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Sunday Dec. 12, 2021

‘GUYANA WALK’ TO BE ESTABLISHED PARALLEL WITH LAMAHA STREET

OVER 14,000 TO BENEFIT FROM WATERTREATMENT PLANT IN REG. 6

‘GUYANA WALK’ TO BE ESTABLISHED PARALLEL WITH LAMAHA STREET –to feature arts, craft and all things local

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

IN yet another move to promote Guyana as a unique and breathtaking tourism destination, the Government of Guyana has commenced efforts to create a ‘Guyana Walk’ along the Lamaha Railway Embankment, which is a stretch of land running parallel with Lamaha Street, Georgetown.

The now vacant plot once sported railway lines for trains travelling in and out of what was then referred to as ‘Old Georgetown’ in the then colonial Guyana.

The intriguing plan was unveiled by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during his address at the Guyana Tourism Awards and Gala hosted on Wednesday night at Parc Rayne, Houston.

“Some of you who pass Lamaha Street would have seen we have started to clean up the Lamaha [government] reserve… what we [are] going to do there [is] we are going to rehabilitate the old train wagons and that entire old shed, and entire station,” the Head of State shared.

He said that the plot of land, which runs from Main Street all the way to Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, will be paved and developed in a vibrant and captivating space called the ‘Guyana walk.’ “…you will have

the pavement blocks used.

We will have trees planted there. We will have seating arrangements, so that families can go out there,” Dr. Ali posited.

He said that the area will be strategically used to showcase and promote ‘all things’ Guyana, especially the many fascinating things that are produced by the people of Guyana, ranging from arts and craft to cuisine and fashion.

The Head of State indicated that as Guyana continues to attract an unprecedented level of interest and attention from investors all across the world, it is important that all Guyanese take up their role as ambassadors to ensure that Guyana is adequately promoted as a land of opportunities and bounties.

Dr Ali also alluded to the efforts of members of the private sector who have spearheaded the decoration and illumination of Main Street, Georgetown, in keeping with the holiday season. “…and it’s not finished as yet. The amount of social media posting Main Street got in the last two, three weeks, we cannot pay for that image in a marketing sense; we cannot pay,” the President emphasised.

Dr Ali also alluded to the efforts of his wife, Mrs Arya Ali and the Office of the First Lady, which has embarked on a mission to develop the Kitty Seawall as an even more attractive tourist site.

These efforts, Dr Ali said, would be further supported by the implementation of a massive ‘Seawall ReDevelopment Plan’, which will be launched early next year.

“That plan will be using the best practices and the greatest economic value of the seawall for the [tourism] sector,” Dr. Ali said.

To go even further, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government is also working to craft a beautification plan for all 10 administrative regions; this should be finalised at least by the end of this year, according to the President. “We’re looking at all the maintenance of our country,” Dr. Ali added.

He cautioned that even with multi-million-dollar investments, Guyana’s would not be able to reach its full potential as a tourism powerhouse unless all Guyanese make a concerted effort to put country and nationalism over politics. “…whether you smile or curse someone on the street is part of tourism.

Everything we do as a people impact the image of the country, which is an important part of tourism,” Dr. Ali noted.

He said that for tourism to really thrive, Guyanese would need to understand the power of the sector, and be prepared to make some very basic, but necessary behavioural changes that seek to promote and build the country’s image.

“Understand this, there are some countries that exist only on this one sector; only on this one sector,” Dr. Ali said. He specifically cautioned that tourism is the one sector in the country that must not be influenced by politics,

as it refers to the image of the entire country.

“This sector is a sector that cuts across cultures, boundaries, individuality, and for it to be successful, it is about the collective effort of a country and its people,” the President said, as he expressed gross disappointment with the eradication of iconic tourism products such as GuyExpo and the Guyana Festival.

The two highly anticipated events, which were known to attract Guyanese from all walks of life in and out of Guyana, were dismantled and quashed by the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government.

The Guyana Festival was conceptualised and hosted at the Guyana National Stadium in 2014, while President Ali held the position of Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce. The festival, though similar to GuyExpo, was touted as a cultural showcase of all things Guyana, showcasing local cuisines, music, arts and talents, and less of the country’s business and investment potential, as in the case of GuyExpo.

“A lot of effort and time went into the building of the Guyana Festival. Guyanese who went away for 40 years and never got back, came back to be part of that festival. In three nights and three days, we had more than 173,000 persons walking through the National Stadium,” Dr Ali recalled.

