Guyana Times - Sunday, October 11, 2020

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From a school dropout to successfully building an agrobusiness, Jennifer Singh shares her journey Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 4435 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020

Public officials will be held accountable for actions – President Ali Page 3

...urges Ministers, MPs to act in a fair, transparent manner

UK looking forward to working with Govt on security sector reform – diplomat

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

GL&SC Board member paid $12M for land; adjourning P38 plots sold for $85M, $130M GDF rank arrested for assaulting cop P11

Page 30

…SMART hospitals, other UKCIF-funded projects on agenda

Guyana, Suriname mark site for Corentyne River Bridge Page 39

Mother, son P10 traumatised after bandits’ attack

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P10 Teen who escaped from Juvenile Holding Centre recaptured

Health Minister announces protocols ahead of airports' reopening

Police to question PNC’s Volda Lawrence on Monday over electoral fraud Page 36

...APNU/AFC misrepresents, sensationalises Police request

Elderly woman dies from COVID-19 at Region 1 home …47 new cases detected

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New GGMC Board of Directors P31 appointed

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, October 11 – 13:00h – 14:30h and Monday, October 12 – 13:30h – 15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, October 11 – 12:15h – 13:45h and Monday, October 12 – 13:15h – 14:45h.

Public officials will be held accountable for actions – President Ali

...urges Ministers, MPs to act in a fair, transparent manner

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Expect sunshine during the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly to Easterly to East NorthEasterly to North-Easterly to North NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 11:50h reaching a maximum height of 2.11 metres.

Low Tide: 17:44h reaching a minimum height of 1.14 metre.

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President Dr Irfaan Ali

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali has sounded a warning to all public officials, including Ministers and parliamentarians, that the PPP/C Administration will not tolerate any action that is unbefitting of the office which they hold.

Over the years, particularly the last five years under the former APNU/AFC Administration, Ministers who would have acted inappropriately or accused of wrongdoing, faced little to no consequences for their actions.

During a recent interview with Guyana Times, the Head of State was asked how he intends to deal with officials who misconduct themselves in office.

According to President Ali, "once the rules and the laws and the system operates, there's no differentiation in treatment. The laws and the rules have to be applied across the board."

He subsequently explained that "we have to operate within a system that is no different from someone in a senior Government position or some citizen out there."

President Ali revealed that he has already spoken to a number of public officials, including the newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Departments, about the responsibilities which they possess.

"This is a point that we take time to instil in them, the responsibility that is placed in them, the trust placed in them as public officers so that they will act in a manner that is befitting of the office, act in a fair manner, transparent manner and ensure their conduct is reflective of one that not only shows respect but allows persons to respect the office in which they hold," President Ali asserted.

The Head of State reminded that he has already made it clear, during the swearing-in of new Ministers, that everyone will be held accountable for their actions.

"I made it very clear that everyone will be held to account for the stewardship of their sectors, there will be constant evaluation of per-

formance, and importantly that their conduct and the way they operate will also form part of that evaluation," he reiterated.

Indeed, at the swearing-in ceremony of new Ministers in August, President Ali charged them to be "results-oriented" and "transparent".

Under the David Granger-led APNU/AFC Administration, Ministers and parliamentarians who misconducted themselves hardly faced any consequences for their actions.

In 2017, the then Public Health Minister Dr George Norton was merely transferred to the low-budget Social Cohesion Ministry after he came under severe criticisms over the Sussex Street Drug Bond scandal. With Dr Norton at the helm, the Public Health Ministry had paid millions of dollars to a known AFCfinancier to rent a house to use as a drug bond. Even more contentious was the fact that the contract was sole-sourced under the pretext of "urgency" but a vis-

it to the building found that many cold storage facilities were empty and no tablets were being stored.

In 2018, the then Minister within the Natural Resources Ministry was embroiled in what is now popularly known as the “parking lot scandal” where she and her driver were involved in an altercation with two security guards who were on duty at the building which houses the New Thriving Restaurant at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The security guards were subsequently arrested after it was alleged they pointed a gun at the then Minister and behaved in a threatening manner. But security footage of what transpired contradicted Broomes’ allegations and, in fact, revealed that she and her driver aggressively attempted to remove “No Parking” signs to facilitate her vehicle. In the end, the then Minister was never charged and the then President David Granger never publicly condemned

the action.

Moreover, the then Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie PattersonYearwood was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture under a newly-created portfolio for "Rural Affairs". She was transferred after it was revealed that her husband had a multimillion-dollar contract to build houses for the Ministry under a special programme. When the scandal was exposed in 2019, the then President Granger had said "at this point, I am satisfied that she has not committed any criminal offence and that she is a fit and proper person..." Also the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), headed by the then Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson was found to have had breached Guyana’s procurement laws to award the new Demerara bridge feasibility contract.

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Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Precursor to a Local Content Policy

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ast August, we stressed the strategic importance of an “Industrial Baseline Study” (IBS) to inform our “Local Content Policy” (LCP). To proceed otherwise is to place the cart before the horse. How can we design an LCP if we do not know our present local capabilities? We repeat our advice.

The IBS analyses the existing business landscape in the country, and while addressing the present upstream needs of the unfolding oil sector, most germanely connects them to the strategic development plans of the nation. Instead, the APNU/ AFC Government allowed Exxon, in 2017, to develop a “Center for Local Business Development” (CLBD), which focuses solely on the needs of its upstream activities. While this entity is at least a start - in that it provides a registration portal for interested businesses, and promises “to be a reliable resource for information on safety, technical standards, procurement opportunities and project-specific information” - it is both rather passive and inevitably inward-looking, as it promises to “focus primarily on developing local vendors that serve key sectors of the oil and gas industry, including areas such as safety equipment, marine operations, offshore supply and civil construction. It will also provide mentoring, coaching and access to financial support.”

In contrast, anticipating a deep sea oil strike in their adjoining oil blocks after our success, Suriname commissioned an IBS, back in 2018, which has provided them with a roadmap for governmental development of their business readiness, and also appropriate industrial training in their school system, not just for oil, but for the development plans that would become viable with the flow of oil revenues. For instance, several hundred businesses were evaluated along the metrics of “Business Capacity; Business Inputs: Cost and Prices; Market Experience; Workplace Safety; Quality Standards; Timeliness; Workforce Skills; and Financial Standing.” On a scale of 0 to 6, for instance, the performances ranged from 2.5 for “timeliness” to 6 in “Financial Standing”.

But the IBS looked backwards, to examine the educational institutions to determine their readiness to train the workers that would be needed both in the oil sector and in the wider developmental thrust. These institutions were assessed on four criteria: Curriculum, Instructors, Finance & Organization, and Infrastructure. It was found that the curriculum in most programmes did not follow a competency-based training (CBT) mode; most schools did not have return-to-industry schemes to ensure instructors have up-to-date industry knowledge; public institutions were underfunded, and had limited capacity to invest in updated equipment or curriculum design; and workshops and labs often had malfunctioning equipment, so students missed out on practical training.

The State Oil Company and the oil operators were mandated to coordinate resources and pool funding to develop a high-impact initiative to support the enhancement of TVET education through a combination of interventions, which included curriculum development support, equipment, apprenticeship programmes, and teacher training.

In Guyana, not only did the APNU/AFC Government not conduct such an analysis, and suggest intervention involving the oil operators, but they actually shuttered the GuySuCo Apprenticeship Training School at Port Mourant, which should have been upgraded since 2015, when oil was first struck.

The goals of the Suriname LCP were threefold: to “guide investments and operations over the next 5-10 years; leverage local content as a catalyst for economic development; and emphasise capacity-building and skill upgrading of the private sector. Their strategy aims to achieve these goals by focusing on transferable capabilities to ensure maximum spill-over into other industries of the economy, such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and logistics.”

The strategy envisaged a phased implementation; strong emphasis on supplier development; emphasis on transferability of supply-chain capabilities that have application to other sectors of the economy; balance between targeted and broad-based development; and finally, industry coordination to pool resources, dilute risk and increase economies of scale.

While they also plan on a supplier registration portal, the state institutions would be much more proactive to ensure local companies were made aware of opportunities and needed qualifications.

It is our hope that the Local Content Panel would embark on an IDS before more spinning of wheels.

Harmon is stuck in a world of denial Dear Editor, The Leader of the Opposition Mr Joseph Harmon on October 9, 2020, held a press conference in which he, at the very top of his opening remarks, with disdain and anger, read out the names of the GECOM senior staffers being investigated, charged and placed before the courts by the Guyana Police Force. He went on to point out that they were all of one ethnic group. Well, Mr Harmon like the leader of the PNC seems to be suffering selective amnesia.

He needs to be reminded that it all started when Retired Judge James Patterson was unilaterally appointed as the Chairman of GECOM by then President David Granger. Patterson went on a hiring spree of one ethnic group for which the Ethnic Relations Commission saw nothing wrong. Mr Harmon was part of the Granger undemocratic entourage that directed the GECOM hiring for a specific purpose of fixing the elections in favour

of the APNU/AFC. It all backfired and so Harmon cannot now cry crocodile tears. He is responsible for their predicament, he misguided himself as he thought that the APNU/AFC would remain in Government forever and this so-called ethnic GECOM staff he referred to would have their wrongdoings swept under the carpet. His gamesmanship has failed him. They held this county, this nation, to ransom for five gut-wrenching months. Come on Harmon, be a man, take your licks.

Take ownership and responsibility for setting up this GECOM ethnic group for possible incarceration.

Following statements by the PNCR GECOM Commissioner Desmond Trotman accusing the Honourable Retired Judge Madam Claudette Singh of facilitating the persecution of the GECOM staff and later recklessly and heartlessly supported by Harmon himself making similar rants. He went on to accuse her of facilitating the police

action which he termed as “illegal”.

It was a cheap and blatant attempt to entangle Ms Singh in his web of deception to divert from the fact that it was him and his APNU/AFC cabal that set up his ethnic staff at the GECOM for the fall.

She stood up against their planted rigours at the GECOM. Ms Singh was always the beacon of hope in an extremely volatile situation created by Harmon’s cabal and she indeed delivered handsomely without fear. Guyana is proud of this courageous Retired Judge.

Came the question time at Harmon’s press conference; the highly controversial journalist Adam Harris vented his anger, suggesting to Harmon the calling out of the dogs to settle the scores. That is so reminiscent of the dark days of the PNC rule. Everyone is well aware of the PNC “dogs of war”, compliments of late Hugh Desmond Hoyte. No doubt Harris wants to lead the charge with the dogs.

The Opposition Leader calls President Dr Irfaan Ali’s Government fraudulent and still wants to talk; Harmon is stuck in a world of denial. He needs to get his act together, wake up and “smell the coffee”, take responsibility for the present quandary he has placed his planted ethnic GECOM rigours in and apologise to Guyana and be a trustworthy respectable Opposition Leader.

Harmon needs to change course, bring some responsibility to the people he seeks to lead, stop allowing them to be called “dogs”, ring in the changes and assume the mantle of modern-day civilised behaviours. Harness the likes of Sherod Duncan and Randolph Critchlow, let them stop misleading the PNC supporters and spewing filth in the public domain.

The democratic world is moving forward at a rapid pace, Harmon needs to get on board and stop being divisive.

Respectfully, Parasram Persaud

PPP/C Govt provides tremendous optimism for Guyana’s future (Pt 2) Dear Editor, As we focus on the task ahead, not losing sight of the economic prosperity ahead for all Guyanese, foremost amongst those is the realisation that we are a developing nation existing in a world and considered to be one of the richest countries. Our economy remains susceptible to market volatilities; and especially today, to the adverse effects of climate change.

