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Thursday Nov. 18, 2021
HIGH-LEVEL PARTICIPATION FROM GOVT AT ENERGY CONFERENCE 2022 – PRES AL
GOVT ANNOUNCES 7% INCREASE FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS
COALITION MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL BAR ASSOCIATION, USA.
Friday Nov. 19, 2021
HIGH-LEVEL PARTICIPATION FROM GOVT AT ENERGY CONFERENCE 2022 – PRES ALI
President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Thursday disclosed that his Government was pleased to partner with the International Energy Conference and Expo for the four-day event scheduled for midFebruary in Guyana. “We believe that the multi-faceted nature of the Conference is in keeping with the national drive for holistic development and investment opportunities of Guyana,” the Head of State said. The Government will actively contribute to the Conference at the level of the President, Vice
President Dr. Irfaan Ali,
President Bharrat Jagdeo, and other members of the Cabinet. The Head of State added that the Government was pleased that other global agencies would participate
in various discussion sessions on energy, oil and gas, climate change, and food security among other areas. “We look forward to a successful conference and welcoming the many international delegations to Guyana,” Dr. Ali noted. The energy conference, launched in September of this year, will be held under the theme, “Charting a Sustainable Energy Future”, from February 15-18, 2022. It aims to bring together leading experts – both local and international. Only a few days ago, the Private Sector
Commission (PSC) endorsed the event. This comes mere weeks after Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) pledged their support for the event as well. PSC Chairman Paul Cheong had stated: “The PSC is pleased to be partnering with the organisers of the energy expo. It’s a good opportunity for local businesses to connect and explore partnerships with foreign investors/ businesses. Also, we are urging all local businesses
to come on board, as this is a good initiative that will benefit Guyana greatly as it develops capacity in the energy sector.” The PSC is committed to the promotion of a vibrant and dynamic Private Sector as the engine of growth in Guyana, the achievement of a welfare standard for citizens, and the addressing of pertinent issues in the national interest. The PSC has a broad membership base ranging from the agriculture sector to mining sector and now companies involved in Guyana’s energy sector. The conference
continues to receive tremendous support from local, regional and international business communities, regional Government leaders, and industry experts. Registration has commenced for sponsors, exhibitors, in-person attendees, virtual attendees, workshop participants, and members of the media, all being done online at www.guyanaenergy.gy. Companies interested in sponsoring or exhibiting can contact the team at conference@ guyanaenergy.gy to request sponsorship documents and to find out about booth availability.
Govt announces 7% increase for public servants additional $400M one-off payment for frontline health workers
Senior Finance,Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has announced a seven percent salary increase for all public servants retroactive to January 2021. This declaration was made by Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during a live broadcast on Thursday. He noted that this across-theboard increase would benefit all categories of public servants including teachers, members of the Disciplined Services, constitutional office holders, as well as Government pensioners. “This increase will be granted retroactively to 1 January 2021, and work will start immediately to ensure that it is processed and paid to eligible employees together with their December salary and in time for the festive
Christmas season,” Dr Singh disclosed. Only last month, President Dr. IrfaanAli had reassured public servants that salary increases for them were imminent. That was a reiteration of an earlier commitment back in August when he had promised a retroactive salary increase for public servants before the end of this year. Frontline workers Meanwhile, Minister Singh, during the broadcast on Thursday, also announced an additional $400 million for frontline health workers, who have been battling the COVID-19 pandemic. “Government has set aside an amount of $400 million for a special 2021 payout to be made to frontline workers in the health sector who have continued to face extenuating circumstances in the daily discharge of their duties, as our country and the world continue to battle the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he disclosed. According to the Minister, the details of this payout will be announced shortly. However, he reassured me that the
payout will be made to eligible employees before the end of December 2021. Meanwhile, the other announcement that was made by Dr Singh had to with inconsistencies regarding the salary scale across the public sector. He indicated that the Government was working to have this disparity resolved. “Government has recognised the existence of a number of anomalies and disparities across positions within the public service salary scales, as a result of which there are marked inconsistencies across the pay received by persons holding similar qualifications, but occupying different posts depending on the agency in which they work, the post to which they are appointed, and the salary scale in which their post is classified,” the Finance Minister pointed out. He added, “For example, a new graduate with a degree in environmental science might be earning $120,000 in one agency while a new graduate with an identical degree in environmental science might be earning
