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Artful Dodger or Clever Prevaricator? Jun 28, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – The question has its relevance in Guyana, definitely one that has merit.  In the context of the occasional press conferences that Guyana’s President Ali holds the question gains stronger traction.  Is the head of state of Guyana an artful dodger, or a clever prevaricator, in what he says, how he goes about responding to what is put before him?  Though there is some overlap in the description, the concern is if they fit, and by how much, the head of Guyana’s President Ali. It was the president who said from the very first days of his taking over the helm that he is about transparency and accountability.  Truth be told, we were early converts to that which held so much resonance because Guyana needs both urgently. Furthermore, the freshness of the new president meant that he was due the courtesy and consideration.  As such, the field was clear for him to prove his seriousness in managing the great responsibilities placed in his hands.  Stated differently, President Ali had to deliver cleanly on transparency and accountability.  No question that it was always going to be an uphill task in corruption plagued Guyana.  Accordingly, it was imperative that Guyana’s newest and youngest president be at his sharpest, straightest, and strongest.  What applied to President Ali holds true for any other president, which the record indicates is one littered with a litany of what was glaringly lacking in transparency and accountability.  From national elections to one audit finding after another under different governments to longstanding public perceptions and outcries, transparency and accountability from Guyana’s governments have been a lost cause.  Both are more of the imagination, with little relation to reality.  For emphasis, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali had to be on his best game to deliver what he swore that he would deliver. To our regret, the president has proven a big disappointment.  On the twin issues of transparency and accountability, he has progressed from gyrations about what is “confidential” to what is comical.  President Ali may deceive himself into believing that he is making mincemeat of Guyanese, when he tries those now patented gimmicks of his.  One is having an entourage that runs interference and works skillfully to steer media questioners from could make the president look less than favourable to safe grounds.  Vice President Jagdeo, as fine a presence as one could come across in the cleverness department, has lived high and heartily from the presence of such a protective media Palace Guard.  They are not mere distractions to the work of true Guyanese media professionals.  They are a danger to those seeking straight answers to simple questions that must be asked.  Clearly, President Ali has learned from the best in that kind of media game.  A cursory observation of his press conference practices shows how quickly he has grown into a power in his own right in media dodges and leadership prevarications. President Ali introduced a cute one in his last press conference.  When he was asked a question, the Guyana head of state swiftly turned around the question with a series of questions of his own on the journalist who first raised the question.  We do not know if the president came up with that dodge on his own, or whether it was the guidance given to him by one of his advisers.  Whatever the source of President Ali’s newfound practice, it did three things.  It cheapened his last press conference; it made him look like an elephant barging his way around a media meeting and barreling over those stirring his clever and lesser instincts.  And last, it confirmed how much transparency and accountability drives the president into states of irritability and reckless irresponsibility.  The simplest, straightest, thing that the circumstances required was for President Ali to come clean and make a start to what he committed to a few years hence.  He failed miserably. President Ali may not know, not care.  But few Guyanese are fooled by his media sleights of hand.  Guyana is under critical scrutiny, with his leadership holes are exposed.  He should work to fix those, and Guyana could be different.  He continues down his now old slippery slope, he could find himself plunging into ignominy. Related Similar Articles