He said that efforts were even made to institute special airfares and travel prices, so that tourists and members of the diaspora were afforded the opportunity to see all that Guyana had to offer, at reduced prices.

“There was nothing political about any of these events. They were developed with strong advocacy of you, [the] people who worked day and night in this sector,” Dr Ali said.

He told stakeholders of the tourism industry that the fundamental principles and values must be developed, crafted and adhered to by all partners. “What we are building is a Guyana tourism product, not PPP, not APNU, not PNC, not AFC, it is a Guyana tourism product,” the President asserted.

Works are moving apace on the Seawall Beautification Project, which is being led by the Office of the First Lady (Delano Williams photo)

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Over 14,000 to benefit from water-treatment plant in Reg. 6

OVER 14,000 residents in several communities in East Canje and other surrounding communities will benefit from potable water with the commissioning of a new water-treatment plant at Sheet Anchor, East Berbice-Corentyne, Region Six. President Dr Irfaan Ali was present on Saturday to officially commission the plant; it is a project that he initiated when he served as Minister of Housing and Water in 2014. The US$6 million or G$1.2 billion watertreatment plant was made possible through support from the European Union and the Inter-American Development Bank.

In his feature address, President Ali said while he is happy that the project has been realised, he is disappointed that it took so long to materialise due to a policy decision taken by the previous APNU+AFC administration. He noted that if they had continued on the strategic plan in place for the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), the project would have been completed over three years ago.

The President made clear that water is a fundamental right of every citizen and should not be used as a political tool. Meanwhile, the Head of State noted that he is happy with the progress made by GWI over the past year to turn around

some of the policies and regression that took place during the APNU+AFC’s term in office.

“It was a nightmare to go into communities as Minister of Housing, every single community there was a complaint, lack of resources, lack of technical capability, non-profitability, financial stress. It was hard work, very, very difficult and I want to thank them for their hard work … and I always say this what we worked for during those years and where we brought the company.

“The CEO would tell you; we brought the company from a neglected non-profit scenario to a situation where we are actually approaching the break-even point.

The company was at a point that would have allowed for rapid take-off.

The type of regression that took place, and I am not speaking about personalities here, I’m speaking strictly about performance. The up-todate company audits were delayed for years where the operational costs went through the roof are things, we must not take for granted.

“And I am happy to hear that whilst recognising the challenges that faced the company a year ago, that there is a clear direction that the company is heading.”

The President was strong in message that the

development of Guyana should not be politically manipulated.

“In my mind, the development of Guyana is paramount over everything else, it is paramount to political views.” $29B for future development Looking towards the future development of GWI and provision of potable water for all Guyanese, President Ali emphasised the need to look at the provision of water not only from an economic standpoint, but also from a social view.

In this regard, he pledged some $29 billion to help the company realise its goals of providing water to hinterland and riverine communities, as well as making treated water available to 90% of the coastal areas.

“You have heard the company’s aggression for hinterland and riverine communities; we have cost this and it’s about $4 billion in immediate investment in the medium term that is required to support this, and I want to assure you this: that the government is committed in providing this fourbillion-dollar capital investment for hinterland development.”

The President further gave assurance of another $25 billion investment to ensure that 90 per cent of the population along the coast would have access

An aerial view of the Sheet Anchor water-treatment plant, which is expected to benefit over 14,000 residents in Region Six

to treated water.

Dr Ali further advised the gathering on best practices for both consumers and the company and cautioned GWI to look at the reduction of their operational costs. He highlighted that energy was responsible for 65 per cent of the overhead expenses. In this regard, the President urged GWI to look at renewable energy sources.

Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, in his address noted the delivery of a reliable supply of clean, safe water to citizens is a commitment that the government is working assiduously to fulfil.

“Our government upon entering office recognised that the availability of a safe and reliable supply of potable water is a basic right that citizens are entitled to. But it is no secret that the water sector had been in a poor state in terms of infrastructure and availability, and that it is plagued by other

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challenges too, like high water loss, unacceptable levels of service and lowmetered coverage among others.”

He posited that the water-treatment plant is a great boost to the community and urged the residents to protect it.

M A S S I V E DEVELOPMENTS FOR REGION SIX President Ali assured the residents that Region Six can expect massive developments in healthcare with the addition of a new hospital, infrastructure, ICT and job creation.

“Region Six will see tremendous investment not only in water. Very soon, we will be releasing our plans for healthcare, which includes a modern hospital coming your way; we will be unleashing our infrastructure development; our ICT plan.

