Weekend Mirror 5-6 November 2022 by Weekend Mirror

PPP/C will contest Local Gov’t Elections in all areas – Jagdeo 5-6 November, 2022 / Vol. 12 ‒ No. 47 / Price: $100

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December 12th set as Nominations Day Elections CoI gets underway PAGE 6

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Gov’t ahead of schedule on delivering manifesto commitments – Finance Minister PAGE 17

SEE INSIDE

Op-Ed: Burke’s one-man PAGE 10 organisation continues to spread racist propaganda

Public Servants will receive increase this year – Jagdeo PAGE 13

ICJ to hold public PAGE 2 hearings on border controversy case from November 17th

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

ICJ to hold public hearings on border controversy case from November 17th T

he International Court of Justice (ICJ) the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, will hold public hearings in the case concerning the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy case from Thursday, November 17, 2022 to Tuesday, November

22, 2022. The hearing will be done at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court. According to the ICJ, “The hearings will be devoted to the preliminary objections raised by Venezuela.” The hearings will be

streamed live and on demand (VOD), in English and in French, on the Court’s website and on UN Web TV at https://media.un.org/en/ webtv/. 123 YEARS Guyana commemorated

the 123rd anniversary of the 1899 Arbitral Award, which settled a land boundary dispute which had existed between British Guiana (now Guyana) and Venezuela, on October 4, 2022. A statement from the Government of Guyana said,

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“123 years ago today an Arbitral Tribunal comprising some of the most eminent judges of their time, presided over by the venerable Russian jurist Frédéric Frommhold de Martens, and appointed by Britain, Venezuela and the United States -Venezuela’s patron, delivered an Award which defined the land boundary between Venezuela and the then British Guiana. “The Tribunal was created by the Treaty of Washington of 1897 under which the parties – both Britain and Venezuela – agreed to accept the Tribunal’s Award as ‘a full, perfect and final settlement’ of the boundary issue. 123 years later, Guyana still accepts and celebrates the Award as such. “Venezuela had applauded the Award. In the words of the law firm handling Venezuela’s case, written in the American Journal of International Law as late as 1949: “The Award secured to Venezuela the mouth of the Orinoco and control of the Orinoco basin, these being the most important questions at issue.” “On 7th May 1905, an official boundary map was drawn up by Commissioners of Britain and Venezuela delineating the boundary as awarded by the Tribunal. For almost sixty years, Venezuela recognised, respected – and even protected – that boundary. “In 1962 however, as Guyana’s independence drew closer and the neighbour would no longer be Britain but a fledgling State, Venezuela abandoned the path of propriety and with it the rule of law and cast eyes on Guiana’s Essequibo territory. “As Guyana celebrates this anniversary date of the Arbitral Award of Paris of 3rd October 1899, we celebrate the rule of international law and the sanctity of Treaties. We celebrate that our quest for justice has led us to the hallowed halls of the International Court of Justice.” MOVE TO COURT Under the United Nations Charter and the Court’s own rules, final judgments from the ICJ both on jurisdiction and the merits will be legally binding on Guyana and Venezuela, whether or not Venezuela participates in the proceedings. Efforts over more than half-a-century, including a four-year Mixed Commission (1966-1970), a twelve-year

moratorium (1970-1982), a seven-year process of consultations on a means of settlement (1983-1990), and a twenty-seven-year Good Offices Process under the UN Secretary-General’s authority (1990-2017), all failed to end the border controversy. The move to the ICJ was advanced there was no success with a further attempt, using the United Nations’ Good Offices process, to resolve the matter of Venezuela’s renewed claim to Guyana’s territory, the Essequibo County. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in 2015, charged that the signing of the 1966 Geneva Agreement rendered the 1899 Arbitral Award null and void. On 30 January 2018, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, acting under the authority bestowed upon him by the Geneva Agreement, chose adjudication by the Court as the means for resolving the controversy with finality. Guyana commenced proceedings before the Court on 29 March 2018 in accordance with the Secretary-General’s decision. ICJ CASE The Hague-based International Court of Justice last held public hearings on the question of the Court’s jurisdiction in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) on June 30, 2020. The ICJ had postponed the long-anticipated hearing of the Guyana/Venezuela border dispute case that was scheduled to begin on March 23, 2020, citing the coronavirus pandemic. Guyana is seeking to obtain from the Court a final and binding judgment that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then-British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and binding, and that Guyana’s Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela. Guyana took its case to the Court following the decision by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in January 2018, that the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela should be decided by the International Court of Justice. In taking his decision, the Secretary-General was exercising the power vested in him in the 1966 Geneva Agreement between Guyana, Venezuela and the United Kingdom to decide (Turn to page 21)

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

PPP/C will contest Local Gov’t Elections in all areas – Jagdeo T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is ready for Local Government Elections (LGE), which are set for March 13, 2022, according to PPP General Secretary and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. “We are ready for elections,” he declared on Thursday (November 3, 2022), during a news conference. Jagdeo made clear that, unlike the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition, the PPP/C, in an our of Government, has and will continue to contest all 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). Asked about the process to have the PPP/C ready for the upcoming polls, he explained that the Party has an “elaborate process” that is led from the grassroots level, in that the Party membership has been engaged in recommending candidates to stand at the Local Government Elections. “We are in the process of vetting candidates,” he said, “We are ready for March 2023.”

FLIP-FLOPPING The Parliamentary Opposition has waffled and backtracked on its participation at the upcoming Local Government Elections. The Alliance for Change, for its part, has been inconsistent with its positions on LGE 2023, with different positions in less than a week. AFC’s Cathy Hughes on October 20, 2022 declared that the AFC will be boycotting the March 2023 Local Government Elections and cited concerns about the Voters’ List as its reason. In publicly reported comments, Hughes said, “If we are going to have any elections, if we are going to talk about democracy, we must have a system that everybody has confidence in. If not, you’ll have half the population unhappy and what kind of actions would you have as a result of that.” In less than 24 hours, leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, on October 21, 2022, announced a different position. He charged that the Party’s National Executive Commit-

tee will reveal position on the LGE after consultations. “We have not yet decided whether we’re running together or not with APNU. We will make that determination and reveal our position later,” Ramjattan said. Meanwhile, leader of the PNCR and APNU, Aubrey Norton, has been non-committal about the APNU’s position on Local Government Elections, other than to complain about the need for a clean Voters’ List.

MOVING FORWARD Last month, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Nigel Dharamlall, wrote GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, announcing March 13, 2023, as the date for LGE. According to Dharamlall, Government is committed to upholding democracy and believes that the holding of local polls is an important pillar in Guyana’s democratic political system. It was against this backdrop that the date for hosting the

LGE was decided. “Please be informed that pursuant to Section 35 (1) of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, I appoint March 13, 2023, as the day on which elections of Councillors for Local Authorities shall be held,” Minister Dharamlall wrote to Justice Singh. LGE is constitutionally due every two years in Guyana and was last held in 2018. While the polls were due in 2020, the elections fiasco that played out following the March 2 General and Regional Elections that year resulted in LGE being deferred. More than $750 million has been set aside in Budget 2022 for the preparations to be undertaken by GECOM for the hosting of LGE this year. This money is part of an overall $4.1 billion allocation to GECOM’s in Budget 2022 and was examined and approved by the National Assembly during its consideration of the 2022 Budget Estimates. Included

in the $783 million for LGE is a more-than-$300 million increase in “other goods and services purchased”, which jumped from $250.8 million in 2021 to $575.9 million in the 2022 budget. Local Government Elections were deferred, among other challenges, because of the absence of key senior GECOM staffers, including a Chief Elections Officer, given that the former CEO, Keith Lowenfield, was fired and placed before the courts on changes related to public misconduct and electoral fraud. LGE, which are usually due every two years, was last held in 2018. At the last LGE in November 2018, the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). This followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, during which the PPP/C also claimed the majority of the LAAs. [SEE RELATED REPORTING ON PAGE 6]

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

EDITORIAL

PPP/C financial philosophy The Opposition’s race-baiting continues to set agenda exposed it apart from PNCR-led Coalition A T Dear Editor,

he APNU+AFC Coalition’s Parliamentarians ignore the fact that Guyanese remember the five years of hardships that were imposed on the people and nation by the former Coalition government. This is seemingly only logical conclusion, if one manages to endure their ramblings. The hypocrisy of the APNU+AFC Coalition was astounding. First, instead a contest of ideas and policy, Coalition to continues to try to defend its track record – an impractical task. Secondly, the ramblings of the Coalition expose the financial policy of the People’s National Congress (PNC) of the 60’s onwards – one of spend now, without a thought for future development. The PPP/C is not the now PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition and its financial philosophy is different – it is to balance addressing people’s livelihoods, creating jobs, expanding our economy, and enhancing welfare of our people, while preparing for the future. Thirdly, the deliberate peddling of misinformed notion with shameless bravado served the interests of no one – save that of the APNU+AFC cabal who clearly seemed more focused on showboating. This prevents an honest, factual debate and exchange of ideas that would serve the purpose for which leaders are elected – service to the people. Probably one of the most repeated lines relates to that of cost of living. Admittedly, all Guyanese are affected by the increase in cost of living. But to ignore the facts for the sake of political points is irresponsible. The issue of increased costs and its link to the global COVID-19 pandemic has been explained ad nauseam. Fourthly and very likely the most hypocritical what the move by the Coalition to champion a menu of socio-economic measures, which they claim necessary for Guyanese to live a “good life” – the same good life they promised but never delivered. However, again, the calls that ‘sound nice’ on camera ignore reality. Pensioners in 2022 have $72B more in their pocket compared to the Coalition’s last year in office; while the ‘We Care’ programmes puts billions in the pockets of Guyanese; the uniform allowance adds another $600M; and public assistance adds some $840M to Guyanese. In these four areas alone, Guyanese are benefitting from $14B. Fifthly and upsettingly, the questioning of the investments in human development are shameless. Arguments that the investment of time and money are wasted because the recipients of the scholarships are not bonded to work in the public services are ludicrous and ignore the drive to improve Guyana’s human capacity, be it in the public or private sector; or be it young Guyanese pursing higher education. What must be remembered is that what the APNU+AFC Coalition is the Parliamentary Opposition, they remain representatives of their constituents and opposition for the sake of opposition serves the interest of no one – except that of their own political grandstanding for ‘five’ minutes of fame. Guyanese deserve better and on a daily basis the people’s decision to repose their confidence the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led PPP/C government is validated.

few weeks ago, I had cause to publicly confront the APNU + AFC with the truth and expose their vicious crusade to incite racial hostility in our communities. Therefore, it is not surprising that the response from the PNC camp flowed with great adhocracy, drawing on a few forgotten individuals to engage in ad hominem attacks instead of addressing the truth of Government’s programmes and policies I have outlined. The responses provide ample proof that the PNC and their agents are engaged in a systemic race-based campaign to derail our democracy and curtail Government’s transformational agenda. The respondents cannot be engaged in any serious way. Firstly, Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, has already publicly pronounced on Nigel Hinds’s personal agenda and exposed the reason for his contrived attacks against Government. I do believe he is seeking to erase his comical political blunders of the past at the expense of destroying our democracy. Secondly, Mr. Hamilton Green also raised questions about my character through the letters’ pages. Lastly, Mr. Sherwood Lowe needed two letters to muster his overall miniscule response. Before my retirement as a Brigadier and Chief-of-Staff in October 2016, I held appointments at all levels of the Guyana Defence Force, an organization made up of predominantly Afro-Guyanese. Over my 36 years of military service, I have counselled many young men and women, preparing them for leadership positions, not just in the military, but wherever life takes them. It bears repeating that, as an Afro-Guyanese, I am proud of the path-

way to prosperity for all Guyanese under the One Guyana framework, and the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. Nonetheless, the Opposition wants to shift the conversation to the messenger, as they are confronted with the truth. The leaders of the APNU+AFC are well known to cower when faced with the truth. One would recall this same unscrupulous group fed their supporters a steady dose of lies about possessing Statements of Poll (SOPs) to prove that the party had won the 2020 elections. The SOPs are still to be produced. The APNU+AFC wants to shift the conversation so that they can continue to fan the flames of division using sociopaths to fuel their message. With the truth out in the open, the APNU+AFC wants to shift the conversation by seeking to downplay the Government’s engagement with Afro-Guyanese leaders and communities, many of whom are seeing high-level ministerial engagements for the first time. By shifting the conversation, the APNU+AFC is hoping that Guyanese will ignore the infrastructural works taking place in Afro-Guyanese communities across the country, and the award of contracts to Afro-Guyanese. As I have previously outlined, there are opportunities equally available to Afro-Guyanese and other ethnic groups through the policies and interventions of the PPP/C Government. Our Government’s plans for prosperity include every single Guyanese. Our President, I, and all Ministers of Government have been working in all communities across the country, including the Opposition strongholds. More citizens from these communities have been benefitting more under our Government than when the APNU +AFC coalition was in office. People have been benefitting from

