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Thursday Dec. 30, 2021

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GEORGETOWN CHAMBER CALLS FOR A HOLD ON NATURAL RESOURCES FUND BILL

NEW BUILDING SOCIETY SLASHED INTEREST RATES ON LOANS

GPL GUARANTEES ADEQUATE FOR CHRISTMAS

MECHANIC FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE AT IMBAIMADAI

CIVIL SOCIETY, SOCIAL COMMENTATORS, OPPOSITION CONDEMN GOVERNMENT’S MOVE TO PUSH THROUGH NATURAL RESOURCE FUND BILLS

95 PERCENT OF COVID-19 Pg4 CASES RECOVERED

Thursday Dec.30, 2021

Georgetown Chamber calls for a hold on Natural Resources Fund Bill Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is calling for the delay in the passing of the Natural Resources Fund bill that is set to be passed today in the National Assembly via a PPP/C Government Majority.

The new bill seeks to replace the 2018 bill that was tabled by the APNU-AFC. In that Bill, some 22 non-political members served on the oversight committee on the funds. This committee will now have five board members selected by the President and the Vice President.

This move sparked some level of criticism from sections of civil society and the opposition. Both have deemed it as a move to control the wealth from

the oil sector.

These criticisms have led to the GCCI stating that after looking at the bill for some time, it would ask Government to take some time more

to consult with the wider population. “(NRF) Bill is an instrument of exceptional importance in the development landscape of Guyana– for current

and future generations.

As such, the GCCI has been carefully following the developments associated with and analyzing in detail, the Bill since its release to

the public on December 15, 2021.”

The Chamber of Commerce added that it understands the need for the revision of the Natural Resources Fund as outlined by the President on December 28, 2021. It would like to commend the government for its effort at attempting to improve public accountability and transparency with respect to the management and operation of the Fund.

Overall, the GCCI is pleased with Bill’s general adherence to the international benchmark for Sovereign Wealth Funds, commonly referred to as the ‘Santiago Principles.’ “ A d d i t i o n a l l y, given the paramount importance of this Bill, and its use as a tool for

intergenerational wealth transfer of the citizens of Guyana, the GCCI is of the belief that more time should be provided to the public for its input and general commentary on the Bill.

The Chamber wishes to reaffirm its stance as a partner in national development and anticipates continued steps to support inclusive growth for Guyanese.”

The statement added.

The Chamber of Commerce said it will be transmitted to the Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, by way of letter, “our detailed commentary on the Natural Resources Fund Bill.”

NEW BUILDING SOCIETY SLASHED INTEREST RATES ON LOANS

Those using the New Building Society (NBS), come June, are expected to enjoy lower mortgage interest rates from January 2022.

This announcement was made by the bank this afternoon to all of its

borrowers. In the statement the bank continues to play a critical role in providing affordable mortgage loans to Guyanese and in the process help them to realise their dreams of home ownership.

The NBS

announcement of then across the board reduction in Mortgage Interest Rates to all of its borrowers was made in April 2021 “as we welcome the increase in the Society’s mortgage ceiling announced by the Government from $12M

to $15M.” “The bank continues to realize this dream so that now more borrowers can build a decent and modern home.”

Adding to the equation, the bank recognized that the Government has been

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aggressively pursuing policies and taking decisive action to improve the nation’s housing stock.

This moved NBS said, is a welcome development and one that is pleasing to Guyanese in all walks of life.

The bank said with all that has gone, it committed itself as an active partner to continue to support the enhanced housing drive and deliver finance to thousands of Guyanese who will benefit from the Government’s programme.

Therefore, the bank announces a reduction in its mortgage interest rates from January 1, 2022 as follows– Loans between $6M and $15M will see the rate lowered from 6.25% to 5.95% per annum.

This is applicable to both current and new loans. For borrowers who qualify for low income loans – ($6M and below)

the Interest Rate is 4.00% per annum.

