Leader of the PNCR and Opposition Aubrey C. Norton and other Opposition Members of Parliament attended the Award Ceremony and Dinner Reception of the recently concluded 9th Annual Youth Parliament. (See photos below).
A Petroleum Commission should not be misconceived as totally replacing government, but conceived as working under its general directions
Our position on the necessity for a petroleum commission is clear. As the next government, we will establish such a commission within our first year in office. However, we have recently noted some misunderstanding about the role and powers of such a body and, particularly, its statutory relationship with the government of the day.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at one of his Press Conferences, for example, lamented that a petroleum commission, in his view, would be ill-suited in situations where hard choices and judgement calls have to be made. His staunch resistance to the establishment of a commission is obviously informed by his fear that such a body will completely render him and the government totally powerless or irrelevant even when political or policy decisions must be made. Likewise, the Kaieteur News editorial today misconceives a petroleum commission as a completely independent body – that is, independent of government general direction and supervision.
It is important to correct these misconceptions and to offer our understanding of the role and authority of a petroleum commission. In our view, such a commission is expected to perform three broad functions: (i) implement the policies of the government in the exploration, development, and production of petroleum in Guyana; (ii) monitor and regulate petroleum activities to ensure operators comply with all applicable laws, agreements, and technical standards; and (iii) serve as the source of technical knowledge and expertise on petroleum activities to guide its own operations and to advise the government.
These broad functions are captured in the draft Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill. This bill and those Acts of Parliament establishing similar agencies, such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), provide the government, through the relevant minister, the power to give general directions to the commission. In our view, such a political direction is necessary in principle and practice because ultimately it is the government of the day that is answerable to the citizens for the management of the nation‟s natural resources. In the case of Guyana‟s oil sector, its sheer financial and economic size makes the government‟s involvement even more critical and obligatory. However, general direction cannot constitute political interference in the day to day management of the work of the Petroleum Commission.
However, such a commission, if allowed to properly function, has enormous statutory authority and scope to make a wide range of strategic and operational decisions without the need to seek the minister‟s signature. As the next government, we will provide the breathing space for the commission to perform all its functions with the minimum of government interference outside of broad policy guidelines. In this regard, ensuring that the commission can craft and fund its own budget through fees from petroleum activities, hire its own staff, contract outside experts, draft its own plans, and exercise similar self-governing powers will promote its professionalism and independence.
PPP trampling on the rights of Indigenous Guyanese
On Wednesday 21st August 2024, between 10.30 and 10.50 am, I had an experience that convinced me beyond doubt that, I live in a country that is nothing short of a dictatorship.
I attempted to enterthe main meeting room of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre where the National Toshaos‟ Council (NTC) was having its Conference. As I pushed the door the Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry Of Amerindian Affairs was exiting. I stepped back to allow him to pass. We exchanged greetings. As I was proceeding (or rather attempting to) the PS placed his arm across the doorway blocking my access. He asked where I was going. I explained that I had an interest in the ongoing deliberations of the NTC conference and again tried to go through the door. Again he stopped me. This time, with his hand on my chest. He told methat he could not let me enter. He told me that he would not allow me to enter the meeting area. Upon inquiry, he told me that it was a “closed door meeting”. I produced an extract from the Amerindian Act, specifically, Section 43 (3) (b) and read it aloud to the PS as follows: “The National Toshaos‟ Council shall– … allow Amerindians to attend its meetings…”. The PS accused me of (a) „not understanding the law‟ and (b) „reading it in isolation‟.
He, in turn referred to section 43 (1) (erroneously referring to it as section 41 (1) ) which provides that: “The National Toshaos‟ Council may determine its own procedure and may, in consultation with the Minister make rules governing such procedures.”
I pointed out to thePS the mandatory provision of section 43 (3) (b) versus the optional nature of section 43 (1)‟, making the point that, in the exercise of 43 (1) there is a process that involves the meeting of minds and the documenting of the procedure which could be compared with a minister making regulations. I, therefore, requested to see the documented procedure he referred to.
By then a plainclothes security officer who was summoned by the PS arrived. Shocked, I inquired why the PS would summon security when we were engaged in a civil conversation. By then the Minister of Amerindian Affairs arrived. I engaged her, requesting her intervention and compliance with section 43 (3) (b). The minister was dismissive. She
said that it was not her meeting.
Parliamentarian Seeraj arrived and so too did a senior commissioned police officer who said that he was there because of a threat of a security nature. The policeman (Williams) interrupted my conversation with MP Seeraj demanding to know if I was “invited” to the conference!
The Vice Chairman of the NTC, a PPP activist, joined the conversation making it clear (after brief interaction) that it was her “final position” that I would not be allowed in the meeting room. Kwame McKoy then showed up armed with a cell phone, holding it up to my face. McKoy, a minister of government, phone camera aimed at me followed me everywhere I went including the washroom. I brought this to the police officer‟s attention and was told that this is a public space and people can video whateverthey wanted.
