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MINISTER COLLIN CROAL MEETS WITH SQUATTERS Pg2
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Gunshots and tear smoke descend on some squatters aback of three Lower East Coast Demerara villages Pg2
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GOVERNMENT APPROVES US$9B PAYARA PROJECT Pg2
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COVID deaths continue to climb Pg3
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MINISTER COLLIN CROAL MEETS WITH SQUATTERS
Minister Collin Croal address the people
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s the Subject Minister of Housing and water, I would like to categorically state that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the housing needs of all Guyanese are approached with the utmost urgency and expediency. With specific reference to persons who are currently embroiled in a squatting matter with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), I will once again, for the record state that I have personally visited the area twice to meet with the residents.
My engagements with these persons and their leaders were aimed at discussing the situation with the aim of coming to an amicable solution. (see pictures below). On Saturday, August 17, 2020, myself and a team visited South Success, East Coast Demerara, in response to claims of squatting. The invitation was from the Chairman of the Better Hope/Success/ LBI Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC), Zaman Shaw who reported that persons were illegally occupying lands in the area. Upon reviewing
official documents, I discovered that the lands being occupied, fell under the purview of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and not the Ministry of Housing and Water. A meeting with the newly appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Radha Krishna Sharma, and I ensued. Following those discussions on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, I again visited the area along with a team from the Ministry and Mr. Zaman Shaw, and officials from NICIL to meet with residents. At
each of these meetings, the Ministry’s position about the ownership of the land in question was reiterated. The team cautioned those persons who hailed from Greater Georgetown and the East Coast of Demerara that the lands on which they are erecting structures, including permanent ones, does not belong to the Ministry of Housing and Water or Central Housing & Planning Authority, and that their occupation of said lands remains illegal. This was widely cover in the media. The illegal occupants were encouraged to form themselves into a group to engage the Ministry so as to assist the way forward. The representatives engaged the Ministry the next day, Wednesday, September 8 2020 at the Ministry offices on Brickdam. At the meeting, government’s zero-tolerance position on squatting was further made clear and residents were told to apply for land through the established
process. They were further told that the Ministry is willing to assist in any way possible so as to ensure that they follow the legitimate process of applying for a house lot at an alternative location. The group promised to make available a list of persons from the area who have existing application in our system and a list for persons who are desirous of applying. To date this has not materialized, hence the Ministry of Housing and Water will be hosting an exercise today, October 1, 2020, at the Chateau Margot Primary School geared at assisting these families in their quest for lawful homeownership. A valid form of identification (passport or national identification card), proof or affidavit of income, TIN certificate, and marriage certificate if applicable. For persons with children below the age of 18, copies of their birth certificates are required. Applications forms will also be available at the venue.
The Ministry is committed to facilitating this process as it is the first step in the direction of legally owning a plot of land from the agency. For persons who have an existing application in the Ministry, if there is a need for updated information to be added, this will be facilitated as well. All applications will be dealt with, in due process as we recognize the demand and the need for adequate housing as a basic human right. Throughout the engagement process, my Ministry along with NICIL representatives has shown utmost tolerance in engaging squatters/ illegal occupants. The Ministry of Housing and Water remains committed to its Manifesto promise of providing ten thousand house lots annually and would like to remind persons who have applied for housing that the Ministry is doing everything in its power to satisfy the housing needs of all Guyanese.
Gunshots and tear smoke descend on some squatters aback of three Lower East Coast Demerara villages
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eople are in dire need of house lots. Recently, word spread that lands were available on the lower East Coast Demerara. These lands are aback of Success, Chateau Margot and Le Ressouvenir. Yesterday, the government claimed that it was reopening the sugar estates on the lower East Coast Demerara and therefore needed the lands. Earlier in the week it announced that it would flood the lands to evict the squatters. Today it went further.
It moved in with heavy duty equipment to demolish the structures. The squatters had constructed a bridge to access the lands. That bridge was demolished. There were gunshots. “People talking and they just shoot up. People get pellet in they hand, all over,” one of the squatters said. She said that she was on the site when the police arrived. “I was here and I heard the police was coming; a jeepload of police coming down the road. They coming to shoot up inside here because they don’t
Guyana Police Force stand-off
want no more squatting in here. “NICIL want back they land. Next thing you know, they come and seh don’t cross the bridge. Some go over the other side. Somebody come up
and talk and next thing you know, pellets start fly.” She said that the land was there. People had invested a lot of money on their structures. Many of the squatters said that they
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Squatter shot with pellets
had been waiting on their house lots since 1992. “Down at the back we got house. They come to run we out. They houses that start to build. We need
somewhere to live. We can’t afford to pay rent. Some of the squatters were new. One man said that he had been living in the area for about three months. I want to ask the president and his team if they don’t have feelings. “Y’all tek de oil, y’all tek the gold, y’all tek the sugar,” another squatter said. The man said that the least the authorities could do is give land to people. At the end of the day there were structures still standing but from the look of things they would be demolished in short order
Commercial flights could resume after October 15
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OVID-19 measures restricting commercial air travel may continue until October 15, next, when new directives are scheduled to be announced as Government
discusses preparations for on-arrival testing and other measures to endure a safe reopening of commercial travel. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said, “The GCAA (Guyana Civil
Aviation Authority), CJIA (Cheddi Jagan International Airport), the Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 Task Force, along with us are engaged in discussions with all of the necessary stakeholders.