“As a matter of fact, only two days ago the Minister of Finance was in discussion with a major call centre that is willing

to bring investment to Region Six that will create at least 500 jobs. We are now working on a new budget to put the money, to put the infrastructure in place to have this investment catalyzed as quickly as possible. We will announce shortly an agriculture diversification plan that is mindblowing.”

Meanwhile, residents also expressed gratitude for realisation of the water- treatment plant.

Elaine Pellew, 57, a resident of Sheet Anchor, has been living in the community for over 40 years. She is happy for the new water-treatment facility as she can look forward to having access to clean and healthier water for her and her family.

Another resident, Parbattie Chatergoon, 56, said with the treated water she can save money since she no longer has to purchase bottled water.

Martin Lam

Friday Dec. 10, 2021

Prime Minister pledges support for ending domestic violence Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips has pledged to play a greater role in ending domestic violence in Guyana.

He made his promise while addressing the launch of the I CAN (Community Activism Network) initiative by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in the compound of the Parliament building.

“Violence against women and girls has no place in the 21st century and no place in

a developing Guyana.

I take this opportunity to add my voice against violence against women and girls in our society.”

The Prime Minister joined members of the diplomatic community, religious leaders, civil society representatives,

and other ministers of government in signing a pledge to always stand up and speak out against domestic violence.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said that the pledge is a statement of

unwavering commitment to the cause.

“It solidifies our dedication and commitment to a cause… we need to not be blind; we need to not be dismissive; we need to hear the repeated cries for help… we need to hold people accountable”.

Minister Persaud also made a commitment to have over 2000 police officers from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) trained to deal with domestic violence reports within the next five months.

GUYANA PROJECTED TO BE HIGHEST PER CAPITA WORLD OIL PRODUCER BY 2035

Guyana is projected to become the highest per capita oil producer in the world by 2035, according to Latin American strategic market research firm, Americas Market Intelligence (AMI).

AMI held a virtual webinar on Wednesday on advancing low carbon strategies in the petroleum sectors of Guyana and Suriname.

The company’s energy practice co-director, Arthur Deakin, made

the comment, based on a projection of Guyana’s production levels. He said Guyana could be producing 1.4 million barrels of oil per day by 2035.

This is consistent with ExxonMobil’s aggressive production goals. The Stabroek block operator, which has already started producing from the estimated 10 billion barrels discovered there, intends to have six floating productions, storage, and

offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in the block by 2027.

It sees potential for as many as 10 FPSOs in the Stabroek block in the next 10 years, and enjoys the support of the government in this regard.

Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has said his government intends to produce aggressively to earn revenues to develop the country before the energy transition phases out fossil fuels.

Already, one project is on stream with a nameplate capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil per day. All three of its announced upcoming projects have nameplates each above 200,000 barrels per day.

With just four projects, ExxonMobil would be producing over 800,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025, leaving AMI’s projection well within the realm of plausibility.

Other countries, like

to be sentenced on January 7.Reports are that the victim was at the party in the area with two of her friends when she and her friends decided to go home.

Upon reaching her residence, the woman recalled that her door

was tampered with. The woman found Emmanuel in her bedroom.

Emmanuel upon seeing the woman threw her on the floor and raped her.

The woman fought back and dug her fingernails into Emmanuel and screamed for help.

the United States, have produced much more oil than 1.4 million barrels per day. However, Guyana is top of the pile on a per capita basis, because of its very small population.

Features that make Guyana attractive include the very low breakeven costs associated with the production of the country’s crude, which are in the range of US$25 and US$35, some of the lowest in the world.

Guyana’s oil is also light (meaning low density) and sweet (low sulphur content), which makes it not just cheap to produce, but less dirty than other fossil fuels.

ExxonMobil has already confirmed that Guyana’s resource estimate has exceeded 10 billion oil-equivalent barrels. The Stabroek block could have 10

Mechanic found guilty of rape at Imbaimadai

A mechanic caught back in 2018 in the bedroom of a 36-yearold woman and raped her after she left a party will spend some time behind bars for his crime.

The rapist, 48-year-old Odingo Emmanuel, called ‘Dingo’ was found guilty

by a jury before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry in the Suddie High Court in Region Two. Emmanuel raped a 36-year-old woman at the Imbaimadai Landing, Upper Mazaruni River back in August 11, 2018.

Emmanuel is expected

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Four minutes into the act, the victim’s reputed husband came home and grabbed Emmanuel, who managed to escape from the house. A report was made to the police and Emmanuel was arrested and charged.

billion barrels more.

