Weekend Mirror 11-12 March 2023

Disagreements among a few cannot be allowed to hinder infrastructural development − Edghill

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill on Wednesday (March 8, 2023) conducted a number of road and other project inspections in Region Two.

While there, the minister addressed several issues that

have resulted in the stalling of infrastructural projects.

“We have had a new phenomenon…where people are objecting to building roads.

Roads were awarded and then people in the community are objecting to where

the road is passing,” Minster Edghill related.

He made the comment following inspection of a road project that was stalled, due to a resident claiming ownership and demanding compensation from the con-

tractors before the project could proceed. In disputed areas, where projects are to be completed, the minister said surveys will be conducted to bring speedy resolutions, so that the much-needed works are

advanced.

Minister Edghill said these are clear examples of how disputes over property rights can lead to significant delays in infrastructure projects. “We cannot allow, in Guyana, disagreements among people to hinder community development, we have to change our attitude.

Neighbours who got bad blood with each other, people who got family feuds running forever should not use those instances and those things to prevent communities and a whole region from benefitting from development,” he urged.

The public works minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring development for all Guyanese, highlighting that

significant funds are being expended in the region on these projects.

Minister Edghill also met with contractors in the region, to discuss the progress of the 122 priority roads which are currently under construction. In total, 261 roads were identified in Region Two for upgrade.

Minister Edghill was informed of the shortage of crusher run as a reason for some delay in projects. In this regard, he said the matter will be discussed with the engineering staff, as well as at the ministerial level, to seek a possible extension to the stipulated project deadline.

However, the minister said lengthy delays cannot be accepted.

PPP/C gov’t zeros in on financial crimes

Asgovernment intensifies the fight against financial crimes, an aggressive approach is being taken to advance Guyana’s Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/PF) regime.

This has been outlined in the National Policy and Strategy for Combating Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and the Financing of Proliferation.

The policy aims to guide the implementation of strategic measures in the continuing fight against these financial crimes.

Further, recognising that this arduous task cannot be implemented in isolation, the policy outlines that continuous engagements with the private sector to facilitate private-public cooperation and partnerships will be a seminal part of the strategic approach.

It recognises an AML/ CFT/PF National Coordination Committee (NCC), that will have the responsibility of defining, overseeing, and coordinating the implementation of the national strategy, as well as coordinating Guyana’s participation in the international effort against financial crimes.

It states, “It will be in charge of ensuring effective mechanisms are in place to facilitate cooperation and coordination among policy makers and key AML/CFT stakeholders,”

Moreover, the policy emphasises the importance of

having increased coordination and cooperation among the competent authorities, and it outlines the attachment of sanctions for failure to produce information in a timely manner through enforceable means.

The policy adds that additional memoranda of understanding will be signed among the competent authorities for information sharing to facilitate the analysis and investigation of these crimes.

It outlines eight strategic objectives, all of which are to be enhanced in keeping with international standards:

1. Ensuring policy coordination to mitigate ML/TF risks

2. Strengthening the capacity of the AML/CFT/PF legislative framework

3. by amending and enacting laws and regulations.

4. Strengthening and clarifying the AML/CFT/PF supervision framework

5. Enhancing the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) capabilities

6. Enhancing investigation and prosecution capabilities with increased resources

7. Increasing cooperation and coordination among domestic competent authorities

8. Enhancing regional and international cooperation Ensuring adequate, accurate, and up-to-date information on beneficial ownership and control of legal persons and legal arrangements to prevent abuse by criminals or terrorists.

The policy noted that government’s efforts to address and combat these

PNCR-Coalition was ‘most incompetent, corrupt’ in Guyana’s history – Jagdeo

Guyanese are clear on the sheer incompetence of the former APNU+AFC Coalition government, which, now, in Opposition, is attempting to pull the wool over their eyes with talk of grand plans for change.

“Every single person in this country… now say with certainty that the last government was the most incompetent in our history, the most corrupt in our history and the government, in such a short period, they managed to devastate, in racial terms, some of the communities that Indo-Guyanese and Amerindians lived in,” he said.

According to him, the PNCR-led Coalition came into office in 2015 with goodwill after selling a story to Guyanese voters that they were competent, had a clear governance plan, was committed to the fight against

corruption, and could bring economic development.

“Three fallacies that were proven to be fallacies in their tenure in office,” he said.

Jagdeo added too that details being disclosed daily continue to add to the 50-plus scandals, which took place between 2015 to 2020.

At a prior forum, Jagdeo had noted that the Coalition’s position on fighting corruption is in question, given the many scandals, a few of which include:

1. The debacle over the US$18m signing bonus.

2. The transfer of over $20M of taxpayers’ monies to the children of Minister Simona Broomes. Details on the matter indicate that in 2018, two transfers of US$25,000 each to the daughter of Minister Broomes, the Department of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency.

In 2019, there was another transfer to Broomes’ daughter worth US$36,450 by the Department of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency. Minister Broomes’ son, in 2019, benefited from a fourth transfer of GYD$2.51M from the same Department. The disclosure from your Director General, Joseph Harmon, that the monies represented sums for scholarships raises more questions that remain unanswered.

3. The failure to account for the use of taxpayers’ monies on the multi-million dollar D’Urban Park Project. After months of delay, it is only recently that information has been finally handed to the Audit Office by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. The 2017 Audit report pointed out that millions spent on the project could not be account-

ed for.

4. The continued breaches of Guyana’s procurement laws, relative to the feasibility study on a new Demerara River crossing. The Public Procurement Commission has pronounced on the illegal nature of this undertaking. The report said:

“The PPC noted that the Minster of Public Infrastructure, by memorandum dated November 18 2016, made a request to the Cabinet for Government seeking consideration and approval to

use funds from the Demerara Harbor Bridge Corporation to fund the feasibility study and to commence a contractual engagement with LievenseCSO as of the 1 Jan 2017.” The PPC noted that this request to Cabinet was not forwarded through the NPTA but submitted directly by the Minister of Public Infrastructure. The PPC also noted that Cabinet considered the memorandum submitted by the Minister of Public Infrastructure and in November 2016 approved a

total sum of $161,514,420 to be used from the Demerara Harbor Bridge Corporation to cover cost for the feasibility study for a new bridge across the Demerara river.” To date, new information indicates that more than $$161,514,420 was spent – instead it is close to $300 million that was spent.

5. The use of public office by Minister Cathy Hughes to bolster her financial standing and that of her company, Videomega Productions.

TURN TO PAGE 20 →

Nationally defined plans by developing countries the attractive model for the 21st Century

The commitment to a balanced developmental approach was reiterated ad nauseum by the PPP/C Government, underscoring the recognition of Guyana’s situational nuance as both an oil and gas producer and a leader on the climate change front.

This recognition is encapsulated in the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS 2030). The LCDS 2030 sets how – in line with the 2009 vision - Guyana will advance its payment for forest climate services model and invest new revenues in the low carbon economy, while also expanding the vision to include Guyana’s other globally significant ecosystem services. It summarises how the country aims to achieve the right balance between (i) low impact mining and forestry to enhance employment and income generation opportunities – today these sectors employ 40,000 people and contribute over a billion dollars to export earnings – while preparing for new opportunities as the world seeks more advance minerals for the global transition to renewable energy and electric mobility; (ii) continuing to provide forest climate services, maintaining Guyana’s 18 million hectare forest, and sustaining one of the world’s lowest rates of deforestation; (iii) advancing Guyana’s next generation of ecosystem services such as water management and biodiversity protection. It also outlines how Guyana’s Protected Areas System will be expanded (page 30), how partners will be sought for the International Centre for Biodiversity Research (page 32) and a sustainable Ocean Economy will be nurtured (page 33). The document addresses too how Guyana has evolving from the 2009 vision for forest climate services. It provides more detail (Page 36) on the three phases first identified in 2009, and how Phase I – the Guyana-Norway Agreement – saw Guyana receive US$220 million payments for the period 2009-2015. The specific investments from the payments from Norway are summarised in Appendix III (page 134). Further, it sets out how Guyana is preparing to move to Phase 2 (pages 37-42), when payments from Norway can be replaced or augmented by payments from the voluntary carbon markets. A revenue sharing mechanism, which resulted from the national consultation, and which was endorsed by the National Toshaos’ Council as the final step in the national consultation was also detailed in the document. This revenue sharing mechanism focuses on how indigenous peoples and local communities can receive revenues through: National programmes as outlined in the LCDS 2030 (e.g. renewable energy as described in Chapter 3, land titling as described in Chapter 4, protecting against climate change as described in Chapter 5); and Community/Village-led programmes for indigenous peoples and local communities as set out tin Village Sustainability Plans (VSPs) or equivalent, put together by communities themselves in accordance with the principles of Free Prior and Informed Consent (more detail is set out on Page 43 and 44). The LCDS 2030 also draws attention to how Guyana had developed a comprehensive strategy for addressing the huge losses the country suffers from droughts, floods and other climate-related events. The strategy – the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy (CRSAP) was developed with revenues from the Guyana-Norway Agreement, but it was not progressed after 2015.

Importantly, the LCDS 2030, addresses the oil and gas sector and Guyana’s plans to achieve one of the world’s most ambitious energy transitions – where energy use can increase five-fold while costs can be dramatically decreased, and greenhouse gas emissions can stay approximately flat is also addressed. It sets out plans for Transformative Investment (page 48), including in Isolated Grids (page 56), a new section on Policies and Incentives to Encourage Consumer Choice (page 60) and more information about Energy Efficiency Measures (page 61).