$190,000 in another agency.” Correcting salary inconsistencies According to Minister Singh, steps will be taken next year to reduce these inconsistencies by making suitable adjustments to salaries in order to improve the parity and consistency with which persons with comparable qualifications are paid. These changes, he noted, will be catered for in Budget 2022, for which preparations are already underway. Nevertheless, Dr Singh stated that work would commence immediately to implement the measures he has announced. Despite his commitment to salary increases, President Ali had previously explained that his Government had a holistic vision for public servants that was not just about pay hikes. He had said they also wanted to empower public servants and ensure that they became homeowners, among other things. “We’re looking at the mechanism that will allow every public servant to own their own home… We want to empower
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public servants so that their children, too, can benefit from the scholarship programme. The public servants themselves are benefiting. And we are happy about this. So, let us not limit the discourse only to the tax waivers and [salary increases],” the Head of State had stated. At the end of December 2020, public servants had benefited from a one-off $25,000 cash grant from the PPP/C Government. Approximately $2 billion was budgeted for that initiative, which was said to have benefited over 60,000 workers. The beneficiaries of this grant include workers within Central Government, statutory bodies, subvention agencies, public corporations, teachers, medical workers, members of the Joint Services, Government pensioners and staff of the University of Guyana, to assist them with the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Then in the 2021 Budget, some $10 billion was budgeted in the estimates under the heading, “Revision of Wages and Salaries” – a
huge part of which the Government had said was for salary increases for public sector workers. Further, another $7.8 billion in assistance was earmarked for households and farmers affected by the unprecedented MayJune floods. This was coupled with a subsequent announcement in August of $2.6 billion of financial support for vulnerable groups as well as one month of free electricity for over 40,000 households consuming 75 kilowatts per month. Meanwhile, the Emergency Budget in 2020 provided for $7 billion in COVID-19 relief cash grants to households across Guyana and $1.1 billion in year-end bonuses to some 19,000 frontline workers in the health sector and the Disciplined Services. Those measures were complemented by the reversal of taxes on a slew of utilities and items, as well as the removal of Value-Added Tax on electricity, water, health care, education, and even construction materials
Friday Nov. 19, 2021
MONEY FROM THE MIDDLE-EAST MIGHT BE A MIRAGE
Expectations of quick and easy money from Middle-East governments and investors have been exaggerated and might be a mere mirage unless Guyana enhances its economic diplomacy and improve its understanding
of the Region. Despite the flurry of friendly visits and optimistic reports of governmental engagements, the road to achieving tangible results will be long and hard. Former President
David Granger, speaking today during his weekly programme ― The Public Interest ― recalled that there had been a shift in economic diplomacy fifty-one years ago from the West towards the East, especially the Middle East. Guyana, after becoming a Republic, established diplomatic relations with Egypt as long ago as 1971 and an embassy in Iraq in 1973. Mr. Granger admitted that the quest for wide, international support through the Non-Aligned Movement was, initially, ideological and strategic,
as support was sought for Guyana’s territorial controversies. Relations with other states followed but the objective soon became economic and financial. Mr. Granger also explained that the Middle East is a geopolitical region that has been plagued by external intervention, interference, and warfare for several decades. The geopolitical situation must be understood if Guyana’s engagements are to be successful. He recalled that the PPP administration’s Middle-East diplomacy faltered and its relations
with Iran faded as a result of ignorance of the international situation at the time. The APNU+AFC coalition administration pursued economic opportunities through institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (IOC) and the Islamic Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), and an Embassy in Kuwait. The Former President said that while it was good to seek to improve relations with Middle-
East states, lasting success will come from the efforts of a corps of professional ambassadors and diplomats, a complement of competent bureaucrats and foreign service officers, and a functional Foreign Service Institute, not ‘personal summitry.’ He argued, also, for closer attention to be paid to the Caribbean Community which provides a billion-dollar market for Guyana’s agricultural products while the Middle East, 11,000 kilometres away, does not need Guyana’s rice and sugar.
