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Wednesday June 16, 2021
GOVT GOES FOR $B SUPPLEMENTARY THREE MONTHS AFTER PASSING THE NATIONAL BUDGET
MAYOR ADVOCATES CHANGES TO BY-LAWS TO INCREASE REVENUE COLLECTION
GLDA PROVIDES MORE FEED, VETERINARY SERVICES TO FLOOD-AFFECTED FARMERS -ASSESSMENTS ONGOING
Wednesday June 16 2021
GOVT GOES FOR $B SUPPLEMENTARY THREE MONTHS AFTER PASSING THE NATIONAL BUDGET
Just over three months ago Government passed its largest budget, some $383 billion. On Monday, the Government with the use of its majority vote approved an additional supplementary funding of $23.2B to offset spending as it relates to COVID-19, flood relief efforts, GuySuCo and other Government spending. This approval came even as the APNU-AFC Opposition gave strong objections to the large method of spending but with the PPP/C holding a majority seating in
parliament, the opinions of the Opposition were only heard but not considered. With the passing of the supplementary funding, $10 billion will be allocated to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for flood relief, repairs to infrastructure and for supporting recovery in the productive and household sectors. The fund, according to the government, will go toward such projects as Disaster Preparedness, Response and Management. The
money is expected to be utilized by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for the provision of hampers, the establishment and maintenance of shelters and the emergency rehabilitation of key roads and bridges. $1.5B is also earmarked for Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). Then there is the procurement of several thousand doses more COVID-19 vaccines after some $619.2M was approved by the Committee of Supply.
MAYOR ADVOCATES CHANGES TO BY-LAWS TO INCREASE REVENUE COLLECTION
In a recent interview, Mayor Ubraj Narine advocated for changes to the bylaws to increase revenue collection. He said this as he drew attention to the recent construction of high-rise buildings in the city, which continue to pay nominal sums for taxes whilst attracting added strain on solid waste collection. The Mayor indicated
that the Municipality receives about 25 percent of the taxes required to administer the city, which is untenable. “We need every resident, business establishment and state agency to continue to make efforts to settle arrears with M&CC – this will ensure we are well equipped to effectively execute the work of the council,” he stated. “There are still significant sums outstanding by some state agencies, notwithstanding the efforts by others to settle their debts”, Mayor Narine stated. He added, “I’d like
to applaud the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliament of Guyana and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation for making their payments current.” The Mayor encouraged the Government and Legislators in the National Assembly to work together to consider giving attention to this issue. The City of Georgetown is going through significant changes as the oil, gas economy develops, and the Municipal Government will continue to play its role to aid development and safeguard the welfare of its citizens.
The first financial paper yesterday sought some $1,283,250,000 in current estimates and $623,525,000 in contingency fund advances for the period April 1, 2021, to June 8, 2021. Included are funds for drugs and medical supplies, land and water transport for the Guyana Police Force, and air, land and water transport for the Guyana Defence Force. The second financial paper sought $12,338,684,785 in current estimates and $9,021,700,266 in supplementary provision for the period ending December 31, 2021. This totals $21,360,385,051. With strong objection to the funding the Opposition noted that spending for a sign of a is vulgar mismanagement of the economy at an unprecedented level and is symptomatic of extraordinarily poor economic planning,
incompetence and the sort of ‘ad hocracy’ which is characteristic of the PPP under Bharrat Jagdeo, and latterly, his eager collaborator Dr. Ashni Singh. The Opposition further noted that PPP has already squandered almost $2B from the Contingency Fund and is now seeking another $21Billion without having provided adequate justification or explanation. A total of $23Billion of squandermania. According to the opposition, Constitution and Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) provide that for the use of the Contingency Fund, the Minister of Finance must be satisfied that the expenditure is “Urgent, Unavoidable and Unforeseen” and no other provision exists. However, according to the opposition obvious that some funds are needed to bring relief to the
thousands who are suffering as a result of severe flooding but the other issues for which the PPP seeks funding are unacceptable. It is clearly in breach of the provisions of the Constitution and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act and belies a more sinister activity of corrupt spending with friends and cronies of the PPP. The Opposition questioned why then the Government is seeking funding to purchase motorbikes, a marine vessel, upgrade grounds and to fix roads. None of these can be considered emergency or unforeseen. Sums have already been approved in Budget 2021 for the purchase of motorcycles, for land and water transport, for road maintenance and upgrades to grounds and why of sudden $618million request to purchase an offshore patrol vessel for Guyana Defence Force.
