of oil refineries, but he noted that the process cannot be planned on an "ad-hoc basis".

The services of Haas as a consultant to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources was secured earlier this year through the new Petroleum Producers Group, which was established by the Chatham House that has been involved in assisting Guyana to prepare for oil and gas production.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending May 19, 2017

31

DAISY EILEEN LANCASTER - %th Birthday There are many aspects of Daisy Lancaster's life that folks are not aware of. She never spoke specifically about her life — her joys, and her accomplish-

the Queen's visit a great success, she received a letter of thanks from the Executive Secretary of the Central Committee, Royal Visit 1966, on behalf of the Private Secretary to the Queen.

Said letter is framed and hangs on the wall of her Library. And in 1972, having been seconded to the National History and Arts Council to work for the upcoming Caribbean Festival of Arts, for her contribution, she was also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Prime Minister.

Emigrating to the United States in 1973, she settled in Hartford, Connecticut; held two jobs, the last one as an Ex-

ments — some are enumerated below: DAISY EILEEN LANCASTER (nee grams she viewed. Very political and Pieters) was bom on May 18, 1922, the well versed in the news of the day, she seventh of eight children at Blairmont held her own. In 1964 she was acHospital in Berbice, Guyana. She was knowledged for the arduous task of the daughter of Jane Rohlehr Pieters and preparing the original transcript for Mr. David Pieters, a chemist who was in Bumham's biography, "A Destiny to charge of said Blairmont hospital on the Mould". sugar- estates that catered to the wellAWARDS: One of the highlights being of foreign employees as well as of Daisy's career was the 1966 visit of local staff in Guyana. She attended sev- Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to eral schools and aspired to be a first-class Guyana to give her consent to British stenographer/secretary and perhaps one day work for the firm, S. Davson and Company, British Sugar Manufacturers who owned several sugar estates. She surpassed this goal and worked in other arenas in Georgetown, the capital city: Secretar y to the Chauman of the Education body of the Lutheran Church, followed by the position of Political Assistant in the Office of the then Leader of the Opposition Party in Parliament (PNC), Mr. Forbes Bumham who became Prime Minister in 1964.

She then entered the most significant period of her life — that of Political Assistant in his Ministry — attending political meetings where she transcribed notes into booklet form for the Party and witnessed history taking DAISY ELLEN LANCASTER — Then and Now. place in Parliament. Her knowledge of legislative and parliamentary affairs grew immensely. Many times a phone Guiana gaining independence. For her ecutive Secretary for 15 years at call to her home in Ocala would inter- unstinted assist- Reinsurers, Guy Carpenter & Co., until rupt CNN News, MSNBC or other pro- ance and ready cooperation to making retirement.

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CHURCH ACTIVITIES brought her much joy: Active in the church in Hartford, Connecticut, she served in several areas at Grace Lutheran Church; the Choir, Evangelism, Lector, and on a Committee to approve the nomination of an Assistant Pastor. On moving to Ocala in 1993, she joined the Ascension Lutheran Church; at the Seventh Annual Assembly of the Florida Bahamas Synod, she was elected to the office of the Discipline Committee for a term of six years.

ART - music, books or paintings, Daisy appreciated it. "Art is an essential part of a life well lived", and Daisy came from a family of musicians. Her sister Edith Pieters sang operatic arias, and taught piano and voice, so music was second nature. Both her parents also played the piano. Possessing a melodious voice like her sister, with the proper training Daisy could easily have become professional. Many a Sunday evening here in Ocala, with a glass of wine beside her, she would be listening to Beethoven, Bach and Mozart or Jazz.

An avid reader, she collected many books that served as her companion, she often said. Art was very much a part of her life. She was a member of the Applet on Museum of Art, the Ocala Symphony Guild and the Smithsonian Institution . . . and while touring in Europe she seized the opportunity to visit museums and centers of art.

A wise soul, a good heart!

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No PRESIDENT David Granger says he sees no need to ask Attorney General, Basil Williams to issue an apology to Justice Franklin Holder, saying he is satisfied that the AG was not contemptuous and that if the Judge felt so, he knew what he had to do.