I provided a detailed account of my encounter at the NTC conferenceto makethefollowing points:
The PPP would stop at nothing to dominate and control every person and situation in furtherance of its political agenda
The PPP engineered the election of its party activists to the NTC executive who would blindly contribute to the fulfilment of its agenda
The PPP would openly persecute, intimidate, and harass any person or organisation it sees as a challenge to its brutish, naked abuse of power
The PPP violates whichever law it wants to as it pursues its political objectives
The PPP cherry-picks bits of legislation it finds convenient to its cause
The PPP has an iron grip strangle hold on key members of the NTC executive, particularly its activists that it positioned there
The PPP is ensuring that the Indigenous leaders do not interact with persons not associated with the government.
It is instructive to note that the agenda speaks only of “presentations” and “interactive discussions” and mentions nothing of “closed door meetings”. That the PPP would go to the lengths they have to exclude Indigenous Guyanese from the NTC conference, in clear violation of the law tells the tragic story of a government that has lost its way. This PPP government has no respect for citizens and the rule of law. This cannot be a democracy.
The struggle for the rights of indigenous Guyanese continues. We were here before others arrived. We will always be here. Ω
We therefore do not envisage the petroleum commission as an absolute power unto itself. Rather, we see it as a professional and expert agency executing broad government policies, providing technical advice and services to the government, and monitoring and regulating petroleum activities. Ω
Our weekly protest continues for a clean voters list outside the GECOM office on Tuesday 27th August 2024.
Eviction of GAP Leader, Vincent Henry from Toshaos’ Conference by the PPP - a vile and illegal act
APNU condemns the vile and illegal action of the PPP government in forcing Vincent Henry, MP, Leader of the Guyana Action Party, to leave the National Toshaos Council Conference on Tuesday 20th August, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre . Mr. Henry reported that the presentation of the Minister of Natural Resources was stopped because of his presence and the police escorted him out of the venue.
APNU rejects the purported excuse that the conference is only for Toshaos. According to Article 43(3)(b) of the Amerindian Act, the National Toshaos Council shall "allow Amerindians to attend its meetings." Guyanese should denounce the PPP's action for what it is: a blatant violation of the rights of Mr. Vincent Henry and another act of PPP badmindedness and control freakism.
Government is disrespectful to, and vindictive against teachers
The People‟s Progressive Party‟s offer to the Guyana Teachers Union of a 10% increase on teacher‟s salary is ridiculous, disrespectful, vindictive and a reflection of the disdain that the regime has for teachers and other public officials.
It must be recalled that both Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali demanded that the APNU+AFC government pay teachers 50%. They made this demand under the then government before the discovery of oil, claiming that the then government could afford it. Now when there is oil the said government is contending that they cannot afford to pay teachers 50% increase. This is the level of hypocrisy, disdain, vindictiveness and trickery that Bharrat Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali are meeting out to the hard working teachers of this nation.
When one notes that the so-called
package delivers little or nothing to teachers and is a mere smoke screen for concealing the fact that the government is unprepared to treat teachers fairly. When it is recognized that the infrastructure budget is $666B and the main fund for PPP corruption, then it is obvious that the PPP is deliberately impoverishing our teachers and have no interest in improving the quality of their lives.
The mere reduction in corruption and waste in infrastructure projects can realise at least $50 billion which can give more than a 35% increase, just easily finding the money to pay our teachers.
The PNCR/APNU is guaranteeing all public service workers that they will receive a 35% increase in wages and salaries under us as the next government. Ω
PPP discrimination is so obvious
A recent visit to the East Coast of Demerara where work is being done on the four-lane road on the line top reveals a sad tale of discrimination. Originally, the government contended that the road was going to be forty feet from the center. As the work progressed, East Coast residents recognised that the construction was not occurring forty feet from the center all along the road.
The residents took it on themselves to do the measurements and recognise that in places like LBI and Montrose,
PPP strongholds, the measurement is twenty feet from the center. Consequently, residents complained that in places like Plaisance, they are asking residents to move to accommodate forty feet from the center, but in order to not have to move people in PPP strongholds they have reduced the road width from forty feet from the center to twenty feet. Residents are contending that this is a clear case of PPP discrimination against African Guyanese villages.
PPP trying to hide the fact that high unemployment exists in Guyana
Vice President Jagdeo‟s recent acknowledgement that his government does not calculate unemployment figures, but rather makes policy decisions based on guesswork, is disturbing but not surprising. For him to say at his last Press Conference that “everybody knows” there are labor shortages, and so unemployment is a non-issue is utter garbage and the PPP‟s version of economic analysis and planning. In fact, it is not even economics anymore. Under the PPP, the Bureau of Statistics has not conducted its quarterly national labour force survey since November 2021 – a total of eleven (11) missing surveys. As we informed the IMF last year, the stoppage of these surveys did not occur by chance, but with the condonation, if not at the behest, of the current PPP regime. The secrecy has however failed to hide Jagdeo‟s incompetence and cluelessness and the fact that they have no basis for many of the pronouncements they are making on the economy. Let us explain to the Guyanese people a few aspects of the unemployment situation.