GLDA PROVIDES MORE FEED, VETERINARY SERVICES TO FLOOD-AFFECTED FARMERS -ASSESSMENTS ONGOING
The Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has intensified its efforts to assist livestock farmers with supplementary feed and medical services for their animals, as they continue
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to grapple with challenges due to the wide-scale flooding. Over the weekend, GLDA livestock officers visited several farmers from Abary and Mahaicony in Region
Five (Mahaica-Berbice) to conduct phase two of their flood assessment exercise. As part of their floodrelief efforts, the extension officers and veterinarians also distributed veterinary
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Wednesday June, 16 2021
Statement By The Bar Council Of Vultures lead man to decomposed The Bar Association Of Guyana body of 97-year-old woman On DNA Procurement The Guyana Police to live alone in a camp at decomposed body. Force is now investigating the circumstances in which a 97-year-old of Perseverance Backdam N.W.D met her demise. The woman’s partially decomposed was surrounded by a wake of vultures. According to a statement from the Police, the woman died between June 10 and June 13, last. Enquiries disclosed that the now dead woman refused to stay with relatives and instead chose
Perseverance Backdam. On June 10, last, about 14:00 hours the old woman was seen walking alone at Perseverance Backdam in the direction of her camp. On June 13, 2021 about 13:00 hours, a resident, William Bell, 69, was walking through a trail at Perseverance Backdam, when observed a flock of vultures. Upon closer examination, he saw what appeared to be a
A report was later made to the police via cellphone. The facial tissues and other parts of body were already eaten by vultures and it was not possible to see any marks of violence about the body. Based on the advanced state of decomposition and the damage done by vultures the body, it could not be transported. A grave was dug and the body buried for possible exhumation.
GLDA PROVIDES MORE FEED, VETERINARY.. The Bar Association notes the publication in the Official Gazette, between June 4-12, 2021 of at least seven proposed amendments to legislation that fundamentally touch, concern, and affect the administration of justice. The Bar Association, a stakeholder and body affected by many of the proposed amendments, was not consulted thereon as we should have been and must be in recognition of the duty in law to consult. The Bar Association further notes the publication in Monday’s edition of the Stabroek News titled, “Bill tabled for DNA collection of persons in custody”, which reports on the very troubling proposed amendment to the Police Act by way of the Police (Amendment) Bill No. 8 of 2021. It is further reported that the said Bill was tabled in the National Assembly last Thursday and is at variance with such provisions in other jurisdictions. The said Bill, inter alia, proposes to amend S. 25 of the Police Act, Cap. 16:01 to empower a member of the Police Force, for the purpose of identification, to take the
‘DNA’ of any person who may from time to time be in lawful custody. The proposed amendment, if passed in its current form, without more, can result in the gross erosion and infringement of a person’s constitutional rights. Inter alia, Article 143 of the constitution protects against the search of a person without his/her consent or an Order of the Court. The Bar Association, therefore, finds it wholly unacceptable that the power to obtain ‘DNA’ from the body, would be placed in the hands of a member of the Police Force without oversight and sufficient safeguards. S. 25(2) of the said Act makes provision in the case of refusal of a person to submit to same, to be taken before a Magistrate. However, the threshold is low as the Magistrate only needs to be satisfied that the person is in lawful custody. No consideration is required to be given to any other factor or circumstance including whether the ‘DNA’ is required in connection with the offence, there is sufficient evidence to ground a charge, the nature of the offense,
and or how the DNA is to be obtained or secured. ‘DNA’ evidence is a useful tool in proving the guilt or innocence of an accused. However, the obtaining of that information merely on arrest, without consent or Order of Court, is alarming and dangerous. Generally, ‘DNA’ can only be obtained from the body by invasive means, which also raises concerns of statesanctioned assault, if done without consent. The proposed amendment is so wide that it lays fertile ground for much mischief in the event of its misuse, without due and proper safeguards. The Bar Association expresses its deep concern on the said proposed amendment in its current form and calls for its forthwith withdrawal; to be reconsidered with due and proper consultation, which is expected and required in a democratic society. The said proposed amendment does not have the support of the Bar Association and will be met with the challenge should it proceed in its current form.
