Keeping you updated on current events... ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPERS
THE PPP IS MISGUIDED
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GTT gives businesses six times more broadband speed
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GPSU wants all health workers to Guyana’s COVID-19 death be classified as Frontline Workers toll keeps climbing Pg3
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THE PPP IS MISGUIDED
The Elections Petition is being displayed by APNU+ AFC executives
Charging some GECOM staff would not impact the elections petition The date is set for the elections petition filed by the APNU+AFC. Just this week, Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire informed the opposition that October 22 has been fixed for Case Management. But even as the start of the hearing of the petition is approaching, the state is instituting charges against
people who would be involved in the petition hearing. Today Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde was asked about the likelihood of those facing charges to testify before the elections court. “All persons who are connected with the electoral process can be called as witnesses. The Chief Elections Officer would have been charged, repeatedly, for a number of alleged offences.
“However the National Assembly Validity Election Laws contemplate that the principal respondent to an election petition is the Chief Elections Officer.” Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield has been slapped with six charges by the state. He has also been ordered to answer to private criminal charges filed by a supporter of the People’s Progressive Party and a member of The New Guyana.
All told he has had to post bail in the sum of almost $1 million. Attorney Forde said that the Chief Elections Officer cannot be prevented by any institution of any criminal proceedings from being a respondent and a compellable witness in any elections petition. “He represents the entire elections commission— the six commissioners and the Chairman of the commission. His deputy and all his subordinates
are important persons who must, and will give evidence. “The numerous harassments and institution of frivolous charges against them cannot work, will not work and will never work.” Senior Counsel Forde said that his party knows why the government has been seeking to implement the charges. There have been statements by Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh, that the allegations and issues raised about the elections were serious. “We also have the very reports. Each and every report, the ten Observation Reports and the summaries submitted by the Chief Elections Officer and his final report on July 31, 2020. “In those reports (Lowenfield) said that the elections lacked credibility, do not demonstrate the true
will of the people, that in every area and in every electoral district there was serious fraud (and the elections were) lacking in credibility.” Lowenfield is just one of the electoral officers being prosecuted. Senior Counsel Forde said that the government is misguided into thinking that the charges would affect the petition. Attorney at Law Amanza Walton-Desir, who is also a Member of Parliament and whom he PPP targeted for termination, reiterated that the charges represent acts of desperation. “The desperation that we see characterizing the PPP action is a good indicator that the PPP is uncomfortable with the elections petition. “They know fully that the prospects of success (of the petitions) are significant. I expect in the coming days we will continue to see their attempt to humiliate, to dehumanize members of staff of GECOM.
GTT gives businesses six times more broadband speed GTT announced today that businesses will now be receiving broadband speeds of 300 Mbps through GTT’s Biz Fibre service. GTT VP of Sales, Eshwar Thakurdin, said “This pandemic has really changed our behavior towards and our reliance on online channels… with the increased use of technology, we understood that businesses needed greater capacity to connect with their customers, colleagues and other stakeholders – as such, we are pleased to provide increased
broadband speeds at no intended to liberalise the telecommunications additional cost.” This is the second sector in Guyana. increase to broadband speeds for businesses that GTT has done in the last two months. Speeds had been initially increased from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps last month. The new broadband speeds will provide 300 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload. This increase also comes just over a week after the full commencement of the Telecommunications Act 2016 and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016 which are
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GPSU wants all health workers to be classified as Frontline Workers
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU ) Mr. Patrick Yarde
The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) is restating its position that all health workers should be classified as ‘Frontline Workers’ and be paid a risk allowance. An investigative team from the GPSU and the Government met with healthcare workers in Regions 3, 5, 6 and 10 and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)The workers share the same view and
made the recommendation to the team. These visits are part of a two-week period for negotiations on the payment of risk allowance and several other issues that were raised following the threat of a strike from nurses at the GPHC. The GPSU and the healthcare workers believe that all categories of health workers must be classified as frontline workers and be paid a risk allowance,
since the nature of their work requires that all categories of healthcare workers come into contact with COVID-19 patients, knowingly, or unknowingly, while performing their duties. The GPSU stated that it was pleased with the investigating team’s interaction so far with the healthcare workers. It views the exercise as “very enlightening and encouraging.”
The GPSU is also expecting an “urgent and positive” response from the Government on the payment of the risk allowances to health care workers. The GPSU is also working to resolve the other work-related in a favourable and timely manner. A report and recommendations for the Government are expected to be presented by next week.
Guyana’s COVID-19 death toll keeps climbing The Ministry of Health recorded 24 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, October 14. One case was from Region One, one from Region Three, seven from Region Four, one from Region Six, two from Region Seven, 10 from Region Eight and two from Region Ten. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now at 3,589. The death toll has increased to 108 with the death of a 46-yearold woman from Region Four. There have been 28 recorded COVID-19 deaths so far in the month of October. As of October 14 there have been 16,308 persons tested for the virus. The number of active cases in the country at 995. Testing for COVID-19
at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory can now be completed within 45 minutes. The testing process would previously take eight to nine hours. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, the shorter processing time is a result of the use of the $7.2 million automated extractor donated by the People’s Republic of China. “I can tell you that we are now able to extract 96 samples within 45 minutes. Our processing time has gone up tremendously so we will be able to do more samples in the timeframe that we used to,” he said. The Minister said another automated extractor, purchased by the Ministry, is being shipped to Guyana.
KOTUG awarded contract in Guyana from Esso Netherlands-based KOTUG International has been awarded a long-term contract by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) to provide offshore terminal towage support for operations in Guyana. KOTUG International is a Towage Services provider, with a fleet of over 50 tugs active in Europe, Russia, Asia, Australia, Africa, Canada and the Caribbean This contract is KOTUG’s first operation in South America.
Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of KOTUG International, said, “Being part of the growing offshore oil and gas activities in the cooperative Republic of Guyana and working together with one of world’s largest oil majors, ExxonMobil, for us is an important milestone and in line with our longterm strategy to grow our business in the FPSO support business.” KOTUG will operate through local entity, KOTUG Guyana Inc. It will employ its newly acquired vessel, “SD
Power”, a high-spec 130 tonnes bollard pull, DP-2 azimuth anchor-handling tug. The vessel will provide support to the Floating Production and Storage Offloading units (FPSO’s) at the Liza Field, offshore Guyana, by providing towage assistance to export tankers, infield support duties and cargo duties. The Liza Phase 1 Project, began producing via the Liza Destiny FPSO in late 2019. Liza Phase 2, is intended to begin producing oil by
early 2022. It will produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day at peak rates using the Liza Unity FPSO, which is currently under construction in Singapore.
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US AGENCIES OFFER US$200B IN FINANCING FOR PROJECTS
CEO of the DFC, Adam Boehler
The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has said they are ready to invest in Guyana with around US$200 billion in funding available. CEO of the DFC, Adam Boehler, led a team of investors comprising representatives from the US Treasury, the US State Department, the National
Security Council, Homeland Security and the Export Import (EXIM) Bank. Boehler said they are eyeing opportunities in various sectors, including energy, agriculture and infrastructure. Nicholas Boyer, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, said this “signals a new era in the US-Guyana
relationship and I think that is something we should take advantage of.” Boehler said the DFC is looking to cooperate on several projects, including the deep water harbour, small and medium sized businesses, agriculture and reduction of electricity cost; He also focused on the Corentyne River Bridge which will link Guyana and Suriname.
