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Pres. Ali, Opposition differ on parliamentary oversight Sep 03, 2024 News Kaieteur News – In his address at the opening of the 46th Conference of the Caribbean, the Americas, and the Atlantic Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on Monday, President Irfaan Ali highlighted the importance of parliamentary oversight and the role of the opposition in maintaining a healthy democracy. President Irfaan Ali The head-of-state outlined Guyana’s constitutional mechanisms designed to ensure the opposition’s involvement in oversight bodies within the National Assembly, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and other sectoral committees that incorporate contributions across the political aisle. “In Guyana, we have crafted mechanisms within our constitution to ensure a greater role for the parliamentary opposition. Within the National Assembly, there are a number of oversight bodies in the opposition… within the National Assembly, within the National Assembly, there are a number of oversight bodies in which the opposition is represented,” Ali said. He added, “the Public Accounts Committee is chaired by the opposition. We utilise the mechanism of select committees to achieve greater consensus on legislation. We have sectoral committees that allow for contribution from across the political aisle and we continue to incorporate in our legislation representation of the opposition and civil society on statutory bodies.” The President asserted that parliaments must act as guardians of citizens’ rights; ensuring laws are enforced in ways that uphold dignity, freedom, and the rule of law. He stressed the need for strong, independent institutions to maintain accountability and transparency, underscoring that parliamentary democracy, though adversarial, should not exclude the opposition from playing a meaningful role. However, President Ali’s emphasis on parliamentary oversight comes against the backdrop of growing criticisms from the opposition regarding the government’s commitment to this very principle. Govt.’s absence from PAC Meetings Back in April, it was reported that the constant absence of government members at the duly constituted meeting of the PAC was crippling the work of the oversight committee with regard to scrutinising public spending. Chairman of the PAC, Jermaine Figueira in a media release pointed out following the cancellation of a statutory meeting that it had become more and more pellucid of the government’s chronic and deliberate plot to stymie the work of this very important committee of the National Assembly. Primarily, he noted then that the government members who sit on this committee are deliberately absenting themselves. According to Figueira, the government’s consistent no-show is imperiling one of the guard rails of democracy; and handicapping the committee’s capacity to function as a robust oversight mechanism. “Without effective oversight, we risk witnessing further fiscal mismanagement, reckless squandering of public resources, and a crisis of trust in the government’s financial stewardship,” Figueira said. He explained further that the PAC stands as a bastion of transparency, accountability, and provides responsible oversight for the allocation of public funds.  The PAC Chair reminded that this disheartening trend of absenteeism by government members began when the ruling party altered the standing order, mandating the presence of two government members for a quorum. “This changed,” the PAC Chair noted “slowed down and stymied the committees work with more than 40 cancelations of the committee meetings since this unnecessary and unwarranted change was made,” Figueira explained that the PAC continues to grapple with an alarming backlog of work, particularly in its present examination of the financial records for the year 2019, rendering it years behind in its essential work and we are in 2024, five years lagging behind. He emphasised that “It is important to note, that a fully functioning PAC is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, providing a vital counterbalance to unchecked government actions and to ensure that accounting officers discharge their duties and responsibilities in accordance with the law and show respect in service to the people they serve.” It is in this regard, that the PAC Chair iterated a call for the government to prioritize the prompt resumption of regular PAC meetings, and replace the “hard working” ministers of government with two other competent members, so as to ensure the committee can really begin to address the backlog of work in a meaningful way, diligently executing the pivotal oversight duties for the people of Guyana. In response, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, had  argued that these concerns lacked merit and were distractions from more substantive issues. Teixeira pointed out that the PAC in the 12th Parliament had convened more meetings than