roads, development and upgrade of sports facilities, and university scholarships, while our local artistes are being given the opportunities and support that they’ve never had before by performing regularly at many Government events. All these initiatives benefit Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, Chinese-Guyanese, Amerindian-Guyanese, Portuguese-Guyanese, European-Guyanese and Mixed-Guyanese. There is a massive housing drive taking place. Our Government has already distributed over 11,000 house lots. Roughly 50 percent of the allotments went to Afro-Guyanese; 41 percent to Indo-Guyanese; and just over 7 percent to mixed-race. I appeal to Guyanese not to become entrapped by the perversion of an Opposition that is increasingly becoming more isolated, losing significant grounds in communities. Race-baiting politics is their only response, which we all must continue to reject. Under the PPP/C, there will be harmony and unity among our people, and this seems to hurt the Opposition, as it goes against their vision and agenda not to have a united Guyana. I will continue to resist and expose the PNC’s ridiculous claims with every fibre of my being by presenting the truth about Government’s many initiatives in infrastructure, education, health, and other sectors that are creating bountiful opportunities for all Guyanese. President Ali and our Cabinet Ministers will continue to deliver to the people, and our focus will remain towards developing our country and doing what’s best for our people. Sincerely, Brigadier (ret’d), Mark Anthony Phillips, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Electoral reform a national imperative Dear Editor,

wish to raise my voice in advancing strong commendations to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance of the PPP/C Government, for hosting the highly successful National Stakeholders’ consultation on Electoral Reform. The Conference discussed fully, the proposed changes to Electoral Laws, and Amendments to applicable Statutes. His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali’s attendance and participation, supported by Vice-President and General Secretary of the PPP Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and other senior party stalwarts, sends a strong signal. It demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to the deliv-

ery of a promise that they will facilitate Electoral Reforms to ensure that our beloved country never has to experience a repeat of the blatant attempts of rigging and stealing of power that took place following the March 2020 General & Regional Elections. Those unforgettable five months through which the APNU (PNC/AFC) clandestine elements held their knees on this nation’s neck must never happen again. Factually, there is much evidence to confirm the differing levels of compliance by the PNC clan with our current electoral laws applied in previous elections run by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). When compared to what emerged in the months following March 02, 2020, their non-committal to

play by the rules are obvious. The precedence observed in previous elections serves to validate that the antecedent approach of the APNU is to create a ‘suck sand type’ maneuver targeted at swallowing up and suffocating any policy that does support their surreptitious thieving agendas. Typical in this respect is the convenient exercise of the well-known ‘party paramountcy’ against any measures of decency, practiced by the PNC for decades before 1992. Contextually, it is known that a few circumstances exist where GECOM through its Chief Elections Officer allows a particular decision option based on occurrences associated with perhaps (Turn to page 5)

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

Active campaign by Opposition to undermine progress

Housing boom continues Dear Editor,

t is great that “… nearly a dozen squatters have been allocated housing units to relocate.” This was expedited “… the Guyana Government (is pushing) ahead with the $1.5 billion Independence Boulevard Enhancement Project in Georgetown.” Now a lot of people will read this as ‘mere’ news, but if one were to ask the beneficiaries of this Governmental invention, a better perspective will be revealed. Editor, though informal settlements offer at least some degree of promise to their residents, they lack basic infrastructure to support health and wellness, including clean water, adequate sewage systems, durable housing, and public spaces for commerce and recreation. Also, they are characterized by a lack of most, or all of the basic urban services like infrastructural, welfare, and community services. The picture gets grimmer as squatter communities have to face the lack of basic municipal services, such as water supply, sanitation, waste collection, or infrastructure, and, as expected the people are exposed to diseases, crimes, and natural disasters. Then in terms of ‘moving out’ from such situations, it is next to impossible, as ‘squatters’ have no legal claim, and therefore, they have no collateral with which to get loans. It is like they are doomed. So, one must indeed be glad that these ‘11 Albouystown squatters’ are on their way in getting new homes.’ In fact, the press has it that the first 11 informal settlers, residing along Punt Trench, Cemetery Road and Saffron Street in Georgetown were already given their housing units and will now be moving forward with a banking institution of their choice, to facilitate an affordable mortgage plan. Another thing one must bear in mind, and this was brought out by the Government,

is that people have a right to ‘safely and humanely’ relocate to areas that improve their socio-economic well-being. So, it’s a move from being in an environment that is unsightly and vulnerable to rodents and spread bacteria, to a place of well-being, where the allocation will see the beneficiaries being issued with Certificates of Title, signalling legal ownership of their new land, and will also give them the opportunity to have legal access to electricity, water and other amenities. The big picture, and this is from President Dr Irfaan Ali, who stated that “… the (ongoing)project aims to develop the infrastructure in Albouystown (but this is just) a part of the Government’s overall plan to transform all communities across Guyana. Preseident Ali in fact intoned that “We’re providing new areas for recreation, the boulevard, the new lanes of road, the new walkways, enhance the general appearance of the community. But importantly, this project is going to enhance the value here. And it’s not only about this project. We’re going to look at all the cross streets, and all the drains in Albouystown… upgrading them into concrete walkways and pathways and concrete roads, where the space will allow. We’re going to clean back all the drainage. We’re going to set aside a piece of land where we’ll take all the services, give people small areas to have common services, so that they would not lose their economic income.” According to the Head of State, “… this is something Government is doing in every community to improve living standards and create value and prosperity.” So, truly, Guyana’s Housing Sector has been full revitalized, and the Government will eventually deliver affordable homes to all who so desire. Yours truly, H Singh

Dear Editor,

he Opposition and its lackeys are trying every conceivable way possible, to impede the progressive works going on right now in this country. One such area comes in the way of squatters who lie in the direct path of road developments in the Eccles to Mandela four lane highway. The Government for some time now has been in consultations with the squatters as to the possibility of alternative locations, but they are stubbornly refusing to accept the Government’s offer. They claim that they have occupied these lands for over 30 years now, some with commercial activities of various kinds, and to relocate to some other place would greatly disrupt their livelihood. Well for starters, that land on which they live is not theirs, irrespective of how long they might have been there. They are squatters nonetheless and as such are in no position to dictate, even to the point of extorting monies from the Government in relocating them. The fact is, the squatters have to meet with the Government on fair terms, which is quoted in conflict resolution terms as (BATNA) Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement. Thus, as a humane and responsible Government, they have given them ample opportunity to relocate to another place, but they are not satisfied with the Government’s offer, therefore, in a bid to maximise profits for their illegal occupancy, they are forcing

the Government’s hand. But this cannot happen, because they are on the negative side of the deal, that is, not having any legal standing in the whole affair. Squatters do not own land there, and even if they owned land there (which in this case they don’t) they would still have to come to an agreement with the Government, because they are on the pathway of progress. But what they are not telling us is that their political advisors have given them the false idea that they can somehow force the Government to a negotiated settlement as the people over at Wales on the West Coast of Demerara, where the mega gas to shore facility would be established. But this is giving the squatters false hope because they cannot equate themselves with those persons in Wales. Those persons in Wales are legal owners and occupiers of land, unlike the people at Pepper Field, therefore there is no comparison, end of discussion! But like I said in the foregoing paragraphs, the people standing in the path of the massive road works must come to terms with the Government, the sooner the better. We can ill afford a group of squatters playing politics with our country’s development. We must forge ahead with modern infrastructural works as this nation moves forward into the progressive future. Respectfully, Neil Adams

Electoral reform a... duplicitous legal inclusion in associated legislation. These shades of grey areas in the 2020 elections were stretched beyond the limits of their transparent and flexible thresholds as far as the expected exercise of rational discretion by particular designated Officers of GECOM was anticipated. Officials charged with election fraud certainly went beyond allowed flexible thresholds, using subjective interpretations as a false cover for their egregious actions. In the last elections, common practices, reasonableness, and rationality by these persons were thrown out of the window. Consequently, abuse and greed overwhelmed the required discipline of key officials who would have taken advantage of perhaps a lack of specificity in some cases to justify blatantly biased decisions. The circumstances certainly justify the strongest review of applicable legislation to eliminate any areas of duplicity, deter deliberate fraudulent intent and provide greater clarity to prevent abuse. The Governance Ministry and the Attorney General over several months have justifiably advanced Bills for the consideration of the National Assembly that address necessary corrective mechanisms. As is required to support the advancement and acceptance of proposed changes and amendments, consultations with the widest array of stakeholders must be had. These commenced in 2021 in some cases with stakeholders across the country. Of note, thorough discussions were held with the Guyana Election Commission, Political Parties, Trade Unions, and all the Civic-minded citizens who showed an interest in participating in the very wide discussion. After taking copious notes from all of the very lengthy discussions, draft proposals were prepared and circulated for consultation at the last Electoral Reform Conference. Attorney General Anil Nandlall SC. gave a comprehensive outline of the intent and purpose of the proposed consolidated

(From page 4)

amendments to the updated versions of the RoPA Bill and Regulations which were made available once again. Additionally, the new draft amendments to the National Registration Act have also been made accessible for public perusal via a link published on the Ministry’s Facebook pages. In keeping with the need for broad-based, objective, and comprehensive feedback considerations, 157 organizations were invited to the consultation on October 25, 2022. Notably, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance along with Attorney General Anil Nandlall SC., held one and one discussions with several eminent persons and representatives of Organizations before the final draft was prepared and sent out to guide thorough internal discussions that were followed up with the reviews at the recent National Conference. Readers should note that some representatives of Chief Riggers operated undercover as they attended the conference under the disguise of representing alternate organizations. Although they did not announce their presence as PNC, and representatives of the PNC they did participate in the conference and contributed to its success. The National Consultation Conference was well organized, and it was made clear that the relevant Amendments will give no Political Party any advantage over another. Further, it will ensure greater accountability and transparency in the Electoral process. The public consultation along with the just concluded National Consultation is sufficient for a simple majority in the Parliament to give consent. Let us have the Electoral Reforms Amendments now and support the improvement of legislation to halt manipulation toward rigging. Sincerely, Neil Kumar

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

ELECTION WATCH: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS December 12th set as Coalition’s GECOM Commissioners engaged in tactics to delay LGE Nominations Day S T he Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has appointed December 12, 2022 as Nomination Day – the day on which political parties contesting Local Government Elections (LGE) on March 13, 2023 will submit their Lists of Candidates who are standing for election in the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). Nomination Day is the day for the submission of lists of candidates to the returning officer, pursuant to section 41(1) of the Local Authorities Elections Act, Chapter 28:03. All political parties, voluntary groups or individual candidates desirous of contesting the LGE

are required to submit their respective lists of candidates and pre-approved symbols on Nomination Day. “A list of candidates submitted by any political party, voluntary group or individual candidate on Nomination Day must be accompanied by the pre-approved symbol, as this is required for the publication of the list,” the notice said Meanwhile, November 21, 2022 has been named as the date, on which political parties contesting Local Government Elections will submit their symbols to be included on the ballot paper for the polls. “Political parties, voluntary groups and

individuals in outlying Local Authority Areas (LAAs) may submit their symbol to the Registration Officer at the GECOM Registration Office in their area.” Under Section 51 of the Local Authority (Election) Act, none can contest the election without submitting their symbol. The notice, which is given under the Local Authorities (Elections) Act Chapter 28:03 was published in the Official Gazette on October 28, 2022. Guyanese will go to the polls to elect leaders for 10 townships and approximately 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC).

upport for Local Government Elections, set for March 13, 2023, has been withheld by the three APNU+AFC Coalition’s Commissioners at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This was confirmed by GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, who explained that the grounds on which support is being withheld include the call for biometrics to be included – specifically the use of fingerprints at the place of poll for voter identification. However, this would call for changes to the laws. Observers have noted that the PNCR-led Coalition has been engaged in tactics to delay the Local Government Elections, which were due in 2021, but were delayed after GECOM was without key senior staff, in-

cluding the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, who is currently before the courts on charges related to electoral fraud. The Parliamentary Opposition has waffled and backtracked on its participation at the upcoming Local Government Elections. The Alliance for Change, for its part, has been inconsistent with its positions on LGE 2023, with different positions in less than a week. AFC’s Cathy Hughes on October 20, 2022 declared that the AFC will be boycotting the March 2023 Local Government Elections and cited concerns about the Voters’ List as its reason. In publicly reported comments, Hughes said, “If we are going to have any elections, if we are going to talk about democracy, we must have a system that

everybody has confidence in. If not, you’ll have half the population unhappy and what kind of actions would you have as a result of that.” In less than 24 hours, leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, on October 21, 2022, announced a different position. He charged that the Party’s National Executive Committee will reveal position on the LGE after consultations. “We have not yet decided whether we’re running together or not with APNU. We will make that determination and reveal our position later,” Ramjattan said. Meanwhile, leader of the PNCR and APNU, Aubrey Norton, has been non-committal about the APNU’s position on Local Government Elections, other than to complain about the need for a clean Voters’ List.

