Issuu

NO.010

Strike ends

WEEK ENDING SEPTMEBER 5, 2018

-- Teachersâ€™ Union, Education Ministry agree to arbitration -- teachers to resume duties today PAGE

Heritage Month Launched PAGE

2&3

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Celebrating Our Heritage SEE STORY ON PAGE 3

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Heritage Month launched -- with President re-committing to improving the lives of Indegenous peoples

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, as she addressed the gathering on Saturday night

This vendor was busy knitting craft items during Saturday night’s event at the Sophia Exhibition complex

the country are eliminated,” the President said. He told the gathering that it is “painful” for him to see an entire school population in a hinterland community emerging from the institution in the afternoon barefooted. “We have to bring greater equality,” he said. Earlier, he said that any Government must have as its prime concern the elimination of inequalities which exist. The President said that a plan of action which has been put into action by the APNU+AFC administration speaks to addressing the inequalities and provides guidance to the administration in empowering the nation’s first peoples. Minister Allicock called on all concerned to use the opportunity provided by the month-long celebrations to unify the country while

By Alva Solomon GOVERNMENT is laying the foundation for greater equality in hinterland communities as it continues towards its aim of eliminating poverty in these areas. This is according to President David Granger who was at the time addressing dozens of persons gathered at the Sophia Exhibition Complex for the official opening of Indigenous Heritage Month on Saturday. This year, the celebrations are being held under the theme “Proud of our indigenous identity – celebrate in unity” and among those at the launch were Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs , Sydney Allicock; Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs , Valerie Garrido-Lowe ; and members of the diplomatic corps. President Granger told the gathering that he has asked the National Toshaos Council (NTC) for a village improvement plan so that each village across the nation can benefit from the public services extended by the Government. He said each village would conform to a systematic approach so that amenities such as running water and telecommunications can be provided. The President noted that the plans would be able to also attract businesses -- persons interested in producing craft and agro-processed goods from those areas. He said, too, that tourism can also benefit the villages once the plans are well organised. “So ladies and gentlemen, the groundwork is being laid to ensure that inequalities in public education , in income , in access to public services between hinterland communities and the rest of

Packaged items including casareep on display at the event on Saturday night.

President David Granger received a token from Glendon Allicock of the Surama Cultural Group on Saturday night

promoting businesses and pursuing recommendations to improve the livelihoods in each community. “We are a powerful country; we have natural resources; if we can find a way of understanding the value of this country we could all be able to benefit from those natural resources that we have,” he said. Allicock also called on Guyanese to work hard to bridge the gap between the hinterland and coastland as the first peoples celebrate their heritage this month. NTC Chairman Nicholas Fredericks called on the Government, the diplomatic community and other stakeholders to work with the indigenous people to bring an end to some of the pressing issues affecting them. “It is a very important time as Guyana moves to preserve our country’s natural resources through the Green State Development Strategy,” he said. Saturday afternoon’s proceedings saw performances from the Surama cultural Group and other groups from the Rupununi as well as a contingent from Suriname. The celebrations will continue at the indigenous village at Sophia until September 5 when a cultural extravaganza as well as craft and food will be on display. On September 15, all roads will lead to Shulinab Village in the Rupununi where Indigenous Heritage Village Day celebrations will be undertaken.

BURDEN AND BENEFIT 4

ITH neither the government nor the Guyana Teacher’s Union closing the door to talks tomorrow, when the new school term begins, could mark a new phase in industrial relations should a fullblown strike by teachers be averted. It does not appear, from statements made by President David Granger as well as union leaders Mark Lyte and Coretta McDonald, that a confrontation is looming. However, there are dissident forces that have been stirring strife, hoping that a strike by the estimated 10,000 teachers in Guyana would not only shut schools, but would shake and sabotage confidence in the coalition government. As the academic year starts tomorrow, children who are now starting school will be looking towards a new life-long experience of meeting their teachers, and settling down in their classrooms, which is why the decision by teachers whether or not to be there for these children would be an agonising one. It is in the best interest of the children that contingency arrangements be put in place to ensure their safety, and not allow opportunistic elements to hijack the teachers’ cause for mischief. LIFE-TIME BURDEN While teachers have carried seemingly a life-time burden to

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

educate our Guyanese generations and their fresh off-spring, there is a consensus that they have not been given adequate benefits for doing so. This would be true also for nurses and state security ranks. This runs counter to the principle, more applicable in land matters, that he who runs with the burden, should take (or reject) the benefit. No one can doubt that for many years public servants, including teachers, have been owed a “wage debt”, as the renowned Guyana-born economist, Dr Clive Thomas, once described it. In post-independent Guyana, public servants invariably carried the burden of structural adjustments, wage restraints, austerity programmes and deferred entitlements. Those collectively had formed the underlying reasons for what had appeared to be a permanent “five percent” syndrome, which must be brought to an end in this new era when Guyana looks forward to oil wealth. Predictably, the opposition leader has blurted out that the coalition government has money to give teachers a big salary hike. But it was under his stewardship as Finance Minister that a stiff back was given to demands for decent salary increases. His standard diktat was: “5%; no negotiation; no arbitration.” His inflexible, dogmatic, anti-working class position resulted in a lengthy strike in the public service. While he had rejected my advocacy for a 12% interim payout in 1999, which could have ended the strike, he readily embraced the Armstrong Arbitration recom-

mendations of 20% for 1999 and 30% for 2000. By then, Janet Jagan had handed the presidency over to him. POLITICAL OPPORTUNISM Today, smelling fresh blood to feed his political opportunism, he is resorting to mischief that the coalition government had helped itself to a hefty salary increase at the expense of teachers. But the facts are indisputable that between 1998 and 2014, while salaries for public servants increased by 164.72%, the pay of PPP Ministers went up by 220.5%. The salary of the then President increased by 386.5%. His political sidekick Mr Anil Nandlall, in a media letter published yesterday, repeated much of what his handler has said about the 50% salary increase for coalition government ministers. The opposition has peddled and spread this 50% distortion that it now appears like the dreaded foot and mouth disease. The truth is that in 2015 there was no across-the-board 50% salary increase to government ministers. Nor has there been a cent increase since then, and over the past three years! The increase in 2015 was a one-off adjustment to the pay mostly of junior and senior ministers, numbering under two dozen officials, and the fixing of salary for three first-time vice-presidents. The salary of junior ministers was adjusted to the level of a permanent secretary; and that of senior ministers to the level of a government adviser. The salary of the prime minister was adjusted upwards to be on par with that of the attorney general, who continues to receive a tax-free package. MINISTERIAL BUREAUCRACY The salary of the ministerial bureaucracy has been subjected to periodic adjustments over many years. In 1992, the prime minister was getting just over $28,000. In comparison, the attorney general was taking home $78,000. By 2015, when the coalition took office, the salary of the prime minister was $1,549,000 and the attorney general to $1,630,000 (tax-free). Over that period the president’s salary went up by some 500%! Those huge increases were doled out by the Jagdeo regime, not the coalition government. And there were no tears for teachers! At that time, selected persons were catapulted to sinecure political advisory positions and, like fat cats at GPL, Guysuco and at the e-Governance project, they were getting multi-millions in salaries. Since November, 2011, when I first entered the National Assembly as an AFC “opposition” parliamentarian, we called for national concord on the wages issue. We had specifically called for an acrossthe-board, 10% salary increase to teachers as we recognised their critical role in nation-building. The expectations that, that would happen since 2011 did not materialise, and after seven years it cannot be said that the demands for a wage adjustment is not justifiable, except that it should be reasonable and within the ability of government to pay, at least at this time. The government had set up a task force to examine a comprehensive approach towards improving the conditions and incentives for teachers but, as President Granger explained, their findings were deficient. Instead of leaving teachers empty-handed, government placed some $900 million on the table. BETTER OFFER The GTU has said that it is open to a better offer, which suggests that the search for a mutually satisfactory solution has not ended. It makes sense to leave all options open. On its part, it may be useful for government to look closer at other non-salary issues such as clothing allowances which, if addressed and monetised, could come close to a percentage payout that would far exceed the cursed 5% straitjacket that this government had inherited.Teachers cannot allow themselves to fall for the silly strife of the political opposition that they would not get bigger salaries unless the government “dismantles the policy which allows ministers to take spouses on overseas trips at the expense of taxpayers.” While I am not aware that there is any such policy, this seems puerile and a vendetta against ministers who have spouses. The classical wisdom has been captured in the proverb, “those in glass houses should not throw stones.” But old people would advise that those without stones should keep away from glass houses.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Understanding Energy...

