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Corruption high and low Sep 16, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – The Agriculture Ministry is quickly gaining notoriety as one of the most corrupt state entities in this country. It is not a good reputation for any ministry or agency let alone agriculture, which has responsibility for several subsectors. Agriculture as we know has been essential for human survival throughout history, and it remains the backbone of many nations’ economies. As the world has evolved and developed, the necessity of agriculture has also expanded far beyond the importance of farming to include key sub-sectors like forestry, beekeeping and more. Given the vastness of the agricultural sector, from small-scale subsistence farming to large commercial plantations, understanding the sector’s value chain to map appropriate corruption risks and anti-corruption measures must be a priority for President Irfaan Ali as well as the current Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha who clearly looks out of his depth in the management of the sector.  Almost every week the nation is regaled with allegations of corruption at all levels and at every agency that falls within this ministry. From the scandalous procurement of pump, to the corrupt award of contracts, to the theft of sugar at Rose Hall estate to the smuggling of chicken, you name it, it is all happening at that ministry. Only recently the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) documented another allegation of corruption at the MMAADA. Quoting what it described as usually reliable sources, the party said that there is an impending cover-up of what is deemed to be a massive corruption scheme perpetrated by several staff members at the MMA/ADA in Region #5. According to the PNCR this corruption scheme has been active for a few years and that records of the misappropriation of millions of dollars could be found in the finance department. What is said to be the misappropriation of funds took place between inside staff and several contractors linked to the agency who requisitioned for work that was never done and in many cases, works that were significantly overvalued. And if that were not enough, within days of the PNCR’s expose, news broke of two officials at the Guyana Marketing Corporation being fingered in yet another scam. The head of that agency had ordered an audit as well as an investigation and it is yet to be seen what will come out of this. Former director of the GuySuCo board Anthony Vieira is also on record exposing some of the shenanigans at that failed entity. What is unfolding at the Agriculture Ministry is symptomatic of the general atmosphere in the government. We are nearing the fifth year of the PPP/C in government, which has provided a reality check in this regard for Guyanese. Despite the promises made by the PPP/C during the 2020 elections campaign, not much has been done to change the minds of Guyanese that they are a better bunch than the APNU/AFC. The same old malady that afflicted it during the 23 years it was in government prior to 2015 continues to fester. Corruption in high and low places cannot be separated from the PPP/C and the recent revelations by the United States Government, which sanctioned one of the party’s young high flyers confirmed what everyone had been talking about for years. It is instructive to note that only recently, General Secretary of the PPP/C and Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo was at a press conference sermonizing that the media and the opposition were distorting the party’s record and image and that they will have to fight back. At the said press conference he spoke about how the media would accuse it of being corrupt and this was not so and as such he was deploying “trolls” to help counter the narrative that the government was corrupt. It did not take too long for the US to hand down the sanctions so that the full scale of the corruption that has dogged the party is revealed. Right in its bosom there is Mae Thomas a permanent secretary and also a member of the party’s Central Committee. Among other things, the US Government accused her of collecting bribes from business people in exchange for contracts as well as selling gun permits and passports. These are very serious allegations. Guyanese are yet to see any serious attempt by the Guyana Police Force to probe the allegations that came out of the Vice News interview that implicated Jagdeo in corruption. Sadly it seems as though the people of this nation will forever be exposed to blatant contempt by those in authority. If we are to go by the daily reports in the newspapers of the unpleasant doings of some of our politicians, the truth of that observation cannot be contradicted. Morality, it would appear, is insignificant. It used to be that the often complained moral lapse of politicians was in the realm of the acquisition of power. “Machiavelli” was the name invoked to describe the notion that one should be prepared to walk over one’s grandmother to achieve (and keep) office. Some justified this sort of behaviour by saying that the followers of “The Prince” were actually “amoral” and not “immoral”. Related Similar Articles