Continued from page 2 supplies to farmers. Additionally, several cattle and small ruminant animals were treated during a house-tohouse veterinary service exercise. Livestock farmers from severely inundated areas were forced to relocate their animals to higher grounds after floodwaters submerged their designated grazing areas. Farmers have been finding it difficult to feed their animals due to pastures being flooded. Many farmers have also reported that some of their animals died as a result of the flooding. These reports prompted the intervention of Agriculture Minister, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha, who instructed the GLDA to supply affected farmers with supplementary feed and molasses, and to provide house-tohouse veterinary visits to administer treatment weekly. “Access to these areas has been compromised given the rising floodwaters over the last few weeks. Savannahs are also submerged to farmers are finding it challenging to access the necessary feed and supplies for animals. I’ve since instructed the GLDA
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to commence house-tohouse distribution of feed and other supplies so that those in need can benefit. Officers were also tasked with advising farmers on the correct way to use supplementary feed. This is to prevent health complications such as bloating and other metabolic issues. On Sunday last, farmers from the Abary area received 7280 lbs of mixed ration to feed their animals. Our vets have also been instructed to visit these farmers on a weekly basis to carry out checks and provide veterinary services as needed,” Minister Mustapha said. GLDAbegan producing mixed ration feed at the Skeldon Estate several weeks ago to distribute to farmers as part of their flood-relief efforts. Minister Mustapha also instructed the GLDA to offer assist farmers to transport their animals to higher ground. So far, over 20,000 animals have been relocated to sae pasture in the front lands. At the same time, hundreds of animals remain stranded in the Abary and Kokerite Savannahs. Although these animals are considered wild, he said
that efforts are still being made to relocate them. “On my way to visit the spill weir in the Abary Conservancy last Saturday, I was able to get a first-hand look at flooded savannah in the Abary back land. Hundreds of animals are stranded in the flooded area. GLDA is trying to devise mechanisms to relocate these animals. The Deputy CEO would’ve informed me that the farmers were engaged on several occasions but indicated that the animals were wild and that they were not able to control them thus preventing us from transporting them to higher ground. Some of these animals have since died. Nevertheless, we are still trying to see how best we can have them moved. I’ve tasked the GLDA with working with the farmers to see what can be done,” Minister Mustapha said. To date, farmers from Mahaica Creek, Abary, Big Baiaboo, Little Baiaboo, No. 10 Mahaica, Ithaca, Blairmont, Mahaicony Creek, and Black Bush Polder are among those who have received feed from GLDA.
Wednesday June 16, 2021
HUMAN SERVICES MINISTRY PROBES TEEN SUICIDE AT SCHOOL
The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MHSSS) and its Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) recently investigated the recent death of a teenager by suicide. “It is indeed an unfortunate occurrence, and it must be investigated
by the relevant authorities. In this case, it involves a minor, and as such, the Ministry and CPA initiated an investigation in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF),” the statement from the Ministry said. It added that the CPA will share all its findings
with the GPF, which has to give the definitive pronouncement on the cause of death and investigation. “Suicide is not the way out. It is an unfortunate choice that some resort to, to escape situations / emotions they cannot handle.
“People who commit suicide should not be judged, as this act is a deep cry for help and may be seen by them as their only way out.” The Ministry said that this kind of loss is especially hard on the survivors, who may be haunted with the thoughts
of “could this have been prevented?” or “did I miss the signs?” Questions they may never get answered, and they hurt from a loss that will never go away. CPA has concluded its investigation after speaking with school staff, students and parents. From reports, there was an issue at the school involving the child that required special skills and guidance to deal with the matter. The persons at the school, at the time, apparently tried their best that they knew in the situation. CPA Director Ann Greene also met with the parents of the child, had an in-depth discussion with them, and offered CPA and the Ministry’s support as they face this difficult loss.