The link between economic development, political democracy and social freedoms. The right of the people to elect a Government of their choice, the enactment of an inclusive Constitution and respect for civil liberties have all brought about improved national cohesion and created the conditions for increased economic growth.

Without oil, Guyana has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth. We have become the object of attention within the region. Our policies are being analysed by many across the world, since our traditional sectors have also served us well in the past and will do the same in the future.

Despite the challenges, our traditional sectors have continued to bring benefits to the people of Guyana,

creating and sustaining employment, earning valuable foreign exchange and boosting output. These sectors remain pivotal to economic growth, but it is now necessary for them to become modernised and for the emergence of new sectors to lead economic diversification and growth. Our educational system has also been a tremendous asset to us since the pandemic COVID-19, allowing us to produce graduates that have distinguished themselves both at home and abroad. It is apposite to point out that our economic growth has coincided with a rise in the quality and quantity of education that our PPP/C has provided in the past and will continue. Our Minister of Education has to continue to improve the delivery of education and configure it to meet the COVID-19 pandemic requirements and the growing demands of the new economy that we are building in an ever-growing and competitive world. Retooling our traditional sectors and improving our educational system remain important to our future progress.

As we enter a new exciting phase of our development in our oil and gas

sector, our Government assures every Guyanese worker, entrepreneur, farmer, intellectual and all, that they will be an integral part of national development. As we move forward together towards greater economic prosperity, let us bring to the process of developing those virtues. Our Government recognised that Guyanese must always come first, that is why everything that our Government does is intended to redound to the benefit of every Guyanese.

They are interested in ensuring the best for our people. But in order to do so, we need to reduce the level of political animosity in our midst.

The 2020 National Elections have created new challenges to all the leaders of this country. It is a time to show maturity and to put the interest of our country and our people ahead of narrow self-interests.

No matter what side of the political divide we are on, let us remember that we assumed the responsibility for our own destiny. This great responsibility which we all carry for this country must never be forgotten, and with political will and trust, we can make Guyana

achieve the great potential that we all so often speak about. Our People's Progressive Party/Civic Government is committed to working with all those who are interested in moving our country forward. I know that most Guyanese citizen would like to see us all working together for the betterment of our people and our country This must be also the dream becoming true in the future that will remain today a major national aspiration.

Our Government will safeguard our freedoms, defend and strengthen our democracy and allow the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our people to flourish. A Guyana that is is now considered a developing nation will not be measured only in terms of what we build and what we create; but also in our character as a nation, including our ability and willingness to set aside narrow interests for the greater good of all Guyanese. Let us all commit to making our beloved Guyana better for our sake and for the sake of those who will come after us and allow our Government to get the job done.

Sincerely, David Adams

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 2020

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Place for GECOM honeymooning staff will be determined by the court Dear Editor, It is difficult for one to fathom the orchestrated fraudulent, illusionary, and irrational mindset of persons in the top hierarchy of the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). In the roll-out of activities leading up to and following the March 2, 2020, General and Regional Elections, Guyanese people and the world witnessed what seemingly, was the indoctrination of a unique brand which created, re-enforced, and realised in the players; the decisions that are so ruthlessly demonic, sacrificial and suicidal.

The resulting embarrassing fiasco was unlike any witnessed by Elections Commission officials in this hemisphere for decades.

One must therefore dig deeper, leaving no stones unturned in exorcising the planted roots of such evils and mistrust to ensure that they never flourish again.

The fertilisation of the seeds of decay was given a significant boost when the sanctimonious conductor, Mr Granger, unilaterally appointed octogenarian James Paterson as the Chairman of GECOM. Although Mr Patterson as Chairman was eventually and justifiably kicked into oblivion by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), his role in the vile plot was rooted. Decisions he made were, or could not be undone, and these among others seems to have evoked the spirits of the 1970s and 80s unpopular Chairman Harry Bollers, whose role in the PNC’s per-

petual rigging should not be forgotten. In the absence of, and even with the appointment of Mr Patterson’s replacement Madam Claudette Singh, CEO Mr Lowenfield acted with impunity, usurping the authority of the Commission and doing his own thing in advancing the PNC’s directives.

It will remain a figment of our imagination, but one on the dark-grey side, regarding what would have happened to this country if Patterson was allowed to continue. In particular, he emboldened the likes of Vincent Alexander and CEO Keith Lowenfield in their partisan displays, while shifting the balance and parity of senior staff placement in GECOM. Perhaps the GECOM clan married

by Patterson had planned a grand honeymoon session after their various roles were acted out to deliver a victory at all cost, to the David Granger-led APNU/ AFC. They did not cater for the wider rejections by the international community and the ongoing investigations by the police which addresses their overwhelming public violations.

Many of the senior topbrass in the Secretariat have already been arrested and dragged to the courts to answer charges related to fraudulent practice which have served to derail public confidence in GECOM and strengthen the negative perception of the organisation.

The staff has complained that some officials, although permanent staff, are not working or at work with no

supervision and not doing anything. Others are coming and going as they please given that seniors have taken to hiding and genuine efforts by the police to reach them have been futile for quite some time.

In the case of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Roxanne Myers, she seemed elusive while not being at her home or office. It raises the questions concerning her contractual obligations given her continuous absence from the workplace.

It was after weeks of futile efforts to reach Myers, who was apparently on the run, the police decided to put out a wanted bulletin for her which yielded results as she eventually turned up to the CID accompanied by her lawyer.

According to a police media release, Roxanne Myers was arrested for the offence of conspiracy to defraud.

Many current GECOM staff are also very emotional about the situation, as the leading members of the organisation are now under serious investigations, or already charged and placed before the courts. The severe uneasiness at GECOM is also linked to the fact that while election matters are currently a focus of the police investigators, there remain serious unanswered audit queries regarding spending and accountability. There is now a general public perception that GECOM is a corrupt place and further, that GECOM staff is corrupt. This justifies the need for a pedantic examination and the abso-

lute cleansing of the organisation where persons are found to be culpable.

Fraud is Fraud! The world was looking on and it is public knowledge that GECOM senior staff and leaders of the PNC made desperate efforts to derail the elections. The PNC took full control of the hiring of key Elections Day staff and instructed some GECOM staff on how they were to influence the PNC plot. There are claims by some GECOM Presiding Officers of Mingo’s instructions not to put all the documents in the ballot boxes, but in separate packages which in fact, was a deliberate ploy for the PNC to question the results. Further, the PNC Commissioners tried all the supple and blatant tricks in the bag from the time the No-confidence Motion was passed in 2018.

There is no doubt that it was the five-months’ delay in frustrating the true results and the blatant hiding of their Statements of Polls, which enabled the Granger Government to keep their knees on the throats of our people. God bless the actions of the eminent and prestigious international observers along with a united Guyana in ensuring that the results of the true election were not derailed. The 2020 elections were indeed the mother of all elections and perhaps the first time that the world had to intervene, taking the bold stand which ensured that the peaceful voting process held in Guyana led to a smooth transformation of power.

Guyana’s 2020 lesson is

Judiciary, let us not wait for a long time Dear Editor, I have read with keen interest all the electronic versions of the dailies on the 2020 election fiasco, including your widely read newspaper, Guyana Times.

I note that at least (4) four Secretariat officials have been charged and are to face their trials soon. As a former lawyer who had practiced in Georgetown up to 2014 (I returned to Canada then), I wish to indicate to you, Editor, that two issues may arise that the State may face over 2021 and/or 2022, and I am indeed concerned, as all Guyanese ought to be.

Firstly, my understanding from my readings is that the facts show that subsequent to their arrests, some had exercised their rights to Counsel. This means to me that this ought to be seen as a confirmation of them exercising their freedoms to choose whether to make any statement or not. The fact that such a choice was made to the

investigating ranks, I feel that those wishes should always be respected by the police: Canadian case of R v Hebert (decided on June 21, 1990) where seven (7) Judges looked thoroughly at the scope and nature of the right to remain silent.

Guyana has some similar leading authorities for the proposition that State servants aren't obliged to protect the suspect against making a statement and it is open for them to use legitimate means of persuasion to encourage him or her to do so. The State is, however, obliged to allow him or her to make an informed choice about whether or not he or she will speak to the authorities. Justice Lamer in Hebert had felt that Canadian cops must respect the choice of any accused who does not wish to speak to them.

From my reading of the facts surrounding the several accused detentions, it seems that where the law is concerned, there is going to

be keen interest paid by every single Guyanese, particularly those who voted, how the courts deal with each of the matters during trials.

If we were to take the premise that these courts' Magistrates live in an ideal world and they can dispense justice fairly, it would be left squarely on the prosecutor to make his case against the accused to the standard required based on the evidence against each accused. And surely there should not arise any extraneous issue of any self-incriminating statement at the police station to be tendered. I sure hope that GECOM's Chairperson is called as a witness.

I turn to the second issue of delay. I take note that there was a five months’ delay that our nation's peoples waited in our “casas” and in hushed breaths to get the results declared and a winner sworn in by the Chancellor, which was caused due to subversion of several actors at GECOM.

Please, let us not wait for a long time. These judicial proceedings in the criminal courts must be decided upon and rendered swiftly in each of the accused cases.

And if there are any delays faced, these criminal courts must consider how much of any delay is, or isn't the fault of the State, as a sensible framework within which their judicial goals must exist. The Jordan case and recently R v Thanabalasingham on July 17, 2020, addressed doctrinal and practical problems which contributed to a culture of delay and complacency within the judicial system and which is quite similar to what obtained in Guyana, as I witnessed firsthand, up to 2014.

In ending, I ask these judicial officers to give us, the silent Guyanese electorate, their verdicts ASAP. Sincerely, M Shabeer Zafar Barrister, Solicitor Notary

indeed a revelation and testimony to the role of diplomats in advancing the democratic front and must be recognised and emulated.

We must do so as we undertake the necessary con-

stitutional reforms and the proper place for GECOM honeymooning staff is determined by the courts.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Don’t underestimate Mae Thomas

Dear Editor, Over the past hours, I had time and moments to reflect on how influencing, critical and sharp of a woman Mae Thomas has become over the years of struggle, discrimination, and polarisation.

She is sound, meticulous and focused on the goal at hand – building a better life for all Guyanese by offering her public service, years of experience and indisputable know-how to the mix.

Miss Thomas is a mother of a 14-year-old son who she loves and adores. She is also the breadwinner of her family within which she pools her resources to ascertain a higher life for all. Mae is of mixed descent and her physical appearance would confirm this! She is a quiet soul, for the most part, only speaking when there is need for change and transformation.

So, it doesn’t surprise me that she would be a fit for the job as Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs. Apart from her tenure of 13 years at the office of the President which ended with her as an Assistant Accountant, she holds a diploma and several certificates from the University of Guyana and other institutions. She is aptly qualified, having the requisite mix of being youthful, educated and a desire to see policing and security thrive in Guyana. She wants what’s best for the domestic and foreign interests for the country.

So, when “the boy over there” wants to criticise her appointment and worth as a woman, it is both baffling and telling. It is not the first occasion and not the last defence I will be offering for people who have to prove themselves daily to the world because they are “women” and simply put by some men, aren’t deserving of a seat at the table of power and influence. At least, not yet.

This must be condemned in the strongest possible terms! This thought that you could equate worth on the basis of your degree or how many institutions you attended is both misleading and wrong. We have seen this in our own works when women rise up to break the traditional barriers that threaten to hold them back – in labour, social, education, health and the economy just to name a few. They are proving that a woman that is determined and has the knowhow can get the job done even in troubling times. I thought that you could have learned from examples of this case from both the PNC/AFC. But this isn’t the first time that “the boy over there” has gotten it wrong in his very short political career if you can call it that. Just look at Parliament and his contributions to have a good laugh.