“It’s a rare time of alignment between Suriname and Guyana to have great new administrations that are investing in their private market,” Boehler said. Boehler continued to point out that the US will fund multi-billion-dollar projects as well as small entrepreneurs. He added that the private sector will be a strong partner for the
Dharamlall appoints Region 10 REO
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall
Dwight John
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, effective from October 14, 2020 has appointed Dwight John as the Regional Executive Officer (REO)
of Region Ten. John reportedly has a wealth of experience in Local Governance and Regional Development. He has served as a Regional Development Officer for a number of
years. Dharamlall stated that he is confident Mr. John will serve the people of Region Ten with distinction, and charged that he executes his functions in a fair and transparent manner. “I welcome him aboard and look forward to his service to the people of Region Ten in furthering the inclusive agenda of the government. “I have no doubt Mr. John will serve well in this capacity and I remain committed to working with the Regional Administration to realise the full potential of that region.”
various projects and he hopes that they will be announced soon. Responding to questions on whether the projects will be given primarily to US businesses based in Guyana, Boehler said he supports a transparent and competitive selection process. He said in the bidding process for large projects, major competitors will be
Chinese companies, some of which are already involved in infrastructure projects in Guyana. Boehler added that “high quality” is one thing that can differentiate American companies from others. Teams from the agencies, the local private sector and the Government are expected to meet to finalise the projects and move forward.
COVID death toll 107 The Ministry of Health recorded 44 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday October 13. 29 cases were from Region One, two from Region Three and 13 from Region Four. Region Four has the highest number of recorded cases
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at 1,643 followed by Regions One and Nine at 587 and 367 respectively. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now at 3,565. The death toll remains at 107. There have been 27 recorded COVID-19
deaths so far in the month of October. As of October 13, 16,215 persons have been tested for the virus. 2,435 persons have recovered leaving the number of active cases in the country at 1,023.
Volda Lawrence is once more in the sights of the police
Chairperson of the People’s National Congress, Volda Lawrence Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes.
Chairman of the People’s National Congress, Volda Lawrence, is once more being targeted by the police. Today, she visited the police force Criminal Investigations Department ostensibly for questioning into purported electoral irregularities. She was accompanied by Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes. When she arrived, the investigating ranks were not there so a female rank placed her under arrest. Mr. Hughes said that the rank invited her to hand over her possession to the attorney for safe-keeping. He said that from all
appearances, the plan was to detain Ms. Lawrence. He said that the offences for which she was arrested stemmed from what happened at the Ashmin building last March. She was accused of attempting to declare a fraudulent electoral result. There was the fear that she would have been subjected to the same treatment as Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers. Attorney Hughes was forced to leave her there to return within the hour. And he did return. And while she was in custody there were comments denouncing her detention.
Mayor Yuvraj Narine was one of the people who gathered outside the CID, at Eve Leary. “This needs to end. This here is going down a bad road for this country and I hope the PPP administration knows that what they are doing can divide this country, not for one year or two years, but for a very long time.” Mayor Narine said that the municipality believes that the government is discriminating against certain people. He said that recognizing the need for unity, the Coalition had established a Ministry of Social
Cohesion. That has been abandoned. “Mr. Lowenfield, Ms. (Roxanne) Myers, (Clairmont) Mingo, Carol Joseph, Livan; all these people are AfroGuyanese. I cannot see the Chairman of GECOM sitting in her office very quietly and allowing this nonsense to happen in GECOM.” Some of the other people outside the CID Headquarters were incensed. “I want Caesar, Blanhum and (Police Commissioner) Hoppie to know that if they can’t stop this nonsense where AfroGuyanese are concerned it
with Attorney Darren Wade. “This morning the police the police filed two charges; one is conspiracy to defraud the general
elections and the other is conspiracy to defraud the regional elections. “Ms. Lawrence attended the Criminal Investigations Department at eight this morning. When she arrived there she was arrested and told there were two charges against her.” He said that she was then brought to court and the two charges were read to her. This is a continuation of the attack on members and supporters of the coalition who worked on Election Day. Ms. Lawrence was released on $50,000 bail on each of the two charges.
wouldn’t have a Guyana. We are not going to stand up and take it.” Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore said that he fears an escalation of the situation. “It will get out of hand if we continue like this, marginalizing and victimizing people especially people who were formerly in high office. We are going down a bad road. “This kind of situation is not what is best for the people of Guyana at particular time.” Former Housing Minister Annette Ferguson said, “They are taking us back to what transpired on March 2, 2020. We knew what transpired after March 2, 2020. “The Statements of Recount would have superseded the Statements of Poll. The PPP came to government by illegal means after all those invalid votes, the documents that would have derived those ballots that were not found. “I worked on the recount and I know exactly what I saw coming out from those boxes. Dead people
voted, missing statutory documents, people’s names that were not supposed to be on the list were written in. “This was prevalent in District Six. You had Oaths of Identity for those persons. Who were the real fraudsters?” She said that the arrests are a move to take the minds of Guyanese from the fraud that was discovered during the recount. However, no charges seem to be levelled against those fraudsters. “I am really upset with what the Guyana Police Force has now become. It has now become a political tool for the People’s Progressive Party. And I know many of these police officers are not in agreement with some of their colleagues are doing.” Ms. Lawrence was not charged today but she was asked to post $100,000 station bail. And this is unusual for someone who held executive office. Usually such people are released on their own recognizance.
“The magistrate then enquired from Mr. Tariq Mohamed from the Director of Public Prosecutions office, if they were ready. He said no, that he had ten or more statements outstanding. “We suggested they should take more time so that when we come back they would be ready to proceed with the matter.” The matter has been put down to December 9. The court has ordered full disclosure. This entails the video recordings with Ms. Lawrence. And the trend continues. Charges are prepared and laid but the prosecution
remains unable to proceed with the trial. The need for more witnesses continue to be the excuse. Mr. Hughes said that the first set of charges were private charges. These are the first set of charges being instituted by the state. “We suspect it is not the last set of charges based on statements made by the prosecution.” Tariq Mohamed, the prosecutor representing the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions admitted to the court that some time in the future he proposes to
The state is mimicking the private criminal charges brought against Volda Lawrence …she faces two state-sponsored charges identical to the private charges
Chairperson of the People’s National Congress, Volda Lawrence
Chairperson of the People’s National Congress, Volda Lawrence, after being released on $100,000 station bail, yesterday, was
required to return today. On her return, today, she was slapped with two charges and taken to court. Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes appeared in court
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The state is mimicking the private.... Continued from pg3
consolidate all the charges. “Given the pattern that is emerging, it appears that they intend to have the leadership of a particular political party constantly running to the police station and then bringing them to court.” Mr. Hughes said that he would wish for the prosecution and the police to be more efficient. “When they have completed their investigation if they can consolidate all they have to allege, make one job of it so we don’t have to
Attorney at Law Nigel Hughes.
continue to waste your time, Ms. Lawrence’s time in coming here other than if there is some intent to have Ms. Lawrence exercise and be humiliated every time she has to attend the police station.” He said that attorney for the people who filed the private criminal charges, Glenn Hanoman, had indicated to the court that the DPP would have taken over these charges. Mr. Hughes said that this has not happened. “I rather suspect that what is happening here
is that they want formal charges instituted by the police so that in the case of those officials who are members of GECOM there can be an attempt to have them removed from serving in their office and in the case of Ms. Lawrence who is he leader of one of the major political parties, I suspect is to have her go through the humiliation of having to run up and down the steps, both at the court and at the police station hoping that she would be intimidated by the fact
that they are threatening to keep her overnight.” But Ms. Lawrence appears to be unbroken. “I remain strong. I know I have done nothing wrong and I continue to say that because that is what it is. “As the PPP used to say during the 24 years that we will have our say and they will have their way. That is what we are seeing today.” She said that it has not escaped her notice that the charges brought by the police are the same charges that were filed privately.
