17-18 June, 2017 / Vol. 9 No. 74 / Price: $100 Internet: http: //www.mirrornewsgy.com / e-mail: weekendmirror@gmail.

com

Enmore Martyrs Day: Jagdeo exposes APNU+AFC hypocracy

GuySuCo was on chopping block

long before sugar consultations
PAGE 2

SEE INSIDE
Had walter
rodney been
alive today, his
erstwhile
comrades
would have
persecutedPAGE
him2

PPP salutes
Walter
General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo, has called on Guyanese to stand up and fight governments moves to close the sugar
industry.
His call was made during a large rally in the East Coast village of Enmore to mark Enmore Martyrs Day, an annual event to mark the
shooting of sugar workers while fighting for betterment in colonial Guyana. Pictures show scenes at the rally.

Rodney PAGE 5

Corruption
safeguards
being
dismantled by
govt Jagdeo
PAGE 11
2 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Enmore Martyrs Day: Jagdeo exposes APNU+AFC hypocracy
GuySuCo was on chopping block
long before sugar consultations
G uyanese will live in
the country they fight
for moving forward, de-
clared Opposition Leader, Dr
Bharrat Jagdeo, adding that
the Coalition government
has exposed itself as being
duplicitous, untrustworthy
and unwilling or incapable
of negotiating in good faith.
Speaking at to hundreds
at a public meeting, held
in Enmore on June 14 to
mark Enmore Martyrs Day,
Jagdeo produced documen-
tation that exposed the gov-
ernments perfunctory month later to consult with
attempt at consultations with
the political Opposition and
other stakeholders in the
sugar sector.
The document has been
signed by the Minister of
State, Joseph Harmon, and is
dated November 16, 2016. It
authorizes Mr. Brian Wesley
Kirton to engage in discus-
sions on its (governments)
behalf with interested com-
panies/ parties regarding
their possible interest in
acquiring the Guyana Sug-
ar Corporation (GuySuCo)
in whole or in part and to
facilitate arrangements for
negotiations.
Jagdeo noted that the
while the Authorization
as the document is titled
was issued in November,
the Government moved a
Minister, Noel Holder.
the political Opposition and
the sugar workers unions on
the future of the sector.
CALLOUS ACTIONS
The Opposition Leader
charged that the Coalition
government is making moves
in the sugar sector based on
a preconceived position to
close or sell off the sugar
sectors assets and is ig-
noring the impacts that such
moves will have on tens of
thousands of average Guy-
anese.
On that note, he stressed
that the APNU+AFC Coa-
lition governments actions
to date and expressed fu-
ture intentions can only be
considered political and
discriminatory actions
that are taken without any
rational basis. The callous-
ness of the decision is seen
to date they cant say what
will happen to the 10,000
(sugar) workers who have
an uncertain future, he said.
Notably, with the Wales
Sugar Estate already closed,
Government has released a
State Paper on the future
of the sugar industry, which
was read in the National
Assembly by Agriculture
The eight-page Paper states
that:
1. The future of the indus-
try is considered to lie in a
smaller sugar sector, with
reduced losses and cash defi-
cits, but coupled with a sepa-
rate and profitable diversified
enterprise;
2. Focus on poorly perform-
ing estates should shift from
sugar to diversification al-
though there is no mention
of diversification in what
area, not reference to specific
estates that are performing
poorly;
3. GuySuCo will divest itself
of the Skeldon Estate and the
funds from the sale of Skel-
don will go towards reducing
GuySuCos debts and to sup-
port its capital programmes;
4. Operations at the Rose
Hall estate will be amalgam-
ated with those at Albion;
5. The Rose Hall factory is to
be closed;
6. Only Blairmont, Albion
and Uitvlugt sugar estates
will remain open;
7. The Enmore Factory will
be closed at the end of 2017;
8. The East Demerara Estates
La Bonne Intention and
Enmore are earmarked for
diversification.
9. Charges for drainage and
irrigation that are provided
to communities by GuySuCo
will now be borne by the re-
maining sugar estates. Guy-
SuCo has supported drainage
and irrigation of surrounding
communities since its incep-
tion.
10. Charges for health ser-
vices that are provided to
communities by GuySuCo
will now be borne by the re-
maining sugar estates. Also,
the Health Centres manned
by GuySuCo are likely to be
transferred to government.
11. Sugar lands will be
leased for agricultural pro-
duction;
12. GuySuCo will only re-
tain workers needed for its
operations moving forward.
13. The remaining parts of
the sugar industry will be
sold off (divested).
PUBLIC PRESSURE
All considered, the Op-
position Leader urged those
who will be impacted to
continue to make clear their
rejection of the governments
policy.
Referring to the park-
ing meter protest actions,
he noted that government,
which presents a formi-
dable front, backed down
under pressure. He expressed
the hope that the sugar work-
ers, replicating the spirit of
the peaceful protests in the
Capital against the corrupt
parking meter contract will
be able to sway the govern-
ments decision on the future
of the sugar industry.
Additionally, while Jag-
deo has put the David Grang-
er-led Coalition Government
on blast for not addressing
the serious consequences of
closing more sugar sector,
the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) has also warned
against the closure of sug-
ar estates. The IMF, in its
last statement on Guyana,
warned the government to
be mindful of the large
social impact and the need
to protect those affected by
the process of change in the
industry.
HYPOCRISY
Jagdeo also told the mas-
sive gathering at Enmore
that this may be the last time
that Enmore Martyrs Day is
observed while the commu-
nity still has an operational
Enmore Sugar Estate.
He noted that on Friday,
Enmore Martyrs Day, the
people of Enmore will wit-
ness an act of hypocrisy
by the Coalition government,
which will undoubtedly be
led by Prime Minister Mo-
ses Nagamootoo, who was
only recently been dubbed
by Jagdeo as a Plankton
Prime Minister- a joke about
being a diminished prime
minister with no substantial
portfolio, hence he is now
a political lightweight (the
word plankton being used to
illustrate something lighter
than a feather).
He noted that on Friday,
government will visit the
Enmore Martyr site and re-
gale the Enmore community
about governments com-
mitment to the people, while
their livelihoods are being
snatched with the planned
closure of the Enmore sugar
estate.
The Opposition Leader
drew a parallel with this ex-
pectation and what happened
when Nagamootoo visited
the community of Rose Hall
for a similar event. There
the people were told about
governments commitment,
only to hear about the closure
of the Rose Hall sugar estate
later.
He charged too that while
there are spins about why
the sugar sector should be
scaled down, the facts are
being ignored.
Things are going to get
better before they get worse,
Jagdeo warned, talking up a
victory for the political Op-
position come 2020, when
the next General and Region-
al elections are due, we
have to stand up and not suc-
cumb. You have to stand up
and fight for your rights.
the rights a generation of
leaders struggled for.not
just the sugar industry, but
the future of the country we
live in is at stake.
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017 3

My
Had walter rodney been alive today, his erstwhile
comrades would have persecuted him

View
Being of African descent, the regime could not play the
race card on him. Not joining the PPP the PNC could not brand
him a sellout. And that exposed the African Guyanese masses
to progressive political views, which the PNC had denied them
because of its constant preaching of and the manipulation of
By Donald Ramotar race. Rodney was taking their racial trump card.
to frustrate the democratically elected officials.
Parliament is also being reduced to a rubber stamp. One
of the characteristics of a democratically functioning Parlia-
ment is that it becomes a forum for debate and discussion of
all national and critical issues. These features are absent from
this Parliament. The Speaker is worse than Sase Narine ever

J
As I have pointed out before, Rodney was killed not only was under Burnham.
une 13, marked the 37th anniversary of the death of one
because of his views. Actually, most of what he advocated was Rodney would have been fighting against these things had
of our most distinguished sons, Walter Rodney. He was
also being advocated by the PPP. He was murdered because he he been alive today.
assassinated by the PNC regime as has been revealed by the
was an African Guyanese advocating those views. In a way, What is very tragic in todays situation is that many of the
recently held Commission of Inquiry. That is, if any confir-
therefore, his death can be described as a racial killing as well. persons who stood with Rodney, running around shouting
mation was needed as to who was responsible for his murder.
This anniversary of Rodneys killing is taking place at a peoples power, no dictator, are now killing his ideas and
Rodney died almost as long as he lived.
time when we see clear tendencies towards another PNC style strangling the ideals he stood for.
Yet his name is still being called by many. He is held high
dictatorship. The PNC dictatorship of 1968-92 crept up on us. Most of the leaders of the Working Peoples Alliance
by ordinary people of our country and further afield. This is so
This new PNC-led APNU regime is galloping in the same (WPA) are now supporting the new oppression that is being
because of how he lived his life and the contribution he made
direction. practiced. They are openly facilitating the emergence of an-
in the work for peace, freedom and justice both nationally and
In the first place, the regime is dominated by former army other PNC style dictatorship.
internationally. He stood with working people.
officers. As everyone knows, an army is not a democratic insti- If Rodney was arriving in Guyana now, it would most cer-
He returned to Guyana in 1974 by which time he had
tution. The training and orientation of the main personalities in tainly be many who he thought were his comrades that would
gained renown regionally and internationally as a scholar and
the APNU regime is militaristic and therefore not democratic. work to harass, witch-hunt and silence him.
a revolutionary. He is revered in Jamaica and held in high
This is a military government in civilian garbs. The difference with Rodney and his erstwhile colleagues
esteem in Africa for his work in those parts of the world. Not
One of the first actions was to close the Rodney Inquiry be- that survived him is that Rodney was able to cross the racial
just his academic work but his activism and his stance on the
fore it concluded all its work. It is still of great interest to know boundaries and advocated for a multi-ethnic democracy with
side of the working and oppressed people everywhere.
what President Granger knows about Rodneys assassination. equal opportunities for all at its foundation. He demonstrated
In 1974, when he came back to his homeland it was a time
After all, he was the number two man in the army at the time. strong opposition to any form of discrimination.
when the PNC dictatorship was consolidating itself. It was also
It is of similar interest to know what Minister Harmon knows Those that survived him have shown their incapacity to
a period of growing resistance to the dictatorship. This was
about this political murder. He was the Deputy Head of the cross the racial lines. Their own black nationalism has led
seen in the massive way and the lengths that the PNC regime
armys intelligence when the assassination occurred. them not only to support the Party that is responsible for the
went to rig the elections the year before, in 1973.
This is probably why they shut it down as one of their first murder of Walter Rodney but to be active participants in the
Even before Rodney arrived a huge meeting protesting the
acts. This government, with a panache for Commissions of process of persecuting people just because of their race and to
decision of the PNC regime, through its control of the Univer-
Inquiry, did not want this one. Indeed, they dreaded it. This secure for themselves the so-called good life.
sity of Guyana Council, refusing a job in the History Depart-
put a nail to their talks about transparency. Only David Hinds of them all has made some feeble pro-
ment of the University to this distinguished scholar. Actually,
The head long dash towards the old PNC order is seen in tests. However, he is a bundle of contradictions. Whenever
the UG Academic Board had given him the job. However, the
how the state institutions are being used to harass the political he criticizes this regime he always qualify it by explicitly
PNC dominated Council, which included Hamilton Green and
opposition today. The Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) stating that the PPP/C administration was worse. He states this
Viola Burnham, revered the decision.
and the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) are being used without providing a shred of evidence to support his position.
That meeting was held at the corner of Middle and Cum-
as instruments of oppression, discrimination and to try to de- The main message he sends is that despite the hardship that
mings Streets. It was supposed to be addressed by Cheddi
stroy the professional lives and livelihood of many Guyanese people are facing, they must continue to support the regime.
Jagan and Eusi Kwayana among others. It was brutally broken
who are suspected of being supporters of the PPP/C. The This is collaborating in the massive racial and political dis-
up, many persons were injured. The PNC regime was running
witch-hunting is getting worse every day. crimination that is occurring every day in this country.
scared when they saw unity being manifested.
Racial and political discrimination has once more raised He, too, seems incapable of freeing his mind from the
Rodney came back and threw himself in the struggle. His
its ugly heads in our land. These, of course, are the outcome racial prison. His protests seem to be coming from a love
views almost totally coincided with that of Cheddi Jagan and
of a policy of where undemocratic methods are being used for Rodney personally, however, on the whole, he continues
the PPP. However, he did not join the PPP. Some would ask
to govern. It is clear witch-hunting and tactics to scare the to stand aside and let our country slide back into the darkest
why?
population as a whole. period of the 1970s and 80s. He has lost his objectivity.
In my view, he felt that if he did, the PNC would use race
The evidence of their undermining of democracy is seen Those who pay lip service to Walter Rodney should use
to brand him, the way they used it before to attack the PPP,
everywhere. this anniversary to re-examine themselves and get back in the
and the way it was used by APNU before the 2015 elections
Just look at what is taking place in the Regions. Region struggle for a democratic and non-racial Guyana.
and even now.
five is the most brazen administrative methods are being used It would be good if they can do so, but I doubt it.

Trotmans powers under Petroleum

Commission Bill questioned by Jagdeo
E arlier this month, the Pe-
troleum Commission of
Guyana Bill 2017 was tabled
in the National Assembly by
subject Minister, Raphael
Trotman.
And Opposition Leader,
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, has ques-
tioned if the Bill is a Guy-
anas Petroleum Commission
Bill or Trotmans Petro-
leum Commission Bill.
The Bill will establish a
Petroleum Commission and
this Bill is very slick like
Trotman, Jagdeo quipped,
while speaking at a public
meeting at Enmore, last eve-
ning.
He added, they used
to criticize us and say min-
isters had too much powers,
but if you look at the Bill,
they want to manage the Bill,
after promising a Sovereign
Wealth Fund.the proposed
Commission will manage the
oil industry.
(Under the provisions of
the Bill) the Minister can ter-
minate the Board at any time.
The Minister can discharge
the Board if the Board is not
appointed, so he has now the
powers of the entire Board.
The Minister can become the
Chairman of the Board if he
doesnt appoint a Chairman.
The Minister appoints the
Chairman, the Deputy Chair-
man, the Secretary to the
Board. This is like a Trotman
Petroleum Commission, not
a Guyana Petroleum Com-
mission.
The Opposition Leader
has also the government on
blast for building up unre-
alistic expectations in the
oil and gas industry, while
neglecting traditional sectors
that contribute to economic
growth. They are selling
this dream, particularly to
their supportersthey are
now saying give us a little
more time, oil will solve
our problemsthey are so
shameless, they do not even
acknowledge that they did
nothing to bring an oil indus-
try to Guyana, he said.
The Opposition Leader
also questioned the move to
impose direct charges on the
Consolidated Fund, with the
establishment of the Com-
mission.
Additionally, according
to the Bill, the Petroleum
Commission of Guyana will
have the responsibility of
monitoring and ensuring
compliance with the poli-
cies, laws and agreements
for petroleum operations. It
will also, inter alia, be re-
sponsible for ensuring com-
pliance with health, safety
and environmental standards
and ensure local content and
local participation in all of
the activities.The Petroleum
in Guyana, including the op-
timum methods of exploring
for, extracting and utilising
Commission will be tasked petroleum and petroleum
inter alia, with researching products. The new regula-
efficient, safe, effective and tory body will also have an
environmentally responsible advisory role to the Minister
exploration, development on matters related to the con-
and production of petroleum duct of the industry.
PPP HOTLINE
Our valuable supporters and friends please call our hotline
number 225-1479 and give us all important information.
Pensioners please inform us about any issues you may
have in respect to you getting your well deserved pen-
sions.
Further, let us know about the issues you are having in
respect to your ID cards. Do not hesitate to speak to our
activists and leaders in your communities. Call 225-1479.
The PPP will always represent you.
4 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
By Jagnarine Somwar
M r.David Granger has
rejected the second list
of nominees for the post of
Chairman of the Guyana
Elections Commission which
was submitted by the Lead-
er of the Opposition ,Dr.
Bharrat Jagdeo. Mr.Granger
claimed that he had exam-
ined the Curriculum Vitae of
the second list of six names
and found the list to be un-
acceptable within the criteria
defined by him.
What criteria is he
talking about? Article 161(2)
does not speak of any criteria
other than .the Chairman
of the Elections Commission
shall be a person who holds
or who has held office as a
judge of a court having un-
limited jurisdiction in civil
and criminal matters in some
part of the Commonwealth or
a court having jurisdiction in
The Enmore Martyrs died because they were fighting against company unionism and the
right to have a union of their choice and to have collective bargaining. Cheddi Jagan 1993
appeals from any such court
or who is qualified to be
appointed as any suchjudge,
or any other fit and proper
person, to be appointed by
the President from a list of
six persons, not unacceptable
to the President, submit-
ted by the Minority Lead-
er,therefore any other cri-
teria required to be followed
in the recommendationof any
names listed for appointment
as Chairman of the Guyana
Election Commission,would
be a dictatorial imposition.
One would remember
that Mr.Granger had criti-
cized the first list by saying
that there were no judges
among the names as is re-
quired by the constitutional
provisions.In the second list
that was provided there were
the names of two judges and
three lawyers and yet their
names didnt find favour
with Mr.Granger.The reputa-
Moment in history
tion and integrity of popular
and respected persons are
been questioned through
the rejection of their names
and the more than thirty
entities that were part of the
consultations and had recom-
mended those names are not
considered by Mr.Granger
as worthy of knowing who
could be aligned as fit and
proper persons.
In defiance of the Group-
ings that recommended the
names of both the first and
second list,the President is
creating a precedence of dic-
tatorial conduct which could
be challenged legally,espe-
cially if he move to unilat-
erally appoint a Chairman of
the Election Body without
the input of the Opposition
Leader.
Leader of the Opposition,
is required by Article 161
(2) of the Constitution of
the Co-operative Republic
of Guyana to submit a list of
six names to the President
from which the President
shall choose one person to
be appointed as Chairman
of the Guyana Elections
Commission.This the Oppo-
sition Leader had done twice
after consultations with more
than thirty organisations,re-
ligious groupings entities
and reputable person of civil
society.
A release from the Office
of the Opposition Leader
stated The Leader of the
Opposition hereby assures
that should the President
proceed along this unconsti-
tutional, undemocratic and
diabolical path there will be
litigation and other conse-
quences for which the Pres-
ident will be responsible.
Gone are the days when
territories were ruled by
Kings who would dictate
events and happenings and
direct orders of executions
on their own biddings and
at their whim and fancy.
Laws and Constitutions were
formulated to ensure law
and order,equality and re-
spect,protection and pros-
perity and above all method-
ology of fairplay,respect and
honour,thus those enshrined
legislations must be respect-
ed,honoured and adhered to
for the betterment of all that
falls within its realm.
The Supreme Leader and
High and Mighty should treat
his subjects with respect and
not with scorn and should
listen to the masses because
they too have their stories;a
foundation for a good and
knowledgable leader.
The interpretation of the
Constitution as it relates to
Article 161(2) by one man
who dictates his position
and understanding of such
and moved away from the
norms,does not augurs well
for a developing country.
All the Presidents and PNCs
Opposition Leaders since
1992,including Mr.Granger
himself would have agreed
with the fit and proper-
clause and the Carter/Price
Formula on the appointment
of all previous Chairmen
of the Guyana Elections
Commission.So what is the
issue now?How does the fit
and properchanged coarse
under the now Grangers
Presidency.
Is there a motive to de-
lay the appointment of the
Chairman of the Guyana
Elections Commission so
needed works and reforms at
GECOM cannot be complet-
ed before the 2020 General
and Regional Elections.Or
is it to delay the Elections
of 2020.Or is it ensure that a
new House to House Regis-
tration is not done before the
2020 Elections,thus the old
padded list of electors could
be reused for the 2020 elec-
tions.Is rigging in the air?
On the invitation of
Mr.Granger,the Opposi-
tion Leader and Team met
with him for further discus-
sions on the appointment of
Chairman for the Guyana
Elections Commission.The
Opposition Leader is will-
ing to provide a third list
of names,it would not be
an easy task,considering
that more names than the
twelve from the two lists
were shortlisted but many
indicated their unavailability
for the post of Chairman of
the Elections Commission
while others were reluctant
to be considered.
It would be a hercule-
an task to go the process
over again,considering the
unavailables and the reluc-
tants,the list may be ex-
hausted.The consultation
which was meant to bring
inclusiveness and a wider
view and involvement of the
Guyanese public in the de-
cision making on important
appointments would now be
seen as worthless and incom-
petent,thus any other consul-
tations on the appointment
of Chairman of the Guyana
Election Commission would
not have the the impact as
the first and second consul-
tations.There is even the
possibility that stakeholders
in the consultation process
may show disinterest.
It is imperative that good
sense prevails and the Pres-
ident finds favour with the
third list that would be pre-
sented by the Opposition
Leader.However with both
sides willing to work to en-
sure an early resolution to
the matter it was also agreed
that a high-level team would
be assembled representing
the President and the Leader
of the Opposition which will
begin to work immediately
on exploring modalities to
bring a resolution to this
matter in the event that the
list is rejected.
The President is been
condemned by notable an-
alysts,columnists and com-
mentators for his rash de-
cision to declare the sec-
ond list as unacceptable,a
move that surprised many
intellectuals and strategists.
Many opined that Mr.Grang-
er would have found a fa-
vourable candidate from the
names submitted.
The President is urged
to revisit his understanding
and clarify his misinterpre-
tation of fit and proper so
he could arrive at a positive
decision from the third list
that would be submitted by
the Opposition Leader
The ABC Countries,the
Carter Center and Guyanese
at home and in the diaspora
should openly vent their con-
cerns and urge Mr.Granger
to accept the recommenda-
tionsfrom the Opposition
Leader and select one of the
fit and Proper to be the
next Chairman of the Elec-
tions Commission.
For those who enjoy
reading as a pleasure,these
days many dont,try reading
Exodus by Leon Uris.It
make a great reading.
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017 5

Getting
of its construction since the National Stadi-
um at Providence was specifically designed
and constructed for such gala mega events.
Governments contention that this new facil-
ity serves a purpose is unacceptable against
this background. Other critically needed
in a few of his former Army colleagues with
deep enduring, extensive and long-standing
PNC connections if they were to indeed in-
vestigate the flawed procurement practices
relating to the DUrban Park project.
But another scandal is percolating in

