Weekend Mirror 28-29 January 2023

Coalition Parliamentarian cautioned about implications of statements relating to border case

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, during a sitting of the National Assembly on Tuesday (January 24, 2023), had reason to caution APNU+AFC Member of Parliament (MP) Shurwayne Holder over his comments relating to the border controversy be-

tween Guyana and Venezuela. Standing on a point of order, Minister Teixeira said Holder ought to be responsible in the comments he makes about the case, which is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “I ‘m asking for him to be responsible in the innuendos he’s

throwing out to do with the country we have a border issue with…such statements can cause problems at the courts,” she noted. This, the minister said, would be hazardous. “I’m therefore asking the member to be sensitive and careful and not reckless,” she asserted.

Guyana currently stands before the ICJ as the oral hearings began in mid-November last year.

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 confirms 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

how the controversy should be settled.

In a shift in position, Venezuela has since opted to advance oral pleadings before the ICJ, with the first pleadings presented to the court on November 17, 2022.

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.

Guyana is represented in the case before the Court by: Sir Shridath Ramphal, OE, OCC, KC, Co-Agent and Counsel; Mr. Paul S. Reichler, Attorney-at-Law, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bars of the United States Supreme Court and the District of Columbia; Mr. Alain Pellet, Professor Emeritus of the University Paris Nanterre, former Chairman of the International Law Commission, member of the Institut de droit international; Professor Philippe Sands KC, Professor of International Law at University College London, 11 King’s Bench Walk, London; Mr. Payam Akhavan, LLM, SJD (Harvard University), Professor of International Law, Senior Fellow, Massey College, University, of Toronto, member of the Bar of New York and the Law Society of Ontario, member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration; Professor Pierre d’Argent, Professor ordinaire, Université Catholique de Louvain, member of the Institut de Droit International, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of Brussels; Ms. Christina L. Beharry, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bars of the District of Columbia, the State of New York, England and Wales, and the Law Society of Ontario; Mr. Edward Craven, Barrister, Matrix Chambers, London; Mr. Juan Pablo Hugues Arthur, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of the State of New York; and Ms. Isabella F. Uria, Attorney –at-Law, Foley Hoag LLP, member of the Bar of the District of Columbia.

Opposition ‘fumbling’ in absence of ‘governing philosophy’ – Jagdeo

The APNU+AFC Coalition has been and continues to demonstrate its penchant for fickle policy making, according to General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

“The type of opposition that we have, it has always been fickle and not clear about its policy making… they have, as we have seen in the past, they have had a long period of over 35 years of running this country in the post-independence period. And that includes the years that they were in control of the Parliament from 2011. They have made a mockery of development and they’ve shown that they’re incapable of planning and executing a development programme… so, the result has been very apparent, very evident for every Guyanese to see. It has been disastrous in terms of loss of employment and welfare and civil rights and people having to flee this country and overall poverty

that we’ve had…and the sad thing is that the same people will be straight-faced… the biggest contributor to the malaise and the economic downturn in Guyana, and the loss of welfare and the biggest contributors to poverty in Guyana are the ones who are now riding on high horses talking about poverty,” he said.

According to him, the Coalition’s approach to policy making has also centered on consumption. “After 28 years in office the result was that Guyana was one of the poorest countries in the world. And then in five years that they resumed office, they started the downward trend again –borrowing, spending on the capital side, spending less in each of the 5 years than the 2014 period, so no building for the future. Nothing about future. Consuming,” Jagdeo said.

The PPP General Secretary added that the PPP/C Administration will not be sidetracked, but will re -

main focused on delivering for Guyanese. He said, “If you look at the recurring spending in budgets under the PPP, you will see that the recurring expenditure has grown, but the capital budget has more than tripled. That is building for the future. It is building the capital stock and the social stock that’s both an economic nature and a social nature- the capital stock of the country to deliver better healthcare, better education, supportive infrastructure for expansion of the economy diversification. All you have to do is to check the budget. It is the macro.

“The Coalition believes you can wish a sector, when you talk diversification, you can wish a sector into being. You can’t. It requires multiple years of hard work to get it going and consistent work and the right environment. And you would see one of the reasons why we had a reversal of economic fortune is because they were not clear with what they were

doing.”

On the repeated return to the race card by members of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition, Jagdeo noted that this is not new, given that the Coalition, with no track record to stand on, will, expectedly, return to their tactic of trying to create division in Guyanese society for the sake of cheap political points. “I’m not going to pay too much attention to what they are saying. In the Opposition, they never talk economic policy. Ev-

erything at the end of it, it boils down to race, one issue. Nothing about a sensible debate on economic policy. We possibly would never have that with the way they conduct themselves in parliament. So that’s why even for me, I’m not very interested in what goes on there,” the Vice President charged.

In the past few months, unsubstantiated and wildly irresponsible claims – all worded along lines to stir tensions among Guyanese

– have been peddled by leaders and members of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition.

“They don’t have a governing philosophy. Without the governing philosophy, a bunch of mediocre people, the only consequence or the only result could be disaster. And this is what we find every single time they open their mouth. That is some disastrous comment or comment that people find extraordinarily stupid,” Jagdeo posited.

EDITORIAL

For many years, Guyana has been one of the few countries in the world that has been advocating for meaningful policy at national and global levels to balance ambitious climate action with the legitimate development aspirations of citizens.

In 2008, Guyana launched the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which was the first such strategy from a developing country. In October 2021, President Ali, presented an updated version after which a seven month national consultation process took place. The LCDS 2030 outlines how future social and economic development in Guyana can follow a non-polluting pathway.

Among the main components of the LCDS 2030, the Strategy charts a pathway to a move away from the reliance on heavy fuel oil and diesel today for grid produced energy to an energy mix of natural gas and renewable energy. At the same time, Guyana continues to build new low carbon economic sectors that take advantage of the digital economy and other modern opportunities for job creation and addressing regional inequalities.

Whilst this is taking place nationally, Guyana also sought to create a model for the world to address a global market failure which must be fixed if the world is to meet the climate challenge: where the value of ecosystem services or nature-based solutions remains un-monetized.

This market failure is a main reason why deforestation and related activities cause about a fifth of global greenhouse gas emissions. An area of tropical forest the size of Greece disappears every year.

The reasons for this are long understood – trees cut down for agriculture, infrastructure and other uses are worth money, trees left standing are not. As Bill Gates has said, Amazon. com is worth US$1.5 trillion but the Amazon Forest left standing is worth nothing. Yet the Amazon Forest contributes economic value to the world that can be measured in trillions of dollars – through watershed management, biodiversity conservation, prevention of the spread of zoonotic diseases and climate change mitigation.

In Guyana, since 2008, Guyana has sought to create a model for how this economic reality could be changed – to make forests worth more alive than dead. Guyana’s forest is about the size of England, and the country has maintained one of the lowest rates of deforestation in the world, about 90% below the global average. The forest stores about 19.5 Gt of carbon dioxide equivalent, contains more bird species than the entire United States of America and about 4% of all known animal species in the world.

Even as an oil producer, this forest makes Guyana overwhelmingly a carbon sink, along with providing all these other ecosystem services. Guyana has proven from nationally available data, that even as an oil producer, this forest makes Guyana overwhelmingly a carbon sink.

Since then, an historic achievement in 2022, as Guyana receives world’s first issuance of jurisdiction-scale, market-ready carbon credits through the ART TREES Programme to a total of 33.47 million credits. This is the first time a country has been issued carbon credits specifically designed for the voluntary and compliance carbon markets for successfully preventing forest loss and degradation. Immediately realizing the earning potential of this issuance for the people of Guyana, in December 2022, the Government sealed a major carbon credits sale agreement with Hess Corporation for a third of Guyana’s carbon credits issuance from 2016 to 2030, for three quarters of a billion United States dollars. This marks one of the biggest carbon transaction to ever take place anywhere in the world. Following this, by end of 2022, Guyana was paid a total of US$75M from this agreement with a further US$75M to be paid in 2023 bringing the total to US$150M by end of 2023.

So as evidenced by Guyana’s track record and set out in the new LCDS 2030, Guyana will continue to stay in the vanguard of the conversation about how to promote low carbon development at home and globally. Guyana’s status as an oil exporter does not change the fundamental position of the country that global policies and action are needed to stabilise global temperatures at 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

Of course, there continues to be the isolated voices that say “leave the oil in the ground”.

But while superficially compelling to some activists, voluntary supply-side measures such as these are wrong,

Aubrey Norton has real problems that he cannot solve

Dear Editor,

Aubrey Norton is in desperation mode and evidence of that is well before him, he is worried sick about his future both as a political leader of his party and as a politician. Because not being the leader of the party means it is the end of his tether, finito! He is not welcomed in his party, evidence being only 30% of the electorate in The PNC supported him being the leader of the party in the last party elections. When a man can only muster 30% of the electorate speaks volumes, which is quite clear that he is an unwelcomed figure within that APNU/PNC/PNCR, whatever you would like to call it, messed up grouping. Even more distressing is the fact that among that 30% support base, they are deserting him one by one. Poor Norton, is in a quandary, of what to do and how to do it.

With the recent No-confidence motion served on him he is on the ropes, if not down on his knees, wounded, and crying out for help. But he is not going down on the canvas just yet, because

he has resorted to the usual PNC strategy of selecting a soft target to pick on in order to survive. He has picked on the party’s treasurer Mursaline, he is the culprit. Let us portray him as another Charandass in our midst, turn the searchlight on him, he is the snitch.

Well, of course, that move will get some traction within a party that has an abhorrence for the Indian, pick on the defenseless Indian as the reason behind the party’s poor showing. So, Mursaline has to take the fall for his outspoken bit on being a signatory to blank cheques, therefore the setup is complete in that leaked conversation between Mahipaul and the “sympathetic Forde” in that taping. It was all meant to cast blame on the weakest of the weak in the party. So, in quick succession Mursaline recanted his position and recalled his resignation letter, coming up with all the platitudes he can muster saying he and Mr Norton are “good buddies” and it was a miscalculation on his part that he offered to resign. But what Mursaline must realize is that the deed is done, and the matter is way out in the

probably impossible to deliver, and arguably make matters even worse.

They are wrong from three perspectives.

First of all, to expect a country like Guyana to leave its oil in the ground is deeply unfair. At present time, Guyana reflects a per capita income of about US$6,000 per annum, compared with US$36,000 in the United States. Guyana’s citizens have the right to aspire for a better future for their families, communities, and countries – just the same as citizens of the United States or elsewhere. What activists who make calls to leave oil in the ground fail to recognise is that they are essentially calling for the US$4 trillion oil industry - a value which excludes the trillions it creates in externalities - to be protected for the incumbents. They are basically saying “leave new oil in the ground” so that the existing producers can continue to generate wealth for their citizens and countries.

Secondly, these calls are economically irrational. The cost of production of a barrel of oil in Guyana is less than the global average, and Guyana does not subsidise exploration. If the world is to be serious about freeing up investment for renewable energy and other development priorities, this needs to happen by discouraging high cost production capability, not low cost operators.

And thirdly – and maybe most importantly - expecting Guyana to leave its oil in the ground is unscientific, because not all oil is the same from a carbon perspective. As with much of the world’s offshore oil, the carbon footprint of Guyana’s light, sweet crude oil may be as low as 25% of some others.

Therefore, whether it is looked at this through the perspective of fairness, economics or science, the answer is not to call for new oil producers to voluntarily leave oil in the ground. Rather it is to instead commit to meaningful policies to reduce demand for the highest carbon, most expensive oiland reduce consumption through these demand-side measures. National-level demand signals from large consumer countries

open. Whether his recantation would result in a resumption of party funding, only time will tell, but from the looks of things

The North American financial support base is badly damaged. They said that if you hit a man in his pocket he is hit hardest, and this is what is happening right now. The PNC Party is cash-strapped, the lack of funds is taking a toll on the party, and the coffers are drying up. Funds that flowed from the main Indian racial grouping in the North have all but ceased, so things are not going well for the party. The Black Financial Supporters have also run into difficulties with one languishing in prison and the other on the run from Interpol, The PNC is in real trouble! With the drought in funds comes the party’s negative image, relations on all fronts are awful. So to regain some standing, whatever little there is, there is the widespread opinion that the party leader must go and go now!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

are essential to shift the balance in investment towards clean energy and transportation options. But more is needed, and Guyana has long supported two global policy measures: phase out exploration subsidies, and introduce a carbon price.

Phasing out of subsidies for exploration has been supported by many international organisations – including the G20, the IMF, the International Energy Agency and the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development.

Yet despite these calls, the IMF estimates that 6.5% of global GDP was spent on fossil fuel subsidies once negative externalities are accounted for. Moreover, subsidies are increasing rather than decreasing, despite the rhetorical commitment to reductions.

On carbon pricing, there are different ways of implementing the policy – through taxes or through a market trading system. Both have advantages – and different jurisdictions can decide the modality that works best in their context. What matters is that the carbon is appropriately priced. California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard shows how this works in practice, with different sources of oil attracting a higher carbon fee than others, thereby driving the highest carbon oil out of the market.

Guyana will continue to support these global policies – and if the world moves away from oil more quickly than currently predicted, Guyana will embrace and welcome that reality.

Guyana commits to building an oil industry that benefits all of its citizens while also being reliable partners for investors, producers and supply chain participants. At the same time, Guyana stands resolute in promoting low carbon development, whilst advocating for global policies to accelerate action to achieve the global net zero economy.

Our country’s national approach to development, under the PPP/C government, will not be based on rhetoric or slogans – but on serious analytically-sound policy.

PPP/C government’s approach to development will not be based on rhetoric or slogans

Budget 2023 delivers on PPP/C commitments in several key areas

Dear Editor,

The2023 Budget and its Estimates under the theme ‘Improving Lives Today, Building Prosperity for Tomorrow’, provide overwhelming evidence of the PPP/C Government’s commitment to a magnanimous and accelerated strengthening of governance matters on the Local front. These pledges send a clear message of the Government’s intention to “Walk the Walk” in the delivery of improvements worthy of mention.

Please permit me to highlight a few noteworthy areas from a cursory examination of the myriad committed plans and interventions projected for this fiscal year. These concern the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and the Ministry of Local Government as key supporting evidence.

The PPP/C Government's recent 2023 budget, generously recommends financial allocations of G$5.2 Billion for the use of GECOM. Notably, these provisions come into play following significant allocations since 2021 when G$1.8 Billion was provided,

followed by a revised G$2.9 Billion in 2022.

It is quite obvious that fulfilling the financial requirements of GECOM, ought to provide a critical supporting platform for the competent runoff of the Institution’s programs. At the same time, it is anticipated that the established legal mechanisms would ensure the removal of obstacles to the efficiency of our democratic processes. Consequently, the allocations can be considered very generous, particularly against the backdrop of a dire need for an audit of the institution's accounts.

The financial transactions and all the necessary audits at GECOM is in arrears for almost ten years. It is anticipated that with a new Chief Executive Officer, genuine efforts would have been put in place to get the GECOM audit updated. Those former senior staff members who are before the Courts for fraud and corruption must answer for the massive spending that took place at GECOM.

Our Government must be complimented for this bold move given the bigger picture, while not losing sight of the obligatory requirements that will contribute to the highest

Gov’t efforts to tackle COVID-19 commendable

Dear Editor, This is good news that some 7,000 bivalent COVID shots will arrive in Guyana by the end of this month. According to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, “The bivalent vaccines are more effective… (and he is) … expecting to have those vaccines by the last week of January.”

On this good note, I remind all that COVID-19 is leaving and will continue to leave a lasting imprint on the world economy, causing permanent changes and teaching important lessons. In fact, the prediction is that virus screening will likely become a part of our life, just like how security measures have become ubiquitous after 9/11. So, according to the Minister, “Once we get those vaccines, we’ll urge people to come out and get the bivalent vaccine.” And why not?

Well, It is indeed safe to receive a COVID-19 vaccine following infection, as vaccination is very important, even if a person has had COVID-19 shots already. While infection alone provides some protection, vaccination after infection helps to improve the immune response, it provides better and longer-lasting protection, and importantly, the evidence indicates that waiting for a period of time, after a COVID-19 infection before getting a booster dose can help improve the overall immune response. Most authorities recommended that patients receive their booster dose 6 months after being tested positive or started having symptoms. However, a shorter interval of at least 3 months may be recommended in some circumstances.

On the local scene, the information to absorb is that “… the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines include a component of the original virus strain, to provide broad protection against COVID-19, and a component of the omicron variant, to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant.”

I note that Minister Anthony is urging that citizens capitalise, reminding them that Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson, and Sinopharm vaccines remain available for the population at present. His call is well supported by the World

Health Organisation, who continues to implore nations that “… everyone, everywhere, should have access to COVID-19 vaccines.” For their part, “WHO is determined to maintain the momentum for increasing access to COVID-19 vaccines and will continue to support countries in accelerating vaccine delivery, to save lives and prevent people from becoming seriously ill.”

