PPP=Mirror, PNC=Kaieteur News & AFC=Stabroek News

Freddie Kissoon's lawyers resist efforts to tender Kaieteur News newspapers in libel case

2012-01-27T13:11:00.002-04:00

Lawyers for Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon today rejected efforts by legal team of former President Bharrat Jagdeo to tender several volumes of Kaieteur News newspapers as evidence in a libel suit against the former University Lecturer. Jagdeo’s lawyer, Senior Counsel Bernard Dos Santos got Office of the President Media Officer, Rawle Kissoon to bring and identify several binders of the newspapers from June 2010 to January, 2012. Kissoon, who listed his duties which include media monitoring and research, told the court that he also has copies of newspapers before June 2010. The matter was adjourned until January 30th.

Freddie Kissoon produced 2 academic papers in 26 years of lecturing at the University of Guyana

2012-01-27T12:05:00.003-04:00

For years after he started a column in the Stabber News, now dismissed University of Guyana lecturer Freddie Kissoon passed himself off as “Dr Kissoon”. Only after this was challenged did he drop this fraudulent claim of his.

Did he also try this stunt on UG? The records should be checked.
We understand Kissoon’s foisted contract was not renewed because he did not ‘produce” and research. Two papers in 26 years and neither peer-reviewed? That is the understatement of the year.

Christopher Ram’s fledgling legal career has taken another nosedive.

2012-01-27T11:55:00.002-04:00

Belatedly matriculated legal novice Christopher “Suspenders” Ram’s fledgling legal career took another nosedive when Chief Justice Ian Chang threw out his plea for a Conservatory Order in APNU’s MP case seeking to revise former President Jagdeo’s pension. Justice Chang ruled sternly that contra the argument of Ram, the President’s (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act reveals that the benefits have nothing to do with pensions and gratuities in which Article 181 (2) of the Constitution speaks.

The junior lawyer still confuses the term “legal practice’ with the everyday understanding of “the activity of one not proficient in it”. He’ll never make senior council this way for sure! There are lots of vacancies for legal clerks For Your Information (FYI).

Government/Hauwei Technologies plans to string fibre optic cable from Crabwood Creek to Leonora

2012-01-27T11:35:00.004-04:00

The Government of Guyana announced plans to string a fibre optic cable along the modern transmission main from Crabwood Creek in Region Six to Leonora in Region Three through a partnership with Hauwei Technologies, China’s largest networking and telecommunications equipment supplier.

The modernisation of the local telecommunications sector with the laying of the fibre optic cable is regarded as a good investment for Guyana by President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Atlantic Tele Network (ATN) Michael Prior. Prior, accompanied by ATN’s President of International Operations Paul Bowersock and CEO of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Yog Mahadeo recently met President Donald Ramotar at the Office of the President.

Guyanese born private investor looking to set up oil refinery- 5000 jobs could be created

2012-01-27T11:20:00.002-04:00

Guyanese could be paying significantly less for fuel in the near future with the establishment of an oil refinery, the first of its kind in the South American country.

A Guyanese born private investor is currently in the country meeting with stakeholders to finalise funding, site location, preparation, and documentation. If negotiations are successful, the refinery could be assembled and become operational in as little as 12 months.

The investor said that the refinery would have the capacity to produce 100,000 to 200,000 barrels per day. More than 5,000 new jobs directly related to the industry would be created.

The establishment of the refinery, the investor noted, is not dependent on an imminent discovery of oil in Guyana. A large volume of oil is already being produced in the region which provides a need for such a facility, he said.

Oil and gas exploration companies Repsol and CGX Energy are scheduled to begin drilling operations off Guyana’s coast shortly at locations believed to contain massive deposits of oil.

Investment ratio not enough to maintain high growth rates in Latin America & the Caribbean- ECLAC

2012-01-27T09:11:00.003-04:00

Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena said that “in Latin America and the Caribbean, the investment ratio is not enough to maintain high growth rates. There are mainly gaps in infrastructure. Unfortunately, investment has been one of the adjustment variables in previous crises.” She made the comments at Wednesday’s opening of the XXIV regional seminar on Fiscal Policy, which ended on Thursday at the headquarters of ECLAC in Santiago, Chile. Apart from Bárcena, other speakers during the first session included deputy director of the Fiscal Affairs Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Adrienne Cheasty; deputy director for Public Governance and Territorial Development of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Mario Marcel; and Sergio Wulff Gobetti from the Finance Ministry of Brazil.
The speakers agreed that Latin America is currently in a privileged situation in the midst of the crisis which some countries in Europe are facing. They highlighted, in particular, the control of public finances and debt sustainability, regional assets which must be maintained, they stressed.
“The quality of public finances has improved in Latin America,” said Bárcena. “Public debt has been significantly lowered and its profile and composition are more balanced, tax revenues and the average tax rate increased, the decrease in interest payments has created significant fiscal space and social public spending has been maintained,” she said.
However, “investment in Latin America and the Caribbean is not only highly volatile, but during economic upturns it is also unable to recover from its fall during the downturn. Private investment has not been dynamic and public investment has been declining,” stated the executive secretary.
She highlighted that in Latin America gross fixed capital formation represents almost 20 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), while in some countries in Asia Pacific, it reaches 40 per cent.
According to Bárcena, investment in the region should be aimed at improving infrastructure, increasing research, science and innovation, promoting banking institutions for development and developing cleaner matrices from an environmental perspective. Bárcena urged the countries of the region to consolidate a “sustainable and at the same time stabilising” fiscal policy, with a low debt-GDP ratio in good times and counter-cyclical expenditure policies during recessive phases.
Fiscal policy must contribute to long term economic growth through stable investment in physical and human capital and innovation. It must also have a redistributive impact, which includes progressive tax rates, she indicated. The Fiscal Observatory of Latin America and the Caribbean (OFILAC), which aims to contribute to the improvement of fiscal policy in the region through the dissemination of studies and debate with different actors participating in this area, was launched as part of the seminar.
OFILAC is an ECLAC initiative which involves the participation of OECD, the Inter-American Centre of Tax Administrations (CIAT) and the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IEF). It receives support from the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AECID), and the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ).
The website for the observatory, which contains news, activities, statistics and publications on the current fiscal situation in Latin America and the Caribbean, is aimed primarily at economic authorities, international officials, academics and students.
The XXIV regional seminar was organised by ECLAC, through the Latin American Institute for Economic and Social Planning (ILPES), with support from IMF, OECD, the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), under the auspices of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Canadian mining firm Reunion Manganese Inc to invest US$250 million at its Matthews Ridge project

2012-01-27T09:08:00.002-04:00

A section of the audience at the business luncheon

Canadian mining firm Reunion Manganese Inc on Thursday said it will spend approximately US$250 million at its Matthews Ridge, North West District project. But the firm has lamented the paucity of skilled geologists here and the length of time it takes for foreigners to be granted work permits.

These comments were made by the company’s Chief Operations Officer, Joachim Bayah at a business luncheon hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) at the Regency Suites, Hadfield Street, Georgetown. The manganese firm was granted exploratory licences for its Matthews Ridge project in 2010 and is hoping to commission the mine by 2014. The Canadian firm said it will extract two million tonnes of manganese concentrate per year and once fully operational, the project will create roads, a rail link and much more infrastructure the area is currently lacking.
The prospecting licenses Reunion Manganese obtained from the Guyanese government in September 2010 cover an area of 45,729 acres and centre around the abandoned manganese mine at Matthews Ridge and Pipiani, once operated by a subsidiary of Union Carbide Corporation from 1962 to 1968. Exploration activities conducted by Reunion Manganese Inc since November 2010 consist of 59 trenches totalling 4700 metres, and 35 drill holes totalling 2800 metres. A total of 42 auger holes have also been completed to test the tailings from the previous operation. The former Matthews Ridge mine area consists of a 12-kilometre long series of hills within the ridge formation hosting the manganese mineralisation and extends for 40 kilometres of strike. The primary manganese zone is reportedly 150 to 175 cm thick and approximately 30 km long in a general north-east-south-west direction.
Meanwhile, Bayah told the gathering of mostly businessmen that as of last year, the exploration activities by the company created over 300 jobs and an additional 300 jobs will be created this year, Bayah said, adding that expenditures for last year stood at some US$36 million, US$14 million of which was used for capital, equipment, engineering and salary for employees. Reunion also established a brand new state of the art analytical lab at a cost of US $1.2 million. The manganese firm said it will continue to create a wide range of jobs for Guyanese, but he lamented the lack of skilled geologists , saying the effects of brain drain was taking a toll on the sector.

U.G.S.S President Duane Edwards voted in support of Kissoon's dismissal

2012-01-26T16:58:00.003-04:00

UGSS President Duane Edwards, extreme right,
during the picket

Liveinguyana was reliably informed that the U.G Council voted unanimously to terminate the services of lecturer Freddie Kissoon. It means that even Kissoon's fellow political activist and UGSS President, Duane Edwards voted in favour of his dismissal and it flies in the face of the latter's condemnations and participation in a protest in support of Kissoon.
The council we were told is comprised of 10 members of which 5 are known government officials. The other five include the Student Society President as well Kissoon who represents the University Workers Union.

Kissoon tutors and shares a very close relationship with the UGSS President and they are often seen together during the former's various court appearances. He also shared a similar relationship with another former UGSS President, Jason Benjamin, who now lives illegally in the U.S after overstaying his time.

Gov’t will not allow intricate Parliament deliberations to hinder developmental thrust- HPS

2012-01-26T15:10:00.002-04:00

GINA: Government has reiterated its position in support of engaging the two parliamentary Opposition Parties (APNU and AFC) in discussions in areas of mutual concern; however, it has made it clear that it is not in any way obligated to pander to a Tenth Parliament, whose deliberations will frustrate and prevent implementation of its development thrust, as it is still the governing party.

This position was affirmed by Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the President today.

The HPS maintained that Government stands ready to honour its December 2011 commitment with the two Opposition Parties; however, given the evolution of the tripartite initiative which saw the APNU and the AFC collaborating; taking a unilateral stance, engagements with Government on important matters have been stymied.

The Cabinet Secretary stated that notwithstanding the denials, the APNU and the AFC’s collaboration, “managed to pull off one of the major political heist in Guyana’s parliamentary history, which, even the PNC-Burnhamite dictatorship never stooped to.”

He added that what is even more significant was the elected speaker’s notional commitment to parliamentary impartiality, even though he is said to be inclined to retain his appointment as the representative of the AFC’s list.

The questions that Cabinet and many Guyanese are now dealing with are what can be expected from this alliance? And will the AFC collate further with APNU, acting as a single parliamentary party in the Parliament?

What is constantly being unnoticed by the two Opposition Parties is that the PPP/C is still the majority, as it is the only Party with the most seats among the three in Parliament and therefore, its role in decision-making can hardly be ignored. Moreover, the ruling Party expects its concerns to be properly and holistically addressed in the Parliament, particularly as it relates to advancing the interests of citizens.

Another concern Dr. Luncheon said is whether or not they will extend the memorandum of understanding (which was signed between the APNU and the AFC for future cooperation) and collectively turn their attention to the composition and the chairmanship of parliamentary committees.

“The Government’s developmental thrust for Guyana is on the line particularly because Parliament has an important contribution to make in the implementation of this thrust. Over the last two terms, the Eighth and the Ninth Parliament we have seen that design of that developmental thrust,” he said.

A meeting of the tripartite initiative is being planned so as to get a mutually satisfactory outcome on the list of matters proposed by the three Parties before the February 10 sitting of the National Assembly, at which President Donald Ramotar is expected to give an address.

After being reminded via a letter, the APNU and the AFC have finally submitted the names of their high representatives. The former submitted the names of Joseph Harmon and Deborah Backer; while Gerhard Ramsaroop and Clayton Hall will be representing the latter.