More discoveries mean more possibilities for Guyana

ASED on the size of our reserves and the huge investments being made, ExxonMobil and its partners will likely be in Guyana for the next two to three decades, at the very least. That means that there’s a very real possibility that Guyanese who are not even born yet may grow up and start their adult lives working in one of the most important oiland-gas plays in the world. And new discoveries just keep coming. Just last week, Exxon announced a new find at the Hammerhead-1 well. This is the production consortium’s ninth find to date, and “proof of concept” that a new and undeveloped area of the Stabroek Block could hold vast reserves. Hammerhead was drilled

in 1,150-metre-deep water to a total depth of 4,225 metres and encountered 197 feet of “high-quality oil-bearing sandstone” southwest of the Liza 1 well. Though the consortium has not yet fully assessed the amount of recoverable oil and gas at the Hammerhead site, this is about the same thickness of oil-bearing sandstone that was found at the Liza 4 well, which is set to play a crucial role in the development of Liza Phase 2. All indications are that this find is substantial. According to Exxon’s press releases, the next steps following the discovery include an evaluation of reservoir data to assess reserves and how accessible they are, as well as physical tests. During that time, a second exploration vessel, the Noble Tom Madden, will start

exploring Guyanese waters. The vessel will focus first on drilling exploratory wells at the less explored but now promising Pluma site in the southernmost region of the Stabroek Block near the existing Turbot well. With additional well sites come a need for additional support and work. Even before this latest discovery, Exxon was already seeking to bolster its Guyanese-born team. Currently, 20 new entry-level workers are set to be trained as operations and maintenance technicians. They will be responsible for maintaining facilities, pipelines, and telecoms. Given the technical demands of these jobs, the learning curve could be relatively steep. Though it will take time for Guyanese who are new to the industry to get the level of experience

needed for supervisory or managerial roles, this kind of training is the first step in preparing Guyanese for increasingly specialised and high-paying roles. Many of the skills learned will be applicable to other critical parts of oil development, like FPSOs (floating production, storage, and offloading), and create an opportunity for knowledge-sharing which can benefit other Guyanese. As more discoveries are made, these massive FPSO vessels and their support facilities onshore will need highly skilled crewmembers. Already, the first FPSO for Liza Phase 1 is under construction at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore, and two more are planned for the later phases of the Liza and Payara developments. These massive vessels represent huge op-

portunities for employment as the production activity ramps up. The current Guyanese receiving training to join the oil-and-gas industry workforce can be viewed as the tip of the spear. Guyana has an opportunity to establish training and experience programmes which will enable even more Guyanese to gain the skills necessary to work in the industry and capture the many opportunities presented by energy production offshore and the related developments onshore. As discussed in our first local-content column, medium-to-long-term capacity-building is extremely important in spreading the benefits of oil-and-gas development across the wider population in a sustainable, long-lasting way. Again, Guyana has some compet-

itive advantages to help develop local expertise and industry. As more discoveries are made, like Hammerhead this week, Guyana’s reputation as an oil-and-gas hub will continue to grow. Furthermore, Guyana’s low cost of living is a draw for foreign businesses. This international reputation and the related developing local expertise represent opportunity for Guyana. Fostering a safe and stable investment environment is critical. Furthermore, early oil-and-gas revenues can provide capital to make much-needed investments in education, jobs training, and infrastructural improvements. New discoveries,such as the one announced this week, only increase the opportunity for Guyana to benefit and grow.

… Call for TT to refine Guyana oil

Good in principle -- but has to be carefully considered, says Minister Greenidge

Former Trinidad Prime Minister, now Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad-Bissessar (Newsday Photo)

By Svetlana Marshall

RINIDAD and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) will be given the first option to buy the Petrotrin refinery as the company shifts its focus to the extraction and export of crude oil. But Opposition Leader of the twin-island republic Kamla Persad-Bissessar, has called on her government to partner with Guyana to refine its oil. Reacting to the call, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Min-

ister Carl Greenidge said while the proposal might be good in principle, there are several critical areas that ought to be considered by Guyana before any decision is made. Former Trinidad Prime Minister, now Leader of the Opposition, Kamla Persad-Bissessar has expressed the view that Trinidad should attempt to partner with Guyana - its CARICOM sister state - to refine its oil. Prior to ExxonMobil’s 9th oil discovery here in the Stabroek Block days ago, it was estimated that Guyana had more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels. With this number expecting to increase with the latest oil find, Persad-Bissessar believes that her country should at least try to capitalise on this ‘golden opportunity’ that would salvage the island’s petroleum industry. “I understand Guyana has found another well and they are producing, can we not group in some way and find a way to work together as a CARICOM (sic) where we can help them refine their oil?” the Trinidad opposition leader was quoted in Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge Photo saved as Kamla

Greenidge told the Guyana Chronicle that the idea is good in principle. “These ideas of utilising spare capacity which the Region may have in anything to ensure that one makes the best of the resources that we have in the Region is one that is very commendable,” Minister Greenidge told this newspaper when contacted on Sunday. However, he said for an industry as complicated as the oil and gas Industry or petroleum industry, consideration must be given to the specifics. TURN TO PAGE

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Much to celebrate

HE official celebrations of Amerindian Heritage Month begin today. It is a period, observed, when our Indigenous Peoples throughout their communities in Guyana commemorate their achievements as a people, and one of Guyana’s six races, in addition to their contributions to this nation’s socio-cultural life. Amerindian Heritage Month comes at a most auspicious time that can be described as a new trajectory in Indigenous socio-economic growth and development, where the crucial element of empowerment is being deployed for the socio-economic growth and development of Indigenous communities, thereby ensuring their self-sustenance, and secure livelihoods of citizens. Since 2015, with the ascension of the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change(APNU+AFC) government, there has been a new understanding of what the Indigenous peoples are, in terms of their being part of the Guyanese nation of families, and their right to this berth. Indigenous communities are gradually being upgraded, with the intention of narrowing the gap between their hinterland locale, and the coastland. Tens of millions are being invested in critical infrastructure such as roads and bridges for improved connectivity; installation of potable water amenities; and improved housing. Leading this pathway has been the creation of capital towns, by way of new municipalities at Lethem, Mabaruma, Mahdia, and Bartica. These are intended to lead the thrust of regional, hinterland socio-economic development that are able to deliver important public services to residents, such as sanitation, passports, birth certificates, banking and financial services. There has even been the opening of new magisterial districts. All these are intended to reduce the costly efforts of hinterland residents having to travel to the capital, Georgetown, to access these essential services. For far too long, instant communications between

hinterland communities and the coastland had been virtually non-existent, thereby creating the psychological environment of “two different countries.” This barrier is being dismantled systematically, through the opening of hinterland radio stations, at locales - Aishalton, Bartica, Lethem, Mahdia, Orealla, and at Mabaruma. There is also one such service, Radio Paiwomak, that can be said to be the forerunner of hinterland radio. These are community radios, which have ushered in a revolution in hinterland social life in their communities, as they allow for timely information in key economic areas such as agriculture, and mining; particularly regarding best farming practices, weather forecasts, and marketing; and mineral prices on the international markets, in addition to protection of the environment. But most important, is the fact that these radio stations now facilitate Indigenous communities with the right of being informed about national events, and government policies, and other issues that are relevant to their daily well-being. Indigenous peoples, because of these radio outlets can now discuss, even in their own languages, their cultural ways of life without interference. Also aiding in this great communication vista in hinterland communities, has been the installation of Information and Communication Telecommunications (ICT) hubs, that allow for internet access and usage by residents; as well as internet services especially in schools that now greatly assist students in their scholastic research and completion of assignments. Toshaos can now freely exercise the right, ever since enshrined in their National Toshaos Council, and in the Amerindian Act, to develop Village Improvement Plans (VIPs) for the betterment of their communities and their citizens. This was a fact that was re-emphasised by President David Granger, as a reminder, during his address to the gathering

of Toshaos at their last National Toshaos Council meeting. Hinterland communities are gradually being removed from the unenlightened, decrepit, and outmoded ways of socio-economic development that had made them subservient to the dictates of the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic(PPP/C)government. It was a deliberate policy on the part of the latter, designed for selfish political ends. As part of the process of empowering Indigenous communities, agricultural projects are being boosted in many hinterland communities, not only as a means of being an economic earner for advancing economic growth of communities, but also as a means of personal earnings and livelihoods. In fact, there is the key aspect of agro-processing that is giving weight and quality to this very important economic endeavour. Indigenous peoples are now very much respected, not only as bona fide citizens, but as a people who have the inalienable right to make decisions relative to their traditional ways of life; and, on matters that pertain to the daily welfare of their communities and citizens. Moreover, their numbers are now very much a part of the public service, in many professional capacities, rendering service to the nation. Many have been receiving national awards as a way of recognising their efforts. President Granger has also indicated that the Ministry of Citizenship will be renamed after Stephen E Campbell, Guyana’s first Indigenous parliamentarian. Thus, again, it is time for rejoicing on the part of this well-deserving segment of Guyana’s population, for what can be described as their rich cultural mosaic that has added its unique flavour and dynamism to Guyana’s multi-cultural diversity, which stands as testimony to their creative abilities which have evolved over the decades, especially since independence. All Guyana, therefore, join with their Indigenous brothers and sisters as the latter showcase their unique ways of life, heralding another milestone as part of the Guyanese family.