They explained that “Countries should continue to work towards vaccinating at least 70% of their populations, prioritizing the vaccination of 100% of health workers and 100% of the most vulnerable groups, including people who are over 60 years of age and those who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions.” The bottom line is that the Covid 19 issue is still very serious and must be treated as such.

So, I am with Dr Anthony, who explained that “… as cases continue to rise, (the PPP/C) Government is encouraging persons to get their booster shots and still take the necessary precautions.” He iterated that “It is recommended that for persons to get the bivalent vaccines, they should get their primary doses – which means the first and second dose. This is something we will be looking at. Once we get it, we will put out suitable advisories so that people can access these vaccines.”

Editor, it is still possible to get COVID-19 and spread it to others after being vaccinated. Therefore, all must continue to do everything to keep themselves and others healthy. This means to continue keeping a safe distance from others and avoiding crowds, wearing a well-fitting mask covering the mouth and nose, keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated, cleaning hands regularly, and covering coughs and sneezes. There is no place for complacency. So, I too am “… urging persons who have not received their booster doses to visit one of the local vaccination sites and get their booster doses.” Too much is at stake and we know that with Omicron, there are at least 500 different subvariants.

Yours truly, H. Singh

levels of transparency required from GECOM Officials. The fact is that Local governance and the local government systems are essential parts of Guyana’s governance. Given that Local Government Elections were last held in 2018, it is now way overdue. As such, GECOM must hold Local Government Elections without further delays.

Coupled with addressing GECOM support and requirements, The need to strengthen a degenerated Local Government system is publicly attested to at the highest level of the PPPC Government. His excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali in a recent interview before the budget said ‘For long, we have seen what mismanagement can do in townships, and in some municipalities, some areas.’He also made a “call upon all Guyanese to work in renewing our effort at building the governance system, building our communities, strengthening our communities, but importantly, our municipalities and our townships”

Further, President Ali said his government would spare no effort to work with every community and municipality in bringing together a team reflective of the “One Guyana’ agenda. “A team that will promote development, a team that will work integrally with the regional governance system and a central government to ensure that our development takes place not only at a rapid and efficient pace but development, bring people together that are in development, strengthen our communities and that better services are delivered to our communities.”

It is no surprise that the foregoing intent and necessity were clearly articulated by Senior Minister Within the Ministry of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh in his 2023 Budget Speech. He states “in 2020, we inherited a lethargic system encouraged by the former government and practiced by some Local Democratic Organs (LDOs). Our Government has long

recognized that robust local government architecture and systems support more sustainable communities.”

Consequently, the 2023 Budget targets and moves to catalyze the strengthening of local governance through the injection of $18.9 billion for the Local Government Ministry. This represents approximately an 83 percent increase over the G$10 Billion appropriated in 2022 allowing for the implementation of several impacting developmental community projects.

According to the budget presented, Examples of highlights in 2023, include works to be advanced at markets in Charity, Parika, Leonora, and Mon Repos. Continuance of 2022 launched National Pathway Workers Project and maintenance of the Community Enhancement Workers Programme, employing over 12,000 persons and improving infrastructure, sanitary and environmental conditions.

Editor, there is no doubt that the upcoming local government elections will serve as a reminder of the PPPC Government’s commitment to good governance and transparency across every community, and will provide much-needed renewal to the local government system. With the massive allocation for the holding of LGEs, GECOM must uphold its mandate and hold the Elections to strengthen local democracy.

The present process of Continuous registration seems to be going smoothly. Both the category ‘A’ and the category ‘B’ citizens are making full use of the opportunity to get register.

The government recognizes and delivered on its commitments, and the budget will certainly help to establish a realistic platform to guarantee a better life for our people.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Sheer hypocrisy on display by PNCR-led APNU+AFC

Dear Editor,

Ifelt utterly bemused when I read an article in which Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton described the budget as a “Dead Meat Budget”. The first thing which flashed across my mind was Ramjattan’s “dead meat” prophecy, which came to pass.

And then a question popped up in my mind: Are the PNC next in line? It would seem that Norton has become fixated on that term, since the no-confidence motion brought against him by the Florida Chapter of the PNC/R.

It would seem that Mr Norton and his crew were in hibernation when the PNC-led Coalition presented its Budget from 2015 to 2019. According to him, the 2023 Budget is “void of crucial measures to grow the economy outside of the oil and gas sector”. This is a baffling statement, since it would appear that the Opposition members simply had to condemn the budget on the basis of appealing to the emotions of the people, and deceitfully misguiding them by regurgitating “high cost of living and poverty” as bait.

Ramjattan is fixated on the imaginary ‘kickbacks’ from the huge number of contracts that would be awarded. Many measures

were stated by the Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, which would alleviate poverty and indirectly increase the disposable incomes of the people. These numerous measures to combat the high cost of living, which is a global phenomenon, were repeated again and again by all the Government Ministers and MPs in the Budget Debate so far, especially Ministers Deodat Indar and Priya Manickchand, whilst the Opposition MPs’ contributions were vacuous and without any real substance, just cheap politicking.

This brings me to the crux of the matter. What benefits did this nation receive from over $1.250 trillion which were squandered from the budgetary allocations each year from 2015 to 2019? This is in addition to the billions squandered from the Reserves and the Consolidated Fund. Imagine what would have happened if the Coalition had their hands on the oil money.

During its tenure, the Coalition cared less about the cost of living and the livelihood of the poor Guyanese, as they greatly increased the various taxes year after year, closing down the sugar estates and throwing over 7,000 workers on the bread line. It was tax galore as the backs of the poor people were broken by excessive taxation and ever-in -

creasing costs. I could recall the great Sir Winston Churchill had once said that to try to tax a nation into prosperity is like standing in a bucket and trying to lift it by the handle. This was exactly what the Coalition did.

The sugar industry is still reeling from the negative impact of this unconscionable closure, which destroyed not only livelihoods, but billions in fixed assets, such machinery and equipment and standing cane. The Coalition created the ‘black hole’, a term they have coined to describe GuySuCo. They should never argue about budgetary allocations to the entity. Many workers in other sectors were also dismissed because they were perceived to be supporters of the PPP.

I could recall that during the Coalition’s tenure, Mr. Lincoln Lewis, the TUC General Secretary, in a Plain Talk programme, told television host Christopher Ram (see chrisram.net) that the TUC had taken to the Minister (Mt Jordan) a novel approach, one that eschewed the usual list of tax reductions and increases in the personal allowance, asking instead for measures to help both the employed and the unemployed by greater emphasis on public health and the environment. In its wide-ranging paper, the TUC asked that attention be paid to communities, the village economy, the cooperative movement, sports, social dialogue, etc.

What wrong was committed in the 2023 Budget, Mr. Lewis? You have been given more than what you wanted, and your Coalition Government failed miserably.

Whilst ‘citizen GHK Lall’, in a letter to the press, called for job creation projects to ameliorate the high and troubling levels of unemployment, funds to deal with the mentally-ill and the addicted, a new jail, and a push for ecotourism, are jobs not being created almost on a daily basis? Since the PPP/C took office in 2020, job creation has been a top priority. How many jobs had the

Coalition created when in Government? They did the opposite.

The 2023 Budget ensures that all ailments, both social and economic, are dealt with condignly. This Government has had to deal with, and is still dealing with, the pandemic, and floods which have now become a regular feature, and deserves to be applauded for dealing with the negative impacts of both. The high cost of living and inflation are global, and this Government has been buffering these impacts to ensure that the standard of living is not eroded. What would have been the action of the Coalition, apart from squandering the oil monies? We have seen them squandering and looting the taxpayers’ dollars as if there was no tomorrow. They were adept at giving less and taking more from Guyanese.

Mr. Ramjattan always sees ‘kickbacks’ from contracts and awards to ‘cronies and families’ of the Government officials and Ministers as a statement, for which he has no evidence. He and his colleagues should attempt to invent a new approach to budget debating. They had nothing to offer this nation when in Government, and they have nothing to offer now as an Opposition. No doubt, they will be permanently ensconced in their new office, incessantly regurgitating marginalisation, racial discrimination, imaginary deprivations, and the misguided utterings of corruption. The Guyanese people know better, the Coalition cannot fool all the people all the time.

Congratulations to the Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh for preparing and presenting the 2023 Budget, which has indeed set ‘the framework for Guyana’s continued growth and development, even amid a challenging global economic climate’.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

High Court ruling on validity of NRF Act set for March 17, 2023

The ruling in the case challenging the legality of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act in the High Court before Justice Navindra Singh is set for March 17, 2023.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, said an application was made by the parties to put submissions in writing before the court. Moreover, by February 10, these submissions should be lodged, and the parties should

respond to each other by February 20, 2023. He expressed that the rule of law will prevail and that the opposition’s efforts to garner vindication for their unlawful acts cannot be supported by law. “I have every confidence that justice will prevail and that the rule of law will win another battle because this case should never have been filed in the first place. The law will never countenance a party taking advantage of its own wrong-

doing. The law is not structured that way.”

The Parliamentary Mace case stems from the opposition’s challenge to the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act on the grounds that there was no consultation for the formulation of the Act and that the parliamentary mace must be in place for any law to be validly passed in the National Assembly.

To this end, the Attorney General reiterated that the opposition had forfeited its

right to consultations on the act with its unlawful conduct. “The world saw their conduct, the world saw that they broke the mace, the world saw, or heard that they disrupted the microphone system, and by their conduct, they disqualified themselves from speaking. And, lo and behold they are moving the court now to essentially take advantage of their own wrongdoing, of their own misbehavior, of their own misconduct.”

INCIDENT ON DECEMBER 29, 2021

In an effort derail the debating and passing of the Natural Resources Fund Bill, the Parliamentary Opposition hijacked the sitting.

Following the incident the Parliamentary Privileges Committee found that eight APNU+AFC Coalition’s Members of Parliament “were in violation of the Standing Orders, established Customs and Practic-

es regarding acceptable behaviour” of Members in the Assembly. The Coalition Parliamentarians sanctioned are: Christopher Jones, the Opposition Chief Whip; Ganesh Mahipaul; Sherod Duncan; Natasha Singh- Lewis; Annette Ferguson; Vinceroy Jordan; Tabitha Saraboo-Halley; and Maureen Philadelphia.

The incident saw members of the Coalition blowing whistles and chanting – while

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Peace, security, fundamental freedoms quintessential – PM at CELAC Summit

Guyana’s support for CELAC Member States while addressing issues of inequality and marginalisation was reiterated by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips.

During his address, this week, at the 7th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Prime Minister also spoke about finding solutions to ensure the sustainable and resilient development of people across the Region. “Let me reiterate the continued commitment of the Government of Guyana to this

regional integration process and to the efforts towards the attainment of sustained economic advancement and growth of our respective states and the region as a whole.”

Prime Minister Phillips added that “cooperation and unity” were necessary to advance growth and development in the region. “It is important for the citizens of the region to enjoy peace, security and fundamental freedoms. This will be essential for democracy to flourish.

Guyana remains committed to the common principles of democracy, good governance, respect for the rule of law and the protection of sovereignty and territorial

integrity of States. These are critical elements to the maintenance of peace and security across our Region.”

The Prime Minister said that as the world begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and all of its socioeconomic effects, it is crucial to keep in mind that “Our survival as a Region demands a collective response through a comprehensive programme of action.”

He noted that CELAC provides the opportunity for “us to strengthen these partnerships not only within the region but through third-party engagements”.

Phillips added that climate change, food security, and managing debt remain

priority issues to be collectively handled.

Speaking on climate change, he said the crisis has worsened, with Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States like Guyana being particularly affected. “It is imperative that a balanced and commensurate global response, addressing mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage, be realised; our very lives depend on it,” the Prime Minister said. Guyana, he explained, has adopted a Low Carbon Development Strategy, which aims to combat climate change; emphasise services provided by forests and other ecosystems; promote future growth through clean

energy and sustainable economic activities; and align economic and social policies with global climate goals.

Food security measures were also highlighted along with CARICOM’s drive to reduce its food import bill by 25% by 2025.

The Prime Minister had also signalled Guyana’s support for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, prior to them winning CELAC’s rotating presidency for 2023. The islands were the first of the English-speaking Caribbean to present their candidature for this position.

On Tuesday (January 25, 2023), representatives from 33 member states signed and released the “Buenos Ai -

res Declaration” (CELAC). The Declaration emphasises CELAC member states’ commitment to collaborate in order to safeguard the rights and interests of the regional populace and to accelerate the process of regional integration. It called for the end of the US blockade against Cuba. The CELAC countries also expressed their support for dialogue between the Venezuelan government led by President Nicolas Maduro and the political opposition. The Buenos Aires declaration also endorsed Argentina’s legitimate rights to the Falkland Islands, which are currently listed as a United Kingdom Overseas Territory.

ELECTION WATCH: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Op-Ed: PNCR-led Coalition cannot dictate GECOM’s actions

By Clement Rohee, GECOM Commissioner

This time, Mr. Vincent Alexander sought to dictate not only how GECOM should conduct its internal staffing arrangements but to deny the Chair’s role in supporting a legitimate recommendation from Vishnu Persaud, GECOM’s CEO to assign acting responsibilities to senior staffers. In others words, based on his January 20, 2023, claim; “GECOM Chair goes it alone ...”

Alexander wants to run GECOM from whatever limb he may be perched on.

Mr. Alexander consistently fails to make the distinction between policy decisions made at statutory meetings of GECOM and internal administrative matters in relation staff at GECOM’s Secretariat consistent with organization’s constitutional responsibilities.

In his latest criticism levelled against the Chairman of GECOM, Alexander failed to understand that the time is long gone when he and his party can dictate to GECOM what internal actions it may employ to enhance the organization’s effectiveness and efficiency

in order to fulfill its constitutional mandate.

In respect to the false flag raised by Alexander, a statement issued by GECOM made it clear that the Chair was in no way ‘creating any new position; nor was any substantive appointment being done to fill a vacant position.

In case he didn’t remember, the statement reminded Mr. Alexander that ‘there is precedence of staff having been seconded, and in one case even appointed, without the knowledge and approval of the Commission.’

Alexander must know about the ‘one case’ referred to in GECOM’s statement. The case in point being, when a much favoured Registration Officer was kept at GECOM’s Secretariat unknown to the Commission and was never sent back to the Registration Office. The said individual was appointed to act as GECOM’s Voter Registration Manager (VRM) without the approval of the Commission and was provided with entitlements which the substantive office holder must be the sole beneficiary.

Talk about disingenuousness!

GECOM will address filling vacant positions – Chair

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has clarified that the Chairperson, retired Justice Claudette Singh, approved the secondment of an existing staffer of the GECOM Secretariat to the post of Operations Coordinator within the Operations Department of the Commission’s Secretariat.

A statement from the Commission said, “On November 9, 2022, the Chief Election Officer (CEO) wrote a Memo to Justice of Appeal (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, Chairman of the Commission requesting approval for the secondment of Mr. Aneal Giddings, IT Manager to the Operations Department of the Commission’s Secretariat to assist with the day-to-day implementation and evaluation of the statutory and administrative tasks delineated in the Workplan for the conduct of Local Government Elections (LGEs).

“In justifying his request,

Mr. Alexander seems to believe that only Afro-Guyanese who reflect his party’s political thinking and cohorts, bred in the culture of electoral malpractices should be employed at any level at GECOM much less to be sighted on the premises of any GECOM Registration Centre.

On top of the many indiscretions, it is apposite to recall the unproven allegations Alexander had expressed publicly about Vishnu Persaud who had applied for the job as CEO at GECOM and which Alexander and his ilk had blocked resulting in a court judgement against him.

Alexander, who was the first named Defendant in that case, was ordered by the Court to pay damages in the sum of two million, five hundred thousand dollars

($2,500,000) to the Vishnu Persaud the Claimant, and the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) as costs to the said Claimant on or before September 30th 2020.

And as though the trail of slander was not enough, mention must be made of Alexander and his comrades’ questionable role in the appointment of Roxanne Myers over Persaud referencing her “superior qualifications and potential to perform” as well their reference to the undisclosed ‘Sandra Jones Report’ and ‘GECOM’s Policy on Employment Practices.

Those inaccuracies were brought to light during an investigation by an Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) sub-committee headed by Stanley Moore, Retired Justice of Appeal.

That body had concluded that it was an act of discrimination to appoint Myers over Persaud; ‘There are no institutional rules or practice in GECOM which allows for ethnic discrimination in hiring.’ To buttress this view, the investigation concluded that ‘Mr. Persaud was the first candidate in the history of GECOM who had obtained the highest score and had not been appointed.’

Rubbishing Alexander and company’s claim about qualifications, the investigation further pointed out;

‘Nothing has been presented to us which, at least on paper, reveals any attributes in Ms. Myers that were capable of offsetting the clear paper advantage which Mr. Persaud enjoyed over his rival.’

