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Massive fraud uncovered at GMC after general manager ordered audit, probe Sep 12, 2024 News Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha – accountant, special projects manager fingered  Kaieteur News – At least two staff members of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) are under investigation after senior management uncovered a massive fraud at the entity which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture. The racket among other things involved the smuggling of chicken and eggs and General Manager of the GMC, Teshawna Lall in a statement said contrary to a press release issued by the Ministry of Agriculture under the guidance of the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha the initiation of the audit and investigation was led by her. “The internal audit was commenced by Ms. Lall and her team, after repeated requests for documentation and reports yielded no results,” the General Manager said. Additionally, Ms. Lall said during the internal audit, she identified significant irregularities and discrepancies involving the accountant and the Special Projects Manager. “Consequently, she requested an external audit through the Minister of Agriculture’s office. All relevant issues and concerns have been previously discussed with the Minister of Agriculture,” Ms. Lall detailed in her statement. She said: “The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) has proactively addressed the concerns of financial irregularities by starting with an internal audit and investigation. Persistent unresolved issues, despite numerous requests for clarification, necessitated a thorough review. GMC is essential in stabilizing prices and supporting the national economy. Its commitment to maintaining stable pricing for vital commodities is aimed at mitigating the economic impact on consumers,” Ms. Lall said. According to Ms. Lall the internal audit will meticulously review the reported irregularities and evaluate the corporation’s financial practices. “GMC remains dedicated to transparency and accountability and is committed to resolving these issues promptly. Additionally, the Guyana Marketing Corporation wishes to remind the general public that GMC is the only authorized body to import Chicken into Guyana. Furthermore, the updates on the investigation will be provided as they become available and GMC appreciates the public’s patience, trust and understanding during this process,” the statement concluded. False claims   Earlier in the day the Ministry of Agriculture sought to distance senior officials within the minister’s secretariat from the racket saying that reports online regarding the issue have unsubstantiated information. “We categorically state that the Ministry and its Head Office are not involved in the purchase or sale of chicken or eggs, as implied by the post,” the ministry said.  According to the ministry responsibility for these matters fall under the jurisdiction of the GMC, which is managed by Ms. Lall. The ministry then falsely claimed that in recent weeks, “the Honorable Minister initiated an audit and investigation into certain irregularities and discrepancies within the GMC,” noting that it is important to note that this is a transparent process to ensure accountability and rectify any administrative lapses. “The ministry believes that the timing of this misleading post is unfortunate, as it seems intended to distract from the ongoing investigation at the GMC. We urge members of the public not to be swayed by baseless accusations and to await the outcome of the official investigations, which are being conducted with the highest level of integrity. The Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to its mandate of serving the people of Guyana and ensuring that all aspects of its operations are transparent and accountable. We will continue to work diligently for the benefit of the agricultural sector and the citizens of our country,” the statement concluded. Allegations of corruption  In recent months there have been numerous allegations of corruption at various agencies that fall under the Ministry of Agriculture. Earlier this week the main opposition- Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) said in a statement that reliable sources from the ministry have revealed to them 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. Sources revealed, the PNCR said that 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. It was just about a month ago that the said agency returned to the National Assembly for additional funding under the Ministry of Agriculture, Development and Support Services – Subsidies and Contributions to Local Organisations where it received a further 60 million dollars in addition to the 250 million dollars it had received from the 2024 budget under Capital Expenditure,” Vinceroy Jordan, Shadow Agrocukture Minister said in the PNCR statement. Jordan added that sources at the ministry also revealed that the possible cover-up is likely since nothing has been done since the revelation of the misappropriations and fear that the same measure would be extended to the senior officers and other staff involved as was extended to a known supervisor just over a year back who misappropriated millions of dollars in payments to a ghost security guard (machine watchman) and remained on the job with no investigation to date. “The PNCR/APNU Coalition calls on the Minister of Agriculture to immediately call in the Police and to launch an investigation into the alleged conspiracy and theft of monies at the MMA/ADA. The Coalition also reminds the Minister of the investigation into the destruction of thousands of duck eggs which was deemed as sabotage to the Ministry of Agriculture Livestock Development Authority that has either not yet been completed or he has refused to make it public. The Minister of Agriculture should also investigate the alleged land-grabbing and misuse of the machinery, fuel, staff, and other malpractices leveled against a senior official of the MMA/ADA. The PNCR/APNU Coalition promises all Guyanese especially the people of the Mahaica/Berbice Region #5 that upon return to Office, it will make these investigations a priority and that all will be made public knowledge,” Jordan said. Related Similar Articles