Deakin said that 20 per cent of the 10 billion barrels estimate is gas.

He added that AMI sees Guyana becoming a gas exporting hub for CARICOM. “Gas is going to be a tremendous monetization opportunity in Guyana,” he said.

Ambassador Riyad Insanally, a career diplomat, participated in the AMI discussion.

He said there is great excitement in Guyana about the opportunities the industry provides, but due to longstanding societal issues and the experiences of other countries, there is apprehension too.

Insanally said the PPP/C Government recognises the challenges that exist and has an ambitious agenda to iron them out.

Friday Dec. 10, 2021

GPL guarantees adequate for Christmas

Guyana Power and Light (GPL) will have the capacity to supply adequate power throughout the Christmas season but cannot guarantee that there will be no blackout during this season due to technical and accidentrelated issues.

This is according to Divisional Director of Operation, Bharat

Harjohn, who said during a press conference on Wednesday, GPL with its system set up and fuel capacity, the country can have its lights on all through the holiday.

Only if the system fails or there is a possibility of someone damaging the power supply chain will there be an outage.

“From a generation standpoint, we have

enough reserve capacity.

At Garden of Eden, we have a 46-megawatt plant there, which is a new plant. We have a 22-megawatt, which is the BP one and we have another six megawatts small plant.

But most of the power has to supply Georgetown for our control centre and then move up east. So if our

transmission line fails us for some reason from bringing that power to the control centre or to Sophia for distribution we will have a challenge,” Mr Harjohn said.

Over the past years, the GPL has had many criticisms over its generation capacity but as the Christmas season approaches more power

will be needed given the need for more lights and appliances to be powered.

GPL with a US$38 million spending on the fuel supply, Guyana should be ably powered.

However, due to the inconsistency of the system and the fact that more and more GPL is faced with even consumers hitting the poles and damaging several infraction grids which are key to several interconnections around the country there is a problem.

To accommodate the outage in the past, the GPL would have countered with more standby generation but

this season no such standby.

“There wouldn’t be any use of the emergency generation equipment this year. We have enough reserve capacity and this is including baseload capacity,” Central Executive Officer, Bharat Dindyal said.

He noted also that in such a situation, there is only so much GPL can do to prevent any outage but it has to be ready.

GPL explained with the need to attend to the situation in a fast manner, response staff will be doubled at the various stations to ensure that that power stays off for a short time.

Small Black businesses host local craft market

Over 20 small black business owners, mostly women showcased their locally made products with the aim of getting their products on the market after not

This opportunity came as, the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly-Guyana hosted UJAMAA meaning cooperative of economics,

financially being able to do so in the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The event was staged on Saturday.

a one-day sale, and exhibition.

With craft, food, clothing items, and other handmade material

on show, hundreds of passersby were greeted with the varieties of items on sale at Square of the Revolution.

IDPADFA, the sustainable community development officer and public relations team leader, Elsie A Harry, said the forum was intended to create that platform for African business.

“We have created here a platform for African Guyanese to showcase their products and to secure some sales for the Christmas season and hope to secure lifetime customers for their business,” Ms. Harry said.

Ms. Harry said the initiative is to showcase and celebrate African business throughout the year and to ensure that the families continue to benefit, not just around the August Emancipation celebration time but throughout the year.

This, according to Ms. Harry, is coupled with having the African community exposed to economic funding. She said that this remains one of the activities that seek to develop the community as a whole and by extension putting monies in the pocket of African People.

“This was definitely motivated by the fact that sales have declined during the COVID-19 Pandemic and that is why we have not had any event like this

vend here regularly.

“But because of the effect of the pandemic on businesses where there are sales have declined some persons have been

particular one before.

“Prior to now we didn’t necessarily see a huge need for us to participate in this kind of

Knowing how the COVID-19 would have troubled some businesses, Ms. Harry explained that the event was also done with that in mind.

event because there are various craft markets that usually happen; there are persons that vend along Main Street, regularly for example and persons that

struggling to make ends meet; we decided that we are going to create a platform that gives them the opportunity to sell their products,” Ms. Harry explained.

Couple with this opportunity, many vendors at the exhibitions said that they remain thankful for the opportunity.

At the UJAMAA events, folks from all parts of Guyana gathered, mostly women. According to the event co-coordinator, Vendor from Georgetown, the villages of Mocha, Melanie, Danielstown.

