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ONLINE DAILY NEWSPAPER

Tuesday May 24, 2022

BRAZILIAN STATE WANTS TO BE INTEGRATED INTO CARICOM’S FOOD SECURITY VISION —PRESIDENT ALI

SEVERE FLOODING IN REGION NINE, SEVERAL FAMILIES RELOCATED TO SHELTERS, CDC REPORTS

ROWLEY SAYS THAT BAN ON GUYANA’S HONEY COULD BE LIFTED

25 SELECTED TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS INFLUENTIAL WOMEN LEADERS AWARDS FOR 2022

CHIEF LIBRARIAN REVOKES PERMISSION GRANTED TO BURNHAM FOUNDATION

Tuesday May 24, 2022

BRAZILIAN STATE WANTS TO BE INTEGRATED INTO CARICOM’S FOOD SECURITY VISION —PRESIDENT ALI

President Dr Irfaan Ali and DPrime Minister Keith Rowley

President Dr Irfaan Ali has said that Brazilian investors from the neighbouring State of Roraima are interested in being integrated into CARICOM’s vision of reducing its food import bill by 25% by 2025.

He made this announcement during a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr

Keith Rowley, at State House on Sunday.

As part of this integration, the President said, CARICOM has committed to ensuring that the State of Roraima is represented on the Region’s Agriculture Ministerial Task Force. This was after President Ali had led a delegation of the visiting CARICOM Heads

and other Caribbean Government Officials to the Santa Fe farm in the North Rupununi where they had a CaribbeanRoraima Investors Luncheon with a number of Brazilian investors.

“They have offered their technology; they have offered their investment. They have offered a partnership and they offer the

commitment.

“In exchange, we have committed to taking to the Heads a proposal of the State of Roraima to be part of the Ministerial Task Force on Agriculture from CARICOM. We have invited them to be part of the forum in Trinidad and Tobago in August and they are going to be part of that forum.”

INTEGRATED INTO CARICOM’S VISION President Ali said that he spoke to the Secretary of Agriculture of the State of Roraima, Marlon Buss, who indicated that they are looking to be integrated into CARICOM’S vision.

“They want to be integrated not only from a supply perspective, but from a productive perspective. They want to be integrated into this vision of CARICOM. They want to be part of this and I think it is an

excellent opportunity for a win-win.”

On Saturday, President Ali told the investors that CARICOM knows that it has to take action and has committed to taking action to ensure food security in the region.

He said that CARICOM is not looking for a win for one country, but for all countries that are willing to participate.

BRIDGING BRAZIL AND CARICOM President Ali also noted that Guyana is willing to be the bridge for the State of Roraima to work with CARICOM. Prime Minister Rowley, during Saturday’s Rupununi visit, highlighted Guyana’s importance in connecting the State of Roraima to the wider Caribbean.

“Guyana is the springboard for the

change that we are required to make, and Guyana has the support of CARICOM, particularly Trinidad and Tobago— its nearest neighbour in CARICOM.” He said that as CARICOM increases its production using the technology and goodwill from Brazil, the Region will be able to answer the questions it has been asking itself. “What can we do to improve our food supply? What can we do to increase our production? And who can we turn to work with? I feel we have found our answers for that business model.”

During the visit, President Ali and Prime Minister Rowley were also joined by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne; Premier of Montserrat, Joseph Farrell and other Regional officials.

SEVERE FLOODING IN REGION NINE, SEVERAL FAMILIES RELOCATED TO SHELTERS, CDC REPORTS

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Monday confirmed reports of significant flooding in Region Nine.

Due to the consistent rainfall in the area, CDC said water levels continue to rise from deep South to info@guyanapostonline.com

the South Pakaraimas.

Several communities and farms have been flooded, forcing families to relocate.

Collaborating with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Lethem Town Council (LTC)

and Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD), a shelter managed by the LTC, to house approximately seven families has been established at the Tabatinga Sports

Complex in Lethem.

Residents that were impacted by the flooding transitioned to the facility earlier today.

Additionally, the Commission has activated its Regional Disaster Risk Management Center

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(RDRMC) to serve as a secondary shelter to accommodate m o r e displaced persons who are expected to arrive today.