Further, Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has affirmed that Guyana will develop its oil and gas sector in a manner that is environmentally safe and not remain locked into a cycle of “low emission and low income” – a cycle that ignores the fact that Guyana is a net carbon sink, among other facts.

The journey of progress will continue

Dear Editor,

The mammoth crowd at the historic launching of construction of the Berbice Stadium Multi-Purpose Facility was thrilled and excited by the ‘journey of modernisation’ charted by both President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Jagdeo which will once again take Berbice out from the utter ‘darkness’ of economic decay and deprivations which engulfed it during the 5 years of mismanagement and squander mania suffered at the hands of the APNU/AFC Government from 2015 to 2020. This sad state of affairs had spread in every nook and cranny countrywide and every Guyanese suffered except the chosen few who sold their souls to the coalition.

Fortunately, by this time Guyanese are aware that this Government delivers on what it promises and a lot more,

which is quite unlike the coalition which kept promising the ‘good life’ but never delivered it. In fact, none of its 2015 campaign promises were kept and living got progressively worse as more than a trillion dollars was squandered.

The President stated that his Government is not involved in ‘guesswork’ but there is a ‘deliberate strategy’ which will utilise the revenues from oil and oil resources for the upliftment of the Guyanese people. He outlined a series of transformational projects which will ensure economic sustainability far into the future and will benefit generations of Guyanese.

The Berbice Stadium, a level 5 hospital, an industrial hub, a manufacturing hub, an agro-processing hub, the opening of thousands of acres of agricultural lands, a new four-lane highway to Moleson Creek, a first-world training centre,

an international hospitality hospital and the high span Berbice River Bridge in the near future are among a long list of other projects which will drastically transform the lives of Berbicians and the region.

The mere handing out of oil monies will not ensure this and this is what the APNU/AFC is propagating since their economic policies are void of any socio-economic developmental thrust. This Government believes in the long-term sustainability of livelihoods and not the mere handing out of ‘fishes’.

The journey of progress will definitely continue and that is a guarantee. There will be many more historic occasions similar to the one witnessed by thousands on March 3rd, 2023 as progress continues onward.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

Dialysis Support Programme a testimony to Govt’s commitment to people

Dear Editor,

Ifeel compelled to commend the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government for its “… dialysis support programme…” and no wonder one patient stated (I guess in speaking for all the beneficiaries) that “I feel without this, I would have already been in my box.” Why?

Well, let us just reflect on the reality that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is fast growing worldwide, and is associated with very high financial expenditures for patients and healthcare systems, to the point that many simply cannot afford nor access appropriate care. In fact, chronic kidney disease and dialysis are not only medical problems but also economic ones. Just think about the fact that renal replacement therapy (RRT) consumes a lot of resources as the equipment and the materials are quite

expensive. In addition, dialysis needs quite some input from personnel.

In this regard, I note that to date the Government has already compassionately doled out over $50M to some 84 patients. This, as we all know, is what was promised by the PPP/C before entering the present tenure of leading the country. The overall plan is to utilise the budgeted $863 million to support those in need of this critical medical treatment under its Dialysis Support Programme. Over in the States, if one does not have insurance, the cost for one haemodialysis treatment can run up to $500 or more. If a person goes three times per week, that’s at least $1500 per week, $6000 per month, and $72,000 per year. In other words, death ensues quickly.

What I like too is that the Ministry of Health is very pro-active. According to the Health Minister, who elaborated

Globally, the situational nuances of developing countries is not given the attention they warrant. Instead, hard-line positions are taken to supposedly advance the net zero agenda, while ignoring that funding the transition to net zero is one that is not fully supported by the Global North. One only has to look at the failure to meet the US$100B pledge or the recent agreement coming out of COP27 that addresses as Loss and Damage Fund, the functionality of which has still not been defined.

The reality is that the lack of resources, to fund climate change adaptation and mitigation, necessitates a balanced approach to development, like the one Guyana has adopted – a developmental approach that is grounded in a national plan that addresses the nuances of the Guyana situation by pursuing the exploitation of our nation’s resources to fund

that “… through close collaboration with the private sector agencies, dialysis services have now been expanded to Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) compared to previous years where patients requiring dialysis were forced to travel to the capital city to seek treatment.”

Editor, in closing, I do make an urgent appeal to the many who take health matters too lightly. I remind all that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often an issue for years before damage starts to take a serious toll on the body and awareness steps in. The key then is to be alert and take preventative methods such as healthy eating, regular exercises and for sure constant checks.

Yours truly, H Singh

the developmental imperatives of the country, such as world class education and health care, while also funding the transition to a net-zero economy.

Guyana’s commitment to the environment has been evidenced by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART), on December 1, 2022, issuance of the world’s first TREES credits to Guyana. And our country’s commitment to our people is evidenced by the steps being taken to address the social needs of Guyanese via the exploitation of our national resources in a responsible manner.

In the absence of global action, nationally defined plans by developing countries are increasingly becoming the more attractive model to move forward as a means of balancing the global push to net zero and the right of Guyanese to development.

PNCR’s subversive politics will not work in modern Guyana

Dear Editor,

When violence erupted at Mon Repos last year, everyone was dumbfounded as to the reason for that outburst of violence, the reason being those people at Mon Repos had nothing to do with the objective of the protesters’ anger.

What we were told is that the people were mounting a protest for one Quindon Bacchus, who was fatally shot by a Policeman in a faraway community of Golden Grove for a misdemeanor he had committed. How the people of Mon Repos became embroiled in that debacle is a total mystery to everyone.

For starters, what did the Indian vendors

in Mon Repos have in common with a black Police officer shooting a wanted black man in a faraway village? And the answer is there is no connection, the only nexus one can conjure up is a political and racial one.

Now, here we had a Police shooting of a fugitive in another community, yet the innocent villagers at Mon Repos had to suffer untold damages; that is, being beaten, robbed, their stalls and vehicles burned, and the whole lot. If this doesn’t reek of a sinister plot by some known political operatives, then what is?

When all of this was taking place, supporters of the party came out in strong support of the thugs who raided Mon Repos. They used

excuses which were very asinine in content – such as it’s an “Indian Government” and therefore they had every right to attack Indian people.

The situation was even worse when Government compensated the people for their losses, the very same individuals condemned the Dr. Ali Administration for doing this, claiming the people did not suffer any losses, the only losses they suffered were that of their own doing.

What we see here is the political manifestation of the usual suspects; that is, create major damage to people whom they claim to be supporters of the PPP/C Party, then sit back and watch them suffer. But that did not happen, so they became annoyed when those people were compensated.

Further to the issue, now when the perpetrators of those dastardly acts are caught red-handed, the PNC Leadership has come out to “defend them” because they are innocent.

Well, Mister Norton, you would have had

a demon on your hands, because the rioters and thugs are all caught on camera. As it is said, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Now that it is all on the video, you would have the devil’s own job to defend them, which is not going to happen. They will be convicted!

Herein lies three fundamental facts about the PNC Party and its operations (a) Their penchant for violence, a reaction to what they consider an injustice meted out to them; (b) Their attack on persons they perceive to be PPP/C supporters; and lest I forget, there is a third reason: their persistently targeting persons of a certain race.

But what I must remind the PNC’s hierarchy is that those Burnhamite strategies of yesteryear are long gone, relegated to the dust heap of the past. That party has to come into alignment with the “One Guyana Policy,” which is a peaceful and progressive approach.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Norton misleads on Election date

Guyana’s next general elections will be held in November or December 2025, according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

At his last news conference, he said, “Many people believe that this is really the two-thirds point in the term of the People’s Progressive Party in office. It is not. As you know, elections will be

held sometime in November or December of 2025.

“…so there is still nearly another three years to go, largely because of the extended delay that we had in declaring the [2020] results. And then, the period after convening Parliament you have a three-month period to hold the elections.”

After the March 2,2020 General and Regional Elec -

tions, the attempts by the PNCR-led Coalition to undermine the will of the Guyanese people, aided by elements with the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), led to a five-month delay in the declaration of final results.

The PPP/C was finally declared the winner of the elections and its candidate Irfaan Ali subsequently

sworn in as the country’s ninth executive president, on August 2, 2020.

Addressing the PPP/C’s plan for the development of Guyana and the Guyanese people, Jagdeo said, “There is time in the future to implement the aggressive plans that we have laid out to transform this country.”

Despite the widespread publicity of the re -

marks made by Jagdeo, the PNCR-led Coalition’s leader, Aubrey Norton, sought to mislead on the election date.

Using a sparsely attended public meeting in Albouystown, Georgetown, Norton said, “What he is doing is seeking to make you complacent and believe that elections are going to be until 2026 and once you

become complacent, he will call elections earlier. We must see through his strategy and prepare for elections…we must continue to work and be ready this year.”

Despite the false nature of his comments and subsequent questioning, Norton remains silent on his public attempt to mislead on the election date.

Norton falsely claims meeting with CARICOM Chair

Bahamian Prime Minister, Phillip Davis, on Saturday (March 4, 2023) rubbished claims by leader of the PNCRled APNU+AFC Coalition, Aubrey Norton, that a meeting between the two took place.

Norton claimed that

he met with Davis, who is also Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), to brief him on the political situation in Guyana.

The Bahamian Prime Minister, in rejecting the claim, said, “When he did attempt to raise matters

concerning the issues that he perceive to be, I said ‘well look you need to put that in writing to me as Chairman’ so I didn’t engage him as Chairman.”

Norton, according to Davis, was told to communicate his views to CARICOM in writing.