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

Elections CoI gets underway T

he Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections got underway on Thursday (November 3, 2022). The members of the Commission are Justice Stanley John, Retired Justice of Appeal in Turks and Caicos (Chairman); Justice Godfrey P. Smith, SC, former Attorney General, High Court Judge and Acting Justice of Appeal, Eastern Caribbean Court; and Justice Carl Singh, former Chancellor, Guyana. During the opening session, Justice John promised to conduct the inquiry with “utmost care and expeditiously” and bring the hearings to a close by the end of January 2023. He added that the Commission expects to

present its report to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, by the end of March 2023. “It is public knowledge that the tabulation and verification process for declaring the outcome of those elections were mired in intense controversy,” he said, noting the widespread, global, condemnation and expression of concern of what took place from international Election Observer Missions (EOMs), the Diplomatic Corps, the Commonwealth Secretary General, the Organisation of American States (OAS) Secretariat, the United Nations (UN), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), among others. According to him, from any perspective and by every standard, the unprece-

dented state of affairs was serious enough to warrant an impartial inquiry into what happened, who, if anyone, is responsible and what can be done to prevent or reduce the likelihood of future reoccurrence. Justice John assured that both he and his fellow Commissioners intend to discharge his responsibilities “carefully, with professionalism, efficiency, thoroughness, fairness, objectively and impartiality” He added that the CoI is “interested in the truth” and in fair conclusions based on the properly analyzed evidence. “We are aware that much has been said about these events from many people from diverse places and organisations, but it must be borne in mind that

this Iinquiry has no case to prove. It is interested in the truth and in fair conclusions…we stress that in an Inquiry of this nature there is no claimant and defendant, no prosecutor or accused, no pleadings, charges or indictments,” the CoI Chair said. The proceedings of the Elections CoI will be livestreamed. 20 WITNESSES The international Elections Commission of Inquiry (CoI) commenced hearings on November 4, 2022. The hearings will done at the building located at 92 Middle Street, Georgetown, which was rented and equipped to facilitate the CoI.

Evidence during inquiry will be led by Trinidadian Senior Counsel, Sophia Chota. The other legal personnel include Natasha Veira and Keoma Griffith. The Secretary to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) is Javed Shadick. Notably, several high-level officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the APNU+AFC are facing charges before the courts for issues relating to the elections. Further, Elections Petition is currently before the Caribbean Court of Justice. President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced an International Commission of Inquiry into the debacle that was Guyana’s March 2020 General and Regional Elections on

June 16, 2022. He had said, “We, and particularly your President, promised an international CoI, so I say to all those who struggled and sacrificed, all those who worked in protecting the democracy, that we have, in your honour, before dawn on next Tuesday, your President will name the members of that international CoI…those who subverted democracy, those who cannot present their SOPs, and those who struggled against the will of the people, the CoI will set the truth free from the untruth and the CoI will set those who dwell in the house of democracy and those who dwell in the fire of undemocratic rule and norms…in (Turn to page 21)

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

Guyanese urged to be involved in electoral reform process G et involved in Member of Parliament and Attorney at Law Sanjeev Datadin is urging Guyanese to get involved in the ongoing consultations on the draft amendments to Guyana’s Electoral Laws. Datadin explained that legislation to reform and improve the country’s electoral laws are important to ensuring the election process is fair and transparent as possible. He said, “Right now, there are ongoing public consultations and there are ongoing presentations around the country that relate to this issue. Everyone should participate in it, everyone should make an effort to be

aware of the amendments that are proposed and you should let your voice be heard, as to what you would like to see in amendments and what you would like to see in our laws.” Specifically referring to the National Registration (Amendment) Act 2022, Datadin explained that according to Guyana’s Constitution, one only needs to be a Guyanese to be registered to vote. “There is no provision in the Constitution that says you have to live here, there is no residency requirement. It is important that you understand, the constitution is supreme and like most things in the constitution, a two-thirds

majority in the parliament is required before you can change it, which means that two-thirds of the members of parliament must vote in favour of that change,” he said. He noted that when parliament resumes after the present break, a constitutional reform commission will be formed which will deal with all constitutional matters unless the proposed amendments get two-thirds of the vote. “This government is trying to do what it promised to do it will reform electoral laws, but we cannot reform electoral laws in a manner that is beyond your control, your control lies to a majority which is

simple legislation, it cannot amend the constitution, the government does not have two-thirds of the house so that can’t be a situation that can be contemplated without the involvement of the other political parties, but that is what the constitutional commission is for to consider the various articles of the constitution that we would like to see amended,” Datadin explained. He said Guyana now does continuous registration, and there is no legal power that can remove a person from the list, apart from death, and only data provided by the General Registrar’s office can confirm death by

the issuance of a death certificate. He, therefore, chided the opposition for refusing to participate in the consultation process, given that it has requested a new list. “If we took this register, we throw it away and we started again a whole fresh new register how can that be right, what about those citizens that have already registered and they have gone and gone through the process of being registered, some might not be here in Guyana but the constitution provides for that.” He noted too that because the constitution is clear, residency cannot prevent a person from voting as long as they meet the two constitu-

tional requirements. “So, it is total nonsense for those in opposition to say they want a whole list to be done, why would you want a whole list to be done, why would you want to disenfranchise people, why would you want to make it difficult for people to exercise their franchise,” he said. The MP further noted that the same list was used for the last three elections and Local Government Elections, and questioned why the opposition wants the list to be changed now and interfere with the rights of citizens. (Turn to page 21)

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

Election Petition 88 set to be heard on December 7th

he case of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition’s elections petition, Petition 88, comes up on December 7, 2022, for a case management conference (CMC) in Guyana’s Appeal Court. At that session, the Court is expected to set dates for hearing the substantive appeal. The Appeal Court addressed the issue on Tuesday (November 1, 2022), at which time acting Chancellor Yonette Cummings-Edwards informed that the Court was in receipt of the Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire’s, ruling. Further, the Appeal Court directed Counsel for the petitioners to prepare their record of appeal to be filed and served no later than November 22, 2022. The matter is being heard by the Chancellor, Justice of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Jsutiuce of Appeal, Dawn Gregory. PETITION 88 Petition 88 was dismissed in the High Court by the Acting Chief Justice. Delivering her almost two-hour long virtual ruling, she underscored the fact that the petitioners had presented not a single piece of evidence to substantiate purported irregularities they sought to advance. The Coalition, on June 3, 2020, filed an appeal in the case of Petition 88, arguing that the ruling judge erred in the decision that was handed down. The matter is still before the Guyana’s Court of Appeal. November 1, 2022

has been set as the date for a report on the status of the records including the full judgment by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire. Petition 88 argues that the Recount Order was illegal and unconstitutional and therefore the declaration of results based on the recount is illegal and unconstitutional. The petitioners, Ms. Claudette Throne and Mr. Heston Bostwick were asking the Court to declare the election results null and void. In further seeking to do so, the petitioners are challenging the national vote recount process, Section 22 of the Elections Laws Act and Order 60 of 2020, which governed the recount. Thorne and Bostwick are represented by Attorney-at-law and Coalition Parliamentarian, Roysdale Forde. PETITION 99 DISMISSED AT CCJ Notably, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), on October 19, 2022, ruled that the Court of Appeal (CoA) in Guyana does not have the jurisdiction to hear and determine the appeal filed to challenge the dismissal of the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Election Petition 99 of 2020. Justices Jacob Wit, Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Denys Barrow, Winston Anderson and Peter Jamadar presided over the case at the CCJ, which is Guyana’s final court of appeal. Petition No.99, which challenged the final election

results, was nullified by the Acting Chief Justice on the grounds of non-compliance of service on the second named respondent, former President Mr. David Granger. Petition 99, argued that fraud was committed in the March 2020 Elections and over 115,000 votes were affected, benefiting the PPP/C. So far, Petition 99 has been thrown out and the other will move forward. Petition 99 of 2020 was filed on September 15, 2020, by APNU+AFC Coalition agents Monica Thomas and Brennan Nurse. Thomas and Nurse named Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield; David Granger – APNU+AFC Coalition; Horatio Edmonson – Federal United Party; Bharrat Jagdeo – People’s Progressive Party/Civic; John Flores – Liberty and Justice Party; Asha Kissoon – The New Movement; Vishnu Bandhu – United Republican Party; Adebin Kindi Ali – Change Guyana; Patrick Bourne – People’s Republic Party, Jonathan Yearwood – A New and United Guyana; Shazam Ally – The Citizenship Initiative; and Gerald Perreira of Organisation for the Victory of the People as respondents. The Attorney General Chambers also joined the proceedings. In Guyana’s High Court, Acting Chief Justice dismissed Petition 99 on June 14, 2021. The Appeal Court on December 21, 2021, ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear the appeal of Elections Petition

99, which was dismissed by the High Court. While the matter was at the Appeal

Court, Jagdeo’s lawyers argued that there can only be an appeal after a determina-

tion is made in manner and this was not done in the case of Election Petition 99.

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

Op-Ed: Burke’s one-man organisation continues to spread racist propaganda By Gail Teixeira

he Government of Guyana has been managing the affairs of government transparently and inclusively since its assumption of office on August 2, 2020, following a devastating fivemonth delay caused by the former APNU+AFC Coalition government and senior GECOM officials repeatedly attempting to thwart the will of the Guyanese electorate and prevent the declaration of the legitimate government of

Guyana. One remembers this was also during the height of the COVID-19 2020 pandemic. Their thirst for power was naked and palpable. In contrast, the records would show that any PPP/C government has brought economic and social development and lifted Guyana from being one of the poorest countries in this hemisphere to one of the fastest growing economies. This is accompanied with people-centered policies and programmes targeting the poor and vul-

nerable, and constitutional and parliamentary reform to strengthen this new born democracy and its institutions after the first free and fair election in October 1992. Unfortunately, a few local officials in the USA who rely on the electorate of Brooklyn appear to have fallen prey to the racist propaganda of extortionists and con-men. The Guyanese Diaspora Townhall Meeting on October 30, 2022, was another Rickford Burke one-man-or-

ganization orchestrated event to rehabilitate his discredited image, after his attempt to extort $200M from a Guyanese businessman became public. The attendees were the hard core APNU supporters and a few local elected leaders. It was extraordinary that any of these local elected leaders would attend such a racist forum organized by people who were silently or openly supportive when: 1. The APNU+AFC Coalition conspiring with senior officials of GECOM repeatedly to delay the General and Regional elections. This went on for fourteen months following their loss of government to a no confidence motion on December 18, 2018; 2. President Granger and his Cabinet had the highest number of court rulings in the CARICOM on constitutional violations; this was a government abusing the constitution with executive lawlessness; 3. The APNUAFC government conspired with senior officials in the Guyana Elections Commission to remain in office although they had lost the elections; 4. 7,000 sugar workers, majority Indo-Guyanese, 1,972 Indigenous/Amerindian Community Services Officers and 2,000 public servants, who were majority one ethnic group and/or considered “politically incorrect” by their administration were terminated; 5. the APNU+AFC government discriminated against communities that did not vote for them during their fiveyears tenure of office; 6. the APNU+AFC Government Ministers brazenly dispensed with Guyana’s assets through blatant acts of corruption; and when 7. the ANPU/AFC Government attempted to steal the oil revenues of Guyana. Thankfully, the Guyanese

electorate will always be grateful to American elected officials who openly and boldly stood up for the rights of the citizens of Guyana to elect a government of their choice and defended the declaration of the legitimate PPP/C government consistently for five months until the August 2, 2020, swearing-in of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The United Nations, the Commonwealth, the European Union, the Organization of American states, the Caribbean Community, and a hundred countries individually stood with Guyana in those treacherous months waiting for the declaration of results which everyone knew since March 6, 2020. Further, the Caribbean Court of Justice, Guyana’s apex court, upheld the Constitution of Guyana repeatedly over the period of 2019 to 2020. These are facts which no one can deny. A cursory check will show that Rickford Burke is facing several charges including a $200 million dollars attempt at cybercrime extortion of a Guyanese businessman and a sexual assault case in the USA; whilst former Assistant Commissioner Paul Slowe has been charged with sexual assault of a woman in Guyana. Notably, not one of these charges refer to racial or political discrimination. Paul Slowe was suspended as Chairman of the Police Service Commission because he refused to appoint senior police officers recommended by the then Commissioner of Police acting, ninety percent of whom were Afro-Guyanese. Why didn’t these local elected officials call-out Slowe for holding back the upward mobility of many of his fellow Afro-Guyanese senior officers in the Guyana Police Force? It is rather uncharacteristic of these local elected

officials to reject hearing both sides; a few have been formally and informally invited by the Government to examine the facts but have instead rebuffed these overtures. However, assuming they have no wish to meet with the elected representatives of the Guyanese people, they are capable and competent with staff that can do their own fact checking just by following the media (the majority of which is privately owned in Guyana), government websites, reports of international organisations such as the World bank, IMF and IDB, statements by members of the Diplomatic Corps, and records of Guyana’s judiciary. This Government is not afraid of the facts. We are managing our country effectively, and doing so transparently. Noteworthy, the ethnic composition of the three branches of government – the executive, legislature, and judiciary – demonstrate a level of ethnic diversity not seen in the USA or other developed countries, even though we are a country of minorities. One of the speakers at the meeting tellingly asked “Why don’t we see our fellow Guyanese at peaceful protests in NY?”. The reason is, Guyanese in New York, in Guyana and around the world know that Guyana is moving forward rapidly as never before, in a progressive and transformative direction including all people regardless of race, class, geography, gender, religion or any other characteristic under the “One Guyana” vision. Guyanese recognize the “Burkes” and their types well and undoubtedly know that they are anti-progress, divisive and living in a time warp that the electorate put to bed on March 2, 2020. Unfortunately, these goodly local elected officials haven’t got the memo yet.