The same trend continues nowadays at statutory

meetings at GECOM where claims of ‘incompetence’, ‘untrustworthiness’ and ‘conspiracies’ are persistently leveled by the opposition trio against the CEO as well as claims of ‘unfairness’ and ‘partiality’ in the decision-making process leveled against the Chairman. Alexander and his two political siblings operate as though nothing has changed since August 2020. They conveniently overlook the political handlers’ transgressions they had either stoutly defended or remained silent about during the December 2019 to August 2020 constitutional and electoral travails the people of Guyana experienced as a result of the dirty tricks played by those ensconced at Congress Place.

the CEO noted that, unlike the conduct of General and Regional Elections, which takes place in a disaggregated manner in ten (10) different Electoral Districts, the LGEs will be conducted in eighty (80) Local Authority Areas (LAAs) comprising ten (10) Municipalities and seventy (70) Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

“The CEO further pointed out that considering (i) the multiplicity of sequential and simultaneous tasks required to be implemented at Operations level for the LGEs, and (ii) the position of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) being vacant, it is of vital importance for a Senior Manager who is au fait with operations management relative to the conduct of elections to be assigned the responsibility of assisting him (CEO) with ensuring that all of the required tasks are efficiently and effectively implemented

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GECOM will address filling...

in accordance with the timelines set out in the workplan for the LGEs.”

Giddings is expected to be responsible to carry out responsibilities that would normally fall within the list of duties of DCEO.

GECOM said, “The Chairman gave her approval for the secondment of Mr. Giddings with the full knowledge that she (i) was not creating any new position, (ii) was not making an appointment, and (iii) was aware that there is precedence of staff having been seconded, and in one case even appointed, without the knowledge and approval of the Commission. Further,

the Chairman’s approval of the requested secondment was based on the understanding that this would be a temporary arrangement until a suitable candidate is appointed to the position of DCEO. Meanwhile, Mr. Giddings is still employed in the substantive position of IT Manager.”

On the issue of filling the post of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), the Chair clarified that while the matter of filling of all existing vacancies were placed numerous times on the Agenda of Statutory Meetings of the Commission, it was always deferred. “This topic was always de-

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ferred due to the need for the Commission to focus its attention on more pressing matters associated with preparations for the conduct of Local Government elections. Needless to say, the filling of vacancies is again in focus. Accordingly, Mr. Giddings secondment will come to an end upon the appointment of a DCEO,” GECOM said.

Several key posts at GECOM, including Chief Elections Officer and Deputy Chief Elections Officer, were left vacant following the firing of the Keith Lowenfield and Roxanne Myers for their role in the March 2020 elections rigging attempt.

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

Region must take practical steps to secure energy future

– Ali tell T&T Energy Conference that fossil and natural gas still pertinent

TheCaribbean Region must make practical steps in securing its energy future and be logical in its undertakings given the heavy financial burden of climate change, according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali.

The Head of State called on governments across the region to lead from the front in understanding the ramifications and creating the needed structure. He told the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference 2023 on Monday (January 23, 2023) in Port of Spain, that the region must move forward with its survival in mind.

The President asked some tough questions and noted that although renewable energy should be the main pursuit, as a region, we should be practical in our approach in understanding the implications and necessities of energy needs. “We in CARICOM all have lofty renewable energy targets but the reality is that the energy demands in our countries continue to rise, and our energy systems are being challenged to meet our growing population centres and appetite for energy services,” he said.

The President spoke of the large amount of energy that the region requires and the billions of US dollars needed to achieve “the most fundamental of targets”. Ali

New $11.8B Schoonord to Crane highway set for completion in

June 2024 ‒ President Ali inspects works

The construction of the new $11.8 billion Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway is set to be completed by June 2024, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

said, “So, we can safely say that in this region fossil fuel and natural gas has a long future ahead of us.”

He reinforced the call that every country in the region with potential in natural gas should be allowed to explore that potential to its fullest for the energy security of the region. Ali said, “Here in Trinidad and Tobago that opportunity exists and that opportunity should be allowed to blossom for the benefit of the people of this region and the globe.”

He noted that high energy prices contribute to high inflation in both developing and developed countries. With the idea of imported inflation in mind, political leaders and policymakers must face the reality of inflation that is not a result of bad policies or measures.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL

President Ali said that amidst these crises, there is a “strange movement” driven by a policy agenda of a few countries which is not fixed in “facts and reality”. He said, “We have seen an unwillingness to lend to companies related to oil and gas. We have seen the cost of capital increasing for companies related to oil and gas….”

When this occurs, he added, the consumers and supporting industries suffer.

Ali said, “If you increase

the cost of capital and make capital less available to investors, wherever they get the capital to invest, they will also increase the costs of the product because they also have to get back their investments, and who suffers at the end of the day?”

As such, Dr Ali emphasised that stakeholders from the government and the industry must speak out in a collective voice.

The President also spoke on the Caribbean region’s energy potential, including the plans in place in the Guyana Shield, which will be the collaborative energy effort between Suriname, French Guiana, Guyana and Northern Brazil.

He called on those gathered to examine the “remarkable” policy measures that governments in this region implemented to cushion the effects of inflation. Ali said, “In Guyana today, we have no other room to deal with the increases in fuel prices. We took every cent of tax off. What more? Together with short-term measures, government must take long-term steps either to increase or diversify oil and gas supply or look to accelerate structural change, very simple.”

He added that by using practical and innovative approaches, the region can “secure our future and advance our cause”.

Ruby Village can be used for the production of high value crops – Ali

President, Dr Mohamed Ir-

faan Ali told residents of Ruby Village, East Bank Essequibo that government is aiming to position Guyana as a main hub for food supply to the entire Caribbean region, and Ruby Backland can play a crucial role in this regard.

The head of state said the government will continue to support the expansion of agriculture in these communities so that production can be increased.

President Ali made these statements during a community engagement with residents during a recent engagement. “We have to find ways in which

we can continue to support the expansion of agriculture,” Dr Ali stated.

He informed residents that the lands in their area are of high value and can be utilised for the production of high value crops, which can in turn provide more income to farmers. “In the horticulture industry, you know, one of the things about these communities, you have large lots. How can you capatilise on these lands to be more productive, to bring in more income? How can we bring in the Ministry of Agriculture maybe to help in the capital equipment and create ponds?” he questioned. This will lay the ground-

The new highway, which will feature an emergency lane, medians, two roundabouts, 11 reinforced concrete culverts, and 36 prestressed bridges, is expected to alleviate traffic congestion on the West Bank and West Coast of Demerara.

President Ali and a team of ministers and technical officers inspected the ongoing works at Crane.

The head of state described the new highway as ‘urgently required for commuters’ and noted that contractors are working tirelessly to complete the project within the stipulated period. “The first phase was to get to this area. Why? Because from Crane to the Harbour bridge

is where the bulk of the traffic backs up in the morning, taking some persons three to three and a half hours to get to work in Georgetown.

So, this will bring tremendous ease. We are hoping by June next year that this new four-lane highway will be completed connecting Crane to Schoonord,” he explained.

Preliminary works including land clearing, and sand filling, are currently ongoing and are expected to be completed by December. “A few months ago, this was all rice field and today you can see the transformation that is taking place,” the president highlighted.

The construction of the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway is a significant part of the ongoing nationwide infrastructure modernisation. It is expected to be completed ahead of the new Demerara River Bridge.

Region Three is one of the areas where not only we are having a great population push because of the housing development, but the type of industrial development and development connected to the oil and gas sector in this region. “So, this corridor will very be very important,” the president said.

He also expressed gratitude to all those persons who owned lands within the road’s alignment, for working with the government to ensure the smooth transition of the project.

The project is divided into eight lots and is being executed by VR Construction Inc, Avinash Contracting & Scrap Metal Inc, L-Heureuse Construction and Services Inc, Guyamerica Construction Inc, AJM Enterprise, Vals Construction, Puran Bros Disposal Inc, and JS Guyana Inc.

Residents assured of development along Soesdyke-Linden highway

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali said that residents along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway will get their fair share of development, as he outlined his vision for the growth of the area this year.

Ali, was at the time speaking during an engagement with residents in the Yarrowkabra and Kuru-Kururu villages along the highway.

The president spearheaded a team that included Housing Minister Collin Croal, Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister Kwame McCoy, Minister within the Public Works Ministry Deodat Indar and other officials.

work to attain food security and meet CARICOM’s target of reducing the high food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

Meanwhile, issues surrounding drainage and irrigation, infrastructure and water were raised by residents, which the head of state committed to addressing.

The president was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc, Shaik Baksh and private sector representatives.

President Ali told residents that, “One of the things that we have done consistently in the last two years is to listen to the people, listen to your concerns, and then plan programmes that will resolve the problems that you face on the ground. It is important for us to do the things that benefit you directly in the communities, whether it is the school children grants or the increase for pensioners, whether it is the support of textbooks, or helping in transportation services, or the removal of tax on fuel. These are the

big things that affect all of society.”

He noted that even amidst these extensive concerns, of equal importance are community-level grievances, as these assist the government in identifying areas which require direct interventions, and in turn establishing and strengthening the partnership between the government and the citizens. “You are the stakeholders of this country. You are the persons who will inherit this country, and take this country forward.

So, it is important for me to listen to you – for us to have conversations from time to time so that we can ensure that your needs are aligned with what we are doing, so that we can ensure that you are involved in the creation of prosperity in the homes of every Guyanese,” the Head of State expressed.

DEVELOPMENT

As part of improving the lives of persons living there, the president spoke about plans to establish five water wells this year to provide first-time potable water access in certain sections of the highway.

Farmers in the commu-

nities lamented that their farmlands have been affected by the lack of maintenance of the nearby creeks.

President Ali said that this will also be addressed.

“We’re going to bring a team that will look at the entire agriculture sector, to look at all the creeks and what has to be cleaned, and they will come back with a plan.”

OTHER CONCERNS

Residents also expressed concerns regarding the healthcare system in the communities, education, job creation and infrastructure, to which President Ali said he would be looking into possible interventions in these highlighted areas.

Further, he assured that residents of these communities will be involved in the infrastructural development projects in the area.

Moreover, in addressing issues of crime in the area, President Ali emphasised his intentions to expand police presence in the communities.

Recently, one of the police outposts in the area received two new vehicles, which President Ali said should be utilised to provide constant patrol in the area.

BUDGET 2023

SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS

1. Budget 2023, 41.4 percent larger than Budget 2022, amounts to $781.9 billion and is undoubtedly the largest budget ever and, is fully financed with no new taxes.

2. Budget 2023 is the first budget to benefit from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits, which will amount to $31.3 billion in revenue in 2023, alongside a transfer of $208.9 billion from the NRF to the consolidated fund this year.

3. Budget 2023 strikes a balance between addressing the pressing needs of today and the critical investments needed for tomorrow, ensuring both are attended to.

2023 MEASURES

a. INCREASING DISPOSABLE INCOME

I. Salary Adjustments

$3 billion in salary adjustments benefiting 5000 healthcare workers and 9000 members of the disciplined services, with effect 01 January 2023, as previously announced by President Ali.

II. Income Tax Threshold

Increase in the monthly income tax threshold from $75,000 to $85,000 monthly, releasing a total of $3.3 billion into the hands of taxpayers and removing 12,000 taxpayers from the tax net.

III. Because We Care Cash Grant

Increase the Because We Care Cash Grant from $25,000 to $35,000. This will benefit over 214,000 school children in public and private schools and will place an additional $2.1 billion in the hands of their parents.

b. EASING THE COST OF LIVING

I. Containing the Cost of Fuel

Zero excise taxes on fuel will be maintained so as to absorb the impact of volatile fuel prices, as long as fuel prices remain elevated at an estimated cost of $17 billion.

II. Reduction in Freight Charges

Extend the application of freight cost adjustment for the calculation of import taxes for a 12-month period at a cost of over $6 billion.

III. Expansion of Part-time Job Programme

$10 billion allocated for the expansion of the parttime job programme.

IV. Other Cost of Living Measures

$5 billion allocated for additional cost of living measures to be determined from the ongoing community engagements.

c. SUPPORTING THE VULNERABLE

I. Increase in Old Age Pension

Increase the OAP from $28,000 to $33,000, placing an additional $4.4 billion of disposable income in the hands of 73,000 pensioners.

II. Public Assistance

Increase the Public Assistance from $14,000 monthly to $16,000, to the benefit over 29,000 persons, placing an additional $700 million of disposable income to these individuals.

d. OTHER MEASURES

I. Increase in Low-Income Mortgage Ceiling

Increase in the low-income mortgage ceiling from $15 million to $20 million, reducing the cost of borrowing within this range from the commercial banks, and further incentivising home ownership.

II. Removal of VAT on Residential Properties

Removal of the 14 percent VAT with respect to the sale of residential properties, which will also further reduce the cost of home ownership.

III. All-Electric Motor Vehicles

In keeping with Government’s commitment to a low carbon development pathway, and to incentivise the transition to lower emission vehicles:

• The removal of the currently applicable 14 percent VAT on new all-electric motor vehicles (not hybrid) of any power rating.

• Increase in the writing down allowance applicable to all-electric motor vehicles to 50 percent annually, in support of business’s investment decision to switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles.

IV. Vehicle Ownership

In today’s modern age, the ownership of a motor vehicle is no longer considered a luxury, with vehicle ownership improving the ease of access to and from the places of home, work, and learning. In this regard:

• In relation to the importation of new motor vehicles below 1500 cc, government will reduce the duty of 45 percent to 35 percent. This will reduce the cost of importing such a vehicle by approximately $200,000.

• In relation to used vehicles below 1500 cc, government will replace the current tax rate with a flat rate of taxes of $800,000. This will reduce the cost of importing such a vehicle by $300,000 on average.

MACROECONOMIC HIGHLIGHTS

1. 2023 Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

• Overall real GDP projected to grow by 25.1 percent, among the top five fastest growing economies in 2023.

• Non-oil real GDP projected to grow by 7.9 percent in 2023.

2. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing

• Agriculture, forestry and fishing sector projected to expand by 7.2 percent this year.

• Sugar growing subsector projected to grow by 29.3 percent.

• Rice growing subsector forecasted to expand by 8.3 percent in 2023.

• Other crops, livestock, forestry and fishing subsectors projected to grow by 5.8 percent, 12.1 percent, 4 percent, and 8.4 percent, respectively

3. Extractive Industries

• Mining and quarrying sector projected to grow by 34.1 percent this year.

• Oil and gas and support services subsector projected to grow by 35.6 percent in 2023.

• Gold and bauxite mining subsectors projected to grow by 12.7 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively.

• Other mining and quarrying subsector projected to grow by 7.3 percent in 2023.

4. Sugar, rice and other manufacturing projected to expand by 29.3 percent, 6.1 percent and 4 percent, respectively, in 2023.

5. Construction sector projected to expand by 17 percent in 2023.

6. Services sector projected to grow by 5.6 percent in 2023.

INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE HEALTH

With decisive leadership, the Government has resolved to deliver world-class standards of health care in keeping with His Excellency’s vision for the sector.

This year, $84.9 billion has been budgeted for the health sector.

• $13.1 billion to advance infrastructural works for the paediatric and maternal hospital, and six regional hospitals to decentralise modern healthcare into Lima, De Kindren, Diamond, Enmore, Bath, and No. 75 Village.

• $1.8 billion to commence the rehabilitation, expansion and reconstruction of the Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden hospitals, as well as four telemedicine centres in Regions 1,7,8 and 9.

• $830 million to complete the design for and

commence construction of the Bartica Regional Hospital.

• $1 billion to retrofit and upgrade health centres, health posts, and other facilities across the country.

• $620 million to construct and rehabilitate health science training facilities in regions 2 and 6.

• $237 million to upgrade the Karasabai, Annai and Sand Creek health centres into district hospitals providing radiology and laboratory services.

• $2.5 billion for purchases of medical and non-medical equipment in 2023 across all 10 administrative regions.

• Over $500 million for the training of healthcare professionals.

• More than $900 million to address non-communicable diseases, including mental health.

EDUCATION

Our government is committed to fulfilling its manifesto promise of increasing access to education for all, across all levels, delivered at world class standards, and increasing the quality of Guyana’s human capital to be competitive in the region and the world.

In 2023, a sum of $94.4 billion has been allocated to further improve access to and the quality of education for all.

• • $12.4 billion to improve education infrastructure across the country.

• $2.1 billion to continue the roll out of the National School Feeding Programme which will provide juice and biscuits, breakfast, and hot meals to over 85,000 pupils.

• More than $3.4 billion to procure textbooks for use at primary and secondary schools.

• $3.7 billion for the management and expansion of operations at the University of Guyana Turkeyen and Berbice campuses.

• $1.8 billion towards the GOAL scholarship programme and caters for 8,555 new students and 1,047 continuing students.

• $2.5 billion for the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programme, of which $488.5 million is allocated for the Board of Industrial Training to expand training programmes in 2023 for 7,890 persons.