It Right
national infrastructure beg for attention and
investment.
FLAWED PRIORITIES
The PPP/C had left the DUrban Park
area bush-free with only a few shrubs and
widely dispersed saplings. It later rapidly
By Dr. Bheri Sygmond Ramsaran
grew into a jungle. Surely, Minister Da-
the Coalition Cook shop. This one has been
slowly boiling. So it promises to be another
prime signature product of the cooks in the
crooked Coalition kitchen. This new one
is once again about the Ministry of Public
Health and Medical supplies management.
Mid last week there were feverish activities
at the New GPC Drug Bonds used by the

FLAWED PRIORITIES
vid Patterson would have been competent
enough to oversee a much less costly but ef-
fective clearing, land-filling and leveling job.
There existed no compelling rational reason
to go beyond that. There was not any justi-
Ministry of Public Health, headed by Minis-
ter Volga Lawrence. The Ministry of Public
Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital
hastily removed from this New GPC Bond
at Ruimveldt a huge quantity of medications

MORE APNU+ AFC

fiable reason for this physical infrastructure.
The real basis for the decision by the Co-
alition to recklessly burden the nation with a
high-maintenance Play Park is the urban
upper middle class nature of the its leader-
belonging to the Hospital and stored there
under contractual arrangements.
The New GPC Pharmaceutical Bond
at Ruimveldt is a modern facility with
adequate, trained staff and Pharmaceuti-

SCANDALS IN
ship. The moneys wasted in this unnecessary
and redundant expenditure could well have
gone towards solving health sector demands
-- such as local medical facilities and surgi-
cal treatment of our Blue Babies born with
cal-grade storage conditions. The Ministry
has removed tons of medicines and medical
supplies - some 15 Canter truck loads - from
the privately owned and operated Bond to
the Government Bond located at Mud Flats,

THE MAKING
severe heart defects. The urban-based elite is
having a totally different and flawed agenda.
What should have been a relatively low-
keyed routine job to weed and upgrade the
DUrban Park into a healthy green space
PETROLEUM HOPES first two years of the Coalition. The nation is for the recreation and wellbeing of the resi-
having glimpses of the old corrupt PNC, the dents of Lodge and adjoining communities
Kingston. This latter facility had suboptimal
physical conditions for the quality storage of
large quantities of medicines and medical
supplies. On the other hand the other Gov-
ernment of Guyana Pharmaceutical Bond at
Diamond is one of the most modern in the
Caribbean. It is 20 minutes from the City and

L ast Friday the Order Paper of National

Assembly carried an item entitled:
PETROLEUM COMMISSION ON GUY-
ANA BILL.The Government chose not
to proceed with the debate on this critical
item. The most likely reason was that the
Parliamentary session classed with the an-
nual observances of Enmore Martyrs Day
which occurred on the said afternoon. And
the APNU+AFC Administration wanted
to maximally exploit that occasion to rant
on its love for sugar industry workers. The
Coalition needs every opportunity to bolster
its tarnished image in the vital sugar belt
following its recent commencement of the
closure of the sugar industry.Themassive
peaceful demonstrations in Skeldon against
closure of GUYSUCO must have further
fueled apprehension in the Coalition.
However, the experience of the Nation
with the Coalition over the span of a mere
two years has raised fears that the petrodol-
lars expected from the emerging Oil and
Gas industry will be similarly squandered.
The Oil and Gas hype by the Coalition
has refocused attention on already occurring
squander mania over the short span of the
real driving force behind the APNU+AFC
Coalition.
MORE EXTRAVAGANCE
A year has passed since we observed
the Jubilee Celebrations and we have more
recently observed the fifty-first anniversary
of Guyanas political independence from
the United Kingdom. The events of the past
twelve months between these two anniver-
saries have deeply entrenched initial fears
among wide cross-sections of Guyanese at
home and abroad of wide-spread and mas-
sive corruption, cronyism and disregard for
the rule-of-law and good governance; hence
the fears that our expected earnings from oil
and gas could be hijacked by the wasteful
and corrupt Granger/Nagamootoo clique.
The Granger/Nagamootoo Administra-
tion hosted this years ceremonial Flag
Raising to mark the fifty-first independence
anniversary at the controversial Durban
Park Jubilee Stadium. The decision to use
this venue for this gala mega event rekindled
all the discussions regarding corruption,
cronyism and governance.The national
discussion refocused on the needless waste
has evolved into a major national scandal
generating a national conversation. It has
indeed evolved into an underused national
white elephant.
THE ENDURING NATIONAL SCANDAL
This national scandal will be with us for
years to come. I predict that it will constantly
resurface in the annual Auditor General Re-
port. It will remain a symbol of breach of our
2003 National Procurement Act. I wonder
what could a future Guyana Government do
to recover state funds from the beneficia-
ries of the deals born of the secret, opaque
procurement secrets shrouding the DUrban
Park? SOCU could well be called upon to
intervene then. But why wait?
SOCU must intervene now to quickly
identify and bring to justice those persons
responsible for the DUrban Park tender and
procurement breaches and misappropriation
of state assets. This matter is fresh. So
it should present no difficulty to Sydney
James and his SOCU sleuths. The evidence
must still be fresh! The paper trail must
still be fresh!! The popular rumor is that
Sydney James and SOCU will have to haul
the GPHC. There is no record of funding for
the upgrade of the old Kingston Drug Bond
to accommodate this large quantity of costly
and precious items in satisfactory conditions.
YET ANOTHER SCANDAL IN
THE MAKING
This is another scandal in the making.
The security and surveillance arrangements
at the privately owned Ruimveldt New GPC
Bond and the modern Government Material
Management Unit (MMU) Pharmaceutical
Bond in Diamond are strict. The haste to
remove at short notice such large stocks of
health goods to the Government Drug Bond
at Mud Flats, Kingston, has given rise to
concerns regarding the preservation of the
efficiency of the medicines and medical
supplies.
It has also given rise to equally disturb-
ing non-medical concerns. There is a
growing suspicion that the Kingston facility
which has less stringent surveillance and
security arrangements which will foster
other irregularities. The Auditor General
and SOCU and the Nation should be on
full alert.

PPP salutes Walter Rodney

T he Peoples Progressive
Party (PPP) joins with
other patriotic Guyanese
in observing the death an-
niversary of one of Guy-
anas greatest sons and pa-
triots, Dr Walter Rodney ,
who was brutally killed in
1980 by agents of the then
PNC-Government.
Dr Rodney was a re-
nowned Guyanese scholar
of international repute and
political leader who open-
ly and bravely challenged
the Burnham dictatorship,
which eventually led to his
untimely demise on the 13th
June 1980.
national Commission of
Inquiry into Dr. Rodneys
death. This inquiry has es-
party, contaminated the en-
tire state apparatus and used
the might of state power to
and to date, continues to
deny the Guyanese public
access to this vital Report.
Dr. Rodney led the tablished beyond doubt that silence the voices of politi- Perhaps, the greatest
WPA, a political movement Burnham and the PNC Gov- cal opponents and critics. It tragedy to Dr. Walter Rod-
and championed the cause ernment of the day were the is alarming how these very neys legacy remains the be-
of the poor and oppressed intellectual authors of Dr. tendencies, and the fear and trayal of him by so many of
upon a platform of ethnic, Rodneys assassination. intimidation, which accom- his trusted comrades, who
racial, class and religious The report of that inquiry panied them, have returned today, are snuggled so in-
unity. He was a formidable provides irrefutable proof so swiftly over the last two timately in the political bed
ally of Dr. Cheddi Jagan and of the political, economic years. with those who orchestrated
the PPP, who at that time and social conditions which It is for these reasons his assassination.
were at the forefront of the prevailed in Guyana during that the APNU/AFC Gov- On his death anniversa-
political struggle. the PNC dictatorship. In ernment has done so much ry, the PPP salutes this great
The PPP is proud to particular, it highlighted in attempting to discredit Guyanese martyr.(PPP
have established an Inter- how the PNC, as a political this Commission of Inquiry Statement)
 6 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017

Local Government and You!

M uch public commen-
tary has been pub-
lished, expressing the views
of many commentators as to
the sincerity of the Coalition
government to matters of
social cohesion and devel-
opment. Justified on many
fronts, there are observably
significant negative reac-
tions to the approach of the
Granger led administration,
and rightly so.
In this regard, the printed
media continue to circulate
multi-dimensional views of
those with a preference for
this medium. We must not
however dismiss the rum
shop social discussions or
the reactions of those citi-
zens home and abroad who
take to the social web-sites
of the internet, to vent their
many frustrations.
It is observable that
whether or not the commen-
tators show dislike for pre-
vious administrators in the
past government, there are
ten times more expressions
of disgust with the APNU/
AFC coalition Government.
In fact, the committal of
Government to our citizens
is now more highly question-
able than ever, and these are
the general reactions of most
persons across our dear land.
This reality is because
the facts of experiencing
and witnessing the existing
treatment by government;
cannot be divorced from
actual human feelings, with
blame game and excuses.
Cover-ups for imposing in-
creasing hardships which
results in the opposites of
what citizens expects of their
government, will not suffice
in this Guyana. It is our
contention that Guyanese
citizens are not animals and
we must reject being led by
a ring in the nose.
The vengeful displays of
the APNU/AFC are being ar-
ticulated and increased daily,
as they seek to continuous-
ly undermine the progress
in Local Authority Areas
(LAAs), where they do not
command popular Political
support. What is practically
being applied in these LAAs
is a mechanism through
which political hand-pick
Regional Executive Officers
(REOs), Town Clerks and
Overseers; are employed and
empowered to be disruptive
to the work programs of the
Elected Councils, without
fear of being disciplined.
The situation results
from the deliberate delay in
appointing the Local Gov-
ernment Commission by
the government. So in many
cases, there are disruptive
Government Councilors and
uncooperative administra-
tive Officers to carry out the
dirty work of the coalition
Government. The intention
is to minimize what these
councils can achieve over
their term in office, to give
the Coalition better chances
at the next local government
elections.
The acceptances of this
kind of display by the Min-
ister of Communities al-
though reported, have many
examples across various
LAAs. The actions of the
REO, Region 5 is apt in this
respect. He is persistently
uncooperative to the Region-
al Chairman and decisions of
the Council.
We also have the case
of the politically appointed
Deputy Regional Executive
Officer (DREO) of Region
3, who openly preaches po-
litical partisanship. At a
recent visit of Mr. Harmon
to Den Amstel, this DREO
of Region 3 was unapolo-
getically bias and partisan
when she told the residents
that they had inherited all
the mess from the PPP and
that it would take a time to
clean. This woman should be
immediately removed from
public office.
The performances of
most politically appointed
REOs, are in many ways
replicas of incompetence,
corruption and vulgarity.
Many have become power
drunk and empowered as
such because their behavior
is being facilitated by the
responsible Ministry. It is
notable that the REOs of Re-
gions 8 and 9 were recently
removed, but like many oth-
ers under investigation, they
are still paid full salaries for
being off the job. The fact
is that without the Local
Government Commission,
the Government is taking
advantage and persisting
with unacceptable levels of
favoritism and cronyism.
The despicable and dirty
situations in the Munici-
palities are creating serious
problems for our people. The
Town Clerk in the George-
town Municipality should
be sent home now. It is of
note that the recent routine
audit of the Georgetown
Municipality is now at a halt
because records are not been
made available for the State
Auditors. As such, a call is
made for a special foren-
sic audit is prudent. Come
on President Granger, how
could you accept the month-
ly rent of toilets at prices
which could be bought and
put in the systems?
Individual and delega-
tions of persons have bit-
terly complained about the
callous behavior and actions
of the Town Clerk as the
head Administrative Officer,
without any actions from the
Ministry. The extents of the
published illegalities are no
hidden matters; they merit
further special condemnation
and commentary that would
be subsequently addressed.
A closer look at the Re-
gion 5 situation suggests
that the REO has become
a Lord on himself. He is
withholding our teachers
salaries while overseeing
at the same time, a worst
situation where the Ministry
of Education is paying out
millions of dollars to phan-
tom freak teachers under
his watch. It is now crystal
clear that when some of the
better teachers exposed that
the pay-roll has phantom
teachers, the APNU/AFC
administration decided to go
after the good teachers and
harass them. This nonsense
must stop.
Further, there was a re-
cent whistle blow regarding
millions of dollars that was
wasted and badly utilized
by a PNC member who until
recent was an APNU+AFC
Regional Councilor. As a
result of the exposure, we
are hearing that the whistle
blower will be disciplined
for breaching the Public Ser-
vice Rules. There are scores
of rampant malpractices in
LGAs, which are being fa-
cilitated under this APNU/
AFC Government and the
damming positions must be
recognized and condemned.
The Government there-
fore cannot convey or sug-
gest that they are mean-
ingfully in pursuit of any
real developmental or cohe-
sive ideal. Use of Political
Hawks and now Adminis-
trative Officers in LGAs to
frustrate and suppress elect-
ed Councilors is nasty and
uncaring. The likely degra-
dation which can occur must
be ultimately linked with po-
litical arrogant, incompetent
and power-hungry Granger
led APNU/AFC Origins.
Today, we are living in
a country where the PNC
political cronies are humil-
iating our teachers, nurses,
farmers, students and our
people of all walks of life.
It is our prayers that people
in position our communities
find ways of preventing the
drift into deeper poverty,
until they have a chance to
change it.
What next, hasnt the
people endure enough?
This article is presented
by Mr. Neil Kumar, Mr. A
& Mr. S.

Party News
estate workers took place in East Berbice.
The manifestation was sponsored by the
Guyana Agricultural and General Workers
Union (GAWU); and for the first time in de-
Hoyte PNC.
Region Five Fund Raiser Successful
An estimated 700 persons enjoyed the riv-

District Conferences
cades, witnessed rank and file PPP members er cruise to Bartica sponsored by the Region
joining with sugar workers to protest against Five PPP on May 8 last.
the planned GOG privatisation of Skeldon This Fund raising imitative realized an

I n sub-Region (Administrative) Nr 10 (Up-
per Demerara/Upper Berbice River), two
successful Peoples Progressive Party District
Conferences were held recently.
On June 4 the Kwakani District held its
annual delegates conference whilst on June 11
the Mc Kenzie/Linden District held the same
kind of activity.
It is expected that the (Regions) Regional
(PPP) Annual Conference will be scheduled
at the most convenient date.
Massive Response of Solidarity with Sugar
Workers
Last Tuesday June 6 2017 one of the most
massive demonstrations of Solidarity with
Estate.
Mirror has learnt that party units drawn
from the entire coastal East Berbice/Coren-
tyne, including Black Bush Polder, Number
72,71,64,69 as well as Line Path villages and
Communities were involved in this protest
The participants marched from Skeldon to
Spring lands where, at Republic Square a
rally was held.
Local media mainstream items on this
historic public demonstration included Sta-
broek News and Guyana times (June 7, 2017);
Social Media coverage was also significant
with hemispheric visits that so far is unprec-
edented since 2016 when the initial protests
were mounted in Solidarity with the Sugar
workers at Wales Estate.
Weekend Mirror 10-11 June highlighted
the event (Thousands march against closure
of Skeldon Estate).
In addition to the regular sugar workers
(and their spouses) the protest was supported
by an appreciable number of younger aged
citizens all of whom would have been born
during the decades since October 5 1992, and
have absolutely no direct living experience of
the authoritarian practices of the Burnham/
important financial contribution towards the
West Berbice programme and the organisers
are highly appreciative of the grass roots
support.
Enmore Martyrs Tributes
The annual Enmore Martyrs Commemo-
ration rally was held at Enmore on Wednes-
day 14th June. The activitys time table
informed that the key note addresses would
be delivered by Leader of the Opposition Dr.
Bharrat Jagdeo.
Over the years Enmore Martyrs rallies
have been joint collaborations involving the
Fitug as well as the Guyana Trade Union
Council (GTUC).
It was predicted that several hundreds of
citizens drawn from the Mahaica/ Cane Grove
to Better Hope, East Coast Demerara would
be in attendance.
Additionally, elsewhere in Region Five
local organisers predicted that around 150
persons, from communities linked to Rosig-
nol, Blairmont, Bush Lot, Bath Settlement as
well as Mahaicony would be participants at
the 2017 Enmore Martyrs Commemoration
and observance.

