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CJIA EXPANSIO N PROJECT IS UNACCEP TABLE ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPERS

- PRES. IRFAAN ALI Pg2

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Fatal accidents increase by 37 GTT RESTORES percent, deaths by 42 percent LANDLINE SERVICES

COVID-19 death toll reaches 65

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TO CUSTOMERS IN REGION THREE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE Pg3

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CJIA EXPANSION PROJECT IS UNACCEPTABLE —PRES. IRFAAN ALI President Irfaan Ali

President Irfaan Ali yesterday declared that the government will only accept the CJIA expansion contract, valued at

US$138M, as it was originally outlined. He made this declaration at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador, Cui Jianchun, representatives of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), the Project Consultant and the Project Manager, Carissa Gooding. China has provided financing for the project which began in 2012 under the Donald Ramotar

administration and continued for five more years under the David Granger administration but is yet to be completed. The CHEC was also selected by China to undertake the project. Ms Carissa Gooding, along with the project consultant, could not provide answers to inquiries from the President on the outline of the original contract, the

details of the revised scope of works and the costs attached. Gooding also confirmed that aspects of the airport expansion were downplayed and omitted while monies were diverted to other aspects of the project. “I am holding everyone responsible; the contractor, the consultant, the project management team… this is not acceptable

for the Guyanese people. In this current position, it is very clear from all that I have seen and heard, and from all the questions asked, it is very clear that something is horribly wrong. The right decision at this moment is that we cannot accept this,” said President Ali. The representative of CHEC also informed the President continued on pg7

Fatal accidents increase by 37 percent, deaths by 42 percent

Ministry of Home Affairs

The Ministry of Home Affairs says there has been a sharp increase in road fatalities from January 1 to September 14, this year. The fatalities have been attributed primarily to speeding and driving under the

influence of alcohol. The Ministry said the Guyana Police Force Traffic Statistics have revealed that fatal accidents have increased 37 percent with deaths increasing by 42 percent when compared to the same

period last year. “We call on all drivers and motorists to desist from speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol on our roads. (They should) adhere to all road safety rules and guidelines to help

reduce the worrying high incidence of fatal accidents on our roads.” Motorcyclists are among the largest category of road users killed for the year. Statistics also revealed that these

accidents occurred mainly on Saturdays and Sundays between 18:00hrs and midnight. The Ministry recorded a 43 percent reduction in the number of children in fatal

accidents. However, it also pointed out that the highest age range of persons involved in fatal accidents is between ages 17 and 24, and between 25 and 42

GTT restores landline services to customers in Region Three ahead of schedule Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) restored landline services to customers in Region Three on Sunday, completing underwater repairs ahead of schedule. For some time now the telephone company has been like he dog chasing its tail. It has been forced to constantly replace vandalized cable. On Sunday evening, the company announced the full restoration of telecommunication

services to the area, days earlier than anticipated. On September 8, 2020 suspected sabotage to a fiber-optic cable belonging to GTT impacted over 25,000 customers in West Demerara. Within 24 hours, mobile and internet services were restored but landline service remained impacted. “We have since been able to restore landline services to all communities and are thankful to

our technicians for ensuring that this restoration was done ahead of schedule,” said PR Manager at GTT, Jasmin Harris. Harris explained that to fully restore service to Region

Three, approvals from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) was necessary. Divers had to map the points of the damage to begin splicing and repairs.

“GTT apologizes to its customers for the major service disruption and calls on communities across Guyana to work together to prevent future acts of sabotage,” Harris

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has put aside $95 million in the 2020 budget to buy new vehicles for the President, Prime Minister, Vice President and other top officials of the government. Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira, said that the vehicles returned to the government were in poor condition. “When former Ministers submitted their vehicles we found cracked windshields, the seats were damaged and stained and ripped up – we don’t know who did that – and when some of the Ministers got into the vehicle

and drove down the road they discovered different size tires on the vehicle and radios damaged… so this money is to do some repairs and purchase new vehicles.” Former Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, asked Teixeira to provide more details related to the spending of these

funds to purchase the vehicles. Teixeira said the vehicles would be used to serve top government officials including the President, but could not give more details about their procurement. “I’m not aware of the type or the cost. Because of the urgency to get the

budget and get the money we had to rush and put in allocation because there was a problem and we had to attend to the safety and security of the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister so this allocation is here for that purpose because we had five weeks to bring the budget.” The allocated

funds are supposed to be spent between October and December 2020. The three-month period for procurement and purchase of vehicles was also o concern to Patterson. Patterson also pointed out that the details of the vehicle purchase should be made available in order to go out to