to substantiate at the trial and therefore, the Court found that the defence of fair comment was not available to him Justice Singh said that the court finds that the publication clearly attacked the Claimant’s character, labelling him as a pedophile who actively pursued children to satisfy this sexual perversion. Such is criminal conduct. Johnson failed to set out, factually, any conduct of the Claimant that justified such a comment. He added that Johnson failed to produce one iota of evidence to support
either that the Claimant is a pedophile or that he was dismissed from his job, for any reason, or at all. There was a retraction and an apology since Johnson acknowledged the falsity of what was published. He publicly expresses regret that the libellous publication took place. In the circumstances, the Court awarded $5 million and interest at four percent retroactive to March 5, 2019, as damages for defamation to Jackson. Johnson was also ordered to pay $1 million in costs to Jackson.
Ruel Johnson slapped with $5M for defamation ..to pay $1m in costs
Ruel Johnson,
Former Cultural Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Education in Guyana, Ruel Johnson, has failed to defend himself in court against what he called fair comment towards, former teacher Ceon Jackson. He described Jackson as a ‘Pedophile’ who while in the profession preyed on young girls. As a result, Johnson has to pay $5M in damages following a ruling in the lawsuit brought by Jackson. Mr. Jackson was a teacher who lost his job at Bishops’ High School following allegations of sexual misconduct committed on his students. Johnson had penned a letter to the Ministry of Education about Jackson’s alleged behavior. He also made several Facebook comments on
the issues. Those allegations led to an investigation and Jackson was later charged for sexual activity with a child under the age of 16. He was later committed to stand a high court trial for the matter of which is yet to be called. Jackson, who denied the allegations then moved against Johnson in the lawsuit, which claimed that the comments made and circulated turned his life upside down. They ruined his reputation and caused great distress. The case was filed by Jackson’s attorney, Nigel Hughes, and Ms. Savannah Barnwell. Johnson later was represented Attorney Ganesh Hira. The parties stood before Justice Navindra A. Singh.
Jackson argued that Johnson’s comments damaged his reputation and subjected him to public ridicule, contempt, hatred, and embarrassment. In defense, Johnson through its lawyers argued that there was justification and fair comment. However, when Johnson stood before the court to justify his comment he admitted that he did make the post without any verification. He had no names or statements from the victims provided. Justice Singh ruled that the word “pedophile” would immediately convey to a reasonable reader that Jackson is sexually attracted to children and has acted and continues to act on that perverse attraction, thereby engaging in immoral and criminal practices. As such, the court found the label very defamatory. The court maintained that the comments would have caused the dismissal of Jackson due to the investigation. On the issue of fair comments, Justice Singh said that in order for it to be deemed as such it must be of public interest, it must be factual, it must
former teacher Ceon Jackson.
be one which could have been made by an honest person, however, prejudiced he might be, and however exaggerated or obstinate his. Justice Singh said Johnson did not put up any argument to substantiate his claims. Singh said that to note that a man’s conduct was dishonourable is not a simple statement of fact. It is a comment coupled with an allegation of unspecified conduct upon which the comment is based. The judge added there were clear imputations of fact which Johnson failed
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Friday Nov. 19, 2021
MONEY FROM THE MIDDLE-EAST MIGHT BE A MIRAGE
The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company(GTT) is giving Guyanese $30 million to smile for the holiday through the “Together we celebrate” promotion. With millions of dollars to give away in prices, cash, and other items, GTT this morning launched the multimilliondollar promotion aimed at giving back to its
customers for the holiday season, despite another rough year dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic. The promotion started today and will end in January. During that period customers topping up $1000, those paying their bills in full, or those signing up for fiber will qualify. “Eligibility applies to all of our customers paying a
bill in full and on time in stores and the MMG and MyGTT apps; customers topping up their mobiles with $1000 or more; customers signing up for GTT Fibre or purchasing reduced handsets and SIM from GTT.” According to the COO for Home & Fixed Unit at GTT, Eshwar Thakurdin, said during the launch this morning.
