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First it was AG, now it’s the VP Sep 03, 2024 Features / Columnists, The GHK Lall Column Kaieteur News – Attorney General Anil Nandlall got in the first shot. Pro-PPP letter writers are not given a fair shake by SN.  But others are, starting with me. GHK Lall This is Guyana’s honorable attorney general, someone who should be driven by balance, substance, and an abundance of fairness.  But he is AG Nandlall.  Apparently, the demands of his busier-than-a-bee office made it slide past him that the paper of the people, the Guyana Chronicle is booby-trapped territory for conscientious Guyanese with a comment or position to share.  If it is not offensive to Mr. Nandlall’s delicate sensibilities, people like me are blocked, banned, and barred from the paper that we pay to upkeep.  Worse yet, it has again conveniently eluded Mr. Nandlall’s grasp that the same Guyana Chronicle (the people’s paper) is being used to malign people found objectionable.  Mr. Nandlall is nothing, if not an honorable man.  I mean that, with salt or lime.  So, while he exercises his right and voices his ire about the bias in the independent media, in that instance SN, apparently one of his feet is shorter than the other.  To wit, it does not allow him to reach as quickly, as sweepingly, and as powerfully into the arena where the PPP has total control.  The PPP Government has exhibited its complete dominance (editorial control) over what goes in and what comes out of the Chronicle, and AG Nandlall has no qualms at all.  But not content with that, he seeks to extend that prerogative to a presence in the independent media, SN. Truth be told, the AG, like the VP, is not satisfied that nobody reads the Chronicle, not even those in the government offices who are compelled to buy it.  Even more embarrassingly, not even when orders have been passed that the Kaieteur News and (maybe) Stabroek News are not to be bought, not to be seen, around government offices.  Because the state media has no credibility, and is seen as questionable in its integrity, even PPP loyalists are disgusted with the product.  So when AG Nandlall fired up his slingshots, I knew that it was just a matter of time and the right moment before the mighty VP (better make that almighty VP just to stay on his good side) to get into the act and deliver his broadside and fusillade at the independent media.  The indigenous conference in GT gave Dr. Jagdeo the opening he craved. ‘Unfair media coverage’ is the cry from VP Jagdeo. What could be more unfair, more slanted, more biased Dr. Jagdeo than the State media?  I know, could see, that Bharrat Jagdeo is aging.  But am confident that he has not reached the age of senility yet.  He may pretend to be deranged and schizoid and senile, but he is not anywhere near those three stages at this point.  To repeat, taxpayers’ money is being misused to malign dissenting taxpayers, with no allowance for the right to self-defense, or to have any say at all, but Jagdeo is the saintly man rattling around about what is ‘unfair.’  According to the State media, the indigenous has no issues.  From the lips of the Indigenous themselves, they have serious concerns, and there are many, that demand ventilation. Since both the AG and VP are blind to the bias of the Chronicle but are enmeshed in democracy’s ideals, it is perplexing that they have a problem with the independent media.  Perhaps, they got carried away and lost their bearings for a bit.  I would be the last Guyanese to endorse the belief that Dr. Nandlall and Dr. Jagdeo position is that all Guyanese should think alike, speak alike, and sound alike.  I could be mistaken, but Excellency Ali may be thinking along those exact lines with his One Guyana contraption. It is where all Guyanese look alike.  Jagdeo and Nandlall fight to ensure that they speak alike, and Ali through a combination of pressure, parsing out, and constant pounding pushes out the undesirables (uncooperative) so that there is his One Guyana man who mumbles, bumbles, and hobbles alike. One size fits all, and all Guyanese look like they were made from the same clay and mold. In such a media environment, a virtual politicians’ paradise, there is neither secrecy nor roguery nor skullduggery with oil.  There is no corruption in the bidding-tender board evaluation award process.  There is neither chronic concern nor palpable fear about the operations of the Guyana Police Force.  Teachers and public servants and Amerindians are all thankful beyond words for the unmatched care, generosity, and respect received from the PPP Government, with Big Bosses Ali and Jagdeo men of angelic aura. If Dr. Anil Nandlall, SC, MP, JP, AA, OE, is half the citizen that I think he is, such a faked reality would make him grow green in the tonsils, and sick to his stomach.  Because he knows the facts and the truth, he knows differently.  Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, on the other hand, only knows one thing: total control. The unchallengeable supremacy of the cult leader. Jagdeo knows a politician’s truths, which has a rather spongy consistency.  He knows and wishes for, a situation of no dissenting citizenship.  He battles for a condition of no contrarian positions, or opinions.  He is for all the positives from the indigenous conference, as if the State media left out anything, or gave the happenings less than the most positive spin, less than glittering treatment. I think that this fact must be faced.  Jagdeo is very jittery, very much of a skeletal political apparition (think closets and holes) that he fears shadows, and dreads exposure.  Thus: if the independent media gave him what he so ardently craves (no unpleasant facts of PPP life), he still would be weeping and gnashing his teeth.  For, if there was only one public commentator or deviationist social media contributor left in all Guyana, he would be psychologically crippled, emotionally distraught, mentally sacred out of his wits.  I told him before: be fair, and live without media fear. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