Head of U.S. Development Government fires bank begins investment SARA employees mission The Head of America’s development bank, Adam Boehler, is leading an investment mission to Guyana. The US Embassy hosted a virtual press briefing with US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, and Boehler, Chief Executive Officer of International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), last evening. Boehler will discuss investment opportunities and highlight the US Government’s Growth in the Americas initiative to support economic growth and security cooperation in the region. Boehler was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of DFC by President Donald Trump and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on September 26, 2019. According to the DFC
Attorney General, Anil Nandlall
CEO of the DFC, Adam Boehler
website, they partner with the private sector to finance solutions to various challenges and invest in energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, technology and other sectors. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs to create jobs in emerging markets. Boehler’s visit comes less than a month after
US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, came to Guyana. During Pompeo’s visit a Framework Agreement was signed with Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, to strengthen cooperation in various sectors including energy and infrastructure, under the umbrella of the Growth in the Americas Initiative.
BREAKING News
The government has dismantled the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) and fired 42 employees including its Director, Dr. Clive Thomas and Deputy Director, Aubrey HeathRetemyer. A statement from Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, said that this was in keeping with the PPP/C Administration’s initial goal of closing operations of the SARA office. Letters terminating the employment of the staff were dispatched on Tuesday.
The Director and Deputy Director were told in their dismissal letters that their appointments were in breach of the State Assets Recovery Act 2017, were null and void and would be terminated. Nandlall also noted that the employees could not be transferred to different agencies since they had been engaged on contract rather than the fixed establishment. SARA was created from the State Asset Recovery Unit which operated out of the Office of the President under the APNU+AFC
administration. Nandlall said that there was also widespread criticism from a number of organisations about the Bill that led to the creation of the agency. The Attorney General said the Government will now begin to strengthen the asset recovery components of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism legislation. There will also be steps taken to enact legislation utilizing the CARICOM model of State Asset Recovery.
Come REPORT with ADAM HARRIS
Tel: 592-623-9971 or 641-2501 4 6
POLICE SLAP SIX CHARGES ON GECOM’S CHIEF ELECTIONS OFFICER
2, 2020 elections; and for misbehavior in public office. He is out on bail. Mr. Lowenfield is also before the courts on private criminal charges filed by Desmond Morian of the People’s Progressive Party, and Daniel Kanhai of the nascent New
Movement. He was released on $150,000 bail on each charge. One charge alleged that Lowenfield conspired with a person or persons unknown to commit the common law offence of fraud by representing to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)
that tables attached to his June 23rd elections report accurately reflected the true results of the elections in order to materially alter the results, with intent to defraud as he knew the tabulation to be false. Morian alleged that Lowenfield while performing his duty as
Chief Elections Officer, without lawful excuse or justification, he willfully misconducted himself by ascertaining results of the elections “knowing the said results to be false. All told there were three charges. Today, his attorney, Senior Council Neil
Boston said that the police filed six charges against Lowenfield. Appearing in court for the state was a lawyer from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He sought to oppose bail. Attorney Boston said that Lowenfield was required to post $50,000 on each of the six charges. The complainants are the police. These charges seem to supplement the private criminal charges which are likely to be thrown out. Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, during a press conference last week, stated that the police acting under the direction of the People’s Progressive Party, were out to harass and humiliate the Black staff members of the Guyana Elections Commission. On arrival at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, the police placed Lowenfield in the holding cell like a common criminal. He will be returning to court on March 23, next, to answer the private criminal charges.
commercial flights. Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said that passengers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR
test on arrival. which was taken at least seven days prior to travel. However, if the results were not received within three days of their travel, they would
have to take a second test at the airport. “If the PCR test is done within 72hrs of travel, the passenger will not be required to do another
PCR test on arrival. If the PCR test is done within 4-7 days of travel, the passenger will be required to do a PCR test on arrival,” the Minister said.
The airports were previously only conducting cargo, repatriation, medical evacuation and special authorized flights. With
…Lowenfield released on $300,000 bail (middle)
…Lowenfield released on $300,000 bail The police slapped six charges against Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield today. The charges, according to the general statement are for tendering a forged document or documents stemming from the March
T
he Eugene F. Correia and Cheddi Jagan International Airports will be reopened today, October 12, to
Airports reopened
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the development of a comprehensive list of health and safety measures at airports and on aircraft, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will be able to ensure the safety of both staff and passengers. Chief Executive
Officers of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Col. Ret’d Anthony Mekdeci, said they were confident that the systems in place are adequate for the restart of commercial flights.
Minister Edghill advised passengers to plan their travel ahead of time and be prepared to arrive early at international airports to have enough time to go through the newly established screening protocols.
Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said swabbing will be done at the airports while the PCR tests which passengers arrive with, will be validated by local authorities to ensure it is authentic. Passengers will be allowed to leave the airport once the negative result is confirmed. The CJIA is expecting its first commercial flight today while the Eugene F. Correia International Airport will receive its first flight from Caribbean Airlines around October 19.
Body of missing Essequibo man found The body of an Essequibo man, who went missing during a family outing to Hamburg on Sunday, was recovered this morning. Umal Jaggernauth, 25, of Spring Garden, Essequibo Coast, and about 25 of his family members left home about noon to go to Hamburg Beach on Sunday. Jaggernauth and his uncle, Randy, were left to moor the boat after they arrived. After mooring the boat, Jaggernauth and his uncle began to swim to shore but only Randy reached the shore. The other family members were alerted and later went in search for Jaggernauth but did not find him. The family members and Police returned to
Umal Jaggernauth
the area on Monday morning and recovered Jaggernauth’s body.
Essequibo River
Guyana’s COVID death toll races to 105 The Ministry of Health recorded 111 cases of COVID-19 over the weekend. Of these, 47 cases were recorded on Saturday October 10. A
further 64 were recorded on Sunday October 11. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now at 3,469. There have been 575 cases recorded in
the last 11 days. The death toll has risen to 105 with the deaths of a 61-year-old woman from Region One, recorded on Friday and a 40-year-
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old woman from Region Four, recorded on Sunday. There have been 25 COVID-19 related deaths recorded so far this October.
As of Sunday, 15,963 persons have been tested for the virus. 2,318 persons have recovered leaving the number of active cases in the country at 1,046.