Thakurdin also noted that those being eligible will enjoy weekly and monthly draws that will likely see them walking away with a variety of prices. “GTT is giving you much more this Christmas including free accessories with your purchase of selected phones, and free Gigabytes of data; plus, one-month free Fibre and free installation on new signups and so much more. “So stay tuned to our social media pages for updates on what is in store for this season,” Thakurdin further noted. Guyanese over the past two years of the COVID-19 Pandemic has faced many challenges due to the downside of the economy There were restrictions and measures
GCAA shocked by Col. Hutson’s passing The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has expressed shock and sadness at the news of the passing of Lt. Col. (ret’d) Charles Compton Courtney Hutson. Col. Hutson was a Guyanese Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. As an aircraft engineer, Col. Hutson was responsible for the effective maintenance of a fleet of aircraft at the Guyana Airways Corporation. He was later transferred to the Guyana Defence Force Lt. Col. (ret’d) Charles Compton Courtney Hutson. Col. Hutson (GDF) with the rank of Major, where he attained support of the late Mr. professional training certification in helicopter Richard Campbell and in the field of aircraft maintenance, becoming Mr. Peter D’Anarde, maintenance engineering the first Guyanese to birthed the Caribbean to Guyanese and students hold a dual aircraft Aviation Maintenance globally. (Helicopter and Fixed Services, Guyana’s first Regional Director of wing) maintenance Approved Maintenance the International Civil engineering license. Aviation Organisation Organisation (AMO). He was type rated on Following closely (ICAO) South American the majority of fixed- behind its establishment Regional Office (SAM wing and helicopter was the Art Williams Office), Mr. Fabio aircraft. Rabbani, and Harry Wendt Rahnemay After retiring from A e r o n a u t i c a l expressed “deep the GDF, Col. Hutson Engineering for the School, sympathy later joined the private an Approved Training passing of Col. Hutson, sector, and with the Organisation, offering Pioneer of Guyana Civil
Aviation”. Mr. Rabbani said the “ICAO South American Office is honoured to have Col. Hutson as part of our aviation pioneers’ hall”. In 2019, ICAO through its SAM Office, inducted Lt. Col Hutson, into its Hall of Tribute to South American Av i a t i o n Pioneers, located within the SAM Regional Office in San Isidro, Peru. The Minister of Public Works, the Chairman and Board of Directors, the DirectorGeneral, Management and Staff of the GCAA extends sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the late Lt. Col. Charles Compton Courtney Hutson. Guyana has truly lost a stalwart in aviation
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aimed at protecting citizens from the deadly disease. It is against this backdrop, that GTT who knows how Guyanese feel about Christmas, is offering a reason to smile through the holiday with the promotion and giveaways. “Christmas is a special time of year, and with GTT this is no exception. In fact, despite 2021 having been one of the most challenging years in recent memory, Christmas gives us the reason for celebration, and reason to hope for a brighter tomorrow, together. “That being said, it is our tradition to show our appreciation for our fellow man, including all of you here, and especially our valued customers, by coming together to share
gifts of our own. “This year, GTT will share a package of very tangible gifts of millions of dollars in cash and prizes with our valued customers; current and future, giving us all, together, the opportunity to celebrate. “It is for very good reason, that I emphasize the word “together” as a major aspect of this Christmas celebration. “Christmas with GTT is worth celebrating, not only because of our gifts and what they symbolize, but also because we do it together,” COO, Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson expressed He said that this is because it’s tradition and it is one that GTT and its customers continue to celebrate today.
