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The haves and have not Aug 19, 2024 Editorial Editorial… Kaieteur News – The PPP/C Government led by Dr. Irfaan Ali is failing in almost every aspect of its heavy responsibilities to watch out for what is right and safe for all Guyanese.  Instead of the leaders in the PPP/C Government manifesting the necessary strength, courage, and wisdom, so that the interests of Guyanese are supreme, there is this shameless rolling over under ExxonMobil’s boots, and letting the company trample upon Guyana. It is without question that every Guyanese should be living in a festive holiday mood every day.  There is an abundance of natural gifts, of which the whole world desires a piece.  The first piece and a fair piece should be the portion of every Guyanese.  Guyanese used to have hospitality in their hearts when they didn’t have as much as a nation.  Back then, it was a combination of individual natural goodwill, plus a quiet dignity. Yet, here we are today, talking about the haves and have nots, in Guyana of all places.  This is a society that shouldn’t have any have nots, not in this era of Guyana’s existence. There is simply too much for any citizen to be without in a country as richly blessed as here. There are copious quantities of a variety of resources, and because of that, there are great expectations that stir in every Guyanese heart.  Those must not be dashed, though they have been seriously diluted to this point.  A trickle here and a trickle there is helpful, which is nothing but insulting.  Our wealth that takes many forms is a source of envy, and in this every Guyanese must be the fullest participant.  When leaders are genuinely about all the people, then the rich birthright of Guyanese when fully delivered is realized.  Not by just a handful of Guyanese in a rich and tight circle at the top, but the struggling villagers, the distant original inhabitants, and all those who are yet to experience the full impact of citizenship in an oil rich country. There can never be a more powerful instance of economics at work, than when there is not a single Guyanese who does not need.  We make this point: every Guyanese should be celebrating the extra confidence of having surplus in hand.  The first agenda item is food, which should not be a thought that is dreaded, in any family.  The economics of the nation is on such a soaring trajectory that the rest of the world is awed.  The economics statistics for Guyana are such that the experts outdo themselves to gush how good Guyana is doing.  This is despite the pittance that it collects for its natural resources.  In a country that makes all the headlines for Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and one which is now described as a high-income, that should translate to something with enduring meaning for Guyanese. If the poor Guyanese on the coasts and the remote interior areas cannot put enough food in front of their families during the regular weeks of the year that is a national embarrassment.  If food is a problem, then it does not require much to appreciate how clothes for the children and medicine for ailments feature.  Guyana is enjoying the best economic times it has ever known, but almost half (some believe more than half) of the population is tortured by shortage.  For sure, countless items are present in the shops and market stalls, but ordinary Guyanese cannot access most of them.  The simple reason is that they cannot afford to do so, due to lack of buying power.  In other words, they don’t have enough money in their hands.  This is more than economics, it is a sickness, and this is reality for the richest people in the world. To make matters even more unacceptable and painful, poor Guyanese watch those who are close to the people in power and notice how they are having a great time.  Money is flowing like fountains into their pockets, and none of their wants (not needs) go unsatisfied.  They are living and reveling, while the small Guyanese are groaning.  The people from the outside are dealing unfairly with Guyana, and then the locals on top here continue the paralysis by squeezing and shortchanging their fellow citizens with next to nothing as their dividends from what is theirs. This is the unequal and unsatisfactory state that must come to a stop.  Guyanese should be celebrating what it is to be rich, not dreaming of what could be.  This 2024 must be a make-or-break year with one objective: each Guyanese gets to know what it is to live those lavish economic numbers compiled by the experts. Related Similar Articles

292 trained to operate heavy-duty equipment Aug 19, 2024 News A section of the trainees Kaieteur News – Some 292 heavy-duty equipment operators were last week added to the country’s skilled workforce following a graduation ceremony in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) for the trainees. The training programme is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Finance’s Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the Ministry of Labour’s Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and allows for public and private sector employment of all trainees in the respective field, especially with the country currently on a fast-paced development trajectory, the Ministry of Finance said in a press release. At the graduation, 247 males and 45 females received certificates for completing the programme, which included graduates from New Amsterdam, Hampshire and Upper Corentyne as well as persons from other communities. The programme commenced in September, 2023 and lasted a period of three months. It offered students practical training in operating the tractor, excavator, skid-steer loader and forklift. Delivering remarks at the graduation ceremony, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh underscored that the government needs the trainees especially at the rate the economy is growing in the various areas and sectors, adding that the volume of work is greater than any other time in the country’s history. “You now have a skill to be able to take advantage of that opportunity to apply your skill, to earn an income, to save up a bit and maybe potentially at some point you can set up your own business,” the Senior Minister urged. Speaking about the various training programmes under his Ministry, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton reiterated the government’s commitment to the training and development of young people in all Regions, the release stated. Related Similar Articles