The bank said that the reduction of interest rates on mortgage loans has been a consistent feature of the Society’s policy which over the years has reduced mortgage interest rates down from twenty percent (20%) per annum in 1990 to the current interest rate of 5.95% per annum.

While implementing this reduction, the Society still offers the best interest rate of 2.75% to all its savings account holders in the Save and Prosper category.

The reduction in interest rates will aggregately put millions of dollars per annum into the pockets of borrowers which is in keeping with “our mandate to ensure that Guyanese can acquire ready and low-cost financing and therefore, become home owners.”

Thursday Dec. 30, 2021

Civil society, social commentators, opposition condemn government’s move to push through Natural Resource Fund Bill

As condemnation increases over the Government’s intention to pass new legislation to govern Guyana’s Natural Resource Fund, Civil Society, Opposition Members, and Social Commentators today all protested the Bill.

They urged the government to reconsider the new legislation.

Dubbed the Natural Resource Fund Bill, the Bill is expected to replace the one passed by the former APNUAFC Government back in 2018.

This move by the government has attracted some level of criticism from various sections of the public, including from Civil Society, Opposition Members,

Small Party Members, and various business chambers.

Those criticisms came mainly on the issue of oversight of the funds.

The Government intends to hand power to the President, including the power to name a Board of Directors of the Natural Resources Fund consisting of not less than three and not more than five members including a Chairman.

The move is intended to remove the 22-member oversight committee that consisted of nonpolitical members. The Government claims that it remains a committee that is large and would take some time to have a consensus on issues.

If passed, the

Government will now have total control of the spending of the oil resources, leaving little oversight of the spending.

Hours before the debate on the bill, protestors flanked the entrance to the Arthur Chung Conference Center calling for the Government to reconsider debating the bill.

One protestor was Local Businessman and Social Media Personality, Bryan Max, who said that for years and years “we have seen under the PPP/C how billions of dollars have been wasted in projects.”

He contended that giving so many powers to the Government to

spend might not be the right move.

“That is what Jagdeo is good; for wasting Guyana’s Resources. If Jagdeo was spending his own money he would be living in (poor house) today.

“He would be broke because of the number of failed projects behind him, his money would have been done. We don’t want to give full access too to every penny of our oil resources for him to do what he wants to do with just five PPP/C handpicked persons to sit on aboard.

“I don’t think so and that is why I am out here to demand that the Bill be scrapped.”

He called on the international community

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for help. As of today, the Government is making no attempt to scrap the Bill.

Leader of the PNC/R, Aubrey Norton, who joined the protect also condemned the bill calling it one that will put Guyana in serious economic trouble.

“They are creating a situation where they are taking as much money as they can and do as they like. There is no oversight. There was an element of the bill that suggested that you have to have that which is fiscally sustainable to take out.

“In other words, you can’t take out more than the economy could sustain. They have removed that completely

and they are not in a situation, where they can take as much money without virtually paying attention to sustaining the economy.

“The bill is really an attempt to remove the checks and balances and open the floodgates for the PPP/C to steal money.”

This law, according to Norton, which restricts the amount you take out of the funds should remain in order to ensure that we spend wisely.

One civil society member who also took to the protest line said that all the years he has been working as a low-income earner and he is fed up with the fact that only a few higher individuals benefit.

He added that there was hope with the coming oil but as time progresses the cycle, according to him, will continue with the passing of the bill.

“I still struggle from day to day to make ends meet, all because I try to be honest. I want to earn a decent honest living.

Nothing seems to be working in favor of the hard-working people in this country.

“I have observed that the administration uses the electorate more so their supporters as a market product, for their friends and family, personal and financial gain.

Whatever the hardworking people trying to do they cannot get past the pole, only a small few in the governing party can get to the stop spending all-out wealth.”