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Monday Dec. 6, 2021

BK INTERNATIONAL AWARDED GMSA PRESIDENT’S AWARD

President Dr. Irfaan Ali BK International and Executive Officer of the company, Kyle Tiwarie

Receiving the award for BK International was Executive Officer of the company, Kyle Tiwarie.

BK International products the company Hotel, Providence, East received the Guyana produces. The quality is of Bank Demerara Manufacturing and an international standard.

Receiving the award Services Association for BK International was The presentation was (GMSA )President’s made at Friday night’s Executive Officer of the Award for attaining 26th Annual Presentation company, Kyle Tiwarie.

ISO9001:2015.

The Awards Ceremony held The GMSA Annual award is forPost the quality Guyana Wednesday 10, 2021 Presentation of Awards at theFebruary Ramada Princess

has been a signature annual event for over 26 years where we recognize the work of outstanding members of the manufacturing and services sectors, and the wider business

community and support organisations.

Our traditional sectors such as mining, forestry, and agroprocessing remain the main contributor to economic growth from

APNU Administration.

The mention of senior members the APNU administration lends credence to the notion that this was somehow a deal done by APNU. All of this is false.

It so happens that in 2006 when the deal was done, I was consultant to the BK Group, and I together with Mr. Tiwarie met with Mr. Winston Brassington

to finalize the deal. All of this was done 14 years ago during the PPP/C administration.

This is disappointing and truly disgusting to now see how facts can be twisted to satisfy the wicked tendencies of certain ambitious politicians.

It is sad indeed.

The sole purpose of this letter is to correct the false record.

our membership, said President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, Rafeek Khan.

BK International is one of the leading companies in the mining sector

FACTS OF BK WATERFRONT DEAL TWISTED TO SATISFY CERTAIN AMBITIOUS POLITICIANS - GASKIN

Dear Editor,

Mr. Ramon Gaskin

I have been following closely the news you have highlighted in your newspaper concerning the sale of a certain Water Street property to BK Marine Inc. From the reports in the media especially state media, the readers are led to believe that the transfer was attended by fraud and that it was done by the

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I was a participant 14 years ago.

The matter is heading to court and all the pertinent facts will be presented and all those who participated in the 2006 deal will have an opportunity to explain to the judge under oath what exactly happened 14 years ago.

Yours Respectfully Ramon Gaskin

Guyana Post Thursday February 11, 2021

THE SAME PRINCIPLE THAT APPLIED FOR THE GRB WHARF WAS APPLIED FOR DUKE LODGE

Dear Editor: Reference is being made to Kaieteur News’ article “Kingston Wharf purchased by BK days before the election” (2nd April 2020).

Some years ago, I was the trade union representative on the Privatisation Board- the only black person- when the property in question was put up by the Bharrat

Jagdeo government for sale. That property which is located in Water Street was the former Guyana Rice Board (GRB) wharf which was burnt down through questionable circumstances during the life of the PPP government.

Among the bids for that property was one from BK International.

Winston Brassington,

Executive Director of NICIL, recommended at the meeting the property would be best given to a Company he was proposing which was registered at Phagoo Store in Regent Street. The proposed company had no track record with any business. I objected!

I objected because I looked at the proposal of that company, BK International, and others, and found BK’s proposal to be superior, satisfying the many requirements demanded by the PPP/C government.

In as much as Brassington represented the company registered at Phagoo, the CAGI representative and Consumer representative on the Board supported my justification for BK to be given the property. The entire Board, appointed by the PPP/C government, agreed we will

recommend to Cabinet the property will go to BK. Let me make it very clear, I never knew Brian Tiwari at the time, but met him subsequently at the funeral of Mr. Christiani Lewis, the original owner of Waterchris.

What is instructive is that the PPP government took time in making sure the final and legal transfer of this and some other properties were never brought to finality.

The reason behind this behavior is one of control over the intended Leasee/ owner. So if for any reason said person /persons or company wants to approach the bank or third party to be involved in any business it will require permission from the government to do so.

As such, if the person to whom the property is given should take a position that conflicts with

the government the owner will never be able to get the support or comfort to do any business with a bank or third party because the government can exercise leverage to keep the party in check.

The property has been in the possession of Brian Tiwari and for all intended purposes was intended for transfer. The coalition government has done what the PPP initiated but failed to complete for whatever reason. This is a final and legal transfer to the owner. The same principle that applied for the GRB wharf was applied for the BIDCO house which was also transferred to Capt.