He has the same mentality of a white supremacist when it comes to women moving along in power today.

I stand up tall for equality, equal rights in politics, and young professionals who are desperate to make a positive change. “Not today Satan!” in the words said by a woman.

You are not going to diminish her role by spreading fears and lies about her willingness to get the job done or any of the PPPappointed PSs for that matter. The next time you write, you must tell us about the multi-million-dollar fraud at Chronicle or how you single-handedly attempted to change community policing for the worst during your tenure. You should be ashamed. Go back in the background seats and wait for the teacher to call your name. Until then, class is dismissed! #IAmWithHer Yours truly, M Younge

COMMODITIES Indicators

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$42.85/barrel

-1.14

Rough Rice

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London Sugar

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-0.23

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1930.60

$1931.60

Low/High

$1905.10

$1932.10

Change

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Local…

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…content and local needs t’s no wonder the PNC futzed around and never created a Local Content Policy for the Oil and Gas industry – which they knew was underway the first week they slid into office in May 2015. They hadn’t a clue, since the closest they’d gotten to oil was when Burnham begged Eric Williams, back in the 1980s, to bail him out with that country’s oil revenues. They can only conceive of oil as a money spigot they’ll turn on to pay for all their whims and fancies.

And we know that these PNC types have a heap of fancies! Why would the Director of Sports want a barbershop? To give all our sportsmen and women haircuts to improve their performances in the field?

Exactly how does that work?? Your Eyewitness can see the point with track and field, where low haircuts might reduce the wind friction as our sprinters try to catch up with Usain Bolt! But cricket? Then again, maybe all Guyanese might want to have that blonde top like Shimron Hetmyer!

Anyhow, back to the local content business, which your Eyewitness understands is all about us getting a piece of the oil action. But by now we might be beginning to realise - after millions and millions of barrels of our oil have been shipped, some of it even ours! – that we haven’t even seen a drop!! Shouldn’t some smart bureaucrat be thinking about getting some vials of that oil to each of our villages and towns to let us ordinary yokels get a peep at what’s supposedly gonna have us rolling in riches soon??

Now, we know that the biggest investment (our money, since it’s coming from our oil) will be those gigantic FPSOs that suck the oil out from a mile under the sea and another mile under the crust, clean it of gas, and then store and ship it via tankers that sidle up to them right there in the ocean. They cost from US$2BILLION and upwards, but we’re not getting a penny in that department, since we can’t even build the river ferries we used to construct in the 1960s!!

These FPSOs have to be serviced, no? Well, yes…but we don’t have the skills even for that! We have to get an O&G Institute going to train some locals; so, your Eyewitness hopes the Ministry of Education and the US are listening. What we DO have are the low-end, entrylevel jobs that a FOREIGN company, TOTALTEC, trains us for!

What we need is a law like other countries with any sense enact: foreign companies that want to set up shop here must employ at least 60% Guyanese.

THAT’s local content!! …bile If it’s one thing we have enough of locally, it’s bile. Your Eyewitness returns to the vitriol that issued from the mouths of GECOM Commissioner Desmond Trotman towards GECOM Head Claudette Singh, forcing the poor woman to issue an official statement to defend her name. And imagine, she sits at the head of the organisation that Trotman serves, and she had to remind him that whatever decision she took, he was a party to it!!

But this is just another symptom of what ails our body politic, and might very well end up destroying it: a refusal to accept that if we don’t follow the rules of the institutions, which we ourselves have established to guide our relationships, then we’re just back to the law of the jungle. And from all indications, this is where the PNC wants to drag us, since they revel in getting down and dirty.

Like Harmon accusing the authorities of playing the race card – when all the top brass of GECOM are of one race.

Deliberately!! …COVID-19 numbers Your Eyewitness notes, with alarm, that our COVID-19 deaths have crossed that 100 number that he’d set internally as a wake-up call. We can’t ignore that Trinidad next door - with double our population is below that.

We gotta do better!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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10 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mother, son traumatised after bandits’ attack

The house where the robbery occurred

A

mother of one is still nursing several injuries about her body, which were inflicted by a cutlass after bandits invaded her Uitvlught, West Coast Demerara home two Saturdays ago. Two of the suspects were apprehended by Police over the course of the week and subsequently released.

Sazeena Shafeek, who lives with her 15-year-old son, told Guyana Times that the incident unfolded on October 3 at her Lot 944 Uitvlught, WCD residence.

The woman recalled returning from her business in the afternoon and proceeding to conduct physical exercises in the yard. At about 07:45h, she heard her son screaming but before she could move, the woman said she was ambushed by two men just before entering the house.

“When we reach home, we park the car and locked the gate and went inside. I come out to exercise and I heard my son screaming inside the house. By the time I reach in front of the yard, I see two men came in front and scramble the phone. They then lash me with the cutlass in my back,” Shafeek indicated.

According to her, while two of the bandits were outside with her, one was also inside the house with her son.

After he ran out, the third man followed him outside.

The three suspects asked her to take them inside her house and hand over money. One was carrying a gun and another was brandishing a cutlass.

Shafeek said they began to beat her about the body with

the cutlass.

“They tell me that let them inside to give them the money. By the time, my son start screaming again and then he run out the house. Then we see it’s three of them. The one with the cutlass keep beating me and the other one with the gun said he will shoot my son if we don’t give him money.”

After begging for her life, the 35-year-old woman said she handed over gold bangles, a watch and a ring which she was wearing at the time. The men also took a cellular phone.

“Whatever I had on me at the said time, I take it off at the said time. I tell them not to hurt my child and I would give them whatever I have,” the traumatised woman relayed.

As they continued to demand to be let into the house, Shafeek said the beating continued and she kept screaming for help. As the neighbourhood became alert, the cutlass-wielding suspect then dealt her one chop to her ankle and escaped by climbing out through a fence.

“Everybody then know that bandit was inside the yard.

After he chop me, I couldn’t get up to give them nothing inside the house and they had to jump out through the fence.”

Shafeek is still recovering from several injuries about her body and one serious wound.

Two of the suspects were apprehended after escaping but were released due to insufficient evidence.

Investigators have since collected CCTV footage from the property to advance their investigations. The stolen items are pegged at an estimated $143,000. (G12)

Teen who escaped from Juvenile Holding Centre recaptured

S

eventeen-year-old Otis Slowe, who had escaped from the Juvenile Holding Centre, has been recaptured almost seven months later.

The suspect, who is a school dropout of Benprofit Drive, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was remanded to the Holding Centre after being charged with attempted murder.

In a report from Police Public Relations Officer Royston Andries-Junor, it was stated that Slowe was captured at Ogle Old Road, ECD, on Saturday morning.

Slowe was charged back in November 2019 for stabbing former national boxer Gladwin Dorway called “Tiger” on June 30, 2019, at

Recaptured: Otis Slowe

Plaisance.

Reports are Dorway, of Prince William Street, Plaisance, was stabbed to his chest during a confrontation at Graham Street, Plaisance, opposite where he lives. (G9)

NEWS

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GDF rank arrested for assaulting cop

A

PNC and PPP can win only with crossover votes

M

r Tacuma Ogunseye pointed out that we have, for decades, been grappling with the ethnic insecurities that have stymied the progress of all our peoples. Before I answer the question he posed, I wish to place it in context: With oil revenues about to enter the economy, unless the African and Indian-Guyanese major ethnic groups, who have been fighting for power since 1955, arrive at a modus vivendi very quickly, we stand in danger of losing “corn and husk” to the carpetbaggers, who will be descending on Guyana like locusts. We should be reminded that locusts leave nothing for others in their wake.

Mr Ogunseye wanted my opinion on the status of the Indian Ethnic Security Dilemma (IESD), which posits that “even if their superior numbers are used to deliver the Government, Ravi Dev they would be ‘in office but not in power’, because of African-Guyanese occupancy of the strategic institutions of the state, especially its coercive arms.”

Mr Ogunseye asks more specifically, “Has it (the IESD) been resolved with the PPP’s return to office, with its strategic alliance with the US and Western powers which makes African occupation (small numbers relative to the Burnham period) of the coercive arms of the state irrelevant?”

I would think that a perceptive observer such as I know Mr Ogunseye to be would have seen that the IESD is alive and well, as it rose to the fore over the last year.

For instance, even though GECOM is a nominally “autonomous” state institution, we saw some top officials in its Secretariat cleaving to the PNC after it became clear the coalition was losing the March 2nd elections. The Secretariat was dominated by African-Guyanese, as was pointed out by the ERC, even as then Chair, James Patterson, its HR manager, and DCEO Roxanne Myers “deliberately and wilfully” refused to give evidence about its hiring practices.

In wake of the brutal murders of the Henry cousins, after Messrs Granger and Harmon’s inflammatory rhetoric, we saw hundreds of Indian-Guyanese being flagrantly assaulted on the West Berbice Public Road, often in full view of the deployed Policemen and soldiers.

A strike by the GPSU against the PPPC Government, over grievances by nurses, has been temporarily halted; but had been held in abeyance since April, when those grievances were raised with the APNU/AFC Government.

As I have pointed out ad nauseum, it is not that Africans in state institutions are necessarily “racists” per se, but when placed in polarising fields such as elections or riots, where they are forced to make a choice between “us and them”, they will at best equivocate, and at worst take a side. During the Buxton-based violence, soldiers refused to proceed in “hot pursuit” of gunmen who had committed crimes in their presence.

In terms of the US and Western powers’ acceptance of democratic elections to choose our Government, I am not sure this creates an “alliance” against African- Guyanese interests, per se. Caricom, the EU, the Commonwealth, and so many others also spoke out against the PNC’s illegal grab for power. This, for example, is unlike the alliance that the West had had with the PNC after 1964, to keep out the communist PPP, when they closed their eyes to the PNC’s electoral riggings.

In the Western powers’ pursuing of their strategic interests against Venezuela, or towards their multinational oil company Exxon (with, ironically, its Chinese partner), the PNC had an advantage over the PPPC, since, as was argued by Ivelaw Griffith, Nigel Westmaas et al, the former’s “Strategic Culture” was closer than the latter’s vis- a-vis the Americans. It cannot be gainsaid that, in 2015, the PNC was assisted by the Americans to take the reins of power.

Very frankly, the PNC did not serve its African-Guyanese core constituency well post-2015, after the AESD was removed. They alienated African and Mixed-Guyanese voters who had gravitated to the WPA’s historically progressive line; and the AFC, which had brought in some alienated IndianGuyanese. The PPPC was able to attract these crossover blocks and a majority of the Indigenous Peoples to take it over the line in 2020.

The PNC must therefore return to its strategy of courting crossover voters.

Lance Corporal of the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard unit is now in Police custody after he assaulted a rank of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Friday evening.

According to Police, at about 20:00h, Constable Wilson observed a dark grey motor car trying to change lane and, in the process, caused congestion of traffic.

As a result, the police approached the driver of the car and realised that it was a Lance Corporal of the Guyana Defence Force’s, Coast Guard Section and of La Parafaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

The officer told his superiors that he told the GDF rank of the offence committed, and then instructed him to go in the corner of the road. However, the Lance Corporal became annoyed, exited the vehicle, and shoved the Constable.

Police reports said the Constable warned the driver about his behaviour and asked him to desist, which he ignored and proceeded to further assault the officer by choking him and dealing him several blows about his body, causing him to receive injuries.

Following the altercation, the GDF rank was arrested and escorted to La Grange Police Station and placed into custody pending investigations.

The GDF rank holding the cop in a chokehold while dealing him cuffs

Meanwhile, Wilson was escorted to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was seen and examined by a doctor and was treated and sent away for the injuries he sustained. The entire episode was videoed by commuters and released on social media.