Amerindian leaders urged to use funds from sale of carbon credits to ensure economic stability in their villages

Amerindian leaders have been urged to utilise monies they have received in their bank accounts from the sale of Guyana’s carbon credits, towards economic and social projects that will benefit their people.

During a meeting with residents of Kamwatta Village, Region One (Bari -

ma – Waini), Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai noted that the funds are, “… coming for development for you the people so that you can sit together, not to fight but to discuss, to examine your priorities, to look strategically how this money can be invested in your village to create wealth, so that

the welfare of your villagers will be uplifted.”

She reminded that village projects must focus on food security, economic investments, social development and other initiatives that will improve the lives of the people who elected their leaders to serve in their best interests. “You can do projects

for women. You can even do projects that bring together the elderly. When the older folks can’t go to the back dam, they sit and they are left in their homes doing nothing. You could come up with a project that engages your older people that will keep them busy,” Sukhai recommended. In order for leaders

to access the funds, they must first submit a village sustainable plan that was derived from discussions with the people.

To this end, leaders were encouraged to complete their village plans early, so that they can see development in their villages.

Guyana will be earning

US$750 million for the sale of 30 per cent of its forest to Hess Corporation; of which, 15 per cent will go directly towards Amerindian and hinterland communities. Every Amerindian and hinterland community will be receiving up to $35 million and no less than $10 million.

POSITIONS FROM VICE PRESIDENT BHARRAT JAGDEO

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APNU+AFC persists with ‘race-card’, clearly has nothing left – Jagdeo

ThePNCR-led AP -

NU+AFC Coalition continues to confirm that it is the “most racist” in Guyana’s history – unable to move on from playing the race card.

This was according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who, during his last news conference, noted that in office the Coalition did significant damage to the country’s social fabric in a short period, including through the removal of a large number of persons from the public sector who were condemned as favourable to the PPP/C.

In Opposition, he charged that the race-baiting rhetoric continues to be peddled.

Notably, past several months have seen incidents where persons have spewed

unfounded claims of racism by the current Administration. Unsubstantiated and wildly irresponsible claims – all worded along lines to stir tensions among Guyanese continue to be peddled by leaders of the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition. The issue of racist rhetoric by the PNCR-led APNU+AFC Coalition to stir tensions has been condemned repeatedly over the past several months by PPP/C leaders.

The PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition’s expressed intentions to “undermine” the Dr. Irfaan Aliled PPP/C Administration, according to PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, in prior comments, has not gone unnoticed. Jagdeo, in prior

comments, had said, “People like David Hinds, who for decades misled people into thinking they represent Afro-Guyanese, had no interest in development for Guyana, much less development in the interest of Afro-Guyanese… they are parasitic…when they came into office, they had no intention of supporting Afro-Guyanese…he is smarting from the person loss of privileges that he and his family enjoyed…the bitterness stems from there.” Moving forward, Jagdeo noted that the APNU+AFC Coalition must drop racism as a tool and get on board with a national development agenda – all in the interest of all Guyanese across the entire country. “It is a dead end if they don’t

Foreign currency issues not reflective of status of aggregate market

Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo has shed light on the foreign currency matter, explaining that the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance and the central bank must be viewed at a macroeconomic level, and involves fostering price stability in keeping with international norms and standards.

The Vice President who was speaking during a recent press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre explained that the central bank, “…has to ensure that the money supply, along with the fiscal policy are conducive to growth and, in the long run, [and] don’t cause us to suffer the dreaded Dutch disease, especially in light of the oil and gas proceeds flowing into the economy.”

He pointed out, given the free market structure of Guyana’s economy, the foreign currency availability and pricing fluctuate following the market conditions.

Referencing a statement issued by the Bank of Guyana (BoG), Jagdeo noted that there should be an engagement between Guyana’s commercial banks, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI), the Private Sector Commission, and the bankers’ association regarding foreign currency

concerns.

He said that seasonal variations can see the appreciation of foreign currency rates coming to the detriment or benefit of select parties, explaining that, “We do have not one aggregate market, but every cambio in this country operates like a mini market within the aggregate market. So, one bank would have an abundance of supply, but maybe, some other bank may not have the same amount of currency at that same time.”

To combat this, Jagdeo suggested the establishment of an inter-bank market to facilitate sharing, adding that some banks practice foreign currency hoarding. “So, we have to now work at promoting greater exchanges. I was thinking that maybe we need a daily balance, reported to the central bank of currencies purchased and sold, and the daily balance at all the institutions and then the list of demand, and you will see in most cases that they are clear, but they exist at different institutions,” he stated.

This concept, Dr Jagdeo said, will be discussed further with the senior finance minister. He said, “The government has to ensure that aggregate demand and

drop the racism…there is room for inclusion, providing that you work for the people…you can’t bully people and you can’t lie to people…. currently, we have an ineffective Opposition Leader… more often than not, he has a shallow understanding of crucial sectors,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Government, Gail Teixeira, who took aim at the APNU+AFC Coalition, recently. She said, “At a time when we are taking the trajectory of our country forward; when we are seeing transformation; when the government has given COVID relief; help in the hampers; flood relief; the removal of taxes; the purchase of vaccines for our people;

the PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment)…drugs that were not there; the opening up of housing; and the fixing of roads and bridges. All of this is taking place and all you can do is drag it down to race. That is the only flag you have. The only flag you wave is race…you have stuck loyally to your history from 1954 and onwards - of divide and rule in Guyana. That is unfortunate. I don’t accept that the youth don’t know about these things. They are not obtuse…whether the PNC/ RIG/ APNU/ AFC comes to term with past and steps on the road to national unity, you will be found, if you don’t join, left alone….you have a choice.” Teixeira charged that the PPP/C will push

forward with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s announced One Guyana initiative, despite the naysayers in the Coalition camp. She said, “The attempt to weaken any embryonic efforts at building a One Guyana will not succeed…efforts at building a ‘One Guyana’- a ‘One Guyana’ for all of us as a people where we will work towards equitable distribution of goods and services; where we will work for the development of the regions of our country…that is our goal and if you don’t agree with it, I’m sorry. You’re lost.”

In February 2021, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced the establishment of a ‘One Guyana Commission’, which will be spearheaded by Prime Ministerr Mark Phillips.

Guyana will need 1,500 new healthcare workers in two years – Jagdeo

aggregate supply in the markets reach some equilibrium, given the objectives of the central bank and the Ministry of Finance.”

The GCCI recently raised concerns about a shortage in foreign currency, particularly USDs.

Following this, the BoG reiterated that the banking system, with an average monthly turnover over US$500 million, has an adequate supply of USDs to meet local demand. The institution added that there would be regular monitoring of the foreign currency position in Guyana to ensure there is no disruption nor the adverse impact on economic activities. The BoG reminded that its legislative mandate is to promote domestic price stability through the promotion of stable credit and exchange conditions.

In this regard, the Vice President noted that “We can’t be pandering every time the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce wants to issue a statement. We can’t be pandering to that. We have to look at the macroeconomic objective. So, when we have a firm view on the macroeconomic objectives and if we believe that there is a sustained shortage, we have the means to supply the market.”

Withthe construction of several new hospitals across Guyana, it is estimated that Guyana will need at least 1,500 new healthcare works, according to Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo.

During a recent news conference, he said, “We probably need 1,500 to 2,000 healthcare professionals in two and a half years once these hospitals are completed.”

He added that as part of the improved delivery of health care services in Guyana, there is need for an electronic record management system for hospitals and

assured the public that such a system will be implemented in the public health sector.

The government will be constructing world-class hospitals in Anna Regina, Region Two; De Kinderen, Region Three; Bath, Region Five; Number 75 Village, Region Six; and one at Diamond and another at Enmore in Region Four.

Each of the world-class hospitals will be 65,000 square feet and will be equipped with 75 hospital beds. When completed, patients will no longer have to travel to the Georgetown Public Hospital to receive

medical care, but can be assured of quality care while in their own region.

Meanwhile, progress is also being made on the $12.4 billion state-of-the-art Pediatric and Maternal Hospital that will be constructed at Ogle, by Australian company – VAMED.

This forms part of the President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led government’s vision of creating a modern healthcare system for its citizens.

In Budget 2023, the government allocated $84.9 billion to catapult the health sector.

Guyana plans additional oil auction in 2024 to bolster expansion

(Bloomberg) Guyana is planning another auction of prospective oil-field leases next year as the world’s fastest-growing economy seeks to maintain the pace of development, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said.

The country’s first auction is expected to take place by the end of May after being delayed by a few weeks as the government finalizes contract terms and legislation that ensure it secures a larger share of proceeds, Jagdeo

said in an interview in Houston on Monday. The country has ample drilling locations to justify a second sale next year, he said.

Guyana’s economy is undergoing a radical transformation after Exxon Mobil Corp.’s 2015 discovery of massive tranches of offshore oil. From producing no crude at all, the Exxon projects will likely push national output to more than a million barrels a day by 2027, more than OPEC members Algeria

and Angola, according to the government. But with much of the developed world looking to pivot away from fossil fuels, Guyana wants to extract and sell its crude resources as swiftly as possible.

“We have a ton of decisions to make now so that we don’t slow down the pace of development” Jagdeo said on the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference.

review of Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent engagements]

REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF DR. CHEDDI JAGAN

By Dr. Cheddi Jagan

Mr. Speaker, on this Republic Day I rise to speak with mixed feelings. Universal adult suffrage, voting at eighteen, self-government, independence and republic - these were the dreams we dreamed. We want to cut the umbilical cord with Great Britain. We want to be free. With the exception of voting at eighteen, these things have been achieved. We should be rejoicing, but unfortunately, there is little to shout about. The real freedom which we fought for has eluded us. Instead of a new liberation, we have a new servitude.