HOUSING, WATER AND SANITATION Housing

The PPP/C Government is committed to ensuring that every Guyanese family would realise their aspirations of becoming a home owner. In pursuit of this, we are opening up new lands, putting in place the requisite infrastructure, accelerating the allocation process, supporting those who require prebuilt homes, and providing easy access to finance.

In 2023, $54.5 billion has been budgeted for housing development in new and existing areas, including the construction of roads, drains and bridges, and the installation of utilities to meet housing demands.

• The Government is well on track to achieving their target of providing 50,000 house lots by 2025 through their “Dream Realised” housing drive across the country. Since the PPP/C Government took office in August 2020, a total of over 20,000 house lots were allocated to persons.

• $202.9 million for the development of a single-window Information Technology Platform.

WATER AND SANITATION

Water Government continues to deliver on its promise to the population by improving and expanding the water supply systems across the country. In this regard, Government has allocated $17.7 billion in Budget 2023 to further improve the water sector.

• Upgrade water transmission systems in areas including Pouderoyen, Vergenoegen, La Parfaite Harmonie, Caledonia and Cummings Lodge. New wells will be constructed at On-

AT A GLANCE

derneeming, Lima, Central Ruimveldt, Cummings Lodge, Caledonia and Amelia’s Ward.

• $1.4 billion to further upgrade and extend water supply systems and construct wells in several hinterland communities of Regions 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9.

• Hinterland’s access to potable water supply has now increased to 75 percent, up from 46 percent at the end of 2020, and is on track to achieving 100 percent by 2025.

• $13 billion to improve water quality for more than 250,000 residents, across the country.

Sanitation

The PPP/C Government has aggressively pursued the implementation of a solid waste management programme across the country that results in timely and safe collection and disposal of garbage.

• $1.9 billion to support infrastructural development, the operation of existing and additional landfill sites, and for the solid waste clean-up programme.

CULTURE, SPORTS, AND THE ARTS

Culture & Arts

$1.4 billion has been budgeted to directly support culture and arts in Guyana.

• $100 million towards the Endowment Fund for the Arts.

• $277 million for the preservation of cultural heritage sites including monuments, museums, and historic buildings, among others, which will be upgraded and rehabilitated in 2023.

• $100 million to support activities associated with the observance of International Decade for People of African Descent.

Sports $4.3 billion has been allocated for the overall development of sports.

• Construction of multipurpose sporting facilities in the hinterland.

• Construction of the state-of-the-art stadium at Palmyra

• Establishment of a National Cricket Academy.

• $250 million budgeted for the continued improvement of community grounds across the country.

Youth

The young women and men who make up 36 percent of our population are considered an important pillar in Guyana’s development and Government is resolutely committed to invest heavily to mould better, sharper, and more creative young minds.

To this end, a sum of $960.2 million has been budgeted for youth development.

Children

• $103.9 million to child advocacy centres to ensure vulnerable children in all ten reasons are reached.

• $100 million for the establishment of additional day care centres.

HUMAN SERVICES

This year, the sum of $40.4 billion has been allocated to the Ministry the ministry of Human Services and Social Protection.

Senior Citizens: The Government remains steadfast and committed to the health, well-being and welfare of their senior citizens.

• $100 million to commence the construction of a new care home for senior citizens.

• Women and Gender: In keeping with Government’s promise of empowering citizens, several initiatives were implemented across all sectors to ensure that women and girls as well as men and boys are able to participate fully in the development of the country.

• $100 million for the construction of day and night care centres to benefit women and men in need of child-care services while at work.

• Train 2,500 national and community leaders

on gender and social inclusion and development of gender mainstreaming into decision-making processes

Persons with Disabilities: Government remains committed to improving the conditions for persons with special needs, including children, through better facilities, services and jobs.

• Government aims to ensure that transportation is available at all institutions representing persons living with disabilities in Guyana.

• Victims of Domestic Violence

• An additional $114.9 million to support legal aid services.

AMERINDIAN AND HINTERLAND DEVELOPMENT

The Government’s commitment, following its Manifesto promises, results in the prioritisation of the first people's education, health, housing, infrastructure, social well-being, employment, youth development and development of the village economy.

• • $4.7 billion allocated for Amerindian development programmes and initiatives, specifically tailored to improve the livelihoods of the indigenous people.

• $2.7 billion budgeted for the Amerindian Devel- opment Fund (ADF), which includes continued training in tourism and hospitality, business development plans, garment construction, ATV, and small engine repairs, as well as provisions for Presidential Grants to 233 communities.

• $5 billion for hinterland roads development.

• $500 million to advance Amerindian Land Titling activities to safeguard and improve the security of land tenure enjoyed by the indigenous people.

• $93.3 million to support 804 students through the hinterland scholarships programme.

• $124 million for the Celebration of Heritage in 2023.

• $91.8 million for the National Toshaos Conference.

• $500 million for the construction and equipping of ICT hubs in Amerindian villages.

• The indigenous people will be at the forefront to directly benefit from this Government’s efforts on climate finance, with 15 percent of revenue received from the sale of carbon credits going toward investment in Village Sustainability plans produced by villages and communities.

AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY

Agriculture is an important pillar in the non-oil economy and has been the base of economic activity in rural communities for decades and as such Government remains committed to increasing production and productivity through expansion in acreages and use of technology; diversifying into new crops and varieties; promoting high value and value added, including through agro-processing; and easing the access, for farmers and consumers, to markets.

In the interest of advancing the food security and agri business agenda, Government will, in partnership with the private sector:

• Establish a regional food hub incorporating critical elements of the production and supply chain, such as cold storage, manufacturing and processing capabilities, in order to promote improved access to markets, both export and domestic.

• Establish the capability to harness greater use of science, technology and research and development to promote innovation and product development.

• Promote hinterland agriculture for food security and self-sufficiency, as well as to meet the needs of markets beyond the local community.

• An amount of $2 billion is allocated in budget 2023 for these initiatives.

• Sugar

• $4 billion to GuySuCo, including for the commencement of the construction of the Albion

Packaging Plant and expansion of the capacity of the Blairmont Packaging Plant.

• Rice

• Over $300 million in research and development to improve yields and identify and implement alternatives to insecticides to control the paddy bug problem; constructing two new drying floors in Regions 3 and 5; introducing new bio-fortified rice varieties in 2023 and securing new markets for the rice industry.

Other crops

• Aligned with the agricultural diversification agenda, Government continues to expand non-traditional agriculture, with particular focus on research and development, and the production of high value commodities.

Corn and Soya Bean

Government remains committed to the cultivation of corn and soya bean in the intermediate savannahs, with the aim of being self-sufficient by 2025.

• $150 million for the construction of a wharf in the Tacama area. This wharf will provide critical riverain access to the area under cultivation

Coconuts

• Introduced to farmers a new high yielding and disease resistant coconut variety with eight demonstration plots to be established in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Citrus and Spices

• $153 million to improve processing capacity at Hosororo, Parika and Linden/Soesdyke.

High Value Crops

• $200 million for the expansion of the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme with the aim of engaging a further 100 new young agri-entrepreneurs and increasing the production of these high value crops by 50 percent.

Agro processing

• Invest in new agro-processing facilities in Crabwood Creek and Orealla

• Construct a new cold storage facility in Bartica and procure two new refrigerated trucks to support transport of inputs and agro products.

• Establish another Guyana Shop and a marketing information centre in Bartica.

Livestock

• Continue to support the industry by undertaking investments to help improve the quality of milk and milk products through better sanitation and hygiene practices, improve mutton variety and production, establish a bio-secured small ruminant breeding facility and invest in a broiler breeder facility which will reduce the dependency on importation of hatching eggs.

Fisheries and aquaculture

• $349 million for the expansion of brackish water shrimp farms, and the establishment of vannamei shrimp farms.

Drainage and Irrigation

• $19.7 billion to upgrade the D&I systems across the country. Farmers and residents of MetenMeer-Zorg, Jimbo Grove, Bell Vue and Letter Kenny will be direct beneficiaries of new pump stations that will be constructed in these areas. D&I upgrades will also benefit farmers and residents across the country, including those at Amazon, Adams Creek, Nabaclis, Golden Grove, Buxton and Bellamy Canal.

IMPROVED GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

Governance

The Government reiterates its objective of continuing to expand its initiatives, policies and

BUDGET 2023 AT A GLANCE

programmes to build a more inclusive Guyana, One Guyana.

• Appointment of a Constitutional Reform Commission which will be operationalised with resources reflected in Budget 2023.

Justice Sector Strengthening

The preservation of public trust and the safety of the citizens of Guyana can only be attained when justice prevails for all Guyanese. To this end, $6.2 billion has been allocated for the enhancement of the justice sector.

• $1.5 billion to expand access to justice and deploy ICT to improve the efficiency of the court system.

• $600 million to advance the constitutional and law reform processes, and to make available the new Laws of Guyana volumes.

Strengthening Local Government

The Government has long recognised that robust local government architecture and systems support more sustainable communities.

• $13.5 billion to continue to commit to the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development, National Pathway Workers and the Community Infrastructure and Improvement projects.

• $263.1 million for the restoration of City Hall.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

This Government recognises that delivering safety and security to citizens and businesses is a prerequisite for them to grow, prosper and contribute to the development of the state. A sum of $58.6 billion has been budgeted towards the fulfillment of this vision of a strengthened security sector that will help to maintain the peace and prosperity for One Guyana.

Guyana Police Force:

• $2.4 billion to upgrade police stations and facilities.

• $500 million to continue to support the mobility of the force by expanding its transportation fleet.

• $111 million to support community policing groups.

• $2 billion towards expanding the Safe Country Initiative to Regions 3 and 6.

• 2.1 billion to develop an electronic identification (eID) system to introduce a single electronic identifier, by which each citizen is assigned a unique national registration number to be used by all public and private sector agencies.

• $140 million towards improving the investigative and forensic capabilities of a further 3,000 security personnel, which will result in heightened public confidence and support of our law enforcement institutions.

Guyana Prison Service:

A total of $5.5 billion has been earmarked for the Prison Service in 2023.

• $2.2 billion to advance prisons being constructed at Mazaruni and Lusignan, and to commence work for the reconstruction of New Amsterdam prison. A sum of $50 million is allocated to ensure “trade shops” at these facilities are fully equipped to facilitate training in carpentry, joinery, masonry, block making, baking, cooking and other craft and trade activities to allow inmates to acquire life skills so that they can seamlessly re-integrate into society and prevent recidivism.

• $100 million towards the training of 1,500 inmates which will support their rehabilitation and social transformation in preparation for their exit from the prison system.

Guyana Fire Service:

• $545 million to advance works on critical facilities.

• $489 million for the procurement of several other pieces of equipment for firefighting including water bowsers and tenders, water reservoirs, ambulances and a fully equipped firefighting boat.

• Installation of a further 148 fire hydrants.

• $20 million for the training of fire officers.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Tourism all over the world was challenged by the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and this PPP/C Government effectively navigated the sector through this hurdle with the aim of marketing Guyana as a competitive world class tourist destination that boasts a sustainable tourism product.

• Completion of the Hospitality Institute, which will have the capacity to train 2,500 persons annually.

• British Airways to commence operations in March 2023 with twice weekly flights on a 332-seater aircraft.

• Fly Always to commence twice weekly flights to Barbados using a 70-seater aircraft adding to their existing Suriname-Guyana and Cuba-Guyana routes.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Government has long recognised investing in ICT as a vehicle to leapfrog the pace of development. This is why on October 5, 2022, Government moved to liberalise the sector.

• In 2023, Government will continue to roll out additional digital solutions to improve the ease with which the public interacts with public institutions.

• The most flagship initiative is the Guyana Coders Initiative which will train 150,000 persons in programming, data science and Android Kotlin Developer fundamentals (app development training). This, along with the Hinterland Train the Trainers initiative, Guyanese Girls Code, ICT Apprenticeship Programme, among others, will continue to be implemented to ensure such a reality of a knowledge driven “e-ready” generation.

BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING

In alignment with the diversification agenda and commitment to create 50,000 jobs, the Government continues to support and foster the expansion of the BPO industry.

• A total of four new call centres are targeted for Essequibo and Berbice. This intervention will increase employment in this industry by 800, with the potential to scale to 1,600.

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT

The local Small Business Sector is an integral part of the development thrust of this administration. Small businesses are essential to ensure a diversified and resilient Guyana, as well as for the sustainability of livelihoods for thousands of households.

• Make fully operational, the business incubator centers at Lethem and Belvedere, which will result in the creation of over 400 jobs.

• $327.8 million to continue development works in Amelia’s Ward and commence a new industrial estate in Region 2.

• $1.5 billion for the construction of a new laboratory for the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) which will allow them to provide adequate, accurate and timely services.

• Establish a traceability system to address trade barrier issues which will support expanded market access for businesses.

TRANSFORMATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Energy Expansion and Diversification

• $43.3 billion to facilitate the construction of the integrated natural gas liquids plant and the 300 MW combined cycle gas turbine power plant within the Wales Development Zone and associated facilities. This project will directly cut emissions by 70 percent as well as trigger a series of major economic development initiatives in Guyana as energy costs.

• $1.8 billion to roll out 30,000 solar PV home lighting systems to the hinterland and riverain areas.

• Install and commission six public electric vehicle charging stations.

Transport Infrastructure

The country’s transport infrastructure is being expanded and upgraded at a pace that has never been seen before in the entire history of this country. The results are visible changes to the physical landscape and, in particular, to our transport networks.

Roads and Bridges

$136 billion has been allocated to enhance the roads and bridges network across the country.

• $11.9 billion to continue works on the first phase of the highway to link Linden to Lethem, as well as on 45 concrete bridges along the route.

• $27.7 billion to continue works on the Corentyne Highway from Palmyra to Crabwood Creek.

• $16.6 billion to upgrade of the East Coast Railway embankment road into a 4-lane highway from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau and continuing to the Mahaica River bridge, continuation of the upgrade of the East Coast Highway from Belfield to Orange Nassau, and construction of a second bridge across the Hope Canal.

• $4.1 billion to upgrade the East Bank Highway from Grove to Timehri.

• $10.3 billion for continued works on the construction of the East Coast – East Bank Road linkage from Ogle to Eccles.

• $5 billion for the rehabilitation of the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

• Construction of the Wismar Bridge.

• Construction of the Kurukupuri Crossing Bridge.

• Over $500 million to continue developing the Parika to Goshen route and the Sand Hills to Makouria link.

• Construction of the Nos. 52 and 58 farm to market roads.

• $218 million to cpnstruct the Ituni to Tacama road in the intermediate savannah, to support new agricultural ventures in corn and soya production.

• $5.2 billion to advance construction works on the New Demerara River Bridge, the first high span, 4-lane permanent hybrid concrete and cable-stayed structure.

• $675 million to construct an ocean-going ferry to ply the Georgetown to Northwest route.

• $38.5 billion to construct, rehabilitate and maintain community roads, particularly in underserved areas.

• $5 billion for works in areas such as Moruca, Port Kaituma, Issano, North Pakaraimas and Butakari.

Air Transport

• $1.6 billion for the completion of the Eteringbang, Karisparu and Ekereku Bottom airstrips, and for the rehabilitation of Paruima, Imbaimadai and Matthew’s Ridge airstrips and maintenance of other hinterland airstrips.

River Transport

• $2 billion to improve the operation of our sea and river transport fleet, including the dry docking of MV Sandaka.

• $1.7 billion to rehabilitate stellings including those at Kumaka, Morawhanna, Port Kaituma, Goods Wharf, Rosignol, New Amsterdam, and Bartica.

• $1 billion to procure a tug to provide for the safety of vessels entering and leaving Port Georgetown, to construct and rehabilitate several navigational aids within the Demerara River and Mora Passage, and to acquire multi-beam sonar with accessories and software to enhance under-sea surveying and mapping activities.

Sea and River Defence

• $4.9 billion has been allocated towards the protection and preservation of our sea and river defences.

FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

CSOs to increase to 3,000 in 2023 – Min Sukhai

Thenumber of Community Service Officers (CSOs) will increase to 3,000 in 2023.

Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai made the disclosure during a recent interview, where she added that the move forms part of a holistic plan by the PPP/C Administration to create 50,000 jobs during its first term in office. “This year we are moving from 2, 600 young people being engaged at the village level, building capacity, supporting development in their communities, providing leadership, being role models and also building competence in terms of the training they’re receiving from us, we are now moving to 3,000, we will be engaging 3,000 Amerindian youths,”

Minister Sukhai highlighted.

The Amerindian CSOs will not only be employed but will also receive training so they can contribute to their community’s development.

The government has al-

located $2.7 billion for the Amerindian Development Fund to develop Amerindian communities through training in hospitality and tourism, business development and other areas.

In addition, $500 million has been earmarked to advance Amerindian land tilting activities while $93 million has been set aside to support the hinterland scholarship programme.

Some $4.7 billion has been allocated to spur development in these communities but Minister Sukhai pointed out that Amerindians will be benefitting from initiatives that are across the board.