Thursday Dec.30, 2021

TUSCHEN RESIDENT NABBED WITH $113M WORTH OF COCAINE attributed to strict adherence to protocols, an intense vaccination campaign

From the onset of the Coronavirus in Guyana at the beginning of March 2020, just under 40,000 people have contracted the virus.

Minister of Health,

Dr. Frank Anthony M.P. revealed that more than 95 percent of the persons who have tested positive have fully recovered from the symptoms connected with COVID-19.

“To date, we have 39,151 persons who have tested positive for COVID, and over the period since we have started testing, we would’ve done close to 418,178 tests… Of

[these positive cases], we have had 37,366 persons who have recovered, so that’s 95.4% of those who have tested positive,” the minister highlighted.

The minister noted

that just about 2.6% of the persons who tested positive have died since the virus arrived on Guyana’s shores.

“If you look at the persons who have died, which is 1,050 that would be approximately 2.6% of those who tested positive [that] died from COVID,” the minister said.

While this has already been classified as good news in Guyana’s fight against COVID-19, the minister reminded that it is paramount for Guyanese to continue following the health and safety protocols implemented by the government and to be fully vaccinated, as prevention is always better than cure.

The minister took the opportunity to remind

partygoers and promoters to be responsible, by avoiding large gatherings and not hosting events for large gatherings.

“There are a lot of persons who can behave responsibly, and we want them to do so because if you don’t, you are putting yourself and your family and your loved ones at risk, and that can be challenging going forward…It’s not that we want to be the party grinch, but we really want to keep people safe,” Minister Anthony warned.

There are currently 741 active cases, with 32 persons in healthcare facilities across the country.

Seven of these patients are in the Intensive Care Unit at the Ocean View Hospital.

ANUG criticizes the government’s biased approach to national life

A New and United Guyana has observed the policy of governance by the People’s Progressive Party since their return to power, and regrets to note an alarming trend to dispense with necessary systemic safeguards, to marginalize the citizens of Guyana who are not perceived to number among the party faithful, and to favour those citizens of Guyana who are perceived to be supporters.

ANUG noted the government’s shaping statutory institutions and systems to facilitate easy

access to State resources to pursue this divisive agenda.

“Our democratically elected Government is using the absolute power enjoyed under the current Constitutional system to consolidate its power, to streamline its unobstructed access to State funds, and to exclude any non-PPP Guyanese from access to information which would enable scrutiny of its management of the country and its resources.”

First, the Government used their majority in Parliament to authorize an increase in the amount of

money it may borrow. It then began to spend large sums of money on ad hoc and poorly monitored cash hand-outs and inadequately audited and poorly monitored contract awards, ANUG said.

This expenditure could only have been funded by increased borrowing, and it is likely that borrowing was done against the collateral of the Petroleum Fund.

“But what was the money spent on? Billions of dollars were given to agriculture producers and to sugar workers.

“Billions were spent in the award of contracts to

party supporters. In respect of the awards of contracts, where kickbacks are easy and party loyalty can be rewarded, qualification criteria were and are being overlooked or ignored altogether.

“Bidding processes were and are undermined and the best bidder is not certain to be the bidder to whom the contract is awarded. The party faithful is receiving their rewards.”

ANUG said that most recently, the Government has indicated its intention to use its majority in Parliament to amend the Petroleum legislation by removing any meaningful safeguard against its unrestricted access to the Oil Fund.

“The spending spree will now ramp up. The hardships endured by those not numbered among the party faithful are equally unacceptable, as is the Government’s treatment of those categories of Guyanese who traditionally fall within the ranks of Opposition supporters.”

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When the nurses in Linden protested against mistreatment by hospital administration, their reward was threats to deduct the protest days from their salary. When teachers’ concerns were in the spotlight, the Government did not ‘have time ’to consult the Teachers’ Union, which it deemed to be political, ANUG said.

Most egregious was the unilateral 7% increase for public servants. This increase was not offered with an apology and expression of hope for better.