in previous terms, despite challenges in maintaining a quorum. She accused the opposition of attempting to divert attention from critical reviews of the previous administration’s handling of public funds. Additionally, the opposition had further questioned the government’s commitment to parliamentary oversight following the April 2022 amendment of the PAC’s quorum rules. The ruling PPP/C used its majority to pass a motion requiring a quorum that included government representation, a change the opposition argued would stymie the committee’s work. The opposition expressed concerns that the government could now easily stall PAC meetings by not attending, thereby preventing the review of certain expenditures. Despite these criticisms, Teixeira defended the amendment, claiming it would ensure balanced participation and enhance the committee’s impartiality. Non-attendance at sectoral meeting  Adding to the concerns of parliamentary oversight in April also, key stakeholders such as ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repeatedly failed to attend Natural Resources Parliamentary Sectoral meetings. The absence of these entities, along with that of Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, fueled opposition claims that the government was deliberately avoiding scrutiny. The Alliance For Change (AFC) argued that this lack of accountability undermined the transparency the PPP-government claimed to champion. While President Ali advocates for strong parliamentary oversight with active opposition involvement, these recent developments highlight a disconnect between his rhetoric and the practical challenges faced within Guyana’s parliamentary committees. The government’s actions have led to increasing frustrations from the opposition, who continue to argue that the administration is impeding the very oversight it professes to support. Related Similar Articles

The ticket hustle is a hassle Sep 03, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Dem CPL cricket tickets scarcer than a politician who don’t like a photo op. Imagine yuh want go see some real cricket action and find out all the tickets disappear faster than when rain fall and them vendors run for cover. Dem die-hard cricket fans pulling out dem hair like they got nits, wondering how dem gon get a ticket. But yuh know how it go in Guyana. Some smart man done buy up 30, 40 tickets, stashing dem like treasure. And dem not hiding by de cinema like back in the day, selling outside for a few extra dollars. Oh no! This is big business now. Dem does resell dem tickets in private like dem selling secret government contracts. Dem boys seh if yuh want a ticket now, yuh better be prepared to shell out $15,000. Yes, $15,000! Is like dem selling gold bars, not cricket tickets. Dem touts making more money than de organizers of de match. By de time yuh done pay for a ticket, yuh can’t even afford a beer when yuh get inside. Yuh gon sit down there sober, just watching de ball fly and wondering if yuh money gone flying too. And what de authorities doing? Dem not even trying to control de blackmarket. Back in de day, police used to lock up anybody trying to hustle a movie ticket outside de cinema. Now, dem does just turn a blind eye. So, to all de die-hard cricket fans, dem boys seh, hold on to yuh wallet and yuh sense. This ticket hustle might last as long as a politician promise, but don’t worry, cricket always find a way to come back around. And when it do, maybe tickets gon be affordable for once, or maybe not. This is Guyana after all. Talk half. Leff half Related Similar Articles

Guyanese Madhoo and Fitzgerald ascend to top CDLC 2 Year Order of Merit rankings Sep 03, 2024 Sports Norman Madhoo at the 2023 PDC World championship. Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s darts champions, Norman Madhoo and Sudesh Fitzgerald, are making waves in the Championship Darts Latin-America and Caribbean (CDLC) circuit. With their recent performances, they have soared to the top of the CDLC Two Year Order of Merit rankings, securing their places at the prestigious CDLC 2024 Tour in Chile, set to take place later in October. Madhoo currently holds the number one spot in the rankings with an impressive 60 points, while Fitzgerald is hot on his heels with 58 points. The two have outperformed a competitive field, staying ahead of top contenders like Guillermo Soto in third, Alex Gutierrez, Jesus Salate, Rashad Sweeting, Jefet Vengas, and Roberto Wentz, who occupy positions four through eight respectively. Norman Madhoo, ranked number one with a remarkable record of 155 wins and 61 losses, is poised to be a formidable competitor in Chile this October. His skill and experience make him a strong favourite, and his top ranking reflects his consistent excellence in the sport. Fitzgerald, his countryman and club mate from the Foreign Link Darts Club, is not far behind. With 156 wins and 80 losses, Fitzgerald has proven himself a relentless competitor, firmly