COMMENTARY
WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Another dagger into the heart of Rodney
I am both puzzled and ap-
palled at the firing of Dr.
Rupert Roopnarine and the
reasons given. The spin is
that Dr. Roopnarine has not
been fired and that his ouster
from Education is simply a
Cabinet reshuffle in which
he has assumed other re-
sponsibilities. This is simply
kerfuffling and insulting the
Guyanese people.
The fact that this hap-
pened on the day Guyana is
observing the death anniver-
sary (the murder anniversa-
ry) of Dr. Walter Rodney,
a genuine Guyanese patriot
and hero, the founder-leader
of the WPA and a friend of
Dr. Roopnarine is intriguing.
I believe that it is a slap in
the face of the WPA, it is
an insult to Dr. Roopnarine
and it is another dagger into
the heart of Dr. Rodney. I
believe it is deliberate and
is intended to let the WPA
know that they are still re-
garded as outsiders and in-
terlopers and they no longer
PPP delves deeper into health scandals
O pposition Members of
Parliament have taken
to Parliament their search for
answers relating to several
financial irregularities in the
Health Sector. The following
are some questions posed to
government ministers:
1. Member asking: Hon.
Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P.,
Member answering:
Hon. Minister of Finance,
Mr. Winston Jordan, M.P.,
Could the Hon. Minister
provide the National As-
sembly with the following
documents with regards to
the written authorizations
of the National Procurement
and Tender Administration
Board to the Guyana Pub-
lic Hospital Corporation
(GPHC) for the procure-
ment of pharmaceuticals and
medical supplies the for the
period January 1st 2016 to
April 30th 2017?
(i) Date for the award of
each and every contract.
(ii) Name of contractor
(in each instance), contract
sum and items to be pro-
cured under the specific
contract.
(iii) Method of procure-
ment (example sole-sourc-
ing, open shopping, etc)
(iv) Delivery schedule
for each contract awarded.
serve any useful purpose for
APNU+AFC. Already, Nag-
amootoo and Ramjattan are
simply holding on as Trot-
man completely incorporate
the AFC into APNU. This is
just another step in reaffirm-
ing the Peoples National
Congress (PNC).
The fact is that Dr. Roo-
pnarine has been fired as
the Minister of Education, a
senior Ministry in the Cab-
inet. He has been assigned
to a junior role as a Minister
in the Ministry of the Pres-
idency, meaning he must
report to Minister Harmon.
APNU+AFC from the in-
ception regarded the public
service as not important
enough to have a Minister
and that the public service
will be handled as part of the
assignment of the Minister
of the Presidency. Now Dr.
Roopnarine has a title as a
Minister in the Ministry of
the Presidency, but for all
intents and purposes will
be doing the work of a PS
2. Member asking: Hon.
Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P.,
Member answering:
Hon. Minister of Finance,
Mr. Winston Jordan, M.P.,
Could the Hon. Minister
provide the National As-
sembly with the following
documents with regards to
the written authorizations
of the National Procurement
and Tender Administration
Board to the Ministry of
Public Health for the pro-
curement of pharmaceuticals
and medical supplies for the
period January 1st 2016 to
April 30th 2017?
(i) Date for the award of
each and every contract.
(ii) Name of contractor
(in each instance), contract
sum and items to be pro-
cured under the specific
contract.
(iii) Method of procure-
ment (example sole-sourc-
ing, open shopping, etc).
(iv) Delivery schedule
for each contract awarded.
3. Member asking: Hon.
Colin Croal, M.P.,
Member answering:
Hon. Minister of Finance,
Mr. Winston Jordan, M.P.,
Could the Hon. Minister
provide the National As-
with limited duties under
Harmon.
Not only have they fired
him from the Ministry of Ed-
ucation, they heaped insult
on him by saying that they
are seeking a more efficient
way to manage Education.
In so doing, they have made
Dr. roopnarine a fall guy for
the mismanagement of Edu-
cation. They make it appear
that he had to be removed
from his role as Minister of
Education so that they could
do a better job of managing
education. Not only have
they fired and scorned him,
they have assaulted his dig-
nity.
It is disrespectful to treat
Dr. Roopnarine this way.
Not only is Dr. Roopnarine
a distinguished scholar, but
he has been in the struggle
for freedom and democracy.
While I was disappointed
that Dr. Roopnarine joined
the APNU coalition, and
while I believed he was
misguided in his justification
sembly with the following
documents with regards to
the written authorizations
of the National Procurement
and Tender Administration
Board to the Ten Admin-
istrative Regions Public
Health Programmes for the
procurement of pharmaceu-
ticals and medical supplies
the for the period January
1st 2016 to April 30th 2017?
(i) Date for the award of
each and every contract.
(ii) Name of contractor
(in each instance), contract
sum and items to be pro-
cured under the specific
contract.
(iii) Method of procure-
ment (example sole-sourc-
ing, open shopping, etc).
(iv) Delivery schedule
for each contract awarded.
4. Member asking: Hon.
Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P.,
Member answering:
Hon. Minister of Finance,
Mr. Winston Jordan, M.P.,
Could the Hon. Minister
state if any requests were
made by the Georgetown
Public Hospital Corporation
(GPHC) for the waiver of
Tender Board procedures for
the procurement of pharma-
ceuticals and medical sup-
plies for the period January
By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
for doing so, we remained
friends. I have always ad-
mired Dr. Roopnarine, even
if I could not agree with him
all the time. No matter what
our disagreement, I always
gave him the benefit of the
doubt that he was genuinely
looking out for the interest
of our people. I remembered
in 1997 when I was an MP
with the PPP sending him
a note that I am proud of
his struggle and his courage
fighting for what he believe
in, after one of his speeches
in Parliament.
Between 2011 and 2015,
as Minister of Agriculture, I
hosted Dr. Roopnarine many
times in my office in his role
as shadow Minister of Agri-
culture for APNU+AFC. We
always mutually and in the
interest of Guyana addressed
concerns that he raised and,
as far as possible, I sought
to find a comfort zone where
we placed politics aside and
find solutions to concerns
that may have existed.
1st 2016 to April 30th 2017?
And if any requests were
made, could the Minister
provide the National Assem-
bly with the lists of such re-
quests made and the grounds
for each request?
Could the Hon. Minister
inform the National Assem-
bly whether the National
Procurement and Tender Ad-
ministration Board granted
these requests by the GPHC
for the waiver of Tender
Board procedures for the
procurement of pharmaceu-
ticals and medical supplies?
And, if any such waiv-
ers were granted, could the
Minister provide the Na-
tional Assembly with the
lists of such waivers and the
grounds for approval?
5. Member asking: Hon.
Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P.,
Member answering:
Hon. Minister of Finance,
Mr. Winston Jordan, M.P.,
Could the Hon. Minister
state if any requests were
made by the Ministry of
Public Health for the waiver
of Tender Board procedures
for the procurement of phar-
maceuticals and medical
supplies for the period Jan-
uary 1st 2016 to April 30th
2017?
A Government make
changes. A president has the
right to change his Cabinet
and every Minister serves at
the pleasure of the President.
No one is too sacred that
they cannot be touched when
you serve as a Minister.
But either you remove that
person as a Minister or shift
him or her to another Minis-
try of the same rank. When
Minister Jeffrey was shifted
from the Ministry of Health
in 2001, he was shifted to
the Ministry of Education, a
Ministry with the same rank.
When the same Minister
was shifted from Education,
he was made Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Trade. In this case a Senior
Minister has been shifted
downwards, not even being
given his own Ministry.
There is no ands, if and
buts. Dr. Roopnarine has
been dumped and the shift
as a Minister in the Ministry
of the Presidency is just to
placate the WPA. But Dr.
And if any requests were
made, could the Minister
provide the National Assem-
bly with the lists of such re-
quests made and the grounds
for each request?
Could the Hon. Minister
inform the National Assem-
bly whether the National
Procurement and Tender
Administration Board grant-
ed these requests by the
Ministry of Public Health for
the waiver of Tender Board
procedures for the procure-
ment of pharmaceuticals and
medical supplies?
And, if any such waiv-
ers were granted, could the
Minister provide the Na-
tional Assembly with the
lists of such waivers and the
grounds for approval?
6. Member asking: Hon.
Colin Croal, M.P.,
Member answering:
Hon. Minister of Finance,
Mr. Winston Jordan, M.P.,
Could the Hon. Minis-
ter state if any request was
made by the Ten Admin-
istrative Regions for the
waiver of Tender Board
procedures for the procure-
ment of pharmaceuticals
and medical supplies for the
period January 1st 2016 to
April 30th 2017?
7
Roopnarine and the Mem-
bers of the WPA will be dis-
honoring Dr. Rodney if they
cannot see that APNU+AFC
has just heaped absolute
scorn on the party, on those
party members serving the
government and most dis-
gusting a deliberate insult to
the memory of Dr. Rodney.
It is a signal that APNU
does not need the WPA and
people like Rupert Roop-
narine anymore. They were
used, just as the United
Force was used in 1964, to
help secure political power.
Now that they have began to
take control of the State and
they have made progress in
consolidating a repressive
machinery to reinstitute dic-
tatorship, there is no place
for the WPA and Dr. Roo-
pnarine. The spin and the
kerfuffling will be wild in
the next couple of days, but
Guyanese are not foolish
and are not fooled. Dr. Roo-
pnarine has been fired and
silenced.
And if any request was
made, could the Minister
provide the National Assem-
bly with the lists of such re-
quests made and the grounds
for each request?
Could the Hon. Minister
inform the National Assem-
bly whether the National
Procurement and Tender Ad-
ministration Board granted
these requests by any of the
Ten Administrative Regions
for the waiver of Tender
Board procedures for the
procurement of pharmaceu-
ticals and medical supplies?
And, if any such waiv-
ers were granted, could the
Minister provide the Na-
tional Assembly with the
lists of such waivers and the
grounds for approval?
7. Member asking: Hon.
Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P.,
Member answering:
Hon. Minister of Finance,
Mr. Winston Jordan, M.P.,
Could the Hon. Minister
inform the National Assem-
bly of the grounds on which
the National Procurement
and Tender Administration
Board grants waivers to the
Tender Board procedures
for emergency purchases of
pharmaceuticals and medical
supplies?
8 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
EDITORIAL
President is determined to
select Gecom Chairman of
his choice
T he identification and selection of a suitably qualified
and competent individual to serve as Chairman of the
Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) must concern all
Guyanese regardless of their political preference. We must
ensure that the electoral wrongs of the 1970s and 1980s are
never repeated and the political and democratic gains of
the period October 1992 to May 2015 are not undermined
or jeopardized.
Section 161(2) of our revised Constitution clearly sets
out the eligibility requirement and the process that must
be followed in the selection of the individual who will
have to shoulder the responsibility of overseeing Guyanas
electoral machinery and personnel. Any attempt to under-
mine the process as set out in the Constitution would only
undermine public confidence in the fairness of future elec-
tions regardless of assurances that they were transparent.
This can result in political chaos. No amount of political
machinations must be allowed to cloud or corrupt the clear
language of the Constitution. Where clarity is needed, it is
the Court that must provide that clarity.
Much has been said and written with respect to Presi-
dent Grangers rejection of twelve (12) Nominees submit-
ted on two lists which the Leader of the Opposition Cde
Bharrat Jagdeo submitted to him. Indeed, the Presidents
announcement that he rejected the Opposition Leaders
first list because the constitutional preference is for ajudge
or former judge has been considered unacceptable by a
majority of Guyanese. Our constitution does not limit
the eligibility requirement to a judge or former judge or
someone with judge like attributes, but allows also for the
consideration of any other fit and proper person.
No specific reason has been advanced by the President
for his rejection of the second list of nominees which the
Opposition Leader submitted. It could only be assumed
that the second list also did not meet the characteristics
of the Gecom Chairman as outlined by the President;
characteristics that definitely go outside that set out in the
Constitution.
Mr Jagdeos second list of nominees came out of
extensive consultation with civil society, though not a
requirement of our Constitution, but in the interest of our
democracy. It does include several former judges and a
practicing attorney at law, all of whom were obviously
rejected by the President as being unsuitable.
Many believe that the President will reject every list
submitted by the Opposition Leader irrespective of the
qualifications, experience and attributes possessed by the
candidates proposed by Mr Jagdeo; as the President has
already identified his own candidate and is determined to
unilaterally appoint him/her as Gecom Chairman. But the
President must knowthat his rejection of the twelve Guy-
anese proposed by the Opposition Leader as being fit and
proper to hold the position of Gecom Chairman brings the
character and reputation of these prominent and respectable
Guyanese into question; even as it brings into question the
discretion, utility or futility of submitting a third list. The
President must prove us wrong.
The process and arrangement for selecting and ap-
pointing the Gecom Chairman has worked well from 1992
until now. Ambassador Rudy Collins, Senior Counsel Mr
Doodnauth Singh, Maj Gen (retd) Joseph Singh and Dr
Steve Surujbally were all selected and appointed following
this process. All were on lists of nominees submitted by the
PNCR when in opposition. None of them was a serving or
former judge while two of these lists did include the name
of David Granger; not a judge or former judge or person
possessing judge-like qualities.
There is no guarantee that a third list would identify
Rickforde Burke dumps PNC
Y esterday, June 11, 2017, over
10,000 Guyanese combined turned
out to participate in or observe the
ment was invited to send representatives
to our celebration, their ministers who
were in New York refused to attend our
embracing unity at our celebration.
The Guyana government yesterday
was against the people and on the wrong
annual Guyana Independence parade celebration, out of political allegiance side of history. It placed the expediency
and attend the unity concert in Brook- to a failed group. Their decision was of personal friendships and divisive
lyn. The celebration organized by the based on lies, wholesale fabrications, politics paramount to cohesion and true
Guyana Independence Anniversary gossip, innuendo and misinformation unity. Its attack on a multi-racial com-
Celebration Committee (New York), to by unsavory characters, who ran a mis- mittee, by supporting a group with no
commemorate Guyanas 51stAnniver- information campaign to smear me and diversity demonstrates that its so-called
sary of Independence, was a resounding ingratiate themselves with government policy on social cohesion is a sham.
success. officials. A letter from the Consul General
Although the Committee will later Unsavory individuals from the of Guyana was sent to the Church we
issue formal thanks and acknowledg- group tore down hundreds of posters asked to host the annual Independence
ments, personally, I sincerely wish to and banners erected and posted by our Prayer Service in an attempt to block
thank our committee members and all committee to inform Guyanese about its that service. Another letter from the
volunteers for their hard work. Thanks celebration and conducted a social me- Consul General was sent to the NYPD
also to our street promotion team as well dia campaign against the independence to block the Independence parade but
as Vinod Bisram and Angels Caribbean celebration. Generally, the actions of was rejected. The Consul Generals ac-
Band. Thanks to special partners, Mark the private group were condoned and tions were unpatriotic and disgraceful.
Ellis, Junior Paton and team from Vybz supported by the Consul General of Her interference and obstruction of a
Up Radio, ZeelemaVerwayne, DJ Cato Guyana. not for profit, tax exempt organization
and team from One Destiny Mass camp. The Governments attempt to di- violate United States law. Consequent-
I want the Guyanese people to know vide the Guyanese diaspora backfired ly, I have written to the United States
that elements within the PNCR political immensely. While over 10,000 Guy- Justice and State Departments asking
party and the Government of Guyana anese turned out to participate in and for an investigation of the actions by the
actively undermined our organization observ our committees multi-ethnic, Consul General, as a complaint to the
and tried to block the Guyanese people multi-cultural celebration, only a few Guyana government was ignored. My
from celebrating yesterday. This was a dozen people attended the private event complaint to the President and Minister
corrupt attempt to boost attendance for the government endorsed.Whether or of Foreign Affairs is attached.
a little group of their supporters who not this lack of support for those who I believe in national unity. My con-
deliberately planned a private party for attempted to divide our community is tribution to Guyana and the diaspora is
the same day as our celebration. commensurate with the governments unassailable. Given the current state of
According to reports, the govern- influence is for the people to deter- affairs, my family and I have decided to
ment of Guyana sent the Attorney mine. Nonetheless, the intelligence of withdraw our support of the PNCR and
General, Minster of Social Protection Guyanese must no longer be underes- the coalition government of Guyana.
and Minister of Health and others to the timated. I thank my fellow Guyanese
private events.Although the govern- for resoundingly rejecting division and Rickforde Burke
the unique heavenly candidate that the President seeks. If with the choice of the opposition. Do you not think Mr
the stalemate in the appointment of the Gecom Chairman President that the Guyanese people deserve an explanation?
does lead to the unilateral appointment of a Chairman of We owe it to ourselves and our children to ensure our
the Guyana Elections Commission, all that thousands of the Constitution is followed. At present Mr Granger has only
Guyanese people have successfully fought for and won in succeeded in arousing the suspicion of a significant number
terms of electoral gains will be placed in serious jeopar- of the Guyanese voters with respect to his intention and
dy. Even now I ask myself what is the motive behind the agenda on this important electoral matter.The Opposition
governments determination to reinterpret specific sections Leaders acquiescing to again engage civil society with a
of the Constitution, more especially the sections that deal view to preparing and submitting to the President a third list
with election matters. of Nominees must be seen as a determined effort by him to
The Presidents intent is obviously to unilaterally keep the wheels of our democracy turning; notwithstanding
appoint a Chairman of his choice to head Gecom. Fur- the fact we are running out of choices among those qual-
thermore, he may have, in all probability, identified this ified and interested in the Office of Chairman of Gecom.
person. But it must not be that the President can simply Even now the assembling of a high level team repre-
reject the names and the recommendations of the Leader of senting the President and the Leader of the Opposition to
the Opposition arising out of the several consultations with explore modalities to bring a resolution to the matter in the
civil society and choose and appoint someone of his choice event that the third list is rejected offers very little hope.
without offering some explanation re his refusal to concur Norman Whittaker
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017 9

Op-Ed: Incoherent economic policies adopted by govt

resulting in continued unraveling of economic gains
T he anemic economic
performance during the
first quarter of 2017 has con-
firmed the pervasive sense
that the incoherence policies
adopted by this adminis-
tration will further unravel
and obliterate decades of
economic gains.
As key traditional sec-
tors continue to wilt, with
the exception of gold, the
uninterrupted series of lack-
luster performances vividly
exemplifies a ham-fisted ad-
ministration that lacks vison
and economic acuity. The
growing disenchantment and
economic hardship among
our citizens is bound to per-
petuate, as our sputtering
economy continues to show
no signs of recovery.
KEY SECTORS
As reported by the Bank
of Guyana, 2017 First Quar-
ter Report, with the excep-
tion of rice and gold, sugar,
forestry, poultry and bauxite
contracted by 33.8%, 21.9%,
8.5% and 17.7% respective-
ly. In relation to rice, even
though the report boldly
outlined an increase in pro-
duction by 51.5%, when
compared to 2013, 2014 and
2015, the amount is signifi-
cantly less. Gold on the other
hand, recorded a paltry 0.5%
increase when compared to
2016 during similar period.
The horrendous output
level of sugar depicts and
reminds us of the callous and
acrimonious stance by this
administration to completely
annihilate the industry. An
industry that was once the
bellwether of our economy.
An industry that sustained
and propelled our economy
to great heights even when
other Caribbean nations
were receding uncontrolla-
bly. Of its total production
of 25,711 tonnes during the
first quarter of 2017, 15,801
tonnes were exported out of
which the industry was able
to amass US$8 million in
foreign currency, US$1.2
million more than what was
recorded for the same period
in 2016. The achievement,
however, significantly less
when compared to US$13
million and US$13.1 million
for the year 2015 and 2014,
respectively.
Similar to the sugar in-
dustry, the forestry sector
continues to battle severe
headwinds. This predica-
ment is undoubtedly linked
to the 14% VAT instituted
on lumber, and the dormant
construction sector. At the
end of March 2017, the for-
estry sector exported 22,400
cubic meters, 3,293 cubic
meters less than what was
exported in 2016 during the
same period. In monetary
terms, foreign currency has
contracted by US$1.7 mil-
lion to US$7.6 million, with
respect to 2016. When com-
pare to 2015, the amount lost
in foreign revenues is even
more startling at US$5.6
million.
Another sputtering in-
dustry is Bauxite. Total pro-
duction during the first quar-
ter of 2017 stood at 361,000
tonnes, 21.5% less than what
was recorded during the
same period in 2016. When
compared to 2015 and 2014,
this output level diminished
even further by 6.6% and
28.8% respectively.
Foreign currency accu-
mulated, on the other hand
has also contracted signifi-
cantly when compared to
similar period in 2016 by
US$5.1 million. A further
comparison to 2015 and
2014 revealed a shortfall in
foreign currency by US$4.2
million and US$11.9 mil-
lion, respectively.
Hence, it is evident that
our key traditional sectors
are all crumbling.
INFLATION
It is important to note
that the level of inflation is
determined by the change in
prices of key commodities
that make up a household
basket. As outlined in the
2017 First Quarter Report,
inflation increased by 0.6%,
of which the price of food,
and housing, which com-
prises of fuel and power,
increased by 0.4% and 0.2%
respectively. According to
the report, the cost of trans-
port & communication and
education, recreation and
cultural services all contrib-
uted to the higher inflation
rate.
To understand this oc-
currence, it is important to
remember that when tax is
levied on a particular good,
either of the following will
occur: one, if the demand
for the good is inelastic,
consumers will bear the
burden of the tax, which will
in turn result in higher price.
On the other hand, if the de-
mand is elastic, consumers
will substitute away from
the product and price will
increase slightly or remain
unchanged. Hence, when
the government expanded
its tax base in 2017 to in-
clude goods and services,
whose demand is inelastic
by nature, the outcome as
observed is a sudden rise in
inflation. Take fore example
2016 and 2015: during those
period, the country recorded
a deflation of 0.5% and 2.6%
respectively. This trend con-
tinued until 2011 when the
price of commodities in-
creased by 1.7%, which was
linked primarily to higher
prices for fuel and food.
During that year the price
for fuel fluctuated between
$90 and $100/barrel, 106%
more when compared to
todays price. In retrospect,
given the high price of fuel
it is clear as to why inflation
would have increased within
such a short period of time.
The spill over effect would
have driven up cost of pro-
duction, and food prices
alike. However, presently
our situation is different and
even more worrisome. Tax
has been levied directly on
key commodities, such as
water and electricity, while
concurrently, key tradition-
al sectors continue to fail
miserably. One can only
imagine the magnitude of
the economic disaster that
lies ahead.
BALANCE OF PAYMENT
The US$8.7 million defi-
cit recorded during the first
quarter of 2017, from a sur-
plus of US$14.7 million for
the same in 2016, speaks to
the fact that traders were
stocking-up their inventories
before the list of incoher-
ent policies adopted by this
administration came into
effect. This sudden surge in
import is linked primarily
to an increase in consumer
goods by 18.1% or $3.2
billion, fuel & lubricant by
$5 billion or 38.5%, and
other intermediate goods by
$5 billion or 27.8%, when
compared to corresponding
period in 2016.
In retrospect, this sudden
impulse can be explained
by the ubiquitous lack of
confidence facing our con-
sumers. The crippling tra-
ditional sector coupled with
an inevitable depreciation
of purchasing power of our
local currency have cer-
change activities at non-bank
cambios increased by 12.2%
to US$28.5 million. To cush-
ion the short fall of foreign
currency, commercial banks
were forced to procure an
additional US$7.2 million
from the Central Bank.
PUBLIC FINANCE
The first quarter report
vividly depicts the spike
in personal emoluments in
comparison to 2016 by 15.8
% or $1.6 billion to $11.7
billion, the highest ever re-
corded. To have a clear idea,
this figure represents an
increase of 19.4% or $1.9
billion when compared to
2015, 30% or $2.7 billion
when compared to 2014 and
46.3% or $3.7 billion when
compared 2013. This gov-
ernment is clearly on a hiring
spree recruiting cronies. Yet,
ordinary young professionals
including doctors, engineers
etc. are forced to go on pen-
sion, a sinister move that
will see their disposable
income slashed by 22.5%
yearly. This devious act has
one logical object: to cut to-
tal personal emoluments cost
so that additional stalwarts
can be accommodated.
REVENUE
Total recurrent revenue
during the first quarter of
2017 increased by $3.1 bil-
lion or 9% when compared
to similar period in 2016, of
which Income Tax, and Pro-
duction & Consumption Tax
saw an increased by
5.2% or $730 million, and
$3.8 billion or 28.6%, re-
spectively. VAT and Excise
Tax, in addition, brought in
an additional $1 billion and
$2.4 billion respectively.
Other tax revenues increased
by 247% or $571 million
when compared to the pre-
vious year. Of this total,
concluded that the imposi-
tion of VAT and other tax
measure by the government
did expropriate from con-
sumers billions in disposable
income. Monies that could
have otherwise been ex-
pended on good and services
of their choice, and in the
process, kept the economy
buoyant.
CONCLUSION
The continuous mundane
performance of our tradition-
al sectors will further emas-
culate the rigorous and vi-
brant economic cornerstone
the PPP once engineered.
The impact will be felt
by every Guyanese, concat-
enated through lower income
for working families; higher
borrowing cost for housing,
education and the expenses
of everyday life; lower value
of savings and; rising unem-
ployment. Compounding this
phenomenon will be a surge
in inflation, an inevitable
outcome of the additional
tax measures introduced this
year. By the end of the year,
it is anticipated that inflation
would be stoked to double
digits causing businesses to
downsize their operational
activities.
On the exogenous side
of the equation, economic
hardship will exacerbate as
interest rate of the US dollar
is likely to increase.
Moreover, political tur-
moil in the middle-east cou-
pled with the possible with-
drawal of the US from the
Paris climate change agree-
ment will likely increase the
price of oil. The implication
would be detrimental for
our economy.
The increase in inter-
est rate would place added
burden on the country to
service its external debt.
Compounding this phe-

Rupert Roopnarine demoted tainly created an econom-

ic panic. In fear that the
vehicle licenses and other
licenses increased their col-
nomenon would be a hike
in fuel price along with a