Among the many initiatives is the $40,000 ‘Because we Care’ and uniform and school supplies cash grant that will put millions in disposable income into the village economy. She explained that, “Many villages in the remote areas and the hinterland, they will not be able to afford to come down

Major upgrades for hinterland health facilities

to Georgetown to purchase their uniforms, so, we’re establishing sewing units so that they can sew right in the village, they can create and provide that service to the student population and the money that goes to the parent will circulate in the village.”

Emphasis will also be placed on promoting shade house agriculture in the communities for food security and sustainability. “It will support village food security, including the dormitories and also the school feeding programme. So, the money that is allocated to all of this will continue to circulate in the village and that will help with income for farmers, income for women, and even the youths we are promoting in terms of getting involved in agriculture,” the Amerindian affairs minister stated.

Amerindian communities are also expected to benefit from health, education, security and infrastructure interventions by the government.

Toimprove and modernise Guyana’s health care system, the government has increased the budgetary allocation for the health sector to a whopping $84.9 billion in 2023.

Hinterland health facilities will not be neglected, according to Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony, who noted that the services are expected to undergo major upgrades this year. “Lethem for example would have a major upgrade [and] Mabaruma, Moruca. You would see us upgrading the hospital at Kamarang, Kato…Mahdia, we would also be improving that hospital as well,” he revealed.

Some $1 billion has been earmarked in Budget 2023 to advance this initiative. In

addition, the Karasabai, Annai, and Sand Creek health centres will be upgraded into district hospitals providing radiology and laboratory services to residents. Another $237 million has been set aside to upgrade those facilities.

Telemedicine centres will also be constructed in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine to provide real-time, remote diagnoses and treatment in remote Amerindian communities by using technology. “A lot of the sites that I talked about, the hospitals would be equipped with the right equipment so that we can do all of these things and connectivity so that the standard of care that we will have on the coastland would be the standard

of care that you will have in the hinterland,” Dr Anthony pointed out.

The PPP/C administration is seeking to position Guyana as a world-class provider of healthcare services and has embarked on several initiatives to ensure this. These include the construction of six new regional hospitals at Lima, De Kindren, Diamond, Enmore, Bath, and No. 75 Village and a Pediatric and Maternal Hospital at Ogle, East Coast of Demerara. Some $13.1 billion has been budgeted to continue construction this year.

“Over this year and running into the next two years, you will see a total transformation of our hospital infrastructure,” the health minister highlighted.

GOAL Certificate Programmes in Region One

Overthe weekend, the Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal launched the 2023 Certificate Scholarship Programmes of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) in Barima/ Waini (Region One).

year and $1.8 billion will be expended for GOAL. “We want to see a better country and having a better country is not just about infrastructure development,” the Minister said.

the Regional Chairman also urged residents to take full advantage of the scholarships and qualify themselves.

Region One

farmers benefit from planting materials to commence large-scale ginger production

– Farmers also receive planting materials for black pepper, other spices

Farmers from several villages in Region One (Barima–Waini) recently received planting materials to commence large-scale cultivation of spices with the aim of supplying export markets across the Caribbean.

Recently, officers from the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) returned to the region to deliver on commitments made by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha during his last visit.

While engaging farmers during the meeting, Minister Mustapha noted that Region One is set to become a hub for spice production in Guyana and that Cabinet had recently approved some $20 million to procure planting materials to begin largescale production of ginger. He further stated that in

countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines there is a high demand for spices and that the government was positioning Guyanese farmers to tap into those markets.

Also, NAREI distributed ginger and turmeric planting materials to farmers operating in Mabaruma Sub Region (Aruau, Hotoquai, Hobodeia, Arukamai, Sacred Heart, Wykaribe, St.Dominic, St. Anslem, Mabaruma, Aruka River, Khan Hill Smith Creek, Barbina, Lower Koriabo, Barima Black Water, Atabani, White Water, Kamwatta, Wanakai, Yarakita, Farm Corp, Hobu, Hosororo, Barscina, Aruka Mouth , Lower Kaituma, Aracuru, Barima Koriabo, Powai Kuru, Red Hill, Koberimo, Morwhanna, St.

John Waini River, Kinchee Creek, Kokerite, Imbotero and Wauna.

Farmers from will soon receive planting materials as officers move across the region to conduct distribution exercises.

Last October while in Hosororo, Minister Mustapha visited NAREI’s spice processing plant and commissioned several new pieces of machinery that will be used to process ginger. These tools include a Vibro sifter, a ginger washer, a ginger slicer, and a ginger grinder to the tune. Further, farmers of Regions One, Four, Six, and 10 also received in excess of 3,500 black pepper cuttings.

The cultivation of other spices like nutmeg is also being encouraged and facilitated by the ministry.

The Minister, who also holds parliamentary responsibility for Region One, first visited the Moruca sub-region on Saturday (February 21, 2023) and the Mabaruma sub-region on Sunday. He was accompanied by the Regional Chairman, Mr. Brentnol Ashley and Vice-Chairperson, Ms. Annansha Peters.

Minister Croal stated that the educational advancement of citizens is crucial to Guyana’s development. As such, $94.4 billion is budgeted for the education sector this

He continued, “it is also about a better education system and to have a much more educated nation”.

Minister Croal explained that under this phase of the GOAL programme, persons without formal qualifications such as the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) can register for Certificate Programmes, which can pave the way for them to pursue Diplomas and Degrees.

With the part-time job initiative expected to be rolled out in Mabaruma soon,

Programmes in technology, banking and finance, business management and marketing, agriculture, health and environmental sciences etc. are being offered at institutions such as the University of the West Indies and Jain University in India.

Region One has over 150 GOAL Scholarship students to date. With regards to internet connectivity and computer devices, resources are being provided to ensure that the region’s ICT Hubs are functional.

A team is also expected to visit the Matarkai sub-region to launch the initiative this week.

Aishalton to get internet access soon

Residents of Aishalton will soon receive internet access to upskill themselves and bridge the digital divide between the coastal and hinterland regions.

This was disclosed by Toshao, Michael Thomas, in a recent interview. “One of the programmes that we have is catering for the development of our village, where we see the GOAL scholarship and all those other programmes necessary, and where we can contribute towards meeting the government’s programmes halfway,”

The announcement was made while Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag

was also in the community to launch the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship. Minister Parag explained that the programme is intended to make tertiary education accessible to all. She said internet access will empower residents to upskill themselves.

Some $2 million has been set aside to provide internet access to the village, according to the toshao.

“Aishalton village council sees it key for our people to get qualified and for our people to complete what they have started. We want to thank the ministry of public service for meeting

us halfway,” Thomas explained.

He said it was important for village councils to work with the government to bring development to communities. “What we should do is come up with innovative ways of how our village can operate, and we can use our human resources and what we have, and bring together our resources and make sure that our people are benefitting from whatever form is there for us,” He said the coming week will see installation works commencing.

The Guyana Tourism Authority will also provide equipment to assist with the installation.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Agro-processing facilities for Crabwood Creek, Orealla this year

With government’s continued commitment to support and promote investments in agro-processing, two new agro-processing facilities are expected to be established in Crabwood Creek and Orealla in Region Six, this year.

The projects are critical elements of the administration’s push for enhanced food security and broadbased sustainable economic growth. And by adding value to primary agriculture production, agro-processing improves household incomes and opens up new opportunities for export earnings.

In recent years, the government has taken steps to support and promote investments in agro-processing.

In 2022, agri-business incubators were established in several locations across the country, including Parika, Fort Wellington, St. Ignatius, and Watooka.

The procurement of equipment for agro-processing and packaging facilities in Sophia, Parika, and Mabaruma was also advanced.

Additionally, significant progress was made on the

construction of new processing facilities at White Water Creek and Charity, which are expected to be commissioned in the coming quarter.

Moreover, a new cold storage facility will be constructed in Bartica, and two new refrigerated trucks will be procured to support the transport of inputs and agricultural products.

Agro-processors will also benefit from the establishment of a new Guyana Shop and a marketing information centre in Bartica.

The government is also planning to establish a regional food hub, which will provide a strong boost to agro-processing and value-added food production. This will help to create jobs, increase exports, and improve food security for the country.

Meanwhile, in an effort to further commercialise value-added production through agro-processing, a $37 million state-of-the-art food processing factory was commissioned at Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice.

The investment will see approximately 700 persons

Gov’t advances coconut industry with decentralisation, high-yielding varieties

including farmers, agro-processors, women, youth, and other stakeholders from Regions Five and Six benefitting from improved services geared at increasing the value and extending the shelf life of their products.

Guyana’s agro-processing capacity was enhanced even further, with a $37 million investment in the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) in July, 2022.

The investment saw the commissioning of six water tanks, two forklifts, four pallet jacks, five trolleys and one sewing machine at the GMC’s Sophia location.

Additionally, in November 2022, a $15 million agro-processing factory was opened in St. Ignatius, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). Farmers there now have the opportunity to process peanuts and cashew nuts.

Guyana is also seeking assistance from India in the form of technology and skilled manpower in the agriculture and agro-processing industries, with the goal of becoming a leader in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

$35.3M drug bond commissioned in Region Five

Adrug bond to the tune of $35.3 million was on Saturday (January 21, 2023) commissioned in Region Five.

This facility will help store and efficiently manage the distribution of drugs in the region and provide a more ready supply of drugs to the health facilities there.

It will also supply the soon to be built modern regional hospital and three new health centres being built in the region this year.

Regional Health Officer, Dr Desmond Nicholson noted that access to medicines and medical supplies is the right of every citizen who visits a public healthcare institution and the Ministry of Health has kept this mandate by ensuring that each region is equipped to

deliver the necessary medication. He noted that the building, “Represents an improvement in the management and distribution of drugs and medical supplies across the region, the vision is that we must, at all times have sufficient levels of buffer stock, which is important in preventing stockouts and drug shortages.”

Regional Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally noted that it is part of the PPP/C Administration’s commitment to provide world class healthcare to all citizens despite of geographic location.

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal noted that this will enhance health services being provided in Region Five.

“This facility has created the foundation for

The government is making strides in advancing the country’s coconut industry through its decentralisation programme and introduction of high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties.

The Dr Irfaan Ali- led Administration rolled out the programme in 2022, which aligned with its manifesto commitments.

The massive undertaking saw the establishment of nine coconut nurseries in Charity, Kairuni, Wakenaam, Leguan, Canal No. 2, Corentyne, Hosororo, Fort Wellington, and Lethem.

Additionally, the government produced 45,000 coconut seedlings to promote expanded cultivation.

In 2023, a new high-yielding and disease-resistant coconut variety will

be introduced to farmers with eight demonstration plots to be established in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six.

Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha said with the international coconut industry anticipating tremendous growth by 2026, it was critical for Guyana to ensure it was in a place to tap into that market.

Internationally, the coconut industry is expected to be a US$30 billion industry by 2026, therefore Guyana needs to set the stage to tap into this market.

“We will be working to develop industries utilising four popular by-products of coconut which include the husk, shell, meat, and water,” Minister Mustapha said.

The government has already collaborated with the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and introduced the Brazilian Green Dwarf coconut variety, known for its high-yielding properties and tolerance to common pests and diseases.

The ministry plans to decentralise coconut facilities countrywide to provide farmers with the necessary support to expand the industry.

A coconut nursery was constructed and stocked for $4.3 million in Hosororo Village and a $1.1 million coconut nursery was commissioned at Kairuni on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The coconut industry is the third most lucrative locally.

Model Arbitration Bill to be enacted this year

TheGovernment of Guyana, in keeping with its stated commitment to create a modern platform for arbitration as an effective method of settling commercial and other disputes in Guyana, will this year enact a Model Arbitration Bill. Government will continue in 2023 to offer capacity building by training and education to familiarise stakeholders with the concept, operational value and benefit of arbitration in the context of the impending legislative framework.

collaboration with IMPACT Justice and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Caribbean Branch, Young Members Group, held a Workshop on ‘Drafting Arbitration Clauses: Practical Workshop’, on the 5th and 7th April, 2022, via the Zoom Platform.

better services to come in this region and also to facilitate the demands that will be coming over the next years ahead,” Ramphal said. He said the drug bond was long advocated for and was a priority for the PPP/C Government when it entered office in 2020. “The three additional health centres, these will be constructed in areas where persons are having difficulties or will have to travel presently far distances to access health care, now they will not have to go that long distance, and in cases of emergencies we can treat with it in a timely manner and to save lives,” he outlined.

The building was completed in record time, with the contractor completing the project in just five months.

The Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, wrote all relevant stakeholders and circulated The Impact Justice Model Arbitration Bill, 2022 for review and requested comments on the same. This Model Arbitration Bill incorporates the key provisions of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Arbitration and was approved by the Caricom Secretariat for implementation by member States in the region.

Improved Access to Justice in the Caribbean Project (IMPACT Justice) is a multi-country regional justice sector reform project funded by the Government of Canada, and is implemented from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados through its Project Director Professor Vilma Newton, who provided invaluable guidance and support to ensure that Guyana, one day, becomes a modern arbitration hub.

In this stead, and in keeping with the objective to educate, train and build capacity which formally commenced in the year 2022, the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs in

This Workshop was extended to all Attorneys at Law through the Bar Association of Guyana, the Berbice Bar Association and also to the Private Sector Commission, inviting interested persons within those organisations to participate, where upon completion the participants received certification.

The objective of the ‘Drafting Arbitration Clauses: Practical Workshop’ highlighted the relevance of including arbitration clauses in contracts and to provide an introduction to the drafting of enforceable arbitration clauses. This Workshop was offered free and sessions were conducted by arbitration experts in the Caribbean, Ms. Shan Greer assisted by Ms. Kimberley Williams.

This was followed by another Workshop on “Roadmap to Implementation of a New Arbitration Law for Guyana and other CARICOM countries” held during 16 May, 2022 to 9th June, 2022, which resulted from a similar collaboration between Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs and IMPACT Justice.

This Workshopproduced a more expansive and tailored arbitration training for members of the Judiciary, The Bar Association of Guyana, Private and Public Sectors, Civil Society and Media.

The objective of this sec-

ond Workshop was to build national capacity and enable participants to understand the purpose of arbitration and to familiarise them with the intended legal framework. In this regard, this Workshop on “Roadmap to Implementation of a New Arbitration Law for Guyana and other CARICOM countries” was facilitated by internationally renowned Caribbean arbitrators, Hon. Barry Leon and Professor Anthony Diamsis of University of Ottawa and distinguished Guyanese arbitrator based in Europe, Mr. Calvin A. Hamilton of Arbitra International and the President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitration, Caribbean Branch, Mr. Miles F. Weeks.

In this new year, the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC MP, established an Arbitration Unit, as various stakeholders selected and sent their respective nominee who would be their representative on the Arbitration Unit which comprises of members from Attorney General’s Chambers, The Bar Association of Guyana, Private Sector Commission and Berbice Bar Association. This Arbitration Unit will liaise with the Judiciary and key stakeholders at periodic intervals as this initiative is part of the Government of Guyana’s declared intention to create a modern infrastructure for the arbitration and conciliation of commercial disputes in Guyana. The inaugural meeting of the Arbitration Unit is fixed for the 6th February, 2023.

In addition, plans are in place as The Attorney Gener-

(Turn to page 17)

Gov’t to focus on oil and gas opportunities for Guyanese youth

Guyana is advancing its transformative development agenda and the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is concentrating on developing an apprenticeship programme with the oil and gas companies to satisfy the requirements of the burgeoning sector.

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton said the ministry will continue its drive to upskill Guyana’s human resources to meet the demands of the industry. “We have already started to have conversations with companies in oil and gas. This is to collaborate to do apprenticeship programme with them so that we can send young people into these companies to work

and to develop wider skillsets than they have,” he said during a recent interview.

Minister Hamilton noted that welders and fabricators have not received training for the oil and gas sector. “So, even after BIT would have trained a welder and fabricator, we have to place that person as an apprentice within the oil and gas sector, so that they can upskill and upgrade themselves to function in the oil and gas sector.”

The minister noted that the forklift operator is also a necessary skill for the oil and gas industry.

To facilitate this, the heavy-duty operator training programme was expanded to include forklift operators.

“The fact that we’re fo-

Regularisation of informal settlements to intensify this year – Min Croal

Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, has revealed that the government is ramping up efforts to regularise informal settlements this year.

vention by President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

cusing and expanding agriculture and food security. We cannot be speaking about doing that and we have inadequate tractor drivers,” he pointed out.

The labour minister also disclosed that the government will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School at Ogle. “Whilst this is an aviation school, because the training, they do is comprehensive, you have many of the oil and gas companies snatching up these young people as they finish.” These persons can transition into other technical areas since it is not difficult for them to do so, Minister Hamilton added.

Gov’t utilising oil and gas resources to ensure all Guyanese benefit – AG

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, , says Guyana’s projected growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can also be credited to the growth in the non-oil sectors.