securing the second position in the rankings. The duo will showcase their talents from October 4-6 at The Hotel Torremayor in Santiago, Chile, where they will compete against some of the best darts players from the Caribbean and Latin America. The CDLC Two Year Order of Merit is a critical ranking system that determines the seeding of the top eight players for each event and may also be used for special event invitations in the future. Points are accumulated over a two-year period based on performances in CDLC events. Additionally, the 2024 Points List begins with the first event of the year and continues until the final event. The player who leads the points at the end of each year will earn a coveted spot in the PDC World Championship. The stakes are high as Madhoo and Fitzgerald aim to maintain their top rankings and secure their positions in future international competitions, including the 2025 PDC Paddy Power World Championship, which begins in December 2024. Related Similar Articles

Guyana’s Rosanna Fung shines with Silver Medal at Mr. Mexico Pro Sep 03, 2024 Sports Guyanese Rosanna Fung (second from right) sharing the stage in Mexico City. Kaieteur Sports – Guyana’s reigning Bodybuilding Bikini champion, Rosanna Fung, continued her impressive rise in the international bodybuilding scene, capturing a silver medal at the recently Mr. Mexico Pro Bodybuilding and Fitness competition in Mexico City over the weekend. The statuesque IFBB Elite Wellness Bikini pro delivered a strong performance, standing out in a highly competitive field in what was her fourth professional competition. At just 24 years old, Fung, who was ranked ninth in the world prior to the event, earned valuable points with her podium finish, securing her qualification for the World Championships in Spain this November. Since turning professional in 2022, Fung has consistently demonstrated her prowess on stage, quickly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. The accomplished athlete and popular fitness trainer has already amassed a series of podium finishes in her career, including a second-place finish at the Roger Boyce Classic in Barbados in 2023 and third place in 2024. She also clinched a second-place finish in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Reflecting on her recent achievements, Fung shared, “My ultimate goal is to proudly represent Guyana on the world championship stage in Spain this November and to become the first Guyanese athlete to bring home a world bodybuilding title.” Fung expressed her gratitude to those who have supported her journey: “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my sponsors, without whom none of this would be possible—Prem’s Electrical, the National Sports Commission, Space Gym, Fitness Express, Rock Hard Cement, ENetworks, and my cherished family and friends who know who they are. A special and heartfelt thanks to my partner, Tariq Dakhil, who has been my unwavering support, every step of the way.” Related Similar Articles

Everest O50s Masters, North Soesdyke Masters and Essequibo Invaders record victories in Sep 03, 2024 Sports 2ndRound of BMC O50s Tournament – Solitary half century recorded by Ramesh Deonarine Kaieteur Sports – At the Everest ground: Taking first strike on a very gloomy day, Everest Masters rattled up 143 for 5 off 24 overs when the heavens opened putting paid to their innings. Sahadeo Hardaiow was once more amongst the runs top scoring with 39 which contained 3 @ 6s and 2 @ 4s. Surendra Hiralall made a well composed 34 with 2 boundaries. Other useful knocks came from opener Basil Persaud 20 and D. Lall 19. After the rains came down the Duckworth Lewis method had to be called upon and Everest Masters target was revised to 165 off 24 overs. East Coast Aash Décor O50s Masters had a poor start, losing their opener, N. Samlall at 12 but recovered nicely with a 64-run 2nd wicket partnership between Opener V. Gobin 40 and M. Shaw 28. After the fall of Shaw’s wicket at 76 in the 11th over, East Coast were eventually bowled out for 127 to lose by 38 runs under the DLS method.  Leg spinner Chanderpaul Singh was the pick of the bowlers for Everest Masters bagging 4 for 25 off his allotted 5 overs. Anil Beharry supported well with 2 for 21 off his 5 overs. Over at the Enmore Cricket Club ground: Essequibo Invaders enjoyed a comfortable win over the former lawmen, Ex Berbice Police Masters bowling them out for 136 off 28.4 overs. Opener Ryan DeNobrega was once again amongst the runs top scoring with 39 including 5 boundaries, Marvin Durant hit a quickfire 22 with 2 maximums and 2 @ 4s. Other decent knocks came from opener Deo Ramdat 14, Gobin Roopram 14, Ray Trellis 13* & Kawall Mangal 12. Ghansham Deonarine picked up 3 for 26 off his 5 and D Lakhan took 2 for 13. Essequibo Invaders made light work of the lawmen knocking off the runs in 21 overs for the loss of only 3 wickets. Veteran Ramesh Deonarine recorded the solitary half century for