New school year, same old problems  Sep 03, 2024 Editorial Kaieteur News – Yesterday the new school year commenced amid lingering concerns over the poor conditions of some of the schools, the 10 % salary package imposed on teachers, sweltering heat in the classrooms that are not equipped with fans or air conditioning and the horrendous traffic situation made worse by the ad hoc construction of bridges and roads along the East Coast Demerara and other places. The education minister as usual was out taking selfies with some of the students and the general feeling of excitement was in the air as children return to school after several months out of the classroom. Regarding the traffic situation, to get to the classroom has now been reduced to a masterpiece of inaction, given the abundance of vehicles, and relative scarcity of alternative roads. The alarming reality of Guyana’s roads, with an eye on Georgetown and the East Bank and East Coast distils to this: more haste means more intervals of non movement.  Too many cars and commuters and too much congestion make for a difficult beginning to each school day. Then there is the heat, which our children have to endure. Only last week the Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Agriculture predicted above-normal temperatures across Guyana from September to November 2024. This period, traditionally the warmest months of the year, particularly in September and October, is expected to experience even higher-than-average temperatures, raising concerns for public health, agriculture, and livestock. The Hydrometeorological Service warns that the increased likelihood of extreme heat and heat wave days could significantly impact vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The heat in Guyana has always been heavy, for this is the Tropics, but not this heavy. The complaints and laments are numerous, and have a common characteristic: young citizens and older ones pushed to the brink. When the tightness of traffic and the torridness of the consuming heat are joined, they lead to the worst beginning imaginable for each daily trek. From the roads there is roasting, which leaves all wringing wet and weakened. This is the worst physical state to begin a school day for both the ones being taught, and those doing the teaching. With an eye to the progress of the clock, and the arc of the sun, classrooms have transformed into living hells. Classrooms have become virtual furnaces, and extremely challenging spaces for teaching.  There is more than an educational concern as to the thorough and satisfactory delivery of the curriculum. For there is now what amounts to a possible health concern. Young children are distracted by the heat, and pregnant teachers could be putting themselves at risk, while older teachers are drained early of their energies.  The point is that in the learning environment, all struggle, as they collide with the unrelenting heat in the classroom. Fans help to a limited extent, but the overheated air is simply recirculated. Air conditioning would be an insurmountably expensive consideration all at one shot, but could be done in phases. Undoubtedly, this introduces energy bills into operating costs. The construction of new school buildings re: where they are located, how they are built and powered, could all make a difference.  Meanwhile, the school apparatus swelters and shrinks, while learning plods forward. Outside of the heat and traffic and the poor physical conditions of some of the classrooms, the new school term also put the spotlight on the thousands of children who would be leaving school, having just received their CSEC and CAPE results to enter the world of work. These are the people who are going to be pounding the streets and knocking on the doors of the various office doors with the hope of gaining employment. Many would have the basic qualifications to work but because of the nature of many places of employ, there would simply be no vacancies. In the private sector there is the conscious decision to cut back on employment because the economic turnover is simply not adequate enough for these companies to keep hiring people. And a few businessmen have been quite forthright in stating that some of the people seeking employment are simply not qualified to hold down certain positions. Of course, there are the teaching and nursing positions. Many of these job seekers may gravitate to the Education Ministry. One place that would readily accept some of them is the Guyana Police Force, but parents are somewhat reluctant to have their children become professional law enforcers. They cite the threat of violence and the low pay which is a disincentive. Something needs to be done for the school leavers. If they fail to gain employment, many could easily become ready recruits for the drug dealers. The drug dealers can easily offer the kind of money that would attract any unemployed youth. It was hoped that the new school year would have ushered in new beginnings, but from the look of things it was the same old. Related Similar Articles