“Since the last directives were issued by GCAA, we are now aware that in the country, we have the capacity for testing on arrival. Those finer details are being fine-tuned along with the airlines’ readiness to recommence scheduled commercial flights. “As soon as those are completed, a date for the reopening for scheduled commercial flights will be announced.” The Minister said that the government was working aggressively to have airports opened as soon as possible while complying with the guidelines set out by the PanAmerican Health Organization and the World Health Organisation. They are currently
and Haresh Singh, has been sent to St. Lucia for analysis. “We have a team that has left for St. Lucia with some of the evidence to do more detailed analysis. For confidentiality
reasons, the regional body has asked to have certain things respected from their perspective and we are sticking to that. “There are components of the MOU [Memorandum of Understanding] that can’t be made public,” President Ali said. A five-member team of investigators from the Regional Security System arrived in Guyana on Monday to assist the Guyana Police Force with their investigations into the murders of the three teenagers following a request from President Ali for regional assistance. The President did note
that there is a cost attached to the support Guyana is receiving from the regional body, but said that it “is a small issue in relation to what we hope to achieve and that is bringing these people to justice.” On September 6, the bodies of Isaiah and Joel Henry were found in the backlands of Cotton Tree, WCB after relatives went in search of them almost one day after they were reported missing. They had left their home in Number Three Village to pick coconuts in the backlands, but did not return. The news of their deaths sparked protests
Three, 39 in Region Four, one in Region Five, one in Region Six and four cases in Region Eight. The total number of cases in Guyana is now at 2, 846.
The death toll has risen to 80 with the deaths of a 77-year-old man and a 67-year-old woman, both from Region Four. As of September 29, a total of 13,988 persons
have been tested for the virus. A total of 1,644 persons have recovered, leaving the number of active cases in the country at 1,122.
waiting on indications from airlines on their acceptance and agreement to the proposed measures since the on-arrival testing would have to be paid for by passengers. “The modus operandi of the collecting of the payments have to be worked out.” Eureka Labs has the capacity for on-arrival testing and has expressed readiness and availability to provide the service. While the results would be available “in a matter of hours”, discussions are ongoing to determine the waiting process for passengers that are tested. Minister Edghill also said both the CJIA and Eugene F. Correia International Airport are open to
facilitate repatriation flights, outgoing flights, cargo flights, medical evacuation flights, technical stops for fuel and special authorised flights. Several air operators, including Eastern Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Trans Guyana Airways, Roraima Airways and ExxonMobil flights, are permitted to operate special authorised and repatriation flights to process passengers desirous of coming to Guyana, once they satisfy the necessary health requirements. The GCAA could announce the new measures before October 15 if discussions are concluded within the two week period.
Evidence in murder of Berbice teens sent to St Lucia
President Irfaan Ali
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resident Irfaan Ali has revealed that evidence gathered from the investigations into the murders of West Coast Berbice (WCB) teenagers, Isaiah and Joel Henry
The Henry teens
across several villages along West Coast Berbice. Roads were blocked, some vehicles were torched and several commuters were beaten and robbed. On September 9, last, 17-year-old Singh was found murdered at the Number Three Village backlands. It is suspected that his death was in
retaliation for the murders of Isaiah and Joel, since he is related to one of the suspects initially held by the police. Several persons were arrested for the murder of the Henry teens and subsequently released on station bail, while to date, no arrest has been made in relation to Singh’s murder.
COVID deaths continue to climb T
he Ministry of Health recorded 59 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday September 29. Eight cases were recorded in Region One, six cases in Region
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New York State puts Turks and Caicos on COVID-19 quarantine order PROVIDENCIALES, TCI – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ostensibly blacklisted Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on Monday, omitting to put the country on a list of countries that do not require quarantine when re-entering the state directly from those countries. With an estimated 80 percent of visitors to TCI during the winter coming from New York, this puts the Turks and Caicos tourism industry in jeopardy since most persons will opt out of the trip it is believed.