Bleatings of a failed political leadership THIS refers to the now daily press briefings of Bharrat Jagdeo, which are really a cesspool of lies, continuing to reflect a mind that is diseased and corrupted. It is the brand of a party leader whose only explanations for his and former government’s stewardship, relies on an immoral bed of utter falsehoods. Jagdeo should understand that the coalition, A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) is the elected government of Guyana, irrespective as to its very small majority. The fact is that it has been given a mandate by the people of Guyana, and is constitutionally bound to execute

such a responsibility, not only for those who have elected it, but even in service for and on behalf of those who did not give support at the polls. To carry out its duties, in service to all Guyana and its citizens, its cabinet officers have to travel to the various regions and their locales, even those that are PPP/C based. It is about going to the people to ascertain their problems and offer solutions. Most naturally, such travels and their concomitant visits will cost money, especially when the latter are to the interior, which by any measure, given the geography of Guyana is expensive, whether in the mode of travel, accommodation, meals, etcetera.

So what is the leader of the opposition bleating about? There are budgetary provisions for ministerial travels. As has always been the case of an opposition leader whose lies become desperate by the day – he has quoted a figure, which is astronomical: $1.6B, as costs for such official activities! Maybe, for public scrutiny, he should present those statements to the public, their source, and of course, the financial breakdown. By the way, is this another “costly meals in the National Assembly” gambit by Jagdeo? About the 2002 jail break, and pointing accusatory fingers in the direction of the People’s National Congress (PNC). This has been an old

worn-out refrain, which is totally unsubstantiated. The much publicised jail break from the Camp Street Prison was due to a dismal systems failure on the part of the security authorities at that time. In fact, can Jagdeo explain, how it was possible for some of those escapees to be holed up, just a few houses away from the residence of the then Minister of Home Affairs. Can Jagdeo account for the emergence of the narco-lord, Roger Khan, and his gunmen, who boldly declared that his murderous gang was assisting the legitimate law- enforcement authorities to combat the criminal terror which accounted for so many lives? Can he also explain to the nation, the

circumstances of the brutal death of his late Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh, which answers are still being sought by the murdered minister’s family? Is this the opposition leader’s comprehension of functional responsibility? Editor, any leader that understood the responsibilities of national leadership, particularly as they relate to the many massacres, and those who may have plotted their execution, would have done the decent action of ordering an official enquiry. For after all, the families of all the victims, whether pro-PPP/C or otherwise, are owed an explanation as to the brutal deaths of those of their family members. The shabby treatment, of especially the

families of the Lindo Creek Massacre victims, is a stark example of the kind of cold, callous, reckless, and discriminatory government that the PPP/C was. Editor, for this opposition leader to continue to blame the coalition government for the failure and ignominious collapse of a once proud, mighty sugar industry when his party and government had shamefully mismanaged this entity for its own selfish political ends, continues to reflect the tragedy of the personal morality of a failed collective of political leaders. Regards Earl Hamilton

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Are we really addressing the operations and viability of NIS? Dear Editor,

ECENTLY, the news media carried an article on the operations of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) arising from a bi-partisan Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services meeting with the senior officials of the NIS. Having read the following: “NIS recorded successive deficits since 2015--GM (General Manager)….The current fund stands at $31.9B… this year, NIS is expected to pay out $23.6B with contributions projected to reach $23.2B.” As a financial analyst, what was reported was basically confusing to me. Hence, I will enlighten our citizens on my assessment of the operations and future viability of the NIS. 1. I have neither in recent times seen an audited nor unaudited Financial Statements (FSs) in the news media. As a public entity, I am appalled that FSs are not published. Certainly, citizens like myself will be interested in calculating and analyzing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in order to assess, among others, NIS’s financial position, its performance, its liquidity balance, and its future viability. Some KPIs which an analyst will need in order to determine the viability of this Scheme are: its net loss/income margin, its return on investment, its debt to equity ratio, its accumulated surplus, its investment portfolio and income (if any) accruing from those investments, and last but by no means least, its funding of the asset deficit to meet future obligations. 2. I am of the view that since the NIS commenced its operations in September 1969, the composition of its Board of Directors leaves much to be desired. Based on published information over the years, this Board is and continues to lack the appointment of a director(s) with experience on Actuarial Valuation of pension schemes. 3. What should have been discussed at length at that meeting (not reported by the news media) is/are the Report(s) of the Actuary. If the Actuary is Bacon Woodrow & de Souza Limited from Trinidad, that firm is known to be doing high

quality work on evaluating pension schemes in Guyana. What has been disclosed by the GM, and I quote “based on the last actuarial report, the life of the scheme should come to an end in 2021/22. I am worried and confused by that revelation by the GM. It seems to me that NIS may not exist after 2022, which is most unlikely. Surely, the Actuarial Reports (normally every five years) over the past two decades have been repeating the same issues, and no serious action is apparently being taken on those pertinent issues. 4. What is an Actuarial Valuation? It is a type of appraisal of the NIS’s assets and liabilities of which investment, economic and demographic assumptions are used in order to determine the funded status of this pension scheme. Many variables have to be taken into account in this valuation. On the asset side, the actuary is required to make assumption(s) about the employer’s contribution rates and investment growth rate of the portfolio of stocks and bonds. On the liabilities side, the calculation of such payments is much more complex. The actuary must make assumptions regarding, but not limited to, among others, the discount rate which is the rate used to convert future cash flows to its present value, employees’ contribution rates, wages/salaries growth rates, inflation rates, mortality rates, and maximizing the dividend yields on investments in stocks and bonds. If all the long-term assumptions are reasonable, then a realistic funding ratio can be derived. The ultimate funding ratio equals assets over liabilities. The solvency of the pension scheme is when there is a ratio of over 1.0 or 100 per cent, which will indicate that pension assets are adequate to cover its liabilities in the foreseeable future (approximately 10 years down the road). My understanding is that the NIS funding ratio is under 1.0 over the last two decades. If my understanding is correct, then what positive action is being addressed to have sufficient assets to pay the future benefits. Mention has been made of GuySuco owing in excess of $1.5B as well as other businesses. The management at that

Parliamentary Meeting had indicated that it has been taking action to recover contributions owing,which is a positive effort. However, as mentioned above, it is imperative that the authorities need to determine the required contributions needed to fund future benefits over time and in so doing, will eventually eliminate the Scheme’s deficit. Persistent underfunding, as it appears to be, will ultimately jeopardize NIS’s sustainability. 5. Besides the actuarially valuation, the efficiency level of the staff needs to be addressed and be improved. For example, why the payment of a benefit has to take 2, 3, 4-months to be made after the documentation has been accepted. You and I know of many others who have had this experience. That being said, the financial position, performance and the ability to pay future benefits are causes of major concern of NIS’s current operations. Our emphasis, among others, has to be on the Actuarial Reports which information is indeed complex and can be difficult to understand for those who are not accustomed to working with this kind of information. It is my view that the authorities have to reveal financial information such as the extent of the Scheme’s asset deficit, the required contributions per cent to clear this deficit, the period of time it will take to clear this deficit, who are to make these contributions, will it be the employers, the employees, the Government or all three parties. These are not easy decisions to make, hence it is imperative that the decision-makers have a full understanding of the schemes’ operations and its implications in both the short and longterm. I do not see the life of NIS ending in 2021/22. Let’s address the pertinent issues in a prompt and efficient manner, and we will need the involvement of the actuarial firm, and perhaps other financial specialists on the way forward towards this Scheme’s viability. Regards John Seeram

$50M in fines, penalties recouped from errant remigrants Dear Editor,

HE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to respond to a letter by Mr Robin Singh in the Friday, August 31, 2018 edition of the Stabroek News, titled, “Questions for government policy making keep piling up.” The letter writer insinuates that the positions of the GRA and that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the granting of concessions for re-migrants, is the “source of much confusion.” He made reference to the recent views expressed in the press by the Honourable Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and the commissioner-general of the GRA. The authority wishes to state categorically that the views of the two agencies are in no way at odds. The agencies are tasked with differing roles and responsibilities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures that the remigrant meets the criteria set out in the said scheme for being a remigrant, while the Ministry of Finance through the GRA is responsible for administering the tax concessions. This administration allows the GRA to withhold, suspend or cancel the concessions when the

remigrant is in breach of the conditions of the scheme. In the case of motor vehicles, the exemption of duties on motor vehicles is granted on conditions pursuant to section 23 and 36 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01. These clearly state that the re-migrant must: • Maintain legal residence in Guyana, in accordance with Section 2 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01 for five (5) years from the date of registration of the vehicle • Report to the GRA in person every six (6) months with the motor vehicle certification of road worthiness/fitness, insurance and registration of inspection • Reside at least 183 days for each year until the five-year period has expired • Use the vehicle as a primary mode of transportation and ensure that it remains in his/her possession within the five (5) years without being leased, transferred or sold. The commissioner-general’s remarks of the breaches are factual. There have been blatant breaches in the remigrant conditions specified. The statement that “one in every three” of the concessions is breached can be borne out by the figures and visits to remigrant residences,

where the “high end” vehicles cannot be found and the remigrant cannot be located. Investigations have revealed that funds are provided to prospective remigrants, who buy the said high-end vehicles and transfer possession by means of power of attorney, then return overseas during the stipulated period that they are required to remain in Guyana. Some of these high-end vehicles include Rolls Royces, Hummers, Range Rovers, and Ferraris. To curb this practice, the GRA has been requesting the source of funds for these applicants. These acts constitute serious offences that warrant the commissioner-general under Section 36 of the Customs Act to imposing penalties, inclusive of forfeiture or fines in lieu of forfeiture. In December 31, 2017 alone over $50M in fines, penalties and duties were recouped from these individuals. Lastly, the commissioner-general’s views on tax credits versus exemptions are well known. These views are in keeping with international norms and those of the Tax Reform Committee of which he was a member. Regards Godfrey Statia