High Court dismisses GCB move to quash Cricket IMC

2012-01-26T14:21:00.003-04:00

The full sitting of the High Court, presided over Justice James Bovell Drakes and Justice William Ramlal, yesterday dismissed the ‘Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari’ filed by Lionel Jaikarran and Chetram Singh in their capacity as trustees of the GCB.
The two were seeking to quash the decision of December 23 that granted Dr. Frank Anthony, Minister of Sport, the power to appoint an IMC in place of the GCB.
The initial ruling was made by Chief Justice Ian Chang. The lawyers representing Singh and Jaikarran had filed an appeal of that decision. The appeal was heard yesterday afternoon before the two Judges.
In handing down the decision the court informed the GCB representatives that following this final ruling before the Full Court they will not be allowed to challenge again.
Dr. Anthony’s decision to appoint an IMC “to conduct the affairs and administration of cricket in the State of Guyana in place and stead of the GCB” was viewed as being “unlawful, ultra vires, capricious, contrary to and devoid of legal foundation, without lawful authority and arbitrary,” it was stated in the original Court Order.
The minister was summoned on the first instance to “attend before this Honourable Court and to show cause why the said Order Nisi should not be made absolute”.
Attorneys-at-Law, Fenton H.W. Ramsahoye and/ or Sanjeev J. Datadin had filed the writ in the High Court on behalf of the applicants.

New Chairmen elected to Regions Five, Six

2012-01-26T14:12:00.001-04:00

The new administrative chairman of Region Six, Permaul Armogan was on Wednesday elected unopposed while his deputy, Bhupaul Jhagroo’s appointment followed a vote after the joint opposition threw its support behind Donna Mathoo of the Alliance for Change(AFC).

New Region Five Chairman, Bindrabhan Bisnauth

The meeting was convened by Regional Executive Officer, Badase Poonai and the first order of business was to have the 30 RDC councillors take the oath of office. Following the swearing-in of the councilors, a vote was taken for the appointment of RDC chairman. New comer to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), New Building Society (NBS), New Amsterdam Branch Manager Anil Beharry rose and nominated Armogan and another new face, Phillip Rose seconded the nomination. There were no nominations from the opposition, and after nomination closed, Poonai declared Armogan the new chairman.
Armogan’s first act as chairman was to open nominations for the vice chairmanship. AFC’s Haseef Yusuf nominated fellow councillor Donna Mathoo while on the PPP/C’s Warren Barlow nominated his PPP/C colleague Bhupaul Jhagroo. The two candidates were voted for, and Mathoo attracted the support of the 13 joint opposition seats, however the PPP/C’s 16 councillors voted Jhagroo.
After the appointment, Armogan in brief remarks said he was grateful for the support given and the confidence reposed in his ability to execute the duties of his office. Serving as a councillor since 1997, Armogan disclosed that he never harboured any ambition to sit in the chairman’s’ seat.
He said he is committed to serve all the people of the region. He also reflected on the opportunities for exposure in the regional system created by his predecessor Zulfikar Mustapha over the past five years, and expressed gratitude for Mustapha’s support for him as a suitable replacement. The 53-year-old businessman also remarked that he knows that the challenge of the office is great, and he cannot make empty promises, but committed himself to work hard to make a difference.

Region Six Chairman, Permaul Armogan

“I cannot come here and promise that by the wave of a magical wand Region six will be transformed tomorrow morning… I cannot promise you that … what I can promise you is that I’ll work faithfully every single day that the lives of this region are improved day after day.”
He also extended a hand of friendship, to the all the members of opposition, calling for harmony and unity to push the region forward. “All councillors would be given the opportunity to express their idea and opinions freely once it is done with civility and decorum,” assured Armogan. The councillors were reminded that their support is vital for the progress of the region.

ATN chief says modernising telecoms infrastructure a sound investment for Guyana

2012-01-26T12:39:00.002-04:00

Plans to expand and modernise Guyana’s telecommunications industry represent a sound investment in the Information and Communications Technology sector. President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Atlantic Tele Network (ATN) Michael Prior, believes that this is a step in the right direction for a country forging ahead in the information age.

Prior, accompanied by ATN’s President of International Operations Paul Bowersock and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Yog Mahadeo met Guyana’s President, Donald Ramotar at the Office of the President on Wednesday.

Prior told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the company always looks forward to collaboration with the Guyana Government in the modernization of the telecommunications infrastructure.

“GT&T has been a main partner in that and ATN, as a shareholder, supports it… we have invested a lot in Guyana and we will continue to be a major part of the growth of the economy,” Prior told GINA.

The ATN CEO who witnessed the launch of GT&T’s “Emagine broadband” two years ago, described it as a necessary investment for the company and shareholders and hinted that more plans are underway.

“You have to start with infrastructure… it takes time to build… You have seen from the new store and the new blackberry series that we are continuing to invest and modernize. We are going to continue to improve customer care and service,” Prior said.

In July 2010 the telephone company officially launched its Suriname Guyana Submarine Cable System (SG-SCS) that connects Guyana and Suriname to Trinidad and Tobago and the rest of the world.

Guyana’s government also plans to lay a fibre optic cable along the transmission main from Crabwood Creek in Region Six to Leonora in Region Three through partnership with Hauwei Technologies, China’s largest networking and telecommunications equipment supplier.

The AFC should offer Freddie Kissoon a seat in parliament

2012-01-26T12:34:00.002-04:00

Freddie Kissoon speaking on the AFC
platform

Now that the AFC’s firm friend and apologist Freddie Kissoon is out of a job, isn’t it high time they step up to bat for him? They could offer him a seat in parliament. Those are already taken, you say? Well, Gaumattie Singh thought the same back in 2006. Party leader Trotman instead placed his close friend Chantelle Smith in her stead because, we were told, Smith needed a job. Well what’s sauce for Smith should be sauce for Kissoon. No?
So who’s to go? There’s Trotman’s friend Cathy Hughes. She’s taken enough from Fip’s millions.

Guyana’s positive growth drove Neal & Massy’s performance in 2011 – Chairman

2012-01-25T16:26:00.001-04:00

Strong economic growth in Guyana in 2011 was a key factor behind Neal and Massy’s positive performance in the country despite an overall mixed performance recorded by the Group.

Chairman, Arthur Lok Jack, said in the Group’s 2011 Annual Report that despite Guyana recording a budget deficit of US$19.6M, strong growth in real GDP created an environment for favorable operations.

“For the sixth consecutive year, Guyana was the growth leader of CARICOM. A strong third quarter performance of 5.9 percent in real GDP pushed its overall growth…the boost came mainly from increased production of rice, gold and bauxite. Once again, our operations in Guyana reflected this positive growth,” he said.

In 2011 the Neal and Massy Group experienced mixed performance levels. While the majority of the Group’s subsidiaries performed well and demonstrated the anticipated growth for 2011, impairment arising from the decision to sell the Group’s interests in Almond Resorts, disappointing results from United Insurance, investment in a new strategic plan for the Group and other adjustments to Head Office expenses erased the gains the subsidiaries made and reduced the Group’s overall Profit Attributable to Shareholders.

Jack said while the core companies of the Neal and Massy Group performed well, demonstrating overall growth, a few under-performing companies produced losses, which together with a net charge for Discontinued Operations of $305M resulted in a decline in Profit Attributable to Shareholders from $301M to $98M. Consequently, the Earnings Per Share reduced from $3.13 in 2010 to $1.02 in 2011.

New Jialing complex demonstrates company’s commitment to true innovation

2012-01-25T16:01:00.001-04:00

Automobile Power Product, the official agent for Jialing automotive products in Guyana, recently opened a new multi-million dollar outlet that is providing customers with an unmatched shopping experience with its wide range of products and services and expansive parking facilities.

Managing Director, John Permaul, said that the new location offers customers comfort and ease-of-access while shopping, and provides for a wider range of products to be showcased by the company.

“Jialing wants its customers to shop in comfort, at a location that is more accessible and easy to find; a more spacious and secured environment. There is parking space for our clients and customers to park their vehicles without worrying about its safety,” Permaul said.

The new facility, located at Charlotte and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown, demonstrates Jialing’s ongoing commitment to true innovation, working side-by-side with customers to meet their expectations, he pointed out.

Auto Mobile Power Product specializes in the sale of Jialing motor cycles, bicycles, generators and air conditioning systems.

The new state-of-the-art complex opened its doors in Guyana on December 19^th.

Government distances itself from Kissoon contract termination

2012-01-25T15:50:00.003-04:00

The government has distanced itself from the perception that it had anything to do with the firing of University of Guyana (UG) lecturer Freddie Kissoon.

Kissoon’s dismissal by the UG Council came to light on Monday and several of his political and media colleagues sought to link it to his criticisms which have been ongoing for almost 5 years now. Why the government would wait till only now to fire Kissoon who is over the age of retirement has not been explained by them.

Also, addressing the issue at his post-Cabinet news briefing Wednesday Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon said while they are aware of the issues surrounding the decision the onus is not on government to comment on the matter but rather the Council itself.

“I want to propose that media representatives might want to bring to bear their collective will on the Council to ask them to clarify these matters because we are concerned about the gross misrepresentation of what transpired and speculations about what inspired the Council to act the way it did,” he stated.

APNU's Clement Corlette reassumes Region 4 Chairmanship with AFC support

2012-01-25T15:36:00.003-04:00

All the AFC Councilors voted along with their colleagues from the PNC/APNU for a return of Clement Corlette to the Chairmanship of Region 4 RDC a few minutes ago.

High Court overturns APNU challenge to Presidents’ Benefits Act

2012-01-25T15:33:00.001-04:00

Executive Member of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Desmond Trotman, failed to persuade the High Court to rule the Former Presidents’ (Benefits and other Facilities) Act unconstitutional, null and void.

Trotman, through his Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram, failed also to have a Conservatory Order issued to preserve the status ante –the situation that existed prior to the date when the Act came into force– until the determination of the hearing.

Trotman in his Statement of Claim pointed to Article 181 (2) which provides: “A person who has held the office of President shall receive such pension or, upon the expiration of his term of office, such gratuity as may he prescribed by Parliament. Any such pension and gratuity shall be a charge of the Consolidated Fund.”

He further drew reference to the legislation in question which dictates that a person having held the office of the president shall be entitled to certain benefits.

Chief Justice Ian Chang, in his ruling, however has determined that the Former Presidents’ (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act reveals that the benefits have nothing to do with pensions and gratuities to which Article 181 (2) of the Constitution speaks.

“It therefore appears to the court that the plaintiff-applicant is unlikely to be in a position to rebut the presumption of Constitutionality which applies to Sections 2 and 3 of the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act.

“Indeed, Article 181 (2) speaks to pensions and gratuities, and sections 2 and 3 of the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act speaks of benefits and facilities which are outside of the embrace of pensions and gratuities.”

Chang further found that a Conservatory Order is likely to adversely affect the benefits and facilities of any former President to whom section 2 and 3 of the Act applies.

“The court cannot make a Conservatory Order which would adversely affect the interest of any such former President unless such former President is afforded an opportunity of being heard.

“Indeed, a final declaratory order as prayed for by the plaintiff-applicant would adversely affect the interest of such former President. Any such former President should therefore have been joined as a defendant in the proceedings as an interested party. This was not done.”

Chang further ruled that the circumstances surrounding the request by Trotman are not consistent with an application for such a conservatory order.

University of Guyana terminates Freddie Kissoon's contract

2012-01-23T15:48:00.002-04:00

Freddie Kissoon protesting

A well-placed UG source has informed Liveinguyana that the contract of political science lecturer Freddie Kissoon who also moonlights as a Kaieteur News journalist was terminated following a decision taken at a meeting of the University Council last week Wednesday. The controversial Kissoon will also be paid three months salary in lieu of notice.

Kissoon was often criticized by University officials for his failure complete or publish any academic research.

Gouveia issues challenge to Freddie Kissoon on Duke Lodge acquisition

2012-01-23T15:27:00.002-04:00

- Kissoon could earn $1M if proof is provided of illegality in acquisition

C.E.O of Roraima Airways Inc. Captain Gerry Gouveia has issued a public challenge to discredited academic and Kaieteur News columnist, Freddie Kissoon in which he is promising to relinquish ownership of Duke Lodge should the latter provide tangible evidence of any illegality in the groups acquisition of the said property, among others.
Gouveia, in a letter written and circulated to the media asked that Kissoon provide any 'scintilla' of evidence to challenge the following:

1. That Duke Lodge was put up for public tender in 2007.

2. That the tender was published multiple times in various newspapers.

3. That NICIL hosted a public seminar to brief potential bidders on the bidding process and the details of the technical specifications of the property.