Jagdeo is being inconsistent Sep 03, 2024 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom Kaieteur News – Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has long mastered the art of dodging uncomfortable issues with a smirk. His recent performance at last Wednesday’s press conference, where he dismissed the need for a feasibility study for the proposed high-span bridge across the Berbice River, was yet another display of his signature flippancy. In Jagdeo’s world, the feasibility of a new bridge across the Berbice River is apparently as self-evident as the sky being blue—no need for studies, consultations, or evidence. This casual disregard is as troubling as it is telling. What Jagdeo strategically chose to ignore—is that the very Berbice River already hosts a floating bridge. It was he who built it. This existing structure is not only in excellent condition but is also well-maintained. Despite these factors, the traffic flow across the bridge was found to be insufficient to meet its financial obligations, leading to a proposed tariff increase and subsequent APNU+AFC government intervention. If the existing bridge struggles to sustain itself, what logic underpins the construction of a new one? If a floating bridge cannot attract the necessary volume of traffic to be viable, what makes a far costlier high-span bridge a better idea? Will the economy of Berbice be able to justify another bridge, this time a high-span structure. If, as reported in the media, the government plans to pay the owners for the bridge – a mysterious decision in itself – why build a new bridge? One would think that these questions are both reasonable and essential. Any responsible government, before plunging headfirst into another costly endeavour, would conduct a feasibility study to examine not only the need for the bridge but the broader implications of such a project. The need for infrastructure does not automatically translate to feasibility. The dreams of a populace—for instance, for a state-of-the-art light rail system—must be tempered by the hard realities of economic and practical limitations. To ignore this is not just negligent; it is a disservice. A feasibility study is not merely an exercise in calculating returns on equity and ability to repay creditors. It is an exploration of the myriad factors that contribute to the success or failure of a project. It considers economic, social, and environmental costs and benefits, determining whether these justify the endeavour. It evaluates the optimal type of structure, the best design for maximizing benefits, and the most strategic location. It delves into technical specifications, cost estimates, and risk assessments. In short, a feasibility study provides a comprehensive blueprint, a guide to ensure that public funds are not squandered on bridges to nowhere. Yet, Jagdeo’s response to these concerns was dismissive. His nonchalance was all the more ironic given that, in the same press conference, he flaunted a voluminous feasibility study for the existing floating bridge across the Berbice River, using it to highlight its thoroughness in contrast to the feasibility study for the high-span bridge across the Demerara River which was proposed by the former government. This contradictory stance—displaying reverence for one study while belittling the need for another—exposes a glaring inconsistency. Jagdeo’s casual dismissal of the necessity for a feasibility study for the new Berbice Bridge also contradicts his own previously stated positions. Back in 2017, Jagdeo, then the Leader of the Opposition, was vocal about the importance of feasibility studies. Speaking at a meeting in Adelphi Village, East Canje, he emphasized that a proper feasibility study into the sugar industry would yield a different result from the then government’s narrative. Again, in the National Assembly in 2018, Jagdeo criticized the then government for announcing a new model for the Demerara Harbour Bridge without conducting a feasibility study on that model. His arguments then were steeped in logic and responsibility—traits that seem to have conveniently vanished in his current role. It is one thing for a politician to evolve in their thinking; it is quite another to flip-flop on fundamental principles of governance and accountability. Jagdeo’s newfound disregard for feasibility studies raises uncomfortable questions. The Vice President’s current stance suggests a shift, not merely in perspective, but in the very values that should guide public office. If the feasibility of a bridge is so self-evident, why not prove it with a study? Why not provide the evidence that would dispel doubts and reassure the public that their government is acting in their best interest? The flippancy with which Jagdeo and the PPPC government approach such critical issues does a disservice to the people of Guyana. Infrastructure projects, especially ones as significant as a new bridge across the Berbice River, demand careful consideration and detailed planning. Anything less is irresponsible. The people of Guyana deserve better than flippant dismissals and hollow reassurances. They deserve leaders who not only hear their concerns but address them with the seriousness and integrity that their office demands. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this  newspaper.) Related Similar Articles