True, the Queen Victoria Statue no longer commands the Law Courts compound, the British Sovereigns, past and present, and the British heroes of yesteryear no longer adorn our august Chamber.

But these are mere trappings. Our masters do not really object to their removal. They have a certain historical flexibility. From the days of slavery to the present time, they have made certain accommodations, surrendering symbols and forms, but, substance never. Today, they prefer to use honeyed words like “cooperation” and “partnership” and to substitute black, brown and yellow men for white men, the better to achieve their objectives.

We do not see much cause for rejoicing, for what we see is merely a change of form, not of substance. Actually, Republican Status should have come on the attainment of Independence. Had that been done, there would have been no necessity for all the bally-

hoo, the demagogy and the gimmickry of today. Rather, there would have been for us today the necessity for a cold concrete assessment of where we are heading.

The fact is that our beloved country is retrogressing instead of progressing. All that independence and republicanism stand for are being violated in our country.

Conceptually, republicanism was a declaration of independence, an enunciation of the principle that sovereignty derives from the people and not from tyrants who ruled on the basis of the “divine right of kings” and “the king can do no wrong”.

In Guyana, a minority regime has seized power by fraud and rides roughshod over the rights and aspirations of the people. Look around! A paralysing fear grips our land. The Constitution is being subverted at every turn. The People’s National Congress has made a mockery of the electoral process and the Government is being carried on with concessions being freely made to corruption, patronage and nepotism at all levels. Overall hang both the threat under the National Security Act of Restriction and Detention without trial, and the fear under the proposed Trade Disputes Bill of the abolition of the right to strike.

The state apparatus is a vehicle not for the suppression of those who exploit our people and plunder our resources, but for attacks on the people. Political opponents of the Government are daily being intimidated, harassed and discriminated against. The barbaric practice of housebreaking for

arrears of rental is reminiscent of the cruel measures applied in the days of slavery, and indenture is resorted to at Black Bush Polder. Those who do not conform are ruthlessly weeded out. Pledges to the Amerindian people have been honoured in the breach and they have been treated as second class citizens, browbeaten and coerced.

Yes, fear stalks our land. Instead of freedom from want, we have a widening gap between the rich and the poor. Foreign vested interests have become more entrenched, more exploitive and more ruthless. For their support of these bureaucratic capitalist elite, they receive more and more concessions. Meanwhile, unemployment and underemployment soar and crime, delinquency and prostitution increase. The cost of the living mounts in the face of the wage freeze.

In this context of the empty stomach, discontent and disillusionment the small man must be reassured. He will become the real man, he is told, under the Cooperative Republic. Cooperatives will become the dominant sector and will be the means which, they claim, will bring socialism to Guyana.

Mr. Speaker, when will they stop fooling the people?

The Prime Minister, the Minister of Information and I read the same classics in good old days. The fathers of scientific socialism, Engels and Lenin, long ago exploded the myth that socialism can be achieved through the cooperative movement in peaceful harmony with the monopoly capitalists who own and control the

commanding heights of the economy – the banks, insurance companies, factories, mines, plantations and foreign trade firms. They made abundantly clear that it was utopian to think that contemporary society can be transformed into socialism without taking into account such fundamental questions such as the class struggle, the capture of power by the working class, and the overthrow of the rule of the exploiting class.

These things our ex-comrades know, but they choose to practice the politics of deception. Let them come out with the truth. There is no such thing as a Cooperative Republic. Republics are either socialist or capitalist. The slogan “Cooperative Republic” is a hoax, a fraud, to lull the Guyanese people into a false sense of security. It is a device to cloak and hide the reality of a neo-colonialist, capitalist-imperialist republic.

The truth is, cooperatives cannot succeed in such an environment. They will fail here as they have failed elsewhere. Four years ago, we told them that the seven year Development Plan conceived and made by imperialists would fail. Today, they have set it aside. The yet-to-be-born cooperative plan will die an abortive death.

The cooperative will not bring socialism. Rather, it is only socialism which will permit of the growth and development of cooperatives. In Guyana, the cooperatives

countries the theory and practice of socialism, and deny passports or the right to travel to others who are desirous of studying in universities in the socialist countries? Mr. Speaker, it is impossible to build a cooperative or socialist edifice on colonialist, neo-colonialist and imperialist foundations.

Yes, they have not only crushed a dream; they have also smothered hope. Thousands, disillusioned and frustrated, are leaving our country. They have silenced criticism. The young socialist movement, the youth arm of the ruling party has been bludgeoned into silence for its advocacy of socialism, of nationalisation, of diplomatic, trade and cultural relations with Cuba and other socialist states.

will only provide the cover for a new breed of privileged capitalist elite to use the state machine to get rich quick.

Mr. Speaker, our ex-comrades have killed a dream. Go back to the early 1950s. Ask the Prime Minister and the Minister of Information, the then Chairman and Executive Committee member, respectively, of the People’s Progressive Party, whether our dreams when we had written socialism on our banner did not encompass economic emancipation and social justice, freedom from fear and freedom from want.

How can they honour our national hero, Cuffy, when they persecute those who are carrying on his tradition? How can they build a socialist society when the economic foundation and the political and ideological superstructure are becoming more and more under imperialist control; when our resources have been bartered away, and our country has been mortgaged and strangled by huge local and foreign debts; when the real producers are penalized, agriculture hindered and industrialization stifled; when agents of imperialism like Garner Ted Armstrong, daily from the Government radio station poison the minds of the people with anti-scientific, anti-socialist and anti-working-class ideas?

How can they build socialism when they refuse employment to those who have studied in socialist

They have betrayed a trust. They have sold out the people. While serving imperialism and building a retinue of hangers-on and yes-men, they are feeding the people with half- truths, slogans and gimmicks.

The depth of the depravity, arrogance and callousness of the Government was visibly demonstrated last evening at the National Park. At a most solemn occasion, who should read prayers on behalf of the Muslim community? Not a representative of the United Sad’r Islamic Anjuman, but a hand-picked puppet, who like others today secure their positions through police intervention. Mr. Fazil became Chairman of the Bush Lot Local Authority simply because the police had detained Mr. Seegobin, himself a candidate, on the day of the election.

The P.N.C regime has brought Guyana to the crossroads. It must now make a clear-cut decision. The decks are cleared. It now has a majority, albeit by fraud. It is not restricted in anyway. There should be no more excuses.

If the members of this Government cut out their Daimler-style living, abandon Duvalier methods, follow in the footsteps of Julius Nyerere and Fidel Castro and serve the people, we will march with them, we will back them.

But we warn, if they continue with the imperialist, we will flight them. Our people deserve a better future, and that they must and will have.

(Born on March 22, 1918, the founder of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr Cheddi Jagan died on March 6, 1997. The following is a speech made by Dr. Jagan on Guyana’s Attainment of Republican Status on the February 23, 1970 in the National Assembly. Its re-printing is among several activities being undertaken during 2023 to mark the 105th birth anniversary of Dr. Jagan)

Our people deserve a better future, that they must and will have

Agriculture equipment, sports gear delivered to migrants in Region One

Overthe weekend, Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai and a team journeyed to Farm Core, located in Region One (Barima – Waini), where she delivered agriculture equipment and sports gear to migrants.

“[And] we brought some books for the children, so now that you have a small lesson, you can also use the books to teach the children to read,” Minister Sukhai said during the handing over.

The sports gear will allow the children to partake in recreational activities as they adapt to their new home in Guyana.

The government will also be providing transportation. “This year we put in for the boat and engine. We’re going

to buy you a boat and an engine by mid-year, say June or July, you’ll get a boat and engine, and sein,” the Amerindian affairs minister disclosed.

Government has been supporting these migrants since its assumption to office and has since established a high-level task force to address the mi-

grant issue.

Additionally, in 2021, government restored the multi-agency coordinating

committee to address the influx of Venezuelan migrants.

The committee is cochaired by Minister of Foreign

Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

PPP opens Mabaruma Office

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Saturday (March 5, 2023) opened its office on Mabaruma, Region 1. PPP Executive Member, Colin Croal, who was present for the opening, explained that the Party continues to expand its engagement with Guyanese across the country. “The Party will continue to engage Guyanese, regardless of their geographical location,” he said.

Kowsilla remembered as trailblazer for workers’ rights

OnSunday (March 5, 2023), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) leaders joined members of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) and other organisations to pay tribute to martyr Kowsilla, also known as Alice of Leonora.

This year marks her 59th

death anniversary.

In a simple wreath-laying ceremony at her gravesite in Leonora, West Coast Demerara, PPP Executive Members, Dharamkumar Seeraj and Nigel Dharamall, in addition to the PPP/C’s Deodat Indar, recognised the ultimate sacrifice of Kowsilla, urging persons to let her

legacy serve as a lesson in fortitude.

Dharamlall noted that Kowsilla served as a trailblazer in laying a foundation for the rights we enjoy today. “We must go back to where we came from and relive it. We must ensure that the legacy of her ultimate sacrifice encourages us to

become better at what we do in serving our communities and also standing up for what is right,” the minister urged.

Indar recognised the struggles faced by women in the fight for equal rights, and noted the importance of fearlessly standing up for the rights of others. “For the men that are gathered here

today, I think it is our duty to support the women in their fight,” he said.