4. That all bidders were notified about the place and time when the tenders would be opened, and were requested to be present.

5. That on the closing date June 29, 2007, nine (9) sealed tenders including one submitted by Roraima Airways Inc. were publicly opened in the presence of a representative from the office of the Auditor General.

6. That Roraima Airways Inc. bid of one hundred and forty million Dollars (GYD$140,000,000.00), was the highest bid, the next highest being one hundred and twenty-two million, five hundred Dollars (GYD$122,500,000.00).

7. That the Government of Guyana/NICIL took in excess of one year to agree to award the tender and release the property to Roraima Airways Inc. on October 23, 2008.

8. That Roraima Airways Inc. paid in full the said bid price, financed by a loan from Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited.

He also said that Should Kissoon provide any evidence of impropriety or lack of transparency (based on fact and not hearsay), he would agree to the following:

1. To return possession of Duke Lodge to the Government of Guyana free of cost, and without any compensation or refund of the purchase price, VAT, legal fees and improvement costs incurred in its acquisition.

2. To give him a gratuity of one million Dollars (GYD$1,000,000.00).

And should Kissoon fail to publish such evidence within twenty-eight days, he should give a promise to do the following:

1. Cease writing of all forms, in all and any form of print, electronic, and cyber media.

2. Publicly apologise to me and the staff of Roraima Airways Inc. in all forms of print, electronic and cyber media.

3. Take a one year leave of absence from teaching at the University of Guyana.

4. Relocate to the beautiful mountains of Monkey Mountain and voluntarily teach the children there for calendar year. I will personally fly him there free of cost, and provide free airlift of supplies, once monthly, for the period.

Gouveia also promised that should his challenge be accepted by Kissoon in order to facilitate documentary audits, he will place all relevant documents in the hands of Mr. Christopher Ram, the CEO of Ram & McRae, his company’s auditors since 1998. And that he also has no objection to NICIL releasing any information concerning the tendering process and sale of Duke Lodge.

Persons have doubted whether Kissoon, who is noted for issuing many such similar challenges will ever be able to take up this particular challenge himself as he is noted for ducking and dodging and even throwing in the irrelevant during exchanges with those whom he oppose.

AFC besieged by serious internal problems AGAIN!!

2012-01-23T11:29:00.002-04:00

The opposition Alliance For Change (AFC) is once again besieged by serious internal conflict. On this occasion it came to the fore after former House Speaker Ralph Ramkarran wrote in his weekly column that the Speaker of the National Assembly cannot, without any justification, wear the hats of List Representative and Speaker at the same time.

Ramkarran posited that that a “novel situation” has arisen with Speaker Trotman also being the AFC leader and Representative of its List. “In these capacities he is the leading official and chief spokesperson of the AFC,” the former Speaker noted. “He can also remove any Member of Parliament of the AFC and replace him or her. Mr. Trotman may find great difficulty in publicly reconciling the position of Speaker with those of Leader and List Representative of the AFC" he wrote.
This position quickly found favour with AFC Chairman and presidential candidate, Khemraj Ramjattan who concurred with this view and further said, “I am in agreement with that, we’ll have to deal with that at some point in time”.

However when pressed for a comment on the matter Trotman responded by shrugging off those concerns and saying that it might be part of moves by some AFC parliamentarians to cross the floor. He said “there is really a grand scheme afoot to have some members of the AFC cross the floor and there is great concern about what Trotman will do and so this could very well be an attempt to disarm me or dislodge me as Representative beforehand”. He is also of the view that an attempt is being made to get rid of him because of other machinations afoot.

This is not the first occasion that this small party has had to battle with internal frictions. Trotman had initially refused to adhere to an agreed on leadership rotation principle and only did so after a serious anti-Trotman internal campaign was waged by several of the party's heavy weights and overseas based financiers. He then refused to accept the prime ministerial candidacy citing ill health but quickly recovered to take up the position after the death of Sheila Holder.

Negative reporting hurting tourism sector – Hurakabra River Resort proprietors

2012-01-23T11:03:00.002-04:00

– Kaieteur News is the chief culprit

Gem Madhoo-Nascimento and her husband Kit, proprietors of the Hurakabra River Resort have contended that the glorification of crime in the media is hurting the image of Guyana, particularly the tourism sector.

“We have to do so much damage control,” Madhoo-Nascimento said, recalling the numerous emails and phone calls she receives from worried potential tourists.

Madhoo-Nascimento stressed that she wished certain media houses would be more conscious, and desist from painting Guyana in a bad light. “I am not saying to hide anything, but we can’t see all of the crime on the front page, good things are happening too. News stories, once they are written, are there for the world to see, so when tourists conduct Internet searches, they often come across all the crime on the front page”.

The Kaieteur New has been guilty of this travesty, and according to sources, the owner of the newspaper Glenn Lall is consumed by greed and cares less about the image of his country, once his pockets are filled from the profit he makes from churning out half-truths and distortions on a daily basis.

Negative reporting of issues in Guyana by media houses can have devastating impacts on the country’s economic and tourism development, former Tourism Minister, Manzoor Nadir had said.

Nadir said each person may have a different opinion of what negative reporting is, but in his mind, it is the over-exaggeration of issues while providing “wrong reasons” for certain occurrences in the country.

He noted that he is not against reporting “something bad” but stated that placing them on the forefront of the newspapers, electronic media and even broadcast media does not sell the country in a positive light.

“If something bad happens and that is reported with respect to what happened, that is not considered bad reporting,” Nadir said. He continued: “There are some things that are not front page material… some things don’t deserve the kind of attention that they get in the media.”

Nadir said, “negative reporting does create an image, an image that says that this is not a country to do business in, this is not a country to visit, whether for the first time or on a return trip”. The former tourism minister stated that during his many years in the public sector, he experienced several instances where entrepreneurs and visitors alike have expressed much discomfort with either visiting or investing here, based on media reports.

“It builds up over time… a long term image that there are no positives happening in the country and it will detract from having our country being given a very rational reputation,” he told Guyana Times. He noted that many overseas-based Guyanese were actually fearful that they will be robbed, murdered or something bad will occur should they visit Guyana. However, with much persuasion those very persons visited Guyana and enjoyed their stay harm-free.

Ramjattan declares it was he who parted the Sea, not Moses.

2012-01-23T10:39:00.002-04:00

It appears that all of us in Guyana were living in (blissful?) ignorance. Here we thought that post-post elections violence did not go beyond wounding the pride of Brigadier Eddie Collins and 0.007 Bond because of the stoic discipline of Brigadier David Granger. But now, just before the medals were going to be struck to honour the hero of South Road, up comes Ramjattan of the AFC claiming it was he who really saved the day. And our bacon?

Seems that Ramjattan traipsed over to T&T to talk about “The relevance of third parties in race based politics” and revealed this whopper to his cohorts in COP. We were not told as to whether Ramjattan followed the T&T Indian political custom of touching the feet of his host. We were also not told whether he deigned to consider the possible irrelevance of his “third party” now that Trotman had trotted more than halfway over to APNU. Ah well, we all have to justify our existences – no matter how doltish the explanation might sound.
So back to Ramjattan’s argument for the AFC’s relevance in Guyana. He asserts that “some in APNU, believing that there may have been rigging” during or after the elections, were about to blow the place apart (a “potentially explosive situation”). So up rose the AFC (in the form of Ramjattan, presumably. He’s the narrator) and announced to the tumultuous and potentially riotous APNU multitude: No! The elections are free and fair! And lo and behold, the APNU crowd fell back as Ramjattan spoke truth to power.
Well, if the foregoing sounds ridiculous, it certainly gives a flavour of the la-la land in which Ramjattan exists. Does he really believe this crap? But at least, he had the grace to spout the nonsense to the Trinis – who we know are quite gullible. He also was candid to admit that third parties “have little chance of forming a government”. So what’s the point of the AFC? Trotman has already seen the light and made his choice. How long will Ramjattan nurse his bitterness just to be a spoiler to the PPP?

Gov't funding North Ruimveldt drainage works

2012-01-23T10:25:00.004-04:00

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds being led by Norma Joseph,
a North Ruimveldt resident to inspect the works that
were funded by Government.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Presidential Advisor on Community Development, Odinga Lumumba on Wednesday visited North Ruimveldt to inspect work that was done in the area to prevent flooding.

Last year, a few concerned citizens from North Ruimveldt approached the Prime Minister; requesting assistance to clear minor drainage structures such as culverts and canals which have been neglected by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) under whose purview the area falls.

In response, Central Government, as a result of the Prime Minister’s intervention made available $3.5M which was spent to enhance the area; bringing the much needed relief to the residents.

Lumumba said that North Ruimveldt needs specific attention, particularly as it relates to drainage; noting that in some areas, drains are non- existent. This he said, leads to water inundating the roads, which eventually start to deteriorate.

“Repairing the roads wouldn’t really solve the problem because water keeps having permanence on the road,” he said.

He further explained that in some areas the roads are very low, which is why they are focusing on clearing the drains; however, the Public Works Ministry has commenced work in rebuilding some of the roads.

One resident, Norma Joseph expressed her appreciation at the expediency with which the matter was addressed at the level of the Prime Minister. Works commenced in November last year.

Ricardo Blackman, another resident expressed his concerns with regards to maintenance, a matter which the Prime Minister said he will try to make provisions for under the 2012 national budget.

Meanwhile, Lumumba called on the M&CC to take its responsibility seriously with regards to the area and other areas in the City and urged residents to demand more from their municipality since they are paying taxes.

Trotman's position as Speaker of the National Assembly & AFC List Representative draws criticism

2012-01-23T10:03:00.002-04:00

-Ramjattan agrees that its untenable

The Speaker of the National Assembly cannot, without any justification, wear the hats of List Representative and Speaker at the same time, former Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran has said.

AFC Chairman and presidential candidate, Khemraj Ramjattan says that he concurred with this view. “I am in agreement with that, we’ll have to deal with that at some point in time,” he said when contacted yesterday. New Speaker Raphael Trotman is also the AFC’s List Representative and when pressed for a response, he briefly said that the party has to decide on that issue.

Ramjattan said that the Speaker cannot be the representative of the party list at the same time and the AFC would discuss the issue.

When pressed about a formal process whereby a new List Representative could be named, he said that there was no need, since if the Speaker cannot be the List Representative, then the Deputy List Representative would take over. Ramjattan noted that he is the Deputy Representative of the AFC’s list.

Writing in the PPP’s Weekend Mirror, Ramkarran said that a “novel situation” has arisen with Speaker Trotman also being the AFC leader and Representative of its List. “In these capacities he is the leading official and chief spokesperson of the AFC,” the former Speaker noted. “He can also remove any Member of Parliament of the AFC and replace him or her. Mr. Trotman may find great difficulty in publicly reconciling the position of Speaker with those of Leader and List Representative of the AFC.

The Speaker cannot, without any justification, wear the Party Leader’s and List Representative’s hat in the morning, deciding party strategy in Parliament, and the Speaker’s hat in the afternoon, impartially presiding over the implementation of that strategy in the face of opposition to it,” he wrote.

In his article, Ramkarran wrote that Speakers are normally identified with political parties, usually governing parties. “When elected they either relinquish their leading political roles, or suppress, or do not publicise, any overtly partisan activities.

However, unique circumstances now arise from a novel situation. Mr. Trotman is not merely identified with the AFC as a leading figure or an executive member. He is its Leader and Representative of its List.

In these capacities he is the leading official and chief spokesperson of the AFC,” he wrote.

Ramkarran noted that Trotman has since indicated that he does not intend to contest the post of party leader in a few months time and said that “his views on remaining as List Representative are eagerly awaited.”

Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) a haven for irresponsible and corrupt officials

2012-01-22T15:52:00.001-04:00

The Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) has been declared a haven for irresponsible and

Dr. Roger Luncheon

unaccountable city officials with glaring overt and offensive political intrigues. This declaration was made at the level of Cabinet and was revealed by Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, during his weekly press briefing on Wednesday.
He pointed out that it is obvious that the municipal entity has evolved into a health hazard, a situation that is confronting the citizens of the capital city. “Cabinet members recognize this and have indeed been subjected to appeals for intervention and most of these appeals have been coming from outraged residents of the capital city.” He alluded to the fact that Cabinet continues to decry the level of non-cooperation and in many cases outright discourtesy experienced by Ministry officials at the hands of the functionaries at the M&CC. The resolve of Cabinet, according to Dr. Luncheon, is that the Ministers responsible for Local Government and Regional Development, that is, Ministers Ganga Persaud and Norman Whittaker, will continue to engage the City Council, enforce the law and organize efforts to mitigate the impact of the municipality’s ineptitude.”
While the existing challenge could be easily addressed with the much anticipated Local Government Elections, the Cabinet Secretary pointed out that “my concern which is shared by many others is that elections would be too late and something needs to be done right now.” He nonetheless noted that Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Government Elections is held before this year expires, adding that efforts will also be made to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure that intervening measures are implemented in the interim.
“The intervention that I see for this situation, which reoccurs, would of course see the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Local Government moving in and providing financial and material resources to mitigate the impact of the ineptitude of the Council. I am sure that the Ministry of Health is looking on and drawing up plans to deal with combating the hazards that are likely, if they have not occurred….” Dr. Luncheon noted.
And while organizing the Local Government elections will take some time “there are fears that “we might succumb to mosquitoes, garbage, health hazards or even denied municipal functioning…there are fears, reasonable fears that the situation might indeed become too perilous for us to await the inevitability of a manifesto undertaking of Local Government Elections before the end of 2012.”
In light of this possibility, Dr Luncheon said that there will be decisive intervention in the areas that warrant intervention with the general feeling and the overwhelming sentiments of many beginning “to see the backs of those at this municipality.”
“This is a ‘Band of Brigands’…to substantiate this contention of mine, this is a view confirmed by the Auditor General and Committees put in place that these guys are treating financial resources rules and regulations with this wild abandonment. Could you conceivably feel that anyone would give a penny more than they are getting? And that is the crux of the issue…”
At the end of the day, Dr Luncheon noted that there is no doubt that more money is indeed needed to address the multitudes of problems that bedevil the City Council but added that “I wouldn’t give them a blind penny.”
The long and short of it is that those mandated to run the municipality have not demonstrated overtime resolve to be open, transparent and accountable” and according to the Cabinet Secretary “I think there is a feeling substantiated by reports audits and such likes that funds are being squandered.” The fact that accountability is lacking at the municipality, he said that it presents a situation that gives rise to the question “do you throw good money behind bad money and do you put it into a black hole that is out there at the City Council?”
I for one continue to reflect on a period prior to Local Government Elections when a situation like this did not obtain under an Interim Management Committee (IMC),” he asserted, pointing out that “I am responsive to the sentiments expressed by many that a solution is essential and it involves getting this group of functionaries out and having some new arrangements put in place that would be accountable, use funds appropriately and manage the city.”

Banks DIH expanding

2012-01-22T15:36:00.001-04:00

Chairman of Banks DIH Clifford Reis announced that the group has big plans for the expansion of its operations with new products and the purchase of new equipment as part of the company’s modernization, despite increasing competition.

He made the statement at the company’s 56th annual general meeting held at Thirst Park yesterday.

According to Reis, capital expenditure in the new financial year will include the acquisition of new vehicles, a new malt handling system, a wort kettle, a reverse osmosis water system, a pasteurizer for the beer plant as well as the modernization of the No 1 Bar at Demico House, which will be renamed Stabroek Sports Bar. The chairman also revealed that the Campsite Restaurant will be torn down and the site sold to Citizens Bank for the construction of its headquarters in the coming months.

Reis said that in 2011, the group improved its overall performance by recording a profit before tax of $4.036 billion compared to $3.081 billion for 2010, an increase of $995 million or 31 per cent.

Net profit for Banks DIH Limited increased from $1.362 billion in 2010 to $1.934 billion in 2011, reflecting an increase of $572 million or 42 per cent. Profit before tax for the company was $2.802 billion compared to $2.226 billion in 2010, an increase of $576 million.

Reis said shares traded at a price of $12.20 on the last trading date. He said that the healthy share prices that the company is enjoying are indicative of investor confidence in the company’s performance, both now and in the future. He said earnings per share increased by 44 per cent.

PNCR causing the deplorable conditions of Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme

2012-01-22T15:27:00.000-04:00

Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Norman Whittaker has laid the brunt of the blame on the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) for the deplorable conditions of roads in the Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. The PNCR’s injunction against the rehabilitation of the area’s Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office affects a much bigger venture, the Community Road Improvement Project (CRIP). Minister Whittaker said that under CRIP, 12 roads are to be rehabilitated but the government of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank Project had mandated that the work on the streets must be done in conjunction with the rehabilitation of the Grove/Diamond NDC building. These works, he said have been stalled following the PNCR injunction against the construction on the grounds that the building belongs to them. “The PNC has opportunely claimed that the NDC building is theirs and that is a matter before the courts, so it is impeding the kind of works that we would like to do in the area,” Whittaker said. Whittaker added that even though the matter is before the courts, the people are suffering and the Local Government Ministry is concerned. He noted that the ministry wants to commence works immediately, but they have to await the results of that court case. Minister Whittaker expressed the hope that the PNCR will withdraw its injunction so that work to rehabilitate the NDC office and more than 4000 metres of roads in the Grove/Diamond area can commence. Apart from the conditions of the streets, another concern was that of street lights as some residents claim that they had taken the initiative to put up street lights, but they were removed by the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated Company (GPL). While meeting with the residents of the Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme, Whittaker advised them that they could not, without the permission of the NDC, erect street lights, and this may be the reason why the GPL personnel dismantled the lights as the NDC office would have to pay the cost of electricity. The residents were told that those wishing to have street lights must form themselves into groups and make a proper representation to the NDC office, which would subsequently apply and pay for the service, and residents will in turn pay the NDC.

Rapid housing growth, rising real estate demand attracts attention of international investor

2012-01-19T15:25:00.004-04:00

The rapid growth in Guyana’s housing sector and rising demand for real estate, particularly in the country’s capital, Georgetown, and its environs, has prompted an international real estate investor to bring this to the attention of the world.

Taylor White is providing a platform for real estate owners, agents, and developers with the establishment of the Guyana Real Estate for Sale and the Guyana Real Estate Listings websites.

The major advantage to real estate owners, agents, and developers is the ability to open a new account in 30 seconds, without the need to provide any kind of personal information, ensuring security of account holders.

On activating the account as free Basic Listing for 6 months, those listed can upload innumerable Guyana real estate for sale, Guyana rentals, or Guyana properties for exchange, with descriptions, photos, and video.

The account holder can use the Free Property Alert to communicate details of holdings to all interested persons in the new website. The Free Weekly Hot Sheet expands the exposure even more by communicating the property descriptions to international investors.

To increase the chances of faster disposal of the properties, the users can upgrade the listings to sections of Premium Properties, Exclusive Properties, and Featured Properties, subject to stipulated conditions.

The Guyana real estate for sale and Guyana rentals in the account are also transmitted to the Twitter and Facebook pages of International Real Estate Listings. Another innovation is the placement of the property listings in 25 or more social bookmarking websites like Yahoo Real Estate, Back Page, Vast, Zillow, Oodle, etc. All the above services are free of charges.

If the property owner wants international attention and speedy disposal of the holdings, then the special international mailer facility to all the opt-in subscribers of the international website provides the perfect avenue for such an effort.

World Bank predicts Guyana economy to grow by 5.1% in 2012

2012-01-19T15:23:00.000-04:00

The World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects (GEP) mid-year report for 2011 released on Tuesday said that Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 5.1% this year with greater growth of 5.6% projected for 2013, even as there are threats to the United States economy and the struggle by European countries.

The report said that the economies of Latin America expanded ‘at a pace near or above potential’ and that growth for South America was particularly strong, credited to robust domestic demand, accommodative external financing conditions in cases of countries integrated with the global financial system, and high commodity prices in cases of commodity exporters.

Haiti’s projected high score is based on aid inflows from developing countries towards its rebuilding effort following the massive earthquake on January 12, 2010.

The Bank’s GEP examines growth trends and their impact on developing countries and also provides a three-year outlook for the global economy and long term global scenarios which look 10 years into the future.

The World Bank predicts growth of 5.4% for developing countries in 2012 and 1.4% for high income countries, down from its forecasts of 6.2% and 2.7% respectively in June.

No AFC MPs on Opposition front benches.

2012-01-19T11:12:00.002-04:00

It ‘s obvious APNU’s love fest with the AFC only goes as far as that of the elevation of their fifth columnist Trotman to the Speakership.
It was evident when Granger in naming his front benchers – meaning those from the opposition that would have “shadow minister” responsibility- selected no AFC members.
This means that Ramjattan and Nagamootoo had better hope to catch Speaker Trotman’s eye if they want to speak! Or else it’s after the big boys and girls from the front bench.

It was a bit strange also not to see ROH Corbin, leader of the PNC at his accustomed place on the front benches. Ah well. ROH can now collect the not inconsiderable pension he now qualifies for.

Where is David Hinds?

2012-01-19T11:00:00.002-04:00

The dust is settling after the elections. It’s over a month, we know, but we have to remember that the YCT/APNU rent-a-crowd did kick up quite a storm. The proverbial sh*** did hit the fan and things had to settle down after their efforts to secure those SoPs. Remember those?

So, with the view a bit less obstructed, we’re wondering what happened to some of the faces that had been so prominent back then.
There’s David Hinds, the extremist from Buxton who had been driven out from the village by outside ‘political sophisticates’ who decided he was a old hat. He slipped into the wake of Roopnarine and the rest of WPA motley crew’s plunge into the PNC and decided he was going to regain his spurs in his dotage. While 0.007 Bond could flaunt his bruises, Hinds did do what he does best: mouthed off to all and sundry.
What happened to him? He seemed to have disappeared. There were some early noises that he was going to parliament, but that’s all it boiled down to: noise. Could it be that Hinds scampered back to Arizona when he didn’t get that sinecure in parliament. We’re sure he could use the pension, but Jeez, where’s all the patriotism he demanded from his fellow marchers? At least drop us a letter, David!
But then again, taking the case of Lurlene Nestor, maybe letter-writing might not do much for you. Look at all those letters Nestor penned on behalf of Corbin for years and then for Granger more recently. What good it did her!

We wonder what Trotman's take is on Granger's benefits as opposition leader

2012-01-18T11:28:00.002-04:00

“We are concerned that there are no caps in the same way that we argued when the bill that was brought in this House for the benefits of former presidents was hotly debated and we called on caps and ceilings to be placed on spending because, Mr Speaker, after all, ours is not an extravagant economy that can afford extravagant spending.”

Those were the words of Raphael Trotman after the Opposition Leader's Benefits Bill was passed in the National Assembly at a time when this post was being held by Robert Corbin. Corbin and Trotman did not get along as it was a fall-out between the two over the PNC leadership after the death of Desmond Hoyte which led to the former leaving the PNC.
We wonder what he has to say now that David Granger has assumed that role.