Proper management of the economy requires the government to measure and track at minimum: (i) the size of the working-age population, (ii) the labour force participation rate (many adults may not join the labour market, but choose to be stay-home parents, for example), (iii) underemployment and unemployment, (iv) employment by economic sector, (v) seasonal variations in employment (Christmas season, harvesting periods, etc), and (vi) evidence of structural unemployment where, for example, available workers do not have the required skills or where they are unable or unwilling to relocate or commute long distances to work. A proper labour force survey would also break down its numbers by gender, age, education level, and communities and therefore allow for proper planning. The PPP has no interest in that!
Even without direct and systematic labour surveys, a sensible and serious government can examine proxy or indirect signs to approximately assess the situation. However, the signs paint a bleak picture. For one, the number of part-time workers keeps increasing when in Jagdeo‟s “everybody knows” scenario, the number ought to be declining. The government even budgeted more money to pay these workers in 2024. One would have expected that by now they would have found fulltime jobs after training or job seeking. Similarly, many Guyanese lack the requisite training to meet the demand for the oil and gas, transportation, construction, healthcare and education sectors, among others.
Secondly, a good proxy measure of a labour shortage is the upward pressure it puts on wages in the private sector, resulting in the movement of low-wage public sector workers towards the private sector. We see little evidence of that. Thirdly, we see no evidence of
able-bodied pensioners returning to the workforce.
Fourthly, in every community across Guyana, the presence of unemployed youths and adults is plain to see in the various villages at congregation spots. Moreover, this year‟s CSEC results, with a Math pass rate of 31%, which is even lower than last year‟s 32% pass rate, highlight the reality that 80% of Guyanese do not hold Math and English passes at CSEC. What this means is that they don‟t have the basic requirement to obtain employment or pursue further studies. These students are locked out of many formal jobs, which is a critical contributor to the structural unemployment and underemployment we see today.
Rather than focus the GOAL programme on the oil and gas and various potentially promising industries, the PPP has declared that it is seeking 100,000 foreign workers to fill skill gaps. Should there not instead be a focus on assessing skill gaps and growth opportunities and on training local Guyanese to fill these opportunities? Mass importation should only be an option once these mechanisms have been exhausted.
Against this background, as the next government, we will (i) restart the quarterly labour force survey, while ensuring the Bureau of Statistics is adequately staffed and equipped, (ii) invest heavily in programs aimed at skilling, upskilling and reskilling Guyanese, (iii) increase the labour force participation rate of women by expanding the network of daycare centers countrywide, (iv) expand the workforce in the public sector to manage our comprehensive social protection system and our data-driven approach to managing government, and (v) establish an effective employment information network so that job seekers and job providers can easily connect, (vi) double the investment in the small business sector to increase selfemployment.
Additionally, for larger business investments, we will provide credit through a productivity-focused development bank so that high income jobs can be generated. Also, we will match this with tax incentives to encourage the adoption of technology so that local businesses can scale effectively, providing more and higher paying jobs in the process. We will say more on these and other ideas in the coming period.
The PPP must be the only government in the world that does not plan and does not care to and is proud to publicly admit it. Recall President Ali‟s interview in January 2024 to the World Political Review when he declared “we don‟t have the time to have a plan.”
In virtually no democracy worldwide would a country‟s citizens accept literal guesswork in place of informed policymaking. Come 2025, or sooner, Guyanese must reject this disrespect at theballot box. Ω
No wonder the PPP continues to lose support among Indigenous Guyanese across all regions.
Mr. Vincent Henry, MP
YOUTH
Engagement with youths of Wakenaam Island
It's important for young people to understand their role in today's society despite their geographical location. It's important that young people take responsibility for their progress and advancement than to wait for it to be handed down to them.
Mr. Kibwe Copeland as National Chairman of the Guyana Youth and
Student Movement (GYSM), said, “It is my mission to Activate the Y-O-U-T-H in Youth. We are more than just energy, youthful vigor and talent, we are the evolution.”
This was during a visit to the island of Wakenaam on Tuesday 20th August by GYSM Chairman, Mr. Kibwe Copeland.
Courtesy call on the Opposition Leader by the US Embassy’s Political and Economic Affairs Chief
On Monday 26th August 2024, US Embassy‟s Political and Economic Affairs Chief Russell Zalizniak paid a courtesy call on the Leader of the PNCR and Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey C. Norton, MP. Also pre-
sent were the General Secretary of the PNCR Mr. Sherwin Benjamin, Shadow Minister of Education Ms. Coretta McDonald, AA, MP and CEC members Mr. Mervyn Williams and Mr. Elson Low
Congratulations to our 2024 CAPE and CSEC students
We join all Guyanese in congratulating this year‟s top performers and other successful students in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC). We salute their parents, guardians,teachers and other supporters.