JOSEPH HARMON, GECOM
CHAIR CLASH OVER DEALINGS WITH THE POLICE
Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon, at his weekly press conference, yesterday, accused Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh, of being “complicit and at best a part of the PPP’s plot to dismantle the current GECOM.” He said that Commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission reported
that Crime Chief, Mr. Blanhum had written to the Chairman of GECOM requesting certain documents from GECOM. He said that these documents are under the jurisdiction of the Chief Elections Officer. “It appears upon that communication, documents were released to the Police,” he added. “It is no wonder that the Chairman of the Elections Commission has not raised her voice in concern for the welfare of these officers who worked with her.” But Justice Singh released a statement refuting the allegation. “It has been brought to my attention that Mr. Desmond Trotman, Commissioner of GECOM, in an interview
earlier today with the Press, alleged that as the Chairperson of GECOM, I have been “facilitating the handing over of information and the persecution of members of staff without showing any willingness to take some line of action. She said that Trotman accused her of “facilitating every line of action that the police (are) taking. “She has instructed that documents be handed over without ascertaining what the documents are going to be used for.” Justice Singh did not dispute the approach by the Criminal Investigations Department. “I wish to state that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Guyana Police Force had requested the contracts of some members of staff which I reported at a Statutory Meeting of the
Commission. “After some discussion, I undertook t o seek clarity from the CID as to the purpose of the request as these documents are private to GECOM and those members of staff. “A response from the CID advised that what in fact was required were their respective Job Descriptions. Considering that this information is public, I instructed the Human Resources Manager to provide Job Descriptions ONLY.” “As Chairperson of GECOM and a former Police Legal Advisor, I will always ensure that the best interest of the members of staff of GECOM are protected.” Harmon said that the detention and charging of those staff members of
the Guyana Elections Commission represent clear instances of political persecution a n d
of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, from Chinese Ambassador, Cui Jianchun, at a simple ceremony at his Brickdam Office.
The donation contained a Nucleic Acid Extraction System and Viral Nucleic Acid Extraction Kits. Minister Anthony said the machine will automate the process of extracting the coronavirus from the sample to help amplify it, so that the tests could be processed faster. “We estimate that once the machine is up and running that the processing time would be reduced to about two hours, so that we would be able to do at least 96 samples within two to three hours and that would be a remarkable achievement.”, said
Minister Anthony. He also noted that the supplies will greatly assist Guyana in the fight against COVID-19 and expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador and the groups for the donation. The new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Malcolm Watkins, also conveyed his appreciation for the timely donation. Ambassador Cui said the Chinese community will continue to work with Guyana in the fight against the disease. “I think that it is really, really important for the Guyanese people to
victimization of the Afro-Guyanese staff members of GECOM. He said that the action constitutes an attempt to dismantle GECOM and render it ineffective from being able to hold credible elections. “It is an assault on democracy and can cause irreparable damage to the fundamental basis of our country.” He said that there is a racist motive behind these arrests. “I wish to note that not a single one of the Presiding
Officers and other GECOM officers responsible for the missing poll books, ballot papers and other polling documents have been even questioned, let alone detained by the police. “This is not an investigation, it is a campaign of intimidation, bullyism, and psychological warfare by the Police and the PPP. “No other person working in the Commission of any other ethnicity has been treated this way.”
Chinese community donates $17M worth of equipment
The Association of Chinese Enterprise in Guyana (ACEG) and the Chinese Community in Guyana donated approximately $17.2
million worth of laboratory diagnostic supplies to help improve COVID-19 testing. The equipment was received by Minister
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fight against COVID-19. We think that if we work together … we could win the final victory.” The Ministry has received quantities of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, computers, LIFEPAK monitor/ defibrillator machines, biosafety bags, tablets and other medical supplies and equipment in the battle against COVID-19 from the Government of India, PAHO/WHO and other partners in the battle against the disease.
Fire destroys CARICOM Auto Parts
Scenes from CARICOM Aoto Parts fire The Guyana Fire Service responded to reports of a fire at the bond of CARICOM Auto Parts Store at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara on
Friday. Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, said that calls from residents about the fire began coming in around 14:00 hrs.
By the time firefighters arrived, the building had already been engulfed in flames which were beginning to threaten nearby buildings. They
were able to contain the fire but by that time it had already destroyed at least 80 million dollars in car parts. It was reported that
Scenes from CARICOM Aoto Parts fire
the fire was started by a customer after he was told that the store did not have a part he needed in stock. Imran Inshan, the owner of the business,
was told by his employees that after the customer was told the item was not available, he asked the employees to check for it. When they turned away from him he set fire to a piece of paper and threw it into the bond, thus starting the fire. The man then fled the scene on a bicycle. Inshan said he will review security footage to attempt to identify the man. The Fire Chief has said that the incident is being treated as arson. Investigations are still ongoing.
COVID deaths reach 103
The Ministry of Heath recorded 29 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday October 9, last. The total number of recorded cases in Guyana is now at 3,358. There have been 390 cases recorded in the last seven days. The death toll has increased to 103 with the deaths of a 28-year-old man from Region Two and a 57-year-old man from Region Four.
As of October 9, a total of 15,568 persons have been tested. The number of active cases in the country at 1,075. The Ministry continues to remind Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (NO. 9), which are in effect until October 31, 2020.
This emphasises
need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others; and the need for good handhygiene to help reduce the spread of order COVID-19 the
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THE SPATE OF ARRESTS IS TARGETED AT THE ELECTIONS PETITION Former Min.Volda Lawrence
It is a move to disqualify potential witnesses…says Volda Lawrence Former Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence, returned to the Criminal Investigations Department, Eve Leary, today. She went there with Chief Elections Officer,
Keith Lowenfield, and political activist Carol Joseph. She was critical of the method the police are adopting. “If they want to solve an issue you can’t use the big stick method first. You cannot seek to destroy people; you cannot seek to use inhumane tactics to get people to speak and to cooperate with you.” She said that what Coalition activist, Carol Joseph, is going through is unbelievable. Carol Joseph was also pulled in by the police for reasons
best known to the police and their directorate. “What my colleague and comrade, Carol Joseph-Smith, is going through is unbelievable. What they’re bringing up…because everybody who sat there at the Kingston office and witnessed the reading out of the statements of poll by the Returning Officer. “So everybody is an accomplice.” Ms. Lawrence said that Ms. Joseph was not there alone. And what she did was because she was a party agent.
Ms. Lawrence was there in the same capacity doing what all party agents have been doing over the years. “This is not the first time we have acted in this position and we haven’t done anything different from what we have done in the past. “So how come in the past we didn’t do something wrong and now it is wrong? Something is not right. I see it as political harassment. “What transpired with someone like Ms. Roxanne Myers, a former lecturer at the University
of Guyana is way past any form of courtesy or seeking justice in the right direction.” She said that the action by the police is definitely intended to humiliate all those arrested. It is disrespect, she added. “Why she had to sleep in the lockup? Why she couldn’t go on bail?” She is certain that the police are carrying out the task of the PPP political directorate. She said that there is a lot of pressure on women. All the people being harassed are women. Ms.
work to resolve whatever issues come up… We can do that in a very cordial way because all of us want the best for our healthcare workers and we have to work together to improve the system.” Dr. Anthony said he expects cordial deliberations to take place as the government continues to ensure that frontline workers are given the requisite gear to deliver the best service Nurses have been protesting for better pay and risk allowances over the last few weeks
Complex in Region Ten. Last week, GPSU President, Patrick Yarde, issued the ultimatum that the union would await a “positive response” from the Minister by October 6 or the union will work to mobilise and support countrywide protest action and strikes. The sum of $150 Gov. Adviser Jennifer Westford million was allocated to at facilities across the the frontline workers in the country; the GPHC, the recently approved budget West Demerara Regional and health workers at the Hospital in Region Three, GPHC working directly the Fort Wellington with COVID-19 patients, Hospital in Region Five have been receiving risk and the Linden Hospital allowances.