As opposition leader Granger set to receive benefits package he once riled about

2012-01-18T10:02:00.006-04:00

Newly- elected Opposition Leader, David Granger is assured of a range of benefits along with his salary and a pension, following the passage in 2010 of the Leader of the Opposition (Benefits and Other Facilities) Bill 2009
According to the legislation, the holder of the office shall be entitled at government expense to rent-free furnished office accommodation; medical attention, including medical treatment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by him for himself and the dependent members of his family; full-time security service at his official place of residence and at his office to be provided by the Guyana Police Force; the services of a research assistant, an executive assistant/secretary, a clerical/office assistant, a chauffeur, a personal security officer, a gardener and two domestic servants; and salary, vacation allowance and parliamentary benefits equivalent to those of a Cabinet minister.
Granger and other members of the opposition had criticised the package for the former president and had vowed to alter it once elected president. Even after the results of the elections, both the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) said that they would make amendments to the former president’s benefits package.
Now that he is opposition leader, questions are being raised as to whether he deems his package too extravagant, and would he seek to alter it.
Contacted on the issue, Granger said he is not in a position to comment on the package since he has not looked at the provisions as yet, and is to meet with the clerk at Parliament to determine the actual provisions. “I see my office as playing a more dynamic role to its constituents and I believe there is a need for an independent office and appropriate funding for it.” Pressed on the issue, Granger said that it is impossible to say whether what is offered now is adequate or extravagant, noting that a better financial analysis is needed.
He reiterated that he does not intend to function out of Congress Place, saying it is not an appropriate location, as his office needs to be accessed by the general public. He said he is currently searching for an appropriate building.

Nagamootoo got nothing for his pains except a hard, back bench seat-PPP

2012-01-18T09:54:00.002-04:00

The ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP) yesterday issued a statement which chided the two opposition parties for the way in which they collaborated to obtain both Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions in the National Assembly. The party accused the Alliance For Change (AFC) of gleefully facilitating APNU in its majoritarian drive by unceremoniously dumping Moses Nagamootoo in favour of former member of the Central Executive of the PNC, Raphael Trotman.

The PPP charged that Khemraj Ramjattan had claimed that Nagamootoo was responsible for what he described as the favorable election result for APNU and the AFC and of influencing Berbice voters in favour of the AFC. And while showering Nagamootoo with such praises he extended no sympathy to him, or justification to the AFC’s Berbice supporters, who Nagamootoo allegedly took to that party. According to the PPP, this came after Nagamootoo was initially promised a Vice Presidency if the AFC won the elections and then the Speakership after the elections; all promises which were never fulfilled. The party said Nagamootoo got nothing for his pains except a hard, back bench seat.

In light of what it termed "the new political dispensation", the Party expressed its willingness to work with all stakeholders including the political opposition, the social and religious organizations, trade unions and all NGO’s in the furtherance of the development agenda of the country.

Former President Jagdeo hailed as a forest champion by Conservation International President

2012-01-18T09:47:00.000-04:00

Conservation Inter-national President Russell Mittermeier has hailed former President Bharrat Jagdeo as a forest champion under whose leadership Guyana became a global leader in calling attention to the incredible importance of tropical forests in the global battle to mitigate climate change.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

Writing in a column in Huffington Post, Mittermeier paid tribute to Jagdeo, saying he would like to pay tribute to him here because what he has accomplished in the global arena has been truly exceptional and should be brought to the world’s attention.
“I have been working in the Guiana Shield region of South America for 36 years now; as a rainforest specialist, I was attracted to this part of Amazonia because of its vast expanses of pristine rainforest, the largest extent of undisturbed rainforest anywhere in the world. Conservation International (CI) has had programmes in Guyana and the neighbouring country of Suriname since 1991, and we first met with President Jagdeo shortly after he took office in 1999. He was only 35 at the time, but we were impressed from the first moment with his intellect, his charm, and his willingness to listen and learn. Over the next few years, we developed a real friendship, and I could call him on his personal line any time the need arose – a rare thing for a head of state these days,” the CI head said.
According to Mittermeier, in October 2006, he paid another visit to President Jagdeo, one that turned out to be very important for Guyana and for the world. “At the time, the global community was just starting to realise that tropical rainforests play a key role in mitigating climate change, with about 16 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions coming from the destruction of these wonderfully rich and diverse ecosystems. From this realisation emerged the concept of “avoided deforestation” – the basic idea that if cutting down these forests contributes to climate change, we should stop cutting them down. This concept later morphed into another of those clumsy acronyms that inhabit the jargon of international conventions – REDD+, or Reduction in Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation – but the idea remained the same.”
Mittermeier said the idea behind this concept was to compensate countries with high deforestation rates for reducing or halting forest destruction.

Conservation International President Russell Mittermeier

“However, the problem was – and still is to some extent – that this system didn’t take into account the more than 30 per cent of all remaining tropical forests which are in countries that, for one reason or another, have kept their forests intact. There aren’t many of these – Guyana and Suriname lead the list, joined by a handful of other countries like Bhutan in Asia and a few countries in Central Africa.”
“In 2007, I and several of my CI colleagues co-authored a paper highlighting the importance of what we called High Forest Cover, Low Deforestation Rate (HFLD) countries. We pointed out that rather than excluding them from the REDD+ process, we needed to reward them and put them at the forefront of REDD+ discussions. But we needed an articulate and visible spokesman, and happily we found one in President Jagdeo. We met with him for an hour on that day in October 2006, and he immediately grasped the importance of the issue, inviting us to come back a few days later to talk to his Cabinet.”
The CI president said from that moment on, Jagdeo took on the mantle of leadership for continually and forcefully speaking on this issue whenever the opportunity presented itself – at UN climate conventions in Bali, Copenhagen and Cancύn, and at a wide variety of other global events.
“He did press conferences on the issue with CI board member Harrison Ford, with prime ministers and presidents, and with key figures in the business world. Along the way, he also designed and launched a Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) for his country, one of the first of its kind, and certainly the first for an HFLD country. And this became so appealing to the international donor community that in 2009, the Norwegian government made a $250 million commitment to his strategy. When asked why his country – a long way from the tropical forest world — had made such a commitment, Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg stated in good vernacular English, “It’s a no-brainer.” But one thing was still missing. Guyana has long been the only country in the Americas without a formal protected area network and the accompanying legislation. Yes, they made a “gift to the world” in 1989 with the creation of the Iwokrama Reserve, a 371,000-hectare (916,760-acre) protected area designed to demonstrate sustainable forest management. With the help of CI, the country also created one of the first indigenous community-owned conservation areas in the world, a huge 625,000-hectare (more than 1.5 million- acre) pristine area in southern Guyana now owned by some 250 Wai Wai people. But there was still no real protected area network.”
To resolve this, Mittermeier said President Jagdeo again showed his leadership. In June 2011, the Parliament passed the National Protected Areas Act, and in October they signed into law the first two parks under this act, the magnificent 611,000-hectare (1.5 million- acre) Kanuku Mountains Protected Area in the interior of the country, and the 125,000-hectare (309,000-acre) Shell Beach Protected Area along the coast, one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the Americas.
“We were delighted. For us, this culminated 18 years of work with several governments, but most especially with the government of President Jagdeo who, with these protected areas created in the final months of his presidency, cemented his legacy and his place in history.
“We have high hopes that his successor, President Donald Ramotar, who just took office last month, will carry this forward, and continue Guyana’s leadership role among the forest-rich countries of the world,” Mittermeier said.

The opposition has now reconfirmed the people’s cynicism about politics

2012-01-17T14:57:00.001-04:00

Honesty and Politics: Honesty, we know, is not a cloistered moral virtue, demanding strict adherence at all times. Compassion, diplomacy, and life-threatening circumstances sometimes require a departure from the pure, unadulterated truth. Some vocations, like politics, however, seem to encourage much more than the occasional deception. This was confirmed by the disjunct between the behaviour and words of our opposition politicians during the last month.
George Orwell, the great political satirist who wrote the classics “Animal Farm” and “1984”, once observed that the very function of political speech is to hide, soften, or misrepresent difficult truths. Orwell was clearly sceptical about any expectation to the contrary: “Political language—and with variations this is true of all political parties, from Conservatives to Anarchists—is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” He could have very well included APNU and the AFC if he had looked beyond 1984 to 2011.
While we are not saying that the PPP is immune from the evident inbuilt political tendency to stretch the truth or even prevaricate, we have to acknowledge that Donald Ramotar began his presidency with a determined effort to test some new waters. It appears that he took David Granger and APNU at their word when they spoke of desiring a new kind of politics; a politics not of acrimony and backbiting but one of consultation and compromise. Hard as it is to believe, it seems that he was able to overlook the distortions and outright lies of the AFC before and during the campaign.

Evidently, Ramotar’s new administration was willing to revive the notion of “inclusive governance” that the Jagdeo administration had placed on its “dialogue agenda” with Desmond Hoyte back in 2003. Ramotar made two very interesting offers immediately after the elections. First, he called for the formation of a “Tripartite Committee” in which plenipotentiaries of the three parties in Parliament – the PPP/C, APNU and AFC – would meet to discuss policy perspectives on governance under the unique configuration the elections had delivered.
This was a remarkable initiative and demonstrated both the confidence of President Ramotar in the rhetoric of the opposition and in his own good faith. This newspaper is on record as being quite sceptical of the first ground. The president named his delegates to the Tripartite Committee – Gail Teixeira and Dr Roger Luncheon – and waited for the opposition to name theirs and for the discussions to begin. And waited, and waited until he decided that something was amiss as the opposition betrayed their pre-election promise to seek compromise when they manoeuvred to grab and monopolise both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker position. This was the chasm between the opposition’s words and their performance that revealed “untruth”. Thankfully, the president removed his offer from the table.
The second demonstration of good faith by the president in taking the opposition at their word was for them to nominate qualified individuals from their ranks to have an input into the budget formulation. This offer was also spurned: with their majority in Parliament they now expediently forget their words of cooperation. They first focused on capturing the speakership and now demand “collaboration” (read ‘control’) over the budget process.

For Guyanese, reading the daily news means speculating continuously about what the politicians – all politicians – really mean when they make promises. The opposition has now reconfirmed the people’s cynicism about politics, notwithstanding the new administration’s efforts to set a higher standard. We call upon the opposition to pull back from the slippery slope on which they have embarked. We accept that a certain amount of puffery is maybe par for the course in politics, but the virtue of honesty must not be disregarded capriciously. A basic intent to be truthful, along with an assumption that people can be generally taken at their word, is required for all sustained civilised dealings.

Moses Nagamootoo and his principles!

2012-01-17T13:53:00.004-04:00

Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Moses Nagamootoo was today quoted by the Stabroek News as saying that he willingly put aside his interest in becoming Speaker because the principle was greater than the personality.
To any ordinary person this may sound very nice but we at Liveinguyana believe that Moses is contradicting himself when he made that statement. If Moses was a man of principle as he so posits then why did he not ensure his party adhered to its principle instead of allowing the APNU to force the Trotman speaker-ship on it?
A principled Moses Nagamootoo should've insisted in the same way he insisted that Cheddi Jagan bequeathed the PPP leadership to him that Trotman comes with just as much political baggage as him.

Meet the people responsible for the nastiness that passes off as journalism at Stabroek News

2012-01-17T11:58:00.002-04:00

Meet the people responsible for the nastiness that passes off as journalism at Stabroek News

City Mayor on six country European tour even as cash-strapped council's woes mount

2012-01-17T11:05:00.003-04:00

Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green and his family are on a six country visit to Europe at the expense of City Hall. This comes even as that entity is being plagued by financial and others woes.
A source told Liveinguyana that the Mayor's trip is expected to cost the City US$15,875.

Currently there is uncertainty as to whether city hall will be in a position to pay its employees their January salary and whether or not it will be able to meet its financial obligations to garbage contractors. The government from time to time has had to bail out the cash strapped council after contractors withheld their services over non-payment.