"He did not cite the Attorney General for contempt and. as things stand. I feel that the explanation given to me by the Minister of Legal Affairs adequately deals with the complaint which I received." President Granger told the media on the side line of a State House function on Wednesday.

"Under the circumstances. I cannot see that there was anything which could have warranted him being cited for contempt of court. As I said, his behaviour was not being contemptuous so in that regard there cannot be any justifiable call for an apology because his behaviour was not in contempt of court."

President Granger added.

Additionally. Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag). Justice Cummings-Edwards told reporters that as far as the judiciary was concerned, the

need

to

apologise

...President says AG was not contemptuous of Judge ...satisfied with his explanation

Flashback: Basil Williams was sworn in as Guyana's Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs by President David Granger matter has been addressed.

President Granger's comments would deal a big blow to critics of the AG and those who have been intensely lobbying for his sanction.

Justice Holder in a letter of complaint addressed to

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag). Yonette Cummings-Edwards. which was forwarded to the President concerning the AG's alleged conduct in court on March 23. 2017 during the Carvil Duncan trial, had contended that the

HE HEALTH AND EDUCATION RELIEF ORGANIZATION FOR CANCER, INC. (H.E.R.O.C)

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Attorney General's statements in the court, were disrespectful and contemptuous and demanded a "genuine and meaningful" apology.

The issue had come to the fore when Attomey-at-law.

Anil Nandlall went public with claims that Williams had threatened to kill Justice Holder, causing the judge to walk off the bench.

However, in his letter of complaint to the Chancellor. Holder said he left the bench because of an alleged statement made by Williams, which is: "I could say what I want to say and however I want to say it. I have always

been like that." The judge said he found the statement to be egregious. "Immediately after hearing these words.

I rose from the bench and went into my chambers. I did not adjourn the matter, nor did I give any instractions to the parties." Justice Holder mentioned in his letter of complaint.

After being fonvarded the letter. President Granger had called on Williams to explain the matter. Williams, in addition to maintaining that he would not apologise said there was no merit to Justice Holder's allegations of contempt, saying that at no time was he disrespectful, insulting or contemptuous.

Alluding to the Contempt of Court Act Chapter 5:05.

Minister Williams pointed out that there are provisions in the law for a Judge, presiding in a court, to cite and punish persons for contempt.

Because Contempt of Court is a criminal offence, the Attorney General argued that Justice Holder was required under the Act to inform him of the offence committed before adjourning the matter on the same day.

"Justice Holder did not inform, warn or in any manner convey to the Hon. Attorney General that he considered he was being contemptuous before he left the courtroom that day and was therefore functus officio.

Justice Holder could not law-

' Justice Franklin Holder fully, almost two days later, by letter purport to raise accusations of contempt against the Hon. Attorney General for what he alleges occurred in his court previously."

Minister Williams argued.

In his letter to the President. he stated too that Article 144 (8) of the Constitution requires a Judge to give notice to the Attorney-at-Law in Court on any behaviour which is contemptuous, insulting, disrespectful and despicable in the face of the Court.

"On a proper perusal of his letter of Complaint, the Learned Judge purports to list seven instances which in his opinion amounted to contemptuous behavior, yet in not one of them informed the Hon. Attorney General he was close to committing contempt or warned him or in any manner giving him notice of misbehaviour, or charged him for contempt," he told President Granger.

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A NORTON Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown welder and his mother were arrested on Tuesday for the unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition and narcotics.

A police report noted that at about 18:00 hrs on Tuesday. the welder was observed by ranks of a mobile patrol on Norton Street acting in a suspicious manner. A search of his person revealed an unlicensed .32 Taurus Pistol with four live rounds of matching ammunition.

The suspect was escorted to his home where in the presence of his 50-year-

The firearm and matching ammunition found on the welder old mother, a search was carried out and a live .38 ammunition and 3 Vz grams of cannabis were found in a room. According to the police report, this latest seizure of firearm has

brought the overall tally to 49 so far for the year,with 'A' Division leading with 19, 'F' Division 16, 'C' Division 6, 'B' Division 4, 'D' Division 3 and 'E' Division 1.