Message from Opposition Shadow Minister of Education, Coretta McDonald, AA, MP
Many of our boys and girls are returning to school for a brand-new academic year (September 2024 to July 2025) after the August Vocation. Of course there will be much excitement, curiosity, panic, fear, cries and everything else that comes with attending school especially for the first timers who are now venturing off to nursery. Yes, this is what your first day will entail, showing off of new backpacks, new clothing, new classrooms and the eagerness to learn new concepts. This, it is our responsibility as parents, teachers and the community to ensure that our priority be that of their well-being, simply put our readiness to facilitate and fulfill their learning process, making it as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
To this end allow me to extend best wishes to all our children and to wish them every success in this journey towards becoming productive citizens. I pray the blessings of God on their lives, for protection as they travel to and from school, that they may be showered with wisdom, tolerance, respect and love for their peers. I pray too for Strength, Resilience and Commitment for our Valued Teachers as they mould these hungry minds who are curious to explore the world with values and the knowledge that will see them into adulthood.
Finally dear teachers, let me thank
you for your unwavering commitment to this Noble Profession even though your service and contributions go unnoticed many times. Let me reassure though, that as a Resilient Group, your contributions are recorded and in due time, your reward will be showered in abundance. Continue to confront the challenges with love and empower those around you to reach their potential.
Blessings for this new year and a warm welcome on your return to school.
Russell Zalizniak
Ms. Coretta McDonald, AA, MP
NEW NATION
OUTREACH
Queenstown/Alberttown
On Wednesday 21st August and Tuesday 27th August, members of the PNCR conducted an outreach in Constituency #1, Queenstown, where they interacted with the residents and listened to their concerns and needs. Those on the walkabout exercise were
constituency‟s representative Philip Drayton, Georgetown District Chairman Troy Garraway, and other Party activists who interacted and shared handbills on the Party's peoplecentred plan with residents.
Haslington, ECD
PNCR outreach continued on Tuesday, 20th August at Haslington Scheme on the East Coast where the Chairperson for the
East Coast, Ms. Robin Simon and other Party activists interacted and shared handbills with residents.
Catherine/Abary, Mahaicony
On Thursday 22nd August and Tuesday 27th August, the PNCR Regional Committee of Region #5 continued a walkabout exercise in Catherine/ Abary, Mahaicony, E.C.D. where Vice Chairman of the People's National Congress Reform and Member of Parliament Vinceroy Jordan, along with several Regional and Neighbourhood
Democratic Councillors, interacted with residents.
The team inspected several streets and the Catherine sideline dam within the community and listened to many complaints from residents, including policing and unfair government services.
OUTREACH
Residents complained of terrible living conditions in La Parfait Harmonie
In a recent visit on Saturday 17th August to Westminster, Onderneeming and Dairy in La Parfait Harmonie by Leader of the PNCR, Chairman of APNU and Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey C. Norton and other activists, residents complained that there are a number of problems facing the community that
the PPP government shows no interest in addressing their concerns.
The residents contend that there are high incidences of crime in their communities and the police are never visible. They also said that the many empty lots with high bushes have now become havens for criminals to
Golden Grove
On Wednesday, 14th August 2024, members of our party conducted an outreach in the Golden Grove area where they interacted with residents and listen to their concerns, etc.
Present at this outreach were members of the Party‟s Central Executive Committee, Robin Simon and Marcia Gordon along with other local leaders and councilors.
lay wait and rob them. They also lamented the terrible conditions of the roads in their communities. They noted as well the shabby work that is being done in the area by government contractors.
Even with the many empty lots, squatters in the area are complaining that they are having
grave difficulties obtaining a house lot. The residents of Bamboo Dam Squatting area lamented the fact that they live in squalor with little or no attention from the Ministry of Housing.
Residents also complained that the streets are terrible and the wateris not fit fordrinking.
Yarrowkabra-Moblissa
On Thursday 29th August, the Yarrowkabra-Moblissa PNCR Action group presented school supplies to the students returning to school on Monday 2nd September 2024. Present were Vice Chairperson of the PNCR Ms. Elizabeth Williams Niles, Ms Precious Hicks, Ms. Browne, Mr. Whick-
ham Chairman of YarrowkabraMoblissa PNCR Action Group and Vice Chairperson Ms. Joylyne Shepard and other members.
Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Derick Boyce and the members of YarrowkabraMoblissa PNCR Action Group for their generous contribution and initiative.
Message from the PNCR/APNU on Amerindian Heritage Month 2024
Happy Amerindian Heritage Month to all Indigenous Guyanese. We join with all other Guyanese to commence commemorating in the entire month of September AMERINDIAN HERITAGE MONTH 2024.
In terms of the development of Indigenous Guyanese, much has been achieved, but is dwarfed by what remains to be done. If, therefore, we were to suggest a theme for this Heritage Month, it would be “Breaking the vicious cycles that impede the development of Indigenous communities and families.” These cycles relate to, for instance, persistent poverty, poor access to social services, food insecurity, women disempowerment, male migration from families, and scarce local economic opportunities. As such, indigenous Guyanese continue to lag the general population on most quality -of-life indicators, such as on nutrition intake and maternal and infant mortality.