Lawrence said that she has nothing but pity for the GECOM Chairperson. “These are her staff and she is not sending a clear message. She is not giving them any protection. I believe she needs to take stock of what is happening. Who would want to work there? She said that this is programme by the p[olice, under the direction of the PPP, is designed to clean out GECOM. It is also designed to disqualify some of these people from testifying in the pending elections petition.
Strike by nurses put on hold
GPSU Vice-President, Dawn Gardener
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strike by nurses attached to the G e o rg e t o w n Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), which was planned to commence yesterday was put on hold after the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) agreed to negotiate the demands of the workers with the Government. The negotiation will continue over the next two weeks. On Wednesday, GPSU Vice-President, Dawn Gardener, and government adviser, Dr. Jennifer Westford,
signed an agreement for the commencement of negotiations between the two sides. General Secretary of the GPSU, Kempton Alexander, confirmed that there was a discussion to have the demands made by the health workers be negotiated over a twoweek period. “The government has come to an agreement to meet our demands but our strike action has not been abandoned or withdrawn. But it is just put on hold, if they don’t meet our demands in the two weeks we will take an industrial
move.” Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony said, “I am really happy that decision was made, and that we will
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It’s a case of constitutional reform Dear Editor,
The question of constitutional reform has once again surfaced and whether it will make the front-burner and be pursued earnestly and honestly is of course another matter. I read with great interest a letter written by Henry Jeffrey in the Stabroek News titled “Constitutional Reform. The Constitution at 40.” Henry’s well written analysis is useful and I believe should be read by all political party activists and concerned citizens, old and young I share much of the sentiments and analysis in his letter. However, when the lawyers, constitutional experts and politicians complete the new draft, the intractable question remains. Will Guyana be blessed with a breed of religious, business and political leaders who are genuine patriots and prepared to make certain sacrifices in the interest of the community and country? After constitutional engineering, will we have conscientious statesmen
and women with a vision, knowledge of our history and therefore with the capability to avoid past mistakes? But far and above all this, will our religious bodies, institutions of learning and parental guidance facilitate the emergence of citizens with a solid, moral rudder? The next period must also share the full history of those of who were here before the Europeans came, those who were enslaved and those who came as immigrants. All done by the Europeans who came in search for gold and glory. Our new leaders must be wedded to the idea that for a plural society to flourish, we must never ignore the hemorrhage caused by the European powers, which constituted the wellknown divide and rule policy and unfortunately after Independence this became an internecine struggle between two ethnic groups. Our new leaders must also be conscious that deep down, there still exists attitudes, which determine who should be at the bottom of the ladder.
Look around the world that now influences Guyana and we see extant this – If you’re black stay back, if you’re brown stick around, if you’re white, you’re alright. This is a serious matter and the educators, religious leaders, business leaders, parents and guardians need to take account of all the relevant factors. I know this is the hardest nut to crack but if all of us are to benefit from the Creator’s rich bounty we must stop and ponder and hand-in-hand be triumphant. I heard one of our enduring patriots, Dr. Yesu Persaud, state that we came in different ships, but we are now in the same boat and may I add, we must all paddle, responding to the drumbeat, whether it be the tassa or the congo-drum, but it must be to inspire us and paddle together in harmony trust and love. May I add this final caveat, if there is no trust, there can be no forward movement. Hamilton Green
Robert Corbin hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19
Road fatalities increase dramatically
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he Guyana N a t i o n a l Road Safety Council (GNRSC) said on Wednesday that 112 persons lost their lives due to road accidents over the last nine months this year. This is an increase of over 40% from 2019. Coordinator of the GNRSC, Ramona Doergen, said that the deaths resulted from 103 accidents. During the same period last year, 70 accidents occurred which resulted in 74 deaths. The GNRSC has embarked on an early awareness program to have an impact before the start of National Road Safety Week in November. Doergen noted the importance of campaigns in education of the public and enforcement of road safety laws. Traffic Chief, Ramesh
Ashram, said that Police have embarked on an initiative to place more Police ranks at intersections during peak hours since this forces drivers to observe the rules. He said it was found that “where drivers observe Police, they will adhere.” Ashram also noted that the placement of ranks along the roadways on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara has led to “a great reduction of accidents, especially fatal ones.” Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said the Government will make provisions in the next National Budget to construct bicycle lanes and install more pedestrian overpasses and traffic lights, traffic signs and signals to help increase the safety of roadways for
pedestrians and drivers. A ‘No Mask, No Ride’ policy was also launched. Minister of Public Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, shared the idea of policy with the GNRSC and it was quickly adopted. McCoy said the principle is simple, “If you do not have on a mask, you do not get into the minibus. It is the conductor and the driver who should ensure that it does not happen. If you are going into a vehicle and you see people without masks, then do not join the vehicle.” Coordinator Doergen said reducing the spread of COVID-19 on public transportation is critical since 75 percent of the population travel using public transportation.
104 COVID cases in one day
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Mr. Robert Corbin
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ormer Opposition Leader and leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Robert Corbin, has been hospitalised after testing positive for COVID-19. The 72-year-old was in serious condition on
Tuesday but is now stable after being admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal. Corbin became weak at home and a decision was made to have him hospitalised after he exhibited symptoms of COVID-19.
His wife, Carol Corbin, who is head of the Public Procurement Commission, has also tested positive for the virus but is not showing serious symptoms and has self-isolated at home.
he Ministry of Heath recorded 104 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday October 7, taking the total number of recorded cases in Guyana to 3,292. The death toll remains at 99 with 19 of those deaths being recorded in October. As of October 7, 15,360 persons have been tested for the virus and 2,084 have recovered. This
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leaves the number of active cases in the country at 1,109. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, said that 200 inmates of the Lusignan Prison who tested positive for COVID-19, are no longer infectious and can be reintegrated into the prison population. “From a medical point of view, since they are no longer infectious, we can return them to Lusignan.
That is something that the personnel at the isolation centre and the prison authority would have to discuss so that all these persons who have been discharged can go back to the prison setting.”, the Minister said. President Irfaan Ali also continued to ask that citizens not take the coronavirus pandemic lightly and to follow the recommended health guidelines.
GECOM DEPUTY CEO REMAINS IN POLICE CUSTODY
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he Deputy Chief Election Officer, R o x a n n e Myers, was taken into Police custody on Tuesday morning and remains in custody after refusing to answer questions from the Police in their investigation of alleged electoral fraud. Myers’s Attorney, Nigel Hughes, said that she was moved to the Beterverwagting Police station and has been refused station bail. He also said the only charge put to her is obstruction
A statement issued by of justice because of her the Police Force rejected decision to exercise her the claims made by the right not to answer any Attorney regarding the questions posed to her.
Digicel is getting ready to bring a new era of connectivity and opportunity to the people of Guyana on the back of the news that the new Government has moved quickly to remove the 31-year GT&T telecoms monopoly. The telephone company alleged that the monopoly resulted in poor choice, poor quality, poor coverage and poor service. With a McKinsey study showing that 10% higher broadband penetration delivers a GDP boost to a country of up to 1.4%, and Guyana poised to become the fastest
growing economy in the world on foot of the biggest oil discovery in years, access to world class telecommunications services – and all the attendant benefits and opportunities they bring – will mean that everyday people will also feel the benefits. Gregory Dean, CEO of Digicel Guyana, said, “To say that this day has been a long time coming is an understatement. For 16 long years, we have asked, requested, pushed, lobbied and pressured. “Today, finally, that day is here. At Digicel, we firmly believe that access to broadband is a basic
Roxanne Myers
reason for the Deputy CEO’s arrest. The statement said that the Myers was being held in custody for conspiracy to defraud. The Guyana Police Force has been conducting a comprehensive investigation into alleged criminal conduct of the Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, Returning Officer of Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, and several others, in relation to the March 2, 2020 Genera and Regional Elections.