GTT Technician

stated. “We all have a responsibility to be vigilant, to prevent service disruptions that negatively impact a range of customers – including children reliant on telecommunications for their learning,” Harris stressed. “It’s unfortunate the state in which we retrieved our cable – let’s avoid these unnecessary disruptions and bring the perpetrators to justice,” she added.

Govt to spend $95M on vehicles

public tender. Teixeira said that in 2021 the government will make all details related to the purchase available. She assured that a procurement process would occur before the allocation was put to a vote and passed with a majority from the government side.

FORMER EDUCATION MINISTER WORRIED ABOUT GUYANA LOSING THE GAINS OF THE PAST FIVE YEARS

Dr. Nicolette Henry

Former Education Minister, Dr. Nicolette Henry, is supportive of the pupils who wrote the National Grade Six Assessment Examinations. “They would have written this examination during the worst pandemic

of our time, a major public health crisis. It would be more than appropriate to say congratulations to also the parents, the administrators in the education sector, and all of the stakeholders who may have been responsible for the results. “I would have recognized from taking a look at what is there so far, that we are really making progress in terms of reducing the inequities and disparities primarily from two

perspectives. “I have seen that the public schools are holding their own again, given the fact that over a decade or so ago we saw that.” Ms Henry said that during the past decade the private schools were the top performers. This was changed over the past two years and continues this year. “It is indicative of the fact that if we are to commit ourselves to have the right policies I place then our pupils who are

disadvantaged, who are marginalized, who attend public schools can have that full and equal opportunity as their counterparts that are in the private school system.” She said that good performances were not only recorded in Georgetown. This has been a drive-by the Coalition to narrow the divide between hinterland schools and those along with coastal Guyana. “It is my hope that moving forward that the gains we have

made in education will continue, and that we will see our students given the kind of support and tools so that they can continue in that trajectory Ms. Henry was involved in the debate on Budget 2020. She said that an examination of what is being presented has raised questions about the seriousness in relation to the pursuit of education. “The more I look at what the education sector is offering to the of this country in

2020 I cannot help but ask ourselves if we are going to make retrograde steps in education. “Obviously the policies and programmes have not been properly thought out. There is an absence of critical programmes so those gaps are going to result in further inequities and of course, given the whole COVID-19 epidemic, there are so many things that are happening.”

PPP must respect constitution —says Roysdale Forde SC

The APNU+AFC Coalition calls on the PPP to respect the Constitution of Guyana. We demand that the PPP does not trifle with the Constitution and fulfil their obligation under the law. Article 219 (3) of the Constitution provides that where at any time Parliament has been dissolved before any provision or any

sufficient provision for the carrying on of the Government of Guyana, the Minister responsible for Finance may authorize the withdrawal of such sums from the Consolidated Fund which may be necessary for the purpose of meeting expenditure on the public services until the expiry of a period of three months

commencing with the date on which the National Assembly first meets after that dissolution. However, a statement of the expenditure so authorized SHALL, as soon as practicable, be laid before the National Assembly by the Minister responsible for Finance or any other Minister designated by the President and, when the statement

has been approved by the Assembly, that expenditure SHALL be included, under the appropriate heads in the next Appropriation Bill. To date, no minister has laid before the National Assembly any statement in accordance with and as is REQUIRED by Article 219 (3) of the Constitution. The National

Roysdale Forde SC

Assembly cannot therefore be expected lawfully to approve any such expenditure. To proceed otherwise would be a breach of the Constitution.

We call on the Government to lay before the National Assembly a statement as required by Article 219 (3) of the Constitution.