The CDC is also working with Regional and Municipal Authorities to deliver water purification tablets, water containers, cleaning hampers and other essential

supplies.

Two small-engined boats will also be deployed by the CDC to aid the RDC. Volunteers from the CDC Volunteer Corps, along with an experienced shelter manager, are

assisting the Town Council to coordinate the relief effort.

T h e Hydrometeorological Service predicts significant and consistent rainfall countrywide for the next 24 hours and as such, the Commission along with relevant agencies are monitoring all Administrative Regions.

Rainfall will measure at least two inches (60mm) in Southern Guyana and one inch (30mm) in the North. Residents of low lying, flooded and flood prone areas are urged to be vigilant and to take precautions where necessary.

The National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) can be contacted 24 hours a day on 600-7500 or 226-1114 to report any impacts.

Tuesday May 24, 2022

25 SELECTED TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS INFLUENTIAL WOMEN LEADERS AWARDS FOR 2022 “This year’s 25 individually to exchange

Twenty-five women who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the development of their organisations, agencies and communities, have been selected to join the growing network of change-makers as the 2022 recipients of the 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards (25IWLA).

This year, the 2022 Influential Women Leaders Awards Gala will be held on Saturday June 18, 2022, at the Guyana Marriott Georgetown.

Hailed as Guyana’s most prestigious accolade to recognize the contributions of female leaders in any sector of the country, the 25 Influential Women Leaders Award captures the essence of

excellence, extraordinary achievement and dynamic leadership, distilled in the women who bear the distinction of receiving this honor.

Since 2019, fifty women have received this award and have benefitted from various tailored programming geared to further their empowerment, i n t e l l e c t u a l advancement, social growth and leadership, as well as advance their commitment to community service.

Nominations for the awards were open to the general public for a month. Nominees were invited to submit details about their journey, to an eminent panel of judges residing in Guyana and the diaspora.

The final awardees

were Althea DanielsStuart, Ann Greene, Bibbi Alladin-Karan, Cristal Robinson, Ertenisa Hamilton, Francine Wintz, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, Heather Wilson, Joylyn Anita Conway, Kalawattie Datt-Singh, Latoya Gooding, Lavonia Springer, Marissa Foster, Mischka White-Griffith, Narda Alia Eletra Mohammed, Natasha France, Nikoya Alleyne, Reshma Persaud, Sarah Daniels, Shabakie Fernandes, Sharon Allison Alexander, Shinelle Bayrd, Susannah Isaacs, Tandika Harry and Wemyss de Florimonte.

These women will now join the esteemed community of trailblazing women who have excelled in their

fields and are forging new paths for the next generation of women leaders. Through the nominations, over 200 women have been thrust into the spotlight of their own achievements for consideration to receive the award this year.

The selection of the 2022 recipients honors the laudable accomplishments of each woman in her field of endeavor.

Michelle A. Nicholas, Co-Creator of the Award and Founder/CEO of The NICO Consulting Inc. said “It’s such a pleasure to shine a light on the accomplishments of my fellow women and celebrate their contributions to the success of businesses, economies, families, and communities.”

awardees, all from diverse backgrounds and professions, are frontliners fighting for equality in some way. They have and continue to leverage their exceptional talents and leadership capabilities to create change and improve lives for the better. It’s a privilege to celebrate these change-makers, who are intentionally advancing Guyana’s people and communities,” she related.

Managing Director of Cerulean Inc. Lyndell Danzie-Black, co-creator of the award, shared similar sentiments while stating, “Congratulations to all the nominees and particularly congratulations to the 25 Awardees.

“These women leaders emanated from various regions of Guyana and each has had a different journey to get here. The commitment of these women to change our world, because they decided they were going to act, to do, to change their businesses, communities, organisations, villages and their country for the better, is evident in their stories.

“I cannot wait to meet each and every awardee

our experiences and to work together to make this world a better place for our girls and boys.”

The annual awards gala, now a highlight of Guyana’s social calendar and a premium networking opportunity for businesses, non-profit organisations and pubic officials, has seen the engagement of several key sponsors.

These include Gold Sponsor SBM Offshore, Bronze Sponsor GT&T, Beverage Sponsor TechnipFMC and Media Sponsor interCaribbean Airways and our Venue Partner Guyana Marriott Georgetown, who embrace diversity and empowerment of women as they create positive change in themselves and the world.