In a matter of 24 hours, there have been several reports of Police officers

being assaulted. In a video that was sent to this publication on Saturday morning, a man fully armed with a cutlass was making attempts to chop an officer, also there was another video that was sent to this publication by Police, of a driver physically assaulting an officer after he stopped and asked the driver to produce his documents. (G9)

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14

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WORLD FOOD DAY

T

his year, World Food Day marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) - founded with a view to looking towards the future we need to build together. The theme this year is “Grow, Nourish, Sustain, Together. Our actions are our future.”

World Food Day promotes global awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger, and for the need to ensure healthy diets for all.

Food is something that provides nutrients. Nutrients are substances that provide energy for activity, growth, and all functions of the body: such as breathing, digesting food, and keeping warm; materials for the growth and repair of the body; and for keeping the immune system healthy.

The World Food Day celebrations call for global cooperation and solidarity to make sure that the threats COVID-19 are posing to food security and agricultural livelihoods are confronted, and the most vulnerable are able to get back on their feet. The celebrations also provide an occasion to sensitise the public on how everybody has a role to play in transforming our food systems by changing the way we produce, transform, consume, and waste our food.

There is enough food for everyone on the planet today, yet about 800 million people are undernourished. Hunger today is not caused by a lack of supply, but because hundreds of millions of people simply cannot afford to buy enough food. At the same time, almost 80% of the world’s poor live in rural areas where people depend on agriculture, fisheries, or forestry as their main source of income and food. Vulnerable to climate change and other shocks, they are disproportionately affected by crises, and are often the first victims of disasters and the degradation of natural resources. We need to produce most of the food we eat by working the land, raising animals, harvesting fish, and managing forests. As stewards of the planet’s natural resources, our daily management decisions are key to global food security and the health of the world’s ecosystems. To help nourish the theme, we need to increase farmers’ access to resources, employment, income, and investment; which will, in turn, improve food and nutrition security, the sustainability of natural resources, raising productivity, and national growth.

Remember: everybody has a role to play from farm to table, to ensure the food we consume is safe, and will not cause damage to our health. Even during this COVID-19 pandemic, we are being reminded daily to wash our vegetables and fruits with warm salt water.

Fuelling your body with whole foods, which have been scientifically proven to boost your health, will help to support insulin regulation, reduce inflammation, optimise digestion, and may even promote fat loss, thereby helping your body to function at its best.

Never underestimate the importance of food and nutrition.

References ●https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/hygiene/ emergencies/em2002chap9.pdf ● food safety procedures, see: World Health Organization (1984a), World Health Organization (1989b), World Health Organization (1991d), Bryan (1992), World Health Organization (1992a); ● supplementary and therapeutic feeding, see: Sphere Project (2000), World Health Organization (2000a); ● breastfeeding and breast-milk substitutes, see: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (1989), Savage-King (1992), World Health Organization(2000b), Sphere Project (2000); ●food storage, see: Walker (1992)s ●https://www.cellnutrition.com/blogs/journal/theimportance-of-food-and-nutrition ●https://www.fsinplatform.org /sites/default/files/ resources/files/a-i7454e.pdf ● https://www.foodforcenetwork.eu/events/ You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

FEATURE

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CELEBRATING AGRICULTURE MONTH

Farming wasn’t my 1st career choice, but now I love it – Naitram Nihal

By Lakhram Bhagirat

L

ife has the uncanny ability to lead us down the path we need to go rather than the path we rather be on. While, at first, we may not be appreciative of the direction we are head in, in the end, it all fares well with our ambitions.

This is exactly what has happened with Naitram Nihal and now he can see himself doing nothing except what he is doing at this time. The 37-yearold farmer from Buzz Bee Dam, Craig, East Bank Demerara never really intended to follow in the footsteps of his father, rather he planned to head into a whole other direction.

While in school at the Central High School in Georgetown, the then young Nihal aligned his studies with the hope of becoming an aeronautical engineer. That meant he had an active interest in the sciences and mathematic. In fact, he wrote mostly science subjects when the sat the Caribbean Examinations Council’s exams.

However, he soon became aware that the financial position that his farmer father was in meant that sacrifices had to be made and ultimately, he sacrificed his dream of becoming an aeronautical engineer.

“When I finished school, I wanted to become an aeronautical engineer but due to finances, I could not have pursued that course because I know my parents could not have afford that. So, I said to my mind is best that I do what they do and try to accumulate so that I can pursue that. In the process of doing that, I started doing poultry farming as well and not only cash crop.

“I am into poultry and extending and having customers and finding the business, I just can’t leave that to pursue aeronautical engineer. I have expanded what my parents had and what they did and now this is like a hobby for me now because I like farming,” Nihal said.

He would eventually take over the business when his father, Bissondial Nihal, was killed in a tragic accident in January 2013. On January 27, 2013, just about 07:00h, a car driven by a drunk man crashed into the trailer of the tractor the elder Nihal was driving at the time.

“My father passed away in 2013 due to a tragic accident on the Friendship Public Road with a tractor-trailer. I was on that trailer where this was a drunk driver that hit the trailer from the back causing the accident and he (my father) died instantly so I didn’t branch off, I just continued what he was doing,” he recounted.

So Nihal has been actively farming for almost 20 years now and that means that he has quite extensive knowledge in the area. Whatever he learned in the initial stages was passed on by his father and the rest he acquired through trial and error since he did not pursue any studies in agriculture.

He explained that his parents were farming cash crops in various locations and later acquired money and began purchasing lands. Now, Nihal farms in the Craig Backlands as part of the 492 acres of farmlands that falls under the

it on.

“I really wanted to concentrate on a lot more things but then how effective it is going to be and how profitable it will be for me…I can’t look at that expanding alone, I got to look at the profit because I need to know if it is profitable for me to do it that way.”

New Hope Land Cooperative Society.

The journey

Nihal recently took the Guyana Times on a trip to visit his vast cabbage and avocado farm in the Craig Backlands and the journey to get there is one that makes you leave with a deeper appreciation for what farmers do. A lot of people believe that farming is just growing food but farmers do so much more than just dig holes and put down seeds to grow.

First of all, to get into the farmlands at Craig it requires one to board a little boat and taking a trip upstream. While that may sound easy, it is far from that. The water level in the canal determines how the boat ride would go and fortunately for us, the water was high making the trip much faster and easy.

On average the trip would be about 30 minutes with the right conditions but when the water levels are low it would take about twice that time. It also depends on the power of the engine pushing the boat and the weight in the boat.

When the Guyana Times team boarded the boat at Buzz Bee Dam and headed into the backlands with Nihal at the engine, it seemed as though it would be a relatively easy trip. What we did not cater for, and Nihal did not say, was the amount of time we would reduce speed and clear the weed entangled in the propeller of the engine.

Nevertheless, the ride was serene and we got the chance to see a few species of birds while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Appreciation what our farmers do grew stronger when, at the halfway point, the team had to step out of the boat and roll it over the dam so we could have continued on the journey. It only got us to thinking of what happens when the boats are laden with produce from the farms.

The second leg of the journey was a bit harder since the water level was lower, the canals narrower and the weeds were plenty. When we arrived at the farm, we were at first amazed by the sight of neatly rowed cabbages and avocado trees still bearing although it is offseason.

Crops

Nihal, throughout his years of farming, has experimented with various cash crops ranging from group provisions to other vegetables. He now concentrates mainly on cabbages since there is a high demand for the product on the market at this time.

Currently, he has over 7000 heads of cabbage on two plots, another plot with different varieties of avocado trees and another with eggplant (baingan).

He told the Guyana Times that at first, he tried to plant tomatoes on one of the plots and while the crop was successful, it required more time and investment.

“On this plot here, I had tomatoes but right now why I concentrate on the cabbage mostly is because tomato is a little bit more time taking because you got to stalk it and tie it and everything else. But cabbage now I can have a continuous flow because every

Land preparation

Naitram Nihal in his cabbage farm month I can produce cabbage if I concentrate on one particular crop,” he explained.

The relatively young farmer said that he is also looking to expand his farm revealing that he was contacted by the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute

(NAREI) to collaborate on a red cabbage project. He noted that while he is willing to expand, he also need to look at the aspects of sustainability and profitability.

At this time, he said, there is a market for the varieties of cabbages so he willing to take

For any crop to grow, the land has to be prepared properly in an effort to provide the plants with the necessary nutrients to thrive. Being a poultry farmer means that Nihal has access to organic manure in the form of the litter from his fowl pens and he utilises that to grow his crop.

He would start by clearing his plots and would then plough then till the land before he actually prepares it for planting. The process is backbreaking and tedious but it is one that is necessary in order to guarantee a good yield and healthy crops.

“I would take all the fowl manure from that and put it into the land but not just only

the fowl manure that goes into the land, I would have placed over 150 bags of mould on this particular plot. But with that, you have to use a lot of limestones as well and you have to partner with the right people to get the right chemical and get plant nutrition, biostimulant and everything that is necessary to get this plant like it is.

“It is important that we prepare the land properly first and I use a lot of organic matter. You use fertilizer but that is only once at about two weeks when you plant and that is it,” he explained.

Nihal reminded that watering is very important as well in order for the soil to remain moist so that the plants can absorb the nutrients they need for nourishment.

He said that though farming was not his first career choice, he has grown to love it and cannot see himself doing anything else other than that.

For now, he continues to make strides for the expansion of his business and is focused on moving up the ladder.

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FEATURE

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AGRICULTURE IS ALL THAT I EVER WANTED TO DO – NATASHA FORDE

By Lakhram Bhagirat

A

griculture is perhaps the most important sector in every country for the simple reason that it provides the necessary sustenance for the populace. However, many do not consider agriculture as an important career choice but that was not the case for Natasha Forde.

Ever since she was a child, Natasha wanted a career in agriculture. She was fascinated by the things, children her age, never even considered. She developed a deep love for growing plants and rearing animals and modelled her studies at the Berbice Educational Institute in preparation for that career.

However, tragedy would strike the family before she could even complete school causing a major shift in her life.

When Forde was just 15-yearsold, her father was killed while working with Guymine and that shattered her dreams.

The 45-year-old remembers her father as being the family’s sole breadwinner and after his death, everything immediately changed.

“I always had a love for

agriculture, farming on the whole. My dream was always to go to GSA (Guyana School of Agriculture) but after my father was killed at Guymine and that shattered my dreams because them days you only had mainly the father used to work.

“Everything interests me, crops and livestock.

Agriculture was what I wanted to do and after he (my father) died I was fortunate enough that we paid the CXC fees before because it was being paid in November and he died in November,” she said.

After she completed her CXC examinations, Forde knew that she could not follow her dreams because of her family’s lack of financial resources so she entered into other jobs. At the age of 20, Forde moved from New Amsterdam to Fyrish Village in the East Berbice – Corentyne Region to live with her husband.

Together they have five children. Ever since getting married, Forde has been actively involved in planting kitchen gardens as well as taking up other jobs. She has worked with Nand Persaud in Berbice and even made pastries and used to ride around the community on a bicycle to sell them.

However, back in 2016 a group of cash crop farmers came together and started the Gibraltar – Fyrish Famers Association which she now serves as the Chair. The Group has over 50 farmers on their register but just over 20 of them are actively involved in farming. Forde saw this as an opportunity to finally move into the world of farming.

“We decided to start the Farmers Group because the government of the day wanted you to form groups in order for you to access certain funding and things like that. So, we would have formed this Group which I am the Chairperson for the longest while,” she said.

After they would have formed the Group, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) approached the to start-up projects in farming. The organisations, inclusive of the Food ad Agriculture Organisation, aided in the construction of a shade house for the Group.