Cops burns ganja farms in Berbice Sep 12, 2024 News One of the Marijuana farms found in Berbice River Kaieteur News – The Guyana Police Force (GPF), on Monday, during a narcotic eradication exercise found nine live 12-gauge cartridges and destroyed about $41 million worth of cannabis at Friendship Savannah in the Upper Berbice River. Police reported that during the exercise between 10:00h and 19:10h cannabis was found on three camps/farms. Police also discovered one drying area, with about 100 pounds of dried cannabis and a farm measuring about two acres with about four hundred plants ranging from one inch to six inches in height. The marijuana being destroyed It is stated that the first camp, one farm was located, measuring about one acre, with about 200 cannabis plants measuring approximately three feet in height. Police said that within the second camp, one farm was seen measuring two acres with about four hundred plants ranging from six inches to eight inches in height. “The cannabis plants were extracted from the soil and set on fire, along with the camps,” police reported. Related Similar Articles

Govt says $25.5B was spent on road development in six months Sep 12, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Finance’s Mid-Year Report for 2024 has disclosed that the sum of $28.9 billion was expended on road and bridge development during the first half of the year. Of this amount, $25.5 billion was spent for road development, while $3.5 billion was spent on bridge projects. The report stated that ongoing efforts are focused on the development of roads throughout Guyana’s hinterland regions, including areas such as Kwebanna, Lethem, Mabaruma, Matthew’s Ridge, and South Pakaraimas.  Projects in these areas are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Additionally, the sum of $9.5 billion was expended across the ten regions for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of access and interconnecting community roads.  The Government of Guyana (GoG) has been investing heavily into the infrastructure sector. In fact, in this year’s budget Government allocated $221.4 billion to the Ministry of Public Works, with the sum of $204.1billion being allocated to roads and bridges. However, concerns were raised about the government expending taxpayers’ dollars and contractors doing substandard works. Recently, President Irfaan Ali commissioned Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway, which cost $15.1 billion, to help alleviate traffic congestion in Region Three. This project falls under the Ministry of Housing and Water. The Department of Public Information (DPI) had reported that the sum of $76.517 billion was specifically earmarked for housing development, with $69.317 billion allocated for highways, including projects such as Eccles to Diamond, Great Diamond, Meer – Zorgen to Schoonord, Schoonord to Crane, and Great Diamond to Craig. Kaieteur News visited the Schoonord to Crane Highway just a few days after it opened and found sections of the walkway to the newly built road already crumbling. The issue was first highlighted by social media commentator Francis Michael Bailey. Bailey shared a video in which he pointed out a number of issues with the road.  Bailey pointed out that though new, the road was already patched at some parts. In addition, the area that was left as a walkway for commuters had a number of defects including cracks, and the exposed rebars made from steel which is a tripping hazard for pedestrians. Foreign objects such as plastic and pieces of wood appeared to be mixed into the blocks that made the walkway giving it a rough finish. Related Similar Articles

Govt. committed to prioritising mental health, allocating 5% of health budget to services Sep 12, 2024 News DPI – The government is committed to prioritising, promoting, and protecting mental health, with a focus on preventing mental disorders and ensuring that mental health services are accessible to all. Addressing the prevalent stigma surrounding mental health, Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony emphasised the importance of mental well-being. “Mental health is integral to our well-being, yet it is often overlooked or stigmatised. In Guyana, like in many other countries, mental health issues affect individuals, families, and communities, impacting every aspect of life, the minister said in a recent statement. In response, the government has partnered with the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) to develop the National Mental Health Action Plan 2024-2030. The plan outlines a comprehensive framework for addressing the country’s mental health needs, focusing on ensuring access to quality services and safeguarding the rights