Govt. must monitor, better manage mining districts to prevent deaths—AFC Aug 19, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The Alliance For Change (AFC) on Sunday called on the Government to better manage and monitor Guyana’s gold mining districts in order to prevent deaths of workers. Dead miners, Sherwayne Joseph and Imran Blake The AFC released a statement following the death two miners Sherwayne Joseph of Moruca, North West District, Region One and Imran Blake of Kuru Kuru, Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Friday. They were killed after a mining pit collapsed at Elizabeth Backdam in Mahdia, Region Eight. The miners were reportedly buried alive around 02:30hrs on Friday, while working in the pit. “This brings the number of mining deaths for the year to 10,” stated the AFC while adding that such deaths are preventable with better training, monitoring and enforcement of mining camps and operations. “Unfortunately, the sector appears to be in a depressed state and despite the empty boasts of incentives and investments in the sector, the tale of the average small and medium-scale miner is one of awful woe and hopelessness”, the AFC said. The political party said that current management of the sector is now characteraised by inadequacy, ineptitude, corruption and discrimination. “Vital roads and arteries continue to be neglected and are in an abject state of disrepair” Meanwhile AFC also pointed that government is the one to blame for miners to risk their lives in dangerous working environments just to earn a dollar and provide for their families.  “As the cost-of-living continues to rise, more and more young people are forced to brave the dangers of the backdam just to put food in the table for their families” opined the AFC.  To solution this problem, the political party called on the government to focus more on attending to the needs of the people in the mining and hinterland communities, who cry out for help and attention to their basic needs.   Related Similar Articles

APA warns against hijacking of Toshaos confab Aug 19, 2024 News …urges respect for autonomy, self-determination of Indigenous leadership The National Toshaos Conference opens today Kaieteur News – The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) in welcoming Toshaos and other Indigenous leaders to the National Toshaos Council’s (NTC)Conference, which opens today warned against the hijacking of the forum for personal agendas, while insisting that it be led by Indigenous Peoples, guided by their priorities and concerns. “While collaboration is vital, it is equally important that this conference remains a space where Indigenous leaders can advocate for their people and their communities without undue influence,” APA said in a statement on Sunday. The PPP/C Government in the past has used the conference as a political forum to strengthen its electoral support among Amerindians. The government would also often seek to control the movement of the Toshaos while in Georgetown and last year, it prevented many of them from speaking to this newspaper. This year approximately $100 million from the national budget has been set aside for the NTC Conference. The Toshaos’ conference gives village leaders from all across the country a forum to engage the President and government ministers and expand development acute to Amerindian. The conference also gives Indigenous leaders a platform to raise concerns and challenges affecting them. In its statement, the APA encouraged respect for the autonomy and self-determination of Indigenous leadership and urged support for meaningful dialogue rooted in Indigenous peoples’ voices and lived experiences.“Let this conference be a true reflection of the unity, resilience, and strength of our communities. We look forward to fruitful discussions, collaborative efforts, and, most importantly, the amplification of the voices of our Toshaos and Indigenous Peoples,” APA said. According to the APA, this conference is especially critical for Indigenous Peoples as their communities are witnessing rapid changes that require them to be truly part of the decision-making process. “The APA is aware that the National Toshaos Conference is a critical national platform for our leaders to collectively reflect on the progress and the challenges facing their communities as we continue to advocate for the advancement of Indigenous rights and wellbeing.” The organisation said Toshaos are entrusted with the responsibility of speaking on behalf of their people, and this conference must provide a conducive space for that purpose. “The APA underscores the importance of ensuring that Indigenous leaders can freely express their views, concerns, and solutions regarding the complex issues of their communities, whether related to land rights, environmental threats, or the provision of essential services such as education, healthcare and have the ability to do so in the language that they are most comfortable with.” Noting the country is at a pivotal time in the ongoing struggle for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, the APA said: “Therefore, we must ensure that this Conference is led by Indigenous Peoples, guided by our priorities and concerns, and not restricted by anyone’s agendas but the communities. While collaboration is vital, it is equally important that this conference remains a space where Indigenous leaders can advocate for their people and their communities without undue influence.” “The APA encourages respect for the autonomy and self-determination of Indigenous leadership and supports meaningful dialogue rooted in Indigenous peoples’ voices and lived experiences,” the statement concluded. Related Similar Articles

DHL Guyana donates educational materials to Corriverton Primary School Aug 19, 2024 News Kaieteur News – DHL Guyana donated a number of educational materials to Corriverton Primary School last week. Ruth Singh Jeffers, CFO of DHL Guyana, and Alvin Ramnarine, Station Manager of New Amsterdam, attended the event.  DHL Guyana in a press statement disclosed that the delivery included a variety of educational materials, books, and supplies designed to enhance the students’ learning experience. It was stated that the ceremony highlighted the company’s role beyond logistics, showcasing its commitment to fostering growth and inspiring future generations. CFO Jeffers addressed the attendees stating, “Today, we are not just delivering packages. We are delivering hope and opportunity. Thanks to the invaluable support of the Ministry of Education and the dedicated staff here at Corriverton Primary, we can help ensure that every child has the tools they need to succeed.” “This event reaffirms our belief that DHL’s commitment extends beyond logistics…our role is to deliver on a promise of growth, collaboration, and positive change. Each delivery represents an opportunity to contribute to a brighter future,” Ramnarine said. Moreover, the company stated that as it continues to extend its outreach across Guyana, they remain driven by the conviction that every interaction is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Related Similar Articles