“We had the NDIA (National Drainage and Irrigation Authority) helped us to clear beds in the Backdam that wasn’t used for over 30 years. We brought water into a system that never had water before and we just choose to try cash crops because the usual crops would be plantain, banana, cassava, sweet potato but that was because we didn’t had water but now that we getting the water we go into the farmlands,” she said.

Everyone was assigned their own plots to farm and on Forde’s plot, she has been experimenting with several non-traditional crops. She first started with tomatoes and it

Natasha Forde

was a success but then she decided that she wanted to move on with the non-traditional and started with cauliflower. Thus far, it has been successful for her and she has now branched out to include broccoli.

Forde’s farm is fully organic since the land, according to her, is very fertile and requires no fertilisers.

“We reaped cauliflower then we put down broccoli. We have no problem with the cauliflower. We would have put down over 180 plants. We tried it before and it came out pretty well. We are fully organic. The place was never farmed for the past 30 years so now we don’t have to use fertilisers and stuff like that,” she related.

As it relates to sourcing markets for her produce, the mother explained that they have been going around in New Amsterdam and locked in quite a number of restaurants. The current crop of cauliflower and broccoli on Forde’s farm will be ready in time for the holiday season and according to her, there is no intention to deviate from her regular market.

“When we carry our stuff to Georgetown, the businesses don’t want to give you the prices. Sometimes we go from house to house (in Berbice) and educate people about broccoli and cauliflower which a lot of people don’t even know those stuff was planted in Guyana. They think it does grow overseas that is why it fetches a heavy price but we would go from house to house and we establish a market and what you get from us is healthy. We would also sell to suit the pocket of our customers,” Forde said.

Forde gets her entire family involved in farming and she said that the Group is hoping to expand their operations but they require assistance. They would have written to the Minister of Agriculture seeking assistance to further clear the lands, as well as donations of farming equipment and, are waiting on a response.

“Agriculture for me is a form of livelihood. It builds your self-esteem because you know if you plant a seed it will grow and if it doesn’t grow, you will plant another seed and it goes on until you achieve what you want. It is a form of livelihood; it sources some form of security because it means I am going to eat.

“I would tell everyone to plant a seed because you will eat a little. Farming should be part of our livelihood whether it is two balanjay, two ochro. you will reap and you will eat.

It is a means of our livelihood once you have any space just plant a seed,” she said.

18 FEATURE

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From a school dropout to successfully building an agrobusiness, Jennifer Singh shares her journey

By Lakhram Bhagirat

J

ust as she was about the complete the last lap of her secondary education, Jennifer Singh was forced to drop out of school because her parents could not have afforded to fund her education anymore. It initially broke her spirit but did not crush her dreams of embarking on a career in agriculture.

Today, she is living that dream and bushing the boundaries as it relates to growing exotic fruits and vegetables in Guyana.

Singh hails from Better Hope on the East Coast of Demerara and she operates the Triple J Plant Shop in Mon Repos. But what makes her business stand out is the fact that she has been experimenting with growing non-tradi-

Dragon fruit

tional fruits and vegetables.

Thus far, she has been successful in bringing, to Guyana, a variety of non-indigenous plans such as grapes, strawberries, raspberries, mulber-

ries, Russian pomegranate, Florida oranges and a whole host of others.

Singh has a vast knowledge of agriculture since she developed a love for it from a young age.

“I have been so much into agriculture from since I know myself. Everywhere I go and I see plants, I always beg for a piece and started from there.

I just love nature and what I think is that everybody could have these stuff like the fruits and so that I do,” she said.

The 34-year-old single mother said her business started just about five years ago with her now ex-husband who is an agriculture engineer.

The aim behind Triple J Plant Shop is to provide everyone with the opportunity to be able to grow the food they eat and ever since then

she has been experimenting with the various techniques to ensure that she sells the best plants. All of the fruit trees and every plant that comes from her shop is fully organic.

The various fruit trees that she sells are fast bearing and grafted so there is no need for big yard space and long waiting times.

“If you don’t have the space in your yard and you don’t need a big space in your yard because we have these stuff that grows and bears in pots. Now you can have them indoor, in your home as well.

Now you don’t have to worry that you have this big tree that will grow in 7-8 years now it can grow in just 18 months and in even lesser time than that,” the entrepreneur said.

Singh’s mother comes from a farming background and has been her biggest in-

Jennifer Singh with her grapes

spiration. In fact, her mother’s side of the family is still actively involved in farming.

The variety of grape that Singh grows and sell is called Riverbank and was first brought from the United States. It started from a stem

that she successfully grew.

“The grapes we started that like 2-3 years ago. We did it from stems that we brought from the United States and had no complications. The variety that we have is the Riverbank and if you know how to prune the fruit as it is growing, you can be able to have your fruit growing at a bigger size. Every customer we have, we explain what to do. As much as we can, we visit everybody that we sell the plant to, we make sure we go and make sure it growing well.

“With our grapes, there is no worry, you need to worry that it will need sun or rain, it grows in any weather. You don’t need to worry about the soil or anything, not too much water at least but you can plant in any soil you have.

Also, no fertilizer because we go with the organic stuff,” she explained.

Meanwhile, for the strawberries, they initially started growing that from stems but also tried the seeds and both methods were successful.

“It came out successful. It was a whole lot and we started to sell when it actually was flowering and we thought the time would have been 18 months but it was actually lesser time of bearing,” she said.

“We do the air layering you can be able to get and it frows in shorter times like 18 months and also for the fruits we do the budding. We select the best ones from the tree and the best time to do that is when it is bearing.”

Singh and her team continue to experiment with growing exotic crops and bringing them to Guyana. She notes that people are sceptical when it comes investing in the exotic crops but is hopeful that will change. Her team does not just sell seedlings, rather they go out and provide the information necessary for the success of the plant to their customers.

“Agriculture is like growing your own fruits, your vegetables at home and eating organic stuff instead of using fertilisers. The feeling of picking your fresh tomatoes, your peppers, your oranges, everything just in your home instead of going to the market to buy these stuff and so on.

So that is why I am so into it and it is what I want to do and want everybody to have the opportunity to have their stuff growing,” she said.

Singh continues to expand her business and is cementing her place as one of the up and coming agro-entrepreneurs.

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FEATURE

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Guyanese artist Frank Bowling receives honour of Knight Bachelor from Queen

G

uyana-born artist, Frank Bowling OBE RA, had the honour of Knight Bachelor being conferred upon him in the Birthday 2020 Honours List

by Her Majesty The Queen.

The Birthday Honours list recognises the achievements

of a wide range of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom.

During his six-decadelong career, Bowling’s relentless pursuit of excellence in painting underpins a lifetime of service to British art. Bowling, origi-

nally from Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) is currently one of the leading British painters alive today and at age 86, is still an active painter with an irrepressible work ethic, working in his studio almost every day.

Sir Frank in a press re-

Health Minister announces protocols ahead of airports' reopening

O

n Monday, Guyana’s two main ports of entry– the Eugene F Correia and Cheddi Jagan International Airports will be reopened to commercial flights.

In light of this move, the Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony announced the measures that will be implemented as the main airports prepare to facilitate international flights on October 12.

An important aspect of allowing incoming passengers is a negative PCR test, which must be proven by persons entering the country. This type of test is separated into two categories and can be done either with 72 hours or seven days of the flight.

“Before you can even get that flight, you have to go to the lab at the place of origin, get a PCR test done. That test has to be submitted to the authorities here in Guyana. We will then validate the test that it’s an actual PCR test and we will pass an instruction on to the airline so that they can book the flight,” the Minister informed.

With regards to the seven-day window, travellers will be asked to pay for a second test at the airport. If someone tests positive during their second PCR test, they will be picked up by the Health Ministry’s specialised COVID-19 team.

“If your test is beyond 72 hours, then what would happen is that when you arrive in Guyana, you will go through the protocols and you’ll be required to do a second test here in Guyana at the airport. You’ll have to remain at the airport until you get back the results. The passenger will have to pay for that and

those arrangements are being worked out.”

In addition, upon boarding an aircraft, the necessary guidelines are to be followed with regards to protective gears. Screening will be done at the airport through temperature checks, electronic recording of data among other measures. In addition, upon boarding an aircraft, the necessary guidelines are to be followed with regards to protective gears.

Dr Anthony insisted, “When you board the plane, you are required to travel with a mask on so that just perchance someone is infected, you’re protected within this enclosed space. When you arrive in Guyana, we have persons who are at port health and those are Ministry of Health staff. They would screen you.”

Port health officers are responsible for interviewing incoming passengers, specifically to record their medical data and existing condition. This process will not be long. The Minister said it is expected that passengers will be negative but nevertheless, all measures have been put in place to cater for a positive detection.

“We have designed an electronic system so once you come in, they would already have the name of the passenger and a number of details…

We’re expecting that the majority of people will be negative so this is just putting all the measures in place in case we have a positive.”

Given the closure of airports since March, special permission had to be granted by local authorities over the past months for special repatriation flights. Initially, only

departure flights were being allowed, to take foreign nationals who were stranded in Guyana back home. However, in recent months, relief flights were operated to bring home thousands of Guyanese who were left stranded in various countries overseas amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and thousands of Guyanese, including students, have since returned from New York, Miami, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Canada, St Maarten, Jamaica, Suriname, Grenada and Curacao.

Since taking office in August, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has increased the number repatriation flights, and has even created a schedule of flights to be operated by Eastern Airlines from Guyana to New York and Miami.

In order to be able to travel to Guyana, travellers must complete the electronic repatriation form available on the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) website.

Additionally, a molecular biological PCR test for COVID-19 must be completed, and the negative result sent to the relevant authorities.

The GCAA has also implemented a series of safety measures and guidelines for persons entering and leaving the country.

However, with the country’s main port of entry closed for several months, the CJIA has taken a hit – losing approximately $200 million every month since the closure in mid-March.

Last month, Chief Executive Officer of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir confirmed that the CJIA Corporation lost just over $1 billion in revenues thus far this year. (G12)

Frank Bowling in his South London studio

lease said, “I’ve set out on a quest to explore the possibilities of paint, and I find myself making something new every time. I have an insatiable determination to experiment with colour, form and process, to create new and original artworks that push the boundaries of the medium, while being intellectually grounded in post-war abstraction. The things that paint can achieve are so vast and diverse that I don’t think I’ll ever be done with it.”

Having been trained in the English art school tradition, Bowling, who moved to England in 1953, added “… my identity as a British artist has always been crucial to me and I have viewed London as my home since arriving in 1953 from what was then British Guiana. To be recognised for my contribution to British painting and art history with a knighthood makes me extremely proud. Friends and family have played a role in my studio since the

1960s – as a husband, father, grandfather and recently a great-grandfather. I am honoured to sit at the centre of a modern family to whom I feel much gratitude.”

Meanwhile, his sons Ben and Sacha Bowling, who are also his studio directors, said “often described by critics as a late modern master, in many ways, recognition has come late in our father’s career.

We are delighted he is getting this distinction now for his contribution to the canon of contemporary and modern art…The whole family is overjoyed at this news. We couldn’t be prouder of all that our father has achieved.”

Over the past sixty years, Frank Bowling’s large-scale abstract canvases have explored the nature and possibilities of paint and pursued forms of expression, which are both nuanced and open-ended. In May 2019, a major retrospective of his work, subtitled “The Possibilities of Paint Are Never-Ending”, opened at Tate Britain to outstanding critical acclaim.

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HEALTH TIPS: MENOPAUSE

Dr Tariq Jagnarine: Family Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes

M

enopause is a transition into a new phase of life. It begins when the menstrual cycle finishes. Menopause is not a health problem, and some experience it as a time of liberation. However, hormonal changes and other factors involved can cause discomfort.