“Ashni Singh was ‘pleased to announce now that your Government will be paying an across-theboard increase of seven (7) percent to public servants, teachers, members of the disciplined services, constitutional office holders, as well as government pensioners.”

A clerk in the public service will therefore receive a monthly increase of five thousand dollars.

But $250,000 handouts were given gratis to sugar

workers! The reality is that the Government sees itself to be untouchable, thanks to the equally divisive and heavy-handed governance methods of the APNU before 2020, and the flagrant and failed attempt by that party to rig the 2020 elections after it realized it had lost the vote.

“APNU has managed to reinforce every stereotype of its Burnhamite image – which alienates any independent voter and ensures party loyalty of the PPP traditionalists.

“Faced with criticism from its supporters about corruption, cronyism, and poor governance, the PPP will simply respond: ‘Do you want those people back in power?”

A New and United Guyana asks Guyanese to consider what it is that we want for Guyana, and how those dreams can be made a reality. One side cannot simply ignore the wishes and views of the other side; there must be a mutually agreed accommodation. But on what terms?

Albouystown shooting: Police issue wanted bulletin for 18-year-old

Martial Arts Expert and Beharry Security Personnel, Garfield Newton

Days after the death of Martial Arts Expert and Beharry Security Personnel, Garfield Newton, who was shot dead over his jewellery and his gun stolen, the mother of the dead man is crying out of justice.

The whole situation, she said, has wrenched her heart and her soul out.

Forty-year-old Newton was walking back to his car after picking up some pieces of jewellery from the goldsmith when he was shot dead by three men and robbed of the jewellery and his firearm

in Albouystown last Friday.

According to the goldsmith, Newton had just collected the jewellery from him when his son later told him of Newton being shot to his chest moments after leaving the premises.

Newton was rushed to the nearby hospital, with a gunshot wound to his chest and pronounced dead on arrival.

Describing it as the worst Christmas for everyone in the family and those who also loved him, Newton’s mother,

Leona Walton Barton, said that she could not come to grips with what has transpired and it has “wrenched my heart and my soul out”.

“They wrench my heart and my soul out. I don’t know when or how if I would ever pass this but I’m just hoping and praying that they find whoever did this to my son and bring them to books. Let them know they did a grave injustice to this world, for the young people of Guyana especially in the martial arts fraternity and to my

family; his mother his father and all to who love him,” Ms Barton said.

Ms Barton said that Newton was her fourth child, but the eldest remained in Guyana to take care of her since she was troubled by health issues.

She explained that Newton would also look for ways to encourage youths to better their lives by either helping or giving advice. He would always try to lift the family up with laugher even in the bad times.

With such a good personal character, Ms Barton said that she could

not see how someone would want to take a life that remained so valuable to many.

“Life in itself for everybody going to be just plain and simple, you know, as Garfield was our livewire. Garfield was a livewire to people in Guyana, people in Trinidad. So many people called me and cried. They call him Son, they call him father, they call him big brother because of what he did and how he did it.”

Ms Barton said also, that he will be missed in the martial arts fraternity since that is where many lives were turned around.

“A lot of young men and young women who were bent on the indiscipline side of life

in Guyana, Garfield took them in the Blackhawks martial arts academy and gave of his best to them.

Lots of them told me, they said, ‘Mom, that’s our father, that’s the father most of us haven’t had or know; how he treated us.”

The Mother, while in tears, noted that she remains positive that the criminals will be caught since the life of her son will not go in vain.

Since the incident, three persons were arrested including the goldsmith’s son and other relatives.

The police investigators have issued a wanted bulletin for an 18-year-old, Kevin Carter.

statement released by the Taskforce, pumps and sluices at Cowan Street and the Forestry Commission,

Kingston; Water Street; Princes Street; Sussex Street; Ruimveldt; Kitty; and Liliendaal were all inspected and are functioning optimally.