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Sugar experts for GuySuCo board

-- President Granger optimistic sugar can return to profitability

President David Granger

By Svetlana Marshall

he Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will comprise experienced persons in the area of sugar production, President David Granger has said, while stating that the industry must be treated as a business. The sugar industry, which over the years has fallen on tough times, was among issues brought to the fore when the President hosted his first press conference for the year at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday. “GuySuCo is important to us. We have said that we are not shutting down the sugar industry, it is being reformed,” the President told reporters, while noting under his government the larger estates in East Berbice, West Berbice and West Demerara are being maintained. Under this government, the sugar industry has been reduced to three estates and factories –Blairmont on the West Bank of Berbice; Albion-Rose Hall in East Berbice; and the Uitvlugt-Wales Estate in West Demerara. Earlier this month, the former Director of Agricultural Services, Dr. Harold Davis Jnr, was appointed GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and it is expected that soon, a new board will be appointed comprising persons knowledgeable in the field. “There has been a tendency or a temptation in the past to put persons who might be socially prominent, but this is a business, this is an international industry, we have to compete with other sugar producers,” President Granger said. CONFIDENCE Under the watch of Dr Davis and the incoming board, the President anticipates that the corporation will return to profitability. With a workforce of about 10, 000 persons, the President noted that GuySuCo is projected to produce about 147,000 to 150,000 tonnes of sugar annually. He believed that with better management, the sugar industry will stand the test of time, and return as a competitive force on the international market. Shortly after his assumption of office, Dr Davis had said that GuySuCo will be moving

to increase its competitiveness with the production of high-value sugars – plantation white and direct consumption. A precursor to this will be increased sugarcane yields to beyond 70 tonnes cane per hectare. Already, a land-development programme, which commenced under Dr Davis’s watch while he was agriculture director, is being carried out in a highly technically sound manner, the Agriculture Ministry said in a release. It noted that improving the capacity of the workforce through training and development is a high priority item on Dr Davis’ agenda, in addition to attracting high-quality skills to support modernisation of the corporation. The tasks at hand for Dr Davis, the ministry stated, are to modernise the three remaining estates which are the production centres. This will entail transforming infrastructure, agricultural and other practices and retooling factories. In an effort to create and deliver more value, co-generation facilities will be constructed, the factory at the Albion Estate will be upgraded to produce plantation white sugar and consideration will be given to the expansion of production at the Blairmont Estate to accommodate increased production of direct-consumption sugars, among others. Feasibility studies on co-generation have been completed for two factories and a further study will be conducted on the third. The first co-generation project will commence on Albion Estate within the planned period. “In terms of the process for achieving his goals and objectives, focus will be on the establishment of a sound, highly skilled management team with a range of relevant expertise. The production centres – estates– are the core of the business and strong teams will be built around providing the requisite support to achieve and surpass the 147,000-tonne production target by 2021,” the ministry explained. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MODEL “This approach is guided by GuySuCo’s new ‘Sustainable Business Model,’ which focuses on achieving a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) – economic/financial, environmental and social and ensures more accountability in all three areas and adding more structure around becoming a more environmentally sensitive business, as well as cost reduction.” Dr Davis holds a BSc. in Chemistry from the University of West Indies and a PhD in Soil Chemistry from the University of Reading, (UK). He previously worked for Bookers Agriculture International in the United Kingdom, returned to Guyana in 1981 and has worked in various capacities in GuySuCo, before leaving in 2010 as the agriculture research director. Since then, he has undertaken consultancy assignments in several countries. In 2016, he consented to undertaking an assignment of agriculture consultant to GuySuCo and subsequently accepted the position as agriculture director. He brings a wealth of experience in agriculture and project management to lead implementation of the programme to modernise GuySuCo. Dr Davis takes over the reins from Paul Bhim, who was one of the members of the Interim Management Committee (IMC), established in 2015 to focus on redefining and to some extent redesigning a more sustainable pathway for GuySuCo; with particular focus on a direction for a more financially sound business. Hence, the particular skills required for the IMC members were sound financial backgrounds, a good knowledge of the sugar industry and market-oriented competence.

Good in principle ...

FROM PAGE 5

“The cost associated with the processing by the specific facility, volume is another dimension, and then there are a number of other issues to be examined as far as I am aware,” he explained, while reiterating that the idea is generally sound in principle, but there are specifics that must be addressed before any decision is taken. He, however, noted that the two governments will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). “Guyana and Trinidad are looking at an MoU, covering in energy, and there will be later this month a conclusion of that MoU,” he posited. Minister Greenidge alluded to the fact the Guyana government is in receipt of an ‘Oil and Gas Master Plan,’ which was developed and submitted by Mitsubishi Corporation and Chiyoda Corporation in collaboration with the Government of Japan. The plan has as key objectives the development of Guyana’s domestic oil industry; the creation of a balance in the domestic usage and exportation of products from indigenous oil and gas; the harmonisation of the industry in keeping with Guyana’s ‘green’ development agenda; and the quantifying of the economic feasibility of the plans. He noted that the Japanese Government has offered Guyana to undertake feasibility studies on a number of logistical areas which include a refinery. Those studies will be among reports that would inform government’s decision.

“So we will be informed by the feasibility studies as to what can and can’t be done. We would also look at what capacity there is in the Region,” the foreign affairs minister said. In May, Pedro Haas, Director of Advisory Services at Hartree Partners which conducted a feasibility study for an oil refinery here, had revealed that the cost to construct a standard 100 barrel per day oil refinery would be US$5B. Given the cost, Haas suggested that there be a creation of a robust unit within the Ministry of Finance, which should have both technical and professional relationship with the international oil companies exploring for oil here. The expert had said as an alternative to the establishment of an oil refinery, it would be best for the government to maximise income from commercialising crude oil, swap or toll crude oil for products on the international market, create joint ventures with offshore refineries, as well as acquire stock in refining companies. Haas said whether an oil company is state-owned, domestic or internationally operated, from the standpoint of the government and in the interest of the state, the creation of a fiscal authority body, which would have knowledge of the markets and taxes “in the proper way” is best. This, he noted, will enable a body to bring an educated discussion on the subject.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 18, 20189

Elections have FOR YOUR T consequences There will always be more ants than elephants

HE world’s population currently stands at 7.6 Billion. In 2018, Oxfam reported that one per cent of the world’s population is rich and they control 82 per cent of global wealth. These percentiles are stark reminders that the masses, the downtrodden and the ‘have nots’ will always outnumber the wealthy(that) and powerful. They have driven history from time ‘DUH is nah (not) positive outcome; in other immemorial and this very reason, of usbe who enjoy the me business’ is for a famous cases,those it could negative. consideration of our not being in anyNumerous the above-mentioned categophrase used in everyissues associry, should never ignore the power of with the people at the bottom. day conversations. When ated the arrogance of There this is a famous quote has become the standard we make remark, it that government in Guyana in description for thezero lack inof regard for the nots’: ‘let means we have the past have‘have disappeared, them eat cake.’ ‘Let them eat cake’, the French translationofof terest in an issue. because of the decision ‘Qu’ils de la brioche’ firstmasses appeared in book six of It ismangent sad when this the at the last elecJean Jacques Rousseau’s ‘Confessions’ in 1782. phrase is applied while tions to published demonstrate theirIt is popularlyour attributed to Marie wife of Louis describing attitude to Antoinette, power at the ballot box.XVI, duringadvocacy. the French Revolution. often argued thatominous the Prinpublic The pos- It is Further, some cess of never madeisthis statement, but it remains a widely used ture ‘Duh nah me things with life-and-death business’ is what led to implications are no longer what is arguably the worst around due to the results of time for governance in the last polls. The simple Guyana’s modern history, pleasure of government experienced between 1999- critics and reporters driv2015. Governance reached ing with their windows its nadir during this period down or citizens subjecting when the holders of power their leaders to complete declared with unrivalled ridicule on social media, pomposity, ‘we have the no longer come with fatal ethnic numbers’. On May repercussions, because of 11th, 2015, Guyanese our last monumental exerdemonstrated that elections cise of our collective franhave serious implications. chise. It is only those who In this case, there was a were in the trenches during