50 LLB graduates signal intention to become prosecutors Nandlall, has said that 50 law graduates from the University of Guyana (UG) have indicated their interest in being trained to serve as prosecutors. Attorney General, Anil Nandlall Nandlall Attorney General made this and Minister of Legal disclosure during his Affairs, Mohabir Anil address at the Budget

2020 debates on Friday. The graduates, all holders of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degrees, will have to undertake a one-year accredited prosecutorial training programme at UG. This will soon be implemented through Support from the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) programme

This programme is funded by the Inter-American Bank (IDB), aimed at strengthening G u y a n a ’ s prosecutorial services. Graduates who are selected will be hired as prosecutors in the Magistrates’ courts in collaboration with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Guyana Police Force.

The AG said one of the goals of the initiative is to address the overcrowding of local prisons. Guyana’s prison population significantly surpasses the world’s average with a rate of 264 per 100,000 and an occupancy level of 137.5 per cent. Nandlall attributed this to an over reliance

on custodial sentences and the overuse of pretrial detention in the criminal justice system. The AG first spoke of the initiative at the commissioning of the Court Superintendent Office at the Brickdam Police Station earlier this month.

and $100,000 for his wrongful arrest on August 21, 2020. Jones claims that on August 20, 2020 at or about 18:30hrs during a power outage, the police who were armed, cordoned off his premises and demanded entry. They failed to provide a search warrant which led him to deny them access. He made an application to the High

Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature and was granted an interim conservatory order to prevent the defendants from entering his premises. The police trespassed on his premises by jumping the fence and wrongfully seized his property. The police also wrongfully restrained, arrested and detained him. Jones is also seeking to be awarded for exemplary damages since ‘the execution of the search, entry and arrest were violent, aggressive, arbitrary, unconstitutional and devised to invoke, and did invoke fear into him and his family.’ Additionally, Jones has asked for interest on all damages awarded, costs and any other orders the court sees fit.

Police were sent to Jones’ home after an audit document was released by Minister of Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy. The document stated that “a physical inspection of the assets purchased revealed that items valuing $4.084M were still not put into use, since these items were stored in a room at the residence of the beneficiary Mr. Christopher Jones.” Jones said that the correct procedures were followed to obtain the items and there was nothing irregular about the transaction. The items were procured under the Ministry of Social Protection’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme.

Chris Jones files lawsuit against seizure of items, arrest

Christopher Jones

Opposition Parliamentarian Christopher Jones has filed a lawsuit against the State for unlawfully searching his home and seizing barbershop equipment which was being kept there. He claims the actions of the Police were a violation of his constitutional rights and is asking the High Court to grant an order for items to be

returned. The lawsuit was filed on August 31, 2020 on behalf of Jones by his attorneys, Nigel Hughes, Ronald Daniels and Kezia Williams against the Acting Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, Inspector Rodwell Sarrabo, Assistant Superintendent of Police Chibanauth

Singh; Corporal Singh and the Attorney General Anil Nandlall. Jones is seeking payment of damages in excess of $100,000 for the seizure of 16 barber chairs and two air conditioning units valued at $4.8 million; damages in excess of $100,000 for trespass to his home at 609 Conciliation Drive, Tucville, Georgetown

Letters

Nailing the lies being peddled By Sir Ronald Sanders

Dear Editor, Governmental infrastructure “decayed” over the past five years due to incompetence, nepotism – Nandlall Headlines like these are upsetting! How can one be so barefaced to make these wild and baseless utterances? From the time this illegal and dead regime came to office every day is something negative about the coalition government. They have not outlined a plan to the citizens how they intend or will be rolling out the promises. Days into office Guyanese were inundated with “treasury empty”, but yet the following were done: $600M given to GuySuCo to pay employment costs and other administrative costs. In excess of $20b was approved for constitutional agencies at the first sitting of the 12th Parliament. Therefore, the big question to ask is, if the treasury is empty, where the above sums came from? At least not from the PPP.