Government efforts and expenditures in the past have not fulfilled the needs and expectations of the Indigenous People mainly because such efforts have been disjointed, insufficient, misdirected, and surficial. So is the cur-
rent approach under the PPP government.
PNCR/APNU commits to working with the Indigenous people and all other stakeholders in breaking these vicious cycles. As the next government, we will implement a CRITICAL or SUFFICIENT MASS of coordinated programs aimed at overpowering the key hindrances to the development of Indigenous people, families, and communities. We will adopt a Whole-ofGovernment approach, meaning all government agencies will be involved in this comprehensive endeavor. We will work to develop shared understandings of the problems and solutions. We will promote community self -empowerment and selfdetermination. We will measure results and success not by budgetary allocation or monies spent, but by quality-of-life indicators. Included in those measures will be what the people themselves say about their lives and livelihoods. Breaking these vicious cycles requires long sustained work.
PNCR/APNU is confident that together we can do it.
We salute all Indigenous Guyanese on Amerindian Heritage Month. Ω
Shridath
Surendernath Ramphal
Statement by the Leader of the PNCR, Leader of the Opposition and Chairman of APNU, Mr. Aubrey C. Norton, MP
I join the local and global community in extending sincere condolences to the family of Sir Shridath Ramphal on his death on the 30th August 2024. Sir Shridath belongs to a long list of distinguished Guyanese. His achievements were in the field of international politics and diplomacy. Here his achievements brought him personal renown and made his country a symbol of excellence and a distinguished member of the international community. In his ninety six (96) years on God‟s earth, Sir Shridath rose from the position of a lawyer to become at various times Assistant Attorney General of the West Indies Federation; Minister of Justice and Foreign Affairs of Guyana; Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat; and an active participant in Global Affairs serving on all global Commissions dealing with development, the environment and disarmament; and being fully and actively involved in helping both Zimbabwe and South Africa to attain their freedom.
But to my Party and the people of the Caribbean region we remember the seminal role he played in the establishment of the Caribbean Community. His role as the Chief Negotiator in the Regional Negotiation Machinery (RNM) and his Chairmanship of the West Indian Commission are events which this region will not forget. Sir Shridath was indeed a colossus who bestrode the world of Global politics and etched his name in the annals of diplomacy of the twentieth and twenty first century. Yet the enduring image remains of Sir Shridath, impeccably clad, at the age of ninety two, delivering his speech in defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
staffed and trained in the art of diplomacy. In this endeavour, he was assisted by both Prime Minister Burnham and Rashleigh Jackson, the first Permanent Secretary. And while Sir Shridath was fully employed building up the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an institution, both Venezuela and Surname were renewing their claims to our territory. Some analysts have argued that the pressure on our territorial integrity and sovereignty was the crucible in which our diplomats acquire particular skills in such critical areas as multilateral diplomacy, the art of negotiations, and the promotion of the nation‟s Foreign Policy. It would be necessary to state here that through a series of speeches and pronouncements by Sir Shridath and Prime Minister Burnham, Guyana arrived at a suitable and appropriate Foreign Ministry. That Foreign Policy was successful enough to ensure the election of Guyana to, among other things, the World Court, serve twice on the Security Council, and allowed our diplomats to make significant contributions to international diplomacy.
Sir Shridath‟s career will not be easily understood if we do not take into account his achievement of bringing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs into existence when such an institution never existed before. Guyana‟s external relations were conducted by the British Government as we were a colony. As independence approached, the Colonial administration quickly established the Department of External Affairs. At independence, this became the Ministry of External Affairs. The Prime Minister, Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, assumed the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. He appointed Sir Shridath as Minister of State. It so happened that at this time Guyana was about to host the first Foreign Ministers Meeting of the Non Aligned meeting in the Western Hemisphere. In order to ensure that Sir Shridath could appropriately chair the Foreign Ministers meeting, Burnham appointed him as a full Minister of Foreign Affairs. Sir Shridath‟s chairmanship of this conference was brilliant and prudent. The success of this conference has never been questioned. But as a Foreign Minister, Sir Shridath had to ensure that his Ministry was
Sir Shridath served for some as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and then decided to run for the position of Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat. He was successful primarily because he had distinguished himself in the capacity of Foreign Minister and made himself a brilliant figure of international politics. It is often forgotten that after being the longest serving Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Sir Shridath had decided to seek election as the Secretary General of the United Nations. The outcome of Sir Shridath's decision to become UNSG is best told in his own words. In canvassing the big powers Sir Shridath had to approach the Soviet delegate to the UN, Mr. Oleg Troyanovsky. This is what the Soviet Ambassadortold him:
“Your candidature presents us with a problem; you remind us too much of Hammarskjold, and as you know he was a major problem for Russia. We even at one stage suggested a „troika‟ in place of a single Secretary General.” Sir Shridath concluded that the Russians were saying they would veto his candidature, but he realized that he could not count on the support of one of the members of the Security Council. He was also not sure that the French and Americans would not veto his candidature.