Mayor Mentore’s failure to address monies owed on Congress Place property Sep 03, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, I wish to once again demystify some misleading content shared by the Mayor of Georgetown, Mr. Alfred Mentore, and published by Stabroek News on September 2, 2024 -The 25% institutional rate discussed and approved by the Georgetown City Council has nothing to do with arrears. In a letter responding to myself and Councillor De Armas, His Worship the Mayor, Alfred Mentore, has inadvertently raised a number of issues and questions that should be posed to him: Why has he failed to address the monies owed to City Hall by Congress Place? Why did he not inform the current Council that the policy had already been approved years ago? If the policy was approved and gazetted, why was it not implemented in its entirety but was re-tabled for approval once again? Where in this new policy suggests institutional rate for non-governmental organizations (NGOs)? In typical Alfred Mentore fashion, he shifts blame without confronting or addressing the core issues. In my letter published on August 31st in the Stabroek News, I did not mention a reduction in arrears, but rather what is “owed,” which includes both demand and arrears. Hence, my subject line stated, “Georgetown Chief Citizen Needs to Provide Answers,” as reported in all other news outlets, although this was altered by Stabroek News. Citizens should know that the institutional rate policy is not a new concept; it is applied to institutions across the country, guided by Section 214 of the Municipal and District Councils Act, which speaks to the Council’s ability to exempt rates either wholly or in part for hospitals or public health institutions, properties used for the purposes of open-air games or athletic sports occupied by a club, and properties used for the advancement of religion, education, and social welfare. However, the inclusion of political parties is something that was recently created by His Worship under the pretext of Section 214 of Chapter 28:01. It should be made clear that PPP/C Councillors only speak to facts and can always provide evidence to support any claims made. Our only method of bringing unjust, shameful, hypocritical, and self-centered policies or decisions to light is through the media, as we are often trampled on by being outvoted when we disagree with a particular policy or decision. If this is considered ‘grandstanding,’ we will continue to update the citizens about any shameful decisions passed or approved by the majority. The citizens of Georgetown are aware of the substantial amounts owed to government institutions by M&CC, including GRA, GWI, and GPL. As I mentioned before, PAYE is typically deducted from staff salaries but is not remitted to GRA, thus constituting a criminal act. Furthermore, the fiscal transfer act that Mr. Mentore referenced is not applicable to M&CC due to a failure to comply with the most basic requirements. While I understand the short-sighted thinking of His Worship, it must be noted that incentives, tax breaks, and other mechanisms drive economic growth by encouraging private sector development, which in turn provides more job opportunities for our citizens. This principle is quite straightforward, Mr. Mayor. As PPP/C Councillors, we remain open to any dialogue that is people-centered, development-oriented, and solution-based, all in the interest of addressing the needs of the citizens of Georgetown. Respectfully, Mr. Steven Jacobs Councillor – Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown Related Similar Articles

Carmel Secondary School is indicative of a larger problem Sep 03, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, The Ministry of Education was kind enough to share with the public via a Facebook post that the Carmel Secondary School’s laboratory was ready. There is definitely a lot of excitement to get these projects completed as quickly as possible so the students may take advantage of the new facilities that will enhance their learning experience. CRG congratulates the Ministry of Education on their pursuit for higher achievement within the education sector. We also wish the students in the country all the best as they pursue their studies. Although we are making strides in improving the opportunities for our Nation’s children, there should also be progress in ensuring that our students are guaranteed a safe environment in which to pursue their dreams. Unfortunately, the new laboratory has low ceilings, lacks a sprinkler system to suppress fires and has grilled windows. There may or may not be a fire extinguisher in the laboratory as none was evident in the photo which showed a large portion of the laboratory including the front where the teacher would be and would need easy access to a fire extinguisher in case of an emergency. The discouraging part of the announcement is that it brings back memories of both the Mahdia dorm fire and the Christ Church Secondary School fire. The laboratory materials caused the fire at Christ Church Secondary School and the grillwork prevented those innocent children from surviving the dormitory fire in Mahdia. The picture shared of the completed Carmel Secondary School laboratory is one that illustrates the dire and urgent needs at our schools across