CONSUMER CONCERN: ADDRESSING THE CONDITION OF HOMELESSNESS Sep 16, 2024 Consumer Concerns, News PAT  DIAL Kaieteur News – In all countries of the Western World, especially in the cities, there are always a number of homeless people but the causes differ from country to country and era to era. In Guyana, the first appearance of the homeless came after emancipation of the plantation slaves.  Many of the freedmen were too weak or sick to continue working and some found themselves in Georgetown and New Amsterdam but the vast majority of such homeless people  remained in the villages where the villagers, though themselves poor, extended help to them.  With the effluxion of time, these, as a group, died off. The slaves were replaced by indentured labourers with small numbers coming from Madeira and China but with the vast and overwhelming majority coming from India.  These labourers were contracted to work for five years with a return passage which was very often not honoured but they were offered a renewal of their contracts for another five years which they were forced to take since there were no alternatives.  At the end of their indentures when their health had deteriorated and they could not work and had no money or relatives and could not face the harassments of a three-month sea voyage to India, numbers of these Indian workers who had become useless on the plantations drifted to Georgetown and New Amsterdam where they formed a homeless group trying to eke out a living as “jobbers” fetching goods for shops or individuals.  At this time and up to the 1960s, there were few cars and transport of goods was done by animal drawn carts or by “jobbers”.  These homeless people slept on the pavements of downtown Georgetown, America Street and around the General Post Office, being popular locations.  For decades before and after the ending of Indentureship in 1917, the stereotype of homeless persons were these weak and decrepit Indian ex-sugar estate workers. The emphatic term “homeless persons” is of comparatively recent usage and these persons were contemptuously termed “villains” or “jobbers”. The colonial state was aware of the problems of aged and decrepit homeless persons and the Alms House, later known as the Palms, was provided in the last quarter of the 19th century.  The Catholic Church also provided some accommodation and there were a few other such “homes”, such as the Uncle Eddy’s largely financed by the Freemasons.  These various homes catered for the aged, the decrepit and those who may have lost a limb, all being persons of middle and lower middle-class backgrounds.   The lower-class jobbers and other homeless Indian sugar estate workers were never considered for admission to these “homes”. The first time any effort was made to help the lowest class of people of every race and religion who were always hungry and without shelter was made by Pandit Ramsaroop Maraj.  Pandit Ramsaroop was born in Wakenaam and from his earliest years empathized with human pain and suffering and used his small resources to help the poor.  He conceived the idea of building a home for the poor and since he had no personal wealth and no wealthy donors and even the State was not willing to make any contributions to his philanthropic dream, he became a wandering mendicant collecting tiny donations as he walked over the country.  He was mocked and insulted and on one recorded occasion, when he was pelted with small stones, he picked them up and thanked his tormentors, telling them he would use these stones to help build the home for the poor. In time, just over a hundred years ago, the Dharamshala was opened with the Governor and the other dignitaries paying homage to Pandit Ramsaroop’s self- sacrifice and vision. At present, the home is being administered by Pandit Ramsaroop’s surviving daughters with the premises kept spotlessly clean, the inmates having three meals per day with regular medical checkups.  Primarily as a therapy, some able-bodied inmates are permitted to work. Despite the existence of these homes and charitable donations and the widespread personal help given to individuals, there are still hundreds who sleep rough on the pavements of downtown.  The State has been establishing shelters to offer the homeless temporary relief.  These shelters need to evolve into permanent homes equipped with modern facilities and staffed by professionals.  In this era, the reasons why persons become homeless are different from the past when abject poverty was the main reason.   Today, it could be inability to meet rental obligations for their homes or losing one’s job and being left penniless or it could be the result of spousal or other domestic discord or it could be teenagers and even smaller children being so unhappy at home that they are driven to leave their home or there is Alzheimer’s Disease where the victim loses his memory and there is a plethora of other reasons.  These modern shelters, several of which would be established in Georgetown, New Amsterdam and elsewhere, must be prepared and equipped to play a rehabilitatory role. In certain “local government jurisdictions “in North America, homeless persons are regarded as nuisances defiling the city’s landscape and should be removed to remote areas and homeless persons are criminalized.  In Guyana, homeless persons should always be treated humanely and should never be ignored and should be helped to return to being useful members of society. Related Similar Articles

𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝟒𝟎 𝐏𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐥 Sep 16, 2024 News – 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟗𝐦𝐦 𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Kaieteur News – Police early Sunday morning arrested Jamal Rollox, a 37-year-old miner from Campbellville, Georgetown, after he was found with an unlicensed Smith & Wesson Springfield Glock 40 pistol, which contained ten live rounds of 9MM ammunition. The firearm and ammunition seized by police Police ranks were at the time monitoring the ‘wake’ for the late Lawrence Wayne, called ‘Boy Boy’, which was being held at Dynasty Bar on Aubrey Barker Road, Georgetown, when one of the detectives observed Rollox with a firearm, discharging several rounds in the air. On seeing the police ranks, Rollox threw the firearm under a parked car. Police retrieved the firearm from under the vehicle and arrested Rollox. When asked if he was a licensed firearm holder, he said ‘no’. He was told of the offence committed and arrested. Rollox was escorted to the East La Penitence Police Station, where the firearm and ammunition were lodged. Rollox remains in custody and is slated to be charged. Related Similar Articles

Court battle continues for possession of Peters Hall properties for construction of new Demerara River Bridge Sep 16, 2024 News A replica of the new Demerara River Bridge Kaieteur News – The court battle over the compulsory acquisition of lands at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD) for the construction of the New Demerara River Bridge continued last week with the High Court granting the State possession in some cases and sending to trial in others. According to a release from the Attorney General’s Chambers, High Court Judge, Justice Navindra Singh last week ordered possession to the Government of Guyana for three properties that were compulsorily acquired by the state for the construction of the New Demerara River Bridge. The release stated that owners are to deliver possession on or before the 30th September, 2024. The State was also ordered to pay compensation to the owners by the 20th September, 2024. The statement explained the Government has compulsorily acquired under the Acquisition of Land for Public Purposes Act some 50 private properties, for the construction of the new Demerara River Bridge. Under that Act and the Constitution, the Government is required to pay compensation to the property owners’ equivalent to the market value of the properties acquired. The release said that “Since 2022, the Government began to negotiate a compensation package with each property owner. Unfortunately, agreements were not reached with 13 property owners. The law is clear on the matter, once the properties are acquired and title is vested in the State, the State is entitled to possession. The title to these properties was vested in the State several months ago. Therefore, the State is entitled to take possession of these properties with compensation to be determined at a later stage in accordance with the law. “However,” the release added “the State decided not to enforce its strict legal rights which would have involved forcibly ejecting occupants from these premises. Instead, the State approached the High Court for orders of possession and for the market value of these properties to be determined so that the compensation can be paid in compliance with the law. Since the filing of these proceedings, several of the property owners accepted the Government’s offer of compensation. However, some matters are still pending before the court.” Meanwhile, in another court, Justice Jacqueline Josiah Graham denied the request of Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall for the compulsory acquisition of lands at Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara, for use in the construction of Crossing Kaieteur News has seen The lawsuits were brought against Peter’s Hall residents, Virieene Fredricks, Vashti Fredricks, Pearl Layne, Merlynn Thomas, Joann Stewart, and Malcolm Thomas for compulsory acquisition of their lands for public use.  In accordance with the application filed, lawyers arguing the case on behalf of the Government of Guyana contended that Section 7 of the Acquisition of Lands Act grants the State the right to immediate possession of the lands. However, counsel for the residents, Roysdale Forde pointed out among other things that the residents should be compensated adequately for their properties. Among the contentions raised before the court is the valuation of the properties at the center of the dispute. Accordingly, the attention of the court was drawn to the value of the property after evaluation by the government valuation officer and the value of the property by private evaluators. It was pointed out that the value difference is notable; hence the dispute. The order issued by Justice Josiah-Graham last Monday also states that the trial is to be expedited to determine fair compensation and just resolution for the suits. The judge in refusing the State’s request for immediate possession said that the Court is mindful that the construction of the bridge over the Demerara River is aimed at improving transportation and connectivity between regions, which can facilitate not only easy access by citizens but also enhance commerce, tourism, and overall economic development.  The bridge is expected to enhance access to essential services and markets, thereby contributing to economic growth and community welfare. “The bridge can be seen as part of a broader infrastructure development strategy that may lead to improved public services. Enhancements in infrastructure can attract investments create jobs and reduce travel time, all of which generally serve the public interest. However in the face of these goods, the actions taken by the government or project developers to acquire land or properties must be tempered with considerations of fairness and equity,” the court underscored. As such, it was ordered that the trial of the matter be expedited to determine fair compensation and a just resolution of the suits. Further, the parties are encouraged to settle the matter amicably. Related Similar Articles