Commenting on the above statement by Mr. Nandlall. Everyone who has eyes to see is aware of what the Coalition did over the last five years. One should not fall prey to this. When we took office in 2015, the Moruca main bridge was made from lumber and was in a bad state. The people are now enjoying a solid concrete bridge made possible by the coalition. Residents in East Berbice, Region Six suffered for years under the PPP when they pleaded by way of protestations and other actions to have their roads done. They failed those people. It was the coalition that spent in excess of $1b to construct the road, install lights, and construct bridges and culverts. Region Four, Sophia area. Residents protested and requested for their roads to be done. They too were denied. The then Minister of MoPWs, Mr. Robeson Benn insulted residents and with an outburst to them, “Let PNC fix it”. Well, indeed the roads were fixed

with the inclusion of culverts, bridges, and installation of lights by the Coalition. Mocha, EBD was given a solid structural concrete bridge. Lights were installed for the very first time on the main access road. Lights installed for the first time on the #19 Road, Region Six. I don’t know whether the illegal regime visited Region 10, Kwakwani and Ituni, and Region Nine lately. Well my reminder to them is that they failed to maintain those corridors. It was the Coalition that invested heavily with the use of local funds to ensure reasonable mobility to those areas. Rather than taking 15hrs to Region Nine, you can now do so in 12hrs. Traveling to Kwakwani is now less than two hours from Linden and I can say the same for Ituni. Prior to the coalition coming to office, Guyanese were experiencing major electrical woes. Much was spent to maintain the gen-sets at GPL. Region Two

got a new power plant in Anna Regina. A sum of $800M was spent to ensure the supply of reliable and efficient electricity to residents of Anna Regina to Charity. Another major sum was spent to construct a new power plant in Bartica, Region Seven. Let’s asked the big Attorney General, prior to August 2, 2020, were Guyanese in these areas or regions complaining? My simple answer to this is No! Because the Coalition fixed it! Stellings were constructed. When last did this illegal regime visit Bartica? The coalition inherited a delapidated structure from the PPPC post in May 2015. Today, the Management of TnHD along with residents of Bartica are happy for what the Coalition did

and the change of the aesthetics. The other started by the coalition is the Leguan Stelling currently being reconstructed. The waterfront development at Supenaam. Has the illegal regime visited that area? There are comforts the traveling public can now enjoy. The installation of solar grids on public buildings, schools and health centers just to name a few. I like many Guyanese could attest to the many achievements under the Coalition government over the last five years. When you see such headlines like the one above by Anil, one must ask questions, whether, or if these people are for real and on which planet are they surviving? They have no issues or complaints to make since they inherited a roadmap from the Coalition. Rather than building on

what they found, it’s all about seeking to destroy, undo and spread propaganda, which they are noted for. I can only identify and attribute these irresponsible utterances by Anil to the PPPC, since what I have outlined above are just a few of the achievements by the Coalition. I wish to remind and also to encourage Mr. Nandlall and colleagues to take time to do a proper assessment of their ministries before opening their mouths. My advice to them is to stop peddling misinformation to our people. Guyanese are smart and with the improvement of technology, they cannot and should not be made fools. It is time we call them out! They are the ones who are incompetent and confused. Annette Ferguson, MP

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill , Project Consultant and the Project Manager, Carissa Gooding and other officials continued from pg2

that after the contract was signed, there were other works which needed to be done following an assessment. President Ali responded “No, no this is a fixed-price contract, and that is not how it works. A fixed-price contract means that

you examine all the works which have to be done before you sign on to the contract. So please, let’s get that clear.” The President was also informed of the decision by the previous Government to pay the contractor for delays.

The original contract would have seen the completion of 17,000 square feet of work, but currently, there is only an existing 6,000 square feet completed. CHEC was also expected to tear down the existing terminal building and construct

a new one that could accommodate eight air bridges. However, the contract only facilitated the refurbishing of the terminal building and installation of only four air bridges. There are also numerous other issues plaguing the

facility including a malfunctioning sewerage system. C h i n e s e Ambassador, Cui Jianchun, agreed that the provisions in the original contract have to be honoured. He pledged that he will play his part to ensure that the project is

completed. President Ali said that an investigation is likely to be launched into the entire airport expansion project since the amount of work completed did not reflect the monies spent on the project.