P resident David Granger, for the third
time in two years, has announced several
adjustments to his Cabinet.
Minister of Education, Dr. Rupert Roo-
pnaraine has been demoted and will now
assume the responsibility for the Public
Service under the auspices of the Ministry of
the Presidency.
Minister within the Ministry of Education,
Ms. Nicolette Henry, will take up the role of
the Minister of Education.
Further, a Department which will oversee
the innovation and reform of the Education
sector, will be established within the Ministry
of the Presidency under the purview of the
President.
The appointment of Dr. Roopnaraine
will take effect from June 15, 2017. He will
continue to be a member of Cabinet and a
Member of the National Assembly.
economic situation might
further exacerbate, consum-
ers responded by gobbling
up foreign currencies to
procure goods and services
abroad. Evidence of this is
highlighted in the Bank of
Guyana 2017 First Quarter
Report, whereby foreign ex-
lection rate by $131 million
or 89%, and $265 million
and 315% respectively when
compared to similar period.
In comparison to 2015
and 2014, total revenue rep-
resents an increase of 17%
and 30.6% respectively.
Hence, it can be logically
depreciation in exchange
rate, hence, making it more
expensive for us to import.
As businesses become
insolvent, the stability of
the banking sector will be
greatly challenged as toxic
loans would spiral out of
control.
10 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
ICJ adjudication of border issue draws nearer
By Dr. Odeen Ishmael
O n February 27 this year,
UN Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres announced
the appointment of Dag Hal-
vor Nylander of Norway as
his personal representative
to help find a solution to
the border controversy be-
tween Guyana and Venezu-
ela. Nylander comes with the
experience as ambassador
in Colombia in 2006-2008
and, more recently, as his
countrys special envoy in
the Colombian peace pro-
cess(2012-2016). .
Earlier, on December
16,2016, the Secretary-Gen-
eral concluded that the ex-
isting Good Offices process
which began in 1990 would
continue until the end of
2017. A UN media statement
revealed: If, by the end of
2017, the Secretary-General
concludes that no significant
progress has been made to-
wards arriving at a full agree-
ment for the solution of the
controversy, he will choose
the International Court of Jus-
tice (ICJ) as the next means
of settlement, unless the gov-
ernments of Guyana and Ven-
ezuela jointly request that he
refrain from doing so.
Nylanders task involves
regular and constructive
meetings with both govern-
ments to explore and propose
options for a solution to the
controversy arising from the
The Police must investigate this
By Mohabir Anil
Nandlall MP
Attorney-at -Law
S ince the publication of
my weekly article over
the weekend,I received
some valuable information
which I feel compelled to
share with the public.
The Zen Lounge at
which the New York event
was held is owned by Har-
dat Singh and Ann Narine.
I am informed that this
establishment is a regular
meeting place for members
of this Government.
Hardat Singh, a known
AFC financier, was the sup-
plier of the controversial
$420M fertilizer deal last
year.
Some years ago, the
Guyana Police Force had
Venezuelan claim that the
1899 arbitral award settling
the then border dispute is null
and void.
Over the past fifty years,
the controversy has generated
intermittent tensions between
the two countries. These heat-
ed up in 2015 after a signifi-
cant oil find was announced
in an offshore concession
granted to Exxon by Guyana
in its Atlantic economic zone,
an area that Venezuela de-
scribes as disputed waters;
and even also declaring the
zone as its own, as it did in
June 2015 when President
Maduro issued decrees claim-
ing almost all of Guyanas
offshore contiguous econom-
ic region.
Guyana opts for ICJ
More than a year before,
the PPP administration of
President Bharrat Jagdeo
declared that the Good Of-
fices process had outlived
its usefulness and would no
longer support its continuity.
The government of that peri-
od opted for the controversy
to be dealt with by the ICJ.
On the other hand, the Ven-
ezuelan government insisted
that it wanted the Good Of-
fices process to continue and
would not support any move
to the international court to
handle the issue.
The Guyana government
headed by President David
Granger from May 2015
issued wanted bulletins
for Ann Narine and her
mother, YvonneWebster,
in respect of allegations
of fraud. These bulletins
with their photographs were
posted on the walls of police
stations nationwide. Both
fled the country as a result.
Since the change in govern-
ment, Ann Narine and Har-
dat Singh have been seen
regularly at the Marriott Ho-
tel, at the National Stadium
during cricket and at various
other places in the City in
the company of top officials
of this Government.
In fact, I am informed
that Ann Narine holds her-
self out as a lobbyist for this
Government for investment
opportunities.
I hope that the Guyana
Police Force will inform
also took a similar position.
The recent appointment by
the Secretary-General seems
set to placate both govern-
mentsallowing the contin-
uation of the Good Offices
process desired by Venezu-
ela, and announcing that the
process would end this year
after which the ICJ would be-
come invoved, as advocated
by Guyana.
With the Secretary-Gen-
eral deciding to choose the
ICJ as the next means of
settlement if his personal
representative does not suc-
ceed in enabling a solution,
it is absolutely clear that the
Guyanese government will
never ask the Secretary-Gen-
eral to refrain from taking
this action.
UN recognition of
Guyanas territory
Interestingly, Nylander is
given the mandate to medi-
ate, a power which previous
Good Officers did not have.
However, his mediation will
have to be bound by an earlier
decision of the UN which
gave recognition to the legal-
ity of Guyanas boundary as
demarcated by the 1899 arbi-
tral award. This was defined
when the UN Convention on
the Law of the Sea Tribunal
made its award in the case
of the maritime boundary
between Guyana and Surina-
me in 2007. In making that
award, the arbitrators used
this nation about the sta-
tus of the investigations in
relation to Ann Narine and
Yvonne Webster and in so
doing, will appraise the na-
tion of the reasons why Ann
Narine is no longer consid-
ered a fugitive of justice.
Before, I close , I wish
to reply to a letter written by
Wesley Kirton in response
to my article. Mr. Kirton
wrote only in relation to the
event in Florida. Mr. Kirton
objects to my description
of the document inviting
people to this event as a
flier. He prefers the label
invitation. Quite frankly,
this is a distinction without
a difference. Significantly,
the document charges an
admission fee of a minimum
of US $35. My interpreta-
tion is that any member of
Devonshire Castle Flat, a
location on the Essequibo
coast, as a base point to draw
the boundary line based on
the principle of equidis-
tance. By using the Esse-
quibo coast as a base point,
the arbitrators (and hence the
UN Convention of the Law
of the Sea) gave recognition
to the Essequibo as part of
Guyanas sovereign territory
despite the existing claim by
Venezuela.
Actually, during the arbi-
tration hearings, the Surina-
me government had initially
opposed the use of this base
point, on the grounds of its
location in the area claimed
by Venezuela. However, the
arbitration court dismissed
Surinames protest, declaring
that Caricom, with Suriname
being an integral member,
recognized Guyanas sov- other meeting on October
ereignty over the Essequibo
region. But despite this rec-
ognition, Venezuela since
1966 has continued to occupy
Guyanas eastern half of the
three-square-miles Ankoko
Island at the border junction
of the Cuyuni and Wenamu
Rivers.
Maritime boundary not
defined
In his attempt at media-
tion, the Good Officer, there-
fore, will have to concentrate
on finding a solution to the
maritime boundary between
the two countriesa mari-
the public who pays that
admission fee would be ad-
mitted into the event. That
fact, coupled with the event
being described as a Town
Hall Meeting and Recep-
tion, in my view, ought to
settle the issue as to whether
the event was a private or a
public one.
Mr. Kirton informs us
that one way tickets from
Guyana to Miami were paid
for, for the two ministers,
by the person who extended
the invitation. No mention
is made of who is responsi-
ble for the other associated
expenditures.
Mr. Kirton refers to an
event which I attended in
Florida when I was Attorney
General to mark Guyanas
Independence Anniversary.
I was accompanied by my
time boundary that was never
legally demarcated. But in
doing so, he will have to keep
in mind that Venezuela is not
a signatory to the UN Law
of the Sea, which has been
involved in settling maritime
boundaries between various
countries.
Actually, both countries
saw the importance of a set-
tled maritime boundary. A
joint declaration of Septem-
ber 30, 2011, signed in Port
of Spain by Carolyn Ro-
drigues-Birkett and Nicolas
Maduro, the foreign ministers
of Guyana and Venezuela,
respectively, recognized that
the delimitation of the mar-
itime boundaries between
the two countries was an
outstanding issue and agreed
that such delimitation would
require negotiations.An-
have no other option but to
17, 2013, between the Guy-
anese foreign minister and
her new Venezuelan coun-
terpart, Elias Jaua, ratified
the decision of the Septem-
ber 2011 discussions and
they declared that a bilateral
technical team would meet
within four months to ex-
change views on how such
delimitation could proceed.
However, this technical team
could not be organized since
Venezuela, then experiencing
growing political instability,
was unprepared to begin this
work despite several remind-
ers from Guyana.
wife. Mr. Kirton raised the
issue of who financed that
trip. I was on official busi-
ness representing Guyana at
an Anti-Money Laundering
and Countering the Financ-
ing of Terrorism meeting
in Miami. As I was there, I
was invited to speak at the
event to which Mr. Kirton
refers. Whenever I trav-
elled on official business
and my wife accompanied
me, I paid for all expenses
in relation to her. Coin-
cidentally, I am informed
that when Ministers of this
Government travel with
their spouses, the State pays
all expenses for the both of
them.
Mr. Kirton confirms that
all cheques were required
to be made payable to the
account of APNU GUY-
Advisory commission
In preparation for Nyland-
ers mediation, and likely ICJ
jurisdiction, it is hoped that
the proposed national border
institute or a politically bipar-
tisan special commission will
be fully organized as an advi-
sory body to the government
on the border issue.
In the limited time left
for his mediation efforts, the
Norwegian diplomat may
encounter some difficulty
in managing his work with
Venezuela, as the country
is facing serious political,
economic and social crises
along with massive anti-gov-
ernment street protests.
Thus, it is doubtful that he
will be able to mediate any
solution before the end of
the year. This means that the
UN Secretary-General will
request adjudication by the
ICJ to end the controversy.
[Dr. Odeen Ishmael,
Ambassador Emeritus (re-
tired), historian and au-
thor, served as Guyanas
ambassador in the USA
(1993-2003), Venezuela
(2003-2011) and Kuwait
(2011-2014). He is the au-
thor of the trilogy, The
Trail of Diplomacy The
Guyana-Venezuela Border
Issue. He also serves as a
Senior Research Fellow
of the Washington-based
Council on Hemispheric
Affairs.]
ANA INC. He also con-
firms that the proceeds are
for the Presidents Five Bs
Program - a programme of
the Government of Guyana
and not a Party programme
of the APNU.
It ought to be common
knowledge that the Laws and
the Constitution of Guyana
mandate all Government
programmes to be fund-
ed by monies appropriated
via the National Assembly
from the Consolidated Fund.
Hence the Constitutional
requirement that all monies
received by Guyana shall
be paid into and form one
Consolidated Fund.
In short, monies that are
raised at a private event for
the purpose of funding Gov-
ernment projects are unlaw-
ful and extra-Constitutional.
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Corruption safeguards being dismantled
by govt Jagdeo
P PP General Secretary,
Bharrat Jagdeo, has
charged that the govern-
ment has been dismantling
corruption safeguards
that existed inc,luding the
Integrity Commission.
Behind the headlines
(that talk about tackling
corruption), by stealth, we
Current economic challenges demand that
govt work with Opposition PSC Chairman
O ver the last 12 months,
businesses are increas-
ingly feeling the pressure of
slowed economic growth,
coupled with increased
taxation and reduced dis-
posable income, according
to the Chairman of the
Private Sector Commission
(PSC), Eddie Boyer.
Speaking at the PSCs
25th Annual General Meet-
ing (AGM) where he was
re-elected as Chairman,
Boyer said, A strong pri-
vate sector is necessary for
the development of Guyana
and no government has
ever been successful with-
out a vibrant private sector.
the Private Sector
GECOM developments: Jagdeo tells Enmore residents that
the political Opposition moving forward in good faith
E xplaining the develop-
ments with the appoint-
ment of a new Guyana Elec-
tions Commission (GECOM)
Chairperson at the community
level, General Secretary of the
Peoples Progressive Party
(PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo,
charged that the Party will not
compromise on provisions of
the Constitution.
At a public meeting at En-
more last evening (Wednes-
day, June 14), Jagdeo noted
that while President David
Grangers rejection of the
first two sets of nominees
was unreasonable, he will be
moving to submit a third set
of nominees.
He added that while
Granger does not have to ex-
plain his reasons for rejecting
the names, the political Oppo-
sition has a duty to submit the
names least Granger makes
a unilateral appointment.
Any such move, accord-
ing to him, with the political
Opposition having acted as is
required, will result in strong
see the dismantling of the
safeguards against corrup-
tion, Jagdeo said.
There is only one staff-
er remaining at the Integ-
rity Commission Secre-
tariat, according to the
Accounting Officer of the
Ministry of the Presiden-
cy, Abeena Moore, who
Commission is a well-rec-
ognized organization and
one that is respected by all
stakeholders. Such recog-
nition and status did not
come easy but came with
lots of effort and hard work
by those who pioneered and
cleared the paths for us in
the past.
Boyer called on Gov-
ernment to work with the
political Opposition to ad-
dress the current econom-
ic challenges. I would
like ask the Government
and Opposition to unite
in the interest of allowing
the country to bring on
board fresh ideasin these
challenging financial times
opposition. I have already
made it clear that if he seeks
to appoint a person of his
own choice that that would be
unconstitutional, illegal; wed
fight it in the courts and on the
streetsall of us together
we have to do that because
it is about the future of the
country, he said.
HISTORY IS ON OPPOSI-
TIONS SIDE
The PPP General Secre-
tary also underscored the fact
that at a meeting with Grang-
er, on Monday, the President
was reminded that the inter-
pretation of the Constitutional
provision on the appointment
of a GECOM Chairperson,
history and even the Peoples
National Congress (PNC)
submissions of nominees for
GECOM chairpersons are
factors on the political Op-
positions side. Jagdeo noted
that Desmond Hoyte, Senior
Counsel, at one point had sub-
mitted Grangers name on one
of the lists to be considered
was recently questioned
by the Parliamentary Pub-
lic Accounts Committee
(PAC).
Notably, Jagdeo had
previously stated that In-
tegrity Commission has
already been disbanded,
with the staff sent home
and the office earmarked
our country is experienc-
ing now, political division
serves no purpose unless
the aim is for it to be truly
for GECOM Chairperson.
Article 161(2) states that:
The Chairman of the Elec-
tions Commission shall be a
person holds or who has held
office as a judge of a court
having unlimited jurisdiction
in civil and criminal matters
in some part of the Common-
wealth or a court having ju-
risdiction in appeals from any
such court or who is qualified
to be appointed as any such
judge, or any other fit and
proper person.
After the first rejection,
Granger was asked to provide
clarity on his interpretation of
Article 162 (2) of the Consti-
tution. In response, Granger
maintained that the nominees
for the post of Chairperson of
GECOM should be a judge,
but added that the nominees
must also not be an activist or
member of any political party.
Those named on the
second set of submissions
included: retired Justice of
Appeal B.S Roy; retired Jus-
tice William Ramlall; At-
for other uses. Concerns
about the years of docu-
mentation specifically
the declarations officials
in public life are supposed
to make to the Commis-
sion by law were reit-
erated by Jagdeo. They
took and have all the doc-
uments that should be with
the constitutional body,
he said.
Under the law, passed
in 2000, certain categories
of public officials are re-
a banana republic, he said.
The PSC Chairman not-
ed the Commissions dis-
appointment in Budget
2016 and 2017, with the
latter seeing a reduction in
Value Added Tax (VAT)
from 16% to 14% coupled
with the introduction of
VAT on water and electric-
ity, as well as education.
The Commission main-
tains that the social impact
of such policies should be
carefully considered before
their imposition, he said.
Boyer also underscored
the PSCs vociferous pres-
ence on a number of de-
cisions affecting business
and the populace. Of pri-
torney-at-law and a former
Magistrate, Ms. Oneidge
Walrond-Allicock; Attor-
ney-at-Law, Kashir Khan;
Attorney-at-law, Nadia Sagar;
and businessman, Gerald
Gouveia.
OPTIONS EXPLORED
Jagdeo explained too
that different options were
explored in considering the
move forward. As an example
he noted that a small amend-
ment to the Constitution could
widen the pool of eligible
persons to be nominated for
the post of GECOM Chair-
person particularly since one
of Grangers conditions was
that the nominees have deep
electoral knowledge.
(I said to the President)
why not let us jointly amend
that part of the Constitution
we can submit now, we can
search around the world so
my list now can show people
from around the world, some
of the best people from around
the world, so that is one of
quired to declare their as-
sets to the Integrity Com-
mission or face criminal
charges for not doing so.
Jagdeo also pointed
to the fact that it was the
Peoples Progressive Par-
ty/ Civic (PPP/C) that
made a move to in the Na-
tional Assembly address
the issue of greater ac-
countability for persons in
public life, via a motion,
which was not supported
by the government.
mary importance was the
suspension of the parking
meter system in the capital.
This was not only crippling
business but bringing all of
Georgetown to a standstill.
While this matter is not yet
resolved as I complete my
term, I can assure you that
the PSC will continue to
fight tooth and nail for a
fair, visible and equitable
agreement, he said.
Government interaction,
as well as engagements
with foreign dignitaries
in discussions on trade,
security, the effects of oil
and gas and foreign di-
rect investment in Guyana,
was also noted by the PSC
my suggestions and we will
explore that, he said.
According to him, Grang-
er was non-committal.
He added that Granger
did, however, suggest that
a bi-partisan search team be
established, an option, he, as
Opposition Leader, did not
accept.
The President said that
why not establish a search
committee and I said Mr.
President you have zealously
guarded your rights under
the Constitution- the right to
choose in an unfettered man-
ner so if I agree to a search
party, you will be part of se-
lecting my nominees too; so
you would help me to submit
and you will choose too...that
will violate the entire spirit of
the Constitution so I could not
agree with that, Jagdeo said.
GOOD FAITH
Informing the massive
gathering at Enmore that
Granger has indicated that
he will not make a unilat-
11
Jagdeo noted that that
the Coalition government,
in its manifesto, promised
that it will appoint an in-
dependent Integrity Com-
mission as a matter of ur-
gency, staffed by persons
of the highest integrity.
The government, now in
its third year in office, is
still to act.
Meanwhile, changes to
the Integrity Commission
Act have been proposed by
the Coalition government.
Chairman.
The other executives
who were elected include:
Past Chairman Major
General (retd) Norman
McLean, elected to the
position of Secretary and
Financial Expert; Fitzroy
McLeod, reelected unop-
posed as Treasurer.
The new Executive
pledged to continue to ad-
vocate for the development
of the private sector in
Guyana and for the im-
provement of the requi-
site enabling environment
which would allow the
private sector to be the true
engine of growth of the
country.
eral appointment, but will
work collaboratively, Jagdeo
stated that the political Op-
position agreed to the estab-
lishment of a high-level team
to work on moving forward,
should the third set of names
be rejected.
However, he stressed
that this agreement was
made providing that certain
conditions are satisfied:
* One, that the Constitu-
tional provisions are upheld;
* Two, that moves made
are satisfactory to both par-
ties, since the PPP has no
interest in assuming the role
of a junior partner; and
* Three, that the del-
icate balance of the Car-
ter formula one GECOM
chairperson, three GECOM
commissioners nominated
by the ruling party and three
GECOM commissioners
nominated by the political
Opposition is maintained.
We are going forward in
good faiththis is a critical
issue, Jagdeo said.
12 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Grangers action against Roopnarine on Rodneys
death anniversary a slap in the face of WPA
By Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
I am both puzzled and ap-
palled at the firing of Dr.
Rupert Roopnarine and the
reasons given. The spin is
that Dr. Roopnarine has not
been fired and that his oust-
er from Education is simply
a Cabinet reshuffle in which
he has assumed other re-
sponsibilities. This is sim-
ply kerfuffling and insulting
the Guyanese people.
The fact that this hap-
pened on the day Guyana
is observing the death an-
niversary (the murder an-
niversary) of Dr. Walter
Rodney, a genuine Guya-
nese patriot and hero, the
founder-leader of the WPA
and a friend of Dr. Roopna-
rine is intriguing. I believe
that it is a slap in the face
of the WPA, it is an insult
to Dr. Roopnarine and it
is another dagger into the
heart of Dr. Rodney.
I believe it is deliberate
and is intended to let the
WPA know that they are
still regarded as outsiders
and interlopers and they
no longer serve any useful
purpose for APNU+AFC.
Already, Nagamootoo
and Ramjattan are simply
holding on as Trotman com-
pletely incorporate the AFC
into APNU. This is just an-
other step in reaffirming the
People's National Congress
(PNC).
The fact is that Dr. Roo-
pnarine has been fired as
the Minister of Education,
a senior Ministry in the
Cabinet. He has been as-
signed to a junior role as a
Minister in the Ministry of
the Presidency, meaning he
must report to Minister Har-
mon. APNU+AFC from the
inception regarded the pub-
lic service as not important
enough to have a Minister
and that the public service
will be handled as part of
the assignment of the Min-
ister of the Presidency. Now
Dr. Roopnarine has a title as
a Minister in the Ministry of
the Presidency, but for all
intents and purposes will
be doing the work of a PS
with limited duties under
Harmon.
Not only have they fired
him from the Ministry of
Education, they heaped in-
sult on him by saying that
they are seeking a more
efficient way to manage
Education. In so doing, they
have made Dr. Roopnarine
a fall guy for the misman-
agement of Education. They
make it appear that he had
to be removed from his role
as Minister of Education so
that they could do a better
job of managing education.
Not only have they fired
and scorned him, they have
assaulted his dignity.
It is disrespectful to
treat Dr. Roopnarine this
way. Not only is Dr. Roo-
pnarine a distinguished
scholar, but he has been
in the struggle for freedom
and democracy. While I was
disappointed that Dr. Roo-
pnarine joined the APNU
coalition, and while I be-
lieved he was misguided in
his justification for doing
so, we remained friends. I
have always admired Dr.
Roopnarine, even if I could
not agree with him all the
time. No matter what our
disagreement, I always gave
him the benefit of the doubt
that he was genuinely look-
ing out for the interest of
our people. I remembered
in 1997 when I was an MP
with the PPP sending him a
note that I am proud of his
struggle and his courage
fighting for what he believe
in, after one of his speeches
in Parliament.
Between 2011 and 2015,
as Minister of Agriculture,
I hosted Dr. Roopnarine
many times in my office in
his role as shadow Minis-
ter of Agriculture for AP-
NU+AFC. We always mu-
tually and in the interest of
Guyana addressed concerns
that he raised and, as far as
possible, I sought to find
a comfort zone where we
placed politics aside and
find solutions to concerns
that may have existed.
A Government make
changes. A president has
the right to change his Cab-
inet and every Minister
serves at the pleasure of
the President. No one is too
sacred that they cannot be
touched when you serve as
a Minister. But either you
remove that person as a
Minister or shift him or her
to another Ministry of the
same rank. When Minister
Jeffrey was shifted from the
Ministry of Health in 2001,
he was shifted to the Minis-
try of Education, a Ministry
with the same rank.
When the same Minister
was shifted from Education,
he was made Minister of
Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Trade. In this case a Senior
Minister has been shifted
downwards, not even being
given his own Ministry.
There is no "ands, if
and buts". Dr. Roopnarine
has been dumped and the
shift as a Minister in the
Ministry of the Presidency
is just to placate the WPA.
But Dr. Roopnarine and the
Members of the WPA will
be dishonoring Dr. Rodney
if they cannot see that AP-
NU+AFC has just heaped
absolute scorn on the party,
on those party members
serving the government and
most disgusting a deliberate
insult to the memory of Dr.
Rodney.
It is a signal that APNU
does not need the WPA and
people like Rupert Roop-
narine anymore. They were
used, just as the United
Force was used in 1964, to
help secure political power.
Now that they have be-
gan to take control of the
State and they have made
progress in consolidating a
repressive machinery to re-
institute dictatorship, there
is no place for the WPA and
Dr. Roopnarine.
The spin and the kerfuf-
fling will be wild in the next
couple of days, but Guya-
nese are not foolish and are
not fooled. Dr. Roopnarine
has been fired and silenced.
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
First quarter economic review:
Continued anemic performance
By Irfaan Ali, MP
T he anemic economic per-
formance during the first
quarter of 2017 has confirmed
the pervasive sense that the
incoherence policies adopted
by this administration will
further unravel and oblit-
erate decades of economic
gains. As key traditional
sectors continue to wilt, with
the exception of gold, the
uninterrupted series of lack-
luster performances vividly
exemplifies a ham-fisted ad-
ministration that lacks vision
and economic acuity. The
growing disenchantment and
economic hardship among
our citizens are bound to
accelerate, as our tottering
economy continues to show
no signs of recovery.
Key Sectors
As reported by the Bank
of Guyana, 2017 First Quar-
ter Report, with the excep-
tion of rice and gold, sugar,
forestry, poultry and bauxite
contracted by 33.8%, 21.9%,
8.5% and 17.7% respec-
tively. In relation to rice,
even though the report bold-
ly outlined an increase in
production by 51.5%, when
compared to 2013, 2014 and
2015, the amount is signifi-
cantly less. Gold on the other
hand, recorded a paltry 0.5%
increase when compared
to 2016 during the similar
period.
The horrendous output
level of sugar depicts and
reminds us of the callous and
acrimonious stance by this
administration to completely
annihilate the industry; an
industry that was once the
bellwether of our economy.
This is the same industry
that sustained and propelled
our economy to great heights
even when other Caribbe-
an nations were receding
uncontrollably. Of its total
production of 25,711 tonnes
during the first quarter of
2017, 15,801 tonnes were
exported out of which the
industry was able to amass
US$8 million in foreign cur-
rency, US$1.2 million more
than what was recorded for
the same period in 2016. The
achievement, however was
significantly less when com-
pared to US$13 million and
US$13.1 million for the years
2015 and 2014.
Similar to the sugar in-
dustry, the forestry sector
continues to battle severe
headwinds. This predica-
ment is undoubtedly linked
to the 14% VAT instituted on
lumber, and the dormant con-
struction sector. At the end
of March 2017, the forestry
sector exported 22,400 cubic
meters, 3,293 cubic meters
less than what was exported
in 2016 during the same pe-
riod. In monetary terms, for-
eign currency has contracted
by US$1.7 million to US$7.6
million, with respect to 2016.
When compared to 2015, the
amount lost in foreign reve-
nues is even more startling at
US$5.6 million.
Another sputtering indus-
try is Bauxite. Total produc-
tion during the first quarter
of 2017 stood at 361,000
tonnes, 21.5% less than what
was recorded during the same
period in 2016. When com-
pared to 2015 and 2014, this
output level diminished even
further by 6.6% and 28.8%
respectively.
Foreign currency accu-
mulated, on the other hand
has also contracted signifi-
cantly when compared to
similar period in 2016 by
US$5.1 million. A further
comparison to 2015 and 2014
revealed a shortfall in foreign
currency by US$4.2 million
and US$11.9 million, respec-
tively. Hence, it is evident
that our key traditional sec-
tors are all crumbling.
Inflation
It is important to note
that the level of inflation is
determined by the change in
prices of key commodities
that make up a household
basket. As outlined in the
2017 First Quarter Report, in-
flation increased by 0.6%, of
which the price of food, and
housing, which comprises of
fuel and power, increased by
0.4% and 0.2% respectively.
According to the report, the
cost of transport & commu-
nication and education, rec-
reation and cultural services
all contributed to the higher
inflation rate.
To understand this oc-
currence, it is important to
remember that when tax is
levied on a particular good,
either of the following will
occur: one, if the demand for
the good is inelastic, consum-
ers will bear the burden of the
tax, which will in turn result
in higher price. On the other
hand, if the demand is elastic,
consumers will substitute
away from the product and
price will increase slightly or
remain unchanged. Hence,
when the government ex-
panded its tax base in 2017
to include goods and services,
whose demand is inelastic
by nature, the outcome as
observed is a sudden rise in
inflation. Take for exam-
ple2016 and 2015: during
those periods, the country
recorded a deflation of 0.5%
and 2.6% respectively. This
trend continued until 2011
when the price of commodi-
ties increased by 1.7%, which
was linked primarily to high-
er prices for fuel and food.
During that year the price for
fuel fluctuated between $90
and $100/barrel, 106% more
when compared to todays
price. In retrospect, given the
high price of fuel it is clear as
to why inflation would have
increased within such a short
period of time. The spill-over
effect would have driven up
cost of production, and food
prices alike. However, pres-
ently our situation is different
and even more worrisome.
Tax has been levied directly
on key commodities, such as
water and electricity, while
concurrently key traditional
sectors continue to fail mis-
erably. One can only imagine
the magnitude of the econom-
ic disaster that lies ahead.
Balance of Payment
The US$8.7 million defi-
cit recorded during the first
quarter of 2017, from a sur-
plus of US$14.7 million for
the same in 2016, speaks
to the fact that traders were
stocking-up their inventories
before the list of incoherent
policies adopted by this ad-
ministration came into effect.
This sudden surge in import
is linked primarily to an in-
crease in consumer goods by
18.1% or $3.2 billion, fuel
& lubricant by $5 billion or
38.5%, and other interme-
diate goods by $5 billion or
27.8%, when compared to
corresponding period in 2016.
In retrospect, this sudden
impulse can be explained
by the ubiquitous lack of
confidence facing our con-
sumers. The crippling tradi-
tional sector, coupled with
an inevitable depreciation
of purchasing power of our
local currency, have certainly
created an economic panic.
In fear that the economic
situation might further exac-
erbate, consumers responded
by gobbling up foreign cur-
rencies to procure goods and
services abroad. Evidence
of this is highlighted in the
Bank of Guyana 2017 First
Quarter Report, whereby
foreign exchange activities at
non-bank cambios increased
by 12.2% to US$28.5 million.
To cushion the short fall of
foreign currency, commercial
banks were forced to procure
an additional US$7.2 million
from the Central Bank.
Public Finance
The first quarter report
vividly depicts the spike in
personal emoluments in com-
parison to 2016 by 15.8 % or
$1.6 billion to $11.7 billion,
the highest ever recorded. To
have a clear idea, this figure
represents an increase of
19.4% or $1.9 billion when
compared to 2015, 30% or
$2.7 billion when compared
to 2014 and 46.3% or $3.7
billion when compared 2013.
This government is clearly
on a hiring spree recruiting
cronies. Yet, ordinary young
professionals including doc-
tors, engineers etc. are forced
to go on pension, a sinister
move that will see their dis-
posable income slashed by
22.5% yearly. This devious
act has one logical object: to
cut total personal emoluments
cost so that additional stal-
warts can be accommodated.
Revenue
Total recurrent revenue
during the first quarter of
2017 increased by $3.1 bil-
lion or 9% when compared
to similar period in 2016, of
which Income Tax, and Pro-
duction & Consumption Tax
increased by 5.2% or $730
million, and $3.8 billion or
28.6%, respectively. VAT
and Excise Tax, in addition,
brought in an additional $1
billion and $2.4 billion re-
spectively; other tax revenues
increased by 247% or $571
million when compared to the
previous year. Of this total,
vehicle licenses and other
licenses increased their col-
lection rate by $131 million
or 89%, and $265 million
and 315% respectively when
compared to similar period.
In comparison to 2015
and 2014, total revenue rep-
resents an increase of 17%
and 30.6% respectively.
Hence, it can be logically
concluded that the imposition
of VAT and other tax mea-
sure by the government did
expropriate from consumers
billions in disposable income.
Monies that could have other-
wise been expended on good
and services of their choice,
and in the process, kept the
economy buoyant.
Conclusion
The continuous mun-
dane performance of our tra-
ditional sectors will further
emasculate the rigorous and
vibrant economic corner-
13
stone the PPP engineered.
The impact will be felt by
every Guyanese, concat-
enated through lower in-
come for working families;
higher borrowing cost for
housing, education and the
expenses of everyday life;
lower value of savings and;
rising unemployment. Com-
pounding this phenomenon
will be a surge in inflation,
an inevitable outcome of
the additional tax measures
introduced this year. By
the end of the year, it is
anticipated that inflation
would be stoked to double
digits causing businesses to
downsize their operational
activities.
On the exogenous side
of the equation, economic
hardship will exacerbate
as interest rate of the US
dollar is likely to increase.
Moreover, political turmoil
in the middle-east coupled
with the possible withdrawal
of the US from the Paris cli-
mate change agreement will
likely increase the price of
oil. The implication would
be detrimental for our econ-
omy. The increase in inter-
est rate would place added
burden on the country to
service its external debt.
Compounding this phenom-
enon would be a hike in fuel
price along with deprecia-
tion in exchange rate, hence,
making it more expensive
for us to import. As busi-
nesses become insolvent,
the stability of the banking
sector will be greatly chal-
lenged as toxic loans would
spiral out of control.
14 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017