NY Attorney General candidate slams Letitia James for ‘cozying up’ to Coalition’s Rickford Burke

he Candidate Attorney General of New York, Michael Henry, in a press statement, on Thursday (November 3, 2022), slammed incumbent Attorney General Letitia James for cozying up to New York-based APNU+AFC Coalition activist, Rickford Burke, who is wanted for questioning by the Guyana Police Force on matters relating to “inciting public terrorism” and “rac-

ism”. “It is disgraceful that Letitia James would embrace a wanted criminal who calls for racial violence against ethnic minorities here in New York. Violence against political opponents has no place here. Period,” said Henry. He added, “Letitia James should apologize – immediately – to the South Asian and Caribbean communities

and all decent people here in New York for elevating and embracing someone who encourages violence on our streets.” The Candidate Attorney General of New York noted that James embraced Rickford Burke as a “brother from another mother,” at a Brooklyn meeting this past weekend. He stated that Burke fac(Turn to page 11)

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

Who else does Norton want removed from the Voters’ List?

he embattled Aubrey Norton has insisted that Guyana Election Commission’s (GECOM) Claims and Objections process, which among other things is a means of removing persons who died from the Voters’ List via the production of a death certificate, is insufficient to clean up the List. However, his position has raised questions on who else he wants removed from the list. Guyana’s Constitution does not impose a residency requirement to be included on the Voters’ List. Norton was reminded of his proposal for a move to House-to-House registration, which would capture Guyanese living in Guyana at the time registration is done, he backtracked. Norton said, “I never said that.” When pressed on the fact that the List he claims is bloated was the same

Voters’ List that was the basis of the APNU+AFC Coalition’s 2015 election win, Norton, in a baffling move, reverted to talk about House-to-House registration and charged that House-toHouse registration in 2019 was being used to clean the Voters’ List. When this was pointed out and he was pressed, again, on how the List can be cleaned, Norton said, “We can explore the various possibilities. House-to-House (registration) is one. What we know for sure. It cannot be done by Claims and Objection, because that process doesn't allow you to clean a list properly.” EXPOSED Notably, the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Claims and Objections, which commenced on August 22, 2022, ended on September 25, 2022, ex-

posed Norton’s bloated list claims. During the process there were: 1,032 requested changes and corrections; 1,862 requested transfers; and 3,009 persons used the opportunity to make a claim that they were not registered. Region Four recorded the highest numbers of transactions, with 1,819 transactions, followed by Region Three with 1,282 transactions and Region Six with 805 transactions. Region 8 recorded the least number of transactions, a total of 101. Replacement of national identification cards and retakes of photographs were also addressed. A total of 5,903 transactions were recorded in the Claims process altogether. Meanwhile, as at September 27, 2022, a mere 18 objections were recorded, of which nine were upheld and the other 9 were denied.

PUBLIC NOTICE

ydromet Office Predicts Wetter Than Usual Conditions for next three months The Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Agriculture is forecasting wetter than usual rainfall conditions across all regions of Guyana for the months of January 2022 to November 2023 (Guyana’s secondary rainfall season). The usual secondary rainfall season will be augmented by persistent La Nina conditions during the season. Rainfall is expected to increase considerably from mid-November and continue at least to January, 2023. During the upcoming rainy season, water levels in conservancies, reservoirs, and inland rivers across Regions 1 to 8 and 10 are likely to increase with a high risk of flooding. On the other hand, Region 9 would continue to be dry, but can expect more than the usual amount of rain days. The highest amount of rainfall is projected for Regions 1, 2, 3, 7 and Northern 8 with increasing concerns for Regions 4 and 5. Regions 1 to 7 and 10 can expect a higher than usual number of wet days. Northern Regions can expect increases in the number of seven (7) day very wet spells. There is also a projection for a decrease in the number of seven (7) day dry spells during the forecast period, with most dry days and dry spells likely to occur in early November, 2022 and late January, 2023. The temperature outlook indicates that all regions can expect cool as usual to cooler night-

time and day-time temperatures. The possible implications for the upcoming season include more rain days than the usual amount which could be beneficial to some agriculture users. However, this is likely to cause disruptions to infrastructure projects and public transport, with there being the real possibility of land slippage in hinterland areas, especially in mining areas, where the soil may already be saturated. The continued maintenance of drainage infrastructure is essential as the country progresses towards the wet season. Farmers are urged to take all the necessary precautions to secure crops and livestock in advance of significant rainfall events. Miners are also similarly cautioned to exercise maximum care on interior roads and on mining sites, while the applicable public health protocols should be activated across the Regions. The Hydrometeorological Service will provide updates to its seasonal forecast as new information becomes available and recommends that special attention be paid to short-range forecasts provided by the National Weather Watch Centre to plan daily activities. For short-range forecasts and weather analyses, stakeholders are advised to follow the daily weather briefs, outlooks and advisories produced by the National Weather Watch Centre or visit www.hydromet.gov.gy. The forecast desk could also be reached at 261-2284 or 261-2216.

The objections included: one each in Anna Regina, Region 2; Nouvelle Flanders; Diamond and Coldigen, Region 4; Corriverton and New Amsterdam, Region 6; and Annai, Region 9. Three objections were recorded in Mackenzie, Region 10 and eight were recorded in Soesdyke, Region 4. This is despite the fact that the Parliamentary Opposition, the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition has been claiming that the Voters’ List is bloated. GUYANESE WHO MIGRATED As per Guyana’s constitution and a ruling of the High Court, Guyanese who were registered to vote, but have since migrated cannot be removed from the Voters’ List. International report from Elections Observer Missions (EOMs) in 2020 recognized that this contributed to the total number on the Voters’ List. The final report from the Election Observer Mission fielded by the Carter

Center, on page 10, said, “The number of registered voters seems disproportionate to Guyana’s estimated population, in part because Guyana allows Guyanese living overseas to remain on the voters list.” Further, the European Union Election Observer Mission in their final report, on page 16, said: "...Guyana’s high emigration rate may be the most significant factor accounting for an ‘inflated’ list.” However, the international EOMs lauded the mechanisms in place to ensure that no person who is not eligible to vote does so. The European Union Election Observer Mission in their final report, on page 16, also said: “Overall, existing safeguards – notably the use of voter lists with ID pictures by polling staff and party agents – were robust enough to prevent the risk of voter impersonation on election day.” GUYANESE WHO DIED A second major cause for the total number on the

Voters’ List is persons who have died, but are yet to be removed from the List. Removal of persons from the Voters’ List must be done on legal grounds. Death is one such legal ground. However, it requires death certificates to be sent to the Guyana Elections Commission by the General Registrar’s Office for this to be done. Where this is not done, relatives with the death certificate can take advantage of the Claims and Objections period to make file an objection and have their relative removed from the Voters’ List. Further, to ensure this is addressed at the legislative level, the proposed amendments to the Representation of the People’s Act (ROPA), address a public and transparent process to ensure that the names of Guyanese who have died are removed from the list. This is not the first time, the PNCR-led Coalition has claimed that the Voters’ List is bloated.

In haste to criticize PPP…

Norton blasts former Coalition gov't S crambling for anything to use as a tool to criticize the PPP/C government, leader of the PNCR and the APNU+AFC Coalition, Aubrey Norton, inaccurately referenced a report from the World Bank. On Tuesday (November 1, 2022), Norton said, “In less than two years, the PPP government has brought this country to the point where inequality and poverty have climbed, while the overall

quality of life of citizens has dropped. We do not see an end to this trajectory. The PPP’s bad attitude, bad policy-making, and bad governance will continue to make things worse for all citizens, but especially for low-income families and others experiencing similar hardships. “…it speaks specifically to 48%. It speaks to 48% Poverty in Guyana. And it pointed out that Guyana was way above many Latin

American Caribbean countries when it comes to the rise of poverty and to juxtapose that with an oil bonanza.” By Wednesday (November 2, 2022), the World Bank clarified that its report, in fact, referred to the period when the APNU+AFC Coalition was in government. The Bank said, “2019 is the most recent available data.” Norton has since been silent on this issue.

NY Attorney General candidate... (From page 10) es charges in Guyana of “inciting public terror” and “race hatred.” Henry said, “He is affiliated with the PNC, one of two political parties in Guyana. Burke has organized rallies in New York, calling for violence and intimidation against Indian-American and Caribbean-American business owners in Queens. He has also called for violence in Guyana, and made racial slurs against the South Asian

community in New York. “The PNC attempted to steal an election in 2020 and refused to concede for five months. The US, UK, EU, Canada and others intervened after the attempted fraud. The Guyana elections were certified by the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) – and every other Caribbean nation – after Burke’s party tried – for five months – to delay the certification and execute a

failed coup.” Despite the international intervention, Letitia James advanced Burke’s claim that the Guyanese election was “rigged” and “stolen”, and told a Brooklyn audience that she would use her power as Attorney General to involve other Democrat Attorneys General to call on the Department of Justice and Biden Administration go after the duly elected Guyanese government.

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

Positions from Vice Pre

[A review of Vice President, Bharr

Jagdeo raps AFC over wild claims about gov’t borrowing D

ebt sustainability is always important for the PPP/C government, declared Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who rapped that Alliance for Change (AFC) over claims about government borrowing. Taking aim at comments made by the AFC’s Cathy Hughes he noted that it is “shameful” for a long-serving Parliamentarian to “not pay attention to facts” and to not “educate herself” on how an economy work. Jagdeo noted that in 1990, Guyana’s public debt to GDP ratio was almost 600% and it

was the PPP/C that worked to reduce that to about 36% by 2015. However, with the APNU+AFC Coalition in government between 2015 and 2020, Guyana’s public debt to GDP ratio increased from 36% to about 47%. Since taking office, the PPP/C government has worked to reduce that and by the end of 2022, the country’s Guyana’s public debt to GDP ratio is expected to be 24%. INVESTING IN GUYANA The Vice President made clear that any borrowing

done is done to invest in Guyana. “What are we borrowing to do?” he asked, noting that, unlike Hughes, the money goes to the Guyanese people. His comment was a refence to the fact that Hughes’ company, Videomega, was paid by her Ministry, while she served as Minister of Telecommunications under the Coalition Government. In Hughes’ Ministry of Public Telecommunications three contracts were awarded to her company, Videomega Productions: June 4, 2018

14 oil blocks to be auctioned

he PPP/C government has decided to auction 14 blocks that range from 1000sqkm to 3000sqkm per block, with the majority being closer to 2000sqkm,

according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. During a press conference on Thursday (November 13, 2022) he revealed that Cabinet discussed and

approved the auction. He disclosed that a total of 11 blocks will be in shallow areas, while three in deep areas. “We decided that to get

– Advertisement of Vacancies - $939,738; June 25, 2018 – Facebook Page - $119,670; September 21, 2018 – CTU/ITC Roadshow 2018 - $2,291, 128. Videomega Productions benefited, also, from another five contracts awarded by other ministries. In the space of just about four months, Videomega Production cashed in on over $10.3M. Jagdeo explained that the borrowing done is to invest in: six new hospitals, four new diagnostic centers in Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9, with telemedicine facilities, new

roads and bridges. “That is where the money is going,” he charged. Notably, reviewing the numbers, Jagdeo had pointed to the 2014 – the PPP/C’s last budget before the Coalition took office – and the 2016 budget – the first full year budget of the APNU+AFC Coalition which showed that: there was a 67 per cent increase in recurrent expenditures from $138B to $177B, while there was a massive decrease in capital expenditure from $81.1B to $52.1B. Each year after that, up

to 2020, the recurrent expenditures increased from 2014 levels: $193.3B in 2017; $207.3B in 2018; $231.4B in 2019; and $257.4B in 2020. At the same time, there was a decrease in capital expenditure from the 2014 levels of $81.1B: $56.7B in 2017; $59.7B in 2018; $69.2B in 2019; and $72B in 2020. In contrast, the PPP/C has focused on balancing development for the future with responding to the need of the Guyanese people. Jagdeo said, “I guess what hurts them is that the country is making progress.”