phrase that encompasses the lack of empathy for the realities of the downtrodden. The ever presence of the impecunious is felt in different circumstances and reinforces the point of them always being more than the ‘haves.’ Any leader who is indifferent to the plight of those who struggle to make ends meet, shall have a very short stay on the throne. his book, ‘Power of theous Poor’, the Peruvian this In period of destructive mechanisms, is apriest, forGustavo Gutierrez argues, “But the person not you exist and vindictive government malpoor process bydoes which as an inescapable destiny. His or existenceWhen is not would appreciate fact the of danmake a her decision. politically neutral, it is not you ethically innocent.the The poor gers of going to theand Cheddi cut through razzle are a by-product of the system inand which we live and for which Jagan International Airport dazzle of campaigning are responsible. are marginalised our socialfanand towe fulfil an overseas They obligaand all thebyshining cultural tion as anworlds. anti-government fares, it is a wise choice “They the oppressed, activist andare having to face exploited to make proletariat, which can robbed affect of the fruit of their labour and from despoiled of your their humanity. the dreaded possibility what children Hence the poverty the poor iswill not carry a call toingenerous relief of having drugs of planted their lunch a demandThese that we gokits andtobuild a different social inaction, yourbut luggage. whether your counorder.”fears Alluding to more the inescapable of society, simple are no try getscreation a bad reputation due to the wise choice in the international arena. made by Guyanese. These This practice of democraconsequences cannot be cy has been in place since underestimated, especial- the 17th century. It is the ly in light of the fact that results of the May 11th most of the persons who 2015 elections that have were custodians of the bad erased the shame of Guystate between 1999-2015, ana having a reputation of have gone nowhere, they being a drug-filled banana are the ones waiting in the republic with little law and electoral wings to once order. It is due to our last again reign down terror on vote-casting that we have the population. seen an unprecedented Added to this, an elec- crackdown on the drug tion, besides its conspicu- empire in Guyana and the concomitant positive effects that come along with dealing condignly with this scourge. The average Guyanese party-goer can now remark: ‘Is a long

ATTENTION ! By Ronald Austin Jr.

time me ain’t seehints people the argument that politithe revered priest at theisimportance of the forgotten shooting up inwho parties’. cians leadership are out of touch with people. Anyone tries political and ignores This is due to theoffact that issues thattheir impact the lives the inevitability the masses will have political legs Guyanese made decision of young people. On the gone before theya can walk. This is an almost eternal fact to an powerful incorruptible hand, there is the of elect life. The is alwaysother the few who would usevalthe contestation if polPresident who majority of thestands peoplefor fromidtime to time atthat their own law andand order and cannot iticians refuse to address whims fancies. be enticed by the overtures your issues, it is you who of the drug empire. Again, must delve into advocacy your safety when you go and address those issues. out to have a good time It is a crime against your can be traced right back to fellow citizens to allow electoral decision-making. the rise of the destructive Be that as it may, glob- state by not having an I.D al voter apathy is at its Card or refusing to get up highest percentage. The on national elections day to youth remain the most vote. Not getting involved passive global voter block; is too detrimental. It is a good time to this is a universal trend. In July 2010, 75% of eligible remind ourselves of the voters between ages 18-30 wise words of William chose not to participate in Lyon Mckenzie King, the US midterm elections. ‘Where [there] is little or The question is: who is to no public opinion, there be blamed for low voter is likely to be bad govturnout by youths global- ernment, which sooner or ly? Politicians or young later becomes autocratic people? On one hand, there government.’

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

‘Have no fear, Tasha Cobbs will be here’- Organisers

N just one week Grammy award-winning singer Tasha Cobbs is scheduled to be in Guyana to move in the spirit of Guyanese who pour into the National Stadium. Notwithstanding the cancellation of her last concert in Guyana, organisers are assuring that come next Frida,y she will be here. Speaking with The Buzz earlier this week Pastor of the Heavenly Light World Outreach Fellowship, Mocha Church, Eworth Williams, reaffirmed that Cobbs will be here on September 14 and one of the biggest gospel concerts that Guyana has ever seen will go down. “Everything has been cleared and we’re ready to go. Yes it should’ve happened before, but it had to be put off due to circumstances beyond our control, that’s all I would say,” Eworth conveyed. “We want our patrons to know that we have been in this business for years now and at the end of the day all I’ve got is my word and every time we promise something we always deliver, so we will deliver as promised and we just want them to come out and support us. People were very supportive, so we’re not worried at all.” The event, which was originally planned for June 9 took a

severe hit when at the last minute Cobbs pulled out leading several persons to take refunds on their tickets. Heavenly Light suffered losses in their advertising and credibility. “It’s always going to affect you because people will say that the artiste is not coming. It happened with Sinach before. But people don’t understand that a lot of things happen behind the scenes that we, as promoters, cannot control so we just leave it. It was hard for me as a promoter, I lost millions of dollars in advertising and tickets, but nothing happens by chance,” Williams reasoned. Now, Williams is optimistic and looking to the future and assured that everything will be fixed when the concert is finally staged. “Things have picked up tremendously and it will pick up even more when she lands in Guyana. But people are being very very cautious, so what we’re doing is we have planned for her to come one day before,” Eworth shared. According to Williams, it was already difficult securing Cobbs given the demand for the “Break Every Chain” singer, so he’s banking on seeing this concert realised. “She is the biggest thing in terms of worship. She was a hard person to get. It was difficult in a way, but because God wants it, everything fell into place,” he recalled. “We decided upon her be-

Tasha Cobbs

cause we believe that the season Guyana is in she is more designed to take us to that place through her worship.” Cobbs has been experiencing a fruitful year since releasing her latest album “Heart. Passion. Pursuit.” just last year. The album included hit singles “You Know My Name” which featured Jimi Cravity and “I’m Getting Ready” which featured Nicki Minaj. However, Cobbs is still largely remembered for her moving rendition of “Break Every Chain” on her major-label debut studio album “Grace”, which peaked at No. 1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart. Cobbs is widely liked among the Guyanese population and the concert is expected to be massive. Williams says they’re aiming for an attendance of over 15,000, almost 10,000 tickets were already sold by the time the last concert was cancelled. Almost half of those were returned, nonetheless, things have picked back up and the tickets have been going fast. “It has been going good; very smooth. Things have been opening up, persons have been jumping on board. The pastors have given their blessings through the varying denominations and have been snapping up the tickets,” Williams disclosed.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Nothing sinister

-- MoU to be signed with TT consistent with obligations under CARICOM By Svetlana Marshall

ICE President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will be signed, between the Governments of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago is consistent with the countries’ obligations within CARICOM. The foreign affairs minister issued a statement to the Guyana Chronicle one day after the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) publically called on the Guyanese Government not to sign the MoU until details of the ‘agreement’ are examined. Confirming that the MoU will be signed next week, the foreign affairs minister said “it very generally paves the way for cooperation in oil and gas between the two states. This move is consistent with our rights and obligations within CARICOM and in keeping our relationship with Trinidad and Tobago.” He noted that the MoU that would pave the way for cooperation in oil and gas is one of two agreements the Government of Guyana will sign with the Twin Island Republic. “The first is a general platform on which we discuss all bilateral cooperation and the second is for cooperation in oil and gas,” he explained. Since last year, the Government had signaled its intent of renewing the Framework Agreement for the deepening of bilateral cooperation with Trinidad and Tobago. The Framework Agreement was signed between the two parties in August 1999 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and was valid for 10 years initially and then renewed for five successive periods, but was never enacted. Tuesday night, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley, while addressing his supporters in Marabella, disclosed that he will be traveling to Guyana next Wednesday to sign a MoU with the Government. “I am going to Guyana I think next week Wednesday to sign this document which opens the way for Trinidad and Tobago’s companies to participate in that prosperity that is coming to the Guyanese, even if Guyanese oil doesn’t come to our refinery,” he told the Trinidadians.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