This did not prevent Sir Shridath from returning to the region and serving in various capacities, especially in the field of education and politics. He was instrumental in negotiating a peaceful outcome to the crisis in Guyana in 1998, and offered prudent advice to the regional politicians in many areas. Indeed, his was a long and distinguished career and life. Ω
Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal
OUTREACH
Achawib (South Rupununi)
The PNCR conducted an outreach to the village of Achawib in the South Rupununi from the 17th to 18th August 2024. General Secretary of the PNCR Sherwin Benjamin along with Shadow Minister of Education Coretta McDonald, AA, MP, CEC member
Marcia Gordon and other Party comrades interacted and listened to the concerns of the residents where they outlined the Party's vision for a People -Centered Development Strategy. The team donated sports equipment and other items.
Karawab (Pomeroon)
On Sunday 1st September 2024, members of the PNCR conducted an outreach in village of Karawab, Pomeroon River.
On the outreach exercise were the PNCR‟s Party Chairman Shurwayne
Holder, General Secretary Sherwin Benjamin, CEC Member Mervyn Williams, Regional Chairman Prince Holder and other regional officials. Residents voiced their concerns and raised various issues affectingthem.
Mpox (Monkey Pox)
Key facts
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, a species of the genus Orthopoxvirus. There are two distinct clades of the virus: clade I (with subclades Ia and Ib) and clade II (with subclades IIa and IIb). In 2022–2023 a global outbreak of mpox was caused by the clade IIb strain.
Mpox continues to be a threat today, and an upsurge of cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries caused by clades Ia and Ib has raised concern.
There are vaccines for mpox. Vaccination should be considered along with other public health interventions.
Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions which can last 2–4 weeks accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
Mpox can be transmitted through close contact with someone who has mpox, with contaminated materials, or with infected animals. During pregnancy, the virus may be passed to the fetus, or to the newborn during or after birth.
Mpox is treated with supportive care for symptoms such as pain and fever, with close attention to nutrition, hydration, skin care, prevention of secondary infections and treatment of co-infections, including HIV where present.
Signs and symptoms
Mpox causes signs and symptoms which usually begin within a week but can start 1–21 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 2–4 weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.
Common symptoms of mpox are:
rash
fever
sore throat
headache
muscle aches
back pain
low energy
swollen lymph nodes.
For some people, the first symptom of mpox is a rash, while others may have fever, muscle aches or sore throat first.
The mpox rash often begins on the face and spreads over the body, extending to the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also start on other parts of the body where contact was made, such as the genitals. It starts as a flat sore, which develops into a blister filled with liquid that may be itchy or painful. As the rash heals, the lesions dry up, crust over and fall off.
Some people may have one or a few skin lesions and others have hundreds or more. These can appear anywhere on the body including:
palms of hands and soles of feet
face, mouth and throat
groin and genital areas
anus.
Some people also have painful swelling of their rectum (proctitis) or pain and difficulty when peeing (dysuria) or when swallowing.
People with mpox can pass the disease on to others until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed. Some people can be infected without developing any symptoms. Although getting mpox from someone who is asymptomatic (not showing symptoms) has been reported, information is still limited on how common it is.
Children, pregnant people and people with weak immune systems, including people living with HIV that is not well controlled, are at higher risk for serious illness and death due to complications from mpox.
Some people with mpox become very sick. For example, the skin can become infected with bacteria, leading to abscesses or serious skin damage. Other complications include pneumonia; corneal infection with loss of vision; pain or difficulty swallowing; vomiting and diarrhoea causing dehydration or malnutrition; and infections of the blood (sepsis), brain (encephalitis), heart (myocarditis), rectum (proctitis), genital organs (balanitis) or urinary passages (urethritis). Mpox can be fatal in some cases.
Treatment and vaccination
The goal of treating mpox is to take care of the rash, manage pain and prevent complications. Early and supportive care is important to help manage symptoms and avoid further problems. Getting an mpox vaccine can help prevent infection (pre-exposure prophylaxis). It is recommended for people at high-risk of getting mpox, especially during an outbreak.
Groups that may be at high risk of mpox include:
health and care workers at risk of eposure;
people in the same household or close community as someone who has mpox, including children;
people who have multiple sex partners, including men who have sex with men; and
sex workers of any gender and their clients.
The vaccine can also be administered after a person has been in contact with someone who has mpox (post-exposure prophylaxis). In these cases, the vaccine should be given less than 4 days after contact with someone who has mpox. The vaccine can be given for up to 14 days if the person has not developed symptoms.
Some antivirals have received emergency use authorization in some countries and are being evaluated in clinical trials. To date, there is no proven effective antiviral treatment for mpox. It is a priority to continue evaluation of therapeutics in robust clinical trials and to focus on optimizing supportive care for patients.