‒ PPP/C moves to increase Guyana’s take from 14.5% to 27.5%, among other fiscal terms the bids more competitive, we will allow locals and international companies to bid so there will be minimum technical and financial qualifications for the bids…

we’re not restricting how many blocks you will bid for but we’ve decided to limit the award [at] three [for any company],” Jagdeo said. According to him, Guyana opted for a simple system of fixed royalty that is easier to manage and protects Guyana in the event that oil prices fall. “Given what we wanted at the beginning, a greater share for the Guyanese people, and to remain globally competitive and accelerate exploration in the context of net zero, we looked at the spectrum of the countries and the total government take and we opted for a simple formula with fixed royalties, which protect you,” he said. He noted that the Government worked with the London-based market intelligence company, IHS Markit. NEW FISCAL TERMS He made clear that a new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) would govern production from oil blocks. “The laws of the country will be amended to reflect these new fiscal terms but the strengthening will entail the entire PSA,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice President also said there will be a minimum signature bonus of US$20M per block in the deep areas and US$10M for shallow areas. He added that the 50/50 profit sharing formula will be retained, while royalty will go to 10% and corporation tax, also 10%. He also noted that the maximum for any given year for cost oil will be 65%. The Vice President also noted that there will be more stringent relinquishment clauses. Further, each bidder will be required to put up a work programme. Under the new rules companies that fail to forge ahead with their work programmes within the first three years would have to return their blocks and pay the Guyana government. Jagdeo explained, “This is to prevent people taking a block and sitting on it for three years and then at the end of the three years, you hear ‘we can’t do anything, we need to move forward’ and the country loses three years of development.” The bid round will be launched soon and will likely last for about five months.

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

esident, Bharrat Jagdeo

rat Jagdeo’s recent engagements] If direct proposals come up short…

Amaila Falls Hydropower Project to be retendered in 2023 T he PPP/C Government has been directly engaged with various groups on the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. And he disclosed that if the effort to have direct proposals comes up short, the government will move to retender the project in 2023. He stressed that the PPP/C government has not shifted from its position that the engagement on the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project must follow a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) Model, not an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model. The Government was in negotiations with China Railway Group Limited for the completion of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Plant based on a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to develop the AFHP, either on the basis of a 20-year Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) concession or on a Design-Build-Finance (DBF) basis were invited in 2021. However, the China Railway Group Limited indicated that the BOOT model was not feasible, so negotiations ended, with the company advocating for a different financing model – an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) model. In May, Jagdeo had said, “The last six months we have been struggling to reach an agreement. We will have to give a deadline and cancel if they can’t proceed with the original model…The tender

was about Build, Own, Operate, Transfer, not a EPC Plus finance model…so we may have a setback on that.” According to him, the hydropower project is an important part of Guyana’s energy mix, which was crafted to ensure a reduction of carbon emissions by 70 per cent by 2030. “We hope to get it and it is still on the cards but currently not moving,” he said. In November 2021, Jagdeo had said, “Amaila still remains the best option for meeting baseload renewable energy for Guyana. That is the only way you can decarbonise, so the only way to achieve renewable energy is through the construction of the hydropower.” A total of four companies submitted proposals. China Railway Group Limited was identified as the most ‘capable partner’ by the Evaluation Committee after a rigorous evaluation process, following which the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) submitted the relevant recommendation to Cabinet for ‘no-objection.’ Under the BOOT model the company will supply electricity to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc. at a cost averaging US$0.07737 per KWH over the 20 year BOOT period. The revival of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was one of the promises made by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its manifesto. The project was initiated under the previous PPP/C Administration

but was scrapped by the coalition Administration which had controlled the National Assembly by a one-seat Opposition majority. The Amaila Falls Hydropower Project was the flagship of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Amaila was expected to deliver a steady source of clean, renewable energy that would have been affordable and reliable, and was envisioned to meet approximately 90 per cent of Guyana’s domestic energy needs while removing dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, the best option to move Guyana to renewable sources of energy was adjudged in 2016 to be the Amaila Falls hydropower project, according to a study commissioned by the Government of Norway. It was the David Granger led administration that agreed to this objective and facts-based assessment of AFHP. The report, compiled by Norconsult, on behalf of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), identified AFHP as critical for Guyana’s energy transition. “The only realistic path for Guyana towards an emission free electricity sector is by developing its hydropower potential. The fastest way forward is to maintain AFHP as the first major step for substituting its current oilfired generation,” Norconsult stated in its report, Review of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project in Guyana. This guidance, though unequivocal, was not heeded by

Public Servants will receive increase this year – Jagdeo

ontrary to the ramblings of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition, Guyana’s Public Servants will benefit from a salary increase this year, according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo. And he added that monies have already been budgeted in Budget 2022 for that purpose. His comment came in response to questions on the matter at a news conference on Thursday (November 3, 2022).

The PPP/C government has also been taking a number of steps to support Guyanese. Despite these external factors, since taking office in August 2020, government has continuously provided assistance to citizens regardless of location. The removal of VAT on electricity and water, the 5 percent reduction—across the board—on water tariff, the zero-rated status on essential items and household items, the removal of VAT

on data, the reduction of the excise tax rate on fuel and the reduction of licence fee are just a few in the menu of measures. Additionally, there were many non-tax measures that directly impacted Guyanese, including the one-off $25,000 relief grant, the re-introduction of educational grants, which benefitted both public and private school students, a one-off 28,000 cash grant for pensioners and a range of other incentives.

the previous administration. Up to now, most of Guyana’s electricity generation is from the severely polluting heavy fuel oil (HFO). The AFHP was first identified in 1976 by the Canadian company “Monenco” during an extensive survey of hydroelectric power potential in Guyana. Various studies have since justified

and strongly supported the construction of the AFHP. AFHP, projected to deliver 165 MW of new power to the grid by 2027, will supply a significant share of power needed for Guyana’s economic expansion in the decade up to 2030, building on emissions reduction gains from the 250 MW gas-to-energy project, expected by

2024. While the government’s endgame is an energy mix dominated by renewable energy, and 100 per cent renewable sometime down the line, the PPP/C administration has decided that it is necessary to bring natural gas from ExxonMobil’s Liza operation to shore for electricity generation purposes, in the interim.

Gov’t doing its part to combat climate change – Vice President – calls for greater accountability by developed countries in achieving SDGs

ice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on Thursday (November 3, 2022) said the PPP/C Administration has been going the extra mile and actively playing its part in combatting climate change, as he called for greater accountability by developed countries in relation to the achievement of sustainable development goals. The Vice President, speaking during a press conference at Office of President, outlined that, with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) set to start in the coming week, there is need for solidarity in providing assistance to those countries heavily affected by climate change. He noted that COP26 saw an onslaught of commitments that have not been upheld. “In fact, we’ve had a downright reversal to the detriment of the climate and the targets set by many of these countries, countries that led the fight to ban coal as the dirtiest of fossil fuels, to have restarted coal-fired power plants in their countries,” he pointed out. The VP made reference to a previous commitment made at COP26 to assist developing countries in the transition to green energy, and to provide at least $100 billion to facilitate this − a commitment that did not materialise. “The $100 billion that was promised since 2009 has to be delivered. They promised in COP26 that they would double adaptation funding. We have to see how this will materialise, not just in providing the funds but in ensuring fast intermediation of these funds. The

“We’re not sitting around waiting for progress. We’re doing our bit on climate change. We’re not doing things in a doctrinaire manner. It must be in a just fair manner. And ultimately it must benefit our people, as well as the world, and must be globally responsible.” – Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo countries of the developed world cannot keep lecturing the developing world about sustainability and meeting targets and then make pledges, but not fulfill them,” he explained. The Vice President also lamented that not enough money is being spent on renewable energy globally and expressed that since the PPP/C Administration assumed office, it has implemented an extended Low Carbon Development Strategy to reduce the vulnerabilities of climate change impact. He said, “We’ve been working to get our forest carbon certified. We’ve listed with the ART registry, the Architecture for Red+ Transactions. And now we’re in the process of certifying in excess of 30 million credits we’ve made it known that we have served solicited offers for the sale of the credit. We have earned in excess of 200 million from Norway to the sale of forests carbon. In a short while we will go out to tender for both 35 megawatts of solar energy for the grades in Linden, Berbice and Essequibo, and we’re also utilizing nearly $100 million remaining

from that very same fund to go towards adaptation efforts where we had had public consultations on DNI systems to manage water in Regions Two, Three, Five and six.” Jagdeo noted the efforts of the developed countries to discourage oil production and investments in the oil sector that prove crucial to building the economies of developing countries, vehemently declaring that they will not “succumb to the bullying”. He said, “It seems as though the burden of being responsible falls only on the developing world’s shoulders and they are the least contributor to the problem,” the vice president stated. Moreover, the VP assured that the government has been working assiduously to ensure that indigenous communities benefit from the proceeds of the sale of forest carbon, including forest carbon from 2016. “We’re not sitting around waiting for progress. We’re doing our bit on climate change. We’re not doing things in a doctrinaire manner. It must be in a just fair manner. And ultimately it must benefit our people, as well as the world, and must be globally responsible,” Jagdeo stressed.

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

PPP/C community engagements continue across Guyana

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

$900m revolving fund to boost forestry – Says Govt will increase focus on sector – President Ali small, medium and community loggers

he Government of Guyana and Demerara Bank will collaborate to make available a $900m revolving fund to increase the production of the forestry sector, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali. The Head of State made the announcement while delivering brief remarks at a Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) stakeholders’ engagement at the GFC Kingston office on October 29, 2022.

The President said that with the funds, the Government and the commission will place more emphasis on the development and expansion of small and medium-scale loggers and community loggers associations. He said, “We are now going to unleash $900m for the market to step up production, so that we can meet the demand, especially for the value-added product, and to push the sector, to give this sector a

real boost because we are very concerned about the production level and where it should be to meet our national demand in the markets that we’re building.” The partnership between the Government and Demerara Bank, once completed, will see the latter contributing $600m and the Government $300m. These funds, the President added, will attract an “unbelievable” interest rate of 4%.

The Head of State explained that the Government will work along with the bank to prequalify persons based on recommendations from the GFC. After which, a system will be put in place to give access to “bridge financing” in order to increase cash flow toward production. He emphasised that his Government is committed to supporting small, medium and community-based loggers but that there must

be “clarity, good governance, transparency, accountability and a system that works”. The Government would also continue to invest in infrastructure and encourage loggers to do their part in “accelerating the sector”. This, he said, is aimed at increasing production because he “is not happy with the production that we’re having now”. During the meeting, President Ali also met with

staff from the GFC, listened to their concerns and provided on-the-spot solutions. One of the issues raised related to the late payment of salaries. To remedy this, the President said, a $100m advance will be given to the GFC to ensure that all of their staff are paid on time. The Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Vickram Bharrat and other government officials were also at the meeting.

$275M roadworks for Hague Backdam ICT Hub, improved sports ground, enhanced

ome $275 million will be invested to execute critical road and revetment works along the main access road in Hague Backdam, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Region Three. President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during a community engagement in the area on Tuesday (November 1, 2022), said that the contract for the project, has been awarded and works will commence shortly. The much-needed infrastructural works will bring relief to hundreds of residents who traverse the thoroughfare daily, as well as provide easier access to farms to transport produce. “Because of the drainage on both sides of the road we now have to put a revetment of 200 metres. That is the priority now. As I said, every community in the country will benefit from streetlights we just need time to put these things in place,” President Ali told the residents. Currently, the community’s Cemetery Road is under

construction to the tune of approximately $34 million. However, the residents are asking for works to be done on a dam, as well as additional works on a number of internal drains. They are also asking for the 165 acres community pasture to be reopened. On the issue of the dam, the president said that as a priority, the government will be looking at the possibility of converting the dam to crusher run surface to give farmers access to more than 500 acres of land. The President explained that currently, there are thousands of dams across the country that need attention to bring relief to farmers. Outside of that, there are massive road works being undertaken in communities across the country including Hague. He noted that while some of those dams are being upgraded to crusher run surface, the government is investing in heavy duty machinery to maintain the dams, to ensure farmers can traverse

especially during the rainy season. “We have to have a proper maintenance plan and a monitoring plan. Once we have the maintenance and monitoring plan in place, we will be able to have the dams in better shape and better conditions more consistently. so, that is what we can do for now,” the head of state said. President Ali has assured that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will work on addressing the issue with the internal drains, while the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will return to the community to engage the cattle farmers. Accompanying President Ali were Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess and other senior technical officers from the respective ministries.

infrastructure for Tucville – President Ali

he developmental projects being implemented by the Government in Tucville, Georgetown, are geared to enhance the community’s infrastructure and the well-being of its residents, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali. The Head of State gave this assurance as he addressed scores of residents during an outreach in the community on Wednesday (November 2, 2022). “We’re doing back the football ground, the fence, access road, creating a hard tarmac for the community, and lights for the community”. He noted that several Ministers, including the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha and the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, will visit the community in the coming weeks to examine the drainage systems, the road networks,

housing issues and other challenges. The President said too that work will soon start on the installation of an ICT hub in the area, which will provide access to the internet, particularly as the youth take advantage of the GOAL Scholarship Programme. “I talked to some of the young people … many of them are enrolled under the GOAL programme, but they would like to have some access to the internet and computer facilities. So, we’re going to put in a small hub in this area with some computers and the internet so they can go there at the centre to do the online programme and the GOAL programme,” he said. He also pointed to accelerated technical training programmes for young people seeking employment and about integrating those who successfully complete the

programmes into the workforce. He assured that there is enough space in the economy for everyone. “So in this community, too, we’ll be working along with a lot of young people. I love what I’m seeing in these communities and many other communities; a lot of young faces coming up,” Ali said. He said he also likes the “enthusiasm and the interest” shown by women. President Ali commenced his visit by meeting with residents at the football ground, where he listened to the issues affecting the facility before walking through the community, greeting residents and listening to their concerns. Accompanying the Head of State were several Government Ministers, Government officials and technical officers.