Govt. touts greater access to info from public agencies with Open Data Bill Aug 19, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Guyana is on the path to having a law which caters for greater access to information by citizens with the tabling of the Open Data Bill. Prime Minister, (Brigadier Retired) Mark Phillips The Bill which had its first reading in Parliament on August 9 last, is expected to provide for the use and administration of public data in order to facilitate transparency, effective governance and innovation. According to the explanatory memorandum of the Bill signed by Prime Minister, Mark Phillips, Clause three of the Open Data Bill provides for the Act to be applicable to all public authorities/ agencies such as a minister or ministries, public boards, divisions and commissions. The same clause however, notes that the Act exempts the President, the commission of inquiry issued by the President, information obtained or created in the course of an investigation examination or audit conducted by or under the authority of the Auditor General until the investigation or audit and all related proceedings, if any are finally concluded. Under the Act, the subject Minister, i.e. the Minister of Information also has the power to exempt a public person/authority from the application of the Open Data Act by order. Clause 4 provides the objects of the Act. Part Two of the Bill provides for the administration of data. Clause Five provides for the designation of the Data Officer and the responsibilities of that Officer under the Act. Clause Six imposes an obligation on public authorities to maintain a data registry in electronic form of the data assets created, collected, under the control or direction of, or maintained by that public authority. Clause Seven imposes an obligation on public authorities to provide the Commissioner of Information with access to the public authority data register and information relating to its public data assets, at the Commissioner of Information request.  Clause Eight imposes an obligation on public authorities to develop an open data plan in consultation with the Minister.  Clause 9 imposes an obligation on public authorities to publish the public data assets maintained in their data register in an open format. Clause 10 of the Bill imposes an obligation on public authorities to publish the public data assets maintained in their data register under an open licence.  Clause 11 prohibits public authorities from publishing their non-public data assets; these include data that may not be available to the public for reasons of privacy, security or confidentiality. Clause 12 of the Bill imposes obligation on public authorities to engage the public on use of public assets and encourage collaboration between the public authorities and the public. Clause 13 empowers the Commissioner of Information to collaborate with the private sector entities with the approval of the Minister and conclude agreement and memoranda of understanding for the purpose of collecting private sector data assets and making them available to the public in open format.  And Clause 14 empowers the Commissioner of Information to maintain a single public interface online as a point of entry for the purpose of making public data assets available to the public. Related Similar Articles

$70M spent to repair seed processing plant at Black Bush Polder Aug 19, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Agriculture Minister,  Zulfikar Mustapha on Saturday commissioned the Lesbeholden seed processing facility in Black Bush Polder on the Corentyne Coast in Region Six. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials during the commissioning of the seed processing facility in Lesbeholden Minister Mustapha and other officials during the commissioning of the facility Some $70M was expended to rehabilitate the facility as well as procure and install a dryer and other critical equipment. Minister Mustapha, while offering remarks at the event said that farmers from Black Bush Polder and other cultivation areas in Region Six will now have access to adequate seed paddy.  According to a press release from the ministry, Mustapha also said after the facility was constructed, it developed some mechanical issues but from 2015 to 2020, no efforts were made to correct those issues. “There were times when farmers had to travel out of the region to source seed paddy. With this facility being operable now, those farmers will be able to access quality seed paddy right here in Black Bush Polder. After this facility was constructed, it developed some mechanical issues. Then elections came in 2015 and the then PPP government went out of office. From 2015 to 2020, this project was left at a standstill. There were all kinds of excuses about what rice farmers were doing at that time and that rice farming was a private business. I’m here to tell you that rice is not a private business, it is the people’s business. This is a very important sector as it contributes significant revenue to this country’s GDP,” he explained. Minister Mustapha also said that the production capacity of the Black Bush Polder has improved significantly over the last four years through research and investments. “Over the last four years, we’ve been able to transform this industry from a subsistent industry to one that now earns billions of dollars. This transformation shows clearly that the government has been making the necessary investments to develop and modernize this important industry. Many years ago, this area was the lowest-yielding area, producing just about 2.6 tonnes per hectare.  Now, farmers are producing an average of 6.6 tonnes per hectare. We’ve come a long way, modernizing this industry through research and investment,” Minister Mustapha said. Back in April 2021, Minister Mustapha visited the area and expressed his disappointment with the dormant and shabby state of the facility. The minister immediately committed to ensuring that the facility would once again become operable. “I’m very disappointed, that since this facility was constructed, it has not been put into operation. I can’t say exactly what happened, but, after examining the equipment, I was very shocked to see the state of the dryer, the processor, and the generator. We have some money in the budget, and I’ve asked the GRDB to work along with the RPA to give us an estimate for the repairs. It is very important for us to make this facility operable because we have a lot of demands now for seed paddy. Once we rehabilitate it, many farmers will be able to benefit,” Minister Mustapha had said. In addition to the equipment, a drying floor was also constructed to reduce instances of farmers drying paddy on public roadways. Lesbeholden seed paddy facility is one of five such facilities in the country. Related Similar Articles