One hotelier who was slated to open in November said bookings have now dried up for the winter season saying cancellations are mostly the reason the phone lines are still functioning. The executive order was signed by Governor Cuomo on Monday, September 28. The Democrat signed the executive order mandating the rules since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has continued to roll back screening measures at airports accepting
international flights. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) decision to end enhanced screening at airports, coupled with alarming case increases in countries around the world, presents an increased threat to New York’s progress in the war against COVID-19,” Governor Cuomo said. “Today’s Executive Order will require the Department of Health to alert all travelers from any Level 2 or Level 3 country of mandatory quarantine requirements, as well
as require international travelers to complete the DOH Traveler Health Form to aid in the state’s robust contact tracing efforts and further prevent the spread of COVID-19.” There are currently 31 countries that are not subjected to the governor’s executive order. They are: American Samoa, Anguilla, Bonaire, Brunei, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Guernsey, Greenland, Grenada, Isle of Man, Laos, Macau SAR, Marshall
Islands, Mauritius, Micronesia, Montserrat, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Saba, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Sint Eustatius, Taiwan, Thailand and Timor-Leste. The executive order builds on the travel advisory that is already in place for states with a significant number of coronavirus cases. That list currently includes 29 states and U.S. territories. The advisory requires individuals who have
traveled to New York from areas with significant community spread to quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine applies to any person arriving from an area with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or an area with a 10 percent or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average. Extract from Albany (WCBS 880) by ERICA BROSNAN originally published on September 28, 2020.
Government approves US$9B Payara Project
From left: Anand Gohil, CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited; Alistair Routledge, President of ExxonMobil Guyana; Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat and Timothy Christian, Director, Vice President of Hess Guyana Exploration.
The Government of Guyana has granted ExxonMobil approval to commence its US$9 billion Payara Development Project, offshore Guyana. The licence for the project was officially issued by the Government and signed by both parties on Wednesday. The project is expected to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day after
start-up in 2024, using the Prosperity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. It will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels. Ten drill centers are planned, along with up to 41 wells, including 20 production and 21 injection wells. A review of the Payara Development Project had
been conducted by the Bay phase Oil and Gas Consultants contracted by the Department of Energy (DoE) under the previous administration. The People’s Progressive Party also decided to review the work done DoE to ensure that Guyanese interests were protected and are in keeping with international transparency and accountability standards. The current review is
BREAKING News
being done by a team of international experts, headed by Canadian Queen’s Counsel, Alison Redford. The Government wanted to create a contract that would ensure that the country gets more for local content, brings natural gas to shore, protects the environment and improves the lives of all Guyanese. In their discussions with ExxonMobil, the government insisted flaring would not be allowed without the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ExxonMobil would also have to pay the government for the cost of gas wasted during flaring and will also be subject to fines under the EPA related to emissions from flaring.
ExxonMobil is also required to update its base design for the project to include ‘tie-in points’ and space for produced water injection equipment. A study detailing the costs, benefits and feasibility of implementing a system for the re-injection of produced water is expected to be submitted to the Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, and the EPA for approval Minister Bharrat will also supervise a study conducted by the company to examine the safe and efficient re-injection of produced water, including the effects on the reservoir. This process is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2021. Additionally, the company will have to submit a local content plan
detailing its objectives two months before the beginning of the New Year. It will also have to submit to annual audits of safety-critical drilling and production operations, including waste management and compliance, conducted by a chief inspector. The company will have to pay US$400,000 to be used by the government for the procurement of the third-party auditors to supplement the chief inspector’s resources and develop institutional capacity to conduct audits. Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, has also said that the government will aggressively pursue the costs that have been incurred by the company as its expenditures and operations are still yet to be fully audited.
Come REPORT with ADAM HARRIS
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HOROSCOPE
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
It might be challenging dealing with those who are closest to you today. Best to ask yourself if what you are doing is useful. Go slowly and stick to practical tasks. If you work carefully, you won’t have to do the same job again. As the wise carpenter said, “Measure twice, cut once.”
Whatever you do today, proceed slowly, carefully and cautiously. If you try to rush anything, you will regret it. Furthermore, if you are hasty about pushing something through, authority types might try to block you. Easy does it – steady Eddie.
Whatever you do at work today (or for whatever task you’re doing) might be a bit of a slog. The secret is to slow down and be observant. Do things bit by bit. Do each task carefully. Don’t let others discourage you. Expect small gains but proceed in a slow, steady way.
You might be frustrated today because whatever you try to do (likely from behind the scenes) you will meet with opposition. It might be in the form of rules and regulations. It might be in the form of a strong opinion from social media? Be careful.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
If you try to coordinate the efforts of others today, it will be like herding cats. Expect some opposition. Others might object because of financial reasons or because they think you’re moving too fast. Any advance will have to be slow and steady.