A call for the return of CGTN to Guyana’s television spectrum Jun 28, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Kaieteur News – China is often portrayed by the West as a closed and oppressive society where dissent is ruthlessly suppressed. The idea has long been embedded in the minds of people in the West that there are severe consequences for persons who oppose the Chinese state, its system and governance. With such a characterization, one would expect that the Chinese media would be one-sided, biased and pro-Chinese. But surprisingly, I have found that the Chinese Global Television Network (CGTN) is the exception to this characterization. It is one of the most balanced international networks and provides a wide range of opinions from experts. The Chinese Global Television Network (CGTN) is an international media organization launched by China Central Television (CCTV) to provide global news coverage and insightful analysis on a wide range of topics. CGTN aims to offer an alternative perspective on world events, often countering Western narratives. It not only highlights China’s viewpoints but also those of other regions underrepresented in mainstream media. The network broadcasts in multiple languages, including English, and features diverse programming such as news reports, talk shows, documentaries, and business analyses. It offers a wide range of opinions from experts and covers global affairs with depth and insight. CGTN’s programming includes several noteworthy shows such as Dialogue, The World Today, World Insight, and Global Business. These programmes are excellently assembled and provide viewers with diverse perspectives on international issues. They delve into global politics, economics, and social issues, presenting well-rounded discussions that are both informative and engaging. For many viewers in Guyana, CGTN has been a valuable source of news and analysis. It offers a different viewpoint that contrasts with Western international news networks. You could be travelling in a car and still be able to pick up CGTN’s signal on your vehicle’s television or you can watch from the comfort of your home. In 2013, it was reported that CCTV, the parent company for CGTN, did not have a broadcasting licence. It was reported that CCTV’s programming was being relayed locally by the National Communication Network (NCN). However, in recent months, CGTN is no longer available on the usual channel in Guyana. This sudden disappearance has left many viewers puzzled and disappointed. It is not clear why this programming is no longer being relayed. There has been no explanation for the absence of CGTN on local television. The absence of CGTN from local television is regrettable. It deprives viewers of a unique source of balanced international news and thoughtful analysis. While the internet edition of CGTN is still available, it does not fully replace the convenience and accessibility of watching the network on TV. The Chinese Embassy in Guyana should issue a statement to clarify why CGTN is no longer being broadcast on local TV.  NCN should equally explain the reason for the discontinuing of relaying the CGTN signal. An appeal is being made here to bring CGTN back to Guyana’s television screens. Whoever is responsible for the screening of TV channels in Guyana should consider the value that CGTN brings to the local media. Our cable operators should consider establishing a dedicated channel for CGTN. A dedicated CGTN channel would ensure that viewers have consistent access to the network’s quality programming. CGTN’s balanced reporting and in-depth analysis are assets that should not be overlooked. In a time when media bias and misinformation are prevalent, having a different perspective, one that is not necessarily pro-Chinese or simply Sino-propaganda, is more important than ever. CGTN provides that diversity of opinions that might otherwise be marginalized. We have missed for example the perspective which CGTN could have provided on the ongoing situation in GAZA, and one has to wonder whether the disappearance of CGTN off local television is simply coincidental. The disappearance of CGTN from local TV is a loss that should be addressed promptly. The Chinese Embassy should issue a statement explaining the situation and work towards reinstating CGTN’s broadcasts. The Chinese Embassy’s should also intervene immediately. By advocating for the return of CGTN to local TV, the embassy would be making a positive contribution to ensuring that Guyanese viewers continue to have access to a wide range of international news sources. If this fails, the embassy can negotiate with local cable providers to have a dedicated channel for CGTN on their networks. Let us hope that the relevant authorities recognize the value of CGTN and take swift action to restore its broadcasts in Guyana. For too long, our understanding of international politics has been shaped by western-based networks, including CNN, BBC, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC, CBS and NBC. Aljazeera and CGTN can ensure greater balance in the information received. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

PPP/C Government needs to address corruption head-on Jun 28, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, I recently spoke with my nephew (who was born in the UK) about Guyana being one of the fastest growing economies in the world and is set to be the next Dubai. His response was “as long as they can get rid of the corruption”. Seems as if the issue of corruption in Guyana has reared its head again and is now being pronounced on by people who are not Guyanese. The democratically elected PPP/C Government of Guyana needs to tackle corruption head-on. It needs to do more. It needs to enhance the capabilities of those entrusted in enforcement so that they can do their job better. It is no laughing matter that the USA is better informed about corruption in Guyana than local Law Enforcement Agencies. These Agencies need not only funding but also training to do their job. Guyana needs help to rid itself of corruption. Seeking outside help from USA or Interpol may be the way to go. The question is “Is there the political will to rid Guyana of corruption?” Sincerely, Sean Ori Related Similar Articles