Gerry Gouveia, currently Chairman of the Private Sector Commission. Said property situated in Duke Street Kingston is now converted into a business called Duke Lodge.

This is not a simple

case of disposal of state assets for if it is so then both governments would be held responsible and have questionable intent in starting this deal and/ or completing it. In my opinion, the completion of the transfer of the GRB wharf is just that, completion of one deal that started under a government and which another government has taken the responsibility to execute. The timing unfortunately like everything in Guyana right now, given the climate, is an opportunity for political advantage.

If in the presence of the worst pandemic in years COVID-19 response and support are used for political ends what else must we in Guyana expect?

Regards Lincoln Lewis

Finance Minister hosts follow-up COVID-19 vaccines Gary Best walks Ashni on DUISingh charge agriculture investment meeting donated by Barbados

Gary Best

Retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Rear Government continues Admiral Gary Best to push and implement today walked free of his strategies for Guyana’s charge of driving under non-oil sectorof alcohol to be the influence

expanded.

On Monday, info@guyanapostonline.com Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh

in the Former National Cycle, Jude Bentley Matter. hosted another follow-up Best, who walked meeting with Chandra free of causing death by Pratap Singh, Business dangerous driving back Development in December Director; is now

and Emil Moukarzel, Chief Operating Officer of Elite Agro LLC of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

free of both causing the death of Jude Bentley

by Dangerous Driving Accompanying the and driving under the Finance Minister at the influence. meeting were in Ministers Likewise, the of Agriculture, Zulfikar causing death matter, the

Magistrate has upheld and no-case submission, which essentially argued that the prosecution did not have enough evidence to convict Best.

As such, the matter was dismissed back in December and Best walked a free man of both charges.

Best back then offered an apology over the incident, but however, admitted no guilt in the matter.

Shortly after, the Director of Public Prosecution has since signaled their intentions to appeal the decision of the Magistrate in the cause of death charge.

It was back in March 2020, on the Rupert Craig Highway,and when Best, who Cheong, other private was allegedly under the sector representatives influence of alcohol caused including David the death of Bentley during Fernandes, Head of a his morning ride.

Mustapha, and Tourism 2consortium dealing with Industry and Commerce, the expansion of corn and soya-bean production in Oneidge Walrond.

Chairman of the Private Guyana, and Sachin Singh Sector Commission, Paul who heads another private

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sector consortium dealing with the expansion of the seafood sector, were also present.

The meeting was a follow-up to earlier meetings between Frontlineheld workers are President Irfaan Ali will and set to be the first who officials of Elite Agro get COVID-19 vaccines.

The Government of LLC (one of the UAE’s Barbados 1500 leading donated agriculture vaccines.

Minister companiesHealth having largeDr. Anthony was scaleFrank integrated farming on hand toand receive the operations currently vaccines which arrived engaged in growing, at Ogle importing, Airport and on sourcing, Wednesday. marketing of agricultural President Irfaan products).

Ali confirmed that During the meeting, 1400 vaccines will go Minister Singhtoexplained “exclusively” frontline to the these officials of workers, are mainly Elite Agro LLC while that nurses and doctors, traditionally 100 dosagesagriculture would has given been an be to extremely Caricom important anchor in Secretariat.

Guyana’s economy.

President Ali said that It is still an important anchor in the non-oil economy.

He added that with Guyana looking to

expand the agricultural sector currently, two big streams of opportunities are available to Elite Agro LLC either to be a direct investor or to facilitate trade in agricultural the government is working commodities to other to ensure that Guyanese export destinations. are vaccinated by year-end Minister as Agriculture he said more donations Zulfikar Mustapha are expected within said the coming Earlier this that withweeks. the emergence of week, received oil andBarbados gas, it is expected athat donation of and Oxfordthe oil gas Astrazeneca vaccines. sector will complement OxfordtheThenon-oil sector and Astrazeneca vaccine is the Government will said to be 62% effective. invest in infrastructure to However, is also support the itdevelopment reportedly 90 percent and expansion of the effective with a lower agricultural sector. dose than the required two The private sector doses. representatives provided Guyana expected extensive and detailed donations of vaccines presentations to from India, China, Elite and Agro LLC on agriculture Russia. (including corn and soya bean) and seafood along with the available opportunities for inv

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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Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021 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 info@guyanapostonline.com

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

Dr. Frank Denbow gifts DCC substantial financial donation

More than five decades after his family moved to Church and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown, Queenstown, and he soon gravitated to the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), renowned health professional, Dr. Frank Denbow, returned to

Queenstown to pay homage to where his early infatuation with the sport of cricket began.