Beyond the recognition of the day, the 25IWLA honoree will receive the exclusive opportunity to apply for the highly competitive Women’s Leadership Program (WLP). This programme explores critical areas that include access to networks, leadership and social equity, executive presence and more, all aimed at building new and strengthened relationships internally and externally.

CHIEF LIBRARIAN REVOKES PERMISSION GRANTED TO A site visit was paid down to the Librarian to organization committed BURNHAM FOUNDATION on May 18, 2022, on disallow the mounting to the commemoration

On April 25, 2022 the Forbes Burnham Foundation sought and info@guyanapostonline.com

which occasion all of the details for the mounting of the exhibition were finalized.

On May 23, (today) minutes before the exhibits were to be mounted, the Foundation received a phone call from the Chief Librarian, who indicated that permission was being withdrawn since the Library needed the facility for its own use.

The Foundation can obtained permission to Exhibition from May 23 only conclude that a mount an Independence to 28 at the Foyer of the directive was handed C o m m e m o r a t i v e National Library.

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of the Exhibition by the Burnham Foundation.

The PPPC once again shows its dictatorial hand in its attempt to rewrite Guyana`s history and to impose itself on the people of Guyana through the total control of the political, social and economic landscape.

At the same time the President mouths “One Guyana” for local and Global consumption.

The Burnham Foundation, which is a non-governmental

and the memorialization of the life of the Leader who led Guyana to Independence, is left with no alternative but to join forces with the true democrats of Guyana in the struggle to reclaim their rightful space and entitlements as citizens of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

(Vincent Alexander— Chairperson)

Tuesday May 24, 2022

ROWLEY SAYS THAT BAN ON GUYANA’S HONEY COULD BE LIFTED

Prime Minister Keith Rowley

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has given the assurance yet again that the trade of honey will be resumed but after a scientific analysis has been done.

Currently, the twinisland republic has a ban on the importation of honey. For years’ members of the business, and society have been calling for the amendment of the

longstanding legislation and regulations for the removal of restrictions on the trade in honey.

Following several talks over the years about the ban on honey, Prime Minister Keith Rowley while in Guyana, during the signing of a memorandum of understanding to enhance the relationship with Guyana, said that his Government will

look into the matter but scientific analysis will have to be done.

“We are not going to be reckless; we are not going to be cavalier because there is the requirement to have phytosanitary control to protect all of us. But we are not going to make artificial barriers.

“Going forward, we want to ensure that when we lift those barriers that

there’s reasonable and some scientific basis for doing it and once we do that then the vested interest would have to be asked to come along,” PM Rowley said.

For many years, there has been a ban on the importation of honey into the country for the reason of not importing it from countries where beehives are believed to be infected.

Beekeepers have over the years differed from this opinion. They said that the ban remains intact as a means of not having honey in the country at all. They added that the ban was not based and not based on the infections issue.

These barriers, according to the beekeepers, for years have not only impacted Guyana’s honey exports to the twin-island Republic but has also, on account of the transit restriction, negatively impacted Guyana’s exportation to other countries in the region.

Markets which they say could bring in large revenues and the sector could be developed more and further tap into the billion-dollar industry.

However, this ban they say, for years has troubled industry and there was hope sometimes that things would have change when a wideranging memorandum of

understanding between Rowley and former President David Granger in Georgetown was signed in September 2018. But so far the ban still remains.

Now forging ahead in 2022, PM Rowley is yet again making another commitment that there will be a change at the signing of the MOU with the current President, Mohammed Irfaan Ali. “We intend to not let artificial phytosanitary barriers preven us from expanding our possibility for trade in all agricultural products.”

Going ahead, it remains unclear when these barriers will be lifted and as of now the barrier still remains.

A bilateral group is set to be named within the next three months to look at all the trade issues, and other areas of co-operation to ensure that in the future better relationship between the two countries remains key on the agenda.

GUNMEN INVADE, ROB LA PARFAITE HARMONIE HOUSEHOLD of Suresh Balram; One (1) Apple iPhone 8 Plus cell phone, one (1) Eye Glasses valued $46,000 G.C, One Hundred and Twenty-five US dollars ($125 US) and ($5,000) GC, property of the 17 year-old female; One (1) Samsung Galaxy A32,

The Police are on the hunt for three armed men who robbed and terrorized a La Parfaite Harmonie in their home and carted off, jewelry, phones, phone cards, eyewear and other items.