Lowenfield, is facing private criminal charges filed by political representatives of the People’s Progressive Party and the New Movement party. The charges alleged that he engaged in fraud, misconduct in office and breach of public’s trust. Mingo is facing four charges alleging that he misconducted himself in public office and is also before another court facing a joint electoral fraud charge with former Health Minister and PNC/R Chairperson,
Volda Lawrence, for conspiracy to commit fraud. Lowenfield is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Friday, October 9, 2020, and Mingo’s next court dates are November 16, 2020, and December 15, 2020. Today, he reported to the Criminal Investigations Department with his lawyer, Nigel Hughes. Also reporting to CID Headquarters was Volda Lawrence and Carol Joseph.
Digicel retools to capitalize on liberalisation human right. Now, the people of Guyana can look forward to a brighter future with affordable access to world-class connectivity solutions that can catapult them to the forefront of the knowledge and digital economy.” “We are stepping into our future with confidence and are getting ready to make the transformational benefits of high-speed connectivity a powerful reality for Guyanese. “We look forward to a short administrative process to grant us the necessary permissions to make the desired expansions and upgrades Mr. Gregory Dean, CEO of Digicel of our services.”
Three more COVID-19 deaths recorded
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported that as of Wednesday October 7, three more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. The deceased are a
41-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man, both from Region Four, and a 58-year-old man from Region One. The death toll has now increased to 99. There have been 19 COVID-19
related deaths so far in the first week of October. The Ministry is reminding Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (NO. 9), which are in effect until October
31, 2020. The order emphasises the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from
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others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health did not report any new cases of COVID-19 for Tuesday October 6 as the
National Public Health Reference Laboratory is still working to validate the COVID-19 results. 15,265 persons had been tested for the virus and 2,017 persons have recovered.
The truth of the confrontation between the police and Roxanne Myers I have read what purports to be a press release from the Guyana Police Force dated October 7, 2020 and which release is titled, “Police Statement Regarding Arrest of Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Ms. Roxanne Myers.” Might I state
The interview was captured on video and my narration of the events, as they actually unfolded, can be corroborated by the video recording, pre-supposing that the integrity of the video recording is preserved. The interview was conducted by Assistant
Mr. Caesar then asked Ms. Myers if she would mind removing her mask briefly to permit the camera to capture her face. He made it clear that this was not compulsory. Ms. Myers politely declined observing that she is sensitive to the Covid-19 risk and wanted to avert
Defendant, Lawer Nigel Hughes categorically that the narration of the police of the events subsequent to Ms. Myers voluntarily attending the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eve Leary, is a radical, deliberate, and unfortunate departure from the truth. I remained at CID with Ms. Myers after Mr.
Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr. (Michael) Caesar, Head of Major Crimes Unit, who introduced himself in these terms. He introduced Inspector Nigel Stephens as his scribe and Corporal Desmond Johnny as the operator of the video equipment. The interview commenced at 12:07 p.m.
any risk. What follows is a substantively verbatim record of the questions ASP Caesar asked Ms. Myers and her responses: Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, are you employed by GECOM? Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers,
This time was relayed to me by ASP Caesar. I inquired from ASP Caesar at the outset whether Ms. Myers was being treated as a suspect in the commission of any offence. He explicitly responded that she was not a suspect.
are you Deputy CEO of GECOM? Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, are you, were you a part of the staff that worked during the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections?
Some of the protesters Hughes was required to return to the Criminal Assizes. I sat through the police interview with Ms. Myers and remained at the CID up until Ms. Myers was being put into the police van to be taken to the Beterverwagting Police Station.
Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, is your office located at Barack and Fourth Streets Kingston, Georgetown? Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, could you please state your present address. Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, do you have any supervisory control over the… of GECOM Headquarters. Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. Mr. Caesar: An interview was done with Mr. Keith Lowenfield. Do you know Mr. Lowenfield? Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. Mr. Caesar: In that interview Mr. Lowenfield was asked for certified copies of the SOP used to make two (2) declarations in the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. He said he was on leave and we must ask you for those documents. Are you in possession of those documents? Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, the police need those documents to conduct an investigation. Your holding those documents could cause you to be charged for obstructing an investigation. Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. *Insp. Stephens intervened at this time to clarify with Mr. Caesar whether the documents he is referring to are the SOPs. Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, when last you went to work at GECOM office at Barack and Fort Street?
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Roxanne Myers
Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers, are you living at the address on the record at GECOM office for you? Ms. Myers: I reserve my right to remain silent. **Mr. Caesar then indicated that was the end of the interview unless Mr. Stephens wanted to ask anything further. Mr. Caesar, especially, was visibly frustrated by Ms. Myers responses. Mr. Stephens signalled to Mr. Caesar for them to speak outside. They asked for an excuse. They returned to the room a few short minutes after. When they returned to the room Mr. Caesar said as follows: Mr. Caesar: Counsel, I will now have to put an allegation to your client for perverting the course of justice.
Mr. Caesar: Ms. Myers: It is alleged that you are perverting the course of justice and as such you will be placed in custody. During the course of the investigations we will have persons to confront you with. Mr. Caesar then invited Ms. Myers to exit the room where he placed her in the custody of Women Inspectors Castello and McBean whom he instructed to book her and take her to Beterverwagting Police Station. I maintain that at no time did ASP Caesar, Insp. Stephens, or any other police officer, on or off camera, put the allegation of ‘conspiracy to defraud’ to Ms. Myers. Ronald J. Daniels Senior Associate Attorney-at-Law Hughes, Fields & Stoby
By Sir Ronald Sanders
Editorial Dismissals and supersessions represent the new government order
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he head of government always says that he will lead on behalf of all the people. That should mean that everyone would have equal access to everything that the government controls. But the society is seeing that this is not really the case. In fact, one is led to believe that incompetent or people who were less than competent actually occupied positions of leadership in the various branches of the society. One would arrive at this conclusion when one looks at the people who are being replaced in the various government and state agencies. One can ask about the reason for the replacements but rest assured, one would never get an accurate answer. Vincent Adams, perhaps the most qualified of the people to head the Environmental Protection Agency, was simply swept aside. There was a brief article that suggested that Adams’s affiliation to the Alliance For Change may have had something with the government removing him. This has been a common feature for
the most part. Dr. Richard Van West Charles headed the Guyana Water Inc. He conducted a massive potable water programme in the Rupununi and in other parts of the
conviction that the replacement is better than the person who was in place. It may be a case of paying someone for political support during the March 2
remains the deputy. There has been no promotion for Dr. Karen Boyle. The government appointed another supporter to the top position, leaving Dr. Boyle where
There are advisers everywhere. Robeson Benn has an adviser at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Frank Anthony has two at the Ministry of Health—but since
country. Places that never had potable water were now enjoying water flowing through their taps. Yet Dr. Van West Charles was removed as soon as the government changed. He still had another year on his contract but he was removed. One can only imagine that the society has come to accept such removals on the ground of politics. It seems that even the reporters believe that such removals are the norm. Perhaps at one of the press conferences someone may make bold to ask questions about the removals. No one can say with
elections. The Guyana Sugar Corporation has a new Chief Executive Officer. People may remember that after the elections this individual was part of a team granted a contract to investigate some happening involving the operations of the Coalition administration. The PPP said that the investigation was done pro bono; so the Guysuco job has to be the payoff. This individual a few years back proclaimed support for the AFC. He got no big position back in 2015 so he shifted his loyalty once more. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer
she has been for a while. Karen Boyle’s physical appearance may have conveyed the impression that she is not a supporter of the People’s Progressive Party. The result is that she is not good enough to be the bride. There have been adjustments in some other areas. Suddenly Guyana is seeing the largest number of advisers. Some ministries now have two. These advisers supersede the professionals who have been working there. The minister must now listen to his advisers. More dismissals could follow on the grounds of redundancy.