Individuals with HIV and mpox should continue taking their antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART should be initiated within 7 days of diagnosis of HIV. Ω
H5N1 is a subtype of influenza A viruses. Other commonly known influenza A virus subtypes include H1N1 and H3N2, which cause seasonal outbreaks in humans.
Unlike H1N1 and H3N2, H5N1 largely infects wild birds, with waterfowl such as ducks and geese being the natural reservoirs for H5N1 viruses. Most H5N1 viruses are highly pathogenic avian influenza, meaning spillovers into other bird populations can lead to high mortality rates, including domesticated poultry
H5N1 viruses were first identified in 1959 due to an outbreak in domesticated chickens in Scotland. In 1996, waterfowl were identified as the natural reservoir for H5N1.
Since its identification, H5N1 viruses have led to four major outbreaks: in 1997, 2003-2005, 2015 and 2021to-present. The outbreaks in 1997 and 2003-2005 led to substantial spillover to humans
Since 2003, nearly 900 H5N1 infections in humans have been recorded. Of those infections, more than half were fatal
Where did H5N1 originate?
The current outbreak of H5N1 started in late 2021 and derives from the virus that caused a major outbreak in 2015
Since 2021, H5N1 strains have spread to six continents by migratory birds. Spillover to domestic poultry has led to the culling of millions of domestic birds
Researchers have documented the current H5N1 strain in numerous mammals, with it largely affecting aquatic mammals like seals and scav-
enger mammals. Sporadic spillover to domestic mammals has been recorded, including to minks, goats and alpacas.
In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported an outbreak of H5N1 in lactating dairy cows. As of Aug. 27, 192 herds in 13 states have been confirmed H5N1 positive
Dairy cow-associated H5N1 viruses have since jumped back into wild birds, and recent outbreaks in domestic poultry resembled H5N1 in dairy cows. Between May and July 2024, 13 confirmed H5N1 infections have occurred in humans, with all cases directly linked to dairy farms and poultry culling.
Why did the avian flu become more widespread?
It is unclear why H5N1 has become such a widespread problem. H5N1, like all influenza viruses, rapidly mutates to infect new hosts. However, H5N1 has several features that could increase its host range.
First, H5N1 viruses use a protein called hemagglutinin that allows H5N1 to infect with new hosts. Second, my research group identified a mutation in H5N1 viruses causing the dairy cow outbreak that allows hemagglutinin to bind to its receptor more efficiently
Lastly, H5N1 viruses are mutating genes associated with replication and immune evasion that are known to increase the infection of mammals. Together, these factors could heighten H5N1 transmission and increase H5N1 spillover to mammals.
(GAVI.org)
100th Birthday Celebration
The Leader of the PNCR and Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Aubrey C. Norton, MP, along with Shadow Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Ms. Nima Flue Bess, MP, CEC member Marcia Gordon and Regional Secretary, Re-
gion #3 Hazelene Thorne, attended the 100th birthday celebration for Ms. Cyrene Jordan of Versailles, New Scheme, West Bank. The Leader presented her with a bouquet of flowers and other gifts.
Patricia Ann Persaud - Born 8th August 1959; Died 4th August 2024:
The PNCR expresses it sincere condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the late Patricia Ann Persaud also known as “Patsy” who passed away on Sunday 4th August after a period of illness. The Party is
Ashton Locksley CrawfordBorn 2nd October 1950; Died 13th August 2024:
The death is announced of the late Mr. Ashton Locksley Crawford of 113 Public Road Bagotville. Mr. Crawford, who was 73 years old and born on the 2nd October 1950, died on Tuesday 13th August 2024. He was a longstanding member and stalwart of the People‟s National Congress Reform since he was 17 years old. Mr. Crawford was the son of the late Margaret Loreen Crawford and the late Charles Crawford. He was the husband of the late Desiree Crawford.
still in shock at the loss of its long -standing staff member of the PNCR Secretariat of over forty years and stalwart. May her soul Rest in Eternal Peace!
Father of Gregory Robinson, Yemesi WilliamsSamuels, Delecta Crawford, Shaga Crawford and the late Marlon Crawford.
Obituaries
The funeral of the late Ashton Locksley Crawford took place on Monday 26th August at Sandy's Funeral Home, Pouderoygen, West Bank Demerara. He was later cremated at Ruimzeight. May his soul be at Eternal Peace!
Veronica Chandisingh - Died 13thAugust 2024:
The PNCR is deeply saddened by the passing of a former Party Member, Veronica Chandisingh, on August 13, 2024.ThePNCRLeaderAubreyNorton and the general membership extend sincere condolences to her son Yuri Chandisingh, her daughter-in-law Serome, her sister Pauline, and other relatives.