This is in keeping with the government’s efforts to diversify the economy, and utilise the resources garnered from the oil and gas sector to encourage sustainable economic growth.

The AG was at the time speaking during an interview on the Live Wire. He said, “We are not making the mistake made by so many other oil producing territories, of overconcentrating in that one sector. Rather, we are using the proceeds of that sector, recognising that it is a sector that is exhaustive and ensuring that proper investments are made in the other sectors so that the dependency is not sole and exclusive, but rather spread along different economic activities and creating different revenue streams.”

He said Guyana’s agriculture sector will be heavily dependent on the oil and gas resources, given its potential to grow exponentially. The attorney general noted that this will go a far way in realising the CARICOM’s 25 by 2025 vision of reducing its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

According to the AG, the resources will be utilised to advance all sectors including education and infrastructure, as well as constitutional reform.

Moreover, he noted that the government is looking to facilitate the production of electricity at a lower cost, and exploring resources in alternative sectors such as hydropower, solar and wind.

In response to questions regarding the legal mechanisms in place to promote sustainability within the oil and gas sector, he divulged that government is seeking to create the legislative foundation to guide the endeavor.

Nandlall said, “Economic

Model Arbitration Bill to be...

al’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs, in collaboration with ROLE UK, will embark on an in person Arbitration Training Workshop, for a duration for five days, for Attorneys at Law in the public sector to take place by the end of March, 2023,

advancement cannot take place in a vacuum. It must take place in an infrastructure that is recognised by law and that is based on law. We are in the process of creating that regulatory framework for the oil and gas sector, and we have to build from ground zero in that regard, because it is a new sector.”

He made reference to the Local Content Legislation, installed in 2021, as well as the Natural Resources Fund, aspects of legislation crafted by the PPP/C Administration to regulate the industry.

Further, addressing the ‘lopsided’ nature of the country’s contract with ExxonMobil, entered into during the APNU+AFC’s tenure in office, AG Nandlall, expressed the importance of recognising and respecting the sanctity of contracts, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring that future contracts are different, guided by consultations with several international law firms.

(From page 16)

with emphasis on The Impact Justice Model Arbitration Bill, 2022.

In addition to concentrating on the Arbitration Bill, during this first workshop of 2023 other areas, such as Investment Arbitration, would be made a topic to

In a recent interview, Minister Croal stated that this initiative is a key component of the government’s ongoing regularisation programme. “This year you will find us working aggressively to deal with several unregulated areas and irregular settlements,” he said.

The minister mentioned areas along the Soesdyke highway that are being addressed following an inter-

Other areas that will be targeted include Herstelling to Grove on the East Bank of Demerara which has over 341 informal settlers, as well as Success on the East Coast of Demerara.

Minister Croal explained that the regularisation process can include relocating persons living in areas that are intended for future expansion and development. In these cases, the government typically engages with the affected persons and assists them during the relocation process. “For example, the

recent incident at Cane View [Mocha] that was a [government] reserve and was always intended for future development. Our citizens have to be more responsible in how they are operating and what they do,” he said.

He also highlighted the ministry’s plans to strengthen the enforcement department and increase monitoring of public spaces. To achieve this, Minister Croal is calling on citizens and local authorities to assist in monitoring government reserves.

The overall goal is to provide safe and affordable housing for all citizens.

Govt’s legislative agenda sees 57 bills passed in two years – Minister Teixeira

The PPP/C Administration since returning to office in August 2020, has been actively working to improve the government’s legislative agenda. To this end, some 57 bills were passed to improve the lives of Guyanese over the last two years.

This was highlighted by Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira in a recent interview, where she added that, “The legislative agenda is actually very heavy and we have accomplished about 57 bills from October 2020 to now. I think the breadth of bills to be brought will make life easier for people, would make the business to be able to function better

and in fact, as you know, we haven’t brought new taxes which is always a bill themselves.”

Some of the bills being amended in 2023 include the Trafficking in Persons Act, which will also see the Family Violence and Domestic Violence Acts being amended.

In addition, the government, through the Ministry of Housing and Water, has introduced a Single Window System Bill. The bill caters for the establishment of a single window electronic processing system to increase business efficiency, as the housing and construction industries are expanding rapidly.

“These are all little

broad scope of intervention that are innovative, correcting what might be wrong, amending what needs to be upgraded or modernised,” said Minister Teixeira.

Some of the bills passed last year for the development of Guyana and its people include the Hire Purchase Bill, the Condominium Bill, the Suicide Prevention Bill, and the Mental Health Promotion Bill, among others.

This was a monumental moment for Guyana and the PPP/C Administration for surpassing usual regional standards.

The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to further strengthening Guyana’s legislation in the coming years.

Housing ministry continuously looking to develop new areas

TheHousing and Water ministry will continue its drive to provide house lots for Guyanese by continuously conducting assessments and monitoring the demand.

raise awareness of advancing international arbitration practice throughout the region. The Impact Justice Model Arbitration Bill, 2022, received resounding endorsement across the Caribbean and was approved as a CARICOM Model Bill.

In a recent interview, Minister, Collin Croal noted that Region Four has the greatest number of pending applications. “When you look at Region Four, the reality is Region four at some point in time will become saturated because you have competing interests for Region Four too, it’s not just about land for homeownership, but also for commercial interest, for industrial interest so, we have to cater, we have to have that balance,” Croal said.

He noted that the East

Bank corridor has been doing a lot of commercial activities given its proximity to the ports. “This year the East Coast of Demerara can expect more allocations, so it’s a work in progress, Region Six for example, the previous period we have worked on the [No.] 75 ,76 area, Ordnance Fortland, some we are doing the houses, and then we have the Williamsburg, Hampshire, we are looking for more land closer to New Amsterdam probably like Glasgow etc,” the minister added.

Region Three is also one of the areas that has a huge demand, only last year there were approximately 1,400 pending applications. “We

are looking at new areas to open up for Region Three too we have addressed on the West Coast, so we have more lands that we will develop on the West Coast but we are also looking for example at Wales on the West Bank, so availability of land plays an important role too of how we can respond,” Minister Croal said.

Among the plans for development in several areas, the Moleson creek area will be developed into a community in Region Six. The planning department of the ministry is continuously strategising and working, taking into consideration the government’s plan for the future.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Finance Minister outlines the investment opportunities during engagement with Jamaican Trade Mission

Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, on Tuesday (January 24, 2023) participated in a breakfast engagement with over 60 Jamaican Businesspersons at the Guyana Marriott Hotel where discussions centred on how Guyana and Jamaica can improve growth in trade and investment between the two countries.

The engagement provided an excellent opportunity for the forging of closer ties between Guyana’s and Jamaica’s private sector and for accelerating the deepening of investment and trade. The Trade Mission was led by Jamaica’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill while Minister Singh was accompanied at the meeting by Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond.

The Jamaican Trade Mission to Guyana stems from an earlier trade mission to

Guyana in October 2022 when the Jamaican Minister and team visited to explore export and investment opportunities here. Jamaica’s Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Jamaica Promotions Corporation, the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association partnered to make the missions possible.

During the meeting Dr. Singh alluded to Guyana’s continuing economic growth and posited that the country will continue to be a major centre of strong economic growth going forward and well into the medium term as it will move from producing about 350,000 barrels of oil per day to producing over one million barrels per day by the year 2027. He said Government recognizes the importance of a strong diversified economic base and since the early days of

oil production placed a high level of focus on the non-oil economy which has since been doing well as he outlined its growth since 2020 when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic -re-entered office. “This (oil sector) has triggered a wave of activity necessary for the production of oil”, Minister Singh added but noted as well that in addition to all the major work taking place on the public sector side, ‘we currently have an unprecedented build out of infrastructure on the private side’. There isn’t a sector that has not been visited by positive spill overs as a result of the growth in the oil and gas sector. If you take training, the demand for skilled personnel right now, there is an unmet demand for skilled labour. We are of course, on the part of the Government responding by providing as much training as we possibly can but I make the point really to say too that even in the training and human capacity devel-

opment space there is a huge surge in demand,” Dr. Singh told the enthusiastic Jamaican Mission.

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill, while addressing the team of businesspersons outlined a large number of the infrastructure projects ongoing in the country as well as those in the pipeline including the New Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Bridge across the Berbice River, the Deep-Water Harbour in the Berbice River, the Linden to Lethem Road and the Ogle to Timehri Road among others. “In the quest of modernizing Guyana, we also want to transform Guyana. We want to move Guyana from being just a primary producer of raw materials. We would really like to come into the value added stream. Our biggest challenge has been the cost of electricity and as a result of that we have a transformational, major project that we’ve undertaken,” Minister Edhill explained as he alluded to Guyana’s Gas

to Shore Project. He added, “There is great room for private sector involvement in this modernizing and transforming that is taking place and our flagship which I think is second to none in the Region in terms of housing development.”

Further, Minister Walrond told the trade Mission about Guyana’s unique tourism product including its rich and diverse culture, its lush forests, flora and fauna, mountains, waterfalls and abundant rivers. She referenced the various exciting and attractive places they can visit while in Guyana and she also outlined the several internationally-branded hotels which are under construction as well as the various major events usually held in Guyana in terms of entertainment and the facilities being constructed to accommodate the large influx of visitors to the country during these events. “These are just some of the opportunities and initiatives

happening in different parts of the country. I want to thank you for your interest in Guyana. The fact that you are here and the fact that you are interested, we appreciate it and we hope that you don’t leave here without a project or two to take back to your Boards. I have just listed a few,” she said.

The Trade Mission to Guyana presents an opportunity for both Guyanese and Jamaican companies to forge closer ties and for expansion of the Jamaican business presence and relations in Guyana.

Guyana is considered currently as one of the premier investment destinations in the world with attractive investment opportunities available in the oil and gas sector, infrastructure and requisite support services. There also exists avenues for investment and expansion in the non-oil extractives, such as gold, bauxite, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, ICT and energy.

BUDGET 2023: IMPROVING LIVES TODAY, BUILDING PROSPERITY TOMORROW

APNU+AFC’s fictions exposed during Budget 2023 debates

ThePeople’s Progressive Party/Civic Government has set the record straight on the previous APNU+AFC Coalition’s mismanagement of the agriculture sector, revealing, among other things, the discovery of some 16,000 bags of spoilt fertilisers, when this government took office in 2020.

“Mr. Speaker, they talked about spoilt fertilisers, but let me say something, when we took government in 2020, and we went to the bond at NAREI [National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute], there were 16,000 bags of fertilisers that was spoilt,” Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha told the National Assembly, Wednesday (January 25, 2023).

Minister Mustapha was at the time responding to Opposition Member of Parliament,

ThePPP/C government will not be “manipulated by criticisms to give preferential treatment to prove any point to anyone,” according to Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill.

“We will continue to work with our objective criteria in ensuring that in the delivery of services, people who never had, people who never benefited, will now begin to benefit first, while we bring benefits to all our people,” Edghill said on Wednesday (January 25, 2023) during his defence of Budget 2023.

According to him, the track record of the PPP/C attests to the fact that the needs and wellbeing of all Guyanese, regardless of race or any other differentiating factor, has been addressed. “Our commitment is to serve all the people of Guyana without discrimination,” he posited.

In his zealous defence of the 2023 budget on Wednesday, highlighted that the PPP/C Government remains staunch in its dedication to transforming the lives of all Guyanese, ushering in prosperity and sustainable development. “We are working to ensure that Guyana’s development and modernization is not stymied, or stagnant, but accelerated! We ‘mashing’ the accelerator. The people want development, and modernization, and that is what we are delivering,” Minister Edghill said.

He noted that under the PPP/C Government, every

Vinceroy Jordan, who he said, brought a host of “misinformation” to the house, during the budget debate.

SUGAR

He said the previous government failed all subsectors in the agriculture industry. The highlight of the callous behaviour, he underscored, is the destruction of the sugar industry, firing some 7,000 sugar workers and devastating countless families.

The PPP/C Government has already reemployed close to 1,500 workers within the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO), allowing them to provide a livelihood for their families and contribute to the recovery of their village economies. Making a case during the heated debate, the minister stated that there are also plans

Guyanese will benefit, regardless of race, class or political affiliation.

This is an assertion that is reflected through the myriad of undertakings and interventions, especially on the infrastructural front, meant to drastically improve the lives of Guyanese.

Moreover, the minister pointed out that, as laid out in the manifesto, budget 2023 reflects the government holding up its end of the social contract with the people of Guyana. He said in the 56 months that the APNU+AFC was in office, little was completed to transform the lives of Guyanese, pointing out that the total appropriation for miscellaneous roads was some $8.5 billion. “All the roads that they are saying need to be fixed, they had 56 months to complete, and they didn’t. In the 28 months that the PPP/C has been in office, we have already allocated and implemented $45 billion worth of work on miscellaneous roads,” he recalled.

Meanwhile, in the overall roads programme, in the 56 months, the APNU+AFC government had appropriated and spent $52 billion, a far cry from the $83.9 billion garnered and expended by the PPP/C Administration in just 28 months.

The public works minister expressed that visionary leadership is to be credited for the current trajectory of Guyana’s infrastructure and transport services.

In detailing the achieve-

to reopen the Rose Hall Estate, during the second crop of 2023.

With $4 billion allocated to the sugar industry this year, investments will continue at Albion, Rose Hall, Blairmont, and Uitvlugt, by returning to lands that were out of cane prior to 2020 and damaged by the floods of 2021.

RICE

Turning his attention to rice, the minister posited that 2023 will see the cultivation of more than 170,000 hectares of rice to yield an increase in production, to 652,103 metric tonnes.

“How can we destroy the rice industry, when they [the opposition] increased drainage and irrigation (D&I) and land rental by $6,000. They increase land rentals

ments of the administration during these two years, the minister highlighted that in 2021, 14 coastal bridges were upgraded from wood to concrete, with 45 hinterland bridges currently under construction and being built to international standards, and more than 40 other bridges undertaken.

With reference to community roads, he noted that the 80km of community roads done in 2020, that figure more than doubled to 290km in 2022.

Further, in relation to urban roads, 6.37km of urban roads were constructed in 2020, progressing to 18.13 km of roads in 2022.

These are only two examples of the many advancements that characterised the PPP/C Government’s first two years. This trajectory is duplicated in areas of sea and river defence, civil aviation, and drainage.

Additionally, the minister assured that the government remains committed to maintaining and bringing improvement to hinterland airstrips.

Further, he recalled the success story of the Transport and Harbours Department. (T&HD) Upon assuming office, the minister disclosed that they were met with a struggling T&HD. He made the startling revelation that no National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions were made for the staff, noting that, to date, all NIS arrears and PAYE arrears have been delivered.

and D&I fees from $3,500 to $15,000,” Minister Mustapha disclosed.

Commendably, the rice industry is expected to grow significantly by 8.3 per cent in 2023, as the government pushes to meet its target of positioning the industry to continue its upward trajectory to achieve 1,000,000 tonnes of rice by 2025.

Guyana earned approximately $42 billion in exports in 2022 and this year, the government plans to construct two drying floors at Cotton Tree and Windsor Forest to further support rice production.

AGRICULTURE INFRASTRUCTURE

“We have revolutionised the infrastructure in this country, we have changed the landscape in

In the area of Maritime administration, Minister Edghill made mention of the implementation of the FerryPass, a commendable venture that has not only reduced confusion, but has provided persons with the confidence that their place on the ferry is secured.

He said the much-anticipated M.V Ma Lisha has departed Kolkata and is enroute to Georgetown, to arrive in the first quarter of 2023. The vessel was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and En-

this country. Over the last two years, Mr Speaker, a number of critical D&I works were executed,” the minister stated.

Compared to the APNU+AFC Administration’s contribution to agriculture infrastructure in five years, the PPP/C Government completed 12 pump stations in 2021 and “we will build another eight.”

The construction and rehabilitation of these pump stations will account for approximately $600 million.

The administration plans to build pump stations at Meten-Meer-Zorg and Bell Vue, Region Three; Jimbo Grove, Region Four; and Letter Kenny/Bloomfield, Region Six.

Accordingly, citizens will witness the rehabili -

gineers Limited, as part of the Indian government’s line of credit cum-Grant project. It will be travelling the Georgetown-North West route.

The public works minister also called attention to the projects in store for Guyana through the 2023 budget, such as advancing the new four-lane high span bridge across the Demerara River, and upgrades to the wharves at Kingston and Port Kaituma, in preparation for the incoming M.V Ma Lisha vessel.

tation of pump stations at Anchorville, Region Six and Pouderoyen, Region Three. These significant undertakings will benefit over 10,000 acres of farmlands and over 5,000 farmers.

Minister Mustapha said the 2023 budget will address the socio-economic transformation of Guyana and continue to fortify the government’s ‘One Guyana’ vision.

Guyana’s leadership on the 25 by 2025 initiative by CARICOM, aimed at reducing the extra-regional agri-food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025, is evidence that agriculture is viewed as a mainstay of Guyana’s economy and a fundamental development pillar for our future low carbon development path.