Williams and Ally greeted by protesters in New York

 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill 2016
Independence of Petroleum Commission
questioned by Ali
T he following is the ad-
dress by Hon. Irfaan Ali,
MP, during the debate on the
Petroleum Commission last
week:
We are at a juncture
where petroleum will be har-
nessed locally in the medium
term. It is therefore important
that we create the necessary
legal and regulatory frame-
work to ensure this valuable
resource is harnessed in an
efficient and environmentally
friendly manner. In this re-
gard, the Bill is timely.
We are aware the Bill is
aimed primarily at creating
the Petroleum Commission;
which for all intents and
purposes is supposed to be an
autonomous agency governed
by a Board and managed by
apolitical professionals as is
the case with similar agencies
which exists in other parts of
the world.
However, when we scru-
tinize the Bill closely we
find that the independence of
the Petroleum Commission
is vigorously challenged in
numerous sections and this
will certainly affect its abil-
ity to operate in a fair, open,
objective, and non-discrimi-
natory manner as envisioned
in section 6 subsection 1.
Power of the Minister
(Section 8)
For example, when we
examine section 8 which
deals with the Power of the
Minister to give directions to
the Commission it is clear
that the Commission will
hardly be able to work with-
out the direction and control
of the Minister.
According to section 8,
Essequibo rice giant Kayman Sankar sells off properties
K ayman Sankar, a pop-
ular rice company, has
sold a number of properties
including Essequibo Coast
and Blairmont, Berbice rice
land less than three years
after the Kayman Sankar
passed away.
Sankar was acclaimed as
Guyanas most successful
rice farmer/miller, who rose
from poverty to become a
millionaire and a household
name on the Essequibo Coast
and Guyana as a whole.
The late rice millers son,
Beni Sankar, confirmed to
Guyana Times on Wednes-
day that several properties
were sold, pointing out
quickly that the decision to
sell had nothing to do with
issues facing the industry.
the Minister is not only al-
lowed to provide policy guid-
ance, but also give DIREC-
TION to the Commission
regarding:
* size of the establish-
ment
* the employment of staff
and the terms and conditions
of employment
* the provision of equip-
ment and use of funds
* reorganization or such
works of development as to
involve a substantial outlay
on capital account,
* training, education and
research
* the disposal of capital
assets;
* the application of the
proceeds of such disposals.
Thus, the Minister is lit-
erally empowered to dic-
tateinter alia:
* how many persons an
independent Commission
should employ,
* what should be the
terms and conditions of em-
ployment for the staff ofthe
Commission,
* how an independent
Commission should use its
funds etc.
Based on our review of
similar legislation in other
countries, we were unable
to locate one that bestow
comparable powers to the
Minister. Indeed, based on
our review we found that the
only power the Minister is
granted in other countries is
the power to provide policy
guidance.
Section 10(2)
Mr. Speaker, apart from
the giving the Minister the
powers to direct and control
the Commission, section 10
Among the properties sold
the Hampton Court Air-
strip, aquaculture farms,
rice fields, estate houses and
cattle.
It has nothing to do
with the decline it was for
different circumstances, he
explained.
While Beni Sankar did
not want to comment further
on the sale of these proper-
ties, he said as it currently
obtained, the rice industry
was in a good state, but there
were a few issues that could
be addressed.
Maybe the farmers are
not getting the preferential
treatment they used to get.
So, maybe that is a big issue.
What has mostly happened
there is that their profits have
of the Bill allows the Minister
to perform the function of the
Board where a Board is not
appointed or not functioning.
Therefore, basedon this Bill
the Minister can assume the
role of the Board, in the same
manner the Attorney General
has taken over the role of
the Deeds and Commercial
Registry Board and despite
being ordered by the Court to
appoint one the Minister can
choose not to do so.
Section 10(7)
Mr. Speaker, we are al-
soreminded in section 5 sub-
section (d) that the Board
has a duty to carry out the
directions of the Minister as
set out in section 8.
Meanwhile section 10
subsection 7 that the Board
shall be responsible and an-
swerable to the Minister for
the execution of its policy,
functions and duties as well
as any directions and as-
signments given to it by the
Minister under the provisions
of this Act.
Mr. Speaker, if there was
any doubt that the Minister
had the power to direct and
control the Board and by
extension the Commission,
then these sections are there
to remove those doubts.
Section 14(2)
We are told that in this
Bill that if any member of
the Board fails to comply
with the provisions in the
Act, which includes taking
direction from the Minister,
his/her appointment may be
terminated.
Thus, if per chance we
were curious about the con-
sequences of disregarding the
directive of the Minister, we
gone down, he emphasised.
The Chief Executive Of-
ficer (CEO) of Kayman San-
kar and Company Limited
told this publication that in
most instances, when rice
farmers take their capital to
the bank, they were more
likely to receive three to four
per cent interest.
And most farmers clear
20-25 per cent. And now if
they dont make that a crop
or so, thats a big scream.
And what you have to bear
in mind also, is that there are
too many small farmers, he
opined.
According to him, farm-
ers, who operate with 25-30
acres of land, cannot earn
a living wage in Guyana,
adding that with no other
have section 14 subsection 2
to appease our curiosity.
Section 20(1)
According to this Bill
the Director of Petroleum
shall be appointed by the
Minister instead of the Board.
Again,here we have a situa-
tion whereby a Commission
that is supposed to be inde-
pendent is deprived of the
basic opportunity to appoint
its Chief Executive Officer
and will be forced to settle
for someone who can be
hand-picked by the Minister.
This situation give rise to the
following questions:
* What kind of indepen-
dence can you expect from
an agency when the head
is politically appointed and
serving at the pleasure of the
Minister?
* How objective, fair, and
reasonable can you expect
the Commission to be when
it is headed by someone who
is serving at the pleasure of
the Minister and governed
by a Board that is subject to
the control and director of
Minister?
* What kind of control
can a Board exercise over a
person who is serving at the
pleasure of the Minister?
These questions become
rhetorical when we consider
the fact that the Minister
can remove member from
the Board for not following
orders and directions.
Power to make regula-
tions (section 37)
This Bill also allows the
Minister to unilaterally de-
velop regulation without any
advice from the independent
Commission is expected to
be managed by professionals
with the capacity to deter-
mine what is important for
regulating the sector.
Based on our review of
similar legislation, we found
that the petroleum authority
form of employment, this
could lead to a lot of societal
problems.
Its not an easy situa-
tion, but I think the industry
is in a relatively good state,
he added.
Questioned whether there
was need for more markets,
Sankar said even if more
markets were opened up, it
all boiled down to the price
offered for rice and paddy.
You can sell how much
rice you want, but its the
price. As a matter of fact
that applies to any product.
If you give it away at a low
price, people will take it,
he further stated. (Guyana
Times)
Guyana recently reached
an agreement with Mexico
is either solely responsible
for making regulation or pro-
viding advice to the Minister
so that he/she by legislative
instrument can make regu-
lations.
Conclusion
Given the powers con-
ferred to the Minister by this
Bill and the powerlessness
of the Commission to work
without the direction and
control of the Minister this
Bill should be called the
Minister Petroleum Bill of
Guyana.
This Bill will not create
an independent agency that
would be able to carry out its
mandate in a fair, transparent,
non-discriminatory manner
as similar agencies in oil pro-
ducing countries. Instead, the
Bill will create an agency that
is a sidekick or subservient
creature of the Minister.
Apart from permitting
executive overreach by the
Minister, the Bill has other
deficiencies. For example,
there are no specific provi-
sions to deal with health and
safety issues and liabilities
for damage due to pollution.
Meanwhile the provisions
related to local content is
inadequate and there is NO
mention of an energy fund
which can be utilized for:1
* promoting energy effi-
ciency and productive uses
of electricity, natural gas and
petroleum products;
* promoting the devel-
opment and utilisation of
renewable energy resources,
including solar energy;
* human resource devel-
opment in the energy sector;
and
* for promoting the
well-being of the Guyanese
people generally.
Mr. Speaker, there is also
the absence of any provision
which will allow for the ex-
port of an estimated 150,000
tonnes of rice and paddy
to Mexico duty-free before
year-end.
Despite this, there has
been a general decline of rice
prices on the international
market over the past few
years. This trend has had
more consequences for some
rice-producing countries
than others.
The implications for the
Caribbean and Guyana have
already been realised, and
have already threatened the
comparatively high prices
that were enjoyed in years
gone by.
Nevertheless, Agricul-
ture Minister Noel Holder
had revealed that rice pro-
15
in the Bill which mandates
the Minister or the Commis-
sion to furnish the public with
information such as:2
* details of all agree-
ments, licences and any
amendments to the licences
or agreements whether or not
terminated or valid;
* details of exemptions
from, or variations or sus-
pensions of ,the conditions
of a licence;
* approved field develop-
ment plan; and
* all assignments and
other approved arrangements
in respect of a licence.
In this regard, I wish to
conclude by recommending
that the Bill be referred to a
select committee so that the
deficiencies highlighted can
be addressed. By addressing
the deficiencies, we will be
able to:
* exploit our petroleum
resources in an efficient, safe
and environmentally friendly
manner, based on the collec-
tive wisdom of professionals
rather than the dictates of an
omniscient and omnipotent
politician
* ensure that our people
benefit maximally from the
good life this resources
is expected to deliver by
emphasizing local content
and establishing an energy
fund; and
* ensure greater transpar-
ency and accountability by
mandating the Minister and
the Commission to provide
the public with vital informa-
tion regarding the harnessing
our petroleum resources.
1 This is from THE EN-
ERGY COMMISSION ACT,
1997 OF GHANA
2THE PETROLEUM
(EXPLORATION, DE-
VELOPMENT ANDPRO-
DUCTION) ACT, 2013 of
UGANDA
duction was expected to
increase by 1.3 per cent in
2017, although there was a
decline during 2016 by 12.7
per cent to 600,000 metric
tonnes due to El Nio weath-
er conditions.
Holder said that a num-
ber of farmers had exit-
ed the industry owing to
the loss of the high-priced
Venezuelan market, but
explained that 3311 hectares
were lost out of the 76,717
hectares sown.
It was reported that
production for 2015 was
1,058,129 tonnes, which
was equivalent to 687,784
tonnes. That was 80,840
tonnes or 8.27 per cent
higher than the production
for 2014.