Veronica was the wife of the late esteemedRanjiChandisingh,whowasthe General Secretary of the PNC for several years, and also served the Guyana
Philbert Pierre - Born 2nd October 1943; Died 28th August 2024:
The PNCR wishes to express sincere condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the late Philbert Pierre who passed away on Wednesday 28th August 2024. He was a former PNC Regional Vice chairman for Region #1. May his soul be at Eternal Peace!
Government as Minister of Education, VicePresident and Ambassador. Veronica was also a member of the Women‟s Arm of the PNC, during thePhaseofthe WRSM. May her Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!
Tribute to Patsy Persaud
By Mr. Ronald Austin, CCH
Former Ambassador to China
Former Director of the Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In the small social and political world, we live in we often meet people who are neurotic, unpleasant, boastful, egoistic and amoral. Patricia Ann Persaud affectionately known as „Patsy‟, who died recently, a longstanding member of the PNC, was never burdened by these negative attributes. On the contrary, she was kind, honest, decent, modest, helpful, comfortable within her own skin, and always willing to go the extra mile for her fellow human beings. She lived in great contentment in the bosom of her family. I did not know all the members of her family. However, I knew her father, her brother who worked at the Public Service Union, and her sister, Lynette, who worked with me at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
I first met Patsy Persaud when she was Secretary to Emerson Simon when the PNC occupied the original Sophia buildings. She was his Secretary at the time. It did not take long to realise that Patsy was prepared to work long hours to get the job done at a time when others were intent on pursuing their own personal interests. I noticed that when it came to the Party, she was prepared to make the necessary sacrifices. Patsy was formed by that admirable culture of the Party which imbued so many of its early members with the belief that the Party‟s interests and goals superseded personal ambition and the reckless pursuit of riches. Today it might appear otherwise, but the PNC once
cared for every single one of its members and made sure that those who were ill, indisposed or indigent received the attention of the Party. This could only have resulted from the classical conditions in the PNC originated. The Party came into being to be of service to all who were disenfranchised, left behind, discriminated against, and those who were denied the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and ambitions. In particular, those who needed succour in time of poor health or need. I pity those who are continually surprised by the loyalty its constituents have shown to the Party. Patsy Persaud was absolutely loyal to the PNC. She was faithful to the institution in season or out of season. Even when the Party was caught in the racial vortex which has long imprisoned our society and politics, she never resiled her dedication and commitment. It did not matter what was the standing of the Party she remained loyal to it. Context here is necessary. As is well known our Party was in office for approximately twenty
-eight (28) years. The PPP has never allowed us to forget it. While we were in government, Patsy continued to work with the Party without complaint. She was not one to make demands and she did not benefit materially for the PNC being in office. She worked selflessly and in the most committed manner. We lost power and a lot of our fair weather friends and supporters vanished or switched loyalty.
I remember returning from China around 1993. Sophia was almost a ghost town. In going to meet Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte at Sophia, I did not meet a single person in the hallway. Mr. Hoyte was alone in his office. He invited me to sit down, and I remember asking how he could endure the trauma and difficulties. Through gritted teeth, he told me: “I believe.” As we talked, I remember asking where were all of his officers. Being Desmond Hoyte, he gave me a lesson in what happens to a political party when it loses power. It was a revealing but not a very uplifting conversation. But do you know who was still here? Patsy Persaud. I met her as I was leaving and we had a long and good conversation. As usual she was without regret or resentment. Her optimism conquered all. If I remember correctly, she was at one time Secretary to Malcolm Parris, who then had the officious title of Chief Executive Officer of the Party. And here I must say something about the value of Patsy Persaud to the Party. She was the one of the best, using a cricket expression, all-rounders we ever had. Patsy could be whatever she was but when asked on an emergency basis to do any other task she would do so quietly and efficiently. I recalled I was asked on one occasion by a sen-
ior official who was leaving the country the next day, to compose a speech. This was about 6 „clock in the evening. The speech proved difficult to do as I knew little about the subject. Patsy stuck to the task until it was completed.
As we became a part of a united Opposition, Patsy was there. She continued to work in the Secretariat. But more than this she was a regular member of our group as we followed the Party around the country to attend its meetings. 2015 was a historic year. We returned to Government after twenty-three years. Patsy continued to work unselfishly. Others got SUVs; many acquired significant wealth. Many seemed to live overseas. Again Patsy did not benefit materially from the Party being in power. Perhaps she did not want anything. For she seemed in all the years I have known her to be quite contented with what she had. But some of us believed that the Party should have rewarded her for her services. I spoke to Jeffrey Thomas about this, and we dispatched the appropriate letter to the then General Secretary. Reference was made to length of time Patsy had given service to the Party, her loyalty to it, and her unwavering commitment to its ideals. The letter went unanswered. I have had many regrets about different matters in this Party. This is one of them. I hope with Patsy‟s passing, the current Leadership will ensure Patsy Persaud‟s work in this Party is recognised and honoured.
Patsy Persaud, like any other human being, was not perfect. She had, as they say, her faults. But her decency and loyalty and wonderful disposition as a human being dwarf any defects she might have had. Ω