the country. CRG urges the Guyana Fire Service to inspect every school, especially those that have been renovated or newly built, to ensure they meet the requirements for fire safety. Placing a security guard or off duty police officer, and security cameras at the schools should suffice to prevent robberies if the Guyana Police Force is truly engaged and committed to protecting our students. Furthermore, the installation of a sprinkler system and fire extinguishers should be mandatory at every school laboratory. Guyana needs true transformation from a third world country to a first world nation instead of an upgrade from a poor third world nation to a rich third world nation. The government must adjust its perspective and look beyond what was done elsewhere in the world to reach to where they are today, and focus on what is being done by leading nations in preparation for the next generation. This will lead them to also using inflammable building materials in high-risk buildings. The last thing we need is another tragedy! With utmost concern, Mr. Jamil Changlee Related Similar Articles

Prioritizing Reading Sep 03, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, As per the news, International Literacy Day will be observed globally on September 8. This is the day set aside annually by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to focus attention on the importance of literacy, both for individual and for national development. It must not be glossed over, and in Guyana, it is rightly being addressed and capitalised upon. In this regard, the Stewartville/Cornelia Ida (CI) National Library, that is housed on the lower flat of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) building, is hoping to host an in-house reading event to celebrate the said International Literacy Day. It is indeed a commendable gesture. This Stewartville/CI National Library comes under the Ministry of Education and is actually headquartered in the city at the well-known National Library. It is a community-based facility that is being utilised by locals. Now, all and sundry should pay attention. Why? Because of the necessity of reading, for without the ability to read, too much will be lost. However, still far too many don’t understand just how important student literacy and reading are to student development, starting at a very young age.  The American Pediatrics Association reports that reading, when young, even infants being read to by their parents, increases academic success down the road. It is sad indeed that even today, many children enter kindergarten without the skills needed to read well. Therefore, it is crucial that educators help students bridge that skills gap. This year, International Literacy Day will focus on Literacy teaching and learning in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, and the emphasis will be on the role of educators and changing teaching practices. As it stands, about 773 million adults and 250 million children still struggle with basic reading and writing skills. The theme of 2024 is “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace,” focusing on learning in different languages. Well, this is where I am so elated, as Guyana is a few jumps ahead. Indeed , it is sad that many of the Indigenous languages in the world are at risk of dying out. Guyana is, however, fortunate in that it still has nine Indigenous languages. The Ministry of Education has for some time now been making efforts to promote the teaching of Wapishana children in their own language at the primary level, with the aim of improving literacy levels. I recall that the Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, detailed that there are plans to expand the teaching of the Wapichan language in several communities in the South Rupununi. Her goal is to seek to bridge the language gap to enable hinterland children to learn in their native languages. Among the several plans was the training of teachers in several of the communities to deliver the ministry’s curriculum in the native tongue. On the general scale, I know that the Ministry of Education is providing textbooks for students, even to the point where children can write directly in their textbooks. Then when it comes to the Stewartville/CI National Library, the word from Shellon Winclas, Supervisor of this growing Stewartville/CI National Library, the unit is free to join, but as per norm, once a book is borrowed and the 14-day period has expired or the book is damaged or lost, automatically a fee is attached. Winclas noted that both children and adults utilised the Stewartville/CI National Library and they would have more than 50 visitors on a monthly basis. This is most auspicious, and I hope that more and more interest will be generated. Editor, We all know that ‘reading fluency’ is a strong indicator for achievement in further education, higher education, and future employment. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government acknowledges that reading can truly achieve something teachers and policymakers have been trying to attain for years: to lessen, or even eradicate, the impact of early life disadvantage. In short, only competent readers will be able to access the wonders of the curriculum, and thus improve their life chances. Yours truly, HB Singh Related Similar Articles