First sitting of Parliament confrims AFC/PNC alliance- Attorney General

2012-01-17T11:03:00.001-04:00

Former Guyana & West Indies Cricketer addresses concerns raised about Guyana Cricket IMC

2012-01-16T15:11:00.001-04:00

APNU Member of Parliament caught stealing electricity

2012-01-16T14:43:00.002-04:00

Harry Gill: Corruption is like a deadly cancer that is difficult to eradicate. The former Jagdeo Administration has been plagued with allegations of corruption for years, and it has been the platform theme of the opposition parties leading up to Nation Elections last November.
Throughout the campaign, PNC/APNU and the AFC were relentless in accusing the PPP/C as corrupted and undeserving of another five years in government. But what is good for the goose, is also good for the gander, as I’ve told John Adams shortly after he was sworn in as a member of Parliament representing APNU.
Was he vetted to ensure his character was impeccable to serve in the people’s honorable house? Was a background check ever done on this APNU Parliamentarian to guard against embarrassing his own party? I doubt David Granger would ever approve a thief of electricity sitting on his side of the bench in Parliament. But this is exactly who John Adams is… a common thief who was arrested and was released on $50,000.00 bail for stealing electricity from Guyana Power and Light -GPL.
On October 24, 2010, GPL disconnected the electrical supply for non-payment, and seized meter #59149 from a house on the eastern half of lot 22 Fellowship Street in Den Amstel, owned by John Goring. Before his demise, Mr. Goring resided in Brooklyn, New York, but John Adams has been living there for over 10 years now as caretaker of that property. That is where he resides.
Sometime after this meter was seized, Adams illegally re-connected his service, and was caught on three different occasions by GPL. He was arrested and taken to Den Amstel Police Station, where he was released on $50,000 bail. GPL declined to prosecute after Adams agreed to repay GPL the sum of $248,165.00 to compensate for the energy he stole.
At the opening of Parliament last Thursday, I had a brief interview with John Adams in which he admitted paying the $50,000 bail after being arrested, but denied that he was responsible for the repayment of the G$248,165.00 by saying, “It was not that amount of money, I just live at the house, I rent the house, but the system was already there… I (now) have a new meter, a new system everything” When I reminded Adams that he has been living in that house for over ten years, and asked whether he believes the owner of the house was responsible for energy he was using, he replied, “I may have used some of it… “ Again I asked if he has intentions of repaying the money he owes GPL, to which he replied, “I went into a contract with GPL and I pay them on a monthly basis.”
How John Adams was given a new meter is currently under investigation, for his application did not go through the established process, and the meter was given without the $248,165.00 being added to his new account. However, when this was later discovered and the amount added to his account, he begged GPL for time to pay this off.
These are the facts: GPL records in the Lost Reduction Unit (Service Order number 218685) show John Adams making payments of $50,000 in July 2010; $36,000 in May 2011; and another amount of $60,000 that same month. He’s still owing GPL a balance of $102,165. Yet he denied stealing electricity from GPL despite verifiable evidence. Who does he think he’s fooling?
John Adams is also linked to stealing electricity at the Den Amstel Community Center where he holds a senior position. Sometime last year, GPL was forced to install a Pre-Paid meter there. He is also suspected of renting out the grounds for shows, and converting the money to his personal use.
When asked about this, he says in his defense, “I’m not the treasurer of the Den Amstel Community Center” and denied these allegations. Is this the type of character we want in Parliament? Was David Granger coerced in approving Adams as a Member of Parliament?
Of course I expect John Adams to deny all of the above after this letter is published. But as his namesake, the former President of the United States once said, “Facts are stubborn things.”
I believe the Constitution of Guyana forbids and prohibits characters like John Adams from serving in the National Assembly. He is a common thief who lacks the integrity and good judgement to contribute to laws that affects the lives of all Guyanese.
How can he faithfully execute the office of member of National Assembly without fear or favor, affection or ill-will, and that in the execution of the functions of that office, he will honor, uphold and preserve the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana as he pledged to do?
How can he possibly earn the respect of his esteem colleagues when he is guilty of robbing the treasury of revenues?
How can he, in good conscience and as caretaker of someone else’s property, put that house at server risk of being destroyed by fire due to faulty electrical wiring.
As a result, I call upon PNC Leader, Robert Corbin and Leader of the Opposition, David Granger to explain to the Guyanese people and more so to their own supporters, what criteria was used in the selection of John Adams, to represent PNC/APNU in the National Assembly at the expense of the more qualified and experienced Aubrey Norton and Mervin Williams.
I further call upon David Granger, in the spirit of the new image he’s trying to mold for the PNC/APNU, to remove this disgraceful, dishonorable and dishonest member from Parliament, and replace him with someone who has earned the right to be there.

Burnham is the single worst thing to have ever happened to Guyana- Former West Indies & Guyana Cricketer Colin Croft

2012-01-16T12:55:00.003-04:00

Colin. H. Croft: This is just the middle weekend of the Caribbean T-20 2012, so there is a slight lull in the proceedings. For me, the

Colin Croft

last two weeks have been unprecedentedly wild, so forgive me if, this week, I go on a rant! Some folks seem to confuse qualifications, knowledge, training, education and common sense!
Relatively important people have been contacting me, directly or indirectly, referring to my recent articles. Maybe I touched some raw nerves, or is it guilty consciences? However, I am profoundly impressed that they found time, in their self-appointed prominence, to read my offerings!
From my reports and exposes on R. Allen Stanford; yes, it was I who broke the fraud story, as still noted on BBC and MNBC web-sites; February 2009, during England v West Indies, Antigua & Barbuda; to recent assessments of Guyana’s “Kabaka,” Forbes Burnham, your comments make me feel important!
Firstly, though, I am quite proud of CT-20 cricketers representing “The Golden Arrowhead.” Despite blundering idiots having Guyana’s cricket mired in molasses, the players still managed; dug deep; to do the near impossible; win; with no preparation. Trinidad & Tobago was just a game too far; too early!
Stickiness does not reign only in Guyana. Trinidad & Tobago’s Minister of Sports, Anil Roberts, looks poised to have serious encounters, following recent previous preambles, with Azim Basaratt, President of Trinidad & Tobago’s Cricket Board. Simply, it will come down to who lied!
That reminds me of a magnificent statement that I heard from a Prime Minister in the Caribbean: “It is not that we do not thief. We do! But, we do not thief as much as that other party!”
Anyway, know this. Abuse to me and my articles matter not. Sylvia’s fu-fu, cook-koo, cow-heel soup, metagee, dumplings, cassava bread and pepper-pot left a hard, massive, lasting base. I am a tough boy! I also hope that you have lots of funds, as I am a working man. Like most, I need every coin I could get!
I am quite good with cameras, and have used one; with very recent upgraded models; since 1970. Believe me, I have reams; boxes; of photographs of all that I speak. ‘A picture tells a thousand words!’ Anyway, I do not ever speak with a forked tongue. It is not only my truth, but the real truth!
Like Shiv “Tiger” Chanderpaul, I am a Unity-Lancaster ‘country’ boy who will never cow-tow or perform fallacio to get ahead. I have never been scared of anyone, except perhaps my two ex-wives. Now, those are very formidable women, with great understanding. So far, we have honorable draws!
It does not matter what you say or do. Many have tried to destroy me. I am still very much here. None will succeed. Some of those who thought they could get rid of me have themselves already croaked!
I dare anyone to prove what I write to be incorrect. People confuse fear, respect, honesty and love. Being a-political myself, political correctness is for cowards too scared to say what they think! Not me!

With reference to last week’s article, I played cricket for Guyana; 1970 to 1982; Youth, Senior Guyana, West Indies. In that period, Guyana had only one “Supreme Leader”, LFSB. Even with suggestions that I was, at least for two of those 12 years, the world’s best fast bowler, I never met the man!
I do not pretend to be that important, even though I am relatively well known internationally because of cricket and sports journalism. I could only assume that Forbes did not have time for me, or that, maybe, I was not in his league. Maybe I was too confident, too independent, too secure, for myself!
I certainly never had any benefits, other than playing cricket for Guyana, from Guyana. People come and people go. The land remains, long after those who think they will live forever are also departed!
It was no coincidence that, also during that exact, same period, the majority of Guyana’s budding youth migrated overseas. While an Air Traffic Control Officer, I saw them myself, every weekend; old Timehri Airport; replete with relatives’ comments; “Ahwee bhoy ah guh Tarantah fee luk bettah futuah!”
If you think that was bad, I, realistically, should not be able to vote again in my lifetime. Aged 25, all of my votes were, somehow, “used up”, in one general election; Guyana, 1978. Even as I played for West Indies in Australia, I miraculously, unbelievably, managed to vote in Guyana, too; 24 times! Fact!
I was not even registered. Realistically, if you add 96 years to 25, I would be 121 years old, taking elections to be every four years, before I should be able to vote again. That fact alone pushed me out of Guyana. Any system that allows that does not deserve me. And, the buck stops at the very top!
Some commentators on my articles might try to explain these phenomena. However, contrary to some, in my opinion, Burnham is the single worst thing to have ever happened to Guyana. It has taken the country over 25 years, trying to extricate itself from inspired mess! The struggle continues!

All of my life, I have survived without political push, even though, with cricket travels, I have encountered many “real” big-wigs, dignitaries, people who made marks in the world, not just pompous minions and puppets. Guyana might have been my initial platform, but the world had been my oyster!
In my life-time, I have met Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, Mick Jagger, Q. E. II, George Bush Sr., all Australian, and British, Prime Ministers, since 1977, and many others, including all Caribbean’s leaders, except LFSB. Some folks may not ‘like’ me; par for the course. It does not bother me! Life is so good!
Oh yes, I did have help along the way. Lance Gibbs, Laurie Lewis, Clive Lloyd, Fred Wills, Compton Vyphuis, Godfrey Wray, Roy Federicks, Ovid Glasgow, Alvin Kallicharran, Rohan Kanhai, Leon Stewart, Reds Pereira, Charlie Griffith, Seymour Nurse, Joey Carew, Deryck Murray, Pascal Roberts, Prince Barthomew, Leo John, Ron Faria, Jackie Hendricks, Alan Rae; all helped me with my cricketing exploits.
Without help from Claude Raphael and Aubrey Bishop, I would not have had Sylvia’s home. Robert Roberts, Geoffrey “Reds” Murray, Aubrey Alexander, Tony Moore, Bill Mohaboob, Ronald Lee Own, Astil Paul, David Baker, Larry London and Philip Payne all helped cultivate my love for engines and aviation.
That never made me subservient to them, only grateful. If I were to relate persons that I have helped along the way; sports, aviation, professional life; to people in the streets, I could probably write a book.
If everyone that actually owes me money that I have lent to them in my 40 years of being a working professional, were to repay me fully, I would probably be able to buy a house anywhere in the world! So, now that I have gotten that off my chest, I say, specifically for my critics, “you do not matter!”
The Caribbean T-20 cricketers do. As things stand, any of the Caribbean teams can still get to the “Final Four”. Sussex, Netherlands and especially Canada have been putrid. Next week will tell all! Enjoy!

Woman of Worth (WoW) programme to be expanded

2012-01-16T10:35:00.001-04:00

Human Services Minister Jenifer Webster said the Woman of Worth (WoW) programme launched in 2010 has achieved much success and her ministry will be looking at expanding the scheme this year. The programme, she said, has improved the financial status of many beneficiaries who tapped into the facility provided by the government through the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI). The scheme provides single women with access to loans, ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 to establish and expand small businesses, with a maximum repayment period of 24 months. “To help women to be able to work toward providing a better life for themselves and families is a great achievement for this government,” Minister Webster stated. In 2011, over 1180 loans to the tune of over $228 million were approved by the bank and were disbursed to the applicants for various economic ventures including cash crop farming, poultry rearing, day care centres, hair dressing, and pharmaceutical and food processing. From January 3 to 11, the ministry received over 340 applications from single mothers seeking to tap into the facility, Minister Webster said. As a result of the increasing interest, the ministry, in the first quarter of this year, will be expanding the programme to single mothers in Regions One and Seven. All the other administrative regions are already accessing the WOW programme. In addition, she said that the ministry will soon launch a vigorous public awareness campaign to educate other single parents about the micro-credit facility. “We also plan to conduct more training programmes to assist those women to improve their capabilities and to be able to secure markets for their produce… it is important that we guide them and assist with the tools and training that will afford them the opportunities to be able to source markets for production so they can be able to repay their loans in a timely manner,” Minister Webster explained. Single parent women, she said should not see their circumstances of being single as vulnerable but “as people with potential who can achieve anything they want in life once they combine their will power with the support from the ministry”. Minister Webster also shared several success stories with the Government Information Agency. Patricia Chandro, a single parent mother residing in La Penitence, accessed a loan from the facility for $250,000 in November 2010 to assist with the establishment of a play group, and to date has been able to repay her loan and expand her business. Single parents are also benefiting from several programmes implemented by the ministry, including subsidies for day care expenses and training.