However, residential areas like Albouystown; West, East, North and South Ruimveldt; Bel Air Park; Wortmanville and downtown Georgetown were once inundated but the waters have receded in most parts.

In addition, Engineers and Pump Attendants stated there were minor challenges to overcome but all Flood Reduction Assets are in place and operating at full capacity.

Rainfall in Georgetown

has measured a total of 3.5 inches from 8 am to 2 pm on Monday.

The National Weather Service predicts heavy rainfall along the coast over the next 12 hours and as such, all relevant agencies are prepared to respond to any impacts or hindrances.

During this period, residents countrywide are advised to remain observant and take all necessary precautions.

All impacts should be reported to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 at any time.

Georgetown experienced 3.5 inches of rain on Monday

Following severe rainfall over the Christmas weekend, officials from the National Flood

Taskforce, led by Prime Georgetown on Monday Minister Brigadier (Rt’d) to assess the impacts of Mark Phillips, visited floods. several locations across According to a

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GUYANA RECORDS 71 NEW AIDS CASES THIS YEAR

As the World observes Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS} Day 2021, statistics in Guyana show that over 9000 people are currently infected by the deadly disease.

Adding to an already compound situation with the COVID-19 Pandemic, the health sector also faces the challenges of reducing infections.

This was revealed by the National AID Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Health when the two hosted a

ceremony to acknowledge the ongoing fight against AIDS. This fight has been ongoing since the diagnosis of the first AIDS case some four decades ago.

Under the theme: “Ending Inequalities.

End AIDS. END Pandemic” it was noted

by Programme Director of the Aids Secretariat, Tariq Jagnarine, that some 9022 are infected with the disease. There were 71 new cases in 2021 alone, in which more young people continue to be at the forefront of

contraction.

Dr Jagnarine explained that of the total, 94% of a person living with HIV knows his status, 70% remain on treatment with antiretroviral drugs while 83% are virally suppressed. There are 50 sites around Guyana that are geared to test.

Dr Jagnarine said that there is the need for a greater fight against disease from the wider community since more and more, there have been several elements that have contributed to a high number of cases.

“These challenges clearly indicate to us that to end AIDS and defeat the COVID-19 Pandemic; we must eliminate the challenges relating to inequalities, stigma and discrimination by putting people at the centre and ground our responses in gender rights, and human response approaches.”

Dr Jagnarine said that one way we can fight AIDS and succeed in ending the disease by 2030 is by knowing that AIDS remains relevant in our society and we must do all we can to protect

ourselves and others.”

The Secretariat also emphasized that there remain challenges that are affected by the fight.

These must be addressed.

“Throughout the year there were many challenges compounded by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Some of them included delays in our consumables or ARV Condoms, Lubricant.

Stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV were worsened by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This led to gender-based violence. There was a lack of regional ownership and involvement in the HIV programme.

A high level of follow up worsened during the pandemic. We had a low viral load testing, slow vaccine uptake, and a weakened paper-based system.”

Dr Jagnarine said that this has put the programme in some level of shambles since people also with the virus have not even returned for treatment.

While acknowledging the problems facing the fight, Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony noted

that there must be a way in which the young people are the target to stop the high spread and it’s a focus that should be revitalized with education.

“We can prevent infection by doing a number of things. We have to educate people.

So, those young people who are coming of age and want to experiment must know that they have choices.

“They must know how to protect themselves. We have spoken about this for a long time; we have talked about family life education in schools and we need to reinforce that so that young people can have the right knowledge and make the appropriate choices.”

Additionally, Minister Frank Anthony said that PREP Programme must be used also to stop the spread. Self-testing will be a way out.

While noting the hindrance of the pandemic, Dr. Anthony also explained that the only way out of the COVID problem is through a high vaccination rate.

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FridayNov. 26, 2021

Amendments to election laws – Form over substance …say Yog Mahadeo and Jonathan Yearwood

Article 13 welcomes the invitation to the public and stakeholders by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance for comments on the Government’s draft proposals for amendments to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), and proposed new regulations.