On Wednesday evening, Dr. Denbow, who was not a member of the club, until that moment handed over a cheque for $2 million to

aid in the club’s upkeep.

In return, he was made an Honorary Life Member at the ‘Home of the Legends’.

The former Queen’s College student reflected on watching West Indies play Australia at the iconic Georgetown

Cricket Club, Bourda, in 1965 and highlighted that prior to such, his imagery of cricket came through reading books.

Dr. Denbow said DCC has a rich history of talent and it was important to help the club maintain its facilities to keep

November 11, last, at of #11 Village West Coast Berbice brutally murdered Evans.

The five were not required to enter a plea to the charge and were remanded to prison until December.

Bheem Evans was allegedly beaten with a cutlass, rope, and chain, placed in a rice bag and dragged 300 feet to his death by several men over an accusation of stealing a silver chain, gold chain and eight silver rings

from one of his alleged attackers’ home.

Reports are that the incident occurred just after about 20;00 hours. It was explained by the victim’s son, Tishan Persaud, that he was on his way home on a street in Block “D” Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, when he was attacked by two suspects, armed with a cutlass, rope, and chain, He said that he was told that his father went into one of the suspect’s home and stole his silver chain, gold chain and eight silver rings.

The suspects subsequently started to deal with Tishan Persaud several lashes about his head, face and back.

Subsequently, the suspects then went on to find Evans and dealt him lashes about his face and body asking him for the supposed stolen articles.

Evans denied the allegations and the suspects then wrapped him in a one-ton rice sack and dragged him about 300 feet into another street

churning out that talent.

DCC President, Roger Harper, charged the young members at the small gathering to look at what the club means to someone who was not even a member.

He urged them to take great care of the historic institution and to play a more significant role in its enhancement.

Harper, who attended

DCC has produced famous West Indies Test players, such as the Christiani brothers, Robert and Cyril, Clive Lloyd, Lance Gibbs, Roy Fredericks, Roger Harper, Travis Dowlin, and the first West Indies cricket captain to win a test match, Marius Fernandes.

Shivnarine Chaderpaul also began his cricketing

Queen’s College with Dr. Denbow said that the monies will be spent on upgrades and they will be accounted for.

Established in 1912,

career at the club.

In 2011, DCC was voted the Club-of-theYear by the Guyana Cricket Board.

in the said village and threw him on the grass parapet and told his son to take him home.

Being injured as well, the son went to the police at Fort Wellington Police Station and reported the matter. Evans was picked up by police in an

unconscious condition and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

The body is presently lying at Fort Wellington Hospital Mortuary.

Five remanded for Bheem Evans’s murder

Following the beating of 54-year-old Berbician, Bheem Evans, last Friday five men were today charged and remanded to prison for his murder.

They made their first court appearance in the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate, Peter Hugh.

Those charged are 22-year-old unemployed Youth, Brian Evans, called Black Boy of #11 Village West Coast Berbice; 27yearold also unemployed

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Ryan Dhanraj of Block D Waterloo, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice; 18-year-old labourer James David of # 12 Village, West Coast Berbice; 22-yearold, unemployed Youth, Samuel Vanbrook, called Chucky of Waterloo, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, and Leeward Chung called Boysie, 22, and unemployed of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice.

According to the police, all five of the men on

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GuyanaNov. Post16, Saturday Tuesday 2021 January 30, 2021

LINDEN’S BLUE LAKE DEEMED A TOURIST DESTINATION

Despite the concerns over the safety of the Blue Lake in Linden, the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce, and the Guyana Tourism Authority, has joined the Region 10 Regional administration, Region 10 Tourism Committee, and the Linden Town Council with another official launch making Kara Kara Blue Lake a tourist destination.

As Guyana continues to celebrate Tourism Month 2021, Blue Lake in Region 10 has been

now been listed as a tourism destination.

According to the Minister of Tourism, Oneidge WalrondAllicock, giving the area the title is “no brainer” as the lake was cleared for ‘leisure activates’ only.

“Getting into that kayak is a bit of adventure. People love the little adrenaline and the sites are so beautiful.

It’s pristine out here; this is a no-brainer for a tourist attraction. You could come here to the beautiful white sand, the

safe water, swimming, adventure kayaking, jet skiing. There is so much to do here in just one spot,” Minister, Waldron noted.