Email or text your letters to us we would be happy to published them adameharris@yahoo.com lendellnurse6995@gmail.com 7

Guyana records two more COVID-19 deaths The Ministry of Heath recorded 133 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday. Of this number 24 cases were from Region One, one from Region Two, 19 from Region Three, 80 from Region Four, two from Region Six, four

from Region Seven, one from Region Eight and two from Region Ten. This is the highest daily number recorded in Guyana and brings the total number of recorded cases to 2,402. The death toll has increased to 67 with the deaths of

a 67-year-old man and 57-year-old woman, both from Region One. Minister of Heath, Dr. Frank Anthony, also revealed that a screening campaign for COVID-19 being conducted at the Lusignan Prison has uncovered 120 positive cases of

the 200 tests which were done. The Minister said the infected prisoners are no longer in the general population. And will be observed to see if they develop any further signs and symptoms. He said the prisoners would be

discharged from isolation once two weeks have passed and they show no COVID-19 symptoms. The number of persons tested as of September 21 is 12,394. The number of active cases is 976. The Ministry of

Heath continues to remind persons to adhere to the COVID-19 E m e r g e n c y Measures (NO. 9) which will be in effect until September 30, 2020.

HOROSCOPE

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today is the Fall Equinox, which means the Sun is opposite your sign. For the next four weeks, your focus will be on partnerships and close friendships. This is your best chance of the year to learn more about yourself through your intimate oneto-one encounters with others.

The Sun is in your sign for the next four weeks giving you a chance to recharge your batteries for the rest of the year. It will attract important people and favourable circumstances to you. It will also encourage you to express yourself and tell it like it is! Enjoy!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

For the next four weeks, you will want to manage your life efficiently. You will work hard for yourself and others. You will strive to make every action count because you want to get the most bang for your buck. (Why not improve your health as well?)

Your birthday is approaching, which means your personal year is coming to an end. Use the next four weeks to think about what you want for your new year ahead. Define some goals because they help to clarify future decision-making. They give you a sense of purpose and help to keep you on track.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

The next four weeks are fabulous for you because the Sun is in your fellow Air Sign! Plus, it will travel through the most fun part of your chart! Accept invitations to party. Enjoy sports, social time and fun activities with kids. Yippee!

Your popularity is strong in the next four weeks. Everyone wants you on their team Enjoy schmoozing with others because if you socialize extensively, it will benefit you. (Also examine your friends because they are a reflection of who you are.)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Your attention now shifts to home, family and your private life in the next four weeks. Many of you will be involved with a parent more than usual. Grab every opportunity to relax and cocoon at home among familiar surroundings. “Alone, at last.”

For the next four weeks, the Sun is at the top of your chart, which is the only time all year this happens. When this occurs, it (symbolically) shines a spotlight on you that is flattering! Bosses, parents, teachers and VIPs are impressed! Expect to be asked to take on increased responsibilities.

The next four weeks are fast-paced and busy! Short trips, errands, appointments, plus increased reading, writing and studying will accelerate the tempo of your days. This is a good time to express your opinions and enlighten others about what matters to you. “Now hear this…”

You want to do something different in the next four weeks. You want to get outta Dodge for a change of scenery! You want stimulation and adventure! At the very least, learn something new. Sign up for a course. Talk to someone who knows big words.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You will be more passionate and intense in the next four weeks in part because you will deal with financial issues and something to do with shared property. You might also deal with shared responsibilities. Meanwhile, your sex drive is hot!

Finances and money issues are your focus for the next four weeks. Think about our earnings and assets, and also your possessions. For example, do you own your stuff or does it own you? Obviously, what you own should make your life easier. Does it?

Fry Bread

Amerindian Recipe

INGREDIENTS • vegetable oil (for frying) • 2 1⁄2 cups flour • 1⁄2 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar • 1 teaspoon oil • 1 cup warm milk DIRECTIONS • Heat oil in skillet until hot, but not smoking, over med-high heat. • In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients to make dough. • Shape into round disks. • Fry shaped dough in hot oil until brown and crispy. • Serve hot. Traditionally you would eat this with stew.

SPOT The difference They are 5 differences