16 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Horse
The Bitter Politics of Sweet Sugar
By: Mohabir Anil Nandlall
T he tragedy confront-
ing the sugar industry
in Guyana and the fifteen
thousand workers and their
families, along with the
tens of thousands of others
who are likely to be affect-
ed, indirectly, thereby, is
a classic saga of politics,
betrayal and incompetence.
During the elections cam-
paign of 2011, Mr. Moses
Nagamootoo spoke to the
sugar workers at the Or-
der Lines of almost every
estate and promised them
a 25% increase in wages,
should the AFC win those
elections. This promise was
reiterated on public plat-
forms throughout the coun-
try and in media.
After those elections,
the AFC teamed up with
the APNU and with their
combined one seat-majority,
in the National Assembly,
blocked almost every fi-
nancial injection from the
Treasury to Guysuco. These
were actions, which man-
ifestly derogated from the
promise for wages increase
and support for the sugar
industry and its workers,
publicly made and advocat-
ed only a few months pri-
or. The AFC was in collu-
sion with the APNU, when
the APNU then economic
strongman, Carl Greenidge,
surmised from the floor
of the National Assem-
bly in the 10th Parliament
that financial assistance to
Guysuco is pouring money
into, a bottomless black
hole. During the Budgetary
presentations of 2013 and
2014, the sugar workers
came in protest in front of
the Parliament Buildings.
They manhandled Mr. Mo-
ses Nagamootoo when he
attempted to speak to them.
Away from the sugar work-
Unruly
ers and in the confines of
the National Assembly, Mr.
Nagamootoo boasted, the
sugar workers had their say
and now the scissors will
have its day, as they cut
monies budgeted for the
sugar industry.
2015 Elections
As 2015 elections ap-
proached, again the political
song and dance changed. A
hypocritical hand of good-
will was extended by the
APNU/AFC coalition to the
sugar workers in order to
get their votes. This diabol-
ical agenda, again, was led
by Mr. Moses Nagamootoo.
Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan,
was a close second. At the
Whim Rally, Mr. Ramjat-
tan promised no closure of
estates but new management
and an economic turnaround
for the sugar industry. The
sugar workers are generally
a trusting people and again
hundreds of them fell victim
of the fraud. They voted for
the coalition.
When the first bumper
crop came soon after the
elections, Mr. Moses Naga-
mootoo, in an act of incom-
parable guile, took credit
for and on behalf of the
coalition Government. He
proclaimed the beginning
of a new vista for the sugar
industry. However, when
the next crop produced re-
cording-breaking low out-
puts, the stories of doom
resurfaced about the sugar
industry. Scorn and disdain
were poured upon the sug-
ar workers and they were
portrayed to other workers
as parasites, living-off the
blood and sweat of those
other workers. It was a na-
ked and malicious strategy
of dividing the working
class along the lines of pol-
itics and race.
Suddenly, the sugar in-
The
dustry and its workers be-
came the greatest burden
on the backs of taxpayers.
The sustenance, which the
sugar industry provided to
this nation and its people for
over 300 years, was oblit-
erated. The use of billions
of dollars from the sugar
levy, extracted from the real
wages of the sugar workers
and pumped into the bauxite
industry to keep it alive for
nearly two decades in order
to provide a livelihood for
tens of thousands in Linden,
Ituni and Kwakwani, was
vaporised. The sugar work-
ers and their unions were
made the object of such rid-
icule that not only were they
deprived of their Annual
Production Incentive (API),
but also they did not ben-
efit from a dollar in wage
increase, while employees
from every other state sector
enjoyed annual increases by
a minimum of 5%. When
the unions attempted to
negotiate a wage increase,
they were told that Guysuco
was actively considering a
decrease in wages!
Closure of Wales
It is against that back-
drop, that Wales was closed
with such arrogance that
the unions and the workers
read about it as a small
news item hidden several
pages-down in the national
newspapers. The disclosure
came not from Guysuco,
but from the Government.
Not a word of consultation,
neither with the workers
nor their unions. Mr. Moses
Nagamootoo was conve-
niently out of the country.
When public pressure rose,
the workers were promised
severance pay, land to do
farming and employment
at Uitvlugt estate. None has
materialized a year after. In-
stead, the nation is informed
that Uitvlugt, Enmore and
Rose Hall estates will now
suffer closures; Skeldon is
up for sale.
The machinations which
have occurred along the
way provide some of the
most striking examples of
hypocrisy and deception
seen in modern times. Ear-
lier this year, the unions and
the Peoples Progressive
Party (PPP) were invited
to provide alternative plans
to demonstrate how the
industry can enjoy a turn-
around in fortunes. This
was followed up with a
series of engagements be-
tween a team representing
the Government and teams
representing the PPP and
the unions. As far as I am
aware, those engagements
have not been brought to
a halt. A White Paper and
then a State Paper was sub-
sequently laid in the Nation-
al Assembly, for there to be
a national debate on the way
forward for the sugar indus-
try. These initiatives held up
great hope for the workers
and their families. Everyone
felt that the Government
was acting in good faith and
was really interested in a
collaborative effort towards
finding a solution.
Wesley Kirton as a
glorified real estate agent
Lo and behold, we ac-
cidentally stumbled upon
a letter written by Mr. Jo-
seph Harmon, Minister of
State acting on behalf of the
Government of Guyana, ap-
pointing Wesley Kirton, as
a glorified real estate agent,
to sell all of Guysuco, or
any part thereof. This letter
was written since November
2016.
What this means there-
fore, that all the actions of
the Government thereafter
conveying the impression
that they were engaging on
Guysuco, were all a cha-
rade. Only a few days ago,
I wrote a civil and balanced
letter, querying a social
event held in Florida last
Saturday and the legality
of funds raised therefrom.
My queries were genuine
and made in good faith as
a Member of Parliament.
The very same Mr. Kirton
responded. His response
was as abusive as it was
venomous. I refuse to de-
scend to such level by dig-
nifying his toxic rantings
with a response. However,
I was aghast and at loss to
understand the nature of his
response. Then I saw the
correspondence and realized
that he was singing for his
supper. His commission
fee for the sale may set him
good for life.
The Governments de-
cision to sell Guysuco is
not based on any economic
analyses, or on the Commis-
sion of Inquirys Report or,
upon any impact assessment
done. Indeed, other than
political considerations,
no one knows on what ba-
sis is the Government act-
ing. Guysuco is not simply
a business and cannot be
viewed from the perspective
of profit and loss. It is an
institution. The same way
that the Obama Adminis-
tration could not have af-
forded to allow certain huge
companies to crash during
the financial meltdown and
therefore, bailed out these
companies, the same way
the Guyanese economy
cannot afford Guysucos
closure.
The cost of closure
exceeds cost to keep
operational
It still is the largest em-
ployer in Guyana, employ-
ing over 15,000 workers.
It still is one of our largest
foreign exchange earners
and one of our major di-
rect contributors to GDP.
When one takes into ac-
count the fact that nearly
100,000 persons, directly
or indirectly, depend upon
Guysuco for their live-
lihood; the total amount
of taxes, which they pay;
their NIS contributions; the
economic impact of their
domestic consumption; the
cost of finding alternative
employment; the cost of
maintaining the drainage
and irrigation network in
the backlands right across
the coast; the cost of health-
care and other social ser-
vices, which are provided
by Guysuco to communi-
ties nationwide; the cost
of provision of electricity
for 90,000 households in
Berbice by the Skeldon
Co-Generation Plant (as per
Dr. Clive Thomas), one will
quickly see that the cost
of closing the estates far
exceeds the cost of keeping
them functioning.
When one adds to this
equation, the over 30 Bil-
lion dollars, which was
disbursed to Guyana for
the abolition of the subsi-
dies and which was used as
budgetary support for other
sectors with only a small
fraction going towards
Guysuco, the case becomes
even more unassailable.
For the reasons I have
adumbrated, I stand firmly
in solidarity with the sugar
workers and their families.
Their cause is just, win we
must, history and time are
on our side. We will grind
oppression into the dust.
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Jobs for the boys? Carryl denies Foreign Affairs DG admits that
investigating constitutional body, over $100M was not returned
later hands report to Harmon
I ndications that Francis
Carryl was investigat-
ing a constitutional body,
in this case the Public
Service Commission, pro-
voked questions about his
actions.
When asked about his
work, Carryl denied that
he was involved in any
such investigation.
Governments willy-nilly
approaches intended to look like Ministry responsible for Teachers
an economic plan will not do - GTUC revolving housing fund
G overnment has been put
on blast by the Guy-
ana Trade Unions Congress
(GTUC), which pointed to
the lack of an economic plan,
among the failures of the ad-
ministration.
Government must rec-
ognise it has responsibility
to institute an Economic Pro-
gramme to realise increase
and expansion of wealth
for citizens. Willy-nilly ap-
proaches to give impression
an economic plan exists will
not do, the GTUC said.
The GTUC also noted
Volda Lawrence showed up by Dharamlall at PAC meeting
P ublic Accounts Com-
mittee (PAC) mem-
ber, Nigel Dharamlall, on
Monday morning, excused
himself from the meeting,
given that the Ministry of
Indigenous Peoples Af-
to Consolidated Fund
However, last Friday,
he handed a report on the
current Public Service
Commission to Minister
of State, Joseph Harmon.
Carryl was reportedly
tasked with investigating
several issues that came
out of the Commission of
Inquiry (CoI) into the Pub-
lic Service Commission.
Finance Ministry says Education
that several attempts to en-
gage Government, consistent
with Articles 38 and 149C
of the Guyana Constitu-
tion, continue to be ignored.
GTUC in exercising its
responsibility to society shall
speak out stridently on issues
of national import that impact
governance and the workers
welfare-past, present and po-
tential, the Union said.
Other calls made by the
Union included the need for
constitutional rights com-
missions to be put in place,
meaningful public engage-
fairs came under review.
Dharamlall served as
the Permanent Secretary
of the Ministry, formerly
known as the Ministry of
Amerindian Affairs, under
the former administration.
Harmon has since indi-
cated that the report will
be handed to President
David Granger and will
inform his decisions to
appoint new Commission-
ers to the Public Service
Commission.
Additionally, what Car-
ryls work cost taxpayers
is unknown.
ment on the future of the oil
and natural gas industry, and
for the return of Collective
Bargaining, among others.
The Union also said, So-
cial cohesion cannot thrive
where there remains exclu-
sion, un-necessary conflicts,
disregard for time-honoured
principles, laws, international
conventions and charters.
National unity, inclusionary
democracy and the promised
Good Life wont be for
all governing by command,
gut-feelings, sectional and
self-interest.
His moved solidified
the political Opposition
position on government
ministers sitting as mem-
bers of Parliamentary
Committees, particularly
the PAC.
Q uestions about over
$100M not paid back
to the Consolidated Fund in
2015 were put to the Direc-
tor General of the Foreign
Affairs Ministry, Audrey
Waddell, by the Public Ac-
counts Chairman, Irfaan Ali.
Waddell admitted that
the monies were not paid
back, but told the Commit-
tee that this was corrected
in 2016.
The Auditor Generals
2015 report noted that: This
was not in keeping with
the requirements of Section
43 of the Fiscal Manage-
ment and Accountability
Act 2003, which requires
any unexpended balance
of public monies out of the
Consolidated Fund to be
returned and surrendered to
the Consolidated Fund, at
the end of each fiscal year.
She was also asked how
monies are transferred to
missions overseas and the
Committee was told that
the transfers are done on a
quarterly basis based on cash
flow statements.
Meanwhile, PAC mem-
ber, Juan Edghill, also ques-
tioned the unspent balanc-
es from 2015 monies, as at
PS Welch admits that he has not even read the document
T he Ministry of Finance,
this week, made clear
that that it is not exploring
avenues including the Stu-
dent Loan Agency, for the
administering of the Revolv-
ing Housing Fund, which
will benefit teachers.
The Ministry also made
clear that it is not responsi-
ble for the Fund.
The Fund remains un-
der the remit of the Ministry
of Education and it is for that
Ministry and the Guyana
Under the former Ad-
ministration, no govern-
ment minister sat as a
member of the PAC.
Notably, Dharamlalls
move is in stark contrast
to the actions of Public
September 2016. According
to the Auditor Generals
report Guyanas High Com-
missions in South Africa
and Guyanas embassy in
Kuwait had unspent 2016
monies a total of $13.9M.
It was indeed some-
thing that should not have
occurred, but that Mission
did not have an accountant.
The financial reporting was
done by students we had on
a short-term basis, Waddell
said.
Additionally, millions in
advances for Head of Mis-
sions attendance at overseas
conferece were not cleared,
according to the Auditor
Teachers Union to decide on
the operationalising of the
Fund, The Ministry said in
a statement.
The Ministrys com-
ments on the matter come af-
ter the Education Ministrys
Permanent Secretary, Vibert
Welch, admitted to the Pub-
lic Accounts Committee
(PAC), on Monday, that he
had not even read the agree- ana. The monies continue to
ment between the Ministry
of the Guyana Teachers
Union (GTU), which relates
Health Minister, Volda
Lawrence, who is a PAC
member and was present
at the meeting when the
Health Ministry came un-
der review by the PAC.
The political Opposi-
17
Generals report. Is this a
case where the Missions are
using monies that were not
released to them for travel?
This money was not a direct
transfer from the Accountant
Generals office.this mon-
ey came from the Missions,
PAC member Edghill said.
The Committee was told
that there was late notice of
the meetings and clearance
forms for the advances were
submitted late by the Heads
of Missions.
Waddle told the PAC
that measures are being put
in place to address this and
other matters raised in the
Auditor Generals report.
to the Fund.
The Fund, which cur-
rently has some $200M, was
intended to support teachers
in accessing low cost hous-
ing options.
Officers of the Auditor
Generals office, who were
at the PAC, informed the
Committee that the monies
are held by the Bank of Guy-
sit in the account because
the logistics of disbursement
have not been worked out.
tion, when the Commit-
tees were constituted, had
argued against ministers
sitting on Parliamentary
Committees, which review
areas they are responsible
for.
18 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
The Dove Who
Spoke the Truth
By Abbie Farwell Brown
T he dove and the wrinkled
little bat once went on
a journey together. When it
came toward night a storm
arose, and the two compan-
ions sought everywhere for a
shelter. But all the birds were
sound asleep in their nests
and the animals in their holes
and dens. They could find no
welcome anywhere until they
came to the hollow tree where
old Master Owl lived, wide
awake in the dark.
Let us knock here, said
the shrewd bat; I know the
old fellow is not asleep. This is his prowl-
ing hour, and but that it is a stormy night
he would be abroad hunting. What ho,
Master Owl! he squeaked, will you let
in two storm-tossed travelers for a nights
lodging?
Gruffly the selfish old owl bade them
enter, and grudgingly invited them to share
his supper. The poor dove was so tired that
she could scarcely eat, but the greedy bats
spirits rose as soon as he saw the viands
spread before him. He was a sly fellow,
and immediately began to flatter his host
into good humor. He praised the owls
wisdom and his courage, his gallantry and
his generosity - though every one knew
that however wise old Master Owl might
be, he was neither brave nor gallant. As for
his generosity, both the dove and the bat
well remembered his selfishness toward the
poor wren, when the owl alone of all the
birds refused to give the little fire-bringer
a feather to help cover his scorched and
shivering body.
All this flattery pleased the owl. He
puffed and ruffled himself, trying to look
as wise, gallant, and brave as possible. He
pressed the bat to help himself more gen-
erously to the viands, which invitation the
sly fellow was not slow to accept.
During this time the dove had not ut-
tered a word. She sat quite still staring at
the bat, and wondering to hear such insin-
cere speeches of flattery. Suddenly the owl
turned to her.
As for you, Miss Pink-Eyes, he said
gruffly, you keep careful silence. You are
a dull table companion. Pray, have you
nothing to say for yourself?
Yes, exclaimed the mischievous bat;
have you no words of praise for our kind
host? Methinks he deserves some return
for this wonderfully generous, agreeable,
tasteful, well-appointed, luxurious, elegant,
and altogether acceptable banquet. What
have you to say, O little dove?
But the dove hung her head, ashamed
of her companion, and said very simply,
O Master Owl, I can only thank you with
all my heart for the hospitality and shelter
which you have given me this night. I was
beaten by the storm, and you took me in.
I was hungry, and you gave me your best
to eat. I cannot flatter nor make pretty
speeches like the bat. I never learned such
manners. But I thank you.
Childrens Corner
What! cried the bat, pretending to
be shocked, is that all you have to say
to our obliging host? Is he not the wisest,
bravest, most gallant and generous of gen-
tlemen? Have you no praise for his noble
character as well as for his goodness to us?
I am ashamed of you! You do not deserve
such hospitality. You do not deserve this
shelter.
The dove remained silent. Like Cordelia
in the play she could not speak untruths
even for her own happiness.
Truly, you are an unamiable guest,
snarled the owl, his yellow eyes growing
keen and fierce with anger and mortified
pride. You are an ungrateful bird, Miss,
and the bat is right. You do not deserve this Name: ............................................................................................................................................
generous hospitality which I have offered,
this goodly shelter which you asked. Away Address: ........................................................................................................................................
with you! Leave my dwelling! Pack off
into the storm and see whether or not your ......................................................................................... Tel. No: ................................................
silence will soothe the rain and the wind.
Be off, I say!
Yes, away with her! echoed the bat,
flapping his leathery wings.
And the two heartless creatures fell
upon the poor little dove and drove her out
into the dark and stormy night.
Poor little dove! All night she was
tossed and beaten about shelterless in the
storm, because she had been too truthful to
flatter the vain old owl. But when the bright
morning dawned, draggled and weary as she
was, she flew to the court of King Eagle
and told him all her trouble. Great was the
indignation of that noble bird.
For his flattery and his cruelty let
the bat never presume to fly abroad until
the sun goes down, he cried. As for the
owl, I have already doomed him to this
punishment for his treatment of the wren.
But henceforth let no bird have anything to
do with either of them, the bat or the owl.
Let them be outcasts and night-prowlers,
enemies to be attacked and punished if they
appear among us, to be avoided by all in
their loneliness. Flattery and inhospitality,
deceit and cruelty - what are more hideous
than these? Let them cover themselves in
darkness and shun the happy light of day.
As for you, little dove, let this be a les-
son to you to shun the company of flatterers,
who are sure to get you into trouble. But
you shall always be loved for your simplici-
ty and truth. And as a token of our affection
your name shall be used by poets as long as
the world shall last to rhyme with LOVE.
WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017 19
20 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Discuss
your Problem
with
PORTIA
This feature explores personal problems. We invite you to write
to Portia, c/o Mirror, P.O. Box 101088, Georgetown,Guyana
Do I Really Have to
Suck Up to Get Ahead?
Dear Portia,
Im 27, and never in my wildest teenage dreams did I
suspect I would be this far behind in my career after seven
years of office jobs. Part of the reason Im stunted (I think)
is my complete inability to play ridiculous games. Office
politics confound and frustrate me. I look at the people
sucking up, and I snicker inside. But then they get the pro-
motions! Are they onto something? Are these the people
who climb the rungs of power? I dont think Im above
everyone else, but I do think office politics are below me.
The idea of pretending to agree withor even likesome-
one for the sake of a promotion is malarkey. Will I ever
rise above entry-level peon? Or am I just not cut out for
corporate culture?
Vhasty
Dear Vhasty,
What, its gonna kill you tolikea few coworkers?
Look at Catherine the Great. She began life as an en-
try-level peona poor, obscure, plain little princess from
a small Prussian principality about the size of a mattress.
Her mother pulled strings and got her married off at the
age of 16 to Peter, a puny dumb cluck and the future czar
of Russia.
For the first couple of years, young Catherine was
like youconfounded by court politics. But unlike you,
she figured out that making people feel good about them-
selvesi.e., sucking upwould win admiration and con-
solidate her base. Her plan worked so well that six months
after her husband ascended to the throne, Catherine donned
an officers uniform, clapped a crown of oak leaves on her
hat, drew her sword, mounted a high-strung white stallion
(she was one of the best horsewomen of her day), and, with
an army of thousands behind her, tossed her hubby aside
and seized power. The woman simplytookthe throne. One
of the largest empires on earth was stolen by a brilliant
suck-up.
Now, my girl: If Catherine could bribe the troops with
vodka, you can win the troops with doughnuts. If Catherine
could drop to her knees and kiss the reigning czarinas hand,
you can send a handwritten congrats note to your CEO when
she receives flattering press. If Catherine could schmooze
prime ministers into believing they were absolute wizards,
you can praise your bosss parenting prowess when his kids
win a soccer game. In short, follow the Catherine model,
and youll end up owning the company.
My Life Looks Perfect, but
I Feel Worthless Inside
Dear Portia,
Im feeling like an absolutely worthless human being. On
paper, my life looks quite desirable: 26 years old, a high-pay-
ing career at a famous advertising agency, an apartment in
a coveted neighborhood. But I feel desperately unfulfilled!
I come to work each day and instantly become bored.
I have virtually no work to do, and no responsibility. Ive
asked my manager multiple times for a larger workload, but
to no avail. He ignores me. My most noteworthy day-to-day
accomplishments are reading the entire Internet and going
to the gym. Im sometimes paralyzed with guilt because Im
so well paid to do nothing, and so many hardworking people
are trying to make ends meet. I feel devoid of purpose and
direction. Some days I can barely motivate myself to get out
of bed. What should I do?
Dealing With Misery
Dear Dealing,
Never, never utter the wordworkloadto a boss. It wraps
its sucker- lined letters around the brain of whoever hears it
and squashes your future. Just tell that poor dingbat, your
manager, Dickie, I have an idea that will bring in $80,000
over the next three quarters. Do you have five minutes to
hear my pitch?
Corner
Amazing Hobbies for Kids That
Assist Growth and Development
C
hildren are born with a natural and
primal interest in everything. How-
ever, depending on genetics and general
nature patterns, they are bound to find
certain activities more interesting than
others. As such, hobbies for little kids
is a great way to keep them focused and
busy. In fact, good hobbies have shown
heightened academic acumen, as well
as general knowledge level.
Understanding Your Kid
It is necessary to understand your
child. Parents must talk to the kids at all
times, and question and understand the
things that influence their kids.
Most of the parents, at times, see
their personal unaccomplished inter-
ests through their children and become
distressed when the kids are passive
towards it. You should respect the
individuality of kids, and support and
have different currencies. This hobby of incidences and people. More so, it
appreciate them righteously in all their
can really make the kid conscious of will give them a sense of reflection.
interests.
the value for money and its impor- Scrapbooking requires skill and pa-
tance. This hobby is great to imbibe tience, both of which are great if im-
Reading
the habit of economizing and saving bibed at an early age in the kid.
Reading is a must for all age groups.
in the kid, from an early age and also
Reading is often viewed as monoto-
to keep him away from frivolous fas- Drawing and Coloring
nous, but what one needs to understand
cinations. These hobbies are also great Drawing and coloring pages have
is that reading is a learning experience
to make them more responsible, as been known to help improve the cre-
and is a major factor in shaping your
they need to keep and maintain their ativity in the child. It helps in improv-
childs life. Instill the habit of reading
collections. ing their concentration and association
in your children at an early age and
skills. More so, they will learn how
they will thank you for it eventually.
Balloon Twisting to express themselves freely. These
There are plenty of books that can
You can give your child balloon hobbies are great to improve the kids
cater to the childs varied interests. If
disinterested at first, give them books twisting instructions, let him practice general understanding of things.
with a lot of graphical representations.
Some all-time favorite books to
for a certain amount of time every day.
This will give him a sense of accom-
These hobbies will require your su-
pervision in the beginning. However,
start reading:
Enid Blyton Series
plishment and the occasional balloon
bursting will make him see the exis-
you need to let them take it from there.
Occasional discussion of these hobbies
The Adventures of Tintin tence of failure. This will make him will allow the parents to understand
Asterix and Obelix more secure within himself and give the kids better. Hobbies should also, at
Marvel Comics him strength to face the world. More times, be done with company around,
Archie Comics so, there will be great improvement in as competitiveness brings out the best
Hardy Boys the kids dexterity and focus. in your child.
Adventures of the Famous Five Other common hobbies to be prac-
Nancy Drew Music ticed under supervision include:
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Let the kid learn how to play a Photography
Agatha Christie musical instrument. This will give him Candle making
Tinkle and Amar Chitra Katha an added advantage in his age circle. Woodwork
It will add a talent to his kitty and Cooking
Stamp Collection also add a great deal of confidence to Sewing
Stamp collection is great at im- his personality. Music has its way of Doll making
proving the kids association skills calming down an individual; hence, Gardening
and memory. In fact, it is also great to this hobby will help reduce the aggres- Trekking
improve their general geography-based siveness in the kid and give him some- Fishing
knowledge. So, they will learn how to thing to do in his free time. I dont
associate certain symbols or colors with think I need to add that music in itself All in all, if kids develop useful
certain countries. They will remember is enticing enough to teach him focus, hobbies, itll help them pass their
country names better, as well as their concentration and determination. time nicely. Itll help their growth
currency, to a certain extent. and development in an amazing
Scrapbooking way. I also urge parents to put a per-
Coin Collection Scrapbooking is a great hobby to sonal effort into it by participating
Coin collection is great to under- build a creative side in the kid. It will with the kids in their hobbies at reg-
stand the fact that different countries teach them to analyze the importance ular intervals as it goes a long way.
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Dear Ladies, Please Avoid These Recipes
Money Mistakes Most Women Make Oven Baked
W hen I was young I thought that
Sweet
money was the most important
thing in life; now that I am old I know
that it is.
-Oscar Wilde
Plantains
Money is important to all of us, and
yet sometimes we are pretty ignorant
about it. We all know that the economy
is still in its struggling phase, and the
uncertainty of employment is something
that hangs on everyones head like a
dangling sword.
The reason why the importance of
money is highlighted here is because
when it comes to the dollar, many
people just give it away without even
blinking an eye. And, women do that
more often.
Nothing against the fairer sex here,
even men make financial blunders, but
this article is aimed at the common
money mistakes women make. Often,
women let emotions take charge while
spending money. It isnt wrong to help
a friend in need or pay your boyfriends
bills, but just because you have the fi-
nancial resources, it doesnt mean that
you should spend.
Financial Mistakes Women Make
Helping Others
Be nice with your neighbors and
loved ones, but being overly helpful in
lending money to them is a bad habit.
Avoid fixing everyone elses financial
mistakes. In todays times, no one can
afford it. This means you should try to
avoid buying a new house for your kids,
paying the entire wedding bill for your
daughter/son, or paying the college fees
for your grandchildren if you do not
have enough money for your retirement.
It might be difficult to say no, but help-
ing out others by sacrificing your own
needs isnt healthy.
Overspending on Designer
Shoes and Bags
There is no need to emphasize how
important these two things are, and it is
not that looking good is a crime. The
only thing to remember here is that you
can look smashing even on a budget.
However, if you cant resist the temp-
tation to buy designer stuff, I suggest to
wait for the sale season. You dont have
to spend a ridiculous amount of money
on shopping, and you dont even have
to compromise on your guilty pleasures.
Refrain from Talking on
Financial Matters
This is one mistake that women
make more than men. From the very be-
ginning, society has kept women away
from money matters; hence, most wom-
en have been trained not to ask questions
related to finances, and leave everything
to the men. This isnt right. As a wom-
an, you should be well-informed about
money matters of the house. This gets
essential especially when you are mar-
ried. The more you understand money
management, the easier it becomes to
cut down on unnecessary purchases.
21
Letting Someone Else Handle Your
Money Matters
Women are known to be more trust-
ing, and hence, readily give up their
financial responsibilities to someone
they know and trust. I know that the
numbers and financial plans might look
confusing, but this is no reason to step
back and let someone else handle your Ingredients: 4 very ripeplantains(when the skin is yellow
finances. Learn to take charge; this is with spots of black theyre perfect), cooking spray
your money, and you should know how
to manage it. Hiring a financial adviser
is good only if your hectic job doesnt
give you time, but even then you should
be well aware of your finances.
Understanding Property Rights
Changing the title of assets into joint
names is a good idea for a couple to save
tax, but if they ever decide to separate,
it can surely cause some chaos. For
example, if you owned an apartment be-
fore marriage, then there is no reason to
make your partner the co-owner of that
property. The same goes for all the other
investments and assets. Most women are
clueless about their property rights, and
hence, end up making decisions they
regret in the future.
Another common mistake which
women often make is called Retail
Therapy. Well, it is common knowl-
edge that women love shopping, but Directions
unnecessary shopping even when you Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a nonstick cookie
cant afford it is wrong, and creates a sheet with cooking spray. Cut the ends off of the plantains
huge financial mess for the future. and peel. Cut each plantain on the diagonal into 1/2 inch
slices. Arrange in single layer and coat tops with cooking
spray. Bake, turning occasionally, for 10-15 minutes, until
plantains are golden brown and very tender.
Coconut-Pineapple
Banana Bread
Ingredients: 2 cupsall-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoonbaking
soda, 1/2 teaspoonsalt, 1/2 teaspoonground nutmeg,
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 3/4 cup granulated sugar,
1/4 cupcanola oil, 1/4 cupnonfat plain yogurt, 2 eggs,
2 medium ripebananas, mashed, 1 tablespoonvanilla
extract, 8 ounces canned crushed pineapple, drained, 1/2
cup choppedwalnuts, 1/2 cupsweetened flaked coconut
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
with cooking spray. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, nut-
meg and ginger in a bowl and stir with a whisk to combine.
Set aside. Place sugar, oil, yogurt and eggs in mixer bowl
and beat at medium speed until well blended. Add banana,
vanilla and pineapple. Mix until blended.
Add flour mixture and beat on low until just moist. Stir in
walnuts and coconut. Put batter in loaf pan and bake 60-
70 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes
out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes on wire rack. Remove
from pan and cool completely. Store in airtight container.
 Science
22 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017