On March 6, 1964, Kowsilla was murdered while standing her ground in a protest for workers’ rights in Leonora. She and 14 other women were protesting against being denied work and for the recognition of

GAWU. That morning, the Estate Manager instructed a scab-driven tractor to clear the factory bridge by ploughing through workers and others who had gathered to denounce the measures of the management. Tributes were also paid by several representatives of various organisations.

PPP/C continues outreach to communities

The youths of Belladrum and its neighbouring communities were all smiles after receiving some much needed sports equipment from the government. The gears for cricket and football were handed over by Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, to three teams - the community cricket club, as well as the senior and junior football teams. Minister Parag also used the opportunity to engage residents on key matters relating to their community's development.

POSITIONS FROM THE PRESIDENT

‘Dr Cheddi Jagan a force for good in Guyana − President Ali

Dr Cheddi Jagan was a towering figure in the history of Guyana and the

wider Caribbean region. He was a man of great principles, vision, and courage,

who dedicated his life to the service of his country and his people.

On Monday (March 6, 2023), President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali reflected, alongside ministers of government and other citizens, on the life and work of the former late president at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre.

President Ali, in his address, commended the contributions that remain a vital component in today’s society. “He lived ahead of his time; comrade Cheddi was not a reactionary force he was a thinking force, so he was always ahead of his time. If you read the depth of some of the things, he wrote you will see how far in advance of society and thinking he was. Importantly, in his death, his teachings remained constant with reality. That is why his life is still applicable to the social, political, and economic transformation of Guyana and the region,” the president noted.

Dr Cheddi Jagan was born on March 22, 1918, in Port Mourant, a small village in Berbice. He was the son of

Indian immigrants who came here to work on the sugar plantations in the colony. Despite growing up in a poor family, Dr Jagan excelled in his studies and became a qualified dentist in the United States.

However, instead of pursuing a career in dentistry, Dr Jagan returned to Guyana in 1943, determined to dedicate himself to the struggle for independence and social justice. He became involved in the trade union movement and founded the Political Affairs Committee, which later evolved into the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Under his leadership, the PPP/C became a powerful force for change in Guyana, advocating for the rights of workers, farmers, and the poor. Dr Jagan was a champion of democracy and human rights, and he fought tirelessly against the authoritarian regimes that ruled Guyana in the 1950s and 1960s.

Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and ex-

ile, Dr Jagan never wavered in his commitment to his principles. He continued to speak out for democracy and justice, and his message resonated with the people of Guyana and the wider Caribbean region.

His legacy, is an inspiration to all those who believe in the power of democracy, social justice, and human rights. He was a leader who inspired others to follow in his footsteps and a symbol of hope for the oppressed and marginalised.

In this vein, President Ali noted that, “The ink of history will forever be fresh with his ideas, contributions, and sacrifices for freedom, democracy, equality, unity, fairness, and upliftment of all of humanity”.

The president encouraged Guyanese to recommit themselves to the ideals that Dr Jagan held dear, to continue to work towards a more just, democratic, and inclusive society, where every person has the opportunity to realise his/her full potential.

The PPP/C Government is currently in talks with several big companies in the energy sector to train some 500 Guyanese women to operate heavy duty machines in the mining and oil and gas sectors.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali Wednesday (March 8, 2023) said the future undertaking would allow the participants to earn an average salary of $350,000. “The government is going to invest in ensuring that you are certified and we are going to partner with the private sector, so you move smoothly from certification to employment. These are the commitments that I’m making to you,” Dr. Ali emphasised.

The President made the statement as he addressed a large gathering of women, that joined him and First Lady, Arya Ali for dinner in recognition of International Women’s Day 2023, at State House. The administration will continue to work and provide the necessary resources to lessen the burdens on the nation’s women.

Meanwhile, President

Ali has demonstrated his stern stance and unwavering commitment towards eradicating violence against women, and stressed a zero-tolerance policy approach.

Acknowledging that the social issue continues to be a “devil” plaguing the nation, the president highlighted that citizens must stand collectively to combat the scourge. “How many mothers will cover for their sons? How many wives will cover for their husbands?

… the root cause is our silence; the root cause is our collective guilt.. not to stand strong and definitively against violence against women. If we do that, we can get rid of this monster and devil from the society,” he said.

In Guyana, women are spread across every sector including the judiciary, aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, health care and education, among others.

The Guyanese leader said the successes of Guyanese women are significant and transformative.

Some 72.6 per cent of students currently studying through the Guyana

Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship Programme are women, while another 57 per cent of persons benefitting from scholarships through the Ministry of Public Service are also women.

Another 69 per cent of those trained in the public service are women. Eighty per cent of the total intake in the education ministry’s technical programmes are also women.

At the University of Guyana (UG), 70 per cent of the total student population are women. Importantly, the withdrawal rate at UG among females is at 0.4 per cent and is among the lowest in the region.

“What that tells you, is that not only are women enrolled, women have the staying power, they have the fighting power, they have the sacrifice power and they have the ability to finish what they start. And this is something that men must learn,” President Ali underscored.

Meanwhile, in the health care system, 60 per cent of the doctors and 98 per cent of the nurses are women, the president stated.

Gov’t looking to train 500 women to operate heavy machines for mining, energy sectors – President Ali

FOCUS ON GUYANA’S FIRST PEOPLE

Aishalton residents now accessing free internet

$14M nursery school commissioned at Kokshebai, Region Nine

Students

and educators in Aishalton, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine, now have access to internet connection after officers from the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) facilitated the deployment of cost-free, high-speed internet service to the village.

The equipment was installed at the Aishalton Village Office on March 2, 2023.

Village Toshao, Michael Thomas expressed profound gratitude for the service, noting that it was the first time the village was receiving Wi-Fi service. While the village had previously received data service from Digicel as part of a Ministry of Education plan, difficulties arose when more than 15 persons attempted to connect to the

network. “We were paying for a service that didn’t meet the needs of the village,” Thomas said in an interview. He explained that recently, teachers and educators who are part of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) were unable to connect to the internet.

Some of those persons were forced to travel to Lethem for a reliable and stable internet connection to attend their classes, submit assignments and write their examinations.

Others who could not travel were forced to drop out.

“So, with this new system, the village council will monitor the usage of the

internet, and priority will be given to persons who require the internet for education purposes— submitting assignments and so forth. So, this will be a big move for Aishalton in terms of attaining internet access,” Thomas said.

Thomas said the village had considered attaining internet connection previously, but it proved to be costly. “So now that NDMA has provided this service, it’s going to benefit us greatly. I would like to give a big thank you to them, and the Government of Guyana for providing this service,” he expressed.

The village’s proposed Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub will be located at the village office.

Pupilsin Kokshebai, South Pakaraimas will no longer have to walk for miles to receive an education with the commissioning of a brandnew school right in their village.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand along with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall ,officially commissioned the Kokshebai Nursery School, recently, during a visit to the Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo region.

The Kokshebai Nursery School was constructed by Osbert Rebeiro at a cost of $14 million.

Previously, the pupils manoeuvred the rough terrains for more than five miles as they travelled to Taushida, a neighbouring village to receive an education.

Delivering remarks, Minister Manickchand stated that ensuring each child receives

an education regardless of their geographic location remains a top priority for the Government. She told parents that the Government firmly believes that once given the resources, the children of the hinterland can achieve the same success as those on the coastland. She further stated that constructing a school is only part of giving children a strong education, the other part is ensuring there are trained teachers in each classroom. The education minister highlighted that additionally, the Ministry’s Breakfast programme will be extended to the village,

textbooks will be given to each pupil and in July, each school aged child will receive $40,000 through the Because We Care cash grant programme.

Minister Dharamlall noted that this is part of the Government’s agenda to ensure every citizen benefits from the rapid development is taking place.

While in the village, Ministers Manickchand and Dharamlall commissioned a health facility. This will ease the villagers’ burden of travelling to other neighbouring villages to access basic healthcare.

Seven acres of land set aside for construction of homes in Region One

The government has set aside some 17 acres of land in Mabaruma, Region One, for the construction of homes targeting young professionals in the area.

This was announced by Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal who explained that the initiative is part of the government’s turn-key programme which aims to provide Guyanese with opportunities for affordable housing. “Many of the young people and many of the persons who are working within the mainstream of the region can pay for a house through the banking system. We will start that

this year,” he said. He said infrastructure projects, including land clearance are included in the recently passed budget.

Additionally, under the Hinterland Housing Programme, 100 houses will be constructed targeting vulnerable families from 10 communities across Region One.

Minister Croal said the homes will be constructed free of cost and beneficiaries will only be required to provide some of the labour during the construction phase. “Here within the Mabaruma Sub-Region, we have three communities

that have been identified and I can name one tonight for example we have started the process in Smith creek because we need to rectify that area,” he informed the residents.

In December last year, 31 persons who were allocated lands at Kokerital Hill received their Certificates of Title after several years of waiting.

These initiatives are a part of the government’s plan to guarantee an equitable opportunity for hinterland residents. Similar initiatives are underway in Bartica, Region Seven, and Lethem, Region Nine.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Advancement of housing drive in Linden being held hostage by squatters

Hundreds of families who have been allocated residential house lots in Phase 4, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region Ten are being prevented from occupying their lands, as a handful of squatters remain defiant against all warnings and notices from the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

According to the CHPA, as contractors attempt to execute infrastructure works

in the area, which has been earmarked for road networks, they are being met with harsh opposition by a group of persons, claiming to be farmers. In one instance there was a report of workers being assaulted and machinery being damaged.