Opposition has no place in the crafting of the National Budget

2012-01-16T09:49:00.002-04:00

Liveinguyana finds it strange that in reacting to President Donald Ramotar’s assertion that the Opposition had no place in the crafting of the National Budget and should be involved in consultations only the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) sought to convey the impression that the one seat majority they hold when combined gives then such a right. We challenge APNU/AFC to show the people of Guyana where it is written in the constitution that the parliamentary opposition, together with a designated cabinet minister, will be responsible for preparing and or presenting the National Budget.

To the best of our knowledge, no such clause exists implicitly or explicitly. These two parties we believe are foolish to think that the current parliamentary configuration equates to the constitution, which vests authority for Budget preparation and presentation in the President.

Banks DIH announces $4B in profits

2012-01-13T12:31:00.001-04:00

Beverage giant Banks DIH Limited has recorded a profit before tax of $4.036 billion, compared to $3.081 billion in 2010, a 31 per cent or $955 million increase in revenue. According to the company’s Annual Report for 2011 to be delivered at its 56th Annual General Meeting on Saturday, January 21, Banks delivered excellent results over the past year, demonstrating continuous growth in both revenue and profit beyond that of previous years.

Banks DIH Chairman and Managing Director Clifford Reis, in his report, said, “Banks DIH Group of Companies continues to deliver excellent results by recording exemplary growth in revenue and profit over that of previous years.”
He said the company gained a profit after tax of $2.298 billion in 2011, compared to $1.602 billion in 2010, an increase of $696 million or 43 per cent increase. The company’s net profit increased from $1.362 billion in 2010 to $1.934 billion in 2011. This increase represents a 42 per cent hike in net profit of $572 million.
Profit before tax for the beverage company was $2.802 billion as against $2.226 billion last year, an increase of $576 million or 26 per cent. Reis said though the company faced several challenges over the past year, being dedicated and focused on its mandate to provide quality products and services to customers ensured the positive financial results quoted.
“The improved results can be attributed to revenue garnered from the increase in physical sales, efficiencies derived from plant and machinery upgrades, an improved presell and distribution system, the installation of capital equipment, and the increase of Citizens Bank Guyana Inc’s net profit by 50 per cent,” he explained.

Persistent delays force Gov't to terminate Synergy Holdings' Amaila Falls access road contract

2012-01-13T12:22:00.005-04:00

Transport and Hydraulics Minister, Robeson Benn on Thursday announced that government has terminated the US$15.4 million Amaila Falls road project it signed with Makeshwar Fip Motilall of Synergy Holdings in March 2010, owing to what he described as a “fatal flaw” in providing a performance bond.

At a press conference to brief the media on the decision, Minister Benn said that government through the Public Works Ministry has terminated the contract of Synergy Holding Inc for the construction of the Access Road and Transmission Line-Clearing Project.
“This decision is in accordance with article nine of the original contract and is also consistent with the terms of the agreement for completion executed on December 21, 2011 between the Ministry of Public Works and Synergy Holdings Inc,” Minister Benn related.
According to the transport minister, the agreement included the provision of a valid performance bond from an acceptable institution to the value of 10 per cent of the contract price on or before January 10, 2012 for the period of the execution of remaining works and the defects liability period.
As of December 2011, the contractor had completed only 40 per cent of the works despite repeated urgings and interventions from the project engineers and the consulting firm to have the project completed. The termination of the contract will result in the government taking certain actions including seizure of all pieces of equipment and other property used by the contractor, seizure of the contractor’s retention sum, the application for liquidated damages at the rate of US$10,000 per day from January 1, 2012 to the date of termination and, seizure of the contractors existing performance bond.
The transport minister explained that the absence of a performance bond was compounded by project delays and other setbacks leading to the eventual termination of the contract. “But we cannot have a project continuing without the surety of a performance bond.”
Asked to provide an estimation of the sum of money paid so far to Synergy Holdings, Minister Benn stated that “We will refine all the details with respect to the payments made and provide that to the media in a few days time”. He said there are issues relating to measured works, advances made and the clarification of works completed and the quality thereof by both sides. Transport and Hydraulics Ministry Permanent Secretary, Balram Balraj has since held a meeting with the consulting and oversight engineers to the project with a view to ascertaining the costs, and more particularly to put arrangements in place to securing the work sites. In relation to the performance bond, Minister Benn said it was a prerequisite to the contract that the company establishes this with a financial institution which provides such insurance services.
“So that if the project runs into this type of distress, you can make a claim against the performance bond, so we have made such a claim,” Minister Benn disclosed.
Due to the agreement signed in December 2010, renewing the deadline for the project, a new performance bond should have been in force by January 10, failing which actions to terminate would have been pursued.
Responding to queries on whether the ministry was in a position to complete the project, Minister Benn explained that government had advertised for other components of the project. In discussions with Synergy, they had entered into agreement to have one of the components completed through a bilateral arrangement with another party.
However, government can attempt to negotiate with the non-offending party for suitable arrangement to have their sections completed, or take the option of completing the project with the inherited equipment.
Minister Benn maintained that government has always had a no-nonsense approach, and has always ensured that national or non-national contractors honour their obligations. “It is not unusual for contracts to run into distress for various reasons; sometimes it’s weather, sometimes it’s terrain and fault on the contractor side for engineering management, experience and capability. But we try to work with people. Critically and fundamentally in the country’s interest; we have been trying to develop national contracting capacity,” the transport minister stressed. Government has recently seized over US$284,000 from an errant contractor, Seereram Brothers for similar contract breaches relating to performance bonds. BK International also lost $20 million for one week of work not completed.

What took place in parliament yesterday confirms that the loyalty of the AFC's Raphael Trotman is with the PNC.

2012-01-13T11:53:00.003-04:00

What took place in parliament yesterday and the lead up to it confirms what we here at Liveinguyana have been positing for years, that is; the loyalty of the AFC's Raphael Trotman is with the PNC.
It is our view that Trotman realised from the results of the last elections that the Afro-Guyanese who supported the AFC in 2006 all returned to the PNC and come the next elections he may not be successful in pulling Afro-Guyanese support again. His party's support this time around came from predominantly Indo-Guyanese voters. He knows come next elections that the AFC is doomed since the Afro-Guyanese have already returned home and the Indo-Guyanese are now licking their wounds and chiding themselves for supporting Ramjattan and Moses.
Trotman knows that if he does not make the right move at the right time his political career would be over. The opportunity came on a golden platter. His political career can only flourish in the PNC and his desire to return is clear for all to see. His claim of not desiring to be in parliament was a smoke screen. He allowed himself to be wooed by the PNC since they needed him for a majority. Unlike his previous stint with the PNC, he can now wield some power in the that party. His 'threat' of not wanting to be PM candidate and his 'desire' to not sit in parliament bore fruit. He is sure to use that weapon again this time against the PNC to get his way and to prove his importance to it.

The PNC nominated Debra Backer and Ramsaroop for the Speaker for the 1st half and the AFC nominated Nagamootoo for the 2nd half. Both parties agreed to the nominations and the only problem to iron out was which party takes the first term.
Suddenly the PNC dumped their nominees and agreed to Trotman for the entire life of parliament!!!!Who they fooling?

APNU’s maneuvering to take over the Speaker’s Chair has nothing to do with making Parliament “more responsive”

2012-01-13T11:40:00.003-04:00

For nineteen years, the PPP/C government has been criticised by the Opposition for practicing “winner takes all politics.” This was so even though for the first five years, the major opposition party, the PNC (later the PNC/R) did not indicate any problems with the constitutional allocation of state powers they had incorporated into the 1980 Constitution.

After forcing the PPP/C to modify that constitution in 2000 following their violent street protests in 1998, the PNC were the beneficiary of four parliamentary Sectoral Committees’ that allowed them to scrutinise the entire gamut of governmental operations, in real time. They were allowed a staff and could summon any government official or employee to their hearings. They also became members of the Parliamentary Management Committee. Coupled with their membership and control of Standing Committees such as the Public Accounts Committee and Special Select Committees, our opposition was in a stronger strategic position to influence governmental activities than all of their cohorts in the Commonwealth’s Westminster system of governance.
But the opposition never took full advantage of the new Committees: this, after all, would have necessitated them working more scrupulously to investigate the wild accusations and charges they were prone to making. But these committees were never functioned as they were intended even though members received an extra salary when they became members. The Opposition has rather been clamouring for the recommendations of the Sir Michael Davies Report be implemented.
They have studiously ignored Davies’ warning that the committee system was not functioning as it should on account of the members’ lassitude. He recommended that the Sectoral Committees meet on a much more regular basis and select specific topics that could be completed within a reasonable time frame. If the records are examined, however, it would be seen that the opposition parliamentarians have an atrocious attendance record in these meetings. Additionally, although the Chair rotates with the opposition, the latter have not utilised the opportunity to investigate governmental initiatives that they criticized in public, such as the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.
The sad actuality was that within three years of forcing constitutional change to secure more power in Parliament, the PNC moved on to demand “shared governance’ (2003). Legislative power was not enough: executive power was the goal. And it is against this background that we must evaluate APNU’s maneuvering to take over the Speaker’s Chair. It has nothing to do with making Parliament “more responsive” but everything to do with garnering Executive power.
Before and during the election’s campaign, Mr Granger and APNU swore that the PPP must be included in any future governance of the country if Guyana is to proceed on a sustainable path of development. But in the first order of governmental business, now that the opposition secured a parliamentary majority – the selection of the Speaker of the House of Assembly – APNU did a complete volte face. It insisted that the Opposition not only ignore Westminster conventions and blank the immediate past Speaker Ralph Ramkarran from the position, but for them to select both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker from the ranks of their ranks.
This move is certainly not a signal that the Opposition is willing to share anything with the PPP under the new dispensation. In fact the candidacy of Moses Nagamootoo from the AFC was torpedoed by Mr Granger of APNU because of the former’s “recent” membership in the PPP Central Committee. Mr Nagamootoo’s association with the PPP was too “recent”: presumably the taint of the PPP did not have enough time to dissipate.
But then, one could argue just as plausibly that Mr Trotman’s longer absence from his conflicts within the PNC’s leadership corps, and the absence of several of his detractors, might have allowed him to rebuild bridges with his old comrades. By whichever measure, APNU has signaled that “winner takes all” might be their standard henceforth.

Guyana recorded 11% increase in Fruits & Vegetable export last year

2012-01-13T11:36:00.002-04:00

Guyana recorded an 11 percent increase in the export of fruits and vegetables to regional and international markets in 2011, accounting for US$7M in export earnings representing a 47 percent increase over 2010.

The country produced more than 60,000 tonnes of vegetables, 4,000 tonnes of citrus, including lime, and more than 21,000 tonnes of fruits.

A release from the Government Information Agency yesterday said approximately 900 tonnes of legumes, 18,000 tonnes of coconuts and more than 12,000 tonnes of provisions were also produced during that period.

Coconut was the number one export commodity for cash crops in 2011 accounting for about 58% of other crops exported. Copra and coconut water were ranked at number two and three respectively.

The country also produced approximately 8,000 tonnes of spices during the year as part of a project to diversify agriculture production in outlying areas and boost agro-exports. The spice project was introduced to promote diversification in mostly hinterland areas which have suitable soil types to grow crops such as turmeric (dye), ginger, black pepper and nutmeg.

Guyana has long been recognised as the potential bread-basket of the Caribbean region and has taken measures over the years to export more food to its neighbours. The region currently expends nearly 4 billion dollars on food imports annually, sourced mainly from countries outside the Caribbean.

Youth Impress condemns James Bond's assault of young Barber

2012-01-11T19:57:00.003-04:00

Youth Impress, a youth body associated with the ruling People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) alliance today issued a statement in which it strongly condemned the assault of a young man by attorney-at-law and APNU youth leader, James Bond.

In a statement released to the media the body said it "absolutely" condemns the obstruction and manipulation of justice by Bond. While charging that he used intimidation and ‘payoff’ to dodge prosecution for physically assaulting the victim, whose name was given as, Adrian Wilman.