World Menopause Day is observed every year on the 18th October. The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of menopause and the support options available.

Menopause usually starts between the ages of 40 and 58 years in developed countries, where the average age is 51 years. For

some, it will occur earlier, due to a medical condition or treatment, such as the removal of the ovaries.

Around the time of menopause, many females experience physical symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and a reduced sex drive. It can also lead to anxiety, changes in mood, and a reduced sex drive. These symptoms may start before menstruation ends, and they can last for several years. The impact on a person’s quality of life can range from mild to severe.

However, there are ways of managing these symptoms.

Each person will experience menopause differently. Many have full, active lives throughout the transition and afterwards, and some feel relieved by no lon-

ger having to deal with menstruation or birth control.

Maintaining a healthful diet and getting regular exercise can help a person feel better, and boost their overall health in the long term. For those who experience menopause symptoms, treatments and support are available.

STAGES OF MENOPAUSE: • Perimenopause is the transitional time that starts before menopause, and includes the 12 months that follow a person’s last period.

• Menopause starts 12 months after the last period, or when menstruation has stopped for a clinical reason, such as the removal of the ovaries.

• Post menopause refers to the years after menopause, although it can be difficult to know when menopause finished and post menopause starts.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Around menopause, various physical and mental changes can occur, causing symptoms. Some of these start before menopause, and some continue after it. The changes involved in perimenopause and menopause include: • L O W E R FERTILITY As a woman approaches the end of the reproductive stage, before menopause begins, oestrogen levels start to fall. This reduces the chances of becoming pregnant.

• I R R E G U L A R MENSTRUATION The first sign that menopause is approaching is usually periods occurring less regularly. They may come more frequently or less frequently than usual, and they may be heavier or lighter.

• V A G I N A L DRYNESS AND DISCOMFORT Vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort may start during perimenopause and continue into menopause. A person with any of these symptoms may experience chafing and discomfort during vaginal sex. In addition, if the skin breaks, this can increase the risk of infection.

Atrophic vaginitis, which involves thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal wall, can sometimes occur during menopause.

Various moisturizers, lubricants, and medications can relieve vaginal dryness and associated issues.

• HOT FLASHES Hot flashes are common around the time of menopause. They cause a person to feel a sudden sensation of heat in the upper body.

The sensation may start in the face, neck, or chest, and progress upward or downward. A hot flash can also

cause: • Sweating • Red patches to form on the skin Some people experience night sweats and cold flashes, or chills, in addition to, or instead of, hot flashes.

Hot flashes usually occur in the first year after menstruation ends, but they can continue for up to 14 years after menopause.

• S L E E P DISTURBANCES Sleep problems can arise during menopause, and they may stem from: • Anxiety • Night sweats • An increased need to urinate Getting plenty of exercise and avoiding heavy meals before bedtime can help with managing these issues.

• E M O T I O N A L CHANGES Depression, anxiety, and low mood are common during menopause. It is not unusual to experience times of irritability and crying spells. Hormonal changes and sleep disturbances can contribute to these issues.

Also, a person’s feelings about menopause may come into play. For example, distress about low libido or the end of fertility can contribute to depression during menopause. While feelings of sadness, irritability and tiredness are common during menopause, they do not necessarily indicate depression. Research suggests that there may, in some cases, be a link between menopause and suicide.

• T R O U B L E FOCUSING AND LEARNING In the lead-up to menopause, two-thirds of women may have difficulty with concentration and memory. Keeping physically and mentally active, following a healthful diet, and maintaining an active social life can help with these issues.

For example, some people benefit from finding a new hobby, or joining a club or a local activity.

• P H Y S I C A L CHANGES Various physical changes can develop around the time of menopause.

• A build-up of fat around the abdomen • Weight gain • Changes in hair colour, texture, and volume • Breast reduction and tenderness • Urinary incontinence

INCREASED RISK OF SOME HEALTH CONDITIONS

After menopause, the risk of certain health issues appears to increase.

Menopause does not cause these conditions, but the hormonal changes involved may play some role.

• OSTEOPOROSIS:

This is a long-term condition in which bone strength and density decrease. Use of vitamin D supplements is recommended, along with eating more calcium-rich foods to maintain bone strength.

• CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: The American Heart Association (AHA) notes that while a decline in oestrogen due to menopause may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, taking hormone therapy will not reduce this risk.

• BREAST CANCER: Some types of breast cancer are more likely to develop after menopause. Menopause does not cause breast cancer, but hormonal changes involved appear to increase the risk.

• Skin changes can also occur around the time of menopause.

LIFESTYLE TIPS

Tips for managing the challenges of menopause include: • Get regular exercise.

• Practise relaxation and deep breathing exercises.

• Have a healthful diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Quit smoking, and avoid second-hand smoke.

• Limit the intake of alcohol.

• Seek counselling for anxiety, mood changes, and relationship concerns.

• Establish good sleeping habits, and get plenty of rest.

• Do Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.

• Talk to friends and family about the experience of menopause.

• Explore new ways of enjoying intimacy with a partner.

• Join a club, do volunteering, or taking up a new hobby.

• Keep an active sex life.

Menopause can reduce a person’s sex drive and lead to vaginal dryness, but it also removes the need for birth control. For some, this can make sex more enjoyable. Having sex often can increase vaginal blood flow and help keep the tissues healthy.

It is worth remembering that while a woman cannot become pregnant once menopause starts, it is still important to use barrier protection during penetrative sex, to protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Often, sexual partners will be getting older, and may be experiencing menopause at the same time. They, too, may be feeling a drop in sex drive. Opening up about any concerns can help both partners feel better, and explore new forms of intimacy.

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UK looking forward to working with Govt on security sector reform – High Commissioner …SMART hospitals, other UKCIF-funded projects on agenda

B

ritish High Commissioner Gregory Quinn, who waved farewell to Guyana back in August after his five-year tenure was completed, is back in the country and working with the Government of Guyana on a number of transformational projects.

One of the issues the High Commissioner looks forward to the UK working with the Government of Guyana on is the Security Sector Reform (SSR) project. In an interview with this publication, Quinn, who remains in Guyana until the end of November 2020, was optimistic about the project.

This project had seen British security expert, Colonel Russel Combe, being brought in back in 2017 to conduct an assessment of the local security sector and compile a report with recommendations for security reform.

His report, the Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP), was handed over to former President David Granger in January 2018.

While the report focuses primar-

ily on reforms within the Guyana Police Force (GPF), there were also recommendations to address issues plaguing the prisons and the fire services as well as the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF’s) Coast Guard.

After it was handed over, however, the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) spent much of 2018 reviewing the report rather than taking action on any of its recommendations.

With the No-Confidence Motion in December 2018, the then Government’s attention shifted elsewhere. However, Quinn noted that the UK will be working with the new Government on implementing the report’s recommendations.

In the meantime, there is more, unfinished business on the agenda, including projects linked to the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF). This includes the Linden to Lethem road upgrade; a project the People’s Progressive

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn

Party (PPP) Government anticipates can start next year.

“We want to push forward with the Linden-Mabura Hills road and the bridge at Kurupukari.

Then there is the ongoing work on the SMART health facilities at Diamond, Leonora, Paramakatoi,

Mabaruma and Lethem,” Quinn explained.

The Linden to Lethem road is a key link between Guyana and Brazil with the potential to boost trade. At present, it is little more than an unsurfaced trail that deteriorates during periods of rainfall. As such, the UKCIF programme, administered through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), will be providing funding for the first phase of the road from Linden to Mabura Hill, as well as a crossing at Kurupaukari.

The UKCIF has, in fact, allocated a total of £53.2 million to Guyana to fund several projects including the road. With the 2018 No-Confidence Motion and the former APNU/AFC Government’s delay in calling elections, however, these developmental projects were put on pause, until now.

The Kitty seawall rehabilitation project is another project that the British, through UKCIF, was assisting Guyana with. The project entails upgrading of the sea defence structure from Kingston

to Ogle, through the use of rock groynes (barrier built out from the shore into the sea), revetments and upgrading the promenade to allow for recreational activities.

“We have funded a design for that,” Quinn explained. “Having done the seawall design, there is something there ready to be put in place as and when funds become available from another source.”

The region-wide £38 million SMART hospital initiative is meanwhile a joint project between the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the United Kingdom’s Department For International Development (DFID).

The project aims to retrofit existing hospitals into institutions that revolve around Information Technology (IT) equipment. This includes specialised machines and renewable energy, while ensuring that the hospitals can withstand any natural disaster. Guyana’s cut from the project is approximately US$4.1 million. (G3)

NEWS

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New GGMC Board of Directors appointed

I

C

Budget 2020 in perspective (Part 4)

ontinuing from the discussions of last week, we, as a people, need to look beyond the short-term gains and at the bigger picture ahead. We need to look at the geopolitical importance of Guyana, which the President has recognised. We need to look at regional integration, more South-South cooperation, and put our energies to work to achieve those goals. We need to determine the cost benefit analysis of goods coming out of South American countries and being shipped to the rest of the world and around the continent to North American markets, versus the cost of goods moving through the continent - through Guyana to the rest of the world - by connecting the entire South America with railways and a deep water harbour, by which Guyana can become a trans-shipment hub for the region. This is how Guyana can mirror the Dubai model.

In these regards, Guyana can lead a regional integration agenda aimed at strengthening South-South cooperation in South America, Latin America and the Caribbean through the auspices of Caricom and the other regional trading bloc, as mentioned herein, within the framework of leveraging the country’s development needs. Within these respects, for example, Guyana’s geographic location in South America, which places it at an advantage in terms of access routes to the rest of the world, is an important factor that has to be considered in the deep water harbour project and the Brazil-Guyana road link project. These two projects alone can integrate more South-South cooperation in which opportunities would be opened up for not only Brazil’s goods to pass through Guyana, thereby creating new industries and commerce, but for other countries’ goods in South America to pass through Guyana to the rest of the world’s markets.

As both a region and a sub-continent, the political leaders of South American countries need to start examining the need for a South American Development Bank, to focus on large-scale development projects in the member states.

In the long term as well, the need to connect the continent through the construction of railways would be necessary, if the leaders of South America are serious about deepening integration of the continent and cementing its role in regional integration, in order to conduct business with the rest of the world. To this end, Guyana can become a regional hub for shipping and commerce, mirroring the Dubai model.

Further, apart from good governance, strong political leadership and stability, which are each a given to achieve these goals, Guyana needs to address its human capital deficit, infrastructure deficit, and high energy cost. By addressing these issues - the paper has discussed, to some extent, ways in which the country can reduce the cost of energy - the types of projects thereto, and the infrastructure deficit that presents opportunities for large-scale investments, these of themselves can be pioneer developmental strategies by which Guyana can lead the regional integration agenda. Not only does Guyana have oil as its attractiveness to foreign investors and an underpin for its geopolitical importance, but it is also endowed with an abundance of natural resources, including arable agricultural land and potable water.

The Caribbean Community alone imports US$10 billion in food annually, a significantly important market into which Guyana can tap as a supplier.

Towards that end, Guyana can become the food basket of the region. As a strategy to bridge the human capital deficit gap, a structured immigration policy can be put in place to attract the skills and expertise needed to advance the country’s development agenda through these regional associations as well.

And lastly, there is a need for regional capital market development.

The need for creative tools and innovative financial products that would align with these development goals for the region need to be examined as well from a regional and global perspective, and Guyana could be the leader to position itself in the region to drive these agendas.