Cognizant that the survivors (family members, classmates, and friends) may be experiencing an overwhelming number of complicated emotions, and need support and encouragement, the Ministry of Human Services and CPA have committed to providing emotional support and intense counselling required by the survivors. “There are many factors that can influence a person’s decision to commit suicide, and we are encouraging all involved to be mindful of the “blame game”, since this would not change what has occurred and has the potential to fuel further damage.”
Appeal into rejected Elections Petition to continue on July 29
The oral arguments were set to take place yesterday. Then came a notice of Motion by Attorney General Anil Nandlall to the Court of the appeal. It was argued for the court to strike an appeal filed against the dismissal of petition 99, which challenged the final elections results declared by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on August 2, 2020, on the ground of lack of jurisdiction. That petition was filed on September 15, 2020, and was later dismissed on January 18, 2021, by Chief Justice Roxane George, SC as a result of
the petitioners’ failure to effect service on former President David Granger within the prescribed time. The petitioners are Brennan Nurse and Monica Thomas’ The matter was later appealed and is now in the hands of the Court of Appeal. When the matter came up yesterday in the court of appeal Attorney General, Anil Nandlall signalled through a motion that he was asking that the appeal court throw out the case due to lack of jurisdiction During a virtual hearing before Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards
and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, Nandlall urged that the appeal should be struck out as there is no statutory or constitutional jurisdiction to the Court of Appeal to hear an election petition dismissed for procedural impropriety or any other reason not stated in Article 163 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana. Nandlall argued that that the decision being appealed arises out of an election petition which has been conferred with a unique and peculiar jurisdiction under Article 163. He added that Article 163, constitutes the
complete code of how election petitions are to be determined. Mr. Nandlall added that Article 163 also lists the types of issues that are to be raised by an election petition and it limits the grounds upon which appeals flow from the determination of those issues. It was also noted that the Chief Justice held that the court has no jurisdiction to proceed to hear and determine the petition if one of those conditions precedent is not complied with. In this case, according to Nandlall the question, in that case, was service and the court dismissed the petition on those grounds. In other words, the court never determined the questions which the petition raised to be determined which are the questions raised in Article 163 (1) from which Article 163 (3) says an appeal lies to the Court of Appeal upon the determination of those questions or orders consequential to the determination of those
questions. Senior Counsel, Roysdale Forde did not support the argument of the Attorney General. He noted in his argument that when matters determined by the High Court do not fall under Article 163 an aggrieved party can file an appeal under the court’s ordinary jurisdiction. Forde argued that the Constitution does not provide in Article 163 an exhaustive jurisdiction conferred on the Court of Appeal in relation to election petition matters. He added the very Constitution by virtue of Article 123, which provides that the Court of Appeal can have jurisdiction additional to Article 163. It provides the court with the jurisdiction to receive and determine the appeal filed in this matter. Forde maintained, also, that the Court of Appeal Act under Section 6 (2) provides the right of an appeal in relation to a final matter determined by the High Court.
Forde submitted that the election petition was dismissed based on an interlocutory determination and there are no provisions restricting appeals. With argument still be put forward by all parties, July 29, next has been given for the continuation of this matter. In January acting Chief Justice dismissed the election petition #99 that was filed by Brennan Nurse and Monica Thomas on the basis of non-compliance with effecting service as prescribed under Section 8 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act and Rule 9 of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Rules. Justice George in her ruling noted that the petition was not properly served on former President David Granger, the secondnamed respondent, and withstanding such it serves grounds for dismissal.