DISAPPOINTMENT But this statement did not sit well with the GCCI. The Chamber’s President Deodat Indar, on Wednesday, expressed his disappointment that agreements are being signed between Guyana and other countries interested in the developing oil and gas sector here when there is no legislative framework in place. “I am saying that we don’t have a policy, we don’t have any legislation for local content but yet we are going and do these MoUs. I think they should wait. I am asking government to hold on this,” Indar pleaded. Indar declared that while GCCI is not “anti-Trinidadian”, he believes that legislative framework must be put in place to ensure Guyanese benefit largely from the developing oil and gas industry. But an official from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, who requested anonymity, told the Guyana Chronicle that because Guyana is among signatories to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, it has obligations under the CARICOM Single Market and Community (CSME) to facilitate business among member states, as Trinidadian companies are free to ‘set up shop’ here once they fulfill certain requirements. “We should know this already, Trinidadian companies could come into Guyana right now they don’t need a MoU to be able to come,” the official said. NOT LEGALLY BINDING The Foreign Affairs Ministry official also reminded that MoU is not a binding agreement but rather a letter of intent. “It is not legally binding, it is just two people saying that we will work on these areas but there is no specificity on anything.” Minister of State Joseph Harmon, though referring this newspaper to the foreign affairs minister, explained that a MoU is a broad framework of cooperation. That aside, he questioned the call by GCCI. “I don’t know that, that is the place of the GCCI to say that the government should not to this and should not do that, it is not a commitment for any specific thing,” the minister of state said. Weighing in on the issue at his weekly press conference, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo expressed concern about the statements by the Trinidad Prime Minister that TT businesses would be able to benefit from Guyana’s prosperity at a time when the state-owned refinery – Petrotrin, is being closed in Trinidad. “I do not have a problem as a person who is a strong advocate for CARICOM, unity and us working together and enjoying shared prosperity with linking our fortunes. So I support rhetoric about doing things together.” “But when people hear about sharing our prosperity now and we do not see the MoU or framework through which that happened, people then believe that they are going to be excluded from opportunities,” the opposition leader said. Jagdeo like the GCCI is calling for the MoU to be made public. He, nonetheless, acknowledged that Trinidad has a wealth of experience in the petroleum industry.

GCCI President Deodat Indar

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley

#SNAPSHOTS

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Worse off under Rowley

Public opinion continues to be polarised along ethnic lines, with those of African descent more likely to approve of the Prime Minister’s performance (68 per cent approve vs 26 per cent disapprove) compared to persons of East Indian descent (22 per cent approve vs 67 per cent disapprove). Approval among citizens of mixed ethnicity fall between these two groups.

Shaw Backs Down! - JMEA Says Minister Withdraws Threat To Tax Imported Granulated Sugar

Less than a day after stridently vowing to reinstate a cess on imported processed sugar, Audley Shaw, the minister of industry, commerce, agriculture and fisheries, has reportedly backed down from that position, following a meeting with the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA).

Education ministry establishes time-out facilities for students with behavioural problems KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information has established two 'Time Out' facilities to assist in the rehabilitation of students who exhibit behavioural problems.

The IMF reaches an agreement with Barbados

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with Barbados on a US$290 million dollar economic programme under the Extended Fund Facility. The IMF’s Executive Board is expected to consider the proposed arrangement by October and once approved Barbados will have immediate access to US$49 million. IMF Chief of Mission Bert van Selm made the announcement today at a press briefing with Prime Minister Mia Mottley at Government Headquarters.

IMF projects Dominica’s output to decline by 14 percent in 2018 “The fall in output and government revenue, coupled with increased expenditure for rehabilitation and reconstruction, will lead to a substantial worsening of fiscal and external deficits,” the IMF said in its report. “However, signs of recovery, particularly in construction and the public sector, have already started to emerge.” After the hurricane, the IMF said Dominica’s fiscal performance decreased sharply, “due to the fall in tax revenue” but this was “partially offset by a surge in grants and buoyant Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) sales revenues.”

Government moves to end outdated concept of debtor’s prison BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -– Ending the outdated concept of debtor’s prison, or as Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris-led Team Unity Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, describes it, “the criminalization of poverty,” has to be reviewed and brought to an end. Debtor’s prison refers to the incarceration of individuals for their failure to pay a debt.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

CH&PA c o mm e n c e s construction of housing units in Amelia’s Ward

Construction of 15 out of 60 housing units underway in Phase Three, Amelia’s Ward

HE first phase of the construction of 60 housing units in Phase Three, Amelia’s Ward has commenced, with 15 houses currently being constructed. The project saw over 80 Lindeners being employed by four contractors who are also Lindeners, one of them being Michael Bonds Construction. Minister responsible for housing, Valerie Patterson- Yearwood, said that the tendering process of the second phase of another 15 units will be done in a week’s time. Construction commenced after access roads, electricity and water supply were made available in the area. Thirty of the 60 units will be flat concrete houses which will cost $5.3M and the other 30 will be concrete houses on stilts and will cost $6.3M. $100,000 of those respective costs will go towards payment for the land. As each house is completed, the owner will be able to move in. Thirty four Lindeners have since prequalified for the units. Priority was given to youths and government workers. Two of these are Registered Nurse Abigail Thompson and Mechanical Engineer attached to the Regional Democratic Council, Nigel Newton. They were given letters to the respective commercial banks to obtain funding. Thompson in July told the media that she is a mother of two and had applied eight months prior to pre-qualifying. “Don’t give up, apply once you reach the age and you might be selected. It makes me feel honoured to be selected today, to own my own home soon,” she said, as she encouraged other youths to do the same.

In 2019, CH&PA will be commencing similar construction in the Wisroc Scheme. The process of having the lands transferred from the Wisroc Housing Corporation via the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to the CH&PA is underway Yearwood has related to residents that the move to construct housing units, rather than to just distribute house lots was birthed from country-wide consultations and the demands for turnkey homes were made. Approximately

CARICOM

heads mean business assures Mottley B ARBADOS Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Wednesday gave the assurance that heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are serious about advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), while identifying transportation, communication and hassle-free travel as areas for urgent attention. “I refer specifically to the need for us to make life easier for those of our citizens –individuals and companies-who want to move between our countries and who want to do so without having to register and pay significant sums of money in each territory in order to do business,” said Mottley, as she addressed the opening of the Ninth Meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CSME at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. “It is a matter that we believe can easily be remedied and it is one that will make that definable difference in a direct way to those of our citizens doing business in each of our territory,” she explained. “We remain committed, even as we do all of this, and even as we meet in special sessions of heads in Portof-Spain later this year, we remain committed to being able to identify how best we can reach the single market in a single domestic space in transport and the single domestic space in communications,” she added, while stressing the need for affordable and reliable regional transportation. Mottley, who has lead responsibility within CARICOM’s quasi-cabinet for the creation of the CSME, also acknowledged that other areas had been identified for action, adding that recent meetings of heads over the past four months were “a signal of our intention to be serious about the Region’s business”. Wednesday’s meeting was also attended by CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Guyana’s President David Granger, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, along with representatives of the Grenada and St Lucia governments. Mottley said she was especially looking forward to them addressing “some key strategic issues” relating to security of the Region’s energy supplies, resilience of telecommunications and “issues pertaining to how best we may

assist one another in treating to this difficult hurricane period.” “Today is but one step towards the larger meeting in December, where we will not only address these matters that are taking us along this course, but we will also, by December, start to address some of the larger issues with respect to structure and equity with respect to the single market project,” the prime minister said. She also expressed hope that by the next heads of government meeting, regional leaders would be able to sign off on a protocol on government contracts that would allow regional firms to bid for projects over a certain threshold in any member state. In his address, LaRocque welcomed the idea of more frequent sub-committee meetings and greater focus on the CSME, pointing out that

8,500 individuals expressed their preference for housing units located in already developed schemes. The first set of houses built at Perseverance, EBD by CH&PA are all sold out. The CH&PA has invested millions of dollars into constructing housing units across Guyana. Several other communities nationwide are expected to benefit from CH&PA housing units, while core houses will be built to be distributed free of cost to impoverished families. President David Granger (standing) sharing a light moment with CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque (centre) and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness (right).

they were critical if the Region were to review its progress and address challenges on an ongoing basis. “We must therefore put in place the system of consultation at both the national and regional levels and involve the private sector, labour, the youth and other stakeholders more intimately in the process,” he said. “This will make for more effective decision-making and implementation, while creating the feeling that we are all in this together. An important aspect of moving the process forward is a need for member states to make every effort to implement the agreed commitments and obligations. The approved implementation plan sets out timeframes for so doing in the short, medium and long-terms,” he added. (Barbados Today)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Strike ends -- Teachers’ Union, Education Ministry agree to arbitration -- teachers to resume duties today By Tamica Garnett