Is Fulcrum a conflict of interest? Jun 28, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, Gov’t reports that it has selected Fulcrum to develop gas resources (Jun 26). Doesn’t Fulcrum have a nepotistic relationship with Exxon? Is it a wise, rational selection? Is it experienced and equipped to do the job? As reported, the company was founded by Jesus Bronchalo, a former Vice President of Exxon who worked for the company in Guyana. He resigned and founded Fulcrum a year ago. And now he (or the company) has landed a contract potentially worth trillions of American dollars. Bronchalo was the Finance Comptroller for Exxon in Guyana. There were questionable expenses in the hundreds of millions of American dollars in the first year (2019). There would have been more in the subsequent five years that probably exceeded a couple billion American dollars. Was he au fait on the over expenditure (billing)? Were questions raised about his involvement in over billing? Before SN report on the government’s announcement defending its selection of Fulcrum, the magazine World Oil reported in an article “ExxonMobil enlists Fulcrum LNG to develop natural gas resources offshore Guyana” on June 25. Why did the government keep the selection a secret and not report it before being asked? Why did Exxon bat for (favoured) this company? Isn’t it a conflict of interest? Bronchalo formed his company just a year ago. Isn’t he a one-man operation? Is he or it equipped to do the work? What are his resources and experience in that field? He was in charge of accounting and not gas or petroleum engineering. Is it not a conflict of interest for a former employee of Exxon to be awarded a contract with Exxon? Who will seek or protect the interests of Guyana? Questions are asked why was he sent off a year ago and quickly registered a business for contracts in Guyana? Didn’t the government already decide which company will land the contract long before the request for proposals? The government asked for proposals for several previous projects and made a fool of companies when the government knew who was the preferred bidder. Does this government realize it is making a fool of international companies that responded to its request for proposals? Corporations are looking at the behaviour of the government and right now are not judging or rating Guyana as the right place for business. It is not known how the latest proposals on monetizing the gas were evaluated. Was instruction handed down on who should get the contract? Is there anyone in Guyana in the employ of the government who has knowledge to evaluate proposals on gas and oil? Did any government official ever was a student of oil and gas engineering in Moscow? Is the person in charge of oil and gas knowledgeable of O&G? Is he being led through a dark tunnel? Why did this project take precedence over the oil refinery in Berbice? The oil refinery has been stalled for two years. Are Berbicians made a fool of the announced project? This Fulcrum award, potentially worth trillions of dollars over a twenty-five-year period for a lone individual will seal the fate of doing business in Guyana. Many Guyanese technical companies and engineers in private employ questioned the selection of Fulcrum, arguing that it has not met the requirements of the Request For Proposals (RFPs) for the designing, financing, construction and operation of the required gas infrastructure. Yours respectfully, Nigel Pilgrim Related Similar Articles

Unprecedented case before the Court Jun 28, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, A lawyer has filed a petition before the High Court for urgent hearing relating to the PNC/R Congress slated for June 28 to 30. The petitioner threads in an area where virtually no one in Guyana did before – the court’s intervention in the internal affairs of a political party (supposedly a private or voluntary organization) or a private organization. It is now known which judge will hear the matter. But if the court (the judge) accepts jurisdiction to hear the case and don’t throw it out, it will make news internationally. It will be the talk of the town regionally and in Commonwealth countries that follow English laws. The judge will become instantly famous similar to Justice Sandil Kissoon in his rulings on the Exxon-EPA insurance case and the GTU striking teachers matter. The crux of the matter will be whether the court has jurisdiction to intervene in the internal workings of a political party. Political leaders view parties as private, voluntary organizations that are not subjected to the court’s jurisdiction. That is foolishness. So if an organization lacks accountability and when its leaders are queried, the questioner is expelled, the person has no recourse to justice via the court. Similarly, if a party rigs its internal elections, a complaint levelled against political parties, does the court not have jurisdiction to right those egregious wrongs or violations of rights to vote in an organization? In a democracy, as in USA and in India, if rights are violated within an organization, the person seeks judicial intervention. Indian courts ruled they have jurisdiction in the operations of all organizations or societies or political parties. In the USA, some one hundred years ago, the court claimed jurisdiction to examine the internal processes and operations of political parties and ordered parties to behave transparently and democratically. A political party when elected becomes the government (the state) which is subjected to the jurisdiction of the court. The party or coalition becomes the government. The opposition or opposing parties are arms of the government (state). If the government is subjected to the jurisdiction, it is idiotic to say only the government is subjected to the court’s intervention and not the party. No organization, least of all a political party, wants the public or a court to inquire into its operations. They don’t want a court to assume jurisdiction over how it is run and how it conducts internal elections (which heretofore have been flawed). If the judge were to examine precedent setting cases in USA and India and in other democratic countries, he or she will deliver a most erudite ruling on jurisdiction of the matter in the petition. Ditto on substance of the case! The rulings will be earth shattering. The diaspora is taking a keen interest. Yours sincerely, Vishnu Bisram Related Similar Articles

By Eloy Viera Cañive (El Toque) HAVANA TIMES – The Havana authorities have disclosed the contents of an upcoming bill for a “Citizenship Law” that...