this round making a polished 62 with 4 maximums and 3 @4s. Captain Mark Gonsalves contributed with 40*. At the Farm ground: North Soesdyke entered the winners’ row with their first victory over the powerful Jai Hind Jaguars who are yet to score any points. North Soesdyke took first strike and rattled up a what seemed to be an inadequate 155 all out in 25 overs. Kenneth Debidyal batting at #10 top scored with 38. Opener Sudesh Persaud made 26 whilst D. Mangru contributed 19. The Jaguars from Berbice could only respond with 124 all out. Ravi Mangali top scored with 37 (2 @ 6s & 2 @ 4s) whilst Windies Masters off spinner Vejai Seonarine chipped in with 20 (1 @ 6 and 2 @ 4s). R. Jaisingh and Mangru picked up 2 wickets each. Related Similar Articles

Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation National Team Arrives in Monterrey, Mexico for Pan American Games Sep 03, 2024 Sports The Guyanese fighters arrived in Monterrey Mexico ahead of Pan American Games. Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMAF) has informed that the first part of their national team arrived in Monterrey, Mexico on Saturday to represent our nation at the prestigious Pan American Games. This marks a significant milestone for Guyanese martial arts on the international stage. The team comprises Official Doctor Dennis Bassier, Coach and Athlete John Campayne (of the John Campayne MMA Club), Private Ezekiel Persaud (John Campayne MMA Club and Muay 360), and Lyndon Fung of the Guyana Police Force Mixed Martial Arts Academy. The Federation is awaiting the arrival of Assistant Technical Charles Greaves, Ijaze Cave, and Carl Ramsey, who were expected to join the team yesterday. Guyanese athletes are set to compete in various weight categories, showcasing the diversity and strength of Guyana’s martial arts talent. John Campayne and Lyndon Fung will be contending in the Super Heavyweight Category, a challenge that demands exceptional skill and determination. Ezekiel Persaud, making his debut at American Games, will compete in the Strawweight Category. Ijaze Cave will bring his prowess to the Middleweight Category, while Carl Ramsey will battle in the Heavyweight Category. While the road to Monterrey has been paved with challenges, the spirit of the team remains unbreakable. As Bruce Lee once said, “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” The athletes have trained tediously, overcoming numerous obstacles, and their commitment to excellence is evident in their preparation. GYMMAF also acknowledges Joshua Alexander of Zing Zang MMA and 360 Muay Thai, who was unable to compete due to medical reasons as determined by Safe MMA. His absence is felt deeply by the team, and we wish him a speedy recovery. Originally scheduled to take place in Trinidad and Tobago in July of this year, the games were later moved to Monterrey, Mexico. Despite the unexpected changes, the team has remained focused, driven by their shared goal of bringing glory to Guyana. Vice-President and Head of Administration, Troy Phillips, expressed the federation’s gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, and the Mexican Embassy for going the extra mile in assisting with visas for our athletes. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring that our team could compete on this international stage. As our athletes prepare to step into the ring, we remember the words of Muhammad Ali: “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.’  We await the results with confidence, knowing that their hard work and sacrifice will yield excellence. Related Similar Articles

Haynes and Sukhram Take Top Spots at Hole-in-One Challenge  Sep 03, 2024 Sports Local pros pose following last weekend’s GGA Nexgen Hole-in-one invitational. Kaieteur Sports – The Hole-in-One Challenge at the Nexgen Golf Academy on Sunday afternoon was an exciting event, attracting participants of all ages and skill levels. Sponsored by Nexgen Golf Academy, Roraima Airways, and Guyana Beverages Inc., the contest gave players three chances to win enticing prizes, including trips to Kaieteur Falls and Arrowpoint Resort, as well as hampers filled with products from Guyana Beverages. Despite several close attempts, no one managed to win the Roraima Airways prize packages. According to Captain Gerry Gouveia, Roraima Airways, “We are allowing these prizes to be rolled over to the next Hole-in-One Challenge, giving another opportunity for a lucky player to claim them.” 11-time Guyana Open Women’s champ Christine Sukhram (center) was among the top performers this past weekend. The competition was intense, with Philip Haynes emerging victorious, narrowly defeating 11-time Female Guyana Open champion Christine Sukhram to take first place. The winners took home hampers filled with a variety of products from Guyana Beverages. The next competition will be held on September 22 at the Helena Cricket Ground in Mahaica in partnership with Premier Insurance. Related Similar Articles