Den Amstel earmarked for infrastructural, other development – President Ali P resident Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has restated his government’s commitment to ensuring the upliftment of Guyanese in every community across the country. The president, was on Tuesday (November 1, 2022), addressing residents of Den Amstel and neighbouring communities in Region Three during an outreach. The residents were updated on the government’s agenda which includes plans to improve the infrastructure in Den Amstel.

President Ali, following concerns highlighted by residents, noted that a $10 million contract has been awarded for the rehabilitation of the community ground. “We’ll be doing back the ground, the pavilion, and put in a basketball court. Some work will be done on the bridge,” President Ali stated. A basketball court will be constructed along the northern side of the ground and a walk path catering to the elderly. As it relates to the football court, the president noted, “I

met with the national football team and the federation, and I told them that we are going to work with them on a national football tournament before the end of the year.” He said the facility should be completed soon to facilitate the football training sessions. Further, after listening to concerns raised by farmers, President Ali noted, “We have some agreements with how we will deal with the sporting facility. We will have agriculture [ministry] come in and

have a talk with the farmers because we gotta see how we can put all of the lands to production.” Some of the lands between Blankenburg and Den Amstel have been out of production. In this regard, President Ali tasked Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha to conduct a meeting with the farmers in the community to address their concerns. He said, “That is what I am asking Minister Mustapha to come in and to see how we can ensure that the lands that

are not into production, how we can get them into production. Because that is revenue sitting down.” President Ali said that government will work with the land owners to formulate a mechanism, “through which they [land owners] can go back to the lands or they can rent it, legally, to see how it can go into productivity.” As it relates to infrastructure, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar stated that some $86 million will be allocated for

the construction of concrete roads along the southern section of Den Amstel. President Ali, as part of his ‘One Guyana’ vision, continues to visit communities across Guyana, meeting with residents and addressing their concerns. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess and other senior officials from the Agriculture ministry and other agencies also accompanied the President.

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

P P P /C D E L I V E R I N G O N ‘ P L A N F O R P R O S P E R I T Y ’

Gov’t continues to support economic empowerment of women – Teixeira

‒ as country moves 18 spaces up on Global Gender Gap Index

uyana has moved significantly upwards on the 2022 World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Index, moving 18 spaces up from 53rd in 2021 to 35th among 146 countries. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, in recent comments explained that the PPP/C Goverment is pleased with the report, which she believes shows the positive impact of its policies, as well as areas in which more attention could be given. The Global Gender Gap Report is published by the WEF to highlight the current state and evolution of “gender parity” in countries worldwide. Contained in the report is an index which measures economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment to identify if these opportunities and provisions are equal between

men and women. “For Guyana, we have done well… many times people make comments about Guyana, and these reports are very useful to show the progress Guyana is making. This is where I think we have made some leaps in the last year, and I think it’s important for us to note that and what were the factors that may have contributed to that,” Minister Teixeira said. In the area of economic participation and opportunity, Guyana moved from the 105th rank to 53rd in the space of one year. In the same period, the country moved from 91st to 57th in educational attainment, from 44th to 42nd in political empowerment, and retained 1st place in health and survival. Women were also listed in the report as having “near-equal rights” in the areas of access to financial services, land assets and non-land assets. The governance minis-

ter credited these improvements to the multitude of programmes that have been implemented, such as the Ministry of Housing and Water’s “Dream Realised” housing programme and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s women entrepreneurship initiatives, among others. “These are programmes that accelerate women’s access. The fact that…women have been able to access loans, for example, or small [business] grants is a major achievement and all of this accumulates in terms of how we’re doing,” she opined. The global gender gap report is evidence of the PPP/C Administration’s commitment to the economic empowerment of women and the mainstreaming of their participation in governance. The full report can be accessed at the link: https:// www3.weforum.org/docs/ WEF_GGGR_2022.pdf

Ministers Anthony, Edghill address concerns of Haslington residents

n a true demonstration of the PPP/C Administration’s policy of engaging with all Guyanese to foster development, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony and Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, on October 27, 2022, met with residents of Haslington Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara. The residents expressed concerns about the garbage disposal, lack of adequate recreational facilities, the need for streetlights in the area, and the rehabilitation of various roads. Minister Anthony said a collaborative effort will foster development in the area. “If we don’t have a counterpart within the community, it makes it difficult to get things done in the community. I think this community meeting is a very positive start. We will engage the relevant ministers who will come and talk to you on the specific projects that you have. We have a government that is going to work with

everybody,” he stated. Meanwhile, Minister Edghill urged residents to form a Community Development Council (CDC) so that their concerns could be adequately lodged and addressed. He emphasised the importance of the group to develop the community. “For example, when a CDC is cleaning up a community, and everybody is involved, the level of vigilance against people dumping garbage would be elevated because you are involved in the development of your community. When there is no organised group, it is nobody’s responsibility. There are times when we have to be our brother’s keeper, and we also have to put pressure on our peers to make sure that we can lift the community together. We see your concerns, government will wok with you, but government can only do so much. You have to organize yourself to ensure that that is a continuous engagement, and benefits continue to come to your

community,” the minister implored. He also assured residents that they are not exempt from the government’s development plan, noting that their presence at the community meeting serves as a testimony. The minister added that immediately after the formation of a CDC in the community, interventions will be made. “Where people live, you can be assured that the PPP/C will be there to look after the interests of people. Our work is not about a show, our work is about bringing benefits to people. It’s not a matter of where people vote. It is about where people live, and where people have issues that need to be addressed, we go there, and address their issues,” Minister Edghill assured. A walkabout was also done around the community to assess the condition of the roads. This is one of several similar intervention by PPP/C Ministers in communities across Guyana.

Residents of Victory Valley, Watooka engaged by Minister Ramson

inister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, recently, engaged residents of Victory Valley and Watooka, Linden, Region 10 during a community outreach. Speaking to residents at Victory Valley, the minister reiterated the need to build the country through leadership at the governmental and grass root levels. “We believe it is important for us to build this beautiful country of ours. And we all want the same thing. We all want development. We all want progress, prosperity. And it is important too, that for all of you to appreciate that for

that development, progress and prosperity to happen, that leadership is important. Leadership coming from the government side, and leadership coming from the community side,” he said. He praised the leadership of the community for leading ‘in the right direction’, stating that they have aligned themselves with the objectives outlined by the PPP/C Government in furthering the One Guyana agenda. “There are many people who told me that I shouldn’t have come to Victory Valley. They said that I wouldn’t be welcomed here. But this reception here today

has proven all the people who want to sow seeds of discord and disunity in this country, it has proven them wrong,” he said. The minister also engaged members of the Region Ten Tourism Committee to lend support to the projects they have proposed for the town, in observance of Tourism Awareness Month 2022. The PPP/C administration continues to engage residents across the length and breadth of Guyana, in order to ensure that each Guyanese benefits from the government’s transformative developmental agenda.

South Dakota Circuit to become a major facility

he South Dakota Circuit, Guyana’s premier home of motor racing, will be transformed into a major facility that will boost the country’s tourism economy. In an effort to modernise, transform, and diversify the economy, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, has entered into a partnership with the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Finance to facilitate upgrades to the driving track. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh said the collaboration falls in line with moves to establish Guyana as a major

tourist hub. “Similarly, as we did about the cricket carnival, we want to replicate the same across all of the major sports that are popular in Guyana. While historically we have been able to attract motor racers from elsewhere in the region, we want to make this a major event. We want to be able to have world-class certifiable racers in Guyana.” He said some upgrades to the track are necessary to generate and accommodate an influx of internationally recognised and accredited racers competing here. “The vision comprises ensuring that we can put out a full calendar of experience and events-based tourism as a prod-

uct-something to attract people to, and something to generate economic activity. The government has a policy of promoting a vibrant, dynamic tourism sector, and we are taking a number of concrete actions to ensure that this is realised. The club is also engaging in its resource mobilisation efforts to ultimately bring the track up to an internationally certifiable level.” He relayed. “Within the next six months, we will have the most modern and best race track in the whole of the Caribbean,” Dr Singh noted. The highly anticipated GMR&SC Race of Champions is set to take place from November 12-13.

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

P P P /C D E L I V E R I N G O N ‘ P L A N F O R P R O S P E R I T Y ’

Gov’t ahead of schedule on delivering manifesto commitments – Finance Minister

he PPP/C Administration continues to prioritise countrywide development and is working assiduously to deliver on its manifesto promises. This assurance was given by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during an interview on Trinidad’s AM Prime on Thursday. The minister said that the government has been making concentrated efforts to boost oil and gas production since the start of production in 2019. He noted that the deployment of the second FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) vessel in early 2022 saw an increased capacity of over 200,000 barrels per day, and said that currently, there is a production capacity of over 300,000 barrels per day. “We’re going to continue rolling out additional FPSOs, and we see ourselves within the decade getting up to producing one million barrels a day and more. “We would like to

deploy the returns of the industry in a manner that would promote long-term sustainable growth in Guyana and for improvement in the lives of all Guyanese people,” Minister Singh related. The Finance Minister also debunked the “incoherent” postulations of the opposition that the government is not doing enough to put resources at the disposal of the Guyanese, reiterating that the administration encourages coherent, constructive criticism to facilitate countrywide development. “The PPP/C Government places the highest importance on Guyana’s credentials as a democratic nation. We strongly believe in democracy and democratic connection, in a functioning parliamentary democracy, and in engaging the opposition in and out of parliament, and we will continue to do that. But, we can only do so to the extent that the Opposition offers sensible and coherent policy positions that we can respond to,” he

explained. He noted that the manifesto was formulated following multiple consultations with the public to pinpoint key areas requiring action. Singh said, “The manifesto reflects feedback that we got from the people of Guyana, and what they consider to be important, and it reflects commitments that we believe we can deliver realistically, and that we are committed to delivering.” The minister referred to the government’s advancements in various sectors such as education, agriculture, and housing, noting that well over 10,000 house lots have been distributed to Guyanese people. He also posited that thousands of jobs have been created in various sectors in keeping with the government’s commitment to creating 50,000 jobs by 2025. “The manifesto is our binding commitment and we are delivering. We are ahead of schedule in terms of delivering on these commitments

Construction to begin on seven new hospitals across Guyana

ommitted to its promise to build a world-class healthcare system in Guyana, the government is moving ahead with the construction of seven new hospitals that will deliver quality health service to Guyanese in all regions. Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, in a recent interview, said the mobilisation phase for the construction of the hospitals has been completed. “We have already handed over the site to the contractor, [ for the 256 -bed Paediatric and Maternal and Hospital in Ogle], this is to the Austrian company called VAMED and very soon you will begin to see site preparation occurring…they have [also] engaged the Ministry of Health and its technical team to finalise the design of the hospital… and very soon laying of the foundation will commence.” In Regions Two and Three, contractors have already begun site preparation for construction of the hospitals there, Dr Anthony stated. The hospital for Region Three will be constructed in De Kinderen and will provide adequate healthcare for residents within the Parika

– Tuschen catchment area; which has seen increased population growth. In Region four, a new hospital is being constructed in Little Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara and another at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara. “Similarly in Bath Settlement and Number 75 Village we have been working on the site preparation and very soon in another couple of days we will be handing over the construction site in Bath Settlement, while we have already handed over the site

in Number 75 Village to the contractor for construction to commence,” the minister said. Moreover, the government, since 2020 has moved to continuously upgrade primary care access at more than 240 facilities across the country, including health centres, local area hospitals, and health posts. The health sector will continue to see massive infrastructural and human resource development in all regions as Guyana continues its upward trajectory.

and we will continue to push aggressively to ensure that we deliver every single thing we promised in the manifesto,” he assured. Moreover, Minister Singh addressed the opposition’s claims that there is an un-

equal distribution of resources. He said President Ali’s ‘One Guyana’ philosophy was built on the foundation of the PPP/C’s policy of ensuring development and prosperity for all Guyanese regardless of race, religion,

or social class. “We, as a government, are committed to ensuring that all of Guyana participates in and benefits from this incredibly exciting period of transformation in Guyana,” the minister conveyed.