EACHERS are expected to return to their classrooms today after the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) quit their strike on Thursday afternoon following agreement by the Ministry of Education (MoE) to take the pay dispute to arbitration. The GTU has guaranteed full resumption of teachers by Monday, according to the terms of resumption agreement signed between GTU and the MoE. “From day one we insisted that this matter should go to arbitration and we’ve achieved that today, much to the pleasure of our members,” announced GTU President Mark Lyte as he exited what was the last conciliation meeting between the MoE and GTU. “The union will be calling the strike off with immediate effect. For those teachers who can resume duty [today] they will, but we assure that full resumption will be on Monday. The GTU wishes to thank you [the teachers] for showing solidarity and standing behind us through this struggle and today we are happy that we are emerging as one group of people with determination to say we deserve the best.” After a three-hour meeting in the Department of Labour boardroom, the GTU executives emerged in bright smiles and were met with chants of celebrations from a large gathering of teachers outside as they announced that the strike was off since their demand for arbitration was acceded to. Other terms as part of the resumption agreement guaranteed no loss of pay, loss of seniority or victimisation of any teachers who participated in the almost two-week strike. The GTU and MoE will now meet again next Tuesday to work out the terms of reference for the arbitration process, which is expected to be presided over by a panel comprising a mutually agreed upon chairman, a representative from the GTU and a representative from the MoE. The outcome of the arbitration process will be final. According to Lyte, when the panel is put together, the GTU will be asking for a multi-year agreement with the MoE. “The matter is now being rolled into the hands of arbitrators who will take a lot of things into consideration and a decision will be made which will be binding on both sides,” Lyte told the teachers. “So I want you [teachers] to know it is out of the hands of the GTU, and out of the hands of the government, and into the hands of the three arbitrators, they will look at cost of living and every other thing to determine what is a livable wage for teachers.” GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald encouraged the teachers to put their trust in the arbitration process. “Today, I think history has been created again where we have been able to exercise democracy in a country that is supposed to be fair. We are trusting that coming to the end of that [arbitration] process, our teachers will emerge as victors in this entire process,” she said to loud applause. McDonald added: “We weren’t into this for GTU to win and somebody else to lose, we were in this for a win, win on both sides. Because we understand that education is everyone’s business and today we have decided on a way forward and that is arbitration.”

GTU and MoE representatives displaying a copy of the terms of resumption agreement at the Department of Labour Boardroom. From left are GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald; GTU President, Mark Lyte; Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle; Acting Permanent Secretary, Adele Clarke; and Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson (Adrian Narine photo)

Teachers celebrating the announcement that arbitration was agreed to, and the strike was called off (Adrian Narine photo)

The GTU executives celebrating as they greet a group of teachers waiting outside the Department of Labour on Thursday (Adrian Narine photo)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

Small Business in focus…

Moraikobai’s unique dishes tempt taste buds

eptember is Indigenous Heritage Month and for this period, small business focus will feature our Indigenous brothers and sisters, who use their unique skills to sustain their livelihoods. Every year as we celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month, many look forward to indulging in unique Indigenous dishes. Many of the dishes, such as; tuma pot and pepperpot, are prepared with a variety of wild meats including labba, deer and bush cow. Also, on the list of dishes to enjoy during this period is cassava bread and some of the more popular drinks like piwari and fly. During the past week, a 12-member team from Moraikobai Village in Mahaica-Berbice has been operating a food and beverage booth at the Heritage Village in Sophia. Heading the team is councillor of the Moraikobai Village, Mary Joseph, who said many residents from her community look forward to Indigenous Heritage Month to sell their products. Joseph said the residents of Moraikobai begin preparing for heritage celebration months in advance. This year she, along with two additional persons, prepared 150 cakes of cassava bread for sale. Jospeh said she is heartened since patrons of the event have responded positively to their dishes. “We get our products sold because it’s pure and natural stuff. We do not add anything. No essence, ajinomoto [monosodium glutamate] … For example, we do not put anything in our cassava water, it is pure. When cooking the tuma pot which has fish and other meats in it, we do not add other seasonings to give it flavour, it has its own flavour. We just add salt and pepper; steam the meat with black pepper and that is the flavour.” The Moraikobai councillor added that this year the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs supplied them with benabs and means to travel, removing their usual challenges of transportation and accommodation. The increase in vendors from Moraikobai Village resulted from efforts by the Village Council to promote farming and self-help activities in the village. Joseph encouraged residents from other indigenous villages to become involved in farming and to obtain the necessary food-handler certificates in order to participate in the annual exhibition. Persons interested in sampling Moraikobai’s dishes can place orders on 602-4165. (DPI)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

First Lady,

UNICEF partner to advance youth development

irst Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger is collaborating with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Guyana to advance youth development through creating opportunities for young people to develop their capacity in technology and robotics. The collaboration comes as a result of a new initiative to be launched by the United Nations (UN) and UNICEF. The initiative, called the “Young Peoples Agenda” is part of the United Nations’ new commitment to working with and for young people. It is also a part of a UN Youth Strategy and Generation Unlimited Partnership that will be launched at the UN Headquarters, New York at the 73rd UN General Assembly later this month. The First Lady will be attending the said forum. Mrs. Granger met with UNICEF’s Resident Representative Ms. Sylvie Fouet on Thursday for a special meeting to discuss the First Lady’s involvement in the area of youth development relative to Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) and robotics, and ways in which her work in that area can be boosted through the UNICEF’s collaboration. UNICEF, in a bid to meet its responsibility to youth, is building partnerships dedicated to supporting young people in the second decade of life - a young people’s agenda focused on every young person being in school, learning, training or employment by 2030. The initiative will particularly be focused on the most vulnerable, including girls, the poorest and those with disabilities. It will also focus on: active citizenship, learning, employability and personal empowerment. Ms. Fouet said the “Young Peoples Agenda” is aimed at preparing youth during their second decade (10-20 years old) to be able to access new jobs, since in coming years there will be more new jobs, many of which will be technological. “It will be a digital world,” she said noting “it will be robots and it is how we can bring that to Guyana.” The UNICEF Guyana Representative said the vision is to create a mini Silicon Valley in Guyana. Silicon Valley is a region in the southern San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California which serves as the global centre for high technology and innovation. “We are working on how we can create opportunities for young people,” Ms.Fouet said while adding “a part of it is to find opportunities to give second chances to those who have been exposed to pregnancy or challenges of violence and also see how we can get young people to acquire new skills and a part of that is how we look in terms of digital technology and information and I know a part of the journey with the first lady is to have a space, maybe an ICT park or a training centre, where we could have those persons who may not have even had a first chance or a second chance – to prepare for business.” Over the years, the First Lady has been collaborating with several organisations to host robotic camps throughout the country and according to Ms. Fouet that work will be enhanced through collaboration with UNICEF. “It is to also scale up this initiative” she said. The UNICEF Resident Representative said too that efforts will be made to increase business incubation centres and seek funding for young people who are talented, to turn their ideas into businesses. The First Lady met with Ms. Fouet during the first quarter of this year and has since partnered with UNICEF to address the issue of teenage pregnancy. (Ministry of the Presidency)

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger and UNICEF Resident Representative to Guyana, Ms. Sylvie Fouet after the meeting

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

‘I was determined not to let anything hold me back’ - Top disability student Anjalie Sookra

NJALIE Sookra, the top Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) student for disability this year, depended heavily on the support she received from fellow classmates and her family. Having achieved good grades in all of the nine subjects she wrote, she is now pursuing a career that would put her in a position to assist others. The 17-year-old Berbice resident attended mainstream schools and thus did not benefit from the provisions made available by the Guyana Society for the Blind, through its CSEC programme, for students who are blind or visually impaired. Progressing through school on account of her disability was quite a challenge, Sookra recalled during an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine. She attended Tain Nursery and Primary Schools and Berbice High School. And, it was only a few months before she wrote the CSEC exams that her EDPM (Electronics Document Programmes and Management) teacher told her about the Guyana Society for the Blind and urged her to reach out to the institute. “My teacher was concerned and told me about the Society. Ganesh (Executive Member Ganesh Singh) started calling and motivating me. He also promised to provide whatever I needed to write the exams and he did,” Sookra related. She said that Singh provided her with magnifying glasses, helpful computer software, along with a reader and scribe. Sookra is especially thankful for the scribe and reader since she could have hardly seen what on the exam paper. She wrote nine subjects namely: English A and B, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, EDPM, and Office Administration; and received two Grade Ones, three Grade Twos, and four Grade Threes. “I am very happy about my grades because I wasn’t expecting any Grade Ones,” she said. Sookra, who started experiencing vision problems around age five years, said she sat at front of her class to be closer to the blackboard, so as to be able to see a little. She credits her classmates for helping her significantly when it came to writing notes given in class. “I don’t know what I would have

Family members each provided help in their own way.

done without my classmates and I am so thankful.” To read her notes at home though, Sookra had to place them up close in front of her face. She is also grateful for the support she received from her immediate family members. According to her, dad Pradeep, mom Mohini and brother Sandeep all provided help to her in their own way. “My parents played a big role during my school years. They arranged for a special car to take me to school and bring me back home,” she recalled. Despite the help, Sookra recalled that some of the challenges she faced at times were feeling ashamed because everyone was sighted at school except her. “Everyone else seemed perfect except me. I felt like giving up at times and wanting to stay at home. I cried many days. It was quite challenging but I had a goal in terms of getting maximum marks. I was determined not to let anything hold me back in life. I have gotten over all those negative feelings and I now understand my life,” she expressed. At the University of Guyana where she has embarked on studies in Social Work, Sookra said her aim is to be able to help others facing a similar situation as her. “I understand what it’s like so I want to show them how to cope and that it’s not the end of their life. Meanwhile, in an interview with this publication, Ganesh Singh from the institute said he heard of Sookra a few months before she wrote the CSEC exams and did not delay in trying to get her certain provisions. “The school was aware but the support wasn’t totally there. Through the Exams Division at the Education Ministry and [I]; we were able to assist her during the exams. She was in a room by herself with better lighting, a reader and scribe and one of those magnifiers to help her,” Singh related. “She is very bright. She wrote nine subjects and got good grades. She topped. She is the top student for disability this year. I hooked her up with a scholarship and she’s now at UG,” he added. Singh said this goes to show that even with a disability, anything is possible once someone is prepared to work hard.