of those with mental disorders. A key component of the action plan is the implementation of the Mental Health Protection and Promotion Act which mandates the establishment of all necessary authorities, and bodies required to enforce mental health laws. This is including the training of mental health teams across the country’s health regions. These teams will be trained under the WHO Quality Rights programme, which promotes a whole-of-society approach to improving mental health. Recognising the need for adequate funding, the government has committed to allocating a minimum of 5 per cent of the national health budget to mental health services. This increased funding will target strategic areas outlined in the action plan. A significant aspect of this investment is the expansion of the National Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, which was established, in 2016. The unit has primarily focused on service delivery but under the new plan, its role will be expanded to include the development of policies, management of resources, and coordination of mental health services nationwide. Additionally, the plan addresses the growing issue of substance misuse in Guyana by restructuring the ministry’s Demand Reduction Unit. This will involve capacity building, the development of monitoring frameworks, and the establishment of standards and policies for community-based screening and treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). Beyond medical care, the government is enhancing social support by collaborating with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to ensure individuals with mental health conditions receive comprehensive care. This includes establishing community residential facilities for those with chronic and severe mental disorders and providing community treatment teams to support residents. A caregiver support programme will also be developed to provide financial allowance to those caring for persons with mental health conditions. Preventive measures are also being implemented, particularly among the younger population. The Ministries of Health and Education will work together to integrate mental health education into life skills programs for children and adolescents to equip them with the skills needed to manage mental health challenges, ultimately reducing the incidence of mental illness in adolescence and adulthood. Meanwhile, a national mental health information campaign is planned to reduce stigma and discrimination against those with mental health conditions and will encourage timely help-seeking and raise public awareness about the importance of mental health. Related Similar Articles

Pres. Ali says developing countries can spearhead climate solutions Sep 12, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Acknowledging the devastating effects of climate change and the urgent need for coordinated meaningful action, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has stated that developing nations can play a crucial role in crafting and implementing sustainable solutions to tackle the global climate crisis. President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali The president was at the time addressing a high-level discussion on ‘Restoring Ambition for International Climate and Development: Learning from Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, and Its Global Model for Forest Finance’ at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre on Tuesday. President Ali said that developing countries in the Global South are increasingly showing leadership in climate action, renewable energy investment, and setting ambitious targets, despite facing obstacles from climate skeptics and those who engage in empty rhetoric rather than detailed, analytical work. He pointed out that these nations are proving their capacity to drive innovative climate solutions, citing examples such as Costa Rica’s success in conservation and renewable energy. “It is not just big nations that we must analyse. We also have to look at what small countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America are doing, because there is a lot that they are doing in stepping up as well. Rwanda, a leader in forest restoration… [these countries] are showing that size does not limit leadership,” the president underlined. He further underscored, “The global south is proving that innovative solutions to the climate crisis can and are being driven from all corners of the world.” President Ali emphasised that developing countries are no longer content to be seen as just ‘problems’ for the world to solve. He said these countries are instead positioning themselves as leaders in finding solutions and driving global policy. Guyana has also demonstrated leadership in developing innovative policies like the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 (LCDS2030), which has become a model for global climate action. The LCDS focuses on preserving the country’s vast rainforest, a significant carbon sink. It outlines strategic investments in renewable energy, coastal defences, sustainable agriculture and community-based adaptation, among other key measures, in Guyana’s endeavour to build a more resilient future in the face of climate change. He added that partnerships and international cooperation are crucial, pointing to Guyana’s strong relationships with allies like Norway and the United Kingdom’s Kings Foundation to support its sustainability efforts. Moreover, the Guyanese leader lamented that financing and fair policies