their appointment COVID-19 deaths have gone through the roof—and even Priya Manickchand has an adviser at the Education Ministry. And while all this shuffling and replacing is going on, the political campaign must go on. Opponents must be prepared to be attacked with fabrications. David Granger has been accused of buying a Sports Utility Vehicle for $35 million. The records show otherwise but the government is not changing that tune. Even Charles Ramson whose intelligence is questionable— he wanted to be the presidential candidate; then he
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wanted to be an oil expert after he was so dubbed by Kaieteur News; then he could not pronounce battalion—takes to social media that his party has found the vehicle but can’t find Granger. Granger is very much a public figure. Just Monday he was officiating at a public function at Agricola, East Bank Demerara. Perhaps those incidents are blips in Irfaan Ali’s pledge to lead on behalf of everyone. Then something happens. He says that he will not deal with the political opposition until it stops saying that his government is illegal. One cannot rule on behalf of an individual or group of people with whom one has no discussion. But what is all this talk about not holding discussions until one side stops saying that the government is illegal. Five years ago the PPP was saying that the Coalition was illegal. Do suh nah like suh. Joseph Heller wrote a classic, Catch 22. This is recommended reading if one is to understand the present government.
Ministry of Housing warns against land allocation scam
Hon.Collin Croal
The Ministry of Housing is reminding the public to be alert for phone calls from a person or persons claiming to be the Minister of Housing & Water, Collin Croal, on the premise of allocating house lots to single parents in the Providence, Lusignan, and Dairy areas
for $100,000. Persons are being asked to send money to an MMG Account which is falsely being linked to the Office of the First Lady, Ms. Arya Ali, under the pretext of payment for the house lot. The Ministry wanted to make it clear that no Land allocation is made directly from the Minister’s office. All allocations are made by the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) using the prescribed procedures established by the agency. Applications and at Vreed-en-Hoop RDC Compound, Region Two, 5, New Amsterdam, RDC interviews are done at the Compound Region Three, Fort Wellington RDC Compound, Region Six, regional offices located Anna Regina, RDC compound Region Five Lethem, Region Nine and
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Linden, Region Ten. The Ministry cautioned persons against participating in any unlawful transactions. They recognize that the demand for housing is great and continually growing and it presents an atmosphere for the criminal elements to thrive on persons’ gullibility during this period. The Ministry assures all applicants, that applications will be dealt with in due process as work towards satisfying the obj ect i ve of adequat e housi ng as a basi c hum an r i ght .
Jury trials have restarted
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ury Trials have recommenced. On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, the Demerara Assizes opened and two juries were empaneled in the cases of The State v Desmond James and The State v Keron Taylor. The judges presiding are Justice Brassington Reynolds, Justice
Navindra Singh and Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry. Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry conducted another empaneling on Wednesday. Both James and Taylor were freed on the first day of the court hearings. The judge, Justice Navindra Singh, upheld no-case submissions. The two men who
were represented by Mark Conway and Nigel Hughes, respectively, were indicted for the 2014 stabbing to death of Glendon Cox, at Aranka, North West District. Jury trials were suspended since March due to the incidence of COVID-19. On Monday, October 5, 2020, Justice Brassington Reynolds
resumed a jury trial which commenced in March 2020 but had to be adjourned due to the COVID 19 pandemic. These resumptions are a monumental achievement as many jurisdictions worldwide have been unable to restart this essential judicial service. The Judiciary of Guyana has been working
assiduously over the past 6 months to facilitate the safe resumption of jury trials for the October Session of the Demerara Assizes. Similar efforts are being undertaken with respect to the Essequibo and Berbice Assizes. These efforts at resuming jury trials have been in recognition of the fact that Jury service is integral to the criminal justice system of Guyana. A number of measures have been put in place for the safe conduct of cases. For instance: Judges, Jurors, court staff, attorneys-at-law and all court users will be socially distanced. Cameras, video link and video conferencing facilities have been installed. Plexiglass has been placed around witness boxes, desks and other furniture Sanitizing dispensers are in all courtrooms and constant sanitisation of jury seating, court furniture, exhibits and the
courtroom will be done. Temperature screening will also be conducted upon entry of everyone to the court compound. The summoning of a jury panel is staggered to allow for social distancing. Court corridors have been utilized to accommodate the empaneling of juries. The media is allowed to report on the trials remotely by audio visual link. The members of the public especially relatives of accused or victims may also view trials by video link. These measures are dealt with extensively in our protocols for the resumption of jury trials during the Covid 19 pandemic. We are heartened by the fact that the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Police Force, who are all important actors in the Criminal Justice process are on board with the provision of courtrooms and IT facilities at the prison.
Email or text your letters to us we would be happy to publish them ExxonMobil Oil Rig
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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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TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR LIBERALISED
Prime Minister, Brigadier Mark Phillips, has announced that the Government of Guyana issued Commencement Orders to fully bring into force the Telecommunications Act 2016 and the Public Utilities Commission Act 2016 The commencement of these Acts is described as historic. It will be aligning Guyana’s telecommunications regime to those found
in other countries in the world and ending a thirtyyear-old anti-competitive telecommunications monopoly. The implementation of these pieces of legislation will create a modern and competitive environment for telecommunications, greater choices, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers and will ensure that all operators continue to enjoy the same benefits provided by the previous
legislature. The Prime Minister also said that this step is consistent with the government’s vision of furthering national and regional social and economic development. The Telecommunications Act will address the expansion of telecommunications networks and services into unserved and underserved areas through the institution of a new
universal access and services programme. It will create a level playing field for the sector with a clear framework. There will also be transparency and nondiscrimination in the issuance and monitoring of licences and authorisations to use the spectrum, seamless interconnection and access between telecommunications networks and services, and price regulation. It will also guarantee equal
treatment of stakeholders and benefits and protection for consumers. T h e Telecommunications Act 2016 was first laid out in the 9th Parliament in August 2011, and again in the 10th Parliament in 2012. The Act was finalised before the 2015 elections. It was enacted by the Coalition Government in 2016 by Minister Catherine Hughes, with bipartisan support.
However, only a few sections of the Act were put into force. Prime Minister Phillips emphasised that these legislations straddled administrations, and were the subject of extensive negotiations with stakeholders which lasted nearly a decade. The Prime Minister continued to point out that universal and competitive access to telecommunications is pivotal to Guyana’s developmental trajectory especially in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. The Government of Guyana remains ready and willing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that every Guyanese has affordable access to quality and modern services which they so badly deserve, as well as ensuring that the existing operators suffer no disadvantage whatsoever as they continue business in the sector.