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

Guyanese urged to be involved in... (From page 8) NON-PARTICIPATION The Parliamentary Opposition has not participated in the public consultation process on proposed electoral reform. The APNU+AFC Coalition, in addition to its GECOM Commissioners, have maintained a position of calling for a review of the March 2020 Elections, before any legislative changed are advanced. In a statement, on May 10, 2022, the Coalition-nominated GECOM Commissioners said, “We further reiterated our previous position that GECOM should conduct a review of its conduct of the 2020 elections as the precursor to making any submission on electoral reform.” On May 17, 2022, during

a news conference, Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, called for a comprehensive review of what took place in March 2020. Opposition Parliamentarian and General Secretary of the PNCR, Geeta Chandan-Edmond, who was with Norton for the press conference, said, “A thorough review by GECOM of its performance in managing recent elections. The plethora of faults and irregularities (intended and unintended) in the 2020 elections alone must not be brushed under the carpet to resurface again. They must be swept out for good. To achieve this, a thorough and honest review must be conducted as a necessary first step. Here, we agree with GECOM Commissioner Vin-

cent Alexander that GECOM itself must not conduct such a review but should commission it.” Notably, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), in response stated that the call from the Coalition camp for a comprehensive review of what took place in March 2020 before electoral reforms are addressed is nothing but a delay tactic. “Recall that every report from the international Election Observer Missions, including the CARICOM team, detailed what took place at the March 2020 Elections – every Guyanese is aware of what took place during the March 2020 electoral process, civil society is aware, the international community is aware. It would seem that the only

ignorant party, by their own claim, is the PNCR/APNU/ AFC,” the party said in a statement issued on May 18, 2022. The PPP made clear that the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition is the only party with an interest in keeping our electoral laws vague and ambiguous, hence the delay tactics. FOCUS ON REFORM People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, speaking at a news conference recently, had said, “The idea is to make more transparent and to define responsibilities in the Act that are unambiguous and… to put in place a set of penalties for people who may

try to steal the elections… any right-thinking person will support that. That’s the objective...we will look at issues right from registration to declaration of the results, so everything that is not unambiguous, not transparent etcetera.” In prior comments, Jagdeo had said that the electoral reform process is necessary to ensure Local Government and other elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. Referencing proposed changes to the ROPA, he had said, “In that Act, which requires a simple majority to pass, there will be some key reforms, so there is no ambiguity in how things are conducted. So, the areas which we have issues in are recruit-

ICJ to hold public hearings... (From page 2) Elections CoI gets... how the controversy should be settled. Venezuela has claimed, in a letter to the Court, that the Secretary-General exceeded his authority under the Geneva Agreement, and that the Court therefore lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate Guyana’s lawsuit. On this basis, Venezuela has indicated that it will not participate in the proceedings. On November 19, 2018, Guyana submitted its Memorial to the Court refuting Venezuela’s arguments and demonstrating that the Court has jurisdiction. However, under well-established judicial precedent, the Court will proceed to decide if it has jurisdiction over Guyana’s claims, irrespective of whether or not Venezuela participates in the proceedings. JURISDICTION The ICJ on December

18, 2020 delivered its Judgment in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 (Guyana v. Venezuela) – relative to the question of the Court’s jurisdiction. The court ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear Guyana’s case seeking the validation of the 1899 arbitral award establishing the boundary with Venezuela. Venezuela did not take part in the proceedings. The judgment found that both Guyana and Venezuela had conferred authority on the UN Secretary General under Article 4, paragraph two of the February 17th 1966 Geneva Agreement. That agreement allowed the Secretary General to choose a means of settlement under Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations which included judicial settlement. A press statement from the ICJ said, “In its Judg-

ment, which is final, without appeal and binding on the Parties, the Court, by twelve votes to four, finds that it has jurisdiction to entertain the Application filed by the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on 29 March 2018 in so far as it concerns the validity of the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 and the related question of the definitive settlement of the land boundary dispute between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela… (the Court) unanimously, Finds that it does not have jurisdiction to entertain the claims of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana arising from events that occurred after the signature of the Geneva Agreement.” Guyana’s legal representatives before the Court includes the efforts of Sir Shridath Ramphal.

honour of the these martyrs too and in honour of all the Guyanese who fought for freedom and democracy, who fought relentlessly in those five months to ensure our country never ever was allowed to go down as an undemocratic nation, in honour of your sacrifices, I committed that we will have an international CoI into the last elections.” Ali stressed that the Elections CoI is a promise made by the PPP/C Administration and his Administration is pleased to be able to deliver. “I promised a CoI. So that is why there is a lot of work going on now on how that Terms of Reference is developed,” he said. In October 2020, Ali disclosed that the Government of Guyana was in talks with the international community regarding a Commission of Inquiry into the events of the March

ment of staff… We have to build into the legislation a clear process for recruitment and placement of staff that is fair, open, transparent, random placement, so it favours none of the parties.” Jagdeo added this should include substantial penalties, a clear definition of how recounts are to be conducted and publication of the Statements of Poll (SOPs) before tabulation begins. “A lot of changes along these lines will have to take place,” he said. Guyanese were subject to a five-month wait for the final results from the March 2020 General and Regional Elections because of the actions of several persons involved in the process at the GECOM Secretariat and other elements.

(From page 7)

2020 Elections, which saw a five-month delay in the declaration of final election results. He had said, “We’ve already started conversation with various international stakeholders on the subject matter and the international community is also very much interested… the international community was a key part in ensuring that democracy was protected…so the international community is going to play a key part in this and they are very keen and they are very interested…in relation to a timeframe in having the CoI, I would say that it is in the, not the medium-term, but the immediate-term plan for the Government as we proceed towards the end of the year.” The first mention of an investigation into the elections was made by Ali, during his inauguration speech on August 8, 2020.

“All of us have an obligation to the nation and to ourselves to ensure that, never again, should any generation of our people be subjected to such unlawful behaviour. Therefore, a review of events related to the electoral process over the last five months will begin shortly to determine forensically exactly what transpired and to hold accountable any person who sought to pervert and corrupt the system.” The Head of State had said too that all necessary reforms will be pursued to make democracy stronger, and the electoral process more transparent. Persons who wish to give evidence on matters relating to the Commission’s Terms of Reference may contact the Secretary at 95 Middle Street, South Cummingsburg, or on Telephone numbers: 592-231-9820 and 592-231-9828.

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022 •

Co-operative Republic of Guyana

Ministry of Agriculture National Drainage and Irrigation Authority INVITATION FOR BIDS 1.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Ministry of Agriculture invites bids from suitably qualified and experienced bidders to undertake the following projects:

A. Manual Maintenance (MM) Cleaning 2023 of Drainage and Irrigation Channels within Georgetown, Demerara Mahaica, Region No. 4: Lots 1-58 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Lot 1 MM Cleaning of Bel Air Springs Drainage Channel (4,390 Meters).EE: $ 6,848,400 Lot 2 MM Cleaning of Dennis Street (1,250 Meters). EE: $3,750,000 Lot 3 MM Cleaning of Eastern Highway Drainage Channel (1,015 Meters). EE: $ 2,436,000 Lot 4 MM Cleaning of Hadfield St. (4,388 Meters) EE: $ 8,951,520 Lot 5 MM Cleaning of Lamaha St. Canal (2,521 Meters) EE: $ 8,537,400 Lot 6 MM Cleaning of (690 Meters) of Drainage Channels within Lamaha Springs Georgetown EE: $ 1,242,000 Lot 7 MM Cleaning of Middleton &Lamaha St. (1,320 Meters) within Kitty Georgetown. EE: $ 3,960,000 Lot 8 MM Cleaning of North Road Drainage Channel (1,740 Meters).EE: $ 6,660,000 Lot 9 MM Cleaning of Ruimveldt North to Ruimveldt South Crossing (821 Meters). EE: $ 1,477,800 Lot 10 MM Cleaning of South Road Drainage Channel (3,000 Meters).EE$ 7,320,000 Lot 11 MM Cleaning of Tucville Drainage Channel (1,285 Meters).EE: $ 3,855,000 Lot 12 MM Cleaning of Vlissengen Road Drainage Channel (310 M) within East Ruimveldt G\T. EE: $ 744,000 Lot 13 MM Cleaning of Vlissengen Road Drainage Channel (1,876 Meters).EE: $ 4,938,000 Lot 14 MM Cleaning of (1,396 Meters) within East Ruimveldt and Guyhoc Gardens Georgetown.EE: $ 4,188,000 Lot 15 Daily Cleaning of Drainage Channel (650 Meters) within Avenue of the Republic Georgetown.EE: $ 6,387,500 Lot 16 MM Cleaning of Carifesta Avenue (2,622 M).EE: $ 6,922,080 Lot 17 MM Cleaning of Church St. Drainage Channel (2,200 Meters).EE: $3,960,000 Lot 18 MM Cleaning for South Ruimveldt Alleyways from David Rose street to El Dorado (850 Meters) Georgetown.EE: $ 1,530,000 Lot 19 MM Cleaning South Ruimveldt Alleyways from David Rose street to El Dorado (700 Meters) Within Georgetown.EE: $ 1,260,000 Lot 20 MM Cleaning of Downer canal to Ogle Crossing Drainage Channel (2,203 Meters). EE: $ 4,758,480 Lot 21 MM Cleaning of Durban Park Drainage Channel (1,460 Meters).EE$ 3,504,000 Lot 22 MM Cleaning of Houston North Drainage Channel (2,520 Meters).EE $ 5,052,000 Lot 23 MM Cleaning of (660Meters) within Lamaha Gardens Georgetown.EE: $1,980,000 Lot 24 MM Cleaning of (1,855 Meters) Bordering Le Repentir Cemetery Georgetown. EE: $ 4,692,000 Lot 25 MM Cleaning of New Haven (1,800 M).EE$ 4,320,000 Lot 26 MM Cleaning of Princess St. Drainage Channel (3,900 Meters).EE $9,360,000 Lot 27 MM Cleaning of Princess St. South (2,721 M).EE: $ 6,912,000 Lot 28 MM Cleaning of Drainage Channels (3,120 Meters) within Rome Georgetown. EE: $ 7,587,600 Lot 29 MM Cleaning of Ruimveldt South Drainage Channel (5,480 Meters).EE: $ 13,161,000 Lot 30 MM Cleaning of Sussex Street drainage channel (5,615 Meters).EE: $ 13,442,000 Lot 31 MM Cleaning of Thomas Lands Drainage Channels (2,420Meters).EE: $ 6,488,000 Lot 32 MM Cleaning of (1,290 Meters) Bordering UG Turkeyen within Georgetown. EE: $ 2,322,000 Lot 33 MM Cleaning of (1,090 Meters) within West Ruimveldt Georgetown. EE: $ 3,270,000 Lot 34 MM Cleaning of Drainage Channel (1,600 Meters) within Young street Georgetown. EE: $ 6,432,000 Lot 35 MM Cleaning for Atlantic Ville Drainage Channel (1,405 Meters).EE: $ 4,215,000 Lot 36 MM Cleaning for David Rose St. South Ruimveldt Drainage Channel (342 Meters). EE: $ 1,026,000 Lot 37 MM Cleaning for Cummings Lodge Northern Drainage Channel (1075 Meters). EE: $ 1,9,35,000 Lot 38 MM Cleaning for Alleyways within Stevedore Housing Scheme (1,650

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Meters) in Georgetown.EE: $ 4,356,000 Lot 39 MM Cleaning of Cummings Lodge Drainage Channels (2,894 Meters).EE: $ 6,380,400 Lot 40 MM Cleaning for Drainage Channels (1,780 Meters) within Meadow Brook Georgetown.EE: $ 5,340,000 Lot 41 MM Cleaning for Harpy Drive North East La Penitence Drainage Channel (180 Meters). EE: $ 475,200 Lot 42 MM Cleaning for La Penitence South Drainage Channels (5631 Meters).EE: $ 13,735,800 Lot 43 MM Cleaning of South Ruimveldt Alleyway Between David Rose Street and High Palm Road (1,360M).EE: $ 1,958,400 Lot 44 MM Cleaning of South Ruimveldt Alleyway Between High Palm Road and Fern Drive (1,360 Meters).EE: $ 1,958,400 Lot 45 MM Cleaning of South Ruimveldt Alleyway Between Sunflower Circle and Crane Place (1,360 Meters).EE: $ 1,958,400 Lot 46 MM Cleaning of South Ruimveldt Alleyway Between Crane Place and Achievement Place (1,360 Meters).EE: $ 1,958,400 Lot 47 MM Cleaning of South Ruimveldt Alleyway between Unity Place and Rosa Place (1,360 Meters). EE: $ 1,958,400 Lot 48 MM Cleaning of North Ruimveldt Alleyways between Perry Street and Mittleholzer Street (1,630 Meters). EE: $ 2,347,200 Lot 49 MM Cleaning of North Ruimveldt Alleyways between Blue Mountain Road and Spring View Avenue Street (1,600 Meters).EE: $ 2,304,000 Lot 50 MM Cleaning of North Ruimveldt Alleyways between Spring View Avenue and Well Road (1,600 Meters). EE: $ 2,304,000 Lot 51 MM Cleaning of North Ruimveldt Alleyways between Well Road and Ruimveldt South to Ruimveldt North Crossing Channel (1,890 Meters). EE: $ 2,721,600 Lot 52 MM Cleaning for Drainage Channels (3,640 Meters) of drains within Bel Air Park, Georgetown.EE: $ 9,609,600 Lot 53 MM Cleaning for Turkeyen (2,066 Meters). EE: $ 6,198,000 Lot 54 MM Cleaning for seawall façade from camp street to Monument (1,465 Meters) Within Georgetown.EE: $ 4,395,000 Lot 55 MM Cleaning for North Ruimveldt Alleyways from Mittleholzer street to Well Road (595 Meters) Within Georgetown.EE: $ 1,785,000 Lot 56 MM Cleaning for Guyhoc Gardens/Shirley Field Ridley Alleyways (1795 Meters) Within Georgetown.EE: $ 5,084,400 Lot 57 MM Cleaning for Cummings Canal (4,414 Meters) Within Georgetown.EE: $ 8,701,400 Lot 58 MM Cleaning for Downer Canal (4,300 Meters) Within Georgetown.EE: $ 7,965,000

Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures, specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

Interested eligible bidders may inspect the Bidding Documents and obtain further information from the Procurement Office during normal working hours.