During a recent visit to the area the Chief Executive Officer of CHPA, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves, reiterated that while the Ministry stands ready to work with all citizens, development will not

be held up by a few.

The issue of squatting at Phase 4, Amelia’s Ward has been a long standing one. However, in May of 2022, the Ministry after outlining development plans for the area, was forced to remove 20 structures from the area which fell in the path of a road. Twenty persons who laid claim to the structures were fully compensated. In addition to this, the Ministry had engaged the Guyana Lands and Surveys Com -

mission, since some of these persons claimed to have pending applications with that agency.

Following this demolition exercise and subsequent compensation, a significant amount of land clearing was done, however over recent months, another group of persons continue to move into the area, in some instances building new structures while others claimed to own farmlands in the area. An assessment

was done by NAREI and a decision was taken to compensate the persons for their cash crops seen on the lands. However, the persons who lay claims to the farms have no documentation for the lands.

This new occurrence has now stalled millions of dollars in infrastructure works from being carried out in the area, which when completed will benefit more than 300 first-time homeowners.

Mr. Greaves, during his

17 wells to be completed in Region One this year

Residents of Khan’s Hill and surrounding communities, Region One will soon benefit from improved access to potable water, as work on the new 8-inch well is advancing in the area.

The drilling of the well is being facilitated through the Guyana Water Incorporated

(GWI) programme. The government remains committed to its manifesto promise of providing every household with potable water.

Efforts are being made to expand the service to other areas. Notably, once the well can produce a minimum of 20

cubic metres per hour capacity, the service will be extended to supply Thomas Hill, Mabaruma Settlement, and the township area. This will be a major accomplishment for the government for the water service to be extended to those areas.

This will be the second

time an 8-inch well is being drilled in the hinterland region. The first 8-inch well was drilled in Port Kaituma which was extremely successful.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal recently inspected ongoing works at the well site at Khan’s Hill. “We are working steadfastly because, within two years, it is expected that the entire Region One must be 100 per cent coverage. I can also assure you for the Mabaruma municipality zone, we will achieve by the end of this year, 100 per cent coverage for everyone including Hobo Hill,” Minister Croal empha-

sised.

This, he said, has resulted in a significant increase in hinterland coverage to 75 per cent by the end of 2022.

“By the time we are finished this year, we will move the coverage of the hinterland to 89 per cent. 100 per cent access of water services to all riverine and hinterland communities are targeted and must be achieved by 2025,” the minister underlined.

As part of its target for Region One, approximately 17 wells will be completed in 2023, and some $250 million is budgeted to execute the construction of these wells.

Among the areas to ben-

visit to the area, also noted that the Ministry has exhausted all efforts, even as the Ministry continues to plea with persons illegally occupying lands in the area to remove.

The Agency is reminding persons that squatting is illegal and to desist from erecting structures in the area, as the continuation of such activities will leave the agency with no other alternative but to demolish these structures.

efit from the drilling of new wells include Manawarin, Waramuri, Haimakabra, Kamwatta, Koko, Parakeeis, Cabora, Karaburi, Wallaba, and Santa Rosa.

Additionally, new wells will be drilled in White Water, Yarakita, Kamwatta, Black Water Savannah, and Wauna in the Mabaruma sub-district.

The government has invested more than $2 billion in hinterland communities. Some $1.4 billion will be spent this year to increase access to clean, safe water in hinterland communities in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight, and Nine. Some $17.7 billion was allocated in this year’s budget to expand water systems and management.

Construction of regional hospitals progressing smoothly – Anthony

Guyanese can expect to see construction commencing soon on the five new regional hospitals with land preparation complete at each of the sites.

As part of its efforts to increase access to quality healthcare, the government will be constructing worldclass hospitals in Anna Regina, Region Two; De Kinderen, Region Three; Bath, Region Five; Number 75 Village, Region Six; and one at Diamond and another at Enmore in Region Four.

Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, while providing an update on these facilities recently, disclosed that the site development for all facilities has been completed. “The contractor has

taken over several of the sites and very shortly, we’ll start seeing work being started at each of these sites. A lot of progress has been made. The designs are almost complete. So, we’ll start seeing construction in a short period,” the health minister stated.

Each of the world-class hospitals will be 65,000 square feet and will be equipped with 75 hospital beds. When completed, patients will no longer have to travel to the Georgetown Public Hospital to receive medical care, but can be assured of quality care while in their own region.

Meanwhile, progress is also being made on the $12.4 billion state-of-the-art Pediatric and Maternal Hospital

that will be constructed at Ogle, by Australian company – VAMED.

“We’ve also started work on the Maternal and Child Health Hospital that is going to be at Ogle and later this month, we’re expecting that the piling for the foundation would start,” Minister Anthony relayed.

The facility is expected to be commissioned by 2025 and will be equipped with 256 beds.

This forms part of the President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led government’s vision of creating a modern healthcare system for its citizens. In Budget 2023, the government allocated $84.9 billion to catapult the health sector.

PPP/C DELIVERING ON ‘PLAN FOR PROSPERITY’

Finance Minister/IDB sign major agreements for transformative projects in transport infrastructure, health sectors

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh and Ian Goldfajn, President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on Monday (March 6, 2023) signed three Agreements for investments in the transport and health sectors, as well as to support Guyana’s economic competitiveness. The official signing took place during the XI Annual Consultation of Caribbean Governors at the Hyatt Regency in Trinidad and Tobago.

Prior to signing Dr. Singh, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, thanked the IDB for its support to Guyana as he noted that the

Bank has been providing strong support to Guyana’s development efforts, not only in recent years, but over the long-term.

“The IDB has been a reliable and dependable development partner to Guyana. The strength of this partnership is evidenced not least in the three agreements that we are going to sign today, making critical investments in three areas that go to the core of the development of our Government’s agenda,” the Minister added.

President of the Inter-American Development Bank, Ian Goldfajn while delivering remarks, stated that the bank is happy to participate in the develop -

ment of Guyana.

“Guyana is growing and we are very lucky to be part of this growth,” Mr. Goldfajn said, noting that the projects are in priority areas.

FIRST INDIVIDUAL OPERATION FOR HEALTH CARE NETWORK STRENGTHENING IN GUYANA

– US$ 97 MILLION

The objective of the Project is to improve the health of the Guyanese population through increased access, quality, and efficiency of health services. The specific objectives of the first operation are: (i) im -

$30M equipment handed over to Prison Service to boost rehabilitative agenda

Aspart of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) funded Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme (SCJS), Information Communications Technology (ICT) equipment totalling approximately $30 million was on Monday handed over to the Guyana Prison Service.

At a simple handing-over ceremony at the Ministry of Legal Affairs boardroom, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, said the equipment will help to advance government’s rehabilitative agenda for the prison system, as well as assist with training all categories of prisoners in ICT.

The equipment will benefit the prison centres at New Amsterdam, Lusignan, Timehri and Mazaruni. It comprises 100 desktop computers, ten laptops, four wifi routers, four laserjet printers, and five projectors with

screens.

The equipment is expected to facilitate educating the prisoners, creating and nurturing an environment conducive to rehabilitation and upliftment, so that these persons are better equipped to be reintegrated into society upon their release.

“This is only one component of our relationship with the prisons. We are working to improve mental health facilities within the prison structure. We are now more scientific, analytical and programmatic in our approach, and we are looking at these issues closer,” Nandlall stated.

The programme’s core objective is the reduction of the prison population, but it also plays a seminal role in the creation and exploration of alternative avenues that advance government’s rehabilitative agenda. This agenda seeks to remove the

punitive nature of the prison system, pushing for further reduction in recidivism through education and increased productivity.

Research has shown that high rates of imprisonment are associated with prisoners’ return to crime upon release, and given the proclivities of Guyana’s criminal justice system to default to imprisonment to sanction crimes, government’s efforts are to address these concerns through more effective methods.

The AG said, “The prison service is a central part of the justice system and the way that things are evolving, there is now a movement away from punitive sanctions and a concentration more on rehabilitation of the individual in the prison system as well as exploring new concepts such as restorative justice.”

Further, the equipment

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Guyana looking to expand agri-business to boost food production

Guyana is gradually moving towards agri-business, as part of the government’s consistent plan to acquire higher levels of productivity in the agriculture sector.

The administration recently engaged India for potential collaboration to enhance the local food sector.

“We need the expertise from many parts of the world to transform these industries into agribusiness

and with higher levels of productivity,” Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said during a recent press conference.

He added, “We are hoping over the next few months that a lot of these specialists would be recruited and brought to Guyana to give a big boost to the agriculture sector and expand its productivity.”

One area of focus for collaboration is tissue culture, which allows for

prove health outcomes associated with low and high complexity procedures, by expanding the capacity of strategic hospitals; (ii) extend coverage of diagnostic, medical consultation, and patient management services, inclusive of the country’s hinterlands, through Digital Health services such as telemedicine, electronic health record strategy and the strengthening and expansion of teleradiology, and teleophthalmology; and (iii) increase the efficiency of the public health system, by strengthening key logistic, management, and support processes and inputs such as supply chain

management ( including expansion of warehouse capacity, and software and hardware for an electronic supply chain management system).

This investment will support the expansion of the capacity at seven hospitals in both coastal and interior communities, extend coverage of diagnostic exams and medical consultations, advance medical services, and increase access to a more efficient public health system. This project is expected to benefit over half of Guyana’s population including the indigenous community with interventions in all ten (10) of the

country’s regions.