are still major challenges, emphasising a need for more concessional climate financing and equitable approaches that do not disadvantage developing countries. “Despite their flourishing leadership, the global south’s efforts are being stymied, and this is also a fact. If you look, for example, at the pledges that were made, and look at the implementation of those pledges…if you look at the translation from pledges to actual financing, it is shocking,” the president highlighted. Attendees at the high-level discussion on Tuesday In this regard, he reiterated Guyana’s strong support for the Bridgetown Initiative, piloted by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, which calls for a reform of the international financial architecture (IFA) that governs the way finance is disbursed for climate adaptation and mitigation. “This is why we have long advocated for carbon pricing and elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, starting with the richest countries. We have also called for massive investments in clean and renewable energy globally. These are measures that will drive meaningful progress in decarbonising the global economy,” he said. Guyana has made concrete, measurable progress in areas like carbon credit sales, sustainable forestry, and mineral mapping to support the global energy transition. The president said that this demonstrates that developing countries can deliver real solutions through hard work and partnership. The high-level discussion also saw key input from an International Environmental Advisor, Former Minister of Climate and the Environment and Former Minister of International Affairs of Norway, Erik Solheim. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, other cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, regional officials, representatives from the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana Energy Agency and other key stakeholders were also in attendance. (DPI) Related Similar Articles

Man robbed of motorcycle, cash, other valuables Sep 12, 2024 News Kaieteur News – A man was robbed of his motorcycle, cash and other valuable items worth $226,000 on Tuesday, while he was on his way to visit his brother. According to information received by this publication, the victim, Jermaine Haynes, a 48-year-old handyman was riding his burgundy motorcycle. As he approached the junction at Brickdam and Austin Place, he was approached and blocked off by two men on a motorcycle who braced him off of his bike. The pillion rider was armed with a handgun and shot Haynes in his right leg. Subsequently, he fell to the ground giving the men the perfect opportunity to search his bag relieving him of his cash, other valuables and then rode away with his motorcycle. Haynes was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted as a patient and is said to be in a stable condition. Related Similar Articles

Countrywide literacy programme to be launched next year – Manickchand Sep 12, 2024 News Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand Kaieteur News – Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand on Tuesday revealed that come January next year, her ministry will rollout a massive National Literacy Programme aimed at ensuring every child knows how to read. The Minister made the announcement during the launch of the Education Ministry’ Mathematics Intervention Programme which was held at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) complex. During her remarks, the minister told those gathered that the world has a problem with mathematics and English and Guyana has to deal with both. “As we speak being literate is the foundation of all the nations’ problems, literate means read, understand, and comprehend. And so in January of next year only because we were unable to finish the resources for September of this year, we will launch out a National Literacy Programme that will be massive,” she related. According to the minister, this programme will launch with the aim of making sure every single child could read by Grade 3 with a grace period to Grade 4. “It is expensive, it is resource heavy, it is very thought out and it is national. It will take into account the children who are entering nursery as well as the children who are already in secondary who cannot read. So you can imagine that that is going to be resource heavy in terms of persons managing it,” Manickchand explained. It was reported that while the country recorded a decline in pass rate in mathematics at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination this year, English A also recorded a decline from 72% in 2023 to 69% in 2024. Part of encouraging children to read, the Education Ministry on Monday launched the Primary School Libraries programme.  In a release, the ministry reported that this programme is part of a major initiative which is aimed to inspire a lifelong passion for reading while developing critical thinking and creativity in students from a young age. The hope is that it will help learners also with being proficient in the area of literacy. In her remarks at that launch, the minister said that these efforts are to promote literacy as a key foundation of education. “We recognise that the ability to read fluently and think critically is essential for success, both in school and in life. By making these books available to our children, we are not only investing in their academic future but also in the development of their imagination and self-confidence,” the minister stated. Related Similar Articles