Over $7B allocated to modernise Region Six drainage, irrigation system—Min. Mustapha Sep 16, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The government is spending more than $7 billion to modernise the drainage and irrigation system in Region Six, to mitigate flooding and strengthen agricultural productivity. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha during the launch of the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair This is part of Guyana’s broader efforts to lead CARICOM’s push for food security and reduce the region’s $5 billion food-importation bill by 25 percent by 2025. Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, announced the significant investment during the launch of the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair last Friday. He highlighted the construction of two large canals in the areas of Manchester/Lancaster and Number 51-52 Villages, designed to reduce flooding by draining excess water directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, an embankment stretching from Number 66 Village to Canje is under construction to prevent water from entering the backlands, safeguarding the region’s housing development initiative. The minister emphasised that these projects are critical to boosting agriculture in the region which plays a key role in the country’s economy. “Berbice holds a special place in the heart of our nation, known for its rich agricultural heritage and hardworking people. This region has always played a vital role in Guyana’s growth through agriculture,” he said. Beyond these projects, the government is also in talks to build a deep-water harbour in Berbice, which would allow for the export of produce from northern Brazil through Guyana’s coast in under 48 hours, significantly shortening the shipping time compared to Brazil’s current ports. Minister Mustapha also noted that Guyana’s agricultural sector is expected to reach new heights, with the country poised to surpass 700,000 tonnes of rice production for the first time this year. Moreover, the non-oil sector is also playing a crucial role in the country’s development, as a US $14 million food hub is under construction at Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The minister revealed that Guyana has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state of Roraima, Brazil, to prioritise key agricultural commodities. In addition to agricultural advancements, he highlighted other developments across the region, including the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium, a Level Five hospital, a four-lane highway, call centres, a world-class oil and gas training centre, and a high-span bridge. The minister noted that these projects aim to modernise Berbice, and transform it into one of the country’s most developed regions, as he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a modern economy by 2030 and beyond. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Vigilance woman wanted in relation to decade-old child stealing case Sep 16, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Sunday issued a wanted bulletin for 30-year-old Candacy Adonis of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (E.C.D), in connection with a decade-old child stealing case. Wanted, Candacy Adonis Adonis was charged in relation to the incident which occurred on January 13, 2014, in Buxton, E.C.D. Previous reports by this publication indicate that then-19-year-old Adonis was a teacher who allegedly stole a 4-month-old baby from a daycare located in Buxton. In January 2014, Adonis made her first court appearance before Magistrate Zamilla Ali where she was remanded to prison but was then granted bail. The charge laid against Adonis detailed that on January 13, at Buxton, she took away the infant, Miracle Angel Prince, with intent to deprive Samantha Price, the mother of the child, thereof. The accused was not required to plead to the charge as it was deemed indictable. The prosecution team was led by Sergeant Ayesha Gibbons, who told the court that at about 15:30 hours on the day in question, Adonis went to the daycare centre, pretending to be Miracle Prince’s aunt, and uplifted her. She then allegedly took the child to a house in Pouderoyen on the West Bank of Demerara where she gave the child to Carlton and Shameena Jeremiah, a married couple. According to the Prosecutor, Adonis told them that the baby was hers and further requested for them to take care of her “baby” until she returned. Sergeant Gibbons explained that it was after Adonis was contacted by the police that she led them to where the child was being kept. The prosecutor said that the child was then recovered and reunited with her mother. Moreover, the police have provided several contact numbers for those who may be able to assist in locating Adonis: 227-1149, 225-8196, 227-1611, 268-2328, 268-2329, 226-3405, 225-6978, 333-3876, 225-8196. Citizens can also report information to the nearest police station. Related Similar Articles