Grade Six Assessment

1. Unscramble the words by placing the correct letter in the shaded boxes. Use the numbered boxes to complete the answer to the riddle.

RIDDLE:
What is the fastest four-legged predator? 2. Use the words from the word bank to the label parts of Earth.

Planet EarthWord Search Worksheet

3. All words are positioned left to right, right to left, and diagonally.
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017 23

The Other View

work and sustainability reports.
For example,NutresaandSahara
Groupnow report annual results and sus-
tainability activities using SDG goals and
indicators. More than half of the members are
ment to share ideas across industry sectors and
regions with the aim of creating a connective
platform for more impactful and local-driven
models and solutions to achieve the SDGs.

Renewing Commitment to SDGs:

engaging with the SDG Fund to create pub- Projects in the pipeline
lic-private partnerships and working to design We believe there is a lot to do in the next
and co-create programs in the field. Equally en- 13 years, we know from our series of reports,
couraging is that new companies, likeIntelhave there must also be more robust public-private

Private Sector Gets Active

ByPaloma Duran
Paloma Duran is Director of the Sustainable
Development Goals Fund
(IPS)- Just last month business representa-
tives from around the world joined theUnited
Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Fundcommemorate their work as part of
thePrivate Sector Advisory Group (PSAG).
For much of the last two years, the group
has been collaborating with the Fund on how
the business community can work towards the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
UNs roadmap to promote inclusive economic
growth, social justice and environmental pro-
tection.
This group of businesses committed to
sustainability has accomplished a number of
goals since it was formed in 2015, including
establishing a set of pioneering public-private
partnerships in areas such as food security, ed-
ucation, and employment for women and youth.
The group has served as an important link
between the business sector and SDG Fund
partners to raise awareness about the SDGs,
participate in research on public-private part-
nerships and promote best practices. Under our
ongoing strategy, the group will intensify its
work on advancing and advocating for greater
inclusion linked to the goals and helping us
widen our private-sector approach.
joined the group. collaboration across the UN to achieve SDGs
It is probably worth noting that a business start taking shape. We heard and we listed to
as usual approach is no longer possible. Thank- companies as reflected in our Business and the
fully, the number of businesses interested in United Nations: How business can contribute
Advocacy and outreach
joining forces on the SDGs has been encourag- to the SDGs, which provided case studies and
The PSAG continues to play a vital role
ing. Companies likeEbro Foodshave used the best practice advice for companies eager to
in informing the SDG Fund on how business-
power of social media to raise awareness about engage in the SDGs.
es can better work with partners at the UN,
a new initiative that brings together philanthro- A second report, Universality and the
particularly how they can improve peoples
pists, governments and academics. SDGs: A Business Perspective, put out this
living standards and make investments that will
Other milestones include the engagement of year was based on input from more than 100
create more jobs. Its also become clear that
UN Goodwill Ambassadors the Roca Broth- companies during interactive workshops in
companies are slowly embracing and adopting
ers. The master chef brothers have committed to Africa, Latin America, Europe and the United
theSustainable Development Goalsin their
bringing attention to the SDGs and using their States. Looking forward, the SDG Fund is com-
strategies working on projects that align with
expertise to advocate for enhanced food security mitted to bringing public and private institutions
their core business and interest and adhere to a
and access to nutritious food. They are working together to achieve development results.
larger framework
with local partners to provide guidance on how Our private sector strategy has two objec-
In fact, the SDG Fund has engaged new pri-
to improve food industry and agricultural prac- tives: to involve businesses in all of our 22
vate sector partners to generate a number of key
tices to protect the environment and create jobs. field programs and expand the reach of our
initiatives, including theFood Africa Project
In 2017, working with our public and pri- global business advisory partners. We are also
in Nigeria, an innovative partnership between
vate sector partners we have witnessed how preparing a new report, taking a deep dive into
private enterprise, UN and government agen-
companies have continued to deepen their how businesses can contribute to peace outlined
cies, and renowned chefs that aims to alleviate
knowledge of the SDGs, asking key questions as part of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong
poverty through food security.
and exploring how their organizations can con- Institutions).
At the SDG Fund, it is clear that companies
tribute to the global development agenda. This As in much of our work, this will be a
are eager to think more expansively on their role
has come to mean everything fromdevising collaborative effort with the University of
in development, and business of all sizes are
innovative partnership agreementsto investing Pennsylvania Law School andMcDermott Will
demonstrating that they can effectively incor-
in large-scale infrastructure or improving agri- & Emery LLPto analyze the links between
porate SDGs as a part of their strategic planning.
culture inputs. inclusive growth, partnerships and peace.
There are a few signs that we are on track,
In fact, if imitation is the sincerest form of As champions for promoting the SDGs, we
especially as members of the Private Sector
flattery building on this groups experience, also believe that policy, direction and action
Advisory Group continue to provide valuable
some countries have drawn lessons from our will be instrumental for setting the stage for
perspective about building new partnerships
success and began replicating the model and SDG integration. We look forward to working
to eradicate poverty, achieve food security and
creating national versions of the group. with the private sector and continuing to explore
improve nutrition, water access and sanitation.
For example, Nigeria, recently launched ways to create an ongoing mechanism to boost
Since joining the group, many companies have
aPrivate Sector Advisory Group. The private cooperation and development through the SDGs
successfully incorporated the SDGs into their
sector has come together to advise the govern- in all industries.

Astronomers just achieved something

Einstein said was impossible
By Sarah Kaplan weighed by measuring the proving Einstein right about so measuring the deflected Poetically, it was this the fossils of the universe,
degree of that distortion. light bending but wrong about light is as difficult as detect- same phenomenon grav- astrophysicist Terry Oswalt

A stronomersmeasured
the effect of the white
dwarf Stein 2051B, which
appears larger in this Hubble
Space Telescope image, on
the light of a more distant star
to calculate the white dwarfs
mass. (NASA, ESA, and K.
Sahu at STScI)
Albert Einstein himself
believedit couldnt be done.
A few decades after he
published his theory of gener-
al relativity, acolleague asked
the famous physicist whether
the concept could be used to
calculate the weight of a star.
Theoretically, yes, was his re-
ply. If one star passed in front
of another, the closer stars
masswould distort the light
of the star behind it. A savvy
scientist could then figure out
how much the forward star
But good luck actually
trying to do this experiment.
There is no hope of ob-
serving this phenomenon
directly, Einstein wrote in a
December 1936 issue of the
journal Science. He doubted
that two stars would ever line
up so perfectly. And even if
they did, it was beyond the
capabilityof the eras best matterthat form when a star
telescopes to bring such an
event into focus.
That may have been true
80 years ago. But Einstein
had no way of knowing that
people would one day build
a telescope so powerful it can
see galaxies in the making
10 billion light-years away,
or that we would launch this
instrument into space.With
the Hubble Space Telescope,
astronomers had a hope of
our inability to see it.
The stars finally aligned
in March 2014, when Stein
2051B, a white dwarf about
18 light-years from Earth,
passed in front of a more
distant background star.
White dwarfs are the cool-
ingremnants of dead stars
extremely densespheres of
in space). The researchers
has run out of fuel for nuclear
fusion and collapses.
As predicted by Ein-
steins theory, the gravity of
a massive object like Stein
2051Bmakes the star act
like a lens, bending the light
that passes by it. This effect,
called gravitational lensing,
is minuscule. Stein 2051B
appears 400 times as bright as
the background star (which is
5,000 light-years from Earth),
ing a firefly hovering near a
lightbulb from 1,500 miles
away.
But Hubble was up to the
challenge. When Stein 2051B
eclipsed the background star,
gravitational lensing made
the background star appear to
move bymilliarcseconds (the
unit used to measure distance
like the sun do warp space-
used this tiny deflection to
calculate that the mass of
Stein 2051B is about 68 per-
cent the mass of our sun or
1.4 octillion tons (thats 14
followed by26 zeros).Their
results were published in the
journal Science, (81 years af-
ter Einstein wrote in the same
journal that such a feat was
impossible)and presented at
an American Astronomical
Society meeting last week.
itational lensing that first
demonstrated the validity
of general relativity almost
wrote for Science, and like
fossils, they offer important
insight into the evolutionof
100 years ago. In1919, just stellar generations past. In
twoyears after Einstein pub- 1935, Nobel Prize-winning
lished his theory, astronomers astronomer Subrahmanyan
used the apparent movement Chandrasekhar predicted that
of stars around the sun during the mass of a staras it died
a total solar eclipse to de- would determine whether it
termine that massive bodies collapsed into a white dwarf
or evolved into a different
time, causing light to bend. A kind of stellar remnant a
century later, even the most neutron star or black hole.
outlandish-seeming aspects Previously,the mass of
of Einsteins theory arestill a white dwarf could only
being proved right: the expan- be measured if it orbited
sion of the universeandgrav- close to another star, allow-
itational waves. ing scientists to gauge the
Aside from offering a celestial bodies gravitational
rare opportunity to contra- influence on one another.Cal-
dictEinstein, the study of culating the effects of gravi-
Stein 2051B offered import- tational lensing lets astron-
ant insight into the physics of omers measure the mass of
white dwarf stars.They are any white dwarf they can find.
24