SMALL MINERS CALL ON PRESIDENT IRFAAN ALI FOR HELP
can count on. We pay ROYALTY AND TAXES upfront on ALL GOLD and Diamonds produced, unlike other businesses who only pay taxes on profits declared (if any). Even with our hard work and paying taxes we still do not enjoy the benefits, since we have to be tax compliant before we can enjoy any perks but we never give up. This is our livelihood; we have to survive since families depend on it.
So, it hurts to see there is no: A. Security. Police and Mining Officers are not visiting and patrolling Mining locations. Illegal shops, drugs, guns, and trafficking in persons are prevalent. The illegal/ non-gazetted shops are operating with the knowledge/ consent of the Mines Officer (GGMC). B. Terrible Roads. Major Mining roads, and bridges are not being repaired and maintained. C. Covid Pandemic. Illegal shops and landings with no COVID restrictions, masks, etc. are putting Miners’ lives at risk. D. Malaria Outbreak. With the continuous rainfall and flooding, there is a serious outbreak of Malaria in the Mining camps. Treated mosquito nets, along with other Malaria treatments are not being given to Miners. Health staff/ personnel are not visiting Mining camps in the backdam. As soon as the farmers cry, help is available. As soon as the loggers
cry even though they are the ones damaging what little is left of the mining roads… they are demanding that the contractors work overtime to get their logging roads fixed. We as Miners? Our cries hardly ever get heard. To reach the worksite, one has to travel over roads that are in deplorable conditions, at times risking one’s life to get to one’s work destination. The Government has attempted to “repair” some of these roads over the years. They have paid millions of dollars to “Contractors”, whose contract repair works last for a few months. The roads return to the deplorable state and the same contractor is given another contract to fix the same roads. How long will this continue? Come on Dr. Irfaan Ali, president, of all the people of Guyana, something must be done for us, small miners. Frustrated Small Miners.
until they are vaccinated or had a PRC test done, the Unions together filed the matter against the Government. They contended that the actions were unconstitutional on many levels.
As such, the Union moved to the court along with their Attorneys Darren Wade and Dane Elliott-Hamilton to seek clarification and declaration on several fronts. One such front includes a declaration by the court that the health emergency made by the former President David Granger and continues under the current President, Irfaan Ali, and later published in the official gazette falls out of the jurisdiction of the President under Section 21 of the Public Health Ordinance. The Unions want the court, also, to declare that even with the fact that given a Central Board of Health meeting, the President and the Minister
of Health, simply ignored any recommendation by the Board as required by law. The Unions are also arguing that the President in his capacity has acted unconstitutionally by the delegation of the President’s powers and as such infringes on the Constitution. The result is that the emergency measures issued are deemed to be invalid. The Unions are asking that the court deem it invalid and of no effect since the Central Board of Health has no authority to delegate its powers to a third party. Attorney General Anil Nandlall is set as a respondent on behalf of the Guyana Government.
Dr. Irfaan Ali, president, of all the people of Guyana,
All across Guyana, the heavy rainfall has affected everyone in some kind of way. At the same time, we are dealing with the COVID pandemic over which we have no control. As a miner, and I speak for all miners, just like the farmers and others, we are working people and we are affected. We are already facing serious challenges in this industry, like poor infrastructure but we are still going out there every
day because we have a task at hand, a duty to complete, bills to pay, and mouths to feed, because our families are depending on us. Meetings are being called with farmers, loggers, etc. I can’t remember the last time a meeting was called with Miners to hear our cries. It’s Oil, Oil, and more Oil. The Mining Industry over the past 25 and more years has been carrying this country, built foundations,
developed hinterland locations, found jobs for Guyanese especially the ones who don’t have the PRIVILEGE of formal education and also people from around the world. It was also the largest earner of foreign exchange. Over 200,000 Guyanese are dependent on this Mining Industry. The Mining Industry is one of the most stable industries that the Government and Guyanese people
Trades unions move to court to challenge vaccination policy
The Guyana Trades Union Congress, the Guyana Public Service Union, and the Guyana Teachers Union have joined forces and have filed a civil proceeding against the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
Chief Justice, Roxane George, is set to hear oral arguments in the New Year. When the matter was called this morning before Chief Justice George, the dates were handed out for exchange of submissions.