The statement said that the unacceptable level of conduct is a brazen attempt to subvert justice and sets a dangerous precedence at the expense of the life and safety of other youths who may very well be targeted for similar physical attacks by Bond. Bribery or ‘’payoffs’ can in no way be tolerated as a means to avoid being held accountable for indiscriminate behaviour.

It also called on the Minister of Legal Affairs to review the laws relating to obstruction and manipulation of justice, especially in cases where the lives of individuals may have been threatened and or a potential situation exists for future danger.

It closed by stating that Bond’s entire actions and posture contradicts APNU’s position on law and order and juvenile justice and no doubt he is a bad example of youth in the National Assembly where he has been named as one of his party’s representatives.

Pilot error caused CAL crash in Guyana

2012-01-11T19:40:00.002-04:00

The crash-landing of a Caribbean Airlines plane here on July 31, 2011 was primarily due to the pilot making a “long landing” and having insufficient room to come to a safe stop, a statement from the civil aviation body here today said.

Around 1.30 am on July 31, the aircraft, which was on its way to Guyana from New York, with one stop in Trinidad and Tobago, broke in two at the end of the main runway Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri after landing. Reports provided by persons on board were that the aircraft touched the surface of the runway and progressed with speed towards the runway end, after which in broke in two, and subsequently landed in a ditch. Several persons sustained injuries but there was no fatality. Guyanese Noel Smith sustained severe injuries to his right leg which was subsequently amputated.

Pilot error was widely seen as the key factor in the incident. Various forms of information, including footage provided by the airport cameras indicated that the jet landed almost halfway down the runway that morning.

In a statement this afternoon, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority said:

“Hon. Robeson Benn, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics announced today that the Investigator-in-Charge of the BW 523 runway excursion accident reports that the team is close to the completion of the factual information gathering phase. This phase will be followed by an extensive and detailed analysis of the factual information during which additional research and assistance and outside expertise from Organizations such as the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States of America and Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) may be required. At the end of the analysis phase findings and conclusion and safety recommendations will be developed.

“At this stage it appears that the primary contributing factor in this accident was that the aircraft made a long landing and touched down with insufficient runway remaining to come to a safe stop. Detailed analyses will examine several other aspects of this flight to identify any other possible contributing factors in order to learn from this accident and to help identify any measures which may assist in the prevention of future occurrences.

“It is expected, as is the case in most other major accidents, that the analysis and development of conclusions may take at least another year and will follow the established process of rigorous examination of all aspects relating to the occurrence.”

Assault charges against James Bond dropped after virtual complainant paid $300,000

2012-01-10T12:02:00.003-04:00

Adrian Wilman

The charges against head of the APNU's youth arm and Attorney-at-law James Bond was today dropped after the victim refused to give evidence in the matter. Adrian Wilman, a barber in the South Ruimveldt area was assaulted by the attorney and 3 others on Saturday last following the dispute over a female. He subsequently made a report the the West Ruimveldt Police Outpost by recanted after being paid $300,000 by Bond.

This is the second time Bond paid himself out of trouble. In mid 2011 he avoided prosecution after paying off a young lady whom he struck down on Main Street with a motorcycle. Observers have noted the hypocrisy in Bond's action given that he is a Lawyer and an advocate for fairness, justice and equality but is very comfortable using his financial position to manipulate the justice system in his favour.

President issues Parliamentary opening proclamation

2012-01-10T11:56:00.003-04:00

Amidst uncertainty about who will be named Speaker, President Donald Ramotar announced Monday night that the National Assembly will be convened on Thursday. In a release, the Office of the President said “His Excellency, Donald Ramotar, President of Guyana, today issued the proclamation for the convening of Parliament on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 14:00h in the Parliament Chambers”. The proclamation, OP said, was issued in pursuance of Article 69 (1) of the Constitution.
When the National Assembly convenes on Thursday it would be the first time since 1992 that the opposition would be controlling the 65-seat legislature. The combination of the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) edged out the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic by one seat at the recently-held general and regional elections. The APNU won 26 seats and the AFC seven to the PPP/C’s 32. As such, the opposition will likely use their majority to pick a Speaker of the House, a decision they had been squabbling over since the election results were announced.
Up to late last week, APNU had proposed a rotation of the speakership, with that party holding the position for the first term. APNU’s pick is Deborah Backer, while AFC has nominated Moses Nagamootoo. On Sunday, PPP/C said the rotating the speakership is impractical.
PPP member Joseph Hamilton told a NCN panel discussion the revolving Speaker proposal is impractical as the first Speaker must tender a resignation when his/her tenure is up and that the successor can only be installed through the process of an election. In this regard, he said it is unclear whether the length of the term served by the Speaker will be brought to the Parliament through a resolution or vote for ratification, and that if it is that the opposition agrees to a term of one year for each Speaker, it would imply that within five years, there would be four rotations, which would mean four elections.
For this reason, Hamilton said he is in favour of a discourse at a tripartite level which he is confident would bring a resolution. Presidential advisor on governance, Gail Teixeira concurred, noting that the duration of each rotating Speaker is unclear. The business of the National Assembly, she believes, will be stymied as a result.
“APNU and AFC in their haste to try to be very counterproductive are really going to harm any effort of really trying to move the business of this country forward,” Teixeira said.
Hamilton said too that indecisiveness in the opposition camp in selecting a Speaker has resulted in the business of the nation being put on hold. “There is definitiveness on this matter; the Parliament has to be convened. The nation cannot forever wait on Roopnaraine and Ramjattan and Granger and Trotman and their antics.”
Both shared the view that the Speaker is a person who demonstrates impartiality in his pronouncements and demeanour, and whose function is to ensure that the government’s legislative agenda is carried out.
“He is not there to block the government but he is there to be fair… give the opposition and everybody a fair hearing and to make rulings that are fair,” Teixeira said, using the incumbent speaker Ralph Ramkarran as a model example.

PPP=Mirror, PNC=Kaieteur News & AFC=Stabroek News

Freddie Kissoon's lawyers resist efforts to tender Kaieteur News newspapers in libel case

Freddie Kissoon produced 2 academic papers in 26 years of lecturing at the University of Guyana

Did he also try this stunt on UG? The records should be checked.We understand Kissoon’s foisted contract was not renewed because he did not ‘produce” and research. Two papers in 26 years and neither peer-reviewed? That is the understatement of the year.

Christopher Ram’s fledgling legal career has taken another nosedive.

The junior lawyer still confuses the term “legal practice’ with the everyday understanding of “the activity of one not proficient in it”. He’ll never make senior council this way for sure! There are lots of vacancies for legal clerks For Your Information (FYI).

Government/Hauwei Technologies plans to string fibre optic cable from Crabwood Creek to Leonora

Guyanese born private investor looking to set up oil refinery- 5000 jobs could be created

Investment ratio not enough to maintain high growth rates in Latin America & the Caribbean- ECLAC

Canadian mining firm Reunion Manganese Inc to invest US$250 million at its Matthews Ridge project

Canadian mining firm Reunion Manganese Inc on Thursday said it will spend approximately US$250 million at its Matthews Ridge, North West District project. But the firm has lamented the paucity of skilled geologists here and the length of time it takes for foreigners to be granted work permits.

U.G.S.S President Duane Edwards voted in support of Kissoon's dismissal

Gov’t will not allow intricate Parliament deliberations to hinder developmental thrust- HPS

High Court dismisses GCB move to quash Cricket IMC

New Chairmen elected to Regions Five, Six

ATN chief says modernising telecoms infrastructure a sound investment for Guyana

The AFC should offer Freddie Kissoon a seat in parliament

Guyana’s positive growth drove Neal & Massy’s performance in 2011 – Chairman

New Jialing complex demonstrates company’s commitment to true innovation

Government distances itself from Kissoon contract termination

APNU's Clement Corlette reassumes Region 4 Chairmanship with AFC support

High Court overturns APNU challenge to Presidents’ Benefits Act

University of Guyana terminates Freddie Kissoon's contract

Gouveia issues challenge to Freddie Kissoon on Duke Lodge acquisition

AFC besieged by serious internal problems AGAIN!!

Negative reporting hurting tourism sector – Hurakabra River Resort proprietors

– Kaieteur News is the chief culprit

Gem Madhoo-Nascimento and her husband Kit, proprietors of the Hurakabra River Resort have contended that the glorification of crime in the media is hurting the image of Guyana, particularly the tourism sector.

“We have to do so much damage control,” Madhoo-Nascimento said, recalling the numerous emails and phone calls she receives from worried potential tourists.

The Kaieteur New has been guilty of this travesty, and according to sources, the owner of the newspaper Glenn Lall is consumed by greed and cares less about the image of his country, once his pockets are filled from the profit he makes from churning out half-truths and distortions on a daily basis.

Negative reporting of issues in Guyana by media houses can have devastating impacts on the country’s economic and tourism development, former Tourism Minister, Manzoor Nadir had said.

Nadir said each person may have a different opinion of what negative reporting is, but in his mind, it is the over-exaggeration of issues while providing “wrong reasons” for certain occurrences in the country.

He noted that he is not against reporting “something bad” but stated that placing them on the forefront of the newspapers, electronic media and even broadcast media does not sell the country in a positive light.

“If something bad happens and that is reported with respect to what happened, that is not considered bad reporting,” Nadir said. He continued: “There are some things that are not front page material… some things don’t deserve the kind of attention that they get in the media.”

Ramjattan declares it was he who parted the Sea, not Moses.

Gov't funding North Ruimveldt drainage works

Trotman's position as Speaker of the National Assembly & AFC List Representative draws criticism

Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) a haven for irresponsible and corrupt officials

Banks DIH expanding

PNCR causing the deplorable conditions of Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme

Rapid housing growth, rising real estate demand attracts attention of international investor

World Bank predicts Guyana economy to grow by 5.1% in 2012

No AFC MPs on Opposition front benches.

It was a bit strange also not to see ROH Corbin, leader of the PNC at his accustomed place on the front benches. Ah well. ROH can now collect the not inconsiderable pension he now qualifies for.

Where is David Hinds?

We wonder what Trotman's take is on Granger's benefits as opposition leader

As opposition leader Granger set to receive benefits package he once riled about

Nagamootoo got nothing for his pains except a hard, back bench seat-PPP

Former President Jagdeo hailed as a forest champion by Conservation International President

Conservation Inter-national President Russell Mittermeier has hailed former President Bharrat Jagdeo as a forest champion under whose leadership Guyana became a global leader in calling attention to the incredible importance of tropical forests in the global battle to mitigate climate change.

The opposition has now reconfirmed the people’s cynicism about politics

Moses Nagamootoo and his principles!

Meet the people responsible for the nastiness that passes off as journalism at Stabroek News

City Mayor on six country European tour even as cash-strapped council's woes mount

First sitting of Parliament confrims AFC/PNC alliance- Attorney General

Former Guyana & West Indies Cricketer addresses concerns raised about Guyana Cricket IMC

APNU Member of Parliament caught stealing electricity

Burnham is the single worst thing to have ever happened to Guyana- Former West Indies & Guyana Cricketer Colin Croft

Woman of Worth (WoW) programme to be expanded

Opposition has no place in the crafting of the National Budget

Banks DIH announces $4B in profits

Persistent delays force Gov't to terminate Synergy Holdings' Amaila Falls access road contract

What took place in parliament yesterday confirms that the loyalty of the AFC's Raphael Trotman is with the PNC.

APNU’s maneuvering to take over the Speaker’s Chair has nothing to do with making Parliament “more responsive”

Guyana recorded 11% increase in Fruits & Vegetable export last year

Youth Impress condemns James Bond's assault of young Barber

Pilot error caused CAL crash in Guyana

Assault charges against James Bond dropped after virtual complainant paid $300,000

President issues Parliamentary opening proclamation

Did he also try this stunt on UG? The records should be checked.
We understand Kissoon’s foisted contract was not renewed because he did not ‘produce” and research. Two papers in 26 years and neither peer-reviewed? That is the understatement of the year.