Misuse of
WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017

authority

HARRY GILL
PPP/C Member of Parliament

S ince APNU+AFC Region 5 RDC Councillor Abel See-

taram has been placed in charge of Enhancement Workers
at the Region 5 RDC, he has been using these workers to slash
and clean the yard of his private residence at Bath/Woodley
Park at taxpayers expense. Just yesterday, these workers were
seen slashing and cleaning up the street where his friend and
former RDC Councillor, Carol Joseph lives in Hope Town,
WCB, and today, Tuesday, June 13, under the instructions of
Abel Seetaram, these slashers were dispatched to clean up the
street where he lives.
When I arrived there earlier today, a few of these En-
hancement Workers were busy slashing the sides of the road
leading up to Seetarams residence, while the majority were
seen idling under a shed doing no work at all. After taking
some photos, I proceeded to the nearby Woodley Park Prima-
ry School, and was appalled at the despicable condition of the
school street and the area surrounding the school.
After taking some more photographic evidence of the
misuse of authority, the entire team of Enhancement Workers
suddenly appeared in the school street as I was leaving and
commence slashing operations there.
I then returned to the street where Abel Seetaram lives,
and confirmed my suspicion that someone must have alerted
the Councillor of my photographic activity in his neighbor-
hood which caused him to divert his slasher-crew and instruct-
ed them to clean-up the school street instead. This was evident
because the work that was being carried out in his street was
incomplete and from all appearance, the workers seemed to
have left in a hurry.
I wish to remind all Guyanese that the APNU+AFC Ad-
ministration ran on a anti-corruption platform during the 2015
general and regional election, and Abel Seetaram was very vo-
cal in his condemnation of the PPP/C to win votes for the AFC
in Region 5. While the Granger Administration cannot be held
responsible for the likes of Abel Seetaram who continues to
betrays the very principles the APNU+AFC campaigned on,
it is incumbent upon Minister of Communities, Hon. Ronald
Bulkan and the AFC Leader, Hon. Rafael Trotman to rein in
this AFC bad-boy who continues to be an embarrassment to
everyone who holds public office.
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Drinking small amounts while
pregnant may affect the babys face
D rinking even small amounts of alcohol
when pregnant seems to have subtle
effects on how a babys face develops in-
cluding the shape of their eyes, nose and lips.
This isnt necessarily harmful, though.
We dont know if the small changes in
the childrens facial shape are connected in
any way to differences in their development,
saysJane Hallidayof the Murdoch Childrens in the first two years of life.
Research Institute in Victoria, Australia, who
led the research. We plan to look at this as
the children grow.
Heavy drinking during pregnancy can
cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which is char-
acterised by distinctive facial features, such
as small eye openings, a short up-turned
nose, and a smooth philtrum over the upper
lip. Children with this condition are likely to
have attention and behavioural disorders, as
well as a lower IQ, says Halliday.
To find out whether low levels of alcohol
consumption, which aremore common in
pregnancy, might also affect developing fe-
tuses, Hallidays team studied 1570 women
throughout their pregnancies and births. Of
these women,27 per cent said they continued
to drink at least some alcoholwhile pregnant.
Invisible changes
When the children were 1 year old, Halli-
days team took photos of 415 of the babies
faces with multiple cameras from different
angles. When the team stitched these images
together using computer software, the result-
ing 3D photographs detailed almost 70,000
points on each babys face. Analysing these
revealed subtle differences in the faces of
babies whose mothers had drunk alcohol
compared with those whose mothers hadnt.
These included a slightly shorter, more-up-
turned nose.
There was still a difference once the team
took into account other factors that might af-
fect face shape, such as sex and weight. Even
low levels of alcohol such as no more than
two drinks on any one occasion, and no more
than seven a week were linked to changes in
face shape. However, these changes could be
detected only by using the imaging technique,
and were not visible to the naked eye.
The results are telling us that there is
some effect, albeit fairly subtle, says Hal-
liday. The effects might not be lasting, she
adds, because an infants face changes a lot
No need to worry
Halliday says women who have drunk a
little when pregnant shouldnt worry. At this
stage, we have not identified any problems
for people to worry about, she says. Even if
the alcohol has had some effect, many other
factors have an influence on a babys health
and development, such as nutrition.
Halliday hopes 3D photography might
one day help to diagnose mild cases of fetal
alcohol disorders in babies. If a child is
showing some signs of a behavioural disorder
and it is not known if they had been exposed
to alcohol, this could provide evidence that
alcohol exposure has occurred, she says.
Christina Chambersat the University of
California, San Diego, agrees. Fetal alcohol
syndrome is a huge problem worldwide and it
is widely under-recognised or misdiagnosed,
she says. This could help us identify kids
that might be affected and understand the full
spectrum of effects.
There is more to learn, adds Chambers.
We still dont know what protects some ba-
bies from the harmful effects of alcohol, for
example. Some women will have a quart of
vodka a day and have children with no fetal
alcohol syndrome, she says.
Health organisations generally recom-
mend that pregnant women avoid alcohol en-
tirely, but many womendrink before realising
they are pregnant which is often a month or
two into a pregnancy.
We dont know of a safe lower thresh-
old, says Chambers. The recommendation
to avoid alcohol in pregnancy is a wise one.
25
Doctors Note: The advice
given by the Mirror Doctor
is issued free of charge to all
Mirror Readers wishing to ask ques-
tions, which will be kept in full
readers and contributors to confidence, can write to: Mir-
the column. All letters are ror Doctor, PO Box 101088,
answered with the excep-
tion of those with illegible Georgetown or 8 Industrial
handwriting. Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Dear Doctor,
My husband is 60 and has hand pain. The doctor said it's the beginning of rheumatoid
arthritis. Can this be limited to his hands, or does it always progress?
Sandra
Dear Sandra,
The small joints of the hands and wrists are the joints most commonly affected by the
inflammation ofrheumatoid arthritis. The inflammation (arthritis) does not always progress
to involve other joints. In some patients, the inflammation remains limited to the joints of the
hands and wrists, while in others, it progresses slowly or rapidly to involve joints elsewhere.
Because of the potential for progressive involvement of additional joints, it is important to
begin therapy early in the course of rheumatoid arthritis. It also is easier and more effective
to treat rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages.
It's great that you are looking to do something aboutosteoporosisnow. Prevention is very
important because even though there are many treatment options for those who have it, there
is no cure once you do. Yourdietplays a key role in this. The key areas to focus on are:
Calcium:This is amineralthat your body needs every day for many functions. Calcium
plays a role in maintaining the strength of your bones and teeth, as well as the functioning of
your heart, nerves, and blood clotting. Unfortunately, the majority of the population is not
taking in the required daily amount of calcium. When this happens, your body will use the
supply that you have from your bones to support the other functions that it is needed for. For
this reason, it's imperative that you meet your daily requirements every day. Your dietary
sources of calcium are:
- Dairy products: milk, yogurt, cheese and calcium-fortified cottage cheese
- Green leafy vegetables: broccoli, kale, collard greens, dried figs, turnip greens, and
mustard greens
- Fish: canned salmon and sardines with the bones
- Nuts: almonds and Brazil nuts
- Enriched foods: cereals, orange juice, beverages, and breads that have calcium added
to them
There are things in your diet that can interfere with how much calcium your body can
absorb:
- Phytic acid: This is found in unleavened bread, raw beans, seeds, and grains.
- Oxalic acid: This is found in spinach. The calcium that spinach contains will not be
absorbed because of this.
- Sodium: High levels of sodium will interfere with calcium retention; the higher your
sodium intake the more calcium your body needs to meet its daily requirements, so it's best
to keep your sodium intake down.
- You can usually meet your needs by having a diet balanced with high-calcium foods. If
you need to take a supplement to reach your requirements, speak with your physician about
the best one for you. Your body does not absorb more than 500 mg of calcium at one time, so
do not try to get all of your calcium in at one meal.
- Vitamin D:This is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from food and from your body be-
ing exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. The UV rays from the sun trigger the
production of vitamin D in your skin. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, so it is
as essential as calcium is. The sources of vitamin D are:
- UV rays from the sun: This is probably the most ideal source of vitamin D. An exposure
of 10 to 15 minutes of sun to your hands, face, arms, or back without sunscreen for at least
two times per week is usually sufficient to provide adequate vitamin D synthesis. Sunscreen,
skin color, season, geographic latitude, time of day, clouds, and smog affect UV ray exposure
and vitamin D synthesis.
- Fortified milk
- Fish: salmon, mackerel, and tuna fish
- Egg yolk
Protein:Maintain a balance of high-protein foods in your diet. These foods include meat,
seafood, poultry, eggs, cheese, beans, and dairy.
Phosphorus:This supports building bone and other tissue during growth. There is a wide
availability of this in foods, so it is not difficult to get adequate amounts in. Sources of phos-
phorus are: dairy foods: milk, cheese, and yogurt, meat, baked goods, cereal, eggs, nuts, fish,
soda
Dear Doctor,
I have read about the symptoms of menopause and I have been experiencing a lot of them
but I am only 40 years old. Is it possible I am going through menopause at my age?
Naomi
Dear Naomi,
Menopauseis defined by doctors as the absence ofmenstrualperiods for a period of one
year. Although the average age for menopause is 51, it can happen any time between the 30s
and 50s. It is uncommon for menopause to occur before the age of 40, but many of the symp-
toms of menopause can begin several years before menopause occurs. This time of transition
is referred to as theperimenopause. Many women begin to experience some symptoms of
menopause when they enter their 40s.
26 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
British Guiana a prelude to massacre
By Ahmed Mohamed Kath-
rada
S peaking at the Conser-
vative Party Conference
at Margate recently the Brit-
ish Colonial Secretary, Mr.
Oliver Lyttleton, said that
their thoughts must be with
those men and women of
every race under the Crown
who were living in the two
territories where law and or-
der was menaced by wicked
men. . . .
He was referring of
course to the events in Mala-
ya, Kenya and now in British
Guiana. And while these
words were uttered at Mar-
gate, more than 600 British
troops (500 men of the Royal
Fusiliers and 120 from Ja-
maica) landed on the soil of
British Guiana. Many more
had already sailed.
He was thinking of Book-
er Bros., McConnel and Co.
Ltd and Demerara Co. Ltd.
the sugar barons who
were faced with the militant
demands of their under-fed,
under-paid workers for im-
proved conditions and for
the recognition of their trade
union rights. So much is the
influence that King Sugar
wields on every aspect of
life there that B.G. is of-
ten referred to as Bookers
Guiana.
It has a budget of about
?5,000,000 (five million) and
its annual exports and im-
ports amount to 11,000,000
(eleven million) each. To get
an idea of the importance of
sugar in this economy we
take a report of the 52nd
Annual Meeting of Booker
Bros. and McConnel & Co.
as published in the London
Times on July 16th, 1952.
Consolidated accounts for
the group for the year end-
ing December 31st, 1951
show a combined net profit
of 660,677, after deducting
tax (?686,445) and minority
interests (?16,628) and after
setting aside replacement
reserves, ?505,642). If we
add up the amounts set aside
for taxation, reserves, etc., to
profit we get a total figure of
2,237,904.
King Sugar
The sugar interests have
always had their representa-
tives in the highest governing
councils of the country.
Aside from direct repre- opening of the new House:
sentation in the Legislative The House is fully con-
Council the sugar interests scious of the role which pri-
have their representatives
in strategic positions in var-
ious statutory Boards and
vate capital is playing and
will play in the development
of British Guiana. We will
Committees, e.g. the Drain- take such steps as will en-
age Board, Central Board of courage and attract private
Health, Transport and Har- capital for the development
bours, etc.; the Govt. Market- of the country and above all
ing Committee which fixes will guarantee that the Govt.
the minimum guaranteed will honour and fulfill all its
prices for farmers produce; obligations and undertak-
the Chamber of Commerce; ings.
the Rice Marketing Board The accusation in the Co-
which determines for how lonial Offices Statement is
much and to whom exports that Ministers attempted to
are to he sold. gain their political ends in the
The sugar imperialists trade unions by legislation . .
control 170,000 acres of the . . and they (the Ministers)
best land in the country. And are seeking to turn the work-
in order to ensure a constant ers into the political tool of an
arc appointed on the recom- in the appointment of whom dictatorial powers vested in
supply of labour their repre- extremist clique.
mendations of the Assembly. the masses of the people of him dismisses the Ministers.
sentatives in the Government Let us read an extract
The Assembly has 24 the Colony have had no say. A series of provocations be-
and other industries have from Dr. Jagans speech to
elected members and 3 offi- After all, colonial people gin.
consistently fought against the Assembly on this sub-
cial members appointed by have no right to think. And if The Colonial Office in
and succeeded in preventing ject:
the Governor. they dare to think or decide London issues a statement,
a minimum wage law, so that The House notes Your
The Executive Council in any way that is different to devoid of facts, containing al-
the labourers are not veered Excellencys observations
consists of the Governor and the policies of the rulers, then legations, slanders and state-
away by more attractive wag- on the need for the de-
10 members. the experiment has failed ments which are contradicto-
es outside the sugar estates. velopment of a spirit of
The Governor appoints and the colonial people are ry and cannot be substantiat-
- While the average wage co-operation between capi-
the Speaker of the House. once again backward illiter- ed. The statement accused the
is nor much higher, some tal and labour. The relation
The Governor has the ates and savages, etc. faction of even attempting
workers on the sugar estates of capital and labour must
power to veto t he decision That is the tragic story of violence to turn British Gui-
earn as little as 60 cents to not be based as hitherto on
of the Government. British Guiana. It all started ana into a Communist State.
one dollar a week. the whims of the capital-
The present crisis came when the workers on the But the truth is that even
- The average farmer
about amidst circumstances sugar estates went out on up to the time of writing ist but on the recognised
has about 3 acres of land,
which proved beyond all strike for 25 days demanding (over two weeks after the rights of the workers to or-
generally badly drained and
doubt, if such proof was higher pay and the recog- troops had landed) there has ganise and bargain through
irrigated. Experts maintain
necessary, the complete dis- nition of their trade union. been no outbreak of violence. the trade unions of their
that at least 15 to 20 acres
regard of the British im- Towards the end of this strike In a telephone interview choice and to take an ac-
of well drained and irrigated
perialists for the expressed practically all the workers of with Guianas deputy Police tive part in the running
land is necessary for a decent
wishes and desires of the B.G. came out on a 36-hour Commissioner, Don Iddon of the industries in which
livelihood.
colonial people. Indeed the sympathy strike. And when reported on 7th October: they are engaged.
- In 1948 the Govern-
arbitrary action in British the workers decided to return Mr. Whittingham said, Such then is the tragic
ment appointed Nutrition
Guiana is perhaps unprece- to work, the Government in- There are no demonstra- story of British Guiana; the
Committee reported: As a
dented in the long and bloody troduced a Bill to recognise tions, there is no general flouting of the wishes of
result of sampling surveys in
history of imperialism. Here their legitimate trade unions. strike; there nothing abnor-
widely scattered areas in the the people, the deposition
you have a Government, But the Speaker of the House mal happening here whatso-
colony, we can affirm that at of an elected Prime Minis-
elected under the guarded flagrantly overruled certain ever.
least 25% of the school chil- ter, the attempts to subdue
and restrictive provisions of requests of the Minister of The newspapers all re-
dren are necessitous. the progress of a people by
the much-boosted so-called Labour in connection with ported that calm prevailed,
armed might, the lies and
British Democracy. It has the Bill. The Members of the even during the general
The New Constitution baseless accusations, the
been elected into power by P.P.P. thereupon walked out strike. The Colonys deposed
In 1950 the British Gov- silencing of truth to the
virtue of the feeling of the of the House and announced Prime Minister said: I
ernment appointed a Com- outside world.
overwhelming masses of the that they would boycott the dont know what all the ex-
mission to formulate a new They are familiar, all.
people of that country, a fact House until the Speakers citement is about.
constitution for British Gui- They were heard oft before
that cannot be disputed even decision was reversed. The The colonial Office State-
ana and in April of 1953 and they point towards one
in Whitehall. And then, just people of British Guiana, ment accused that the P.P.P.
the first elections under this sure direction, one sure end
because the Government, under the banner of the P.P.P. Ministers sole object is to
Constitution were held. a prelude to massacre.
acting on a clear mandate immediately renewed their seize control of the whole life
71 percent of the peop1c Ahmed Mohamed Kath-
of the people, makes certain demands for Constitutional of the territory and run it on
voted and 51 percent of these
decisions that are not pop- reforms and widespread cam- totalitarian lines. . . . They rada, the great South Afri-
voted for the Peoples Pro-
ular with the moneyed men paigns were launched. . . . For have shown clearly that they can revolutionary freedom
gressive Party, led by Dr.
who control the country, the the imperialists the crisis had are prepared to use violence fighter, died on March 28,
Cheddi Jagan. (Star, 14-10-
elected representatives of begun. and to plunge the State into 2017. He was 87 years old.
53) There are 208,000 eligi-
the people are unashamedly Troops are sent to British economic and social chaos. Back in November 1953, at
ble voters.
dismissed and the whole Guiana. The British Govern- . . . the age of 24, he wrote this
The Constitution provides
country is handed over to the ment suspends the Consti- Now take an excerpt from commentary about Guyana:
for a State Council to which
unrestricted control of one tution of Guiana. A State of the speech made by Dr. Jagan Ahmed Mohamed Kath-
six members are nominated
individual, Sir Alfred Savage, Emergency is declared and on 17th June, 1953 in reply to rada died on March 28,
by the Governor and three
Governor of British Guiana, Governor Savage under the the Governors address on the 2017.
 WEEKEND MIRROR 17-18 JUNE, 2017
Sport View
by Neil Kumar
Poor standards of
West Indies cricket
T he ICC Champions trophy is indeed a
revelation. The Tournament started with
the Cricketing fraternity having to endure
the fact that the once power-full West Indies
team failing to qualify to play in the 2017
ICC Champions Trophy. However, as the
tournament went into action, several senior
teams found that they could not make it to the
top four. New Zeeland, Australia and South
Africa they all failed to reach the Semi-finals.
Sri Lanka scored over three hundred runs
to defeat India and then Sri Lanka played the
poorest quality cricket to be knocked out and
sent home by Pakistan. However, one of the
matches of the 2017 was the Bangladesh clash
with New Zealand, in that match Bangladesh
young Mahmudullah and all-rounder Shaik
Al Hasan both scored centuries to ensure that
their team win and get into the semi-finals.
The two Bangladesh batsmen played with ma-
turity against a very good bowling attack and
smart fielding. The match between India and
South Africa was a walk on the street for In-
dia. India the defending champions. However,
they look like hot favourites, while England
Pele, GFC
reintegration begins
T he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has
commenced efforts to reintegrate the Pele
Football Club and the Georgetown Football
Club into the activities of the their Associa-
tion, the Georgetown Football Association
(GFA), following their relegation from the
Elite League.
A release from the federation noted that
the new development will result in the named
clubs becoming registered members of the
GFA and participating in the activities of
the same.
The release added that the next major
activities of the Association are the GFF-Pele
Alumni Frank Watson National U15 Tourna-
ment and the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt
at home is extremely strong on paper. The
four teams in the semi-finals are all capable
of winning the 2017 Champions Trophy title.
While the inclement weather played a
major role in sending home teams it cannot be
denied that India is fielding the best team in
the tournament. England at home, benefiting
from home advantage along with a strong bat-
ting line-up and suitable bowlers can go on to
win. Pakistan can win any match at any time
while, Bangladesh is the most improve team
in recent years capable of creating an up-set.
This 2017 ICC Champions Trophy is yet
to bring out the best from some players.
It is sad, for the Caribbean people to en-
dure the poorest standard of cricket from our
own West Indies team that failed to qualify
and get an opportunity to play in the 2017
Champions Trophy. Afghanistan humbled
the West Indies team in the first One Day
match. While the home team narrowly won
the second match, the West Indies team is far
below world standard and later this month
India will certainly humiliate them at home
in the Caribbean.
Flour Power National U17 Tournament, the
latter scheduled to begin this weekend.
These competitions will afford the youth
players from the respective clubs the much
needed opportunity to be engaged in active
football.
Further, the senior team will be allowed to
participate in the Associations tournaments
and compete to regain their position in the
elite league.
The GFF had taken the decision to rele-
gate both clubs in accordance with Article;
13,1a and 13,1c of the Constitution of the
Guyana Football Federation following their
withdrawal from the senior league, the re-
lease stated.
Carmichael continues
to impress in England
G uyanese all-rounder
Kellon Carmichael con-
tinues to enjoy his stint with
English side Goring Cricket
Club, registering a century
and taking four scalps in last
weekend match against hosts
Stenying Cricket Club in the
Sussex Premier League.
The former national ju-
nior player bagged 4-25 as
he orchestrated the demoli-
tion against his counterparts,
who folded for a paltry first
innings score of 75 all out.
He then returned with the bat
to record a top score of 105
in his teams total of 250-8
Hopkinson excels in
Grenada National Hand
Gun Championship
V
eteran marksman Har-
old Top Gun Hopkin-
son, returned from Grenada
where he represented the
Guyana NRA Smallbore
Section and IPSC Guyana
with distinction, having par-
ticipated in the Grenada Gun
and Rifle Associations Sec-
ond Annual six Stage, Level
2 IPSC competition, held at
the associations range.
Hopkinson started the
precision shooting category
placing 7th from 15 seasoned
shooters despite having a
zero stage due to not having
full functionality of his right
hand.
In the IPSC sanctioned
Level 2 competition, Hop-
kinson was successful as he
won the B Class, topping
the senior category. Shoot-
ing his newly acquired CZ
Shadow 2 for the second
time, Hopkinson said he
was astonished after placing
third overall, over seasoned
declared.
The 28-year-old has not
disappointed since becoming
a free agent earlier this year
when he was snapped up by
the English Club.
Earlier in the league Car-
maichael was at the centre
of Gorings success against
Hastings and Leonards
Cricket Club in the Sussex
Premier League. The right
handed batsman hit a cameo
of 30 from 23 in his teams
innings of 290-5 in 45 overs
. He later before returned to
destroy the opposition with
figures of 5-30 from six overs
shooters despite enduring a
disastrous first day.
The veteran marksman
said he had to dig deep and
focus on the second and final
day. When the results were
read at the presentation held
at Dragon Bowling Alley,
Hopkinson found out that he
was only bettered by Barba-
dos Regional Director and
shooting sensation Keven
Grant who won the event and
Trinidadian Walt Reid.
Hopkinson who normal-
ly competes in the Super
Senior category, designated
for persons over 60 years
of age, overwhelmed ev-
eryone by winning Stage 6,
named Telephone Call.
Competitors were required
to shoot 6 IPSC Targets and
3 plates; these were adorned
with Two No Shoot penalty
targets.
The other stages were,
1- Forest Monkey, 2 2
part IPSC Classifier, 3 the
27
of medium fast bowling as
they folded for 81.
In the Greater London
League, the dapper Malteen-
oes Sports Club (MSC) play-
er smashed 81 and took 4-35
in a sterling win for Sabina
over Aztecs Cricket Club.
Against Seven Kings
Cricket Club, Carmichael
claimed three wickets and
blasted 58 in a losing effort.
Carmaichael said his aim
is focusing on finishing atop
of the batting and bowling
standings, so his team will
fare well at the end of the
season.
Peep Hole, 4 60 point 12
round IPSC Classifier and
5 Breakfast Time. The
championship was attended
by competitors from Barba-
dos, Trinidad and Tobago.
Hopkinson, the lone
shooter from Guyana was
sponsored by Secure Inno-
vations and Concepts Inc.,
Guyanas premier aviation,
land and Sea security ser-
vice.
Meanwhile, Hopkinson
and Mohamed Qualander
will be representing the Guy-
ana NRA at the IPSC World
Shoot to be held in August
in France. Hopkinson is pub-
licly expressing gratitude to
the Commissioner of Police
Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM
and Commissioner General
Guyana Revenue Authority
Mr. Godfrey Statia, for expe-
diting the necessary permits
for the smooth export and
import of his firearms used
in these competitions.
Granger buckles on Land CoI issue under pressure
By Vanessa Narine
W ith a debate on the
political Oppositions
motion, calling for the revo-
cation of the Commission of
Inquiry into Land, scheduled
for tomorrow and mounting
criticism from the elected
representatives of local Am-
erindians, President David
Granger has buckled under
pressure. And, as part of a
five-point plan, the work of
the Commission, on matters
PUBLISHED BY NEW GUYANA Co. Ltd., 8 Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana. Tel: 226-2473, 226-5875 Fax: 226-2472
specifically related to Amer-
indian lands, will be halted
until all the outstanding
concerns are addressed.
This is according to a
statement released by the
Ministry of the Presidency
after the President met with
some representatives of the
Amerindian People Asso-
ciation.
Minister of State, Mr.
Joseph Harmon, who was
present at the meeting, stat-
ed that aspects of the Com-
missions work related to
lands other than those be-
longing to Amerindians will
proceed as scheduled. The
inquiry will continue where
that is concerned but in so
far as it has to do with In-
digenous peoples land, the
Commissions work would
be put on hold, pending the
outcome of what is going to
happen with the body that
will be set up, he said.
Four other points the
President outlined are:
A comprehensive re-
view of all literature that
has to do with Amerindian
land titling, particularly as
it relates to ongoing pro-
grammes;
Consensus building
on the Terms of Reference;
strengthened adherence to
the principle of Free Pri-
or and Informed Consent
(FPIC) so that communities
are fully involved in the
process;
The reconciling of the
positions of the Govern-
ment, the Commission and
that of Indigenous Peoples
organisations; and
A review of the Amer-
indian Act of 2006.
AMERINDIAN ACT REVIEW
Notably, the latter, pro-
posed changes to the Am-
erindian Act, has been a
cause for concern for several
months now.
Last year, delegates,
who were in the Capital for
the annual National Tosa-
hos Council (NTC) confer-
ence, engaged leaders of
the political Opposition and
expressed concern about
governments talk about
changes to the Amerindian
Act.
Responding to concerns
about the move, Opposition
Leader, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo,
explained that a revision of
the Act will be supported,
but only if certain matters
are made clear, including
whether:
The change will in-
crease access to opportu-
nities for the Amerindian
people
The change will in-
crease resources made avail-
able to Amerindian people;
and
Rights of the Amer-
indian people will be in-
creased as a result of the
revision and find then in
a position where they are
better off.
Harmon also commented
on governments intentions
to review the Amerindian
Act. He admitted that law
revision is a very lengthy
process and as such it would
not be possible to conclude
this matter within the life
span of the Commission.
In light of this, he said that
only the injurious ele-
ments of the Act will be
addressed for the purpose
of fulfilling the mandate of
the Commission. A more
holistic review of the law
will follow later.
NTC NOT CONSULTED
Interestingly, Grangers
move came after a meeting
with executive members
of the Amerindian Peoples
Association (APA) at State
House, yesterday, and not
with elected representatives
of local Amerindians.
The National Toshaos
Council (NTC), which is the
elected body representing
thousands of Amerindians
across Guyana, has been the
leading voice in the Amer-
indian community calling
for the establishment of the
Land CoI to be revoked.
Executive Director of
the APA, Jean La Rose, has
since commented on the
meeting with Granger and
said, This is a good step in
the sense that we are able to
discuss these issues, we are
able to air our concerns and
focus on how we can move
forwardhopefully, at the
end of these discussions
we will arrive at a common
position.
APA POLITICALLY TAINT-
ED?
Meanwhile, several
Amerindian leaders have
charged that the APA might
very well be politically
tainted, given that La Rose
was a candidate on the AP-
NU+AFC candidates list
in the 2015 General and
Regional Elections.
La Rose was also subse-
quently appointed to at least
one state board, that of the
Guyana National Newspa-
pers Limited. She has since
resigned.
The Amerindian leaders,
who spoke to Citizens Re-
port, contend that the NTC
should have been engaged
from the onset, given that its
Executive represents elected
leaders from Amerindian
communities across Guyana.
SPECIAL BODY
Additionally, Granger
has also proposed the es-
tablishment of a special
body will be established
comprising of representa-
tives of Indigenous peoples
organisations including the
National Toshaos Council.
This move, according
to him, will to ensure that
his interventions are prop-
erly executed so that the
Commissions work can
move forward smoothly. So
far, Commissioner of the
Guyana Lands and Surveys
Commission, Mr. Trevor
Benn is the designated point
of contact for the Govern-
ment.
Following the setting up
of the Commission in early
March, several Indigenous
groups and individuals have
expressed dissatisfaction. Pres-
ident Granger said that the
matter has now become highly
politicized and, as such, he will
be meeting with the various
Indigenous Peoples organi-
sations.
In March this year, Rev.
George Chuck-A-Sang, Mr.
David James, Mrs. Carol Khan-
James, Professor Rudolph
James, Mr. Lennox Caleb, Ms.
Paulette Henry and Ms. Belin-
da Persaud were sworn in by
President Granger to the Lands
Commission of Inquiry.
The Commissions man-
date is to examine and make
recommendations to resolve
issues and uncertainties sur-
rounding the individual, joint or
communal ownership of lands
and Amerindian land titling
issues.