A whopping $136.1 billion was allocated in the budget to the Public Works Ministry for roads and bridges, facilitating the advancement of transport services, representing government’s intentions to build for the future.

“Team PPP/C, under the guidance of President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and the other Cabinet Ministers, we will continue to do all necessary for the modernization, transformation and development of Guyana,” Edghill stressed.

PNCR’s Hastings-Williams get called out for misinformation

Rubbishing claims from the PNCR-led Coalition’s Dawn Hastings-Williams, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Suhkai, stressed that the government has invested over $100 million in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) for 2022, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai has disclosed.

Minister Sukhai during the 2023 budget debate on Wednesday (January 25, 2023), informed the National Assembly that over 700 residents of Kamarang, a community nestled in Upper Mazaruni, are now benefitting from quality potable water. “Residents of Kamarang…are benefitting from a $45 million water system funded by the PPP/C government … even when

the APNU was in office, there were constant complaints by the residents of Kamarang about the poor supply of water…we have corrected that” she said, in response to claims of a lack of intervention on Region 7.

Jawalla, another Upper Mazaruni village is set to benefit from quality water as new wells are being drilled to the tune of $40 million. Minister Sukhai said, “This investment is not only in the water sector but it also extends, as I said… to education, health, infrastructure, social services .and pension, to the village economies of the indigenous villages and into the hinterland communities.”

Meanwhile, the minister pointed to the Board of In-

dustrial Training (BIT) and Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships which are also benefitting Amerindian youths.

Youths have also benefitted from training programmes in several skillsets through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

ICT Connectivity plays a crucial role in Guyana’s transformation and Amerindians are not being left behind.

Since the PPP/C Administration assumed office in 2020, 90 ICT hubs have been completed and 75 of those are fully equipped. In agriculture, over 200 tractors were distributed in 2022 to ensure food security and sustainability in Amerindian and hinterland villages.

PPP/C will not be manipulated to act for the sake of ‘proving a point’ – Edghill

BUDGET 2023:

IMPROVING LIVES TODAY, BUILDING PROSPERITY TOMORROW

Funding in health sector continues transformation, repair of what was broken by Coalition – Anthony

The APNU+AFC Coali -

tion, the parliamentary opposition, is desperately trying to hold back progress with its false narratives, guided by a desire to sow doubts of fear and derail the development agenda, according to Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony.

“Budget 2023 is $781.9 billion worth of development for the people of Guyana. Hope has returned to Guyana, and our citizens are excited about the future of Guyana. We want a Guyana where everyone will work together to transform the country and where all of us can share and enjoy prosperity,” the minister said, as he defended Budget 2023 on Tuesday (January 24, 2023), during the debates in the National Assembly.

The health minister made note of the many broken promises that characterised the APNU+AFC’s tenure in office, especially in the area of health. “In 2017, they promised a mental health institute. Where is the mental health institute? Another broken promise. This is their legacy, a lot of promises, but absolutely no delivery. This, Mr Speaker, is what incompetence looks like. We will not forget this sordid past, but our task now is to fix this broken system, and transform it into a world-class healthcare system.”

In 2022, more than 250 health centres and health posts were upgraded in every region. Further, Guyana’s collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has seen the

Almost 40 per cent increase in grants distributed in 2022 alone compared to coalition’s 560 in five years − Walrond

development of a comprehensive package to facilitate more than 216 interventions at health posts across the country, which includes the diagnosis and treatment of the most prevalent infectious diseases, maternal and child health services, immunisations, and diagnosis and treatment of the main chronic non-communicable diseases.

Meanwhile, just last year, some 4,500 spectacles were purchased for hinterland communities through the health ministry’s ‘snap-on’ spectacles initiative. This represents the government’s efforts to bridge the gap in the provision of health care services in hinterland communities. A team is deployed to the communities to conduct eye examinations and spectacles are provided to those who require it.

Further, Minister Anthony said that more than 500 persons were screened across the country and given hearing aids free of cost, with another 1,000 to benefit similarly from through year’s budget.

To facilitate the transport of patients and staff, especially in the hinterland, the Ministry of Health distributed 31 ATVs, 14 ambulances, 24 boats and nine motorcycles. “This is what progress looks like,” the minister emphasised.

Government, through the ministry of health has made a host of advancements in telemedicine, and budget 2023 caters for the further expansion of those ventures.

“Moving from a rudimentary to a world-class system re-

quired innovation and application of technology. With this in mind, the Government of Guyana has started a remote e-medicine clinic at Nappi, Parikawaranau, Yupukari and Gunns. Each of these sites has a computer, with internet-enabled devices, powered by solar energy and connected to the internet using satellite technology. Already, Mr Speaker, we see a transformation of primary healthcare.”

Telemedicine enables a patient to access help from a medical practitioner or even a nurse without having to travel to the hospital or clinic in their sick state.

Additionally, under the SMART Hospitals programme, financed by the United Kingdom, the Lethem and Mabaruma surgical theatres have received face-lifts and are now fully operational −another example of a promise delivered by the PPP/C government, creating a legacy of reliability and transformational development.

Moreover, the minister reminded of the massive salary increase for healthcare workers, announced by His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali in December 2022, to ensure that Guyana’s health sector is able to attract and retain talented young professionals.

The health minister said, “This budget has something for everyone. In the health sector, it will allow us to fix what was broken, and give us all the necessary resources to move to the next level,” Anthony stressed.

Budget 2023 the ’embodiment of hope’ for all Guyanese – Charlie

The 2023 National Budget sets the framework for Guyana’s continued growth and development, even amid a challenging global economic climate.

Government Member of Parliament (MP) for Region Nine, Alister Charlie made the pronouncement during Tuesday’s (January 24, 2023) budget debate in the National Assembly.

Noting that the budget will ensure a holistic approach to development, MP Charlie said Guyanese can expect to benefit from the transforma-

tional policies outlined in this year’s fiscal plan. “Budget 2023 gives every Guyanese a chance to a good education, access to well-paying jobs, enables them to start their own businesses, raise and provide for their families, own their own homes, live in a safe and secure environment, and retire with dignity,” he said.

The MP pointed out that under the previous APNU+AFC coalition, such provisions did not exist, a situation he assured will not recur under this government’s watch.

“Three billion dollars in salary

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond on Tuesday (January 24, 2023) reaffirmed the PPP/C Government’s commitment to providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to flourish and disposable income to increase.

With some $300 million allocated for further disbursement of grants in 2023, the minister said the government is focused on sustainably developing the lives of all Guyanese.

“We are committed to spending that improves lives today and builds prosperity for tomorrow…to manage that spending in a way… to grow at a pace at which

we can sustain,” she highlighted.

In 2022, a total of 1,429 small business grants were given to people across the country to advance their businesses.

This represents about 40 per cent increase in the distribution of grants in 2022 compared to the entire five-year period of the APNU+AFC Administration, which distributed some 560 grants in total.

Further, the tourism minister pointed to the success of the Cricket Carnival event, which she said government will continue to build on over the next few years. “The event will return this year and next year

in keeping with our plans to attract major events and conferences to Guyana with their spillover effects on our service economy,” Minister Walrond explained, adding that “Our visitor arrival rates for 2022 exceeded 291,000, a 94 per cent increase over 2021. This performance exceeds the global recovery rate of 65 per cent and the regional average of 81 per cent.”

Referencing the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Minister Walrond highlighted that international organisations have commended the administration for its interventions to address the global rise in cost of living.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand defended the $94.4 billion allocated to the education sector in the National Assembly, standing firm that it is in line with the government’s goal of providing quality and equitable education for all students.

The minister highlighted that despite the increased student population of 193,000, the budgeted sum for education equates to roughly $237,000 per child, which is higher than the allocation made in 2019 by the previous government of $100,000 per child, with a population of 185,000.

said during the Budget 2023 debates on Tuesday (January 24, 2023).

Minister Manickchand further highlighted that in 2017 the then government allocated eight per cent of the education budget to capital works; 2018, six per cent and in 2019, nine per cent.

In Region Four, the Yarrowkabra and Good Hope Secondary schools will be completed. A new school will also be constructed at Prospect. In Georgetown, the St Mary’s, Christ Church, St George’s and North Ruimveldt secondary schools will be reconstructed.

adjustments benefitting 5,000 healthcare workers and 9,000 members of the disciplined services, increase in the income tax threshold from $75,000 to $85,000 monthly, releasing a total of $3.3 billion into the hands of taxpayers, and removing 12,000 taxpayers from the tax bench, the increase in the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant from $25,000 to $35,000, benefitting hundreds of children in public and private school… budget 2023 gives hope to every Guyanese.”

Budget 2023 is a whopping $781.9B.

She explained that a large part of the allocation will be spent on infrastructural works on education facilities countrywide.

The minister reminded the house that in 2019, $3.7 billion was allocated to the education capital budget under the coalition, of which 58 per cent or $1.6 billion was returned to the treasury. “They [APNU+AFC] couldn’t spend it because it’s not important. Access and building schools and institutions is not important,” she

In 2022, the PPP/C Government made available 23 per cent of its allocation to civil works, and in 2023 33 per cent has been set aside. “That is because sir, providing access to the children of this country, is hugely important to the goal of getting quality education delivered to our children,” the education minister explained.

In its quest to achieve universal secondary education, this year, in Region One, schools will be built at Hosororo, Kwebanna and Waramuri. The North West Secondary which was destroyed by arson will also be rebuilt.

In Region Two, the Abram Zuil Secondary School will be completed, while two secondary schools will be constructed in Region Three at Tuschen and another on the West Bank.

In Region Six, a school will be built at Orealla, Jawalla in Region Seven and Karasabai in Region Nine. All the multilateral schools will also be rehabilitated.

“Mr. Speaker, this is our capital programme, the APNU+AFC built not one single secondary school in their five years,” Minister Manickchand said.

While noting the importance of education to nation building, the minister said, “Education is valuable and that is the only way to permanently and certainly change the trajectory of any country… If we cannot agree on those, then we need to have a relook at what our role might be or what we believe our role might be in this house.”

Last year, the ministry spent 99 per cent of the of the capital budget and 98 per cent of its current budget.

Gov’t increases education funding per child despite larger student population − Manickchand

BUDGET 2023:

IMPROVING LIVES TODAY, BUILDING PROSPERITY TOMORROW

Opposition’s inputs no match for govt’s policies − Min Hamilton

Thecontributions of the APNU+AFC Opposition at any forum cannot be compared to the policies and programmes put forward by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government.

The assertion was made by Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton Monday (January 23, 2023), as he defended the government’s $781.9 billion 2023 budget, which was presented to the National Assembly by Senior Minister in the office of the President with Responsibility of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh on January 16.

Minister Hamilton said his ministry was able to train some 7,500 persons in various skills through the Board of Industrial Training in just two and a half years. He said in 2020 alone, the ministry trained 2,000 persons, although the government assumed office in August that year.

The minister underscored that the previous government had five years and only trained between 1,300 to 1,500 persons, adding that

limited to no effort was made to include hinterland residents in the programme.

In 2021, BIT trained some 3,086 persons and last year another 4,500 persons were certified after completing their courses. Those numbers can be validated, the minister stated. “Mr. Speaker budget 2023 provides for us to train about 7,000 persons…What is important to note also is the apprentice programme that was dead under APNU. We were able to place 173 apprentices in 2022, 144 at the GuySuCo training centre,” he noted Minister Hamilton pointed out that the opposition cannot bring to the house any programme or policy that could improve the lives of citizens. “Mr. Speaker, nothing productive, nothing constructive, nothing developmental they would bring…they are incapable of presenting any programme or policies to the Guyanese people. We left programmes for them to execute when they were in government but they failed

Amerindians will not be left behind – MP Pearson

miserably even though the money was available,” he stressed.

Further, he pointed to a press release issued by the opposition AFC proposing that a monthly electricity subsidy be given to all category of consumers ─ $5000 for domestic consumers, $10,000 for commercial and $15,000 for industry. And although these measures were suggested by the AFC in the missive, Minister Hamilton highlighted that one must take note that when that same party had the chance in government, nothing was executed.

In fact, he said that same group removed all the subsidies, specifically from pensioners, school children, farmers and other sections of the society. He reminded too that Value Added Tax (VAT) was even added to electricity and water charges. “You think the Guyanese people can be fooled?” Minister Hamilton questioned.

The budget debates are ongoing in the National Assembly.

Budget 2023 builds on a strong foundation – MP Smith

Budget 2023 will continue to solidify the foundation set by the PPP/C Government when it took office in 2020, Government Member of Parliament, Dr Tandika Smith said during the budget debates on Monday (January 23, 2023) in the National Assembly.

She reflected on the undue hardships imposed during the tenure of the APNU+AFC Coalition government. “They took away the Because We Care cash grant from our school children, over 7,000 sugar workers were fired, they increased their salaries from 50 to more or less 100 per cent, they placed VAT on water and electricity, building

materials, fertilisers, VAT on data, medical supplies and over 200 food items…They fired over 200 Amerindian CSOs placing our Amerindian brothers and sisters on the breadline,” she pointed out.

Dr Smith noted that Amerindians are now able to experience true development in various sectors.

The allocation to the Ministry of Health this year will see four telemedicine centres being established in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, and upgrades to health centres in Annai, Karasabai and Sand Creek.

She noted that Moruca and Mabaruma will soon get maternal waiting homes,

The$789.1 billion 2023 budget aims to uplift and enhance the lives of every Guyanese and the first people will be no exception.

This assurance was made by Government Member of Parliament, Yvonne Pearson while during her contribution to the 2023 budget debates on Monday (January 23, 2023) in the National Assembly.

Hinterland communities and villages are set to benefit from huge allocations made to the education, health and infrastructure sectors. “I would like to point out $12.4 billion to improve education infrastructure across the country. And when we say across the country, we’re also talking about the hinterland communities and so education infrastructure will

be developed, enhanced in our various communities and villages. $3.4 billion to procure textbooks for the use by primary and secondary schools that include our hinterland schools unlike what happened under the APNU+AFC when they received no exercise books in our schools …This would not happen under our government,” MP Pearson asserted.

This is the first time that hinterland and Amerindian youths are being given the opportunity to pursue their tertiary education in their own communities the MP highlighted.

She added that the 2023 budget is all about ‘One Guyana’ that will see the country moving upwards and onwards. “They refer to

us as uneducated, but in all my un-educatedness, I understand the budget and the benefits that it will bring for the Guyanese,” the MP said. MP Pearson pointed out that Amerindian communities have already benefitted from a plethora of programmes that have been rolled out over the last two years. “It has started already and the 2023 budget will see the continuation of all these things,” the government MP highlighted as she reminded the National Assembly that the PPP/C Government has been consulting with Amerindian leaders since 2007 on the issue of climate financing; of which 15 per cent of the revenues earned will go towards Amerindian development.

Budget 2023 addresses the needs of the people – Dr Mahadeo

The 2023 National Budget is reflective of extensive consultations conducted with a wide cross section of stakeholders across the country.

while Monkey Mountain and Shulinab now have medical personnel stationed there to provide medical service to residents.

Focusing on Region Three, the MP said this region is becoming one of Guyana’s main economic hub, pointing to the new four-lane Demerara River Bridge and the Schoonord to Crane highway, which are taking shape.

Among other developments, many are benefitting from house lot distributions, while 30 of the 36 health centres in the region have been upgraded.

Also, the region will soon benefit from a modern Regional Hospital.

Director General of the Ministry of Health and Member of Parliament, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo expressed this sentiment as he defended the budget during Monday’s (January 23, 2023) debates in the National Assembly.

The MP who represents Region Six noted that the APNU+AFC, in “a few short years” destroyed the good work done by the PPP/C Administration.

He said the region was particularly targeted by the opposition during its term in office, particularly with the closure of the sugar estates resulting in over 7,000 sugar workers being left on the breadline.

However, with the return of the PPP/C Government residents in the various communities are now benefitting

from outreaches where they get to communicate their concerns directly with senior government officials including President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

The region, over the past two years has benefitted from advancements in the agriculture, education, health, infrastructure and other sectors.

In addition, almost 800 farmers benefitted from flood assistance, training and other capacity building support.

Notably, with the introduction of the part-time jobs programme, some 4,000 persons in the region are benefitting, many who are currently studying through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarships programme.

In health, the homebased care initiative was also restarted in the region, while the Ophthalmology hospital has been rehabilitated and is now functioning efficiently,

conducting some 1,769 surgeries in 2022.

More than 6,300 persons benefitted from the elderly care programme, which will also be expanded to Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and Nine.

Further, Dr. Mahadeo outlined the progress being made in healthcare in Region One, with surgeries now being conducted at Moruca. He noted that over 60 surgeries were conducted in the new theatre, while x-ray and ultrasound services have been added.

The number of those trained as nursing assistants has also doubled with more community health workers trained and employed at the health centres. Specialty outreaches were also conducted in Region Nine, where approximately 60 persons were screened and brought to the Ophthalmology hospital to undergo surgeries, then returned to their villages.