At the time, the Minister was making several stops around Region 10, where she met several stalk holders in the tourism industry in the region, where concerns and plans for development were shared.

The minister named the Kara Kara Blue Lake a tourist destination

as Guyana celebrates Tourism Month 2021.

Kara Kara Blue Lake is an old mining area, where over many decades’ chemicals were used in the area. After the mining stopped the manmade lake was formed.

As such over the years, there were several concerns raised overacidity in the water and the risk it poses to the health of those venturing off into the waters.

This pushed the authorities in the area to halt swimming in the waters but that decision was later reversed.

According to the Minister, this is because of independent studies done on the water that showed that the water is safe for leisure activities.

“We have had an independent study done of the water, as well as a study conducted by GWI, Guyana Water Authority. They have certified that the lake is safe for recreational activates. So, we would not have been reckless enough to say that it is safe when it’s not. We do have studies to back it up.”

The Minister also emphasized that the next step is to develop the area by having a proposal from the people of Region Ten to develop the area with resorts etc.

“Already, we have given the support the tourism committee in terms of developing, and also to Mr (Deon) Anderson, a Chemical Engineer by profession and the proprietor of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours) as a stakeholder in this particular venture.

“I could see with the proposals, and encourage the tourism committee that if they can come together with proposals to put up and beautiful resorts.

To have sporting activities done here in this beautiful lake, all of these things we can help partner and help to sell these destinations for people, who are coming from outside of Guyana with monies to invest in tourism.

“They really want to partner and when we present this as a project I believe it would not be in terms of selling for it

to be a major resort tourist destination,” Minister Walrond also disclosed.

The town of Linden has been known as the mining town for over 100 years. Since then several areas in the town show the history of that mining.

The Blue Lake area was once a flat piece of land but just but over time heavy excavation for bauxite eventually formed mining pits.

The pits filled water from springs beneath the earth’s surface and surrounding hills.

However, as people started to use the area for swimming and other activities, several times heavy metals and other toxins were found.

In the end, according to officials, they were tested and it was shown that the water was not safe for consumption but for recreation.

The area is set to be developed with various resorts and added security. The dumpsite nearby is to be removed soon.

MORE THAN 50 PER CENT ADULT POPULATION FULLY VACCINATED —DR. ANTHONY Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony, on Monday, announced that Guyana has surpassed a major milestone in its vaccination campaign. It has fully inoculated more than half of the adult population.

During the COVID-19 update, Dr. Anthony said 51 percent of the adult population has been fully vaccinated against the deadly virus.

“So, this is not the entire Guyanese population.

Of the adult population, we have achieved the 51 percent.”

He said while the milestone can be applauded, some regions are still lagging in their info@guyanapostonline.com

vaccination. He said 51 percent overall was reached because of the high vaccination rate in Region Four.

“So we are 43.2 percent in Region One; Region Two, 41.6 percent, for Region Three, 48.9 percent; Region Four, 58.5 percent; Region Five, 51.9 percent; Region Six 49.8 percent; Region Seven, 46.9 percent; Region Eight, 34.8 percent; Region Nine at 53.4 percent, and Region Ten at 22.3 percent.

“These are persons 18 years and over who would have received both doses of the vaccines.”

As of Monday, the Ministry of Health

recorded 391,521 adults, 18 years and older taking the first dose of a COVID vaccine, representing 76.3 percent of that population.

A total of 261,811 adults, or 51 percent of that population have already returned for the second dose of the vaccine.

For persons 12 to 17 years, 28,345 or 38.9 percent were vaccinated with the first dose, while 19,536 or 26.8 percent received the second shot.

Meanwhile, despite vaccination numbers progressively increasing, persons are still flouting the COVID-19 guidelines, Dr. Frank Anthony adding to the number Just over the past 24 cases, raising the currently of positive cases, Dr. hours, the Ministry of active cases to 2,412.

Anthony stated.

Health detected 55 new Of that number, 50

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persons are currently hospitalised, Minister Anthony noted.

“Thirty-two persons are now at the Ocean View Hospital with 15 of them in the ICU. The others are indifferent regional hospitals: four at Suddie Hospital, three at West Demerara, two at the Region Five facility, one at Skeldon, one at Bartica, two at Mahdia and we have four persons in the Wismar Hospital.”

Region Three is still topping the chart with 1,014 active cases.

Minister Anthony is urging the population to come forward and be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Guyana GuyanaPost PostSaturday SaturdayJanuary January30, 30,2021 2021

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