Personnel are currently on the ground working on the connections, and GPL expects to see the project completed by the end of the month. Once it is competed it will help to mitigate blackouts on the East
Coast Demerara corridor. Ramtahal also stated that preliminary works are beginning for another 30 megawatts of power for the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System. The third project is a “dual engine for Garden of Eden to 46.5 megawatts.”. This project is expected to be implemented by the second quarter of 2021. “By that time, we should be able to be in a better position to manage our reliability of electricity in this country,” Ramtahal said. The DCEO explained that since his appointment he has uncovered a number of inconsistencies in the company’s previous management. “I’m there for just two weeks, but I’ve discovered
[that] over the last four to five years, investments to generation was under five per cent, [which is] merely seven megawatts.” He said that there is a very low generation reserve. There are not enough “spinning reserves” or spare reserves to ensure that the grid continues operating in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System when there are problems. The reserve is intended to allow reliable connections and ensure supply capacity is always above the demand. When the reserve is too low and power consumption in an area is above normal, bl ackout s or power out ages occur.
GPL to obtain power from Giftland Mall by month end
Giftland Mall
Samaroo Ramtahal, the new Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Strategic Operations at Guyana Power and Light Inc.(GPL), has said that the company will be looking to secure power from the Giftland
Mall, through a Power Purchase Agreement. GPL has several projects in train to maximise the potential of power generation in both the short and long term. Obtaining power from Giftland is one of three avenues the
company is considering. GPL is looking to obtain an additional five megawatts of power from the Giftland system which has a 6.7 megawatt output capacity but only uses 1.6 megawatts during prime operations.
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Hess selling interest in Shenzi field to fund Payara Project U.S. oil company, Hess, has agreed to sell its 28 percent interest in the Shenzi field in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico to BHP for $505 million. It proposes to use the money for operations in Guyana. The Shenzi field is operated by BHP with a 44 percent stake. 28 percent is owned by Hess and the remaining 28 percent is owned by Repsol. The sale to BHP will add around 11,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of production, of which 90 percent is oil. John Hess, CEO of Hess, said the sale was
BHP President of Petroleum Operations, Geraldine Slattery
aligned with Hess’s strategy to preserve cash “and preserve the longterm value of our assets in the current low oil price environment.” The proceeds would be used to fund their investment in the Payara development project that was recently approved for Exxon. BHP President of Petroleum Operations, Geraldine Slattery, said, “This transaction aligns with our plans to enhance our petroleum portfolio by targeted acquisitions in high quality producing deepwater assets and the
continued de-risking of our growth options. “We are purchasing the stake in Shenzi at an attractive price, it’s a tierone asset with optionality, and key to BHP’s Gulf of Mexico heartland. As the operator, we have more opportunity to grow Shenzi high-margin barrels and value with an increased working interest.” The transaction is expected to close before the end of 2020 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
A 28-year-old mother of three is killed by her estranged reputed husband
Clarabel Yolanda Johnson
Domestic violence is one of the most common features in Guyanese life. It is only surpassed by child abuse. Another woman, Clarabel Yolanda Johnson, died horribly at the hands of her estranged reputed husband, in Albouystown, Georgetown. The killer was 45-yearold Nicholas Shawn Williams. Clarabel Johnson was 28 years old and a mother of three. Alvin Johnson, a brother, was not around but he learnt of the murder. “I see she and she children father in a talking. He chop she in the street. I get a call and I went to the
hospital. That was when I know that she dead.” He said that at the hospital he saw his other relatives in various states of distress. He spoke of the clashes between the two and these have been ongoing. “The last time when they fight I wasn’t around. I was working in Suriname.” Yolanda’s Brother A friend of the now dead victim, Candacy Leung, was near to the crime scene. “Me son was awake. So when I wake up he seh Aunty Bella went to you. He didn’t open the door. Me phone ring and
I answer it. Was me friend who tell me to come quick to carry Bella at the hospital. She just get chop up.” In tears she spoke of the friendship she shared with the woman she called Bella. “We does go and sell on the market. We go from Parika Market to Mon Repos. We always deh hustling.” She said that there were constant conflicts with the assailant to the extent that the victim moved out to live with her mother. She spoke of the marks of violence her friend bore. “When I ask she how
Yolanda Johnson Mother he jaw; all over.” The dead woman’s mother, Patricia Johnson, recalled the events leading up to the killing. She said that she saw her daughter early in the morning. It was a ritual that the now dead Clarabel would awake and greet the household. Sometimes she would return to bed. “About 6:00 she come in my room and sehe, ‘Morning Mommy.’ I sehe ‘Morning’. I think she gone back in she room because she does normally come out and tell me and she father
Clarabel Yolanda Johnson’s Mother explaining what happen
call about 6:20 ansd sehe that her daughter started ‘Uncle Aunty, look you the relationship with daughter get chop up. Nicholas Williams from “By the time we coulda the time she was 15, and run out; my husband run going to school. out. I had on my night She too spoke of the dress. I get so confused. constant abuse. She said I looking fuh clothes that her daughter moved and can’t find anything. My clothes deh right in front of me.” At the hospital, she was told that the doctors were trying to save Clarabel’s life. Not long after Yolanda Johnson’s Brother explaining she got the news that her back into her home almost you get all them marks? ‘good morning.’ I didn’t daughter had died. The seven years ago. When He give she all them know that she gone out on killing ended a long and she moved back in her last marks. Me friend get a the road. abusive relationship. child, a seven-year-old “Is when somebody long mark cross s Patricia Johnson said was just a baby.
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Min
COVID-19 Update
October 6 The Ministry of Health recorded 95 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, October 5. 12 cases were recorded in Region One, four in Region Two, six in Region
Three, 37 in Region Four, one in Region Six, 11 in Region Seven, three in Region Eight, seven in Region Nine and 14 in Region Ten. The total number of cases in Guyana is now at
feet physical distance from others; and the need for good hand-hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. This order will remain in effect until October 31st, 2020.
3,188. The death toll has risen to 93 with the deaths of a 38-yearold man and an 84-year-old woman, both from Region 4 As of October 5 15,078 persons have
been tested for the virus. 1,972 have recovered leaving the number of active cases at 1,123. The Ministry continues to remind Guyanese to observe the protocols of
the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (NO. 9) emphasising the need for correct and consistent use of a face mask when leaving your home; the importance of maintaining the six
been dismissed for no reason other than their political affiliation. Then there is the political targeting of people attached to the Guyana Elections Commission. Just today, Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers, was forced to respond to a wanted notice posted by the Criminal Investigations Department. She chose to remain silent in the presence of her lawyer, Nigel Hughes. The result is that the police have detained her at the Beterverwagting Police Station Lockups. The police contend that by her silence she was obstructing justice.
Some of the people were supposed to face private criminal charges. The absence of evidence led to the state intervening and conducting a series of investigations by arresting and detaining people. A m o n g those arrested outside of the private criminal charges are Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, former Health Minister Volda Lawrence, and four other
officers employed by questioned by the police. the Guyana Elections None has even been invited by the police. Certainly, they are facing no private criminal charges. The one person who faced charges other than the obviously Black elections officers to be hauled before the courts on electoral fraud charges has been Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Claudette Singh. Commission. Almost immediately, All of these have appeared in court. Director of Public However, those elections Prosecutions, Shalimar agents who were Ali-Hack, nolle prosequi responsible for missing those charges. There are other such poll documents from ballot boxes have not been cases
Another GECOM official dragged in by CID
Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers
Charged with government has been obstructing justice by presiding over what some remaining silent people say is rampant The Irfaan Ali persecution. Some have
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