Guyana’s ‘international footprint is established’ − Foreign Affairs Minister

The Government of Guyana continues to establish its footprint on the international scene as it rebuilds its image as a responsible and trusted democratic, political and socioeconomic partner, following the 2020 elections fiasco.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd made

the statement as he defended the administration’s track record during day two of the 2023 budget debates in the National Assembly on Tuesday (January 24, 2023). “We have spent the time between 2020 to now rebuilding Guyana’s image to the extent that our international footprint increased dramatically,” he said.

The foreign affairs minister said several countries are preparing to establish embassies in Guyana this year. “As I speak…the Guatemalans are preparing to establish an embassy here in Guyana. As I speak, the Columbians are preparing to reestablish an embassy here in Guyana. As I speak, the Dominican Republic,

they’re preparing to establish an embassy in Georgetown…so our international image is being repaired,” he revealed.

Minister Todd made a startling revelation concerning an embassy in Brasilia which was never completed under the previous APNU+AFC administration. “I’m encouraged Mr

Speaker, to enlighten the people of this country of a project which commenced under the APNU+AFC that wasted taxpayers’ money in this country. That was to establish an embassy in Brasilia…64 per cent of the project that has been completed…a contract that was fundamentally flawed,” he explained.

Notwithstanding this, the minister said that the PPP/C Administration will continue to foster strong bilateral relationships that will see development for all the people of Guyana. “We can manage this country’s affairs and provide balanced development to the people of this country,” the minister affirmed.

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS

The Ministry of Public Works invites sealed bids for the following:

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS

Lot 1: Construction of New Office Building at Coldingen Compound, Region 4

LAND TRANSPORT

Procurement of Fifteen (15) 4x4 Pickups

BRIDGES

Lot 1: Rehabilitation/Construction of Hope Estate Access Bridge

Lot 2: Rehabilitation/Construction of Good Hope Bridge Extension

Lot 3: Rehabilitation/Construction of Bell View Access Bridge

Lot 4: Rehabilitation/Construction of Mon Repos Pasture Bridge

Lot 5: Rehabilitation/Construction of Enterprise/Beirut Access Bridge

Lot 6: Rehabilitation/Construction of Eliza Mary # 78 Village

Lot 7: Rehabilitation/Construction of Waterloo/Bath Bridge

Lot 8: Rehabilitation/Construction of Blairmont Estate Turn Bridge 5

Lot 9: Rehabilitation/Construction of Blairmont Estate Turn No.2 Bridge 5

Lot 10: Rehabilitation/Construction of Bridge Linking Belle West H/S Canal # 2

Lot 11: Rehabilitation/Construction of Bridge Linking Parafaithe H/S Canal # 1

Lot 12: Rehabilitation/Construction of Glasglow H/S Bridge

Lot 13: Rehabilitation/Construction of La Belle Alliance Bridge

FARM ACCESS ROADS

Lot 1: Rehabilitation/Construction of IR 3 to Abary Phase 3

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Installation of LED Lighting, UG Access Road

Rehabilitation/Construction of Pedestrian Sidewalk, La Grange, W.B. D

Rehabilitation/Construction of Pedestrian Sidewalk, Mon Repos Access Road

HINTERLAND COASTAL AIRSTRIPS

Lot 1: Rehabilitation of Paruima Airstrip

Lot 2: Rehabilitation of Matthews Ridge Airstrip

RIVER & SEA DEFENCES

Lot 1 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at La Resource/Maria's Delight, Essequibo Coast, Region no.2 - Phase 3

Lot 2 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Good Intent, Essequibo Coast, Region no.2

Lot 3 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Abrams Zuil, Essequibo Coast, Region no.2 - Phase 1

Lot 4 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Cullen, Essequibo Coast, Region no.2 - Phase 3

Lot 5 - Construction of Rip Rap River Defences at Zeelandia Estate, Wakenaam Island, Region no.3 - Phase 2

Lot 6 - Construction of Rip Rap River Defences at Belle Plaine, Wakenaam Island, Region no.3 - Phase 1

Lot 7 - Construction of Rip Rap River Defences at Maria's Johanna, Wakenaam Island, Region no.3 - Phase 1

Lot 8 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Zeelandia (Ganga), Wakenaam Island, Region no.3 - Phase 4

Lot 9 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Uniform, Leguan Island, Region no.3 - Phase 2

Lot 10 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Cane Garden, Leguan Island, Region no.3 - Phase 4

Lot 11 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Okum/Retrieve, Leguan Island, Region no.3 - Phase 1

Lot 12 - Construction of Rip Rap River Defences at Belfield, Leguan Island, Region no.3

Lot 13 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Uitvlugt, West Coast Demerara, Region no.3 - Phase 4

Lot 14 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, Region no.3 - Phase 5

Lot 15 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara, Region no.3

Lot 16 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo, Region no.3 - Phase 2

Lot 17 - Construction of Rip Rap River Defences at Friendship, East Bank Demerara, Region no.4

Lot 18 - Construction of Timber Revetment Structure at Cambridge, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, Region no.4

Lot 19 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences between Weldaad and Washington, West Coast Berbice, Region no.5 - Phase 1

Lot 20 - Construction of Timber Revetment Structure along Abary River Dam, East Coast Demerara, Region no. 5

Lot 21 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defence between Bygeval and Essex, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, Region no.5

Lot 22 - Construction of Rip Rap River Defence along Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Region no.6 - Phase 1

Lot 23 - Construction of Rip Rap River Defences at No.81 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region no.6

Lot 24 - Construction of Rip Rap Sea Defences between Wellington Park and Eversham, Corentyne, Berbice, Region no.6 - Phase 2

Lot 25 - Construction of Rip Rap River Defences at Speightland, Linden, Demerara River, Region no.10

1. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedure specified in the Procurement Act 2003.

2. Interested Bidders may obtain further information from, inspect the bidding document, and purchase a complete set of bidding documents at the Ministry of Public Works (address (1) below) from Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Bids can be purchased from 09:00hrs to 16:30hrs, Mondays to Thursdays, and on Fridays from 09:00 to 15:00 hours.

3. A complete set of the bidding documents, in English, may be purchased by interested Bidders at address (1) below upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of Five Thousand Guyana Dollars (GY$5,000.00). The method of payment will be cash, or by manager’s cheque payable to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works, Guyana.

4. Qualifications requirements include but are not limited to: Bidders registered in Guyana must submit valid Certificates of Compliance from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

5. Bidders can register via https://bidders.npta.gov.gy/registration to be added to NPTAB Contractor’s list.

6. Bids shall be valid during One Hundred and Twenty (120) days of the date of bid opening.

7. Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders’ representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at the address (2) below on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 09:00hrs.

Address (1) - Purchase and Inspection of Document:

The Accounts Department, Flat Building, Ministry of Public Works Fort Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: (592) 223 1847 (592) 223 6070

E-mail: procurementwsg@gmail.com

Address (2) - Submission and Opening of Bids:

The Chairman, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Ministry of Finance, Main & Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, Guyana.

COMMENTARY

Factchecking PNC/APNU/AFC for misrepresentation, misinformation galore

By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

The PNC-led APNU/AFC

Coalition decided a long time ago that their strategy for being an opposition party is to obfuscate, misrepresent and misinform their supporters and try to persuade non-supporters that they have the best interest of Guyana.

During the debates on Budget 2023, their clueless strategy becomes opaque and most visible for all to see. Indeed, their performances during budget debates become embarrassing even for their most ardent supporters. Their staunchest of their supporters are left with the “smh” position, shaking their heads at the craziness that has become the hallmark of the PNC-led opposition in Parliament.

Their 1991 Budget 2021 debate performance left their supporters wanting to know what happened to the party that once ruled as supreme dictators for more than 28 years between 1964 and 1992 and then again in 2015 to 2020.

Shockingly, PNC supporters were dismayed because the performance of the opposition in the Budget 2022 debate was the worst in Guyana’s history of budget debates.

Now comes the debate over Budget 2023.

For those who have been watching, unlike during the debate for Budget 2022, there is no shock. The PNCled opposition under Aubrey Norton has shattered the notion that maybe they will show up in 2023 with a new approach. The debate so far for Budget 2023 simply consolidate the image of the opposition – clueless, depending on obfuscation, misinformation, misrepresentation and outright untruths. The Speaker warned MPs not to use the world lies and liars. This column is not beholden to the Speaker of the National Assembly – the PNC abashedly continues in parliament with their outright lies.

One MP stood up in Parliament and boldly proclaimed that sugar was selling in Mocha at $400 per pound. She was immediately fact-checked. The Minis -

ter in the Prime Minister’s Office fact-checked her because in real time the price for sugar in Mocha was determined to be $800 for a 5-pound bag or $160 per pound.

Similarly, the PNC MP claimed the price for oil was $800 a bottle; it was actually $400. The minister sent to Mocha and bought the products right there in Mocha. The PNC MP was caught misinforming the parliament and the country.

In the scheme of things in Parliament, in a national debate, this is a small thing. But we deliberately highlight this at the very beginning of this commentary to show that in big things or small things, it is the same PNC -led opposition. They simply are either too lazy, unwilling or just out of their depths. Instead of relying and debating on facts and merits, they create drama and depend totally on misinformation.

This does not diminish the concern of all Guyanese and the government that since COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war prices have increased. This is a global phenomenon. This phenomenon is important and has a pivotal place in Budget 2023 debate in Parliament. But instead of raising this concern and raise the possibility that more could have been done in Budget 2023 to combat the real increase in prices of goods and commodities, they opposition has decided to misinform and misrepresent. In the process, they have diminished a real concern.

From Day 1, when the Budget 2023 was read by Minister Ashni Singh in a marathon session on January 16, the PNC-led opposition has claimed without any real evidence that Budget 2023 did not cater for supporting ordinary people, particularly poor people, to combat this global phenomenon of price increases and inflation for commodities and goods. In fact, they claimed that less than 1% of Budget 2023 provided for support to poor people to improve their lives and standard of living. These are just bland statement, made without any evidence.

For example, the opposi-

tion completely ignored the allocation of $5B in Budget 2023 for specifically to provide additional cost-f-living measures support ordinary Guyanese families. These measures are to be determined during community engagements.

They completely ignored and deliberately pretended that Budget 2023 did not cater for $10B to support the continuation of parttime jobs for persons in communities across Guyana. These are mainly young people who are pursuing further education, housewives and unemployed persons. The part-time jobs provide valuable income to families across Guyana.

The opposition in insisting Budget 2023 did not cater for measures to combat rising cost-of-living that is plaguing the world completely failed to acknowledge the $17B that the government has relieved people from for the high fuel cost. By maintaining the zero excise tax on fuel, the government is absorbing $17B in cost that ordinary Guyanese people would have had to bear. The extension of the freight-cost adjustment for import taxes also at a cost of $6B for 2023 also contributes to buffer the rising cost of goods and commodities. The combined measures account for $36B or about 5% of the total budget for 2023, far more than the PNC-led opposition claimed in and out of parliament.

But these are not the only measures introduced and accounted for in Budget 2023 to counteract cost-of-living pressures.

These are just a few of the measures introduced to help ordinary Guyanese everywhere in Guyana. The 2023 base salaries for 6,000 healthcare workers and 9,000 members of the disciplined services that were announced as salary scale adjustments will result in another $3B in people’s pockets. President Irfaan Ali has also announced that further adjustments will be made for workers in other sectors, such as teachers. This will add to the $3B. These adjustments are outside the 8% salary increases for public servants and sugar work -

ers that were announced in 2022. Budget 2023 also cater for salary increases in 2023 that will be addressed later in the year and that will be retroactive to January 2023.

The opposition showed up with a straight, brazen face in Parliament and pretend that the adjustment of the income tax threshold from $75,000 per month to $85,000 per month did not happen in Budget 2023. This measure is one of the most important measures for ordinary people. A further 12,000 Guyanese workers will be removed from paying any income tax in 2023. This measure account for more than $3.3B.

Further, the Because We Care and the School Uniform and Supplies Grant of $40,000 per child provided for in Budget 2023 account for $2.3B in Budget 2023. Budget 2023 adds $4.4B of disposable income for the 73,000 pensioners. There is another additional $700 M to pay for the increase in public assistance from $14,000 to $16,000 per month. These combined measures account for an additional $50M in Budget 2023.

These additional cost account for 7% of Budget 2023, far, far, far more than the less than 1% the PNCled opposition claim that Budget 2023 catered for. But the misinformation also goes to how these facts are interpreted.

Take the measure for pensioners as an example. The $4.4B that Budget 2023 added brings the cost for pension payment alone from $25B to about $30B. This alone, payment for pensioners is about 4% of the budget. The $2.3B for Because We Care and school uniform represent additional cost. The actual cost is about $8B. Thus, the measures described so far in this commentary represent additional cost for the measures that alone account for more than 7% of Budget 2023. But when the total cost of these measures is taken together, they account for more than 16% of Budget 2023.

Yet, these are not the only measures that work in favour of ordinary Guyanese. The investment in the Ministries of Health and

Education by themselves account for $170B in Budget 2023. This is an astounding 22% of Budget 2023. Who benefits most from the national investment in health and education? It is the ordinary Guyanese people. The building of more high schools in various communities, such as Yarakabra etc. benefits ordinary people. At least two new high schools and the reconstruction of another two high schools were provided for before 2014. When the PNC-led APNU/ AFC came into government in 2015, they inherited these projects. What happened? None of these were completed or even got off the ground. They spent hundreds of millions of dollars, but none of the schools were done. None of the health infrastructure were improved even though they spent hundreds of millions of dollars.

When the PNC-led APNU/AFC government closed four sugar estates, they placed more than 7,000 workers on the unemployment roll. What assistance did they provide? None!

It is the PPP government that came and rescued these

families, more than 40,000 people in total. This year, the reopening of Rose Hall Estate will be realized. More than 2,500 persons will regain employment, benefiting more than 10,000 persons within these families. These are measures that contribute to the welfare of ordinary Guyanese people.

When we spend more than $300M on chemotherapy medicines for cancer patients, it is ordinary Guyanese people that benefit. When government provide $600,000 per dialysis patients in 2023, anticipating that more than 400 families will benefit, these are pro-ordinary Guyanese people measures. When the government provide cardiac interventions such as angiograms, angioplasty, valves, open heart surgery etc. for more than 300 Guyanese at a cost of more than $300M for 2023, are these not measures that support ordinary Guyanese people?

These are just a sample of how Budget 2023 help ordinary Guyanese people. The PNC-led Opposition is fact-checked by these examples.

APNU+AFC called out for misinformation during budget debates

The APNU+AFC Coalition has imported its penchant for misinformation and peddling wild claims into the debates on Budget 2023, according to Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, on Wednesday (January 25, 2023). He called out the Coali-

tion’s Vinceroy Jordan claims about the agriculture sector’s performance and cited the 2022 Mid-Year Report and the 2022 performance as reported for the year by the Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, on January 16, 2023.

“When we come to the

House, we must come with facts,” Mustapha stressed, adding that as at mid-year of 2022 the agriculture sector recorded significant growth and by the end of 2022 recorded growth of over 9%.

Notably, the finance minister revealed that in the year

Triskits Crackers & Cookies are now available PRE-PACKED for your convenience.

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2022, Guyana’s economy grew by 62.3 per cent overall, with an 11.5 per cent growth in the non-oil economy. With these figures, Guyana would be the fastest-growing economy in the world in 2022.

[SEE RELATED ARTICLES ON PAGES 19-21]

High Court ruling on...

its MPs, Ferguson and Jordan, attempted to seize this ceremonial symbol. Other Opposition MPs attempted to do the same too, in the presence of the entire National Assembly.

Also, Opposition MPs ambushed the control room of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) and wildly unplugged the connections in the electrical systems room, which led to an internet disconnection and audio failures. Members of Parliament who had joined processions virtually were even disconnected from the feed as a consequence of this. The Coalition’s Saraboo-Halley was named as responsible for this.

Further, a parliament staffer, Ean McPherson, was assaulted. He has since moved to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) with a complaint. McPherson, in prior interview, explained that in his attempts to protect the mace, not only was he verbally abused by members of the Opposition,

(From page 7)

but he was also physically assaulted. “I held on to the mace and it was fling to the floor… and I overheard people screaming. “Kick he! Lash He! Drag He! Let’s Throw he over the rail. All I said, was throw me over the rails because I know when I’m going over the rail, I am going with the mace,” he said. “They throw me on the ground, they kicked me, they dragged me outside and then Ms. Philidelphia, Member of Parliament start to abuse me with a series of words like ‘House Salve’, but the one that caught me and I don’t know how I become a ‘House Negro’. So, I prepared a letter and I dropped it upstairs and I showed my concern about how I was treated,” McPherson added.

In addition to Philadelphia, the Coalition’s Singh-Lewis was also named as being responsible.

The APNU+AFC Coalition has consistently been cited for disruptions and behaviour that is not constructive.