In a statement from the Guyana Police Force, it was explained that the incident occurred just about 20:45 hours on Sunday at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

At the time of the incident it was explained that three armed men info@guyanapostonline.com

entered the home of 46-year-old Suresh Balram, 40-year-old Bibi Balram, a 17-year and a 15-year-old, who are both females.

On entry, the men who are said to be identifiable entered the living room in the lower flat of the home with handguns and held the entire family at gunpoint.

Ms. Balram was hit to the face with a gun, causing her . Mr. Balram was also hit to the head causing him to become more fearful for his life.

a quantity of Digicel $500 and $220 & GTT $500 and $200 Phone cards valued $80,000, a quantity of gold jewelry valued $1,200,000 G.C; property of Bibi Balram and One (1) Samsung A21 Cell phone valued $65,000

The gunman later ordered all the family members to lie face down on the floor and tied their hands behind their backs.

Thereafter, the perpetrators then ransacked the house and grocery shop before making good their escape in a northern direction.

The family later found a way to set themselves free.

Upon being freed, the family discovered that One (1) Samsung Galaxy A03 cell phone property La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank, Police Station

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and fifty-five thousand dollars ($55,000) in cash property of the aforementioned 15 yearold were all missing.

The matter was later reported and the two injured family members were also taken for medical treatment.

Tuesday May 24, 2022

GOVERNMENT SIDE A NO-SHOW AT PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

DEAR EDITOR On Wednesday, April 13, 2022, a motion was passed in the National Assembly of Guyana changing the quorum of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Before the passage of this motion, a quorum was any three members of the committee and this existed since 1963. A quorum now

info@guyanapostonline.com

requires five members, two representing the Government, two representing the Opposition and the Chairperson.

During the debates the Opposition argued against the motion pointing out that the motion is an attempt by Government to dismantle the guardrails of our democracy, decide

when Public Accounts Committe should meet and at what pace the PAC should be working.

The Government vehemently disagreed with the Opposition’s position and in a nutshell indicated that it will never seek to stymie the work of the Public Accounts Committee.

The statutory day for PAC is every Monday

at 10am. On Monday, May 23, 2022, the Government side was a no-show at PAC. The Clerk of PAC informed the Opposition Members who were all present (Hon. Jermaine Figueira and Hon. David Patterson virtual and Hon. Ganesh Mahipaul and Hon. Juretha Fernandes physical) that the Government side has asked to be excused due to the flood situation in Region Nine. Noticeably present for the meeting were the Finance Secretary, Accountant General and the Auditor General representative.

Also present were the agencies to be examined (Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development and Region Nine).

Editor, this action of the Government side to not attend PAC confirms and authenticates the Opposition’s position as articulated in the debates on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, that it is the Government’s attempt to

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dismantle the guardrails of our democracy, decide when PAC should meet and at what pace the PAC should be working.

G o v e r n m e n t members, Hon. Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, Hon. Dharamkumar Seeraj and Hon. Sanjeev Datadin, are not staff members of the Civil Defence Commission nor are they Ministers of Government.

The Civil Defence Commission is responsible for the assessment of the flood situation in Region Nine and it is the CDC that recommends to the Prime Minister and Cabinet for Government’s intervention.

So the attempt by the Government PAC members to hoodwink us did not work.

We must see this act by the Government for what it is and that is the Government wants to slow down the work of the PAC so that the PAC will not be able to examine the accounts of

2020 and 2021.

The public perception about the Government’s spending of taxpayers’ dollars in 2020 after the passage of the budget in September 2020 and 2021 is shocking, marred with corruption and flies in the face of transparency and accountability.

Only the Public Accounts Committee can dispel that perception. One would have thought that this Government which sings about transparency and accountability would have wanted to clear the air, but clearly they don’t.

My next missive will focus on some of the findings of the Auditor General for 2020 and prove my point that the PPP Government is a corrupt regime.

Hon. Ganesh Mahipaul, M.P. Opposition PAC Member.

info@guyanapostonline.com

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