As such, this columnist would like to urge Guyanese to look at the bigger picture, look at the transformational projects that the President himself has outlined, and let’s all put our hands on the deck to make it happen, and stop being petty and short- sighted. The Ministers and Government officials are technically sound, and have, in a short period of time, proven their commitment and dedication to work hard and achieve these goals; and so we need to support them.

All of Guyana needs to support them. All of Guyana needs to embrace the long-term goals and vision; and it should be one Guyana vision.

Let’s not get carried away. The budget was an emergency budget, and more so a survival budget, despite a bankrupt treasury.

It catered for everyone in the circumstance: the households, public servants, and the business sector. We can expect, and hold the Government of the day accountable for, salary increases for public servants, progressively starting from the 2021 budget. We need to be reasonable at least, and acknowledge all the factors in the given circumstance.

Lastly, this column had examined extensively the financial consequences if Guyana were to be sanctioned, given what had occurred over the last five months when the country was on the verge of being destroyed and becoming another Venezuela in this hemisphere. Many Guyanese were devastated, given what those consequences could have been with economic sanctions. Thankfully, the policymakers of the day fought fearlessly, relentlessly, and perseveringly to protect the future of Guyana and the future of its people. For that reason, the officials deserve decent benefits, because they have earned it, once it is not extravagant - and 0.03% of the budget is certainly not extravagant. Let's focus on the bigger picture, and work towards that collectively. There are enough resources and wealth for everyone.

About the Author: JC. Bhagwandin is an economic and financial analyst, lecturer and business & financial consultant. The views expressed are exclusively his own and do not necessarily represent those of this newspaper and the institutions he represents. For comments, send to jbbankingadvice@gmail.com.

n 2015, former Manager at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Jimmy Reece was ousted from his position when the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government entered office.

The former Manager of the Geological Services Division has now returned, this time as Chairman of the GGMC Board.

According to a gazette notice dated September 28, Reece will now be the Chairman of the Board, which will be in effect for one year from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.

Reece was one of several causalities by the then Board, which carried out a vote of no confidence against him in 2015. Another casualty was then GGMC Commissioner Rickford Vieira. While Vieira was eventually dismissed, Reece was transferred.

Another well-known figure on the GGMC Board is former Deputy Solicitor General Pritima Kissoon. Kissoon, who was working out of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, was sent on administrative leave in 2017 at the instigation of the former APNU/AFC Government.

She then took them to court over the withholding of her salary. Last year, Chief Justice Roxane George ruled against the former Government, finding that by withholding her salary, the then Administration deprived her of her fundamental rights.

The Board also includes GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison; former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Retired Major General Norman McLean; Kristen Chand Singh; Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) representatives Azeem Baksh and Dabria Marcus.

Also on the Board are Guyana Women Miners Association (GWMA) representative Urica Primus, Ministry of Labour representative and Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen, Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) representative Rawle Lewis, Guyana Gold Board representative Eondrene Thompson, Workers’ representative Vickram Manoo, Evan Persaud and Azad Abrahim.

The Board is also expected to include in its membership representatives from the National Toshaos Council (NTC), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as well as GGMC’s Legal Advisor, as ex officio members.

At present, Guyana’s gold sector is in uncertain waters. While gold mining grew by three per cent, as was announced during Public Works Minister Juan Edghill’s presentation of the budget last month, Guyana’s largest gold producers (Aurora Gold Mine and Troy Resources) recorded lower production.

Aurora itself has recently changed ownership, with its former Canadian managers Guyana Goldfields selling the operation to Chinese mining company Zijin Mining Group.

At present, operations at the gold mine are in a start-up phase, after being in care and maintenance for an extended period.

Just before the budget was presented, President Dr Irfaan Ali had announced that ac-

GGMC Chairman, Jimmy Reece

cording to current estimates, the mining sector is at a 65 per cent productive capacity, owing to many miners downing tools and parking their equipment due to poor rates of return.

The Government has taken steps to address this. Making good on an issue it campaigned on and criticised the former APNU/AFC Government for, the President Dr Irfaan Aliled Government has rolled back the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) and duties on mining equipment. In ad-

dition to the removal of VAT, Government will be granting tax concessions on All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) for persons who use them in the productive sectors.

The Government has also rolled back various requirements that related to the licensing of equipment and the transportation of fuel, in an effort to ease the red tape in the industry. These measures do not include the Government’s planned hinterland infrastructural development.

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Elderly woman dies from COVID-19 at Region 1 home …47 new cases detected

G

uyana has recorded yet another COVID-19 fatality following the death of an elderly woman at her Region One (Barima-Waini) home.

This now takes the total number of deaths from the pandemic in the country to 103.

According to the Ministry of Health on Saturday, the 61-year-old woman died on Friday, October 9, 2020.

It was previously reported that Guyana recorded four COVID-19 deaths on Friday – the highest number within 24 hours.

Over the past week, the coronavirus fatality increased by 14. The week began with the death toll at 89 cases.

Meanwhile, the Ministry also reported on Saturday that 47 new COVID-19 cases were detected, taking the total number of novel

coronavirus cases here up to 3405 – 1811 males and 1594 females.

Of these, however, only 999 are active cases including 16 patients in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the other 893 in isolation, that is, 110 in institutional isolation and the other 873 in home isolation.

According to the Health Ministry’s updated COVID-19 dashboard, there are also 55 persons currently in institutional quarantine.

Moreover, some 2304 persons have recovered from the life-threatening disease to date.

Guyana has thus far tested 15,753 persons for the novel coronavirus.

A breakdown of the 47 new cases recorded on Saturday showed increased cases in all 10 administrative regions across

the country.

This includes four cases in the Barima-Waini Region, one in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), seven in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 25 cases in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), one in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), three in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), one each in Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), three in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and one case in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

Since taking office, the PPP/C Government has embarked on a massive testing drive to ensure that all positive cases, especially asymptomatic cases, are detected.

Authorities have been pleading with and re-

minding Guyanese to observe the protocols of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures (No 9) which are

in effect until October 31, 2020. This order emphasises, among other things, the need for correct and consistent use of face masks when leaving home; the importance of maintaining the six feet physical distance from others and the need for good hand hygiene to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Government has since launched “Operation COVI-CURB” – a countrywide campaign by the Joint Services and other key stakeholders, using an education and persuasion strategy, to elicit adher-

ence to the COVID-19 safety measures.

According to Public Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, this initiative has been garnering positive feedback.

“We’re very pleased with the comments that we’re getting back. The police, the army, the CDC (Civil Defence Commission) and other volunteers have been out talking to people. So, we’re trying a softer approach of talking to people and distributing masks, giving out flyers and educating people,” the Minister said last week. (G8)

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Govt forging ahead with bill to boost e-business, governance

T

he Government is forging ahead with a bill that will pave the way for the electronic transmission of documents and remote transactions, something that will further eliminate the need for people to leave their homes in these perilous COVID-19 times.

According to a notice in the media, the Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill 2019, will be subject to public consultations. Persons have up to November 2, 2020, to submit comments and suggestions on the bill to the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

The bill seeks to ensure that electronic communication is recognised by law and, acceptable for business and Government transactions. It means that any preexisting legal requirement to submit documents in paper form will be removed when the bill is passed.

In granting legal status to such electronic documents, Section 8 of the bill states, “Where any infor-

mation or other matter is required by law to be given or rendered in writing or recorded in writing or in printed form or is described by law as being written, then, notwithstanding anything contained in that law, the requirement or description is satisfied if the information or matter is - (a) rendered or recorded or made available in electronic form; and (b) accessible to, and is capable of retention by, the intended recipient so as to be usable or retrievable for a subsequent reference.”

In the bill’s explanatory memorandum, it was explained that the Government has been hindered from fully implementing e-services.

This is because of an inadequate legal framework and protection, as well as conflicting legal provisions. As such, this bill seeks to improve the legal framework, so that citizens can conduct transactions from the comfort of their homes.

“Government is currently unable to fully implement e-Government services due

The Guyana Revenue Authority is an example of a Government agency that gave citizens an online option to conduct transactions

to inadequate legal framework and protection as well as some existing conflicting provisions in various laws.

This lack of legal framework and uncertainty is inhibiting the development of electronic-commerce and e-Government activity in Guyana and fostering the adherence to traditional business and transaction models,” the memorandum said.

It was further explained by the bill that there are many advantages with using ICT platforms to conduct transactions, over the old paper model of opera-

tions. The bill acknowledged a stark reality in Guyana, however. The unwillingness of the local population to conduct business through e-services, due to the lack of reliability and legal framework.

“Consumers and the business community, including banks and commercial organisations are increasingly using comput-

er and other related technologies to create, transmit and store information in electronic form instead of on traditional paper documents.”

“Information stored in electronic form has many advantages as it is cheaper, easier to store and retrieve and speedier to communicate. Even though the general public is aware of all these advantages, many members are reluctant to conduct business or conclude any transaction in electronic form due to lack of an appropriate legal framework,” the bill also states.

With the onset of COVID-19 in Guyana, institutions such as banks have ramped up their online presence, encouraging customers to use available online platforms to do their transactions, rather than physically come into the bank.

Government agencies, such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), have been encouraging citizens to conduct their transactions online. These include applications for work permits, gratuity and pension benefits and other services it facilitates out of its Taxpayer Services Division.

The agency has also encouraged taxpayers to use its online platforms to submit tax returns. There have been complaints from the citizenry, however, about the efficiency of these online platforms.

As of October 10, Guyana has recorded 47 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of novel coronavirus cases here up 3405. Of these, however, only 999 are active cases including 16 patients in the COVID-19 ICU and the other 893 in isolation.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

36 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police to question PNC’s Volda Lawrence on Monday over electoral fraud ...APNU/AFC misrepresents, sensationalises Police request

C

hairperson of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the leading party of the APNU fraction of the coalition – Volda Lawrence, is expected to be interrogated by the Guyana Police Force on Monday in relation to allegations of electoral fraud following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Lawrence was initially asked by the Police Force to present herself at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters on Saturday for the allegations to be put to her. However, the meeting has been postponed to

Monday, a police source confirmed.

However, the Force has expressed concerns over the distortions, misrepresentation and sensationalisation being peddled by the APNU/ AFC coalition regarding its request for the PNCR Chair to present herself at CID. Earlier on Saturday, the coalition issued a statement in which it said: “This sudden and unnecessary demand for Ms Lawrence to present herself at the CID Headquarters, late on a Saturday afternoon [at 16:15h]…” is harassment against the APNU/AFC leadership, activists and supporters.

PNCR Chair, Volda Lawrence

But in response, the police explained that it had not demanded but merely invited Lawrence, through her lawyer Nigel Hughes, to the CID Headquarters. It was

noted that Attorney Hughes had initially indicated that he would have taken his client in at 10:00h on Saturday but later contacted investigators and requested their discretion for him to instead take Lawrence in at 16:00h.

“The police investigators had no difficulty in acceding to the attorney’s request and so the time for Ms Lawrence

to report to the CID location in the company of her attorney was duly re-scheduled as requested,” the missive from the GPF detailed.

As such, it went on to say “The GPF notes with grave concern the distorted and blatantly false statements in the said press release issued

by APNU/AFC, which falsely claims that the police demanded that Ms, Lawrence come to the CID late on the said Saturday, October 10 afternoon. This claim is completely erroneously and can only be viewed as a convenient attempt to create public mischief and impede the ongoing Police investigations into the March 2, 2020, post-elections incidents.”

The Police Force is currently probing allegations of attempts to rig the March 2 elections after receiving

“formal reports” back in August. Already, the police have arrested and charged several staff at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for the role they played in the events after the March 2 polls.

However, even as the police investigations are ongoing, Lawrence is already facing private criminal charges jointly with embattled Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo, for forging electoral documents in an effort to defraud the country.