Bid documents will be available from November 04, 2022 and can be uplifted from the office of the NDIA cashier’s cage in the NDIA Building, Ministry of Agriculture Compound, Regent & Vlissengen Roads upon payment of a non-refundable fee of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) in favour of NDIA for each bid document on Mondays-Thursdays between the hours 8:30am to 3:30pm and Fridays 8:30am to 2:30pm.

Bids shall be submitted in a plain sealed envelope bearing no identification of the Bidder and marked on the top left hand corner “Tender for __________________”. Bids shall be addressed to: The Chairman National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Tender Committee Ministry of Agriculture Regent & Vlissengen Roads Georgetown. and deposited in the tender box at the above address no later than 13:30 hours on Tuesday November 22, 2022. Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. 6. Bids will be opened in the presence of those bidders or their representatives who choose to attend at 13:30 hours on Tuesday November 22, 2022 in the boardroom of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Tender Committee at the above address. 7.

All bids must be accompanied by valid certificates of compliance from the Manager of the National Insurance Scheme and the Commissioner of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Tender Committee reserves the right to reject any or all bids without assigning any reason whatsoever and not necessarily to award to the lowest bid.

Please be advised that all works are to be executed in keeping with the National Covid-19 Guidelines.

Chief Executive Officer National Drainage and Irrigation Authority

WEEKEND MIRROR 5-6 NOVEMBER, 2022

COM M ENTARY

PPP/C transforming Guyana with a diversified economic platform By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

uyana under the leadership of President Irfaan Ali, Vice President, Bharat Jagdeo, and the PPP/C Government will not be tempted into the reckless path of being primarily an oil and gas economy. Our leaders have studied the history of other oil and gas countries, particularly those developing countries, like Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Venezuela and even like Trinidad and Tobago. With respect, these countries made tremendous mistakes into becoming primarily oil and gas economies. Guyana will not travel that road and President Ali, VP Jagdeo and their government are strongly steering Guyana into a diversified economy where oil and gas play an important role. But Guyana will not abandon its traditional economy and Guyana is taking a path whereby Food Security, Agriculture, Tourism play leading roles in the development agenda. In an international interview this past week, President Ali reiterated this vision for Guyana. President Ali at no time stated that he or his government are not interested in oil and gas. He was merely emphasizing that under his leadership, Guyana will not make the same mistake other countries have made. We will use oil resources to build our country’s infrastructure, expand our economy and strengthened the traditional economy, industrializing agriculture and making Guyana a preferred, valued destination for tourists and investors. His position underlined the visionary leadership by our government. This ought not to be even a subject for debate. Anyone who thinks that Guyana must focus its attention on oil and gas alone is a fool. There are absolutely no apologies for being so blunt about this. But as he has done since his ascendency to the leadership of the PNC and the Parliamentary Opposition, Aubrey Norton, had to put his foot in his mouth one more time, one more day. In fact, is there a day when Norton does not put his foot in his mouth? In his latest press conference, Norton castigated the President for saying that Guyana will not focus all her attention on oil and gas and that among the many economic engine, food security, agriculture and tourism are significant areas for attention. To be blunt,

Norton again showed why the Guyanese people cannot imagine that Norton could ever be close to the presidency of this beautiful country. He has not learnt the very simple lesson that the Guyanese people gave pro bono to him and his party on March 2, 2020. The Guyanese people turned their backs on the PNC on March 2,2020. They voted them out of government, not only because they signed a bad deal and tried to hide the measly $US18M they got as a bonus from ExxonMobil, but because the PNC-led APNU/ AFC had already begun to make the same mistakes that countries like Equatorial Guinea, Venezuela, Nigeria and even Trinidad and Tobago have made before. They had already by 2016 began transforming Guyana into an oil economy, beginning the downsizing of agriculture in Guyana. When they closed the sugar estates, when they removed subsidies on agriculture equipment and chemicals, when they added VAT on agriculture equipment and chemicals, when they double and tripled the agriculture land lease rates and drainage and irrigation rates, when they reduced investments in drainage and irrigation and farm-tomarket roads, they had already determined that Guyana will focus all its attention on oil and gas. Far from being apologetic for a bad ExxonMobil deal, they were going full-throttle, bungling their way to making Guyana a single-platform economy. When Bharat Jagdeo explained to the Guyanese people that Aubrey Norton is a “lightweight”, who has no place with serious-minded professionals, he knew what he was talking about. Norton is clueless, Norton has no vision. But Norton is a “creature” of the PNC. This is not my word. One of his own leaders, the late Desmond Hoyte made it clear that Norton was always a creature of the PNC. The need to remind people of this is merely to reiterate that the cluelessness, the ideology of Norton is reflective of the PNC. It is the PNC which begun the transformation in 2016 of Guyana becoming a one-product economy. The reason Trinidadian businesses today are desperate to find a place in Guyana is that the economy in that country has stagnated for the moment. Trinidad and Tobago gave up on food security and agricul-

ture. It believed that oil and gas were enough to keep them prosperous. When Caroni was closed, when basically Trinidad’s rice and sugar industries were closed, when Trinidadian farmers were forced to seek other livelihoods, it was that country’s ideological journey to being basically an oil and gas country. Must Guyana go head-long into that future that Trinidad has taught us? Must Guyana go where Equatorial Guinea went? Left to Norton, that is what Guyana would do. Thankfully, under President Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government, that is not what Guyana will do. Instead, Guyana is pursuing an aggressive diversified economy where food security and agriculture will be the lead industries, which will employ more people than oil and gas. And while Norton wants Guyana to forget the rest of the economy and focus its entire attention on oil and gas, there is a small group of very foolish people who want Guyana to leave the oil in the ground, insisting that “oil don’t spoil”. Their entire mantra is stop producing oil until we renegotiate with ExxonMobil. At no point have they considered that the PNC deal with ExxonMobil require both sides to agree on renegotiation. At no point have they considered that should we forcefully and arbitrarily end the deal, we become a pariah in the world, embargoes until we get to our senses. But even as the small band of naysayers continues their idiotic campaign for the government to stop production of oil, delay gas-to-shore development until a new renegotiated deal with ExxonMobil is in place, the local content secretariat has reported that earning by local companies for supplying goods and services to the oil and gas industry topped $129B so far for 2022. The secretariat reported that 354 local content certificates have so far been provided to Guyanese individuals or companies. Guyana’s benefits from oil and gas are not only the profits and royalty from oil and gas, it is also from collateral businesses. Even in these early days, earnings of more than $129B so far in 2022 is another way to look at how Guyana benefits. Earnings by Guyanese companies and businesses from supplying goods and services to oil companies is just one of the collateral benefits that Guyana is already benefiting

from. There are many others. These earnings from just one line of benefits are not the only benefits from local content. There are thousands of jobs that have been created through the local content businesses. These earnings also means that businesses with no links to oil and gas also benefits because the thousands of persons employed through the local content companies support the businesses that have nothing to do with oil gas. The naysayers do not take these real benefits into consideration. None of this excuse the bad deal that the PNC/APNU/AFC signed with ExxonMobil. But Guyana cannot afford to look back at the travesty that Trotman and company negotiated on behalf of Guyana and that David Granger and his government singed on to. We must look forward and figure out how to make this bad deal work for us. President Irfaan Ali and his

government have done just this. There was a time when foreign direct investment of over $US10M was a big thing for Guyana. Today, non-oil investments top over a billion US dollars in our country. This would not have been possible for our country without oil and gas. While there are those of us who would never give up our position that the PNC sold us out when they singed the bad ExxonMobil deal, we are also insistent that our government must continue to find more and more ways to transform this bad deal into a win-win situation for our country. We must reject Norton’s and the small band of naysayers who prefer the lose-lose approach. In fact, President Ali and the PPP/C Government is doing exactly what we expect, pursuing the win-win strategy, instead of just moaning about something entirely out of our control at this time. Guyana’s

aggressive socio-economic development agenda, with massive investments in infrastructure that presently has overwhelmed our capacity. Instead of seeing this, there are people like Cathy Hughes who rails against government for borrowing too much. But Guyana’s borrowing rate is presently only about 37% of our GDP. In 2017, when she was a senior minister of government under David Granger, Guyana’s borrowing rate was 74% of the GDP, twice as large as Guyana’s loan burden today. This is what cluelessness is about. Thankfully, as the total transformation of our country rolls out before our very eyes, President Ali remains unbent and focused on ensuring that Guyana takes the leadership as CARICOM’s breadbasket, as CARICOM’s leading economy. This is what vision looks like.

After five-month election debacle…

How does the electorate treat with any political party that is dismissive, uninterested in electoral reform? Minister Teixeira asks….

ubbishing the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) comments on the recently

concluded electoral reform consultation, minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, exposed the misinformation being peddled. According to her, con-

trary to the ramblings of the AFC, the feedback received from the consultation participants was especially positive as they noted to have found the session informative and enlightening,

and they appreciated being invited and included in the ongoing electoral reform process. She said, “How does the electorate treat with any political party and its elect-

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ed Members of Parliament who are so dismissive and uninterested in amendments of these statutes after the punishment and stress that the nation and the citizenry went through during the five- month delay following the March 2nd 2020 Elections? Is this not the height of political irresponsibility? “These very statutes define and protect the electoral process in our country, and guard our fundamental right to elect our representatives to government periodically as enshrined in the constitution. These amendments emerged to ensure that there would no “Mingo-ism” in future elections.” In proffering a detailed account of what took place, the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs said, “As the Minister who hosted the National Consultation on the draft amendments to two electoral laws – the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) and the National Registration Act (NRA), I shall begin by repeating what l said in my seven-minute opening on October 25th although the APNU+AFC representatives were present: “Firstly, on October 29, 2021, the President announced that the draft amendments to the electoral laws would be made publicly available on social media within one week of the announcement. On November 5, 2021, the amendments to the ROPA and draft regulations to the ROPA were posted on the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance’s Facebook page. The public was invited to submit comments, observations, and changes first within six weeks, which then stretched to almost one year. “To the credit of the then General Secretary and Chairperson of the PNC, Ms. Amna Ally and Ms. Volda Lawrence, both asked the Ministry for hard copies of the draft amend-

ments, which were promptly provided to them. “On May 9th and 19th, 2022, the Attorney General met with the respondents to the draft amendments to the ROPA. Neither the APNU+AFC Coalition, the PNC nor the AFC submitted any comments or changes to these drafts prior to or after the May meetings. On September 29th, 2022, the draft amendments to the National Registration Act were also publicly posted on the Ministry’s Facebook page. “These parties were invited to the National Consultation on October 25th and predictably walked out alleging that Minister Nandlall and l had taken two hours out of a three-hour consultation. “The AFC forgets that in this electronic age, records of time are captured; first of all, I spoke for seven minutes in my opening; the Attorney General was asked to do an overview of the draft laws and rationale behind the amendments, he spoke for 1 hour and 15 minutes. After this he began the examination of the draft amendments to the acts. We then took a break at 2:50 pm and concluded after 5:00 p.m. The APNU/AFC representatives, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, Mr. Roysdale Forde and Ms. Tabitha Sarabo-Halley walked out only one hour after the consultation began. “For the AFC to assume what were the reasons for Mr. Jonas’ and Mr. Mahadeo’s departure is rather presumptuous particularly as the latter publicly stated why he was leaving, and it was not for the same reasons as the AFC representatives.” Teixeira said the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance is pleased to have hosted this consultation which included representatives of faith-based organisations, political parties, private sector, and other civil society organizations and actors.

PUBLISHED BY NEW GUYANA Co. Ltd., Freedom House, Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: [592] 226-2042 / 227-2095 / 655-0459 / 627-7432