Wednesday June 16, 2021
Minibus driver convicted of rape, to be sentenced July 2
A minibus driver must now await the announcement of his time behind bars after he was found guilty on two counts of raping a 15-year-
old girl after picking her up from school. The convict Inteaz Mohamed, called “Uncle Shameer”, a resident of Success, East Coast
Demerara was found guilty of both counts of the rape of the young girl by a jury, yesterday. Mohamed was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds and was charged for raping the young girl between September 2014 and January 2015. Mohamed was remanded until July 2 for sentencing following the hearing of a probation report. He is known to the victim and her family. He would usually pick her up from home and did the same from school. However, back in September 2014 that
usual ride became very scary as the young girl was picked up from school and later taken to a bushy, dark area, where she was raped. Mohamed with clear knowledge of the consequences told the young that he would kill both of them if he is charged. Having planted fear in the child’s mind, Mohamed further back in January 2015, picked up the young girl from school and took her was to the same location, and raped her once again. A few months went by before the minibus driver
took up the responsibility of picking up the young girl after she had finished her lessons and it was then with fear of being incarcerated Mohamed continued to threaten the young girl through cell calls. A few weeks went on, and Mohamed still fearful of being incarcerated went to the home of the young girl and give her a letter, and left the message not to disclose what was contained in the letter. Eventually, the young girl built the courage to tell her brother what has transpired. The police
were later called in and Mohamed was arrested. Mohamed later denied the allegation. He claimed that in April 2014, he had to undergo surgery for a hernia and was unable to perform any sexual activity since it would become painful. No medical evidence was however offered to support this contention. Mohamed also claimed that the victim’s story was fabricated by her brother and that he would only transport primary school pupils to school and not students from secondary school.
JOBS LOSS COUPLED WITH THE PANDEMIC AND THE FLOODS
ADAM’s Notebook
The Ministry of Health regrettably informs that as of June 5, 2021, four more persons who tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have died. This takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic to 409. That was the traditional opening of the news report from the Ministry of Health. And the number had increased by five up to Tuesday. Once more, most of the COVID-19 victims are women. Where a few months ago men outnumbered the women in infections, women have taken the lead. This may be because women have been faced with the additional burden to keep food on the table. And it is no secret that most of the households in Guyana are single-parent households. The trend is worrying; the number of deaths info@guyanapostonline.com
is increasing as is the number of infections. For the past two months— April and May—nearly 200 people died of the dreaded coronavirus. Not long after the nation touted April as he deadliest month, up comes May. Already for the first eight days of this month nearly 20 people have died. The vaccination campaign is moving ahead. Yes, there is still some hesitancy among a few but for the greater part the wider society having been encouraged, is visiting the various vaccination centres. No one can fault the reports that the coronavirus is racing beyond control in Guyana. People are no longer dying by the ones and twos; they are dying by the fours. These are terrible times. Already there has been an impact on economic activity. Many small
businesses have closed their doors if not because of COVID guidelines, then because people simply did not have money to support them. This situation makes the spate of dismissals in the public sector even more worrying. People were already struggling in the face of the pandemic. Now the government is adding to their woes. And to make matters worse, there seems to be no end in sight to the dismissals. There was the initial batch of some 1,500 from the public sector. Last week Guyana Water Inc announced that it was sending home 157 workers. And this number does not include those whose contracts expired and were not renewed. All told, according to the Chief Executive Officer Shaik Baksh GWI will trim 300 workers. People are crying; women who are single
parents have been sent on the breadline with one month pay in lieu of notice. When things are bad they are really bad. First came the pandemic. Many had to tuck in; some lost jobs. Then came the widespread sackings that forced people to cope with joblessness and the pandemic. As joblessness increased up comes flooding that has wiped almost everything that some people had. The photographs are telling. There is water to the roofs of houses. And if the water is so high, imagine what has happened to crop and livestock. People’s entire life’s possessions have disappeared and there is no lifeline on the horizon. Perhaps some may get $25,000 again.
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But there is hope. Irfaan Ali has announced that he is going to create 50,000 new jobs. Employment opportunities loom for those who have been sacked. Rest assured that there are not enough people out there to take up the 50,000 new jobs. Of interest is the pace with which the government and the government departments are moving to dismiss people. Many of these people are at the bottom of the employment scale. They work for the minimum wage or slightly more. They do not really impact the pay roll. When the Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Water Inc said
that by sacking 300 people the company would save $230 million per annum, it turned out that the figure is less than one million per year per individual. If that sounds a lot then divide by 12. It is about $85,000 per month. And these people who had little to keep themselves alive, are being denied even that. But then again, GWI said that the company was overstaffed. So in my quiet moments I wonder about a government that cares not whether any of its people go to bed hungry. But that is power—the power over whether people eat or whether they live or die.
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