Back in March, Charles Ramson Jr, who had served as PPP/C’s Counting Agent, had filed private criminal charges against Mingo and Lawrence following the RO’s declaration of unverified results for Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Essequibo Coast loggers call for level playing field M

anaging Director of Barakat Timbers Ltd, Nizam Barakat on Saturday raised the issue of equal treatment for local loggers with Natural Resources

from illegal logging, access to work site due to deplorable roads, corruption and the bureaucracy for a permit to export.

High on the list of issues raised with the Minister is

keep the economy alive.

Bharrat said that land and infrastructure are the two most important issues in the logging industry and he committed to the opening up of new lands. He, however, added that the issue of proper infrastructure leading to new logging areas has to be discussed at a governmental level. Speaking on the issue of corruption and the bureaucracy, he said that the Ministry is aware that some officers in the sys-

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat during the meeting at State House in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast

tem are indeed corrupt but the Ministry is working towards weeding out these persons to put a more manageable monitoring system in place.

The Minister said that he will be working very closely with the loggers and sawmillers in the region to assist in its revival, pointing out that export licence will now be granted to sawmillers so the small loggers will have more demand in marketing their logs.

Police to question PNC’s Volda...

Some of the Essequibo Coast loggers at the meeting on Saturday

Minister Vickram Bharrat during a meeting at State House in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

This was among several issues, including the need for the same concessions as given to foreign companies, that was discussed when the Minister met with loggers from the region. Other issues raised during the meeting were problems arising

the fact that small scale loggers pointed out that they are receiving concessions for lands that were already used by the large-scale loggers. This, the loggers said, is stifling them and has resulted in them barely surviving in the industry.

In response, the Minister said that although oil and gas has been a major focus, Government will not give up on the other sectors that

Lawrence was arraigned in August on this charge and placed a $100,000 bail. The matter is still pending in court.

The particulars of the charge state that Mingo, having been procured by Lawrence on or about March 5 at the Command Centre for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on High and Hadfield Streets, uttered to the Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, the election results for Region Four,

knowing it to be forged, with intent to defraud the people of Guyana.

GECOM, despite being barred by an injunction, went ahead and published the Form 24s [which is the election declaration] for all regions on its website.

This included the unverified declaration for Region Four – Guyana’s largest voting district.

Mingo’s declaration, which was subsequently set aside by Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, was signed by him and

Lawrence – the lone representative from the political parties that contested the elections. The other parties had objected to the declaration after the verification process was not fully complied with by the Returning Officer.

It was subsequently unearthed during the National Recount exercise that Mingo had heavily inflated the figures to give the then APNU/AFC incumbent a lead at the polls.

However, the recount

FROM PAGE 36

exercise showed that the PPP/C won the elections with 233,336 votes, while the coalition secured 217,920 votes – a difference of some 15,416 votes.

As such, Mingo was charged by the police and arraigned last month on four counts of misconduct in public office. He is currently on $600,000 bail.

In addition, he is also facing the private criminal charge jointly with Lawrence, for which he is currently out on self-bail.

(G8)

38 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GL&SC Board member paid $12M for land; adjourning plots sold for $85M, $130M

T

he PPP/C Government is currently investigating the giveaway of prime State lands that were significantly undervalued and sold to a former Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) Board member earlier this year.

The land in question is located south of Mandela Avenue in Ruimveldt, Georgetown. It was sold to the two-term GLSC Board member, in March for a paltry sum of $12 million.

Guyana Times understands that the businessman, who owns an auto dealership, secured the land via a lease/purchase arrangement. He was first issued with a lease for the land at a rental of $232,000 per annum and subsequently, the title at a purchase price of $12 million for the plot of land totalling approximately one acre and a half.

According to a Memorandum sent to President Irfaan Ali from

the new GLSC Head, that was seen by this newspaper, the former Board member filed an application to lease 0.581 (approximately 2351.2 metres) of land at the location in September 2015 and fees of $10,000 were paid.

It was noted that he also submitted a copy of lease he had previously obtained from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for 7.1 acres of land for five years at $100,000 annually and dated February 2003. However, that land did not belong to the M&CC. Nevertheless, the businessman was issued approval for his lease application in July 2019 – some four months after he was appointed for his second term on the GLSC Board – and was asked to conduct a survey as well as to pay a total of $509,000 inclusive of land rent at $232,000 per annum for 2018 and 2019.

The document further detailed that the two differ-

ent rental/purchase values from the Chief Valuation Officer were found. The first was dated January 13, 2020, and valued the land at $60.8 million with a rental value of $232,000 per annum; while the second, dated March 18, 2020, valued the land at a meagre $13.5 million ($12 million for 0.710 acre and $1.5 million for 0.0887 acre) with the rental value at $250,000.

It was revealed that an Agreement of Sale was made days later, on March 23, 2020 – a time when the country was embroiled in a post-electoral impasse after the March 2, 2020 elections – and signed by then GLSC Commissioner Trevor Benn and the application to the tune of $12 million for both parcels of land – one of which was not on the original lease.

The Certificate of Title dated April 15, 2020, was in the name of the former Board member’s business.

“There is no record of the authority to convert the leasehold to freehold land and there is no record of a request being made to do such a conversion. The Commissioner was obviously utilising the powers under the other by the President [David Granger, who had vested powers to the GLSC Head to sanction rentals and granting of leases, licenses and permission of occupancy of public lands],” President Ali was told by the new GLSC Commissioner (ag), Enrique Monize in the memorandum.

After assuming office, President Ali had revoked the powers that were vested by his predecessor. He now holds those powers himself.

Nevertheless, Monize informed the Head of State that the Lands and Surveys Commission under the APNU/AFC Administration had implemented a new policy whereby persons would write the Commissioner

with an offer to obtain the rights to purchase or lease a portion of land. The Commissioner would respond as to the acceptance of the offer and advise the applicant to make initial payments and to file the necessary applications.

“This procedure/approach by the GLSC is unheard of and nowhere in any law or previous policy, it does not allow for competitive price bidding at a minimum,” President Ali was told, among other things, in the memorandum.

Moreover, it was pointed out that not only were the valuations of the land not consistent, but both variations significantly differed from the price paid by other companies for similar properties at the same location.

In one case, a city bank paid $85 million for a 0.723acre plot of land in the same area, and in another, a local shipping company paid a whopping $105 million for an acre plot.

Other glaring instances include both other businesses paid $130 million each for two plots of land – 0.54 and 0.59 acre, respectively.

The new GLSC Head told President Ali that since the title has already been issued to the applicant, only a legal process can reverse same as Certificate of Titles are considered indefeasible except in the case of fraud.

Review

As such, the Head of State has instructed Attorney General Anil Nandlall to review the transaction and rescind, where possible, or

approach the court if necessary.

When contacted for a comment on the issue, Nandlall told Guyana Times that because the individual was a GLSC Board member at the time of the sale, this itself is a conflict of interest situation. He also pointed to the fact that there was no public tendering process for others to get an opportunity to bid for the land in question that was practically given away to the businessman, who is closely affiliated to the former APNU/AFC regime.

“If you look at contracts across the board, he was a strikingly regular beneficiary. Having regard to the market value of those lands, as evident by what other companies paid, the sale to this individual constitutes a criminal giveaway of the State’s patrimony in a transaction that wrecks of cronyism, nepotism and absolutely lacks transparency and accountability. To compound the matter, the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys was never issued with a power to sell land, therefore, on this ground alone, the transaction is ultra vires, unlawfully, null, void and of no effect,” the Attorney General contended.

According to Nandlall, such land giveaways are so prevalent that he was forced to establish a special team to review those transactions – as directed by the President.

He noted that in some instances, no monies were paid but titles were issued for prime State lands. (G8)

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NEWS

39

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana, Suriname mark site for Corentyne River Bridge

S

uriname’s Public Works Minister, Dr Riad Nurmohamed and Guyana’s Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Saturday visited the site of the proposed GuyanaSuriname River Bridge across the Corentyne River.

The Ministers walked the alignment where the bridge will land and the roads which need to be developed

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

to connect the bridge in both countries.

Both Ministers planted flags on the Guyana side of the river and then the Suriname side of the river where the bridge is to be erected. After planting national flags of the two countries, Nurmohamed, Edghill and the team of engineers and technical personnel stopped at Long Island in

Suriname’s Public Works Minister Dr Riad Nurmohamed and Guyana’s Public Works Minister Juan Edghill planting the flags of the two countries at Long Island, Corentyne River

the Corentyne River and also planted flags of the two countries there. Minister Edghill said hotels, fun parks and other recreational facilities are expected to be constructed at that location.

Meanwhile, a high-level Suriname delegation is expected to be in Guyana next week to continue discussions in advancing the project.

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

President Ali pledges $11.5M to enhance community centres in East Berbice

President Ali interacting with residents of Port Mourant

President Ali handing over sports gears to a cricket club in Port Mourant, Berbice, on Saturday.

Also in photo are Ministers Zulfikar Mustapha and Anand Persaud, along with Region Six Chairman David Armogan

P

resident Irfaan Ali on Saturday visited several communities in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), where he donated sports gears to several cricket clubs and pledged millions of dollars towards the enhancement and maintenance of community centre grounds.

The Head of State

visited Port Mourant, where he met with, and engaged, scores of residents as he fielded questions from persons and enlightened them on some of the plans his Government has to improve their livelihoods.

President Ali also donated sports gears

to two cricket clubs from the community, and earmarked some $9.5 million for the enhancement and maintenance of the Community Centre ground.

He also promised to ensure that most of the jobs resulting from works to be done on the Community Centre ground would stay within the community.

President Ali also met

with Corriverton residents who gathered at the Line Path Community Centre ground, and after listening to their concerns, he outlined Government’s plans for the Region.

Further, he donated sports gears to two other cricket clubs in the Corriverton township, and committed a further $2 million for the enhancement and maintenance of the Line Path Community Centre ground at Skeldon, Corriverton.

During yesterday’s visit to Region Six, President Ali was accompanied by other members of Government, including Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Anand Persaud.

Impending GCB elections...

By Brandon Corlette

M

inister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, has declared that he favours no specific party for any position in the impending Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) elections. He declares his sole concern is the legitimacy of those elections.

"I don't have a dog in the race. It doesn't matter who the person is, once the (electoral) process is legal. I don't care about individuals; they come and go," Ramson made clear.

Further, he explained that he is engaging all contesting parties, and is not

Legitimacy is key — Sport Minister

"cherry-picking" any group.

"Some people may want to labour under the impression that I have a (favoured) group, but I am telling you this is where I stand: I don't care who ends up as the President (of GCB), I care about the process; because you don't want anyone questioning the legitimacy of the body," Minister Ramson explained during his visit at Albion.

The East Coast Demerara Cricket Board elections are also imminent, but Ramson anticipates conflict therein, with some individuals stating that this group

does not really play cricket.

"I have started to meet with them, and the court will have to order a date for the Demerara Cricket Board (to hold elections)," Ramson said.

He noted that a court order had set the stage for the Guyana Cricket Board to hold elections, and he gave insight into the specifics of the Act and what transpired. Reflecting that the bill was passed in 2014 with support from both major parties in Parliament, he said interested stakeholders had then chal-

lenged its constitutionality, but that challenge was dismissed. An appeal was then filed, and in interlocutory proceedings by a single judge in chambers, Justice Dawn Gregory, former Attorney General Basil Williams and previous Sport Minister Dr George Norton consented to the suspension of the Act. The Court of Appeal, a few weeks ago, discharged the order suspending certain parts of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act, thus paving the way for elections to be held for office-bearers of both the Demerara and Guyana Cricket Boards. Those elections are expected to occur shortly.

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