The judge has also set January 20, 2022, for oral arguments. It was back in August following protest actions by workers against the vaccination policy that prevented workers from entering their workplaces
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SOME WORKERS USE COVID EXPOSURE TO CON EMPLOYERS
As the country still grapples with COVID-19, workers continue to remain isolated after being exposed to someone that is positive. This is mandated by the COVID-19 Measures set out by the Government. However, not all of the workers continue
to be honest with their employers. Some have been exploiting the system for an extra day off. This is according to the Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Antony, who said that over time the Ministry has been receiving reports of workers exploiting the system. This poses
a problem to the work environment. “There are reports of persons, maybe every two weeks, reporting that they have become exposed to somebody. There is a pattern. It’s obvious that the employee or person might just want days off rather than
being genuinely sick with COVID.” As part of the COVID-19 protocol, persons who have symptoms or feel that they have been exposed to some with the virus are expected to selfquarantine themselves. A COVID-19 PCR test is
done within five days. When tested, that individual is expected to return to self-quarantine until their results are ready. “Pending the return of the results, you are expected to stay in self-quarantine when positive or return to work if negative.” This system has been straightforward for over a year. But to the extent of clearly understanding the system and the loopholes, workers have gone on to exploit it. According to the Minister of Health, the responsibility now rests on the shoulders of the employers to do their checks and balances and in the end create some policies to curb this type of behavior. “We have to balance these two things and I guess different workplaces will have to get policies where they can verify these reports from their
employees,” Minister Anthony added. In Guyana now, some 2,112 persons are currently infected with Covid-19, with 83 of them being new cases over the past 24 hours. There are also 55 persons that are being treated in hospitals, 38 of whom are at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, with 20 of them in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The ministry is also monitoring Region Three that has some 820 cases; Region Four, 764 cases; Region Six with 232 and Region Ten with 93 cases. Currently, 393,355 adults have already taken the first dose of a COVID vaccine, with 264,851 of them being fully vaccinated. For adolescents, 28,501 persons have received the first dose of the vaccine, while 19,693 are fully vaccinated.
Coalition meets with President of the National Bar Association, USA
President of the National Bar Association of the USA, Judge Carlos Moore
On Wednesday a delegation from the APNU+AFC Parliamentary Opposition met with the President of the National Bar Association of the USA, Judge Carlos Moore. Ms. Amanza Walton Desir, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Mr. Roysdale Forde, Shadow Attorney
General, updated Judge Moore and his team on the issues which have continued to divide the country and hinder national development. These issues include discriminatory governance, the inequitable allocation of resources, and lack of transparency in the management of the State’s resources.