Time to leave the past behind and look to the future Sep 03, 2024 Letters Dear Editor, The history of Guyana is a testament to the resilience and vision of its early political leaders, whose contributions helped shape the nation into what it is today. Figures such as President Forbes Burnham and President Cheddi Jagan, who played pivotal roles in the nation’s journey to independence, laid the groundwork for Guyana’s political and economic structures. While these leaders, along with their successors, have left indelible marks on Guyana’s political landscape, which was integral to the nation’s formation, the continuous references to their contributions, twenty, thirty, and even forty years after their tenure, reflect a deeper issue within Guyana’s political discourse. As the world around us rapidly changes, it is imperative that Guyana’s politics focus less on the achievements of the past and more on addressing the pressing concerns of the present and future. This shift in focus is especially important for the nation’s youth, whose priorities lie in the opportunities and challenges of today, rather than the historical legacies of past leaders. President Forbes Burnham and President Cheddi Jagan will forever be two giants, towering figures in Guyana’s political history. Burnham, as the leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC), was instrumental in securing independence for Guyana and later led the country as Prime Minister and then as its first Executive President. His policies of nationalization and self-reliance were central to Guyana’s early post-independence development.  President Jagan, the co-founder and leader of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), was a fierce advocate for the working class and championed socialist policies aimed at uplifting the marginalised. His eventual rise to the presidency in 1992 marked a return to what is termed “democratic governance” and a “new era” for the nation. While the contributions of these leaders are undeniable, their time has passed. The political and economic realities of their era were vastly different from those of today. Yet, and sadly so, in 2024, Guyana’s political discourse remains heavily influenced by their legacies. This constant reference to the past by some senior and neophyte present day politicians, while understandable from a historical perspective, can hinder the nation’s ability to address the challenges of the present and prepare us for the future. It is important to note that one of the most significant indicators of the need for a shift in political focus is the changing priorities of our Guyanese youth. The majority of our young people between the ages of twenty and forty are not as invested/interested in the political past as previous generations. Their concerns are more immediate and pragmatic, they want good-paying jobs that allow them the financial freedom to own their own homes, travel, and enjoy leisure activities. They desire security in their surroundings and outings, the freedom to socialize in restaurants, bars, and clubs, and the ability to drive their own cars without fear for their safety. They Guyanese youth are more interested in how will they get their share of our new found wealth. These aspirations reflect the desires of a generation that is more concerned with the quality of life than with political ideologies of the past. That’s right, this young political leader has said what needs to be said, knowing my elders are likely to disagree, but that is fine, buy that is the truth of the youth and it speaks for itself. In the developed world, particularly in countries like the United States, political discourse during elections is focused primarily on the future. Candidates for the presidency rarely reference past leaders like Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, or Barack Obama. Instead, the focus is on what they will do to address the current and future needs of their nation. This future-oriented approach allows for a more dynamic political environment that encourages innovation and adaptability in response to the rapidly changing local and global realities. Guyana is in the best position it has ever been, both economically and geopolitically. The discovery of vast oil reserves has transformed the country’s economic outlook, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.  This newfound wealth presents unprecedented opportunities for development, including improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social services. However, the effective management of these resources requires forward-thinking leadership on both sides of the political divide, that is focused on the future. Planning for economic diversification beyond oil, environmental sustainability of our forest, mined natural resources, and social equity are all critical issues that must be addressed if Guyana is to achieve long-term prosperity.  These challenges require NEW ideas, vision and innovative policies that are tailored to the realities of today’s global economy. The politics of the past, while important for historical understanding, offer little in the way of solutions for these modern and day to day challenges. The future of Guyana depends on its ability to move beyond past-centric politics, divisive rhetoric, racism from both sides of the political divide and embrace the possibilities of tomorrow. One that ensures that ALL of our citizens benefit from our national patrimony in an equitable manner, sooner rather than later. Forward ever backward never! Hon. Jermaine Figueira MP Related Similar Articles