Top disability student for 2018, Anjalie Sookra.

Anjalie’s is grateful to her classmates for helping her in school.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

The craft of the 2018 Indigenous Food and Craft Exhibition

Janette’s daughter Shereen stands with some of the craft pieces of Janette’s Handmade Products

By Gibron Rahim

RT and craftwork are but a small reflection of the true richness of Guyana’s Indigenous cultures. However, as the recently concluded Indigenous Food and Craft Exhibition held at the Indigenous Village at Sophia for Indigenous Heritage Month has once again shown, they can also allow us valuable insights into the histories and cultures of Guyana’s nine Indigenous tribes. Among this year’s exhibitors was Janette Patterson of Janette’s Handmade Products. It was a profusion of colour and a buzz of activity that greeted the Pepperpot Magazine when this publication visited the exhibitors’ booths at the Indigenous Village this past week. Potential customers eagerly moved between the booths, examining the wares on sale with keen interest. The first sight that drew the eye upon visiting Janette Patterson’s booth was the woven basket decorated with a pattern that included all five colours of Guyana’s flag. Janette is a resident of the Indigenous community of Santa Aratak Village in Region Three. The journey to Georgetown involves crossing the river to Santa Mission followed by travel by boat through the Camuni Creek and then by road for a 25-mile trip from Timehri. Janette travelled the considerable distance to be able to exhibit her products. She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has been involved in craftwork

for over 25 years. Janette explained that she learned her craft skills from being part of a craft group in the village. That group lasted for a number of years and included the community’s older women who taught their skills to the younger ones. “And now we continue to do it and get more into it,” she said. Presently, the pieces that Janette and her fellow craftswomen create include fruit, bread and floral baskets, jewellery boxes, pans, mats, fans, bags, hammocks and placemats. She noted that the men also create matapees and carve canoes. Different persons, she said, are involved in creating different pieces. The branches or ‘spires’ of the ite palm that provide the tibisiri straw used to create the woven pieces are obtained from the savannahs. Janette explained that the spires are cut and then stripped of their silken strands. Those strands are then boiled and left to dry in the sun. Noting that the strands are more commonly referred to as ‘straw’, she related that it is the straw that is used to create a range of craft products. The process of obtaining the spires can be time-consuming, taking the men anywhere from half a day to an entire day to gather on a single trip. The following day is then devoted to stripping the spires. The weather also has an impact on the length of the crafting process as the sun’s heat is needed to dry the straw. Additionally, “When the rain steps in it’s difficult for us to get the materials,” related Janette. Craftwork is one way in which Janette and her fellow

artisans celebrate their heritage. She noted that the Food and Craft Exhibition at Sophia is the only one that she is usually involved in, for all five days. She and Janette’s Handmade Products also become involved on occasions when the community opens its doors such as on village days. Being an artisan and owning and operating her own business, is not without its challenges as Janette noted. Besides the difficulties during the rainy season, Janette noted that one of the greatest difficulties can be waiting for a sale. She related that, once the craftswomen have completed their pieces, the wait is on for a sale. The wait can be discouraging she said as the sales of their pieces are a source of income for the women. Despite those challenges, the reactions of customers make all the effort worthwhile. “They always commend us,” said Janette. She related that the feedback they receive is usually very positive, as was the case with this year’s exhibition. “Some buy [the products], some don’t,” she stated. Indeed, when the Pepperpot Magazine visited numerous customers were seen milling around, considering their options. As the curtains have come down on another year’s Indigenous Food and Craft Exhibition for Indigenous Heritage Month it can only be hoped that we have gained a greater understanding of our Indigenous cultures, even as we enjoy the food and craft that are reflective of them.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

... As St Lucia Stars eliminated from 2018 season By Rajiv Bisnauth

ESPITE being one of the strongest contenders at the start of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) this season, it has been yet another disappointing CPL season for the St Lucia Stars who struggled right through the tournament with just seven points from their preliminary fixtures. On paper, the Stars had a star-studded field with the likes of David Warner, Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard, Andre Fletcher, Mitchell McClenaghan and Oais Ahman, among a few other top T20 players, but their performances were very poor, and should be a concern to the organisers for next season. Pollard recorded a century, the second of the tournament so far, and he is second on the run-scoring charts with 330 from his ten innings. Fletcher with 257 runs, Warner 262, including 72 not out; Lendl Simmons (180), and Rakheem Cornwall (131) are the only other St Lucia Stars batsmen to pass 100 runs, which has been their major concern throughout the season. Their bowling department, led by McClenaghan, was much more effective. They ended their campaign on a winning note, beating the Barbados Tridents by six wickets on Sunday last with Guyanese Chandrapaul Hemraj, batting for the first time in the CPL, hitting 37. The innings was just a glimpse of his class and potential, and despite his limited appearances in the tournament in which the 25-year-old played in only two games, the experience was countless. “It was a great experience playing my first CPL, even though we didn’t qualify. I was privileged to play with this franchise. It was a great feeling to share a dressing room with some of the most experience t20 players. Even though I haven’t played as much games as I wanted, I have gained a lot going forward,” Hemraj said. Hemraj further mentioned that the familiarity gained will definitely help him to realise the ultimate goal of his cricketing ambition which is to play Test cricket for the West Indies. Meanwhile, four teams have sealed their spots in the playoffs which begin on September 11 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. They are the Trinbago Knight Riders, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, the Jamaica Tallawahs (all with 10 points each) and the St Kitts Patriots with nine points. The Barbados Tridents, currently on four points with two games remaining, cannot advance even if they win their remaining games.

C P L experience was great, says Hemraj Chandrapaul Hemraj, batting for the first time in the CPL, scored 37 against the Barbados Tridents on Sunday last.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending September 5, 2018

s s lo a e k li ls e fe lt u s e r e Th – Johnson By Rawle Toney

UYANA scraped a point in their CONCACAF Nations League opening game against Barbados last evening when the Golden Jaguars roared to a 2-2 draw. However, head coach Michael Johnson said the result feels like a loss, especially taking into consideration, that Guyana created more chances that their ‘Bajan’ counterparts. “It’s a good point in the end (but) it actually feels like a loss, because in the first half, we could’ve been three or four (goals up). It could’ve gone to our side, and then, I don’t know what slackness/lazy play we conceded two silly goals but fair play to the team, they found it in themselves to dig deep,” a usually candid Johnson told reporters at the postgame press conference. Johnson’s disappointment could be reflected in the match statistics, which showed that Guyana were by far the superior side on the pitch.

The Golden Jaguars had 14 shots to goal as compared to Barbados’ eight, but six of Guyana’s attempts were off target, one hit the woodwork, while five went to ‘Bajan’ keeper. Trayon Bobb’s goal in the 46th minute placed Guyana in the lead, but Carlisle United talisman Hallam Hope netted twice (65th and 73rd) before Neil Danns scored in the 78th minute. This turned out to be the game’s decisive goal that salvaged a point for the Golden Jaguars. Danns doubled down on Johnson’s comment, that “the game feels like a loss. A couple of years ago we would’ve been jeering the result, but today, the standards are set so high for the team based on what we have, so this does feel like a loss, but what we do, we take the positives and just move on as a team”. The former Leicester City and Crystal Palace ace also opined that “it was a difficult turf to play football on, there’s a lot of quality within our team, sometimes it’s hard to show that on the pitch, but we had a game plan with the gaffer implemented in the first half and like he said, we could’ve been three or four

but on another day, we are going to take the positives from the game. We went 2-1 down and the boys showed real character to come back and clinch that game”. It was Johnson’s first time in charge of a senior National team and the former Derby County defensive standout made it clear while he was certain of a positive start and securing three points, “it’s great to obviously get a result first and foremost, but moving forward it will be better, because I’m learning about the players, where they prefer to play, the combination of certain players.” “For me, this has been an absolute massive positive all round; number one we get the result, we also scored goals and the learning the staff and myself have will make us better going forward,” said Johnson, who also played internationally with Jamaica. The Golden Jaguars will now travel to The Turks and Caicos Islands for a meeting between the two countries on October 13, followed by an encounter against French Guiana on November 20, before hosting Belize in March, 2019.

Trayon Bobb was effective in the wider areas of the pitch. (Samuel Maughn photo)