From the years 1968 to 1985, elections were marred by widespread rigging that brought ignominy to Guyana and threatened the social fabric of the country.

While elections between 1992 and 2015 were more democratic, they were not without

problems or issues.

Those, however, pale in comparison to the blatant attempt by leading State actors and GECOM officials to undermine the March 2020 elections.

Article 13 considers genuine electoral reforms a national imperative for Guyana’s democratic development, a prerequisite to social, political, and economic progress.

Article 13 has reviewed the several proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Act as well as the proposed introduction of the new Regulations under that Act. We note that

several of the amendments introduce severe penalties, including a $10 M fine and life imprisonment for certain conduct by elections officials.

Article 13 shares the concerns expressed by commentators that the proposed amendments are inadequate and unsatisfactory. They fail to address some of the more fundamental problems associated with elections.

We are concerned too that if these proposals make their way into the law, they can have a chilling effect on the willingness of citizens to serve for a paltry sum as clerks on election day.

Any attempt at reform must begin with an analysis of the problem.

An exercise of this nature must proceed from the recognition that a deficient apparatus will produce flawed results. Part of that problem is the Carter-Price model of an Elections Commission made up of competing politicians.

This Model which was intended as a temporary measure for the 1992 Elections has installed Commissioners claiming lifetime tenure and seemingly committed to doing everything but their constitutional duty.

This arrangement has to be changed by a constitutional amendment and replaced by independent Commissioners appointed by a Constitutional Commission for a limited period of no more than two elections cycles.

The proposed amendments fail to address the sore point of the List of Electors. The question of who may and may not vote in elections

is a problem that we can no longer avoid. In this regard, the possibility of dual citizens Guyanese being allowed to participate as candidates in elections should be examined.

The proposed amendments do nothing to address the situation in which the Chief Elections Officer is also the Head of Registration – a concentration of power and functions which is unacceptable.

Any reform ought to make elections more democratic by facilitating voting by qualified electors. Article 13 strongly advocates for the re-introduction of Independents in the National Assembly and the removal of the statutory requirement that participation in national elections is restricted to parties contesting six of the ten Polling Districts (Regions).

On the question of campaign financing, GECOM and the political

parties continue to defy the ROPA on the grounds that the amount permitted is grossly inadequate.

Yet, there is no proposal for increasing that limit or preventing elections from becoming hostage to foreign interests and private capital. Nor do the proposed amendments deal with the abuse of state resources by the party in Government and egregiously, the shutting out of opposition parties from the state media.

Article 13 calls on the Government to immediately extend the period of consultation which ends on December 17, and to engage in meaningful consultation with the people of the country. The laid down procedure lacks transparency, shuts out large segments of the population and fails to address the fundamental issues affecting elections in Guyana since Independence fifty-five years ago.

Finance Minister meets with French delegation

Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh has met with a delegation from the French Development Agency (AFD), France’s inclusive public development bank at the Ministry of Finance to re-establish and

deepen ties of economic cooperation with France.

The delegation comprised Milena Valbuena, Director of AFD’s Suriname-Guyana office, Nicolas Brun, Project Officer in charge of Surinamese operations,

and Tahiry Marcel, an economist in the geographic department of AFD’s headquarters in charge of Surinamese operations, while Minister Singh was accompanied

by Tarachand Balgobin, Director in the Project

Cycle Management Division (PCMD) and Donna Levi, Head of the Bilateral Division, Ministry of Finance. The AFD team is in Guyana on a macroeconomic mission slated to conclude on December 1.

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The AFD Group is a French public institution that implements France’s policy in the areas of development and international solidarity.

The mission of AFD is to contribute to the economic, social, and

environmental progress of low and middle-income countries.

During the meeting, Minister Singh welcomed the group and both sides discussed a number of areas for possible future collaboration.

Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021

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