PROGRAM TO SUPPORT CLIMATE RESILIENT ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

– US$117 MILLION

The general objective of the Project is to advance Guyana’s safe, efficient and climate resilient road and associated infrastructure. The specific objectives are to improve: (i) road service quality; and (ii) utility service, along the East Bank Demerara corridor through road and corresponding utility infrastructure improvements.

the rapid production of high-quality planting material.

Guyana’s current nurseries are struggling to supply the necessary materials, but the vice president believes that with the help of Indian specialists and facilities, the country could see a significant boost in productivity.

Tissue culture allows for the production of millions of plants in a short amount

Guyana looking to expand agri-business to... ← FROM PAGE 17

of time, all with the same consistency and productivity. “It would be a big, huge opportunity for Guyanese to work in these areas. It would be a big boost to say our cane farming industry and we need planting material now of high quality.

You can get a million plants in a short period of time. And also, everything else, almost any tree that’s grown you can culture it through tissue culture,” the Vice President explained.

The technology can be applied to a range of crops,

from sugarcane and aquaculture to spices and coconut cultivation, which the government is also looking to expand in the future.

In fact, the government is looking to utilise a portion of state land along the banks of the river for

coconut cultivation, Jagdeo disclosed.

He emphasised the potential for job creation and economic growth in these areas, which could benefit Guyanese farmers and the country as a whole.

India’s expertise in agri -

cultural research and development makes the country a natural partner for Guyana in its endeavour.

With the ability to feed over 1.4 billion people through highly productive and sustainable methods, India’s collaboration could

prove invaluable to Guyana’s agriculture sector. Dr Jagdeo said there is also potential collaboration in biogas and biofuels, while stressing the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

The rehabilitation of this corridor represents a key component of the country’s road network within the integration corridor that connects to Brazil via Lethem, and supports key value-chains including manufacturing, food processing, construction materials, mining and forestry and agricultural commodities including fertilizer. In addition, this corridor is extremely critical given increased economic activity on the East Bank of Demerara and its connectivity to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Soesdyke to Linden Highway and future development of Silica City, an initiative of President Irfaan Ali.

In addition to widening and improving this important West Demerara Corridor, the project will address retrofitting of bridges, reconstruction of lateral drainage systems, relocation of electricity, water and telecommunication distribution networks, construction of passing bays, parking and stopping lanes, street lighting, improved curbways and passenger walkways to enhance commuters’ comfort and safety.

For this project, in addition to a loan of US$100 million, government will be contributing US$17 million to this important road infrastructure.

“ENHANCING THE NATIONAL QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE

$30M

FOR COMPETITIVENESS” REFORMULATION AND ADDITIONAL FINANCING – US$8 MILLION

The general objective of the Project is to support economic competitiveness. Specifically, the program seeks to improve the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) capacity to promote the adoption of quality standards among Guyanese Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

This investment represents additional financing to support the Guyana National Bureau of Standards, given the overall changes in the economic structure of Guyana and the increased demand for services including Laboratory Services. This project complements the works being undertaken under the current NQI project which is under implementation to complete the construction of the GNBS laboratory in order to strengthen its technical, regulatory and compliance capacity.

The President Ali-led Government has embarked on a period of rapid transformation and has laid out a master plan for massive development and transformation of Guyana. The Government has noted that it remains committed to working assiduously to make this vision a reality so that benefits can redound to the citizens in the shortest possible time.

equipment handed

over to... ← FROM PAGE 17

will enable prisoners with access to a first-class computer lab, essentially boosting productivity and avoiding recidivism.

“The prison service requires the ability to rehabilitate, reorient the perpetrator and prepare that person for a new beginning when they are released from the system. That can’t be done unless the prison is equipped with the physical hardware and the facilities to allow that type of programmatic development to take place at the institutional level of the prison itself so that the

crimes have received international recognition, as Guyana recorded improved rankings in international reports such as the United States’ Department of State International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR)

inmates can benefit,” the AG explained.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support for the betterment of Guyana’s Criminal Justice system.

The Support for the Criminal Justice System Programme enabled the Ministry of Legal Affairs to draft the Restorative Justice Bill, as well as systems put in place for the development of standards, guidelines, and rules of procedure for the implementation of restorative justice in Guyana.

← FROM PAGE 17

and the Transparency International Corruption Index. Further solidifying Guyana’s improved stature on this frontier, the country has been removed from the European Union’s Blacklist on Taxation.

PNCR-Coalition was ‘most incompetent...

This was disclosed after the revelation that massive contract of $832,200 for sample work, paid for by the Department of Energy, a department within the Ministry of the Presidency, was given to Minister Hughes’ company. Since then, more information in the public domain, indicates that, in Minister Hughes’ Ministry of Public Telecommunications three contracts were awarded to her company, Videomega Productions: June 4, 2018 –

Advertisement of Vacancies - $939,738; June 25, 2018 –Facebook Page - $119,670; and September 21, 2018 –CTU/ITC Roadshow 2018 - $2,291, 128, among several others.

Jagdeo pointed out that prior to taking office in May 2015, the Coalition boasted and campaigned on “locking up” People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) officials – but time has exposed those comments as nothing more than rhetoric.

Guyana plans additional oil auction...

FROM PAGE 9

←

Guyana is re-writing the production-sharing contract that governs oil deals with foreign companies to secure more revenue for the government after Exxon’s contract was criticized as too generous.

The country plans to increase royalty rates to 10% from 2%, the corporate tax to 10% from zero, and reduce oil companies’ so-called cost-recovery limits. Still, the new contract will ensure Guyana “remains one of the most competitive countries in the world even with these changes,” Jagdeo said.

Major oil companies will be asked to submit bids on 14 oil blocks once the terms have been finalized and written into law. Companies will be allowed to win a maximum of three blocks each to ensure multiple exploration programs can progress simultaneously.

The auction is drawing “great interest” from major oil companies “including quite a few from the US,” Jagdeo said.

Since oil began flowing, Guyana received $350 million in 2020 and 2021, and $1 billion in 2022. The government receives a portion of the revenues for its spending budget while the rest is allocated to a sovereign wealth fund. Guyana has awarded contracts for 12 hospitals and seven hotels, and is building a natural gas pipeline that will reduce electricity prices by 50% when complete in December 2024, Jagdeo said.

In the major urban areas such as Georgetown, labor shortages have prompted Guyana to allow Chinese and Indian companies to import work crews, Jagdeo said. It’s a major turnaround from Guyana’s recent history when unemployment was rife.

Bloated government spending is one of the biggest risks to Guyana’s oil boom, according to Jagdeo. Most of the money spent so far is going toward capital projects rather than recurring expenses, he said.

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

The Ministry of Public Works, Works Services Group invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the following projects: Maintenance of Sea and River Structures within Regions No. 3, 4, 5 and 6:

Lot 1 Boulder face protection maintenance works at Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3 – (Estimated Cost- G$9.00 million)

Lot 2 Incorporation of gabion mattress rock slope to earthen embankment at Mora, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 3 Incorporation of gabion mattress rock slope to earthen embankment at Roden-Rust, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 4 Boulder face protection maintenance works at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.75 million)

Lot 5 Maintenance works to earthen embankment between Hubu and Parika, East Bank Essequibo Region no.3 - (Estimated CostG$7.75 million)

Lot 6 Incorporation of gabion mattress rock slope to earthen embankment at Salem, East Bank Essequibo, Region No.3(Estimated Cost- G$13.80 million)

Lot 7 Boulder face protection maintenance works at Orangestein, East Bank Essequibo, Region No. 3 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.80 million)

Lot 8 Maintenance works at transition of sluice at Den Amstel, West Coast Demerara, Region No. 3 - (Estimated Cost- G$6.0 million)

Lot 9 Maintenance works to earthen embankment between La Harmonie to Free and Easy, West Bank Demerara, Region No. 3(Estimated Cost- G$8.00 million)

Lot 10 Boulder face protection maintenance works at La Grange, West Bank Demerara, Region No. 3 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.75 million)

Lot 11 Maintenance works to concrete structures along Georgetown Seawall, Georgetown, Region No. 4 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.25 million)

Lot 12 Incorporation of gabion mattress rock slope to earthen embankment at Hope Canal Outfall Channel, East Coast Demerara, Region No. 4 – (Estimated Cost – G$13.8 million)

Lot 13 Maintenance works to earthen embankment along Abary Riverdam, East Coast Demerara, Region No.5 - (Estimated CostG$12.0 million)

Lot 14 Maintenance works to earthen embankment along Mahaicony Riverdam, East Coast Demerara, Region No. 5 - (Estimated CostG$13.85 million)

Lot 15 Maintenance works to earthen embankment from Fort Ordinance to Seawell, Corentyne, Berbice, Region No. 6 - (Estimated CostG$6.50 million)

Lot 16 Maintenance works to earthen embankment from Joppa to No.51 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region No.6 - (Estimated CostG$12.25 million)

Lot 17 Maintenance works to earthen embankment from Portuguese Quarters to Bloomfield, Corentyne, Berbice, Region no.6(Estimated Cost- G$9.00 million)

Lot 18 Maintenance works to earthen embankment from Bloomfield to Hogstyle, Corentyne, Berbice, Region no.6 - (Estimated CostG$9.75 million)

Lot 19 Maintenance of earthen embankment and rip rap structure at Scottsburg, Corentyne, Berbice, Region no.6 - (Estimated CostG$13.75 million)

Lot 20 Incorporation of timber revetment structure along earthen embankment along along No.73 Outfall, Corentyne, Berbice, Region No. 6 - (Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 21 Incorporation of timber revetment structure along earthen embankment along Sheet Anchor, Canje River, Region No. 6(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 22 Incorporation of timber revetment structure along earthen embankment along New Forest, Canje River, Region No. 6(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 23 Incorporation of timber revetment structure along earthen embankment along Betsy Ground, Canje River, Region No. 6(Estimated Cost- G$13.85 million)

Lot 24 Incorporation of gabion mattress to earthen embankment at Siparuta, Corentyne River, Region No. 6 - (Estimated CostG$13.85 million)

1. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures, 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 Monday, March 6, 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. Qualification’s 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). A margin of preference for national contractors/JVCAs shall not be applied.