Mr. Roysdale Forde
The meeting with Judge Moore followed his meeting with several officials of the PPP/C
around the world. Administration. The APNU+AFC is extremely pleased with the outcomes of the meeting and we are satisfied that Judge Moore and his delegation have a more fulsome understanding of the concerns of the close to fifty percent of the Guyanese population which the Coalition represents in the National Assembly. The National Bar Association was founded in 1925 and is the oldest and largest national network of predominantly A f r i c a n American attorneys and judges in the United States of America. It represents the interests of approximately 65,000 lawyers, judges, law Ms. Amanza Walton Desir
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professors, and law students. The NBA is organized around 23 substantive law sections, 10 divisions, 12 regions, and 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and
Finance Minister Ashni Singh hosts follow-up agriculture investment meeting
Government continues to push and implement strategies for Guyana’s non-oil sector to be expanded. On Monday, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh
hosted another follow-up meeting with Chandra Pratap Singh, Business Development Director; and Emil Moukarzel, Chief Operating Officer of Elite Agro LLC of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Accompanying the Finance Minister at the meeting were Ministers of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and Tourism Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond. Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Paul
Cheong, and other private sector representatives including David Fernandes, Head of a consortium dealing with the expansion of corn and soya-bean production in Guyana, and Sachin Singh who heads another private
sector consortium dealing with the expansion of the seafood sector, were also present. The meeting was a follow-up to earlier meetings held between President Irfaan Ali and officials of Elite Agro LLC (one of the UAE’s leading agriculture companies having largescale integrated farming operations and currently engaged in growing, sourcing, importing, and marketing of agricultural products). During the meeting, Minister Singh explained to the officials of Elite Agro LLC that traditionally agriculture has been an extremely important anchor in Guyana’s economy. It is still an important anchor in the non-oil economy. He added that with Guyana looking to
false information from a force controlled by the Government. “Crime is a serious indicator of social and moral decay in your country. It’s a serious indicator of the investment climate in your country.” Harmon said the police and the Government are massaging the figures to make things look good for the government when in reality they are not that way. He maintained that he is however not surprised. Back in the past when crime continued to be reported very frequently a lot of countries gave their citizens travel advisories among other information when dealing with business in Guyana. Mr. Harmon further explained that the Government understood what was curbing visitors and investors. Even its citizens had to remain
careful while in Guyana. The Government has put in place a team in the police force to suppress the real information. “They are massaging the figures, to release, to see what looks good for the Government but the crime situation in Guyana is bad and that is the reality. “How could you explain under the bright lights, not far away from where the President lives a man can be gunned down, execution-style, and you find the car burnt up somewhere and you can’t get a single person before the court. “How can you explain only the other day a doctor is brutalized in office or home and you have all sort of crazy statements being made by people? How could you justify the Henry brothers and Haresh Singh and the nonsense that came out of
police investigation?” Mr. Harmon pointed out that the situation can only become worst since there are no recorded cases of crime and the identity of persons who committed the crime. This gives criminals more confidence. “It seems as if the criminals have more rights than our citizens. This is one of the reasons why (the government) is suppressing these numbers. It is to give the impression that all is fine but while you are doing that, you are giving license to the criminal elements to behave as they are because they say ‘Hey, this thing is not being recorded, this thing is no longer a statistic. I can just pick up my gun and go into somebody’s house as they did with the gentleman on the Essequibo Coast (Mr. Orin Boston) and shot him.”
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 commodities to other export destinations. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said that with the emergence of oil and gas, it is expected that the oil and gas sector will complement the non-oil sector and the Government will invest in infrastructure to support the development and expansion of the agricultural sector. The private sector representatives provided extensive and detailed presentations to Elite Agro LLC on agriculture (including corn and soya bean) and seafood along with the available opportunities for inv
The government is massaging the crime statistics
Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon
With the Guyana Police Force just recently indicating that crime statistics are at their lowest over a 10-year period, Leader of the Opposition, Joseph Harmon, has noted that the figure presented paints a false narrative of how the Guyana society is under the PPP/C
Government in order to entice investors. Speaking at a press conference this morning, the Leader of the Opposition maintained that in the eyes of many crimes that have been committed according to the figures proposed by the police are merely
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Just a few days ago, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum revealed during a press conference hosted by the Guyana Police Force that 1700 serious crimes were committed for the year. It was recorded as the lowest, with the highest being 4,204 in 2013. He explained that during this period, the lowest number of robbery murders was recorded, with the highest being recorded in 2019. He added that were five execution murders, 72 disorderly, 18 domestic and 14 unknowns. The murder rate, he noted, is also the third-lowest. The current clear-up rate for murders is 68 percent. Blanhum also explained that as compared to 2020, there was a 19.4 percent decrease in serious crimes this year, moving from 2109 to 1700.
Tuesday Nov. 16, 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
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.
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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Guyana Post Saturday January 30, 2021
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