Parents might find it frustrating dealing with their kids today. There’s no point in throwing your weight around. Accept the fact that you can only make small advances and achieve small results. It’s easy for people to feel discouraged. Respect that and don’t be demanding.
Cancer (June 21-July 22)
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Expect opposition to whatever you try to do today, especially from authority figures and possibly from a partner or close friend. It’s as if you’re trying to do the impossible? Two steps forward, one step back. In fact, it feels more like one step forward and two steps back! Go gently.
Whatever you attempt to do at home or within your family might meet with resistance and opposition. Don’t overreact. Be calm. Today is full frustrating little moments that can be overcome with quiet perseverance. Do not engage in angry confrontations. (Definitely!)
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Travel plans might be blocked today. Likewise, your efforts to explore opportunities in publishing, the media, higher education, medicine and the law will be discouraging. Be satisfied with small successes. Everything is relative.
It will not be easy for you to get your way today so the sooner you can grasp this, the easier this day will be for you. Remember the game where you say please take a giant step? Or please take a baby step? Today is full of baby steps – at best.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Do not try to force financial matters today or purchases. There might be a reason that you meet with obstacles and objections from others. Maybe you need to take a moment and listen? If something is important, you will still be able to do it later.
Disputes about shared property, inheritances or anything that you own jointly with others (including debt) might be tough to deal with today. It’s hard to get cooperation. Whatever you do today, you will have to do carefully and pay attention to detail. One step at a time.
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Patrol attacked along Guyana/Venezuela border
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joint patrol being done yesterday by ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force came under fire from the Venezuelan shore while patrolling the Cuyuni River.
A release from the GDF said it is believed that the gunfire came from Syndicato gang members. The ranks returned fire and none of them were injured. The GDF said that “aggressive” joint patrols by the Guyanese security forces have since been
intensified in the Cuyuni River area. The Guyana/ Venezuela border is more than 1,000 kilometres long and patrols are conducted on a routine basis. This is not the first time that such an incident has occurred and several new measures are being Guyana’s Border Patrol explored by the GDF.
47 new case of COVID-19 over the weekend FOLLOW US ON https://www.facebook.com/Guyana-Post
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Amerindian & Foods GUYANA’S AMERINDIAN Guyana’s Amerindian population consists of several tribes, including the Caribs, Wapisianas, Arawaks, and Warraus. Anthropologists believe that Amerindian tribes were Guyana’s first inhabitants, arriving around 11,000 years ago. They settled lowlying coastal regions of the country, where they fished, hunted, and used a variety of plant species to produce fibers, oils, dyes, and a variety of different dishes. Over the centuries, Guyana’s Amerindian population migrated inland, penetrating the dense jungle via the country’s extensive river system, constructing temporary and permanent settlements. While Amerindians dwelling in coastal regions lived on turtles, fish, crabs, and snails, those inhabiting the savannahs hunted various types of mammal, including deer, monkey, and sloth, as well as various types of waterfowl. Guyana’s indigenous eetay palm is an important source of flour in Amerindian cuisine, while the country’s interior is also rich in cashews and wild honey.
CASSAVA BREAD
Amerindian cuisine remains incredibly popular in Guyana, both within traditional indigenous villages and in towns and cities. In 2014 Tuma Sálâ opened in Georgetown, establishing itself as the country’s first Amerindian restaurant.
PEPPERPOT – TASTY TRADITIONAL GUYANESE DISH
Image courtesy International Institute of Tropical Agriculture | Flick Next, the fully dried cassava root, resembling off-white flour, is poured into circular forms to cook over a fire. It is hung to dry and is soon ready to eat. While cassava bread is one of Guyana’s best known and loved foods, its preparation can require days of travel to obtain the right ingredients.
Made from just cassava and salt, farine can be mixed with sugar and milk, creating a nutritious drink. It can safely be stored over long periods, and it is an effective thickening agent for stews and soups. Farine can also be used as a stuffing for chicken or fish, and it forms a key component in several sweet dishes, such as white pudding, coconut rock buns, and black cake. PEPPERPOT – TASTY TRADITIONAL GUYANESE DISH G u y a n e s e Pepperpot is an Amerindian dish popular in Guyana and sometimes called pepper pot stew by the locals. It is traditionally served at Christmas and other special events; it is also Guyana’s national dish. Pepper pot is typically a stewed meat dish, strongly flavored with cinnamon, hot peppers, and Cassareep – a special sauce made from the Cassava root. Beef, mutton, and pork are the most popular meats used, though some have been known to use chicken. Pepperpot is popularly served with dense bread and butter, though it is equally as good with rice or roti
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