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

6. Bids will be opened in the presence of Bidders’ representatives and anyone who chooses to attend at the address (2) below on Thursday, March 23, 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, Ministerial Tender Board, Ministry of Public Works Oranapai Towers, Wight’s Lane, Kingston Georgetown, Guyana.

COMMENTARY

Op-Ed: The PNC/APNU/AFC was fully prepared to make Guyana a pariah State

By Neil Kumar, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Member

As our citizens move into the full preparation mode for the overdue Local Government Elections (LGEs), the Guyanese nation must never forget the unashamedly and unacceptable pursuit by PNC riggers, to cheat us of our rights and freedoms. In particular, the role of GECOM staff who in the past, blatantly and flagrantly committed unpardonable sins at election times.

All caution must be exercised as it would be remiss for anyone to believe that the ‘Imperial Grippers” who were at the helm, would not be at it again. Without the obvious comfort of the induced and other subtle advantages they had in the former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, the Opposition has raised their ugly heads querying the simplest of things to stymie the run-off of the LGEs.

The Guyanese people must objectively reflect on the history of ‘rigged elections in Guyana. With approximately 40 percent of our voting population being of age 35 years and considered a youth, there are many who in person, cannot relate to the atrocities we as a nation faced under the cheating PNC Regime. Our youths first ‘out of camouflage’ experiences came in the buildup to, and activities after March 2020, Regional and National Elections.

The foregoing, particularly, could be visibly linked to how the “Granger” administration went about the flagrant breach of protocols, precedence, and even legislation to assert a PNC’s full control at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), with the Unilateral appointment of James Patterson as the Chairman of the Elections Commission.

Of course, under Patterson’s limited tenure, until his stay was eventually uprooted by the ruling of the

Caribbean Court of Justice. The then-CEO Lowenfield was allowed the latitude of intense abuse with protection. This he attempted to continue when Justice Singh was appointed by former President David Granger and he was partially successful. But in a framework of justice and fair play, his evils were bound to come to an end.

The impact of the described conundrum created by Patterson, and Lowenfield while being heavily supported by the Vincent Alexander-led PNC Commissioners, resulted in the imbuing of GECOM with many partisan performers. Some were strategically positioned or displaced, and others reacted against the usual norms to the pressures and fear of being fired if they did not comply.

It is without any fear of contradiction, that many in GECOM, who did not leave, may have chosen to comply gradually changing the status quo of those in control of

the Secretariat power and influence. Authentic sources among current and some of the staff who chose to leave complained of a strategically implanted or converted nest of responders, awaiting the directives of their PNC masters.

Moreso, the imbalance was strengthened by the refusal of the Lowenfield Team, to consider the re-hiring of some experienced staff who were likely to expose their wicked intent.

Naturally, the screening of the Staff in GECOM must be continued to ensure the removal of all rogue elements. Naturally, for our nation to stay safe and strong, we must continue to be united in this endeavor for Guyana to have free and fair Elections.

The 2020 fiasco, undoubtedly contributed to by the PNC-led clan, was strongly rebutted by united forces in support of democracy. A united Guyana supported by the strong stand taken by the International

Community, who fought unflinchingly against the unapologetic tyrants. We, therefore, cannot allow any infiltrations that are likely to diminish the required fairness and transparency when election matters are addressed.

The PNC/APNU/AFC was fully prepared to take Guyana and make it a pariah state. The Granger Administration carefully went against the Constitution and appointed James Patterson as the Chairman of GECOM. He then employed Roxane Myers as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and GECOM catapulted Region #5 Election Officer Clairmont Mingo to be Returning Officer of Region #4. More than thirty fraud cases were made out against the GECOM staff Political activists and leaders of the PNC, but there are still the possibilities of remnants.

It begs the question: What and where would have Guyana been if these Riggers and miscreants were allowed to steal the Elections?

Without a doubt, Guyana would have been Blacklisted internationally; CARICOM would have expelled Guyana and the Commonwealth and United Nations would have had us on a serious watch list. Fortunately, the genuine and sincere remarks from the many eminent personalities around the world along with powerful PPP/C leadership, and Guardian of Democracy sent shivers down the PNC spines.

As this Nation celebrates our third anniversary under the Leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s Administration, we must be fully aware of all the developments that are taking place in our country. We must be cognizant of the wicked intent of the “Grippers” who are trying desperately to find relevance in society while the riggers are trying to avoid this Nation from holding LGEs. Objectivity must be the order of the day when we face the polls in these upcoming elections.

PPP/C committed to ‘full implementation of manifesto’ – President Ali

Withan unassailable record of delivering on its manifesto promises, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, stressed that the incumbent PPP/C Administration will not waiver from that track record.

“Be assured of this Government’s unflinching efforts in serving every Guyanese. When you elected us you did so knowing we will fulfil our manifesto in service to every Guyanese. The full implementation of our manifesto in

honour of your support is our utmost priority as we seek to build a country where prosperity is built on sustainability and resilience and growth and development is based on equity, transformative in nature and empowering in results,” Ali said.

The PPP/C Manifesto, ‘A Plan for Prosperity’, addressed deliverables in over to areas, including: Creating jobs; Rescuing productive sector; Mining; Sugar; Rice;

Other crops; Cattle and livestock; Fisheries; Forestry; Manufacturing; Tourism; Business development; Securing the benefits of our and gas for all Guyanese, including strong legislation; Infrastructure boom to build for the future, including the new Demerara River Bridge; Cheaper and more reliable energy; Sustainable development, including advancing the LCDS 2030; ICT, connecting every Guyanese to

the future, focus in hinterland and liberalization of telecommunication sector; Enhanced health service; Expanded delivery of quality education, including scholarships to Guyanese; Provision of affordable housing; Improved access to enhanced quality of water; Addressing workers' welfare; Safer communities; Partnerships with civil society; Mainstreaming youths in national life, including via the President's Youth Advi-

sory Council; Safeguarding the rights of Amerindians; Improved systems to ensure access and decentralisation of government services, etc.; Improved local government systems; Constitutional reform; Greater diaspora engagement; and securing Guyana's sovereignty.

Since returning to office, the government has made interventions to remove more than one hundred burdensome taxes that were levied by the APNU-AFC Administration, while restoring many social benefits which the Coalition scrapped. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, cash grants were issued to all Guyanese, while farmers, entrepreneurs, persons with permanent disabilities and those receiving dialysis treatment benefited from larger grants. Similarly, interventions have been undertaken to stabilise the cost of basic food items and fuel as Guyana and the rest of the world grapples with inflation driven by external factors of COVID-19 and the Ukraine war. The Government is committed to monitoring prices and is prepared to undertake more interventions to cushion the effects on citizens. Amerindian Community Service Officers were rehired, the land titling project for hin-

terland communities has recommenced and development programmes of villages will soon be re-incorporated into the economic model of the Expanded Low Carbon Development strategy 2030. The president’s ‘One-Guyana’ vision, intended to involve and include every citizen at home and abroad in the transformation process, has begun in earnest and is gaining momentum. Additionally, the PPP/C Government has been engaging directly with all Guyanese in communities across Guyana through Cabinet outreaches with feedback from these meetings helping to define policies, prioritise projects and shape a new approach on how Government responds to citizens.

After almost three years in office, the PPP/C has advanced a transformational development agenda. This includes a comprehensive and aggressive public sector investment programme, which aligns with the PPP/ C’s manifesto.

Ali has made clear that the PPP/C Government is advancing challenges – an effort that is not without challenges, but will not be distracted by those who have embraced obstructionism to the detriment of Guyanese achieving their full potential.

AsGuyana joined the rest of the world in observance of International Women’s Day (IWD) on Wednesday (March 8, 2023), Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, reminded that Guyanese women continue to lead the efforts to achieve gender equality.

The minister, who is a political trailblazer, was at the time addressing those in attendance at the IWD dinner hosted on the lawns of State House.

She said women have been at the forefront of many endeavors, reminding that Guyana was one of the first countries to give women the right to vote, and also the first country to have boasted the first female deputy speaker, the late Janet Jagan. She said, “We must never let anybody put us down, in what we have achieved as women. Women in this country have achieved many firsts over the decades.”

The Minister chronicled how far the country has come, as we inch closer to

achieving gender equality, adding that women continue to perform exceptionally in many previously male-dominated fields, such as healthcare and engineering. Teixeira said, “We have struggled hard to get to where we are, and we are not going backwards, ever. Always, we will go forward. We will contribute to our families and our societies, and our nation’s development.”

In education, the minister noted that women account for 60 per cent of Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship holders.

Moreover, as the world gears up to adjust to and combat climate change, Minister Teixeira stressed that women play a crucial role in this global effort.

“The older generation of women will go down in history as the ones who helped and fostered and supported and encouraged the next generation. And the young generation will do that for the next generation, so we build strong societies, nations and the world,” Teixeira